Legend of Vajra 28. Welcome to Taris
https://archiveofourown.org/works/43208574/chapters/110377200
Taris,
In orbit
As he waited for the call to connect, Vajra stood with his back straight, and arms clasped behind his back. Kira stood behind him, but T7 was still at his station for now. He was listening, though. Vajra had given him permission to listen in to all priority calls, even while working.
He began speaking the second the Major’s holo fizzled onto the air in front of him.
“We’ve arrived at Taris, General.”
“Good, good. Command panicked when they heard that Sith are operating with impunity, even in our stations. Angral’s whereabouts aside, we’re looking forward to seeing what your prisoner has to say that could help us root out spies.”
“He was terrified of being sent back to Angral.” Vajra felt guilty. “I think it might have to do with how the Black Ops prisoners were welcomed.”
“Regardless, it’s time I told you why you’re here.”
“Right. According to the files I saw, there were no labs here.”
“But we have a different objective down there, someone whose safe return is just as important as securing the labs.”
“You have me at the edge of my seat, Sir.”
“His name is Doctor Nasan Godera. He was the real Mastermind behind all those weapons concepts. Tarnis just oversaw their development.”
“I remember hearing about him on Coruscant,” Vajra remembered. “But the way they talked about him, I thought he had died!”
“Not dead, just resigned. He took our surrender personally. Hates the Sith with a vengeance for what they did to his family.”
“And he’s down there? On Taris?” Most Jedi heard about this world while learning about the Mandalorian wars from three centuries ago. It was a colossal death trap! A mutative virus and its hosts, sinking cities, pockets of radiation, crumbling structures, angry predators, and most recently, bandits and thugs. “What benefit could he possibly—"
“Those same features that make it a nightmare also make it a scientist’s dream. It’s a target rich environment, full of structures and ships he can scavenge from, got an ample supply of poisons, toxins, and other hazards. And security is easy too.”
“What kind of a man is he? Will he resist our attempts to protect him?”
“He’s a genius. Calculates targeting algorithms in his head for fun. But his Archillean’s heels are his hatred for the Sith, and his questionable ‘ends-justify-the-means’ approach. He’s almost a mad scientist.”
“Damn.”
“Good luck, Master Jedi. I hope you find him, and bring him home. If anyone can find ways to counter our stolen weapons, it’s that man.”
“Understood. We’ll head out immediately.”
When the holo dissolved, Kira blew out her cheeks. “I can’t believe he didn’t say anything.”
“You look wonderful,” Vajra assured her. “Not to mention, different.”
Kira had undergone a slight makeover. She was wearing leggings instead of her long skirt, and had done a little experiment with makeup. She’d also added a lot of leather to her outfits.
Since it was Taris, she was going to keep the full-length clothes on, as was Vajra himself. But after re-embarking, she had shown Vajra some of the more revealing outfits she intended to wear in the ship.
She’d also picked out some nice shrugs and fancy shoes. She’d been hesitant about the makeup, but decided she’d do little experiments on her own until Jasme could teach her the basics.
“Come on, boss! Let’s get this party started!”
She had taken to calling him that. Since it felt less formal than ‘Master’, he was okay with it.
He hit the intercom. “T7, we’re almost ready!”
“T7 = coming!”
*
There was a young soldier waiting for them when they arrived, a blonde lady who was equal parts friendly and professional. “Master Jedi! Welcome to Taris! I’m Sergeant Elara Dorne. I’ve been assigned to give you a tour of the base.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Vajra bowed. “This is Kira Carsen—”
“Hey there! I recently found out, that I’m secretly a saint!”
Vajra chuckled. “She really is.”
“Good to know, Sirs.”
“This is T7-01.”
<Greeting: Good Morning, Sergeant Dorne!>
“Nice to meet you too!” the soldier did not betray a hint of uncertainty or surprise at having been introduced to a droid.
“And I’m Vajra.”
“We’ve heard of you, Sirs. Your work on Coruscant was nothing short of spectacular.” She turned to include Kira and T7. “We’re not getting told all the details yet, of course, but what little we have is quite the story.”
“I had a lot of help,” Vajra said. “The Guards and soldiers worked hard. Even some civilians joined in when they heard the firefights. Good thing Black Ops wore their uniforms, and made it clear who they had to target.”
“I understand that Coruscant was just the start. I wish you the best of luck in handling the larger scheme.”
“Thanks, Sergeant!”
“Right, then. Shall we get started?” She asked crisply. When they nodded, she led them to the spaceport entrance. A holorecording started to play when they passed it. A familiar Twi’lek began to give a welcome speech, but Vajra ignored it. “First things first. The Governor asked to meet you. Governor Leontyne Saresh began the Taris Resettlement initiative, and is the reason why there’s such a strong military base here.”
“Any idea how long it’s supposed to take?”
“Well, coming in, she thought it would be a piece of cake, something she could get done in a few months. Or at least, get it started, so that it could grow by itself. But the dangers were more than she’d anticipated.”
Vajra refrained from voicing his opinion, and so did Kira.
“That said, she’s good at getting us the resources we need. And the settlers too. She has influence, and is decisive. Try not to get on her bad side, though,” she added in an undertone. "She can be vindictive.”
“More so than any other politician?”
“She’ll never forget a slight. And if you don’t mind me saying so, she’s already predisposed to hating you.”
“What! Why?”
“So you didn’t hear? She criticized you—and everyone else calling the shots during the red alert—rather publicly. And she was humiliated rather publicly in return.”
“Oh, do you mean the Twi’lek who was at my ‘ceremony’?”
“Yes.” She relayed some of the things which had been part of Saresh’s speech. Kira glowered through all of it, but Vajra didn’t react until Elara talked about Saresh demanding the Outer Rim armies be sent in to purge the capital.
“Empty the Outer Rim? Did she suggest sending a ribboned-up invite to Dromund Kaas? ‘Come on over and take our fringe territories’?”
Elara made a soft, hissing noise. “What’s worse; her broadcast was public. And as I said, she has influence. There are people who listen to her. Within moments of her speech, the Supreme Commander’s office was flooded with demands to go through with her mad plan. He had to broadcast a response telling people that Saresh—and most of the Republic—did not know what was going on down there. That you’d made the right call. And that abandoning the Outer Rim means… well. Abandoning the Outer Rim!”
“I didn’t want to bring this up,” Kira said. “But my Master Kiwiiks is acquainted with Saresh. The things she says are not flattering.”
“Oh? I thought Master Vajra was your Master.”
“He is, since Coruscant. Master Kiwiiks told me to be with him while she went to secure other projects.”
“And I was grateful for it,” Vajra said. “Without Kira, I’d have been the only Jedi there. The only teenager. A lot of the guards were second-guessing my every order, which didn’t help with the pressure I felt. I felt very alone. It was only thanks to Kira and T7 that I made it out on top. I’ll always be grateful to them—and to Master Kiwiiks—for not abandoning me.”
“I can only imagine,” Sergeant Dorne said sadly. Something in her voice made Vajra Look at her feelings. She was sad and lonely. But grateful, and resolute. Underlying it all was a sense of moral character stronger than anything he’d ever seen before.
She took them to a large office building, one fit for a governor, and pressed the door chime. Seconds later, they were ushered in to see the Governor.
Vajra reached out with his Senses first, and Felt a will powerful enough to rival Master Satele’s. A mind which was so full of determination and zeal that it was almost composed of them. When he was brought before the severe Twi’lek herself, he spied a fierce cunning behind her dark eyes.
But given what he’d just learned about her, his findings made him see her as dangerous, rather than capable.
She stood to greet him. “Welcome to Taris, Master Jedi. I trust you like what you’ve seen on Taris so far?”
“I have. It feels like you’ve managed to create a small, safe island in the middle of this planet. I look forward to seeing what you can do with it in a few years.”
She nodded. “Thank you. So you’re the Jedi who saved the Capital.”
“I did my best. I’m glad I was able to stop Tarnis.”
“Yes, his ‘Planet Prison’ concept,” Saresh said. “The weapon that could cut off a world from the rest of the Galaxy.”
“Considering its potential, it looked rather plain. A lesson there, I suppose.”
“I see. And now you’re looking for other weapons projects that have been compromised. I did not know there was one on Taris.”
“They are ‘Top Secret’ after all. If it makes you feel any better, they hid it from the Jedi High Council as well. One of the reasons why we couldn’t prevent catastrophe until the eleventh hour.”
“Is that right? You seem to have a high estimation of the Jedi Council’s insight.”
“I’m just a teenager, but I was able to find the weapon before the instruments could. Just by Seeing through the Force. Imagine how much stronger their insight is. I understand trust in the Jedi was shaken by the Sacking of Coruscant, but a politician as well-connected as you should know that the failure was the policymakers. The Jedi did not trust the ceasefire, and our Council protested the thinning of Coruscant’s defenses. It was the Senate, which was eager to end the war, at any cost.”
She sat back thoughtfully. “You have a point there. I have been less than charitable about the Jedi lately, but there’s no denying that their decisions have been sound. Even the one of putting you in sole command of the investigation. That turned out better than anyone could have predicted. There’s no denying either, that there’s a lot of idiots and cowards in the Senate. Please, make yourselves comfortable. Would you like refreshments?”
“I’m afraid not, Governor. Time is of the essence. I’d like to finish my tour of this base, and head out within the hour.”
“Perhaps next time, then. But good help is always needed here on Taris, and very hard to find. If you can spare some energy for the beleaguered people under my care, it would be greatly appreciated.”
“I’ll do my best.”
*
“That was interesting,” Kira said. “After all I’ve heard of that woman, I’m glad our reception was so… reasonable.”
“Yes, Sir. Shall we continue your tour?”
Sergeant Dorne took the trio across the base. She showed them their quarters, the dining area, the rec zone, the command center, the secure comms, a refugee camp of all things, and other prominent features.
As they began walking towards their quarters, Kira asked her in a hesitant voice, “Was it hard? Leaving, I mean?”
Dorne’s melancholy rose to the surface. “Easiest, but hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Vajra blinked. “It’s her accent, isn’t it? It sounded a bit like…”
“Yes. I’m from the Empire. A defector. I served in the military, and saw my comrades ordered to do despicable things with frightening regularity. Rather than wait and pray that I never get such an order, I left. But my family is still there. They’ve cut ties with me, which is probably the best thing for their safety.”
“But… have you been accepted here? I’m sorry for asking, but when I mentioned being alone on Coruscant, I could see how hard it resonated.”
“I shouldn’t be surprised at how well you see,” she sighed. “But yes. It’s just as you said. I had parents on Dromund Kaas. A little brother. He’s Padawan Kira’s age. No doubt he’ll be following in our family’s footsteps and joining the army soon. I had few friends, but they were all very dear to me. And I had a fiancé too, James Ardent. I left his ring behind, but I still miss its weight on my finger.”
Her voice quivered, and she wiped tears out of her eyes. For a moment, Vajra saw the true depths of her pain, but also her inner strength. She missed her old life but did not regret leaving. He wished he could inner strength like hers… and he wanted to do something, anything, to comfort her. What would Jasme do? Other than hugs, she was known for listening, clarity, and generosity.
He made a decision on the spot. He pulled one of the crystals out of his pouch, the orange one. “Tell me, Sergeant. Have you read much about Lightsaber crystals?”
Looking perplexed at the change of topic, but shook her head. “I don’t believe I have, Sir.”
“There’s a reason we use some while building Lightsabers, but not others. They’re attuned to the Force. They’re almost alive; they can feel what goes on around them. They remember. They can be overcome by things like pain and suffering.” He showed her the crystal resting in his palm. It shone quite brightly in the sun. “Most curiously, they sing. And not like a song you might hear in the material world. You can hear it in your soul. Most of us can Hear it, softly, on our very first day in the Temple. I want you to have this one.” He offered her the crystal, and saw her eyes widen at the gesture.
“That’s very kind, Master Jedi, but I’m Force-Blind. I doubt I can listen to this… song.”
“The Force is in everything, even the rocks and shrubs. Of course, it’s in you as well. I cannot say this for certain, but I believe even the… Force-Blind… can Hear it, if you meditate enough. This one… it sings a Song which I thought you might need to hear from time to time. Please, take it!”
She accepted it with a trembling hand and gripped it tightly in her fist. “Thank you, Master Jedi.”
“You have a good heart, Sergeant Dorne. I’d ask you to join my crew, if I could. But something tells me that your path will be different. Your new place in the galaxy will arrive at your doorstep soon enough. In the meantime, and perhaps for years after, I hope this helps you.”
She closed her eyes shut. “I have no idea how to commune with the Force. I have meditated before, but not like this.”
“It’s good enough,” he told her. “I’ve heard the ‘standard’ meditation techniques, and it’s similar to what our novices are taught. All you need to do, is listen. If you keep the crystal nearby, or stay near a Force-attuned location like the Jedi Temple, it should be easier to hear its call.”
“I really appreciate your kind gesture, Master Jedi. If it’s possible for a Force-blind to hear this song, I swear I will.”
When she left them at the door, Sergeant Dorne was still smiling. Kira gave Vajra a bone-breaking hug when the door closed. “That was such a kind, sweet thing you did back there!” she whispered. “You’re a sweet little softie, just like Jazz. Never change!”
T7 chirped agreement.
*
After dropping off their things, the trio took a speeder to the site where Doctor Godera’s lab had been found.
As they approached, both Jedi Sensed several Dark presences.
“Should we sneak, or should we charge?” Kira asked.
“Sneak. Godera may be in there. T7, take the wheel. Continue on this trajectory for a bit, while we jump off. Return in two minutes, and follow us in.”
<Affirmative.>
They drove past the lab, and Kira followed her Master after he’d leapt off. He fell straight to the ground, and landed with an elegant tuck-and-roll. He was moving again as soon as he was vertical, crawling along the underbrush on all fours. Well, on all sixes.
They circled around, and found the sentries alert, but not unduly suspicious. Like a ghost, Vajra crept up on them, while Kira simply used her training as a Shadow to Cloak herself.
When he was close enough, he placed them under a Stasis. Kira walked past him, and took a look around. She used hand signals to tell him what she saw.
Seven guards. Three Sith.
Godera? He mouthed. She shook her head in response. He gave her a scary grin and held up five fingers, and started counting down. She nodded.
On zero, he pulled out his Lightsaber and charged in ahead of her. She slipped in behind him, still cloaked. She wasn’t really needed, but she couldn’t let him have all the fun!
The guards turned at his approach and began firing, one of them with a semiautomatic. His blade batted aside all the fire, sending them right back at them. Six of the seven were down before even he’d reached them, and the seventh was Tossed back into the wall so hard she was knocked senseless.
Kira decided to put her to sleep so that her Master could focus on the Sith.
The largest of the three, a woman with the red skin of a pureblood, bellowed out a challenge. "So, the four-armed freak walks into my hands? Perfect! Come, to Lord Rogant!”
She drew a pair of massive double-bladed Lightsabers, and wielded one in each hand. The other two flanked him, waiting to strike. Rogant approached him, sabers twirling like some out-of-control dynamo. It was an intimidation tactic, Kira thought; not one likely to work on a proper swordsman. And sure enough, Vajra stood firm, looking a little disappointed.
He waited there for a second before closing the gap. Quick as lightning, he took in a step to her left, jabbed, and backed up. The woman howled in rage and pain, the remains of her Lightsaber falling to the ground. His timing was perfect; right after the red blade had swung past, he had attacked her hand, stabbing it and the hilt it held.
Cradling the arm, she held her other saber in front of her like some shield, but he struck at the hilt again, as this time he had an unobstructed strike at her exposed hand.
Her loud scream was cut short when he kicked her jaw with quite some power. She was knocked into the air, and fell on the ground, stunned.
Standing where she’d been moments before, Vajra turned to the Sith on his sides. “Is she the best of you?”
The younger woman, a Dathomiri Zabrak, swallowed, but the human woman screamed in rage and attacked. Her attack was much more standard than Rogant’s, which was all bark and no show. Vajra blocked her strikes with a single hand, not taking a step to any side. No matter how fast she attacked, or how furiously, he broke her momentum.
“Oi, Bleak!” she cried. “Help me! Or do you want Angral to punish us later?”
The Zabrak snapped out of it and attacked with her twin blades.
“That’s better,” Vajra said approvingly. The women were obviously not used to fighting as a team, since they frequently bumped into each other, or cut short the other’s attack run. Once or twice, Vajra playfully knocked one into the other, and they began squabbling with each other as they stood.
“Watch where you’re standing, you fucking bitch!”
“What do you think you’re doing, letting him catch you like that?”
Vajra sighed, and advanced at a walk. Both women jumped and held out their Lightsabers in front of them. Their eyes were burning. Vajra feinted left, and the human tripped the Zabrak in her haste to intercept him. Vajra clove both Lightsabers in the Zabrak’s hands, then looked at the human. The pureblood began to move at last, and tried to gather enough Force for an attack, but Vajra tossed the Zabrak at her, headfirst. There was a crash, twin cries of pain, and silence.
The human looked nervous now. Vajra didn’t give her a chance to attack. He swatted her trembling saber aside, then punched her in the gut, leaving a dent in her armor. She fell down, dazed.
“Look what I found on this guard, boss!” Kira said brightly. “Stun cuffs!”
“Perfect!” Vajra smiled. “Restrain them. I’ll get the ones outside.”
By the time the five survivors awoke, they were all tightly restrained.
“Ohh, my head,” Rogant moaned.
“In case you were wondering, it wasn’t the bad roast you had.”
She gave him an annoyed look, then sighed. “You got us.”
“Getting you was easy. How many times have you tried that spinning stunt?”
“Salting the wound, Jedi?”
“Sorry. It just annoyed me to have such a tactic used against me. I’m not a novice, you know.”
“Right. But you know what I am, now that you beat me? A lamb ready for slaughter. Darth Angral has gone mad since his son died.”
“If you want sanctuary, we can give it to you.”
All three Sith exchanged a very pained look. Before looking back at him. “I’m no coward, Jedi. But I don’t want to be tortured to death like those Black Ops soldiers were.”
Vajra, to his credit, didn’t flinch.
“Why are you on Taris?”
“Because Angral knew you’d be coming here. Why you’re here, we have no idea.”
“And where is Darth Angral?”
“Aboard his ship. He splits his time between torturing the remaining prisoners, partaking in orgies to soothe his pain, and conferring with his confidants.”
“We don’t know where the ship is,” the human sighed. “It was near Hutta, the last we saw, but it was already making ready to depart. We were to return to his estate on Dromund Kaas if we caught you. To Korriban, if we didn’t.”
Kira shook her head. “Shouldn’t be surprised they didn’t know more. Should I call for a pickup?” She waited for the boss to nod before hitting the transmit button on her comm. “Sergeant Dorne? We’ve caught a few Imps, including three Sith. Would you mind sending over a recovery team?”
“Right away, Sirs!”
T7 arrived a moment later. <Fun = over? T7 = wanted to shoot something!>
“Look around, T7. Godera’s not here, but maybe we can find out where he’s been taken.”
A holo in the corner came to life. It was a middle-aged man they didn’t know, but he wore the unmistakable uniform of an Intelligence officer. “It pains me to admit that we don’t have him, Jedi. But we will. I am Watcher One, with Imperial Intelligence. Those men you fought, served me.”
“How did you get here so quickly?”
“Godera is one of the biggest threats to my people. We’ve been looking for him too. And we found this hidey hole not long ago. Coming here required planning, however. If fate had been kinder, we’d have made off with the good doctor months ago.”
“You say you don’t have him…” Vajra frowned. “And I believe you.” Kira’s mouth dropped. “What do you want with me? Why show even a card that’s in your hand?”
“To make a request. Imperial Intelligence is tasked with eliminating threats like Godera. Whatever Var Suthra told you about him is a wild understatement. The man is a god of weapons designs. He worked with your Republic for only a year before his resignation, and that was already enough to make a difference.”
“You’re afraid his weapons could cost you the war if it reignites.”
“The war is the lesser of my concerns. His weapons could kill millions. Just look at the Planet Prison, for heavens’ sake! And Godera’s the type of man who doesn’t care how many eggs he smashes in order to make his omelet.”
“You are sure of this?”
“Imperial Intelligence prides itself on accurate threat assessment.”
“Then you should know the threat Angral poses to us. Especially deranged as he seems to have become. If there’s any one person who can counteract all those weapons, it’s him. Or so I’ve been told.”
“Not inaccurate,” he sighed. “And your point is noted. I’m sorry it’s come to this. If I may have another moment of your time…”
“I’m listening.”
“I don’t like hurting children, even capable ones like yourself. But I have studied your profile. I know how you took down the Fallen Jedi, Bengel Morr.”
“To know that info, he’d need spies on Tython,” Kira moaned.
“That doesn’t matter. Only thing that does, is this. I have devised ways to fight you. If you cross my path, I won’t show you mercy.”
“Answer me this; do you know where Darth Angral is? Or where I can find him?”
He thought for a moment, then smiled sadly. “No, but I know where Rora Seake is. She’s a Sith Lord, and a beast tamer. And she’s trying to become the next Darth Bellicose.”
Kira could feel the chill in Vajra’s stomach from a dozen feet away she looked back at the Intelligence expert to see a sad pity on his face. He knew. “That was low, Watcher One.”
“I know.”
Rogant whistled. “Angral won’t be happy you’re giving up Seake. She’s insane, but she’s useful.”
“I have little choice. I need to find Godera before he does, so I need to slow them down by any means necessary.”
“Tell me about her,” Vajra sounded upset.
“She arrived on Taris to build up a ‘local army,’ so to speak. Tarisian wildlife is rather deadly, and she has a gift of enslaving dozens in a short span of time. The first thing she likes to do after taming beasts, is… breaking them in.”
“Attacking a soft target?”
“Just so. There is a colony, seventeen kilometers from your location. According to my Intel, she’s outdone herself. Built up an army of Ferrazid Hounds, Devourers, Tarisian Nexus, and several Bog Bears. Over a hundred and fifty in total. The colony is fairly large, around six hundred civilians, and have only a few guards. They won’t stand a chance.”
The human Sith snorted. “You are going to be eaten alive, Jedi.”
“Actually, Lord Lua, I calculate it won’t be enough to kill him. He’s better than you think.”
The Sith called Lua glared at him.
“Good hunting, Jedi. I hope you stop her. People like her… make me sick.”
Vajra turned to Kira, who was frightened by the frigid determination on his face. “Stay here, and search for clues with T7. There’s a chance he knows we’re splitting up, and will attack you both while I’m gone. But I know you can handle it now. Ask the base for support, if you need it. I’m taking the speeder, but I’ll be back for you soon.”
“Yes, Master.”
He left without another word, but Kira felt heartened that the rage she’d seen was controlled, rather than wild. “C’mon, T7. Let’s turn this place upside dow— oh, hi there!”
Several troopers walked in, holding guns at the ready. “I’m Captain Targe,” the one in the lead said. “We’re here for your prisoners.”
“They’re over there. Hey, can you call in some guards? I need to go over this place, but Imperial Intelligence might try something fishy.”
“Don’t worry, Sir. Sergeant Dorne… asked me to bring an extra squad, just in case.”
She ignored the note of annoyance in the man’s voice. “T7, if you would?”
*
Rora Seake approached the village guarded by a dozen of her Ferrazid Hounds. She stood on a rise, and observed the settlement down below as she waited to get noticed. Her lip curled.
The village below lacked any character whatsoever. She could appreciate unique architecture and art in a village, especially if she was going to destroy it, but these soulless imitations of settlements were barely worth the time they took to survey.
It was built entirely of prefabricated parts. Someone, somewhere, had designed parts that could help build up a town this size in less than a week, and everyone had taken to it like fish to water.
This one had been here for more than a year, she’d been told. And look at it! Just a town shit out by some factory!
These people would be a bore to kill, but they should thank her for her attention.
After two minutes, she grew tired of waiting, and released a Force Shout at the closest water tank. There was some panic and confusion, but eventually they started to notice her.
“PEOPLE OF TARIS TOWN ZERO-ZERO-ONE!” she shouted. “I AM RORA SEAKE, AND I AM COME BEARING GLAD TIDINGS!” She grinned widely. “YOUR DREARY EXISTENCE IS AT AN END! REJOICE! CELEBRATE! LET THERE BE A FEAST HERE TONIGHT!”
“She’s a Sith!” someone cried, and others began to run. Blasters were fired in her general direction, but they went wide. Still beaming, she gave a shrill whistle, and the beast army emerged from the trees.
The people fell silent at once, as they noticed the true horror of their situations.
Screams started to ring out from the trapped civilians. But there was a roar of an engine, and a speeder emerged from nowhere. “STAND FIRM!” the occupant shouted. “GATHER EVERYONE IN YOUR STRONGEST STRUCTURE! I’LL DEAL WITH THE BEASTS!”
A blue blade sprang to life in his hand. “Jedi,” Rora breathed. She’d gotten lucky after all.
The villagers took heart at this sudden arrival, and began piling into the community center.
Rora gave her orders. Two shrill whistles, and they began to howl and paw the floor. A third, and they began to attack.
The Jedi waited for the last citizen to enter the building and lock the door behind them, then charged at the attacking beasts. The closest Nexu pounced on him, and he whirled to one side, his blade slicing into its neck as it sailed past. He then charged at the next beast, a Ferrazid Hound. Both jumped at each other, but the Jedi’s leap took him right over the beast. His downward jab stabbed it through the skull.
One loud whimper, and it was dead. Nearly a dozen beasts surrounded him now, and he moved quickly; evading, stabbing, leaping, dashing. Never staying in one place too long. His blue blade sliced through beast after beast, and he wasn’t even winded.
The beasts all harried and harassed him like they did most prey; but he did not turn at feints and bluffs. In fact, he often didn’t turn at all, cutting down her beasts without even looking at them.
In less than a minute, he had killed nearly half her force. She growled, half admiring, half enraged. This one knew how to fight, and fight well. But he wasn’t using the Force, just his Lightsaber. Who was he? Was he a Master? She pulled out her binoculars, and took a closer look at him. She gasped. Four arms, and three eyes? This had to be Darth Angral’s quarry.
She cackled hysterically. “What a fantastic prize has fallen into my lap! Come with me, dogs! Let us dispatch this one personally!”
Her Bog bears charged ahead, roaring ferociously. The boy Knight ignored them until they were close enough. But Rora’s Lightning stopped him from killing them as easily as he had the others. His saber caught the impact, but left him briefly open to the bog bears. The larger one, the alpha, took a swipe at his belly, but the Jedi cut off its paw while still fending off the Lightning. He then deflected the flow away from him for a second before decapitating her bear.
She screamed in rage, but he had already charged for her second. This time, her beast’s bulk hid him from her gaze. She couldn’t tell what he did, but the second bear dropped dead seconds later.
The Jedi charged at her next, leaping from cover to cover to keep her from getting a good lock on him. “Hold still!” she screamed.
“As if that ever works!”
With a yelp, she turned around in time to block his blow.
“I’ll give you this much,” the Jedi said. “Your Lightning is better than Tarnis’.”
She grinned. “Thank you!”
“But it will not save you, no more will these beasts.”
She flinched. His voice had gone colder than a grave all of a sudden, and his eyes were as deadly gales. She yelped again and backed away, Willing her beasts to attack him. The Ferrazid hounds growled and charged; but the hand holding the blade became a blur. Hound after hound was instantly killed. More beasts crawled out to attack him while Rora made a run for it. She no longer thought about getting a reward. She needed to get away! She had miscalculated badly.
But the Jedi was hot on her tail, the beasts proving nothing more than a hindrance to him. Rora began to trip and stumble; she’d not done this kind of exercise in years… hard work was for slaves and grunts!
She looked over her shoulder and saw him only a few feet out of striking range. He took a deep breath before kicking down with enough force to kick up a dust storm. He vanished, and appeared in front of her.
“Mercy!” she tried to scream, but couldn’t find air in her lungs. She tumbled backwards, and only vaguely noticed that the motion was too light. She saw a headless corpse with her armor crumpling backwards.
She saw some of her nexu approach, and begin sniffing at her head.
Her mouth tried to wheeze out a horrified “No…” but she had no lungs. Mercifully, her vision started to go dark as the beast’s open jaws closed in.
*
Vajra could feel eyes on him; the villagers peered out of the windows anxiously, following his moves as best they could. Soon after killing the Sith, Vajra looked around, searching for beasts which were still lurking about. Most had been killed, but the rest fled when their trap had been broken. Some Nexu had carried off her body, something he had not stopped. It was poetic justice. After confirming they were safe, he turned to the community center. Putting away his Lightsaber, he raised a hand as a signal.
The townsfolk ran out, cheering wildly. Some formed a ring around him and knelt before him, sobbing like mad; others approached to give him hugs and clasp his hands.
“Thank you, Master Jedi, thank you!”
“You came at just the right moment!”
“All the stories we hear… they’re true!”
“You fought like a god out there today!”
“You saved our lives!”
“Please, we’re a small community, but take whatever you need!”
He waited for around ten minutes, accepting their gratitude as best he could and trying not to get crushed by the ones who thronged to embrace him. “I’m really sorry, but I need to get going.”
“Of course, of course! You’re always welcome here!”
As Vajra mounted his speeder, he thought about Watcher One’s choice of words, ‘She’s trying to be the next Darth Bellicose.’ She was well on her way to becoming even worse. With an army of minions, she could have drowned small worlds in misery and fear. Not only could she kill thousands, but if she’d had any wit, she’d learn to do it without being noticed. To harass villagers and force them off their farms and forests, to slowly starve to death while trembling in their homes.
Luckily, she had still been perfecting her art. He caught her before she could become a real danger to the galaxy. He had stopped a creature even worse than Darth Bellicose.
He felt the chill in his heart fade away, to be replaced by something light and glad.
He keyed his comm. “Kira?”
“Hey boss. Done already?”
“Yes. What about you?”
“No attacks, sadly, but T7 did convince one of Godera’s friends out of hiding!”
“I see! I’m on my way.”
*
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Taris SnapShots (The Rand Legacy)
Title: Taris Snapshots
Fandom: SWTOR/Star Wars The Old Republic
Featuring: Seth Rand and Corso Riggs, Sattura Rand and Kira Carsen (gen)
Synopsis: Just a couple of moments during Chapter one of the vanilla game, on the planet Taris.
Word Count: 1,797 words
Author Notes: Seth and Sattura dont know they’re both on Taris at the same time until the last possible second.
(Taris, Seth)
“This place is like a literal trash bin,” Seth muttered as he and Corso picked their way through the ruin-strewn wilderness of Coruscant. The planet had once been a city that had come close to rivaling Taris. But that was three hundred years ago before Darth Malak had bombarded it. “Like a trash bin for a galaxy-sized Giant…”
“I feel ya on that, Captain,” Corso agreed. “You think the Republic can really rebuild this place?”
Seth shrug as he ducked under a low-hanging structure that he could only assume was once a possible road….maybe a floor belonging to an upper level. It was overgrown with various fungi and plant life. Three centuries of utter abandonment and neglect wrapped around the ancient rusting duracrete and durasteel. “Maybe, but it’s going to take them a hell of a long time. Especially with the Rakghouls running around and…doing whatever it is they do.”
“Rakghouls…” Corso said with a shudder. “Don’t wanna run into those.”
(the rest is under the cut for length!)
“Well, we might, but hopefully not,” Seth said. He wasn’t about to reveal his force connection to the kid, not yet anyway. He could sense various other beings around them, mostly animals. He just assumed they were all predatory. He expected the Rakghouls would be of a similar feel. Probably feel threatened by anything, not like them, turn hostile. They hadn’t come into direct contact with any Rakghouls yet, but they hadn’t been outside the Republic Base, Olaris, for very long and it was only a matter of time. Until then, he was trying to keep himself and Corso from detection of anything nearby. There was a strange…feeling, however. It seemed to filter through the areas, possibly the planet, in waves. The feeling was like walking through spider-webs, the silky tiny strands wisping across his skin but with a heavy sense of confusion.
He was trying not to think about it too much. The faster they found that damn vault of Risha’s, the faster they could get the hells away from this death-trap garbage bin.
(Taris, Sattura)
Taris was…unsettling to say the least. Even from orbit, the young Jedi could feel the way the planet still twisted and writhed in the echos of the destruction that had been brought down on it three centuries prior. She knew her padawan and friend, Kira felt it. They’d exchanged a look when landing the ship. There was a feeling of…wispy spiderwebs that seemed to meander through the planet as if the ghosts of all the lives lost were trying to reach out and touch them.
“Doctor Godera sure picked a great vacation spot,” Kira said as they stepped out of the Olaris Spaceport.
Sattura gave an amused snort, “Pretty sure he was looking to disappear not necessarily a vacation.”
“What's the difference in a place like this?” Kira said, shaking her head. “I’m not knocking the Republic’s effort to restore the planet but…this is…” She trailed off, searching for the words.
“A substantial undertaking?” Sattura provided helpfully as they continued through the base.
“Substantial sounds like an understatement, to be honest,” Kira pointed out. “Still though…Think they can do it? Bring Taris back?”
Sattura considered for a moment, her violet gaze flitting over the ruins of buildings, skyscrapers in the distance. “It won’t happen overnight. And hopefully,its those in charge will keep their patience. I don’t think they’ll bring Taris back to it’s former glory…but I like to think that with patience and perseverance, the Republic can make it a place where people can live and build good lives.”
Kira was silent for a while as they exited the base, the scenery changing to one of ancient desolation. There was a flicker of apprehension.
“What if they don't have patience?” Kira asked.
“I don’t honestly know but…this place may remain a tomb in that regard,” Sattura answered honestly. “But the restoration and rebuilding efforts have only just begun, Kira. There’s no reason, yet, to lose hope.”
“You’re right…Well,” Kira said then took a breath, shaking off whatever had plagued her before. “We’ve got the coordinates for Doctor Godera’s little base. Shall we go knock?”
Sattura’s lips quirked in amusement before she gave a nod, “Stay alert though. I have a feeling this place has much more hiding in the shadows than the ghosts of the past.”
“Yeah like…rakghouls,” Kira said with a slight shudder.
They continued on.
(Taris, Seth and Sattura)
The day had progressed onwards and rather uneventfully for Seth and Corso. They were able to avoid the groupings of Rakghouls easily enough. Seth’s demeanor had shifted slightly, growing more and more tense the further from Olaris they got. He tried to keep it from his companion. The planet was just…unsettling to him both in the physical and in the Force. He could have shut off his focus on the Force. He did it well enough already. He didn’t use his full force potential anymore, it was a remnant of an old life but here, on Taris?
This wasn’t a place, he was willing to be fully blind in.
He heard it before he saw it but even then it was already too late.
A skittering, a sickening grotesque chitter from his left sounded before he picked up on the twisted presence in the Force. The rakghoul sprang from where it was hidden beside a tree growing around an ancient bit of rumble. His violet eyes snapped up, watching as it hurled itself towards Corso, who was reacting a second too late.
His first instinct, one he constantly had to resist, was to reach out with the Force but instead, he lifted his blaster, Anarchy, and pulled the trigger. His aim was perfect, the bolt hitting the beast in the side of the head as it flew through the air towards Corso. The impact of the bolt sent it spinning away. Corso blinked in surprise and slight confusion as Seth lowered his arm.
“Th-thanks, Cap’n,” Corso said with a slight breathlessness to him. The young farm boy was no stranger to fighting yet, even so, Seth couldn’t blame the kid for being even remotely disturbed. He wasn’t too keen on the idea of suddenly being faced with a rakghoul flying at him-
“Captain!” Corso shouted suddenly, his brown eyes fixed on a point somewhere behind the Mirialan. He was readying his own blaster when Seth heard it. The tell-tale skittering, the faint haunting chittering of not just one Rakghoul…but several of them. The blaster shot no doubt had gotten their attention. Without turning around, he could sense them, hostile and moving…fast.
Seth met Corso’s gaze and spoke one word.
“Run.”
There was little hesitation for either man, they bolted. Booted feet hitting the ground and kicking up dirt and underbrush. They ran, jumping and dodging roots, rubble. So focused on the Rakghouls chasing them, that Seth didn’t pick up on the too familiar presence he and Corso were rapidly descending upon. Not until they broke through a dense patch of foliage only to skid to a stop, blinking at the blades of green and indigo light suddenly in their path.
“Oh whoa…Uh… We’re not bad guys, I swear, Ladies,” Corso rushed out, his hands up in surrender and his brown eyes wide at the red-haired woman in front of him, her green lightsaber inches from him.
Seth’s own gaze was rising above the indigo light, the color so very familiar to him. It was as familiar as the presence he was now registering. When his violet eyes locked with eyes of the very same shade and color, he simply couldn’t believe it.
This couldn’t be real.
“Seth?” The Mirialan Jedi said his name, her voice as familiar as his own. Her violet eyes were wide in surprise, shock shifting around her in the Force.
“Sattura…” Seth said, fairly certain that his face was a mirror of hers.
His twin sister thumbed her lightsaber off, hooking the intricately carved hilt to her belt, still staring at him. Then quite suddenly, she smiled and launched herself at him. He felt affection and amusement bubble around her as he caught her easily, her laughter rich and infectious. His own laughter rumbled around them as he hugged his sister tightly. He was vaguely aware of Corso and the other Jedi were staring at the two of them, eyebrows raised.
“You’re a surprise and a half to see here,” Seth said, setting her down and resting his hands on her arms as their embrace ended. Sattura chuckled and squeezed his arm right back.
“Surprise is an understatement,” She said, tilting her head at him before stepping back from him completely. Her smile hadn’t faded and neither had his when they turned back to their respective companions.
“Kira, this is my twin brother, Seth,” Sattura started off the introduction. “Seth, this my fellow Jedi and padawan, Kira Carsen.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Kira said, amusement glittering in her eyes as she extended her hand.
“Pleasure is all mine,” Seth said, automatically giving her a charming smirk as he took her hand. Mischief was afoot when he placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles before letting go. He didn’t have to see his sister to know she was rolling her eyes.
“Seth,” She said quietly, her voice disapproving.
“Don’t worry, Master, suave and charm don’t work well on me,” Kira laughed.
Seth chuckled then glanced at Corso, “Well, introductions yes? Corso this is my sister, Sattura. Sattura, meet the most chivalrous man this side of the Republic, Corso Riggs.”
“Nice to meet ya, Ma’am, er.. Master Jedi,” Corso said, as gentlemanly as ever, holding his hand out. Sattura gave him a warm smile, accepting his hand with a friendly shake.
“Likewise,” She said. “As you know by now, this is Kira.”
“The charming one, I would say,” Kira chuckled, giving Corso a nod of greeting.
“Oh, Corso can be really charming when he wants to be-“ Seth was saying until the memory of what he and Corso had been running from came back to him in a rush.
“Seth?”
He glanced around, eyes moving to the tree line behind them, “We’ve gotta go. Unless you fancy tangling with a mess of Rakghouls.”
“Why-“ Sattura started and it was the look on her face that told him she sensed the mindless beasts heading their way.
With a hand on her arm, he jerked his head to Corso who immediately fell into action, readying his blaster and falling behind Kira who was leading the way through the rest of the underbrush.
“Always have to make an entrance, don’t you?” Sattura chided lightly as they ran, her voice barely breathless.
“You know it, sister mine,” Seth retorted with a wink.
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