"Knight T'aa Please remain." Master Satele ordered. I had done a few things that they should remind me of. Chewing out Master Quilljayk for not teaching his Padawan in the way he would have understood. Or maybe they had heard from T7 of the times I had kissed Ranna. I still had to say goodbye to her.
"Priority signal via Coruscant, from Master Kiwiiks." the aid declared.
"Master Orgus I have discovered a situation that requires further assistance. The suppositions we have about Coruscant are correct the dark presence is strongest here." she reported.
"This will require the help of our best. Master Orgus and Knight T'aa you should join Master Kiwiiks on Coruscant." Satele ordered.
"Very well, wrap up any unfinished business and meet me on Coruscant." Master Orgus suggested. "I have something unfinished I must do, as well."
We left the council together. I split off and packed up my belongings back into the little chest. I carried it to the holding room for departures before heading out to Kalikori village. I walked into the Matriarch's office for the last time. I had done so much for her people. I fought for them beside them, and lead them in battle. I never felt connected to anyone or any group of people, but this village was like home for me. Ranna smiled as she spotted me. Still, her meeting took a good fifteen minutes before she shooed them away. Ranna waved me to follow and I did all the way into her private quarters.
"Tea?" She asked.
"A small cup. I have to leave here soon. It maybe a long time before I return." I stated.
"I know you are a Jedi you go where you are needed." Ranna replied. "Just wish you didn't have to go."
"I know I don't want to either. I will always view this as home." I stated as I moved behind her. She pressed into me as I wrapped my arms around her. She then turned around and added her lekku to the hug she gave me. There was no doubt that she cared for me deeply.
"You must. The Galaxy will be a better place if you are out there protecting it." Ranna countered. She then kissed me and I returned her passionate kiss. "I can't love you as I want to, but there is a custom we have. It would make us sisters forever."
"I am flattered, but we are sisters. Here in our hearts. That is all we need. I tread two worlds and one demands I form no attachments." I refused. She wasn't disappointed as she kissed me again. I think she tried everything she could to keep me there. My lord I now knew why Twilek women were prized as sex slaves. I didn't feel a bit of dark side from our love making. I felt happy and content. She really did convince me to stay, however I had a duty to serve. I left her not with tears but with laughter and kisses. Oh, this was good.
Cort dragged his chest on to the shuttle as we were bound for the fleet. I giggled watching him struggle. Qyzen was amused as well. Then T7 whistled as Cort dropped the chest.
"Funny, very funny." He stated and chuckled himself.
"Well you know you shouldn't have added all that junk to your chest." I replied.
"Well I need those items." He protested. "Strange isn't it?"
"Excuse me?" I didn't understand his switch.
"We arrived on Tython together and not knowing that we both are stronger than many in decades. You with combat and I with healing. That we now depart together makes me wonder if we will ever see each other again." Cort explained.
"Cort I am not going to let you out of planet range. We are going to Coruscant, and we will be running into each other so much that we might as we be in a party group. I am sure we will find others to run with as well." I replied. "You can't get rid of me at all." He chuckled as he locked down his chest. He then settled in next to me just before the shuttle took off. The shuttle maneuvered out of the hanger and then blasted for space. The craft shook more than it did when we arrived, or was it because I was wearing a humble outfit.
After a month in armor it was nice to be in soft clothing and I knew I wouldn't have to do any fighting along the way. Once Bengel Morr was captured I went on several missions for the Twileks, but Master Orgus Din didn't he visited his old Padawan daily and spent the rest of the time with me. He ran me through every test or routine he could think of and he couldn't hide how impressed he was. I just managed to crack his shell just before we were called to Coruscant.
We landed in the Markless a small troop ship not much different than a BT 7 Thunderclap that was twice the size. Cort went to the first cabin that was empty and I took the one across the hall. I didn't intent to, but my head hit the mattress and I was out.
The door chimed jerking me awake. The dream I was having vanished from memory as I sat up. "Enter." I moaned. "Lights." The lights grew bright as the door opened.
"Hey they are serving the evening meal. You skipped the midday meal, so I am sure you are hungry." Cort stated. I chuckled as my stomach growled. I wasn't sure he had heard it.
"I guess I am. Then again I don't think I would have woken up if you didn't knock on the door." I replied.
"I didn't knock." Cort added a bit confused.
"Never mind." I stated. He couldn't get the phrases I used some of the times and I couldn't blame him as no one but me used them. I jumped of the bunk, looked once in the mirror and adjusted my belt. The familiar weight of the two hilts comforted me and he raised an eyebrow seeing them. I looked at his belt and his blade was no where to be found. He either hid it in his robes or he wasn't wearing it.
"I highly doubt you will be needing your blades on such a small ship." Cort stated confirming he wasn't wearing his.
"I know, but I can't seem to not have them with me at all times." I replied.
"Even in the fresher?" Cort asked. I laughed. He chuckled as I shoved him a bit.
"No not in the shower at least." I added.
"Well you know enough not to get them wet. That is a plus." Cort remarked. The little mess was filled with crew and other Jedi leaving Tython. I noticed one who didn't approve of our smiles. It was one thing to control your emotions while using the Force, but I just couldn't be a stiff as they were. Cort was still a stiff himself, but I had worked on him for a month. He was starting to get my jokes at least.
"Ooo' reheated Nerf burgers yum!" I sarcastically stated. Cort looked at me confused as I plopped the burger on my tray.
"If you don't like it why did you take one?" He asked taking himself two.
"Well the other option looks too much like dog food, animal food for my tastes." I replied.
"I see, but that leaves more for me as he took a big spoonful. I had tasted it once and it was okay. The after taste just would leave even after cleaning your mouth. I added what looked like fresh vegetables and a cup of stimcaf. The drink was a cross between coffee and tea. I liked it. On Earth I couldn't handle the taste of coffee as it was too bitter. Though this was bitter as well. I chalked it up to now being female. I then remembered I really wasn't female as my parents had made sure I was female and not male. I found the medical knowledge to make a baby develop as female interesting.
Why they didn't just sort out a few eggs and find the one that was female and use that one was a mystery. I had researched the procedure and the procedures they used once a child was determined to be transgender. They could get the body to slowly switch to the other sex. No surgery or hormone therapy needed as long as it was discovered at the age of four or five. After that they would grow the needed parts and switch them out. That cost a lot of credits as well, and the cost grew the older you were as the larynx and face had to be feminized or made masculine.
I wondered if there had been any Jedi transgender? At the same time I knew they would have just accepted themselves as they were or left the order at some point. Normal robes were worn by both sexes to the point most looked like they were in dresses. I saw a few men in skirts similar to kilts in construction. Thought they wore under garments or leggings as well. What I did find on clothing styles they leaned toward unisex designs. I finished my meal and stopped thinking about it. I was glad that I was female in all but genetic code. I was pleased that I was a Jedi even with the destiny I seemed to face. Part of me still didn't believe it was real. As far as I knew I could have had a heart attack and this was my fantasy while I died. I shook my head.
"Something wrong?" Cort asked.
"Nothing just thinking stupid." I got up and he followed me with a concerned look as I dumped my tray. He was soon to follow. We then headed down the corridor. I then decided that I had to look outside. Not having any window in the ship made it disappointing then I remembered that they did have an observation bubble. I took Cort's hand and dragged to the hatch. I slammed the button and it flew open. I didn't expect the room not have gravity and I giggled as we found out. We crashed together on the opposite wall. The ship was in hyperspace and it was a view that cannot be described. It swirled and drew in the viewer. We floated for a long time as I was mesmerized by the view.
"Er hmm, T'aa?" Cort broke the spell. I came back slowly and looked him directly in the eyes so big so close to me. Our noses touched and I pulled slightly back. I was wrapped around him tightly. I felt his hidden muscles and that he was embarrassed along with being aroused. I giggled as I blushed myself.
"Cort there is nothing wrong with this." I stated. I wanted to kiss him which shocked me more than he knew. I felt his inner struggle. I laughed as pulled him into a spin.
"There is no emotion, only peace." He stated.
"Emotions, Yet Peace is the original Jedi Code, Cort." I countered. "So much more powerful, but both are correct given the right teaching. Cort I want to express my feelings. That I choose to show you is not wrong."
"It feels wrong to me." Cort replied.
"Feel your emotions, take control of them and let them go." I stated. "Don't let your emotions control you, but sometimes I want them to take control. Like now is one of them." I then kissed him. He resisted and then kissed back. I then hugged him before letting him go. We floated for hours it seemed as we view the kaleidoscope of hyperspace. We slowly drifted together and we held each other. I had not felt such peace in all my life. I felt he understood it as well. We had experienced so much death on Tython that we needed this part of life to offset it. I found out that it was nice, but I wasn't attracted to him like I was with Ranna yet the result was the same as I came to greater understanding.
Being female didn't change who I was or how I was. Sure my emotions were stronger, but being a Jedi balanced them better. Having my first period didn't upset me at all as I had enough memories from the original that this was just part of who I was now. Most Jedi would see what we did as wrong, but a few would see it as something we had to do.
We enjoyed the five day trip to get to the fleet. I was glad that travel times were more realistic than the fiction that my world created. In all the fictional universes that my world created the Star Wars Universe was the fastest able to travel from one side to the other in days. Yet I came across other books saying it took months.
The movies made it instant, but there was no telling how long it took to get from Tatooine to Alderaan. Luke was trained by Obi Wan during that trip enough that Yoda had a base to start with. That he was only trained to be a duelist to face Vader was told as well. He was never meant to rebuild The Order. Not without other Jedi who knew how to teach. I was a bit sad once we dropped out of hyperspace and I saw the size of the fleet. It was one of many that hung out in the middle of no where. The large station the only fixed point in the area. Carrick Station was surrounded by ships of all sizes.
There were a dozen Valor Class Cruisers not two and dozens of Thranta Class ships plus many smaller support ships. Now this was a battle fleet! I thought looking at the view. I left the observation dome as the transport was soon to maneuver and I didn't want to bounce around in there. My gear was back in its chest and it would be loaded on a small cart to be pulled by T7. The droid had gone into sleep mode during most of the trip. I envied this ability to just shut down during the boring times.
Not that I had been bored. I had sparred with other Jedi, meditated, read dozens of documents on the Force, Coruscant, and other planets. Plus taken the time just to be. I made sure Cort was there with me. Qyzen was only seen a few times as his scent was disturbing to most other beings. Then again he was a top predator and that made most humans nervous. The entire atmosphere of the ship changed when he came out of his cabin.
Fleet was nothing like I expected. It still had the same round shape, but the station was huge, and smaller at the same time. Gone were the vaulted ceilings as many more decks could be used in the same space. The deep trenches as well. The only thing that seemed bigger was the landing bay. There were hundreds of beings moving through the station at any given point. Mostly Naval personnel, but plenty of civilian contractors. Cort and I had no problem moving through the station as Qyzen was an imposing figure and most were afraid of the species. In the game it was set up for the player in mind, but this was a fully functioning station. There were no trainers to go up to, or Class trainers to tell you what path you should take or crew skill trainers. There were plenty of shops and stalls along with vendors. The station was a pure military location. A few Jedi roaming around a minor curiosity. Most headed to the other bays to move on farther in the galaxy. We were no different.
"I thought the Tython station was large this is huge." Cort stated.
"Ya, this is big. Bigger than most cities." I replied. "Our map states we need to go this way."
"Then lead on." Cort replied. We continued on the winding path until we found the way to the Coruscant departure area. I was inspecting the flight board looking for one particular ship as I turned I bumped into a large armored figure. Looking up I had to smile as I saw the symbol on his armor, Havoc Squad. My smile remained until the angry face of the man staring down at me grabbed my attention.
"Mind getting off my foot." he growled. "You're not light."
"The fact that you are in full battle armor and that your boots are armored as well I doubt you even noticed my weight." I fired back smiling. "Havoc Squad I presume." I took my foot off his as his face softened a hair.
"Heard of us?" he asked. "Lieutenant Jonwood, Ingo Jonwood. This is Sargent Aric Jorgan."
"Jedi Knight T'aa Onasi, Jedi Knight Cort Hintal, Hunter Qyzen Fess and T7-01." T'aa replied. "Going to Coruscant by chance?"
"That is the idea. Need to get there fast." Ingo stated.
"Why don't you take the Esseles, a Wanderer class ship, very fast." a female suggested. We turned to her and I had to smile as Corso Riggs smiled back. "Name's Sanusha and this is Corso."
"I do not see the ship listed." Cort replied.
"You won't, it leaves in fifteen." Sanusha stated.
"Then let's go." Aric added. He had a good reason as Sanusha was a Cathar female. I felt some interest from the hulk that Ingo was. I felt disgusted. Not that he wasn't attractive, just that he was male. Which was strange considering that Cort was male and I had no problem with that. Strange that was how I felt. I wondered if this ship would get attacked as in the game? Then again most things had been similar, so this would be no different. It was three days before I had the feeling to dawn my armor. It wasn't hard to join the other four as friends. Once Ingo got off his superior act, he was pleasant enough company. Corso was a flirt of the naive kind. Aric and Sanusha hit it off from the start. Her wildness countered his need to follow the rules. It was during dinner the event started.
"You know this ship ain't so bad." Corso stated as he dug into his food.
"Better than the mess they served on Ord Mantell for sure." Ingo replied.
"It does have a distinct flavor." I added.
"Better than that drab Jedi food." Aric stated. "Felt like I was eating grass and twigs. No offense to the Jedi."
"Just that they don't cater to Carnivorous appetites." Sanusha added. Since those two had gotten together, it had calmed Aric's attitude down.
"They do offer meat to those who require it." Cort countered. "You should have requested such a menu change. I am sure they would have brought something better. Qyzen here has never eaten any of our greens, either."
"I hunted for most of my food." Qyzen revealed.
"Excuse me." We looked up at the Twilek that spoke to us, I recognized Ambassador Vyn Asara even though she looked nothing like the game character. Not that the others knew who she was, but I knew her. "Could I speak with you a moment?" she asked. "I don't mean to trouble you, but I'm curious if anyone from the crew has come to speak with you yet."
"Why would the crew want to talk to passengers?" I asked. Hoping I sounded concerned. "Is there something wrong?"
"I heard a rumor that an Imperial warship is following us." Everyone looked at her strangely except for me. "I know, I know the Treaty of Coruscant, but I don't trust the Empire to keep the peace."
"It is wise to anticipate deception by the Sith, but don't let fear cloud your judgment." Cort replied.
"It is hard not to be a little afraid... knowing what the Empire was capable of back in the war." Asara countered. "The crew won't tell the passengers anything at all. It's not very reassuring."
"Well you sure are curious for just a passenger." Sanusha replied. "Why don't you go ask the crew?"
"I suppose. Still, I think it's unsettling to think that there might be Imperials behind us." she stated. I counted to three before the alarms went off.
"Warning! Warning! Incoming fire! All hands brace for incoming. I say again, all hands." the intercom blared. T'aa grabbed the table just before the first impact. Still keeping steady was difficult even with the table and chairs being bolted down. The noise was intense as we were shaken around. I was certain if I hadn't been ready my ears would be ringing.
"Can you hear me? Are you alright?" she asked.
"The Imperials seem to have forgotten about the treaty..." Ingo stated.
"I knew the treaty would break eventually, but I didn't think I'd actually be here to see it." Asara remarked. "Listen, you have to get to the bridge. The captain will need all the help he can get right now, go, hurry!"
"I suppose I could do that much, but if he won't help he better pay." Sanusha demanded.
"With your skills, I'm sure you will make a difference." she replied. "Good luck." I had been lip syncing her every word. Asara had caught me just at the end, and she narrowed her eyes just before she ran.
"Alright we better hurry to the bridge." I added as we moved off.
"Aric we need our kit. We don't carry around heavy weapons it makes civilians nervous." Ingo explained. "I should have known something was up when you were wearing armor."
"Is it on the way?" I asked giving him a shrug at the mention of my armor.
"Yup." he answered. Their gear wasn't that far away from the lounge. As they were getting their guns, a group of droids rounded the corner. I was ready as I leaped into the middle of them and knocked them down. Qyzen and T7 joined me as I destroyed the first one. Cort took and lifted droids one by one and ripped them apart with the Force, as Corso and Sanusha placed well aimed shots at the farther droids.
"Hug the walls!" Ingo yelled. We jumped out of the way as both Ingo and Aric added their firepower removing any remaining droids in a hail of fire. Those damn cannons ripped up the passageway as well. We met little resistance after that initial fight. Getting to the bridge felt like it took a long time yet it was only a few minutes. We ran past, shorting out and sparking consoles to the front of the bridge as an explosion flung the captain across the deck.
"Come on, Tyrus! You can make it, sir, you can make it!" Haken screamed.
"He's gone sir. You're in charge now." Navigator Plex countered. "What are our orders?"
"Your orders? Weapons out, shields out, comms out. There's nothing we can do!" Haken panicked.
"We have come to offer our aid." I interrupted. "We will defend this ship."
"If you want to be useful, Jedi, then get out of here and stop interrupting us!" Haken yelled in anger as he stormed toward us.
"Sir, we need all the help we can get. If we don't keep it together here, we're finished." Plex countered calmly.
"Keep what together? The Imperials have us by the throat! We're good as dead already." Haken yelled.
"What's wrong with you? Are you really going to let your ship fall into the Imps hands so easily?" Ingo growled.
"That ship behind us is one of the biggest in the Imperial fleet." Haken countered. "We don't stand a chance."
"Sir incoming message... the imperial ship is hailing us!" Raste reported.
"What? Oh. Well, put them on." Haken replied.
"Republic Transport Esseles, this is Grand Moff Rycus Kilran. Your defenses are entirely disabled. Attempt no resistance." he ordered.
"We are aware of our situation, Kilran. Just tell us why you're here?" Cort requested.
"Your ship is transporting a known anti-Imperial terrorist and seditionist, the so called Ambassador Vyn Asara. I've come to collect her."
"Who? We didn't take on any passengers by that name. I've never even heard of this person!" Haken replied.
"Interesting. Lying or incompetent? No matter. My agents aboard your ship have confirmed the ambassador is there." Kilran stated.
"What are you going to do about it Kilran?" Sanusha asked sarcastically. "You can't force us to hand over this person."
"I am fairly confident that I can. Imperial soldiers are preparing to board your ship through its primary air lock. My agents will ensure that you do not interfere with them." Kilran explained. "If you attempt to stop my men from arresting Ambassador Asara. I will have every living thing aboard the Esseles killed." He the ended the transmission.
"Okay, Ingo, Aric, Cort, Qyzen and Corso, along with T7 shall stay here and defend the bridge. Sanusha, and I will go to the primary airlock and then to engineer once we take them out." I ordered. "Shut it Plex!" I then glared at him and his mouth closed. "You too, Haken. As a Jedi Knight I will take over command of this ship if I have to. Have your security team defend the secondary air lock."
"Why they said where they are coming through." Haken asked.
"Do you think an Imp would tell the truth?" Ingo countered. "Rule of war, make them think you are attacking where you are not. I don't think we should split up."
"That is okay you get to fight Mandos. Perfect for Havoc Squad." I revealed. "We get the suicide squad and a few droids."
"Is this another of your visions?" Cort leaned over and whispered. I grinned at him quickly before blanking my expression as I nodded.
"Why do they get all the firepower?" Sanusha asked as we moved out of the bridge.
"Cause they will need it. I need your slicing skills and I will be enough for the boarding party." T'aa stated. "I might even let you take a shot or two." My wink was followed by her smile.
"In your dreams Jedi." she countered. I just turned and took off with her right behind me. We met little resistance along the way to the airlock. I frowned as Commander Narlock was standing there giving a pep talk to his men.
"This is it men. This is what you've been training for." Commander Narlock inspired. "The Imp..."
"What are you doing here?" I asked to interrupt them. "Didn't Haken tell you to guard the secondary airlock?"
"No he didn't, but that airlock is well guarded." Narlock replied.
"Fine, but we can handle the boarding party alone. I know you have been training for this so. I want you men to take up positions to the left and the right of the lock. Wait until they pass before letting them have it. Take good aim cause I will be all over the place." I ordered. "May the Force be with us."
"You don't think that was a bit much?" Sanusha wondered as they moved out.
"No I don't. We don't need them and I would rather they don't get shot." I replied.
"They may surprise us." she added. I was sure they wouldn't. The airlock blew and the Imps pored through. I leaped to the first one and knocked back the ten behind. Commander Narlock's troops opened fire and it didn't go well for the Imps. Sanusha was shooting one after the other all head shots. I would have smiled had she had time to notice. Three waves of troops came through before Lt. Irsic showed up.
"Surrender, surrender!" he yelled just before I lifted him in the air and threw him into the bulkhead. He slammed hard enough that he dropped his weapons. Sanusha hit him with a dozen shots as I dealt with the troops that came behind him. He was dead before he hit the deck. The emergency shield finally came up and the remaining boarding party was stopped just behind the shield. I wasn't surprised as the crew celebrated. They were fairly useful in the fight. I tapped the button on my headset.
"Cort how is the bridge?" I asked. The sound of fighting came through as he talked.
"We have the bridge well guarded. The Mandos landed in the hanger and a few other places. We defeated one called Ironfist, but the rest are not giving up." Cort reported.
"Okay keep at it. We'll clear engineering before we head back to the bridge." I stated and then broke the connection.
"Hah! Victory! We've done it, men, we've done it! The ship is saved!" Cmdr. Narlock cheered.
"We have stopped them here, but Mandos attacked from another direction. The bridge is secure for now, but we need to move out and secure engineering." T'aa stated. "Will that shield hold them back?"
"It will, but I will leave a squad here. The rest will follow you to engineering. We will clear this ship of the Imps." Narlock replied.
"Then let's go." Sanusha added. "I'm not getting paid enough to talk." T'aa held back a chuckle. The fighting to engineering was heavy, but with Sanusha and her clearing the way the crew had a much easier time securing the ship. Engineering was cleared and Chief Engineer Salen had locked his men behind a force field.
"You must be crazy, coming all the way down here with the Imps everywhere." Salen stated.
"All I saw was a bunch of dead ones. We have been clearing decks one by one." Sanusha replied. "Cmdr. Narlock probably best to leave a squad here. Nice shield, but if I remember right this control panel can cause a restart and space all these engineers."
"We will remain here. This is my last squad as the others are cleaning up the rest of the Imps." Narlock replied. "You better head to the hanger. Just got word they want to board the Imp ship."
"Got it thanks, and tell your men they are seasoned now." I stated and they looked all proud.
"Yes Master Jedi." I nodded to Sanusha and we sprinted to the lifts. Most of the Imps had been cleaned out by the time we arrived at the hanger. Ingo was handing over the surviving Imps to the crew as we joined them.
"T7 = missed big fight. T7 + others = Imperials defeated."
"That is good T7. Let's take this fight to Kilran." I stated.
"That is the only thing we can do, our only chance. You will have to board Kilran's ship and disable the tractor beam, so we can all escape." Asara stated.
"If this is what must be done to save the people of this ship then Havoc Squad is up to the task." Ingo replied.
"I knew we could count on you." Asara stated. "I've been aboard warships like Kilran's. The tractor beam controls should be easy to find, if you know where you are going."
"Ambassador, you're familiar with the layout, perhaps you should go along to help get the tractor beam shut down." Haken suggested as he walked up.
"Hmm. We need every advantage we can get." she replied.
"I can't babysit you over there, Ambassador." Ingo countered. "You're not going."
"Look if there is any chance I could make a difference, then we have to try." Asara declined.
"Ambassador, before you go... take a spare uniform. We wouldn't want any Imperials to recognize you." Narlock suggested.
"Good thinking Commander, thank you. Now let's get moving." Asara ordered.
"Good luck out there. We're all counting on you." Haken said as he saluted. Asara and Narlock walked away before he spoke again. "I need to talk to you all before you go."
"What is it?" Sanusha asked. "Time is money."
"I think for the safety of the ship that Asara should be left behind. With her there, he will have no reason to continue to chase us. It would ensure the safety of this ship." Haken suggested. This made them all think. I shook my head.
"No Haken you are wrong. Her being on that ship will not prevent Kilran from chasing us. She will return here and she will be told." I countered. "You have no reason to suggest such a plan and her aid is needed, and don't even think about bribing two Jedi of the Order. Even Lt. Jonwood looks disgusted by your attempt."
"General Garza will hear about this as well." Aric added. Haken paled before rushing away. "The nerve of such scum." The shuttle was tightly packed to get us all inside. Once on the Imp ship, it wasn't long before we made it to the first power control station. Sanusha got to work.
"Well, I've seen some incredible things in my time, but you've just topped the list. I'm sorry I couldn't greet you in person... if you only had let me know you were stopping by." Kilran stated as he popped up on the holoprojector.
"If this is a bad time, we could come back later." Sanusha teased.
"Oh no. Not at all, I assure you I'm quite prepared for your visit." Kilran replied. "My men will be along shortly to escort you to the accommodations I've arranged."
"Oh the Emperor's suite. I can't wait." Sanusha taunted just before she cut the power. "Well this is getting fun." I knew he had more to say, but things have been changing since I changed things up.
"Let's move people he is not going to wait." Ingo ordered. Asara pointed out the way, and we battled all the way to the Tractor beam controls. A huge ISS 7 Guardian droid stood in front of the controls. Cort didn't pause as he lifted the droid in the air and I sensed what he was doing as he moved it over the edge before letting it drop. T7 whistled a laugh as it screamed.
"Okay here are the controls." Asara stated the obvious. Their lightsabers made quick work of the station.
"I hope you understand that your actions are leaving me with few options." Kilran said over the nearest intercom.
"He is so sure of himself." Sanusha stated. We hurried back to the hanger and once she got the shield down we witnessed a Sith killing one of the security troops from the Esseles. Asara fell back as they all rushed up.
"Greetings. At last, a real, live Jedi. How I've looked forward to this. A true Sith cannot go long without a true challenge." Vokk stated.
"Bold words from a Sith who is about to die." Ingo replied.
"You don't have to do this." I added. "Walk away."
"None of you will leave here alive. To destroy a dangerous foe... that is the way of a true Sith." Vokk stated. "When I carve your heart from your chest, your fellow Jedi will sense your defeat, as will my master."
"Your words are wasted." Sanusha replied. "Let's finish this."
"You're right, words are nothing without action!" He then attacked. I blocked his first strikes. He was so confident that he could take us all on. Cort joined in while the others took out the guards that had accompanied him. The battle quickened as I dove into the Force not seeing the Sith in front of me or the beings around as we fought. Only his darkness. He used Ataru which I was very familiar with, yet he fought with more power. I countered with even more speed and unpredictability. The battle lasted nearly a minute before it was over. I didn't even get in the killing blow as Cort removed the Sith's head. Time then went back to normal.
"Come on! Get onto the shuttles, we have to hurry!" Asara ordered. "If we launch fast enough, I think we can make it. Are you ready?"
"Right behind you Ambassador." Ingo replied.
"Let's just hope Haken has the hyperdrive ready. Come on!"
We all loaded into the shuttle and the pilot did some crazy maneuvering to get to the Esseles's dock. As soon as the shuttle landed, I felt the ship enter hyperspace. We then headed to the bridge, and I debated if we should tell Asara what Haken wanted. He just suggested leaving her behind, and she didn't give any reason for him to do so other than she was wanted. I had made sure she didn't have the choice to space the engineering crew. He didn't even bribe us at all.
"We're safe! You did it. You did what no one else could have done." Haken stated. "You've saved us all. We owe you our lives... every one of us." He paused to take out a package. "So, on behalf of the passengers and crew of the Republic transport Esseles, thank you."
"It's been fun, but what about the part where I get paid?" Sanusha asked.
"It has been an honor to help and protect you all." Cort added.
"If you hadn't been here, we'd all have been doomed. We can't thank you enough." Haken started as he looked at Sanusha. "I took up a collection from everyone on the ship, hopefully, these credits will help you save other people in need, the same way you've saved us."
"You have my thanks." I replied, cutting Sanusha off as she accepted the package.
"You deserve more." Haken added. I expected Asara to show up, but after a bit we all headed back to the lounge. Sanusha was glad to get her share which was a bit more than the others just to keep her happy. I looked forward to the three days to reach Coruscant. I could finally relax for a bit. Knowing the fated attack was over.
Comments
So
Mercinary's are part of the package.
well this is different
I don't remember this ship battle...
was this a flash point or something? because that i can see, i rarely found anyone to do flash points with, and even the few i did do everyone was in such a hurry that i never got the story anyway.
Esseles
Is a flash point one of the first and still soloable if you still can get in your account.
The empire uses throw away mercenaries, but in the beginning of the game they were all hard fights, but to many complained and it has been nerfed many times. At least the operations haven't been.
Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Contemplation, yet duty
Death, yet the Force.
Light with dark, I remain Balanced.