34

THE PAST

They ran , More like stumbled along , An escape ship landing directly ahead of them , A corellian XS light freighter , A man standing on the lowered ramp with his pistols out .

Kira braced the hope that had began to blossom in her chest as she helped the hero of Typhon along , The easily recognisable smuggler standing with Raxon at his side .

" COME ON " Malden yelled out under his large brimmed hat , His coat billowing as Raxon went into the ship .

Kira was forced to leap to the side after kicking the hero to the side as a man in white slammed down on their position .

The same man who had come to plague the galaxy took out his lightsaber and ignited the yellow bladed weapon .

" You didn't think we would let you escape did you " The rasp of Arcann's voice cut into their ears as the scarred man glared at the two Jedi .

The hero of Typhon groaned before slowly rising , The one armed Jedi grabbing his lightsaber and igniting the weapon .

" Kira ... run " The hero mumbled out as he took his opening stance as best as he could .

Kira struggled with her emotions for a short moment before deciding to heed her master's words , Turning on her heel and attempting to flee to the freighter .

" No " Arcann hissed as he reached out with his robotic arm , Halting Kira in her progress as she froze on the spot .

Arcann's senses tingled in warning as he raised his yellow lightsaber into a vertical block , Blocking the strike of a the blue lightsaber of his opponent before flicking the weapon to the side as he redirected the flow of his opponents attack.

" You will not get away " Arcann slammed his heel Into the hero's stomach , Causing the man to double over in agony .

Arcann reached down with his robotic black arm , Grabbing the hero by the neck and raising the choking man overhead.

He clipped his lightsaber back to his belt as the man continued to choke in the air above him .

" Your attack failed , You lost more than you could have gained , And now you are before me , Broken ... useless " Arcann mocked as he applied more pressure to the man's neck .

" Not ... yet" The hero groaned as the force erupted from him , Arcann shielding himself with a yellow force shield .

The hero slammed to the ground as Kira unfroze , The woman sprinting to the rising freighter as she leapt into the ramp .

" MASTER " Kira yelled out as she reached to the wounded man through the force .

Arcann reignited his lightsaber as me made to run the hero through with his weapon , The hero leaping into the air as he felt himself under the grip of his apprentice through the force .

Pain erupted through the man as his right leg was seperated from his body courtesy of Arcann's swing .

Kira hastily pulled the hero into the the ship as Arcann hissed , Reaching out with both hands as he grabbed the freighter with the force .

" What the hell " Malden announced as the ship stopped moving , Even as the thrusters roared to full power , Even then the ship started to move in the opposite direction , Straight into the waiting arms of Arcann as the man scowled .

" Someone do something about that asshole " Malden yelled out as Raxon rose from his seat .

" On it " Raxon pulled out his rotary cannon and made his way back to the ramp , Opening it once more as the havoc squad commander yet out a loud bellow .

" TAKE THIS " Raxon shook under the rattle of the rotary cannon as he blasted at the previous emperor of Zakuul .

His weapon deflected the first onslaught as his lightsaber flashed in arcs untraceable to the human eye , The blur of his weapon sending green bolts of energy in all directions other than their intended target .

" ITS NOT WORKING " Malden yelled as the ship was still under the will of Arcann .

Kira hissed as she slowly rose from her seated position , Stumbling into the cargo hold to pick up another weapon .

She stumbled along as she held a weapon over her shoulder , Taking a spot next to the havoc squad leader as she took aim .

" Nice thinking " Raxon smirked as she looked down the sight .

Arcann's eyes widened as Kira fired , A rocket flying in his direction .

He had a split second , But that was more than enough as his yellow forcefield erected around him , Dropping his hold on the freighter as the rocket slammed into his shield , The missile exploding as Arcann shielded himself .

Kira and Raxon stumbled as the ship lurched , The small freighter rapidly ascending as Raxon and Kira closed the ramp .

Arcann walked into the fleet spire as Nox looked at the Holo showing the fleeing freighter .

" I did just as your requested my lord " Arcann waltzed in as Lana sat on Nox's lap , Running her hand through his hair as the emperor watched the ship get further and further from Iokath.

" Is the virus in place " Nox asked as a Holo of Scorpio appeared and bowed.

" The spores of your virus have attached themselves to the Hero of Typhon and his apprentice . The spores should duplicate and spread as soon as they enter republic territory , everything is proceeding as you planned " Scorpio mused as Nox smirked .

" You did well Arcann , I appreciate your efforts " Nox complimented the man as Arcann bowed , Gratitude playing across his features as he did so .

" Thank you my lord " Arcann muttered as he felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him .

Nox watched the man depart , Feeling Lana's fingers snake through his hair and sooth his scalp .

Nox turned his attention to the Holo as he acted his hand on Lana's thigh , Rubbing her leg with his thumb softly as the enemies ship leapt into hyperspace.

" Alert our assets within enemy territories , An envoy shall distribute a lone vaccine to each of them discreetly at a chosen location ... can't be losing our men and women to our own weapon " Nox ordered as the Holo of Scorpio bowed and flickered off .

" And the war machine ticks on " Nox smirked as he turned his head to Lana , Whom had rested her head on his shoulder , Capturing he flips with his own as he could feel her amusement through the force .

THE PRESENT

The ripple through the force physically picked dooku from the ground and slid him far across the alley as everything around the boy and his deceased student ruptured and crushed.

Windows shattered and showered dooku in glass as pain assaulted the aged man through the force.

Once more winds pushed dooku back as the aged man thought back to which Qui-gon had told him in confidence .

The two sat quietly as dooku prepared a drink for his apprentice .

" What's on your mind my friend " dooku asked as he held out a drink to Qui-gon who gently took it from his older master's hands .

" I'm at a loss master " Dooku raised an eyebrow at his apprentices words .

" Please speak freely Qui-gon " Dooku advised as he looked worriedly at Qui-gon .

" The boy ... the vergence in the force ... He is the chosen one master ... I know it. I will try to guide him as best as I can ... but I fear I may not have that option " Dooku sat back as he took in Qui-gons words .

" Are you " Dooku didn't dare finish his sentence as Qui-gon noted , The human apprentice turning to his master with worried eyes .

" When I go master ... both Obi-Wan and Anakin won't have anyone to safely guide them ... I need you to promise me master " Qui-gon prostrated himself before his Jedi master " Promise me you will watch over them master , I need to know that they won't just be left to deal with it on their own "

' I promise ' Dooku's response wrung in his head as he slowly rose under the intense barrage of energy Seeping from Anakin .

The Jedi master protected his face as he rose to his feet and slowly urged his way through the pulses.

" I promise you Qui-gon ... I will " Dooku muttered as he leant forward and weathered the force attempting to blow him back .

It was a long process , No doubt the rest for the Jedi were on their way , But very few would be able to make it through this occurrence let alone walk through it .

Dooku reached out for the young boys shoulder , His slender fingers gently touching the boy as he sank to his knees .

" Anakin " Dooku whispered as he pulled Anakin around , Pulling the weeping boy into his brown robes as he enraptured the boy in a tight embrace .

It was almost painful as the force threatened to rip him from the boy , But he held on through the onslaught as the boy slowly wrapped arms around his waist .

" It's okay ... it's going to be okay " Dooku whispered as he stroked the boys hair " It's okay "

HOURS LATER

Anakin had confined himself to his quarters , The quaking in the force had subdued after dooku had taken the boy into his arms , Away from the scene and back to the temple .

The temple itself was on full lockdown as master's left to investigate the scene .

Dooku himself had returned to the scene , Qui-gon no longer present as he had been moved back to the temple .

The aged Jedi master glared as he looked around , Everything was crushed , Warped and bent , But dooku knew he would find something ... he had to .

The baleful look of his became etched onto his face as he swept over everything with an analytical eye .

Coruscant police had joined in on the investigation , With the two forces together , It didn't take long for then to come to a lead .

" Where is the recipient for the feed for this camera " Dooku asked as he held what remained of a broken camera .

" The nearby security station I suspect " The officer announced as he took the camera from Dookus hand and overturned it .

" Then that is where I will go , Please , Stay and find anything you can " Dooku turned and left the scene , His glare causing the less experienced officers to all but flee from his presence .

The fury interceptor dropped out of hyperspace with a boom , The anxious pilot glaring as her eyes flashed molten yellow , Proceeding to guide the ship towards the planet below .

Kanya wore simple brown robes as the interceptor tore through the atmosphere of the planet heading straight for the temple .

" Two Vee , Take over " Kanya stood from her chair as the series droid took control of the ship .

The woman made her way to the back of the ship as the ramp proceeded to lower , The air blowing her hair violently around her face .

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before proceeding to drop from the ship straight down to the temple below .

The entirety of the temple was seemingly on high alert as Kanya slammed into the concrete steps , The ground cratering below her feet as her black boots left indents at the bottom of the crater .

She stood tall before stepping out of the crater , Attempting to walk towards the temple as the fury interceptor screamed away unnoticed by the temple residents .

Once she reached the finals step , She was forced to stop as she was accosted by several temple guards .

" I must be given admittance to the temple , It is imperative that I be let in " Kanya looked at the guards who took a cresent moon formation Infront of her .

" The temple is in complete lockdown , There will be no unknown person within , Depart at once " The guard to her immediate right held his lightsaber as Kanya glared at him .

" I must be allowed in " Kanya seethed as the guards let their weapons , Their yellow blades reflecting off of their white helmets .

" Leave or be detained " The same guard stood forward as Kanya sneered .

" Then I apologise " Kanya saw no other option as she raised her hands , Raising both with a gripping motion before flinging her arms to the side .

The guards followed her movements as they choked , Wore raised from the ground before being flung to the sides , The group of seven seperate in half as four went right while three went left .

The guards were rendered Unconcious as they were slammed into the large statues on either side of the powerful woman .

She looked to the left and the right to make sure they did not rise again before stepping forward , Lightsaber in hand , She would not be stopped until she reached Anakin ... he needed her ... and she would be there .

IOKATH

Nox stood next to scyva as the droid looked on with her master .

Looking down from the fleet spire , The throne within behind him as he stared down at the cityscape .

" Fascinating aren't they " Nox looked at the female droid as she nodded , Her chassis glowing a lime light as she looked at the constructed infinity gate , Zakuul citizens walking through with awed gazes .

" They are remarkable , And you say these are the people you rule over Would you allow me to study them " Scyva asked as Nox smiled lightly .

" Of course , though please make your ... studies as inconspicuous as possible " Nox asked as he watched the new arrivals move to sector 8021 next to the selruvian biome , A housing district where the new arrivals would be staying .

" I would never do anything to put your standing into question my lord " Scyva bowed as Nox turned from the large window and sat himself down onto his throne.

" What is the ETA of the representative" Nox asked as he layed back onto the soft fabric of the seat , Closing his eyes as he began to concentrate .

" Reports say they shall arrive within six hours " Scyva announced as Nox nodded .

" Then stir me when they arrive ... there are matters that require my ... attention " Nox cast his conscious to the stars , Towards the inner core of the galaxy , Namely coruscant as the entity crossed the distance momentarily .

A flick of her wrist sent a young blue skinned twilek directly into a pillar as she rendered the girl unconscious .

Knights attempted to impede her progress as she blocked the blur of the blue lightsabers with a momentary flash of her yellow blade , She slammed them with the force at her will as they crumbled to the ground .

" GET OUT OF MY WAY " Kanya bellowed as she tore a pillar to her left from the foundations of the building and sent it tumbling at a group of jedi that had congregated to stop her in her path.

The knights and temple guards leapt out of the way as the pillar tumbled and careened deeper down the hallway .

She ignited her weapon , Reversing it in her grip and flung her arm back , Blocking a green blade that would have seperated her torso from her legs .

Cin drallig leapt over her as he hefted his green blade and pointed it at the woman .

" Stop this rampage at once " Cin demanded as he took his battle stance .

" Then let ... me ... pass " Kanya growled as she raised her lightsaber overhead and prepared to engage .

" I apologize but you must be detained " Cin announced as he went on the offensive .

" And I will not be stopped " Kanya growled as she slashed and redirected the weapon of the Jedi battle master .

Nox appeared , Unseen to all as he took form .

A swirl of black and white making up a humanoid shape as his pitch black star flecked eyes took in the Jedi temple amidst the chaos .

He walked through the halls of the Jedi temple as knights and Padawan's passed through his form , Those that did feeling an impossible chill freeze them in place before they shook it off and continued onwards .

He phased through a series of walls before coming to behold a lightsaber battle between his apprentice and the Jedi temple battle master .

Cin drallig came in with a strong overhead strike as he used form V , Attempting to force the lightsaber out of Kanya's hand or crush her underneath his strength .

Kanya , To Nox showed her knowledge and power as she leant to the right , The weapon passing by her face by inches as she slammed her elbow into the man's knee , Forcing him to stumble , The woman reaching up as she grabbed his arms and tossed him over her shoulder .

The man then showed his versatility as he rolled apon landing , Flipping through the air and tossing his weapon at Kanya at the apex of his leap .

The thrown lightsaber neared her face before she , In a flash of speed and reflexes , Ducked under the weapon and caught it by the hilt .

Deactivating the weapon , Kanya proceeded to clip it to her belt before holding the man with a small smirk .

Nox shook his head as he held the bridge of his nose ' Overconfidence '

Nox knew what was about to happen , His apprentice however did not as the older human male ran at the apprentice .

She swept her weapon , The man side stepping as he punched her square in the jaw , Forcing her to stumble back as pain flared in her jaw .

The man kept on his advantage as he grabbed her long hair and used it to pull her around and into a pillar .

Many of the knights and Jedi watching cheered as Kanya hit the pillar face first.

He let go of the woman's hair as she slid down the pillar in agony , Her nose crushed and bent as she shook in perpetual rage .

" You are defeated , Please stop " Cin almost pleaded as her shaking began to increase in intensity .

" Stop ... I will not stop ... he needs me ... and you ... will not " she began to rise as a bestial grown began to tear from her throat .

Cin's eyes widened as Kanya unleashed as force push apon him in her rage , Slamming him into the wall of the passageway before pulling him straight into the ground , Leaping onto him and proceeding to wail on the man with her force enhanced strength .

She stopped moments later as she heaved in heavy breaths , Her fists caked in blood as she slowly rose .

The surrounding knights were shook at the display of brutality , The Jedi master under her still alive but in critical condition as he wheezed .

The tapping of a cane parted the knights as the small Jedi grand master hobbled close .

" Enough ... please " The small stature of grand master Yoda looked on sadly as Kanya turned to him with dark side oriented eyes .

She called her lightsaber to her grip once more , Activating the yellow blade and pointing it down at the neck of the Jedi at her feet .

" Then let ... me see ... my brother " Kanya seethed as the grandmaster nodded .

" Along then ... come " Yoda turned to another Jedi master , Jedi master plo Koon having joined the grandmaster .

" To the hall of healing , Take him " Plo Koon stayed alert as Mace Windu made his attendance known .

" Master , She must be subdued , She's a danger , Sure you can't just ... " Yoda pinned mace with an uncharacteristic glare as he tapped his cane down once .

" Any fatalities is there " Yoda asked in a clipped tone as plo Koon shook his head " A miss understanding this is then , Cleared up immediately it will be , Kanya ... along you will come "

Yoda's tone settled all arguments as Kanya sniffed deactivated her lightsaber , Grabbing Jedi master Cin drallig's and dropping it on his chest before stepping near and following the grand master .

All the while Nox watched this transaction , All around impervious to his presence before be decided he had seen all that was needed and departed back to Iokath .

Nox opened his eyes before standing from his throne " It appears I need to send further teachings to my apprentice "

Kanya walked beside the Jedi grand master as she looked down at his green hobbling form .

" Thank you I do , For not spilling the blood of my children today " Yoda looked up at the scowling woman as she raised her eyebrow at him .

" It's fine ... " Kanya didn't elaborate further as they made their way towards anakin's quarters .

" Thankful I am none the less , Many chances you had to harm them , Yet restrained yourself you did , Speak well of your character that does " Yoda smiled upwards , The yellow tint of her eyes long since faded .

The girl remained silent as many Jedi passed them on their walk , Some glaring at her while others refused to meet her gaze .

" Worried you are ... for anakin's safety " Yoda mused out loud as Kanya nodded .

" I am ... Why else would I have dropped everything to be here and then battle my way through the temple to reach him " Kanya looked down at the Jedi master as they approached the hallway leading to the dormitory .

" See I do , Apologise I do once more for the confusion of my peers , Hope you can forgive us I do " Kanya sighed as the Jedi master continued to kindly look up at her , Her shoulders sagging as she rubbed the bridge of her nose .

" I suppose I should apologise for my aggressive entrance and movements through your temple ... I probably could have handled that better " Kanya apologised as the Jedi grand master nodded with a pleased grin.

" Learning experience for all I believe this is " Yoda stopped Infront of anakin's quarters " Need you he does ... "

" I know ... thank you ... for sorting all that out before it could escalate further " Kanya regarded the small figure as the Jedi smiled kindly .

" Here I am ... should anything else occur ... a guest of this temple you are ... further issues you should not come across " Yoda told the woman as Kanya turned away from him , Opening the door to anakin's quarters and walking in without anything else said between the two .

Kanya looked across the room , Scattered droid parts , Schematics and blueprints , Towards the curled figure of a small boy under a bundle of blankets .

Silently she approached the boy , Stepping over the various pieces of junk laying around , She stood next to his bed as she lowered herself to his bedside as she reached around him , Grabbing the boy and pulling the boy into her embrace .

" Let it out ani ... I'm here ... let it out " Anakin registered her warm embrace , Knowing who it was as he quickly reciprocated the gesture before wailing into her clothing , Kanya held him close as she rose up and planted herself on his bed , Petting his back gently as she comforted him .

" It's okay ... it's okay "

UNKNOWN PLANET - DUBBED SETZUKA BY ETERNAL EMPIRE DATABANKS

Nihilus stood behind the pilots chair as rain pelted the cockpit window , His shuttle guiding the innumerable other vessels behind as their lights shone through the heavy rain clouds .

" Status " Nihilus ordered as the knight serving as the pilot kept her eyes pointed forward .

" Six thousand metres and closing , We'll arrive momentarily " His pilot , A young woman named Crisina, Wearing her golden armour as she squinted to see through the storm .

" Very good , prepare to deploy " Nihilus's brown locks of hair hidden by his white mask .

Turning , The sith ducked under the cockpit entrance as he moved to the troop bay , Twelve knights standing at attention as he stood tall Infront of them , His black robes hiding most of his features as he looked at each of them silently .

" We will deploy momentarily , Stay close and guarded , We don't know what we're walking into " Lucieal rasped out as each of the knights saluted .

The shuttles side doors began to open as heavy winds tore through the bay , Nihilus himself moved to the side of the bay , Holding onto the hand rail as he looked out , The winds nearly tearing his hood from his head as he looked forward .

Below them was an ocean of raging waves that reached tens of metres into the air if not higher .

Far ahead was an continental shelf with cliffs hundreds of metres tall .

He turned his head to look behind them , Up above were enormous black and grey storm clouds , White beams of light shone from the front of the shuttles following , He mused as he thought , The innumerable ships appearing to look like the stars in the night sky .

" Get ready , We're beginning final approach " Nihilus stood back into the bay as he grabbed his lightsaber from his sash .

The knights each grabbed their lightsaber pikes and Shields , Getting into position as they prepared to leap from their spots .

Pulling out a Holo disk , The figure of his emperor appeared standing atop the disk .

" My lord , Our assault will begin in a moment " Nihilus informed the ancient entity as Nox crossed his arms behind his back .

" Hnn , Very good , Find the perpetrator and capture them if they are still on world , Download all data from their databanks and secure the facility , At the soonest convenience you will return to Zakuul and meet me at the academy " Nox gave Nihilus his parameters as the brown haired sith nodded .

" As you wish my lord " Nox disappeared from the holo as the emperor cut the channel , Nihilus placing the disk back into his robes .

" You heard our Lord , Prepare to engage " The ship flew over the cliffs of the continent as trees began to fly by .

Up ahead , A mountain with a facility built into its base , A single entrance tunnel delving into the mountain .

" Ready " Nihilus's voice bellowed as his shuttle began to slow and descend , Coming into the clearing before the tunnel entrance .

" Operation is a go " Nihilus stepped from the ship as it landed , The knights jumping behind him as they landed on the muddy grounds , Their lightsaber pikes activating as their blue blades sprung forward from their emitters . They brandished their shields Infront of them .

His shuttle Immediately lifted back from the ground as another four landed and deployed the knights within these other craft .

As the four new squads lines up beside his own , A group of shuttles flew overhead while others slowly landed beyond the treeline .

" Our top priority is the perpetrator behind the unknown tracer , Secondary objective is the data within their databanks , Neutralize all resistance and secure the facility , Now deploy " Nihilus activated his crimson blade as the knights beside his own squad marched forward in their groups .

Nihilus slowly advanced as the first and seconds squads arrived at the tunnel entrance , Standing on either side of the sealed door .

The third squad came up as two knights reached forward , Nodding to each other as they clasped their hands Infront of themselves encore blasting them forward , Letting loose two force pushes that tore the ground Infront of the apart , Tossing dirt and stone into the air.

The door stood no chance as it crumbled and seperated as it was pushed from its braces and caved inward .

The knights held their shield back up as the sealed entrance was now opened .

Nihilus watched all this transpire squinted eyes , Pulling out a Holo disk that showed a live feed of the overall map .

Around the mountain were three entrances , Five squads were deployed at each entrance while the shuttles moved further away but ready for immediate evacuation incase they were needed .

Putting away the disk , Nihilus watched his own and two squads funnel into the tunnel in protective formations as one of the squad captain's took point . The remaining two squads made to guard the tunnel entrance from anything trying to escape and anything that wasn't them trying to enter .

After walking fifty metres , They came apon a four way junction .

" Tomoe .. take your squad and move to the east , Serus , Your squad takes the west ... We'll take the north " Nihilus ordered as the three squads split and moved in their ordered directions .

Their lightsabers lit up the dark passage as Nihilus felt more than saw what was up ahead .

" We have hostiles ahead " Nihilus's deep voice rasped as the knights under his immediate command each prepared , Trusting in his words even though they could not perceive the threat .

Whatever was up ahead seemed to notice the shift as a series of screeches and clicks .

One of the twelve knights took out a flare gun , Loaded a flare and pointed further into the tunnel .

" Light it up " Nihilus growled as his subordinate fired the flare .

The flare streamed down the passage as it split , Two deploying as it flew by and sticking to the sides of the hallway .

The main flare continued onwards as the knights watched with rapt attention as it split another six times before hitting something .

" That's ... not what that's supposed to look like " Nihilus mused as as the final flare stuck to the chest of a large insect , A collicoid standing tall with two extra arms and six eyes .

It's head twitched from side to side as each of its six eyes looked at another knight .

It stepped forward on its legs as it rose even higher inside the tunnel , Letting loose an echoing screech that bounced off the walls and deeper into the facility .

What answered were a series of screeches and bellows from deep within .

" Well ... it seems someone has been playing around with genetics , Kill it and whatever else comes " Nihilus ordered as the knights moved .

" I'll draw it's attention " A small female knight brandished her pike and shield as she speared forward , Ducking under a swing from the beast as she twirled under a second arm that made to punch her .

She used her shield to bat the clawed appendage to the side , Now directly next to the large beast , She Used her Saber pike to puncture the underbelly of the mutant , The blade rising through it's abdomen and sticking through its back .

The six eyed monstrosity bared it's pincers as acid dripped from its maw , It's eyes singling out the knight as it grew enraged .

It spewed a torrent of acid at the woman as she brought her shield up , The acid splashing from the shield as a second knight used the chance to finish the beast .

A large burly knight dropped his shield as he surged forward , Using both hands to spin the pile .

He neared the creature , The monster too late to notice him as he executed a downward strike , Two of the collicoid's six eyes locking onto the knight as it tried using two of its arms to stop him .

The large knight was unstoppable as the blade carved straight through the two arms , The man continuing on as the blade sailed straight through the midsection of the beast as it froze , The male knight finished his attack as he planted his left knee on the ground in a crouch with the pike in his outstretched hand .

The knight breathed for a few moments before standing , The female knight slowly standing alongside him as the collicoid fell to the ground , Splitting in half as acid sprayed from both halves .

The two knights made their way back to the group as Nihilus studied them from under his mask .

He looked over the composition of his squad , Two of the knights , The closest standing on either side of him were actually exarchs .

Standing in their uniquely designed exarch armour , The cybernetically enhanced super soldiers stood loyally by his side .

With a calculated look , Nihilus turned his attention to the exarchs .

" Go enforce the other two squads , " His order final as they bowed .

" At once my lord " The both twisted and marched back into the darkness of the tunnels to join up with the other two squads .

With the two knights finally making it back to them , Nihilus allowed them a moments reprieve as he looked down the hallway ahead of them .

" We have company " Nihilus muttered as he hefted his hilt and set it sailing down the tunnel like a crimson buzzsaw .

The red light of the lightsaber revealed several creatures trying to sneak up on them , Hanging from the roof and walls as the insets eyes reflected the red light .

" Geonosian's , Collicoid's ... Killiks ...ruurian's ... It seems we have a scientist around " Nihilus watched his blade remove the heads of a few of the beast before it was called back to him , Flying into his hand as the insects each hissed as the deceased crashed to the ground .

The ten remaining knights under his command put their shields up and pointed their pikes forward , Standing in a lone beside each other as the group awaited Nihilus's word .

The red light from the flares began to die down as the insects slowly became enveloped in the dark once more , The only tell of their presence being the shining blue and white of their reflective eyes .

He could feel the nervousness of a few of his squad members , The newest and inexperienced of the newly minted knights .

" Well this won't do " He rasped as the red of his blade Shon ominously against his outfit .

He stood forward and rose his left hand over their heads .

The knights were unprepared and nearly jumped as a flash of white light overtook their senses followed by screeching , streams of blue lightning forked overhead , Bouncing off the walls and down the hallway .

The knights watched in amazement as the closest of the insects were outright annihilated by the lightning , Others fared little better as they were turned to dust .

And after a mere second , Nihilus dropped his hand as the lightning continued onwards , Soon dying out down the hallway as carcasses fell to the ground in seering heaps .

" Onwards " Came Nihilus's single worded order as the newly bolstered knights roared and rushed into the dark in a line .

Nihilus chuckled as he slowly followed after them , Feeling no need to run after them , He could sense what was ahead just fine .

He watched his squad break formation as the encountered the horde of insects . The hulking male knight slamming into an insect as he crushed a killik against the wall before continuing onto the next .

The small lithe female knight of his group danced around with her pike in both hands , Twirling the weapon in her grip as she cut down the insects impeding their path .

The second female of the group slammed her shield into the face of a collicoid as its head flattened against the metal .

The third and fourth of the eight knights left molten trails on the walls , Ceiling and floor , Their blades a blur as they expertly carved through the insectoid forces .

Three of the newest under Nihilus's squad stayed back as they picked off the straddlers , less sure in their ability but doing their part none the less .

The last four stayed back , Serving as backup since the hallway wouldn't allow them to manoeuver suitably .

A robed hooded feminine figure stood Infront of a series of monitors mounted to a wall with a Holo table to her right .

Iridescent green eyes shone under a black hood as braid of red hair ran down her back from under the dark hood .

She looked over the security feed as the invading forces carved through her creations .

A low hiss escaped her lips as her fists shook .

She walked over to a console next to the Holo table , Inserting a data stick as her hands flashed over the keys , Downloading all data from her facility as fast as it would go .

As the download happened she nervously fumbled her lightsaber as the sent discreet looks at the security monitor .

She could hear her creations battling in the distance .

' So I was right ... ' she mused as she looked over the familiar force users .

However one set her on edge , Garbed in black and a death mask , She knew what the man symbolised with his red weapon,. Afterall she herself had one , And if he was in-charge of these forces then he would be difficult to subdue if they engaged in one on one combat .

A chime signalled the download completion as she pulled the datastick from the console and slipped it into her robes .

Her slender fingers clicked at the console a few more times as an alarm began to ring through the facility .

The mountain around them shook as a rock slide occured near its peak , Revealing a hanger to the world with a single ship within .

" Well it was never meant to last " A echo like voice sounded , Almost synthetic in tone as she stepped away from the console , Lightning leaping from her finger tips as it impacted the console .

Footsteps announced the arrival of the invaders as she pulled her lightsaber from her belt and ignited the red bladed weapon .

' I don't have much time ' She thought as she ran at the four knights Infront of her , Throwing her weapon at them as a distraction before blasting them apart with a force push .

She burst forward as she caught her weapon from the air , As she bounced off the wall , Heel slamming into the head of a fifth knight as she bounced from his head further down the hallway .

Red blaring sirens lit up the hallways , Lighting the hallways up in an ominous red as bodies littered the halls .

Nihilus stopped mid step as he stood at the centre of a three way junction , Eyes studying nothing in particular as he looked left and right .

" Continued onwards through the right ... I'll head left " Nihilus sauntered off as the squad went to do as ordered .

The ancient Sith sliced the head off a killik as he passed it by , The insect having tried to get a surprise attack in , A raise of his hand choked another three before he crushed their necks .

MINUTES LATER

She huffed and stumbled as she appeared in the hanger , A few gashes visible on her robes as the glowed from the heat on the fabric , her ships cockpit open and waiting .

A heavily modified MK VI supremacy class starfighter , Thrusters blazing as it began to move forward on the hanger floor .

The door opening behind her nearly froze her in her spot as she looked over her shoulder .

" There you are " The black garbed man from the monitors stood at the entryway , His lightsaber in hand , White mask staring directly at her .

She nearly panicked as she leapt into the air at her shuttle , Freezing mid air before she began to be drawn back towards the figure .

She tossed her lightsaber at the man in desperation .

The man batted her lightsaber to the side but nonetheless kept his grip on her .

' No ' She thought in retaliation as she brought her right hand to her left gauntlet , A screen on the back as her fingers danced across the screen .

Four hatched opened from the roof of the hanger as four turrets lowered and immediately opened fire on the man .

His concentration was broken as she crash to the ground , Using the man's lapse in concentration to make it to her fighter , Barely getting the cockpit closed as she sent the ship hurtling forward .

The ship made it about a hundred metres from the hanger when it lurched and froze in the air .

Her breath caught as her hopes were dashed .

She diverted power from the weapons into thrusters in desperation, The ship beginning to shake under the pressure on the ship .

' COME ON ... COME ON ' She spied a group of shuttles approaching to her right .

Nihilus growled as he began to bring the ship in , Dragging the ship closer against its will .

He watched the pale blue comes of energy erupt from the thrusters as the stream grew larger and larger as more energy was diverted to thrusters .

" You're not getting away " Nihilus hissed as he used more and more energy to draw it back to the hanger .

He spied the approaching shuttles with a smirk .

His smirk was wiped from his face , Overcome with a snarl as a collicoid reared up behind him followed by several more , The beasts coming to their masters perceived aid as they leapt at the sith .

Nihilus kept his concentration on the fighter , Splitting his attention as he used the force on both the shuttle and approaching beasts .

Slowly the ship began to move forward under the man's split concentration,She watched as more and more collicoid's began to attempt to descend onto the man's position , Many crushed under the force as he tried to keep her from escaping .

Her hopes rose with each insect rushing to the hanger , An idea coming to mind as she brought up the targeting systems of her modified fighter , A rear facing turret slowly activating as she began to point the ship away from the man , The back facing the exact position of the robed figure .

" Not today " She smiled as the turret opened fire on the man's position .

Nihilus made a split second decision , Letting go of the ship as he watched in slow motion , A twisted smirk coming to his face as a single burst of hate filled lightning leapt from his hand , Passing the plasma bolts as they stayed true to their target .

He leapt high into the air as he let out a repulse that pulverised the insets .

He watched as the lightning impacted the back of the fighter as it sped off , A small explosion rocking its back as a trail of smoke billowed behind the vessel as it rose into the dark skies .

Alarms blared in the ships cockpit as lightning danced across the controls .

She barely had control of the ship as she rose into the atmosphere .

Her eyes widened at the eternal fleet ships moving to cut her off , Their weapons taking aim at her ship .

" Come on come on come on " She bit as the ship rattled under the damage it had sustained .

As the lightning dissipated , She regained a semblance of control of the ship as she flung the ship forward .

" Nearly there " The atmosphere bled away into the void of space as she gained distance from the planet .

" Track it " Nihilus ordered , Bodies littered around him as he stared into the atmosphere .

" Good bye " She laughed in victory as blue streaks danced across the cockpit , The ship accelerating to an unfathomable degree as it fled the system .

" Not going to make it too far with this damage , Hopefully I make it to the next system " She began to run diagnostics on the ships systems .

" Is it done " Nihilus turned his sabre off as he clipped it to his belt , Continuing to look into the sky as one of his exarchs came up behind him .

" We have dispatched four fleet vessels in pursuit of the ship , They will not escape us " The exarch announced as Nihilus slowly pulled his mask from his face , Small droplets of rain beginning to impact his face .

" Secure full control for the facility then have a portion of our forces remain while sending the rest back to our fleet , Have my squad on my warship by the end of the day then have them meet me on Zakuul , Our emperor calls for my presence at once " His shuttle rose and landed in the hanger , The side doors opening as Nihilus stepped up .

" Of course my lord , We will keep you posted on our progress " The exarch bowed as Nihilus signalled the shuttle to depart .

9 HOURS LATER - JELUCAN

The fighter broke out of hyperspace with a stutter , the hyperdrive deactivating as small fires covered the ship .

A sigh escaped her lips as she gained control of the one remaining thruster , Forcing the ship to fly towards the outer rim planet ahead .

She neared the atmosphere of the planet when a proximity alarm began to blare in her ears , She hurriedly looked out of the cockpit , Her breath leaving EHR as her hope began to dive , Four warships dropping out of hyperspace behind her as they immediately deployed their fighters to incapacitate the ship .

" Oh no " She entered the atmosphere as the Zakuulan shuttles followed closely behind while the warships cloaked , Not wanting to alert the locals to their presence .

Bolts of energy flew by the cockpit as she grit her teeth , Scorch marks littering the wings of her fighter as it tore through the panels of the wings .

" I'm so going to regret this " She muttered as she decided to abandon the ship , Wind buffeting her hair as she stood from the seat , Climbing up and onto the top of the ship as she kept a firm grip , The ship beginning to face straight down , Threatening to send her careening into the air if she lost her grip .

She planted her self onto the exterior of the ship as she spied the pursuing fighters , Their cannon fire becoming more and more accurate in their attempt to hit the thrusters of her ship .

Her red hair billowed around her hood as she crouched low and prepared .

" It's now or never " She muttered before leaping from the ship , A lucky shot from one of the Zakuulan fighters finally striking the thruster , Puncturing the fuel lines followed by the ship immediately combusting .

She takes through the air as the Zakuulan ships noticed her , One flying near as she send a force push at it , Forcing the ship to fall below the clouds in an uncontrolled tumble .

She flattened her arms to her side as she became more streamlined , Facing the ground below as she accelerated towards the ground .

She looked down her body at the following fighters as they remained in hot pursuit .

" Oh come on " She growled as she let out a burst of lightning at the closest fighter , Frying it's circuits for the moment as it rolled away.

She watched as the ship soon regained control and rejoined the others much to her annoyance .

" of course they have counter measures , Just as I'd expect them too " In her desperation she let out force push after force push at the following ships , Sending them In various directions as she dropped through the skies .

Using this chance she dropped through the canopy of the clouds , Using bursts of energy to accelerate herself closer to the ground .

One rather persistent fighter remained on course as it targetted her , It's targeting parameters locking on before releasing a proton torpedo in her direction .

" Oh not good " She crossed her arms ahead of her as a force bubble , The tree now a few kilometres below .

The torpedo slammed into her bubble as it exploded , Sending her flying out of her control , tumbling her over heel .

The fighters diverted their path lest they impact the ground , The woman using the force to rapidly halt her descent .

Bracing herself , She slammed into the ground with the force of a meteor , Burying herself into the ground as she lost consciousness apon impact .

Silence permeated the surroundings as she simply lay , Her arms and legs mangled as her torso was twisted the wrong way .

Cracking was heard as her twisted fingers righted themselves followed by her arm , The bones fusing back together in an agonising display of healing as her torso twisted itself back to face the right way .

" Well this is interesting " The second exarch under Nihilus's command announced as he stood over the crater as the woman's legs twisted back round .

He crossed his arms and waited for the evidently painful process to complete .

With both arms facing the right way alongside the rest of her body , The exarch reached down , Grabbing her hood and pulling it back .

Deep blood red hair sprawled the ground , Pointed ears , eight bones like ridges lined her forehead and cheeks , as her bright green eyes stared ahead unblinking .

Slowly her breathing picked up as her pupils widened , The woman taking in a deep breath .

The exarch slowly smirked under his mask as the woman took in her surroundings .

Slowly her eyes rose to his mask , Her eyes widening in surprise as the man rose his boot .

" good to know this wont kill you " The man remarked before stamping down on the woman's head , Rendering the woman unconscious once more as more knights entered the location .

" Call a shuttle and a recovery crew , Have the recovery crew pick up the remains of the fighter , I'll remain here incase she wakes up .. again until the shuttle arrives " He stamped down on her skull once more as he ground his boot into the side of her head , Blood spraying onto the ground under her crushed nose and cracked cranium .

The Exarch stood over the unconcious woman as a shuttle dropped through the atmosphere in the distance , The pilots of the surviving fighters joining at his side .

The knights around him used the force to pull trees from the ground , Creating a clearing for the shuttle to land without issue .

All the while the exarch watched the knights do their work , Increasing his arms and leaning down to pick the woman up by her hair as he began to walk forward .

She slid across the ground , Her arms limp and hanging by her side as the shuttle appeared over the hastily created cleaning .

The knights began to depart back to their shuttles as the shuttle landed , Opening up as a four skytroopers jumped down , Two being heavy units while another two were siege troopers .

They landed with heavy thuds as they sunk into the ground .

The group of four was accompanied by four more knights that waited in the shuttle , The exarch handing the prisoner to one of the two siege units .

" Take her to the brig , Have guards posted at all times " The exarch ordered as the skytrooper unit hopped back onto the shuttle .

He received a solute in return before he turned and began to make his way back to his fighter .

The shuttle rose behind him , Leaving him alone in the clearing in his departure , With the shuttle ascending into the sky quickly afterwards .

Making his way to his fighter , The Zakuulan ship's cockpit open for him to climb into .

Sitting down into the soft fabric , The exarch opened a Holo channel directly to Nihilus .

" My lord , The assailant has been apprehended , Your orders " The exarch asked as Nihilus appeared .

" Transport her to Zakuul , I am sure our emperor would like to meet with her himself " Nihilus ordered as the exarch nodded .

" At once my lord " The cockpit window lowered and sealed with a hiss as the Holo call cut , The exarch manuvering the fighter into the air and out of the clearing towards the camouflaged fleet vessels awaiting in orbit .

Zakuul

Padme sat within the pilots seat of her J-type 327 royal starship , The planet visible before her as she sat back in her chair and admired its glory .

A cyclone like storm circled the northern hemisphere of the planet , Around the swamp zones if she could see correctly while the enormous city jutted out of the atmosphere , Unmoved by the storm sweeping against the skyscrapers sides .

Portions of the eternal fleet circled the planet slowly , As if having no assigned target and defaulted to guarding their home .

Padme watched as fifteen ships broke formation and soon moved to cut her off from landing , Her ship registering a call from one of the vessels which she answered .

" Unidentified vessel , State your designation and intention , Or prepare to be boarded " A droids voice sounded as Padme gulped .

" This is Padme Amidala of the naboo system , I have a scheduled meeting with emperor Obrunik kallig of Zakuul " Padme mustered as much confidence as she could while she answered .

A few seconds passed by without answer as the ships took a cross formation ahead of her , She knew this formation very well .

' Atleast they're dedicated to guarding their home ' Padme gulped as she awaited the verdict .

" Queen Padme Amidala of naboo , You are cleared for approach , Please enjoy your stay " Padme sunk back into her chair , A breath leaving her she hadn't known she was holding.

" Thank you " Padme urged the silver ship forward as the warships let her pass , Breaking formation and moving back to their guard duties.

She guided the ship towards the top of the emperor's spire , The massive orb atop the spire that served as the emperor's throne room .

She piloted the Nubian starship towards a hanger , The ship slowly entering the forcefield and beginning landing procedures .

With the landing gear lowering from the ship , The ship gently touched down with a small rattle .

She sighed as she sat back for a few moments , Steeling her nerves for the incoming meeting , Slowly she rose from the chair and made her way to the lowered ramp of the ship , Her white clothing a stark contrast to her grey surroundings .

As she reached the bottom of the ramp , She saw the metallic form of Scorpio standing before her .

" Good evening your majesty , I apologise but his majesty is currently out in business down in the city below , If you would accompany me i can keep you company until he arrives " Scorpio notified Padme as the woman looked unsure but agreed none the less .

KNIGHT ACADEMY - ZAKUUL

Nox looked down at a group of children below , Twelve in total as an exarch stood Infront of the group .

Guard captain tyreece stood by his side as she looked below .

" This years group is looking promising your majesty " Nox looked over the dossier of each individual below , Their skills and recommendations .

He watched a specific candidate in interest , A girl with blonde hair stood tall , However her lower body from the hip base of the hip downward was prosthetic .

Pulling out her dossier , He looked over her file in interest .

" The girl ... cell , She is the newest exarch candidate is she not " Nox read through the file quickly .

" She is yes , Do you disagree my lord " Tyreece asked with worry present through the force, She was her own too be apprentice Afterall .

" Nothing of the sorts , She shows considerable determination , Unseen strength and the ability to do what needs to be done ... I think she'll make an excellent candidate , When is the augmentation set to be done " Nox asked as he felt the grip through the force , The blonde perking up and looking around much to the emperor's amusement , She made eye contact with him after a few moments before quickly diverting her attention in her embarassment, Making Nox chuckle in the process .

Tyreece let out a breath at her lords approval " When she reaches peak maturity and ability my lord , It could he some years before then , And by then I hope to train her well enough , Make her strong enough to survive the process "

" Very good " Nox's attention was drawn at the arrival of Nihilus , The sith coming up to them and bowing at the waist .

" My lord ... you called " Nihilus knelt as Nox nodded and motioned him forward .

" First Did you apprehend the suspect " Nox asked as he stood from the railing overlooking the group of apprentices below .

" Yes my lord , The suspect is enroute as we speak and we have taken command of their base on Setzuka, The Gemini units along with Scorpio are scouring through the databanks as we speak " Nihilus informed the emperor as Nox bid the sith to follow , Both he and tyreece following their emperor .

" Yes ... and I suspect some of our ... interrogators would have a difficult time getting information from her ... Yes ... That will do nicely " Nox pulled out a Holo communicator as he bridged a connected directly to the incoming fleet with the prisoner .

" My lord " The exarch bowed as the man's Holo came into picture .

" The subject is aboard your brig is she not " Nox cut to the chase as the exarch nodded .

" Yes my master , She has been silence ever since awakening " The exarch reported, Just as Nox suspected .

" I have a way to fix that , You are to change your route and take up residence in our fortress on Oricon . There is a seed of rage currently within the fortress ... make sure she is fully ... susceptible to it " Nox smirked viciously as he cut the Holo call and turned his attention back to tyreece and Nihilus .

" Tyreece we currently have a chiss representative soon to arrive , Within the next half an hour I believe , They've departed Iokath , Scorpio has done well in turning this ascendancy member to our cause , You will work alongside her in turning them until I can personally meet with them " Nox ordered .

" As you wish my lord , I will do so at once " The augmented woman quickly departed to fullfill her duties .

With Nox and Nihilus alone , The two stepped into an elevator that began to ascend higher into the academy .

" Master is there ... something on your mind " Nihilus asked as Nox stared into the mid distance with a calculated gaze .

" There is alot on my mind at any given moment . Tell me , Is hunger sated at this moment " Nox asked as Nihilus nodded .

" honestly ... Yes ... I haven't felt it since awakening my lord ... thanks to you my master " Nihilus told the man responsible for his revival.

" That is ... good to know , I can feel your growth in the force , In time you will return to the standing of power you once held " Nox seemed to bask in the presence bleeding of Nihilus , Absorbing the residual energies with a sickening smile .

" But there is more isn't there my lord " Nihilus accurately pointed out as Nox nodded .

" Yes ... these new sith go by the teachings of something called ... the rule of two , It is a doctrine they follow albeit loosely these generations , Plagueis was ... is one of these sith " Nox informed the ancient Sith as the man looked perturbed by the information.

" I think I have heard of it in the study materials you offered me " Nihilus rubbed his chin " Created by the lone survivor Darth bane and enforced for countless generations by apprentice ... the apprentice becoming strong enough to overthrow their master and then taking on an apprentice of their own to continue their plan . They operate in the shadows , Consolidating strength and power while deploying use of politics and what not to device the larger galaxy , Am I remembering correctly my lord "

" Yes ... for the most part , That is them . And we have one on Iokath ... in a purposefully isolated lab " Nox began .

" But " Nihilus could sense the direction his lords words were heading .

" But I have sensed his intentions ... his wishes . He wishes ... lusts for immortality ... he may find it , But what would come after , He cannot return to the republic for Sidious would oust him . No ... I believe he would turn his eyes to a more ... immediate conquest ... one with enough power to being the galaxy to heel "

" You believe he will make an attempt on the throne if he is given the chance " Nox nodded to Nihilus's conclusion " Do you wish for me to eliminate him "

" Not just this minute , The prisoner on her way to Oricon is a scientist much like our resident sith , I plan to have them work together , Let them build apon their shared knowledge and in turn pass it on to us . But they will also plan together to overthrow me , The timeless genetically modified sith ... Who prefered to become a monster rather than dying ... and the sith who refused to die at the hands of his apprentice , And they will try to turn others to their cause ... I want you to be one of them , My eyes and ears amongst the traitors " Nox turned to Nihilus who could see the potential fruits bared by such a plan .

" Are you sure my lord , Are you sure I can be trusted with such a thing " Nihilus asked , Almost unsure , He himself had been betrayed by those he trusted in the past , Left to die and stabbed in the back , The thought of someone placing such trust in himself ... he wouldn't be like his old apprentice and her allies .

" Lucieal , The amount of people I can wholely trust I can count on my fingers and still have some to spare . Athla'giroth would pulverise either of them as soon as they approached him , Vaylin would flay their minds for simply speaking to her , Scorpio would prefer to rain down turbo laser fire from orbit than work with them , And Kanya ... Kanya has her own misgivings to deal with over these ... traitors ... no you are the only I trust that can keep a levelled head and can pull this "

Nihilus looked awed at the logic of the man before him .

" If it is your will my lord , I will do whatever it takes my master , I am honoured you place such trust in me " Nihilus bowed to the man who looked down at the kneeling sith .

" I trust you because I know I can ... You ... are a sith built off his hardships , A will of such magnitude you refused to truly die when struck down . You have power in spades and yet you don't let it get to you and you whole heartedly place your trust and love in both me and our empire , Yes ... there a few more deserving of my trust than you , I do not think you will disappoint me , I know you won't " Nox told the Sith who looked humbled at his lords declaration .

" I'll do whatever you ask me lord " Nihilus whispered as Nox chuckled .

" Yes ... you will . Go to Iokath , Put your scientific mind to work and gain the trust of the Mu'un and do what must be done " Nox ordered as the elevator stopped , Opening up into a series of hangers housing numerous vessels .

Nihilus rose from his bowing position as Nox departed the hanger , Heading for the royal shuttle waiting for him while Nihilus watched the emperor leave , Committing himself mentally for the task before him .

The royal shuttle settled down gently atop the royal spire , The doors sliding open with a hiss as Nox stepped down .

" Padme " Nox slowly announced as the sixteen year old looked relieved at his arrival , A Scorpio proxy walking with the girl .

" You're here " Padme walked up to the emperor that smiled kindly down to her .

" Forgive me for taking so long , I had a previous engagement that took more time than I believed it would " Nox soothed the girl who smiled up at him none the less .

" That's okay , You're here now " Padme replied as Nox dismissed the Scorpio proxy , Soon followed by him motioning for Padme to accompany him deeper into the spire to which she readily agreed .

" What's on your mind Padme , You seem troubled " Nox asked as Padme sighed and rubbed her brow as they walked , The two passing a group of guards that bowed at their passing .

" I mentioned in my email that things have been difficult ... but it's not as simple as that , I'm trying to take your advice , Trying to implement atleast a small amount of defences to naboo , Yet I'm met with opposition at every turn , I'm at a loss " Padme answered as the two soon entered a kind of garden a few levels below the throne room within the spire .

A pergola surroundings by pearl white pathways , Lined by trees baring fruits and flowers .

The place was alive in the force , Soothing on the senses as fresh air bled into the room .

' Beautiful ' Padme wandered as the two made their way to the pergola .

Nox used the force to pluck a fruit from a tree before taking a bite from it .

" That is ... unfortunate , What did you try to implement " Nox asked as he plucked another and handed it to the girl who took it in her hands , Studying it before taking a testing bite .

" Uhh , I was vying for the implementation of defensive Ion pulse cannon , Anything outside of the palace would be neutralised " Padme admitted as Nox nodded .

" A good countermeasure , But there were complications weren't there " Nox asked as the girl nodded and took another note of her fruit .

" Panaka disagreed and wanted more robust defences , But naboo is a peaceful world , We pride ourselves on what we can provide and our pacifism , If I tried to do anything more , There would have been public uproar " The two sat on the cushioned seats of the pergola across from each other , Nox sitting back and leaning against the rail while Padme stretched .

" I see , There is little that can be done if the whole planet disagrees with a certain move " Nox took out the core of the fruit he was eating before taking another bite " Troubling but not impossible "

" What would you suggest " Padme asked with an almost desperate plea .

Nox thought over her plight as he ate , Letting the girl sit in silence as he ate , Running calculations through his mind at a speed that would put the most practiced tactician to shame .

" There are a few ways you could go about ensure the safety of naboo . The first is the least likely to work , You'd have to outright deny the wants of your people and do what is needed anyway " Padme gulped at the first option , shaking her head as it went against her ideals entirely .

" No not that , I want my people save , But they would be angry , The second option " Padme asked as Nox continued .

" An upgrade , I understand your fighters were overwhelmed during the invasion , An overhaul would be best , Upgrades , New tech , Giving the gungans more chances to join the planetary militia , joint task forces between the two nations . Build refuges for your people to go to , Or ways offworld . If you could build a safe haven within one of your moons for people to evacuate to discreetly , That would do wanders for your people in the long run " Nox offered as Padme thought is over.

" That would be ... the best course of action , I'll see if I can get the rest of the council to agree with this ... if they can , I'm sure it would be beneficial for everyone " Padme agreed as she looked meaningfully at Nox " But you'd still come to our aid if we needed , Wouldn't you "

" Of course , I promised Afterall " Nox soothed the girl as she sighed and sat back .

" Thank you " Padme ate the last of her fruit .

" There is more on your mind ... isn't there " Nox pointed out as another presence made itself known .

" I was wandering where you'd gotten to " Vaylin sashayed into the pergola and sat herself down at Nox's side , Taking the remains of the fruit he hadn't eaten and eating them herself " Discussing anything important "

Padme shuffled uncomfortably under the gaze of the intimidating woman as Nox simply chuckled.

" Very " Nox mused as Vaylin hummed .

" Then I'll simply listen " The woman layed her head on the emperor's shoulder , Running her slender fingers along his shoulder and arm , Nox chuckled knowing she didn't care in the slightest of the plight of naboo , Simply letting her sit and rest against him comfortably .

CORUSCANT

Dooku stood before the gathered council , His face taunt in subdued rage , He stared directly at Jedi master Yoda as he waited to show what he had found .

" And we are to do nothing against the girl , She has shown today how dangerous she is , She cannot be trusted " Ki adi mundi announced to the council " For all we know she's responsible for the death of master Qui-gon "

" Master ... I know for a fact that simply is not true " Dooku intervened , Defending the woman and making his presence the focal point of the meeting before it was too late .

" I assume you have proof of this master Dooku " Windu asked , For the time Kanya was with Anakin under the watchful eyes of several master's incase anything went awry .

Dooku brought out a Holo disk as a recording began to play , The council watched in shock at the events that were played before them .

Yoda's ears sunk into his head as sadness overcame his features while Windu scowled as his masterful control of his emotions nearly slipped .

" I ask , Where is knight vergere at this very moment " Dooku asked , Seething as Windu clenched his fists .

" She is off world , she's taking a mission of Zonoma sekot " Plo Koon replied as Windu stood from his chair .

" Not anymore she isn't " Master Windu announced .

" Master's permission to intercept " Dooku asked , Nearly demanded as Windu and Yoda nodded .

" Bring her in at once " Windu's words were final as Yoda announced something else .

" Someone else you should take with you , I believe " Yoda announced as the rest of the council looked troubled at his announcement .

No more words were needed to be said as dooku departed , Already knowing who Yoda was implying as he entered the turbo lift .