37

THE PAST - ALDERAAN

Kallig's mask hid the glare Nox sent throughout the meeting room , Lana sat heavily pregnant at his side whilst Arcann leant against the wall behind them .

The meeting room they were in was at the top of of an old organa estate .

The room was square with a balcony overlooking the forest on the eastward wall , The entrance to the room was directly Infront of them , On the southern wall of the room .

The table the group sat at was old and ornate table made of stained coloured glass .

His eyes scanned over every inch of the room , Spying for bugs or any inconsistencies .

He kept himself on alert as birds chirped outside as he felt their life force through the force alongside all living matter nearby them .

Lana herself seemed jumpy , A glare finding itself permanently etched onto her features , The woman brought her hand to her ear .

" They're supposed to be here by now , Where are they " Lana asked as the three force users present listened to the given response .

" Apparently they're enroute, They shouldn't be any more than ten minutes out" Theron replied over their shared comms .

Nox's steel encased fingers drummed against the surface of the table absentmindedly , The emperor staring at the mountain visible through the open balcony in the far distance .

" I don't like this " Arcann voiced his opinion , His scarred face contorting in concentration as he continuously blasted his senses throughout their surroundings.

" I don't either , We should go " Lana leant over and whispered into Nox's ear , The sith stopping his fingers from drumming on the surface of the table .

Noticing Nox's sudden halt in movement , The lowering of his head , Lana became even further alert as she rapidly looked around .

" What is it my love " Lana asked as Nox Squinted at the table , Looking nowhere else but it's smooth surface .

" It's not glass " Nox remarked as his eyes danced over its surface rapidly .

" What do you mean " Arcann walked forward to look at the table , Seeing through its surface without issue .

" This " With his pointed finger , Tapped the surface of the table , Instead of a ringing sound accustomed with the sound of steel on glass , There was a solid pang of steel on an equally metallic surface " Is not glass "

His head snapped up as he rocketed to his feet , His chair launching back and shattering against the wall behind them . He gripped the edge with his fingers as , Warping the metal of the table under his iron grip before he heaved , Tearing the table from its bolts on the floor and hurling it's through the balcony entrance .

With the table careening through the air , Nox grabbed Lana and Arcann and through them both to the ground behind him , A bubble of swirling force energy wrapping around the three of them .

Not a second later the table reached the apex of Nox's throw , Nox's stared at it as if in slow motion , It's surface cracking with light shining through .

He closed his eyes , Not wanting to be blinded as the table exploded a few metres away from the balcony . The view to the outside was consumed in fire , the balcony was atomised by the explosion , The explosion slammed into the force shield with the force of a falling meteor .

The residual smoke blanketed the room , Obscuring everything from sight whilst Nox lowered the force shield .

The floor simmered as heat rose from its scorched surface . Lana hissed , Rolling onto her side before making her way to her feet , Her scowl now a full glare .

Arcann was on his feet moments later with his lightsaber lit in his hand , One could hear the low rumble that roused from within his mouth .

" Enemy forces are converging outside , Imperial , Acina has betrayed us " Nox grunted , Slamming his hand together in a thunder clap to disperse the smoke surrounding them .

" You know they're strategies well , How do you think they'll proceed " Arcann asked of the two sith .

" Depends who's leading , If it's tal'erial then I'd expect a full on assault , But they haven't gone that way , So it's best to assume it's either Acina or Seren leading this . And if that's the case , Cipher Nine is sure to be around , Along with the champion of the hunt and tal'erial himself , I wouldn't be surprised if the dark council was here as well , They're really going all out with this one " Nox observed , Lana walking to the edge of the balcony to look down .

" You're right , But we have another issue , The republic is here too " Lana ducked back behind the entryway out of the eyes of potential snipers .

" So it's a joint strike against a mutual enemy , Wonderful " Nox proceeded to wipe the remaining dust from his shoulder pads " well , Why don't we go ruin the surprise "

" Theron , Get off world and back to Zakuul , We'll keep you up to date " Lana relayed to the ex spy as the telltale sounds of footsteps we're heard in the adjacent hallway .

Raising his hands to his side's , Whisps of energy rippled over his gauntlets , Lana and Arcann stood behind him with their weapons lit and in their opening stances .

" Its safe to assume your idea failed " Tal'erial stood with his arms crossed , Glaring down at the champion if the hunt .

" And you expected it to work " The zabrak retorted , Grabbing his white and blue Mandalorian helmet from the table behind them .

A grunt was all tal'erial replied with , Keeping a close eye on the towering organs estate as imperial and republic soldiers swept across the land towards the towering building .

" Are you sure you wish to be here your majesty , The sickness if getting worse , Should you not be resting " Acina shook her head as she stood beside tal'erial, Her usual hard gaze in place , Garbed in her red and white armour with her crown atop her head .

" No , This is an occasion I cannot afford to miss , Nightshrike , Do you have a visual " The empress asked , Refusing to take her eyes off of the estate on the other side of the valley .

" Affirmative , I have visual on the opposition , Sorry to report but it appears our preemptive strike has failed " Cipher Nine's soft voice filtered into everyone's ears , Her Holo appearing on a Holo disk , Holding a sniper rifle in she hands whilst she looked through its scope .

" Do you have a shot " Tal'erial asked , The blonde woman shaking her head in response .

" Negative , They've positioned themselves in a way I cannot get a clear shot , I ... something's happening " Ciphers words of wanting proved to be true as the organa estate seemed to pulse with a dull shockwave.

Acina's eyes narrowed as the soldiers around the building seemed to collapse as if they were puppets with their strings cut , Whisps of energy flowing off of them as they collapsed whilst the bodies sagged and quickly became husks within their armour , Their faces contorted into silent screams , Their eyes glassy and soules as they collapsed atop each other in piles .

The ground surrounding the buildings changed from a vibrant brown with lush foliage to stark grey ground , The trees withered until there were no leaves of ferns hanging from their branches , Vines died , Not even grass remained , Shriveling into nothingness .

Not even the air was safe as avian creatures dropped to the ground , Their feathers dropping from their bodies with skin taunt and eyes lifeless.

A dull silence reined over the area affected , As if not even sound could permeate the location.

Cracks tore across the surface with whisps of white trailing into the atmosphere , Being dispersed once the vapour escaped the affected zone .

" Well doesn't that look familiar " Tal'erial hissed as memories of battles not so long passed materialised in his head .

" Ziost ... it's just like ziost " Acina sneered as she brought out a Holo disk , The commander of the republic forces answering .

The hero of Typhon stared at Acina with an impassive look , Flexing his new mechanical arm under the sleeves of his robes .

" Complications " The hero asked with an almost condescending gaze .

" The situation is alot more dire than we originally believed " Acina replied to the hero .

" How so " The hero asked as Acina glanced towards the hesitant soldiers that were supposed to act as reinforcements .

"You're going to want to come take a look yourself " Acina retorted , The hero grabbing the bridge of his nose with his metallic hand as he let out a sigh .

" I'll be there shortly ... keep him occupied" The hero swiftly departed the Holo , Acina's mind was not on that however as the top of the estate came apart on an explosion of metal , Stone and wood .

The debris circled around the building like a swirling storm .

" We have incoming " Tal'erial ignited his lightsaber and prepared to defend himself .

" Yes it appears so " Acina watched as the swirling storm began to pick up bodies and wayward trees , All the accumulated debris were then flung in their direction at breakneck speeds . Tearing through entire trees like butter , Completely unimpeded as the scrap closed the distance at an alarming rate .

" raise the shields " Acina yelled out to one of the nearby technicians , The man hurriedly running towards the mobile generator as if his life depended on it.

The first wave of debris reached their temporary outpost seconds later , shredding the first line of soldiers and droids into paste and scrap .

Tal'erial stood forward and reared his lightsaber , The weapon surging forward in an arc of red light , Splitting a flying chair down the centre .

Acina watched with a raised eyebrow , The chair passing by Tal'erial's head harmlessly .

A bubble of energy soon rose around the outpost , Acina holding her breath as tal'erial kept his weapons ignited .

The surviving sith and soldiers all relaxed , Watching the storm of debris impact the energy shield , Melting or being obliterated apon impact .

Tal'erial scowled as Acina perked , Burst of super heated energy impacting the shield from behind , The people present watching an interceptor dive through the atmosphere , Skimming just above the mountains surface and flying low towards the estate .

The ship , About to impact the tower , Rotated in the air , Reversing it's orientation , It's thrusters working at maximum efficiency in an effort to halt it's movement .

The ship halted its flight moments later , Just a few metres from impacting the building , It's ramp lowering to reveal two figures .

Acina , Tal'erial and Seren watched Nox Lana and Arcann step out from the building and walk in a sedate pace towards the interceptor .

" I recognise Theron ... but whose " Acina squinted as she leant forward in an effort to identify the hulking second figure that dropped down from the interceptors ramp .

Watching as Nox gently guided Lana onto the ship with the help of Theron .

" Any idea why they'd be whisking the blonde whore to safety " Acina asked , Turning her head to Tal'erial, The sith simply shrugging in response .

" Perhaps she was injured " Seren suggested , Acina seemingly accepting the words for the moment .

" Perhaps " The watched Lana and Theron disappear into the ship , The hulking stranger remaining as the interceptor suddenly rose into the air and rocketed out of their view.

" You're not going to like who I believe is under that hood my lady " Tal'erial growled , His grip on his weapon tight enough to force his hands to pale .

Acina turned her attention back from the sky to look at the three remaining persons , The new arrival conversing with Nox and Arcann , The large man crossing his arms and seemingly agreeing to something .

It was when the new arrival turned in their direction , Raised his arm and lifted his hood that Acina hissed , Her usually pale skin paling further .

Tal'erial scowled , Stepping forward at the ready with both bladed weapons at his side .

Seren appeared to be unsure of how to feel , Knowledge of the figure unknown to her .

Molten eyes connected with equally sulphuric eyes , The scarred pale visage of a rage filled force of nature hatefully glared at the three present leaders of the Sith empire .

" Malgus " Acina spat the name with utter contempt , Her baleful glare piercing the distance between them .

A single gesture from Nox , A wave of his hand , Seemed to order malgus without consequence .

What was even more vexing for acina was the hulking traitor appeared to accept the orders without batting an eyebrow , Accepting and enacting said orders as the sith grabbed his battle worn lightsaber and began a charge directly for their outpost .

" Tal'erial with me , Seren you stay back and guide our forces , Today we silence a traitor " Acina's single command spurred the empires wrath into action , The two igniting their weapons and leaping from their command station , Over the nervous soldiers and to the front lines .

The two then ran forward towards malgus , Steeling themselves for the impending battle with the war veteran , The hulking pureblood tal'erial boiling with rage whilst Acina became a chilled avalanche of cold hatred .

All the while Nox and acrann slowly trecked across the decayed land , Treading dead soil underfoot with an almost lazy stride .

In the middle ground , Hundreds of metres away if not a kilometre , Malgus , Tal'erial and Acina neared , Lightsabers lit , Rage manifest between the three , Guiding their controlled hate as the pureblood's blood began to pump , His heart beating in his ears .

And as the three made eye contact , Malgus leapt , Lightsaber in grip , Bellowing a cry of rage that shook the trees around them .

Acina and Tal'erial broke apart , Tal'erial leaping into the air .

The two met in the middle , Their lightsabers colliding in a flash of white and red , Their collision followed by a thunderclap that rattled the forest in all directions .

THE PRESENT

Nox scrunched his eyes shut as the morning light of Coruscant Shon through the open curtains that lead to the balcony .

He could feel the gentle breathing of his lover on his upper stomach , He craned his head slightly to see Vaylin had pulled the covers of the blanket over her and was clung to him with a vice grip .

Letting his head fall back to the pillow , Nox raised his left hand and gently stroked Vaylin's scalp under the covers .

The woman snuggled closer under the ministrations of his fingers , A deep breath coming from her whilst Nox simply looked upwards toward the ceiling .

With a sigh , The emperor gently shimmied himself from under his lover , Sliding his left foot onto the soft rug on the floor below the bedframe . With one of his feet on the floor , He unfurling the woman's arms from around him and gently depositing her onto the comfortable mattress they shared .

Her smiled down apon the woman once more as he wrapped her up with the excess blanket he no longer needed .

Now standing in the nude , He shivered as the cold of the morning air pricked at his skin , Raising his hand , A black robe flew from the dresser and into his awaiting fingers .

Sliding the robe on , The dark side entity wrapped the comfortable robe around his waist before tying the sash around his waist to ensure it wouldn't fall.

He cast a quick glance out through the open balcony door , Watching the senate in the distance while air traffic continued on as usual , The sun rose high over the sprawling mass of towers and buildings , He could see the hexagonal landing pad on the floor below which held the camouflaged X-70 .

The view wasn't nearly as intriguing as what the planet felt like through the force , Like an intoxicating drug , Nox breathed in , Eyes flickering in euphoria .

Suffering wafted up from the levels below , A lawless pit of hatred , Agony and suffering , Mixed with countless of other emotions and amplified by the trillions of people that lived below the surface .

There was no one person that lived below the surface that wasn't suffering in a way , Whether it was children who's parents had been killed by a homeless thug , Or a prostitute being taken against her will without pay .

Nox had delved deep to the lowest levels of coruscant in recent years , Interacting with the mutant species was an interesting endeavour .

FLASHBACK

Level one was what Nox would attest to be a city of complete and utter darkness . absolutely no light reached this level , Nor was there a source of artificial light . There was generally no food except for whatever dropped from above or the unfortunate soul that found their way down .

Yet still despite the complete darkness that hung over the city , Or the complete lack of a solid food sources , Nox knew there was life around him .

They tried to be quiet , Also probably assuming he couldn't see them due to the dark .

They were wrong on both accounts , Sure to any regular human or otherwise they would most likely go unnoticed .

But to a Darth , The very embodiment of death one must become to even get a chance to earn the name , And for an accomplished assassin such as he , Their footsteps might as well be drums for him to follow .

And despite the dark around him , He could see perfectly fine , When his physical vision failed him , The force would aid him .

He could see the world around him , Crates , Buildings , Towers and risings pillars that held up the floors above . If he so wished he could very well see clearly through them without issue , Making anything he wished to see through appear translucent without fail . Distances weren't an issue as he could peer as far as he wished .

There was no hiding from him , Illusions were all but useless against him as with his sight , Illusions would simply appear as a floating mist from their point of origin but otherwise would not affect him at all . With his regular eyes , There was the potential for them to device him , But with his force sight activated , Nothing but the truth could be seen , No lies , No hiding , Only truth , And there was nothing any opposition to himself could do to change that fact .

Any life around him appeared as they were but also surrounded by an aura that displayed to him their characteristics , Like their moods or friendliness towards himself , Even the dead were surrounded by an aura of sorts , And down on the first floor , Whatever remained of bodies piled high .

Water splashed underfoot from puddles of pooled water underfoot .

Silence prevailed as the mutant creatures around him paused . They were pale and had skin peeling from their bodies , Their eyes were closed , Apparently sealed over generations against their will by evolution , He could see their eyes moving behind their shit eyelids , Apparently they used feeling and sound to locate their prey .

Continuing without pause , The creatures remained at a certain distance from him , Climbing over the landscape and buildings without any issue in doing so .

He was highly amused as he studied them , Apparently these evolutionarily degreasing creatures had re-obtained some form of sophisticated survival instincts . The elders within their group appeared jumpy whenever he changed direction , The younger ones looked to the elder for guidance as the elders seemed to keep them from leaping at Nox .

He stopped from moving another step forward , Receiving immediate warnings through the force , Looking down , He looked directly at a sprawled out trap that he was about to step apon .

' An electroshock net ... interesting , They're more intelligent than I thought ... perhaps I could ' Nox stopped playing coy with the beasts , Turning directly towards a nearby elder .

The beast knew it was spotted as soon as he turned to it , Immediately it began to hiss and screech , Standing on its hind legs to appear as large as possible .

With his back turned , Thinking he could not perceive them , The gathered beasts. behind took their chance to leap at him from behind .

A lowering of his hand to the ground forced the beasts to the ground prematurely, Most landing on their legs but with few landing on their faces of backs .

They were completely incapable of movement , Rendered immobile as the weight of the world settled on their shoulders .

Their knees dug into the ground or their bodies cratered the cement under toe , Spider web cracks forming underneath them as they were dug deeper and deeper into the ground .

Reaching forward with his other hand , Nox clasped the elder around the neck with the force , Dragging him into the air in an invisible grip , The mutant choking as it struggled whilst floating .

" You ... will be of use to me " Nox told the beast , The creature making a desperate swipe at him , Only for the swipe to miss and the choking to intensify exponentially .

A simple tap to its forehead force it to spasm and freeze , Nox delving into its mind to tear information from its brain .

When he had everything he wanted , He let the elder go , The mutant falling to the ground brain-dead .

Turning to face the rest of the gathered beasts , The force grew heavy around him before it washed over the beasts , Ensnaring their minds whilst beginning to sooth them .

A low whistle and snap sounded from Nox's mouth , The creatures looking at him confused before one of them seemed to reply .

A guttural growl sounded from Nox as the one to reply lowered itself , Acting nervous and submissive .

Seeing the one remaining elder act as such , The others followed suit , Submitting themselves as Nox peered at each of them .

" Yes ... you will all be very useful to me " Nox smirked wickedly as he began to communicate with them once more .

FLASHBACK END

Nox sniffed as he looked down into the depths of coruscant before turning away from the balcony and heading out through the door to his room , Opening and closing silently after his departure , Nox passed by the two guarding exarchs that guarded his bedroom .

Light reflected off the wall to his right , Being cast through the hallway windows , He raised a hand to cover his eyes as a particularly bright ray of light Shon in through the windows .

It took a few more seconds to reach the junction at the end of the hallway , To his left was the elevator at the end of the hallway , Another two rooms between himself and the elevator , Both on the right wall , On the left of the hallway was another wall wide window , Considering the floor plan for the apartment complex he used was shaped like an L , It made sense for the apartment to follow a similar shape , Thus the L shape of the apartment . And to his direct right , Was the entrance to his office , Guarded by another two exarchs whilst eight knights of Zakuul stood between the elevator and the office , Standing across from each other in two rows of four .

He walked by the exarchs silently to enter the office without any fanfare , The room bathed in orange light from the ceiling crystals .

Walking to his desk , Taking a seat , He applied his pointer finger to the surface of the desk , The result being a holographic screen appearing over the desk .

" Scyva ... you had a report " Nox rubbed his brow , Blinking away some sleep from his eyes before staring at the representation of Scyva on screen , Appearing as a series of frequencies .

" I do my lord " The voice of Scyva sounded from the desk as the frequency graph spiked .

" Very well , Begin "

ENROUTE TO HOTH SYSTEM

Anakin stared through the bridge window with his arms crossed . The consular class cruiser the Jedi found themselves on hummed whilst it hurtled through space .

The two pilots of the cruiser worked diligently before him sitting in the comfortably in their chairs .

The door opened behind the Padawan , The blonde teen turning to face his ginger Jedi master .

" Master , We should be arriving shortly , We have a solid lock onto the ships beacon , It's located in an asteroid locally known as the poison moon " Anakin informed the Jedi master , The man twirling his fingers through his orange beard.

Obi-Wan stayed still for several moments , His Padawan watching him with a raised eyebrow .

" Hmm, I suggest we get ready , Wouldn't you agree my young Padawan " Obi-Wan smirked as Anakin nodded .

" Yes my master " The two Jedi proceeded to walk out of the bridge , Descending deeper into the bowels of the ship towards their rooms .

HOURS LATER

Arriving in the hoth system , The consular cruiser dropped out of hyperspace and immediately continued onwards towards the nearby asteroid belt .

The frozen planets of the system hung in the background , The six frozen world's were regarded for a few moments by Anakin as the ship roared towards the beacon of the Radiant IX .

The pilots expertly manoeuvred the cruiser through the chaotic asteroid belt , Narrowly avoiding smaller debris whilst passing by larger colloidal celestial objects that came to close .

Anakin nervously watched as one of the celestial objects came closer , A tell from him alerting the pilots as the older of the two took direct control , Engaging the thrusters to full capacity as he rolled the ship upside down .

Obi-Wan came into the bridge to see Anakin holding onto the back of the chair of the elder pilots seat , Taking hold of the doorway as he spied the rapidly approaching asteroid .

" It's moving to fast to avoid , This is going to be close " The elder pilots hissed , Tilting the control stick slightly as the ship began to follow the same rotation speed of the asteroid .

" Here we go now " The asteroid before them collided with another as it quaked and changed paths .

Pulling back on the control stick , The ship pulled up from the asteroid at the last moment as pieces of the celestial body were sent out into space from the rest of the asteroid .

Showing a decent amount of foresight , The pilots remained level with the asteroid whilst traveling at blistering speeds , Dodging by smaller rocks , Spiralling around an eruption of energy from within the asteroid and then flying between a gap between the asteroid below and another screaming by the ship from above .

" They're colliding again " Anakin pointed out , As far ahead the larger asteroid below them collided with an equally large asteroid once more .

" Oh that's not good " The pilot pointed out as thanks to the repeated collisions with other asteroids , The asteroid they were skimming behind began to shake itself apart , Cracks appearing over its surface whilst pieces of its core ejected from within .

The expanding cloud of debris from the collision zone spread like a shockwave , Tearing through anything that got in the way whether that be other asteroids or mountainous ranges on the asteroids .

" Bad news , Our target is on the other side of that " The elder pilot pointed out as he eased up the speed of the cruiser , Watching the shockwave of debris spread .

" Then we have no choice do we , Mind if I have a crack " Anakin asked as he came forward , Obi-Wan looking unsure as the shockwave grew in size .

" Are you sure " Both pilots asked , Sending glances to the Jedi master present as Anakin nodded .

" I am " Anakin stood aside as the younger of the pilots sighed and stood from her seat , Allowing Anakin to hastily take her seat and strap himself into the seat .

" I'd hold on if I was you " Obi-Wan whispered to the female pilot as the woman stared at the master with an unsure look .

The shockwave was almost apon them as Anakin wrestled control for he cruiser , Smirking as he pivoted the ship away from the shockwave and upwards into the asteroid belt .

" Uhh ... we're facing the wrong way " The elder pilot asked Anakin urged the cruiser forward , Hurtling away from the two still colliding asteroids behind them .

The ship rattled as Anakin forced the ship to duck under and weave around several large space debris .

The ship continued to accelerate , Rattling more and more as anakin's smile widened , Yet the shockwave continued to follow them ominously , The wave of destruction passing by and Obliterating everything the ship avoided .

' Not yet ' Anakin squinted as he performed a barrel role with the ship , Rotating to the left by a few hundred metres to pass a particularly jagged edge of a broken meteor .

" Anakin " Obi-Wan warned slightly as one of the debris from the shockwave flew by the ship from behind .

' Not ... yet ' Anakin thought as his eyes grew taunt with concentration , Nostrils flaring as he took a deep breath .

The edges of the shockwaves were just behind the ship at this point , The ship barley beginning to outpace the shockwave own speed .

" Anakin " Obi-Wan's voice raised slightly as Anakin performed a dive through a narrow passage through a group of boulders .

' Not yet ' Anakin thought once more , The ship rattling enough to almost unseat the panicking elder pilot .

" ANAKIN " Obi-Wan yelled in alarm as the ship was struck by another particular fast piece of debris .

' NOW ' Anakin yanked the controls of the ship , The shockwave of the debris cloud impacting a large boulder , Pulverizing it , Anakin however used this to punch through through the shockwave , Using the large asteroid as a shield from the initial wave of debris that passed by .

Watching the wave pass by , The asteroid they hid behind began to crack from the rest of the onslaught , Anakin used these precious seconds to allow the force to guide him , Forcing the ship around the exploding asteroid and out behind the shockwave that continued on to destroy everything in its path .

Anakin slumped into his seat as he let go of the controls of the ship , Sweat pouring down his brow as silence prevailed.

" Sorry that took so long master " Anakin suckled as he stood from the young pilots seat , Allowing the young girl to take her seat once more with a gulp .

" Oh ... Anakin " The Jedi master leant against the wall of the bridge with a sigh as the Padawan chuckled in triumph " Let's just ... get this done "

IOKATH - TESTING LAB

Carol lay on the floor of the square room of white panels , Jaw opening and closing silently as her skin flaked and fell from her body , Charred and burnt .

For the twenty forth time that day , Paste began to eject from her bones and covered her body completely , once more reforming into pearl and unmarked skin , Her hair once more laying unkempt around her .

Yet she noticed none of it as ringing assaulted her ears and wrung in her mind , The pain unbearable as she were simply comatose on the floor .

Scyva watched the healing process once more , Taking not of the slow in regenerative speed depending on the amount of times it was needed to be performed .

' Interesting , My lord , It appears the healing factor slows down considerably depending on the amount of nutrition or fat stores available , Depending on an individual's constitution , I estimate the amount of times a person can heal ranges from ten to forty times depending on the individual ' Skyva recorded , continuing to observe the nude woman on the other side of the window .

" Test one complete , Restoration process , Engage " The door to the room on the other side of the window opened wide as a caretaker droid walked in and hoisted the non responsive girl into its arms , Taking her to the main lab to begin healing .

Scyva moved from the overseers room and made her way back into the lab , Watching the caretaker strap carol into a flat steel table for surgery .

The caretaker looked to scyva for guidance , The towering droid coming forward and standing beside the medical table .

" Install IV drips and begin nutritional injections immediately" Scyva walked around the table as two more caretaker droids joined in and followed her orders without fail .

Carols vision remained black no matter how much she blinked , The only thing to make her realise she still lived being the ringing in her mind that just wouldn't shut up .

She couldn't move nor could she feel anything as she simply sat in limbo .

" Might as well be dead " Carol thought to herself , Trying to talk but found she didn't even know if she had a mouth anymore .

For what felt like eons she simply lay in the dark , Never sleeping nor so much as blinking .

What she did become aware of was a small Prickling sensation in the back of her neck .

" Ow " She grunted as it grew stronger , Slowly , It started to grow from the base of her neck , Like liquid fire flowing through her veins .

A scream echoed through her head as it grew unbearable, The dark around her slowly clearing into a fog , Shadows moving through the mist .

It all came crashing down as something struck her in the side of the head , Everything becoming clear in an instant of complete and utter agony .

Scyva watched as Carol sat up as best as she could , The syringe the droid had used still sticking from the side of the girl's temple , Screaming as she tried and failed to wrestle her way off the medical table .

" I am pleased to note Thale stimulants are still effective " Scyva noted as Carol took notice that she wasn't alone .

Carol's head turned to look at her with wide , Fear stricken eyes .

" It's you ... " Carol accused , Her pupils shrinking in rage as the woman's efforts to escape grew .

" Yes , You have passed the first test with flying colours , Now I must begin the second phase , And to accurately perform this phase , I need you active and coherent " Scyva confirmed briefly before continuing on with her practices.

" I don't want to do any more of your tests , I want to go home ... Let me go ... " Carol seethed , Gritting her teeth , The pressure almost causing them to crack form the pressure exerted .

" Uh it appears you still offer some semblance of resistance , I assure you that will be stomped out by the end of these tests , I assure you , As I am sure I will again , You have no leverage here , You will not escape , You will not resist , You are a rat used for my tests , A beast I can and will have killed if you prove too annoying , You are nothing but a grub I will do whatever I wish with , You are a prototype that I will perfect before doing the same to the others present " Scyva stared down at the human on the table , Not even up to the droids kneecaps in height as she lay staring defiantly up to the giant droid .

" The republic " Carol began as Scyva's arm plunged into the woman's stomach through her bellybutton , Swiping upwards and Opening the woman's front from the base of her stomach to the top of her collar bone , The spreading of Scyva's fingers spread the flesh apart like children would do in science on smaller animals , Leaving carols insides beating rapidly as the woman's eyes opened with agony .

" The republic does not know not care that you exist , You are but a single lost soul amoungst millions , And they will not spare any forced to look for a single degenerate gone missing , Now silence , As I stated I need you awake and coherent for phase two " Scyva broke apart Carols ribs with her fingers , Removing them from Carol who watched everything the droid was doing .

Pulling the flesh of Carols chest apart like one would a flap , Scyva pushed apart the mounds of fat that served as Carols breasts , Proceeding to pull the rest of the bone from Carol's chest from her body .

Carol screamed once more as she shook from side to side , Scyva quickly growing annoyed , Her fingers with expert precision , Delved up through the hole in Carol's chest , Through her neck and into the larynx , Dislodging it before pulling it out with on finger with small instruments on the ends of her pointer finger .

Carol went silent as her vocal folds were robbed from her , Quickly being unable to form a coherent noise as her struggles intensified .

Scyva's other hand in the mean time raised Carol's head One of the ends of her fingers on her left hand splitting into smaller multiple digit pincers plunging into the woman's spinal chord behind her head , Seperating the vertebra , pulling one of the disks from inside the woman's neck , Carol's struggles halting immediately after .

" Much better , These will be returned to you after the surgery , Now please be silent and let me work " Scyva deposited the two vital objects onto a sterile tray beside the medical table .

" I can...i cant move my legs .. I can't move ... I ...I " Tears brimmed around carols eyes as tears streaked down her cheeks , She could feel the droid standing over her move one of her lungs to the side to gain direct access to her heart , She was however ... now entirely helpless to do anything to stop the monstrous droid .

" Circulatory system optimal " Scyva began recording data as she began to analyse Carol's heart , Eyes scanning into the beating heart " seventy seven beats a minute ... healthy "

One of her fingers delved into the aorta , The rest of her fingers delving into different parts of the heart as the droid paused as she studied .

" Aorta and aorta valve ... functioning satisfactorily " Scyva's pointed finger pulled from the aorta as the rest of her fingers continued recording.

" I regret to inform you , You currently have a atrial septal defect , Worry not ... I will remedy this issue immediately " The droid told Carol as her middle and ring fingers delved deeper into the woman's heart , The two fingers meeting on both sides of the septum , Her fingers pulling the hole in the wall together before fusing them together .

" Congratulations , Your life expectancy has been restored " The droids middle and index fingers pulled away from the woman's heart , Tying the puncture holes back together .

It was a few minutes later that the last two fingers pulled out of Carol's heart , Her fingers sliding out from between the two lungs .

Scyva performed similar analysis of the rest of Carol's body , from her lungs to her reproductive organs , Apparently satisfied , The droid marched off to another section of the lab , Carol's eyes following the towering grey black and greens droid before it disappeared from view .

Carol lay there , Tears still falling whilst her entire front was open to collect dust , She ignored the caretaker droids making sure she didn't die whilst scyva was off doing what she wished .

' Please just let me die ' Carol thought to whatever deities could hear her that they would grant her wish , Allow her to simply pass on the table ' I don't want to do this anymore ... please just ... let it end '

Her prayers were left unanswered as Scyva returned carrying several different objects of black metallic material .

" I apologise but your previous inner bone structure left me unsatisfied, I she procured a satisfactory replacement for you " Scyva held up what would serve as Carol's new rib cage , Black In colour , And similar to the bones in her arms and legs , Several holes were riddling the different metallic ribs in synchronised points across the different ribs .

" Fear not , I will restored you previous muscle structure once this is installed , I am aware your species places value on the fat stores located in your chest , They will be left unaffected or be enhanced at your wish after our tests have been completed " Scyva them manoeuvred and positioned the new rib cage structure over Carol's open chest .

' Like I care about that ' Carol retorted in her mind as Scyva began to install the new skeletal structure system .

Installing the new ribs cage proved as easy as the rest of the surgery for the droid as the back of the rib cage was fused seamlessly to the new metallic front .

" I will replace the back of your rib cage at a later date , For now you are in a nominal state for the second test to commence " Scyva alerted Carol , Making no moved to close carols open body up .

Carols eyes looked to the side of her head as she took not of a droid coming forward with a large assortment of instruments connected to it .

" Phase two , If you are curious , If the testing of your bodies internal capabilities , Such as your ability to fight of diseases , Poisons and internal regrowth . I have hear a collection of every disease , Poison , concoction and virus I could get , I personally am impressed by the sheer scope of what has been collected and provided . Fear not , I will assure your survival , Hence I have taken samples from each organ you posses and am replicating them as we speak , However before they are complete , If any of your organs are destroyed by these tests I will have synthetic replacements used until your organic replacements are ready " Scyva alerted Carol as the droid held her hand out , The second droid handing the droid a clear syringe .

" These are synthetic antibodies along side nano-droids that will keep you alive should you be in risk of imminent death from any of these tests , They will battle and reverse the damage done or will allow enough time for the affecting ailment to be removed . Rest assured , I will have you know that due to the survival of the first procedure I have marked your survival as a top priority until tests are complete , You will not perish under my care " Carol's lips quivered as Scyva injected the syringe and it's contents directly into her heart .

" Please provide me the sample of the mist collected from the celadon sea " Scyva held out her hand as the second caretaker unit handed her a vial of murky looking gas .

" Phase two test one commences immediately" Scyva punctured the vial onto her thumb , The gas passing through tiny tubes in her finger through her hand and into her pointer finger , Scyva immediately after drove said pointer finger into carols right lung , Injecting the full sample directly into the organ that immediately began to quiver and quake with the gas passing into it .

" Begin analysis " Scyva announced , The recording equipment around the room lighting up as she too moved to observe .

HOTH SYSTEM

Looking down on what was locally known as the poison moon , Obi-Wan's stood beside Anakin as the master handed a mask to his Padawan.

" We'll be in the vacuum until we board the radiant IX " Obi-Wan informed his Padawan as the blonde teen took and equipped the mask .

" Stay here until we know it's safe , I will radio when I deem it safe enough " Obi-Wan informed the skeleton crew who were ready to pilot the radiant IX back to coruscant when deemed ready .

The two Jedi them proceeded the make their way to the ramp , Closing the entrance behind them , The room de-pressurising as the ramp opened .

Obi-Wan nudged his head to the side as the master pushed off of the ramp and towards the radiant IX below .

Anakin followed soon after , His Padawan braid floating behind him in the zero gravity space .

Obi-Wan reached out and pushed a small rock impeding his path to the side using the force , Floating by that same rock as he pulled out a length of wire from his robes , Hurling the magnetic end at the radiant IX as he began his final approach .

The magnetic end latched onto the radiant as Obi-Wan silently touched down onto the poison moon asteroid .

Anakin touched down beside him and matched onto the sleeve of his robes , Obi-Wan passed a part of the wire to Anakin .

Both Jedi followed the wire , using it as an anchor to keep themselves from floating away if they accidentally used too much force and left the surface of the asteroid.

Obi-Wan reached out as they reached the radiant , Opening the ramp with the force that slowly lowered .

As the ramp touched the ground , Obi-Wan and Anakin walked up the ramp , Closing it behind them using the controlling console .

The room rapidly pressurised around them , The two pulling their masks off moments later , Anakin sighing whilst taking a deep breath .

Obi-Wan didn't respond however as he stared at the corner of the room , Anakin following his gaze before stopping and staring .

" I think we know why they didn't respond " Anakin frowned , Pulling out his lightsaber and igniting the blade .

Obi-Wan followed suit as they stuck together and left the room , Walking slowly as they passed by bodies , Obi-Wan kneeling down and checking for pulses in the process .

" I suggest we make our way to the bridge , We might find some answers there " Anakin offered , Obi-Wan nodding in agreement as they began to make their way up .

Ascending up to the upper deck of the ship .

Walking into the multi-comm station , Anakin looked around unsure as bodies layed Hunched over the controls , Nearing one do the chairs , Anakin knelt down and examined the man , A brown human male holding a blaster .

" Master ... these bodies ... these are electrical burnes and lightsaber wounds " Anakin pointed out as he looked over the gases and charred skin .

Obi-Wan came up to the body and knelt down to examine the damage done to not only the man but also the rest of the room .

He was about to voice his opinion as the door to the cockpit shot open , Blaster bolts leaping from within as a woman knelt fired apon them .

Their lightsabers came up and deflected the bolts . The woman dressed as a pilot yelling out in fright .

Anakin blocked a bolt , Causing it to strike back near the woman , Stepping forward and sending another to the left , Holding his blue lightsaber Infront of himself , Lightsaber swinging to the right sending a bolt off far , The young man taking a kneeling position as he deflected another with a swipe to the left as he leant over , The bolt then struck the prepared blocking stance , Bouncing off the lightsaber back into the blaster that was firing apon them .

The blaster burned and was knocked from the hands of the woman pilot , The blaster clinging to the side of the room as she fell back onto her arse and screamed .

Anakin stayed like that as Obi-Wan came forward , Shaking Anakin from his half trance , The young man sighing , Coming to his feet moments later as Obi-Wan disengaged his lightsaber.

Standing back to his feet , Anakin kept his lightsaber ignited , His Jedi master reaching down to the woman and pulling her to her feet .

" Judging from your reaction to this ... I think it's safe to assume a Jedi was responsible for this , Might I ask your name " Obi-Wan asked as the black haired human female quivered in his grasp .

The Jedi master looked over her with worry as she began to explain who she was .

" I am the pilot of this vessel , We were transporting a dark Jedi named ET Rex , He escaped and killed everyone on board , I was able to lock myself in here , Please master Jedi I know he's still here somewhere , Please we must escape on your ship " The woman plead as she flung her arms around Obi-Wan's robes and cried into the brown fabric .

Obi-Wan motioned for Anakin to come forward , Disengaging his lightsaber and coming forward with a charming smile.

" Please Anakin , Stay with her while I apprehend Et Rex , I will be back shortly " Obi-Wan bowed to the two .

" I will await your return master " Anakin smiled as Obi-Wan swiftly departed the bridge .

Obi-Wan crept through the ship , Checking every part of the vessel from the bow to the droid compartments , Finding nobody , Obi-Wan decided to check elsewhere .

Re-equiping his mask , Obi-Wan lowered the ramp of the ship , Using his wire to attach to the ship incase he was detached form the asteroids limited gravity. The man began to walk down the ramp, Surveying the asteroid they were on with scrutinising eyes .

Silence surrounded him as he turned and looked over to the cruiser circling far above .

He gave a small wave to the ship before a screech caught his attention , Lightsaber igniting instantly , Kenobi whirled and came face to face with a blue skinned alien male holding two mynock by the head .

" Please calm yourself master , Do you really believe I would kill someone the likes of you with just these " The avian alien reasoned as Kenobi kept his lightsaber up .

" Are you Et Rex , The Jedi to be judged by the council , Did you kill the ship's crew " Obi-Wan squinted as he circled the blue skinned alien who shook his head.

" I was to be judged , But I haven't killed anyone , I've been framed " Et Rex reasoned as Kenobi raised an eyebrow at the retort .

" Explain " Obi-Wan ordered , Still keeping his lightsaber ready.

" We we're on a mission on Manpha " Rex began " We were helping refugees locate to a safer settlement , One night a day before we were to depart , An argument started between her and the local leader , I came in to find she had murdered the man and his advisors . Apparently she had been experimenting with the Darkside of the force for some time , And tried to convince me to join her . Obviously I refused ... And next thing you know , I was subdued , Framed for the murders and being sent back to coruscant with her as my overseer " Rex explained as Kenobi listened intently .

" And ... how did all this happen " Kenobi asked as Rex motioned to the mynock in his hands .

" These guys have a nasty habit of eating electricity , These guys had gotten into the generator and began feeding directly on the ships power , Next thing you know , We're pulled out of hyperspace and crash land here . I managed to escape during the confusion and when she found out she promptly decided the crew weren't needed anymore ... I'm sure you've seen the results " Rex finished his explanation as Obi-Wan seemed to be half way between convinced and not .

" Do you have any proof of your accusations " Obi-Wan asked , His eyes scrutinising , Rex in turn motioned to his hips.

" My lightsaber was confiscated from me before leaving Manpha. Do you think I could have killed everyone onboard , Caused the ship to crash and had the energy to sufficiently escape the ship ,All without a weapon , Alone and knowing zero proper combat experience " Rex reasoned with Obi-Wan, The Jedi master seeing the reasoning , Eyes widening in horror before turning on his heel and shooting back up the ramp .

" Oh no ... ANAKIN " Rex followed the yells of the Jedi master in haste , Still holding both mynock by the necks to ensure they wouldn't escape .

" You know , Pirates call this asteroid the poison moon because that's what it looks like when they pass by , Funny how appearances can be deceiving " Celz told Anakin who had his back turned , She was feasibly frustrated , Having tried to convince Anakin to take her back to their ship without Obi-Wan present , The Padawan however bad been steadfast in his response that they would wait until his master returned .

Seeing no way around it , Celz raised her fingers at Anakin's unguarded back .

Anakin was unprepared as the atmosphere of the room hummed with static electricity , A low buzz sounding before he was assaulted by flaring white hot pain on his back .

The searing slow burn of lightning caused the teen to spasm and cry out in agony , collapsing to the ground and wailing .

The buzz of the lightning stop momentarily as Celz came up beside Anakin and stared down at him with a seething glare .

" This would have been so much easier if you had simply accepted my request " Alysun mocked before immediately blasting Anakin with lightning once more .

The human continued to torture Anakin mercilessly for minutes , Smiling happily all the way as she took pleasure in his screams .

Her eyes widened for a moment before she dashed to the right , A blue blur passing where her arms previously was .

She turned her attention to Obi-Wan who stood there with his lightsaber Infront of himself at the ready .

" I take it you know the truth then " Alysun rounded and circled Obi-Wan.

" You're under arrest , You will be tried by the council for the murder for the crew of this ship and the citizens of mynock , Come peacefully , This does not have to end in violence " Obi-Wan tried to reason with the dark Jedi .

Anakin continued to twitch on the floor in pain , Alysun simply raising her hands and blasting the Jedi master with lightning , The Jedi having never known eh would need to defend from such an attack , Thus hadn't sufficiently learnt to defend such techniques , was unprepared for the attack and was promptly struck by the arcs of blue energy .

He grit his teeth , But resisted screaming as the dark Jedi seemed dissatisfied at not hearing him yell .

Obi-Wan was forced to his knees as the lightning coursed through him painfully .

" CELZ " Alysun whirled and blasted the voice she easily recognised , Lightning tearing across the bridge for the ship at the avian Jedi stood in the doorway.

The lightning was almost apon Rex , The avian proved the smarter between the two as he raised his hands , The mynock still in his grip with their mouths opened .

He smirked as the lightning struck the beasts , Alysun was stunned into momentary shock as the space bats simply devoured her onslaught of lightning.

The woman promptly redoubled her efforts in a lapse of judgement , The barrage intensifying as the avian alien proceeded to start stepping forward , The mynock greedily eating the electricity thrown at them .

To Alysun the room bled away as she focussed solely on Rex , The opposing knight continued to step forward as the smell of burning ozone assaulted them both .

Both their faces flashed as the light of the lightning was reflected in their eyes , Their skin paling in the white light that reflected off of them .

All the while the mynock in Rex's grip spasmed in happiness , The bottomless pits that they were continued to devour relentlessly.

Celz was so distracted that she was unprepared for the stun bolt that hit her across the back , Cancelling out her attack and sending her to the floor paralysed .

Anakin stood next to the pilots seat of the ship with the same blaster Celz had previously fired apon them with .

Obi-Wan quickly found himself back on his feet , Rex departing the room quickly to find a pair of cuffs to imprison the dark Jedi .

With his clothing still hot and sizzling , Anakin made his way forward with a glare on his face , Looking down at the paralysed woman with a hard gaze.

" I guess we got her " Anakin said to his master , Refusing to turn away from the woman whom had proceeded to torture him , Lightsaber in hand as he fumbled with the grip , Daring her to attempt anything further .

" I'll send a message to the ship , Get them to prepare the brig " Kenobi told Anakin as the Padawan chewed the inside of his lips .

" Yea ... you do that "

IOKATH - SKYVA'S LAB

Skyva watched the lungs and stomach beat with black veins and dying tissue pulsing .

Squishing sounds escaped the infected lungs as viscus fluid built in the sacks .

Carol lay awake staring at the ceiling apathetically , her tears long since dried , Her lips quivered occasionally as quick pulses of pain occasionally rocked her body .

A tube through her mouth connected to her lungs while wires were attached to various valves in her heart and arms and legs . A machine next to her pumped her blood , Infusing oxygen into the precious liquid incase her lungs failed to produce any , Feeding it directly back to her heart to continue keeping the woman alive.

Finishing the first tests of the second phase , Scyva recorded the final results as Carol's lungs gave out , No longer pumping oxygen as too much fluid built up .

Reaching forward , Scyva proceeded to remove the dead lungs , Requesting a pair of synthetic lungs to be installed in their place for the time being .

Whilst the caretaker droids brought the synthetic replacements , Immediately beginning to install the replacements whilst scyva moved to the bench behind her , A new vial at the ready for her to use .

" Whilst your lungs are being replaced , I will conduct a test with a substance that focusses on attacking another organ , Your liver is the primary focus of this poisons attack , I will administer it , A new pair of proper lungs should be available within six hours with nano droids constructing you a new pair from blueprints I acquired of your previous pair prior to surgery with rapidly grown samples of your lung tissue " Scyva informed the woman who barely registered that the feminine droid had said .

" By then , Testing of this compound should have finished and we can immediately commence with test three " Scyva once more twisted the vial onto her thumb , The liquid pumping into tubes within her hand as a needle protruded from her pointer finger , The compound was then inserted into the liver directly by the droid that completely disregarded the woman who and a fresh set of tears marring her face , Pouring down as the feeling of fire bled through her veins .

' Please just let it end ' Carol cried , Unable to close her mouth thanks to the tubing in her mouth .

CORUSCANT - KALDANI SPIRES

Nox read through the dossier sent to him by Scyva on the final results on phase one on a hand held screen . A diagram of Carol's body throughout the entire process showing real time healing and damages .

He watched the final healing process of Carol , The slowed healing and malnourished the woman had rapidly developed after repeated healing .

He read over the final notes of the test Scyva had sent him , Immediately beginning to read the parameters of the second phase with an approving look .

Circling his chair around with a hum , He stared at the flat screen in hand and continued reading .

Vaylin entered the room after wearing her usual dark grey robes , She circled around his desk to his seat , The sith raising the handheld screen away from his lap as the woman promptly sat down on his legs , Wrapping she arms around his neck , Looking down at the screen in hand before dismissing it entirely to lay her head on his right shoulder.

" My hips hurt " Vaylin uttered as Nox snorted , Continuing to read without looking away , Even as Vaylin traced circles with her fingers on his open chest .

" Your fault " Nox replied immediately after , Moving to the parameters of Scyva's third phase , Reading it over twice to make sure he got all the information provided to him correct .

He reached forward and touched his finger to the flat screen in hand , The display lighting up green momentarily , Marking his approval of the third phase which was immediately recurved by the droid halfway across the galaxy .

Sliding the display back onto his desk , The screen connecting back onto the surface , The eternal emperor raised his right hand next to his head and ran a hand through the luscious brown locks of hair of the head that rested on his shoulder .

" What would you like for breakfast " Nox asked as he turned to face Vaylin who looked up at him with a small smile on face , The woman's slender fingers reaching for his chin as she sat up slightly , Bringing his face down into a kiss that the two shared .

" Whatever you wish for dear "