[SW The Dark Mercenary] Chapter 10 - Tremor of Darkness

(Coruscant, Jedi Temple, one week after the Battle of Taris)

 

Coruscant. The core world of the inner galactic systems of the Galactic Republic and home of the Jedi Order. For nearly a thousand years has gone by since a battle had taken place on the planet by the Sith. From that, Coruscant has been war free of any major conflict, giving the citizens of the Republic a haven of pure peace and safety.

 

But not everything is what it seems. There always seems to be a hidden darkness somewhere, looming around the entire planet. Even the light itself cannot penetrate the source of its darkness.

 

Inside the Jedi Temple, Master Gulio stares across the room in deep thought with an expression of sadness upon his face. By the large window, Master Yoda himself gazes through the city of Coruscant, watching each passing vehicles passing by every second near the Jedi Temple. But it seemed that Master Yoda was also deep in thought, with much focus and disturbance on his face.

 

Both Jedi Masters have been silent for nearly thirty minutes every since Gualo entered Master Yoda's main chambers. Whatever they were pondering so much on was no question that whatever it is, was a very serious matter. However, the long silence was broken when another older Master, Coneros Witress, entered the chambers as his eyes met with the two other Jedi Masters across the room.

 

Coneros- "You summoned me, Masters?"

Gulio- "Yes we have, Coneros. We wish to speak you about some...previous events."

Coneros- "Uh...very well?"

 

As the confused Jedi Master takes his seat, Master Yoda walks away from the window as he slowly goes to take his own seat in the middle. The atmosphere around them all was intense and heavy.

 

Coneros- "So what is this about Masters? Is it about the Separatist? Dooku, perhaps?"

Gulio- "Not just the Separatist...but about our Republic forces and fellow Jedi in the Order."

Master Yoda- "Received reports from Taris, Republic Intelligience have. A battle taken place recently it has, between the two armies."

 

This somewhat surprised Coneros at the least. He was unaware of any battles that had recently taken place, besides the recent assault of Christophis.

 

Coneros- "I was under the oppression that Taris was heavily fortified under Separatist control?"

Gulio- "At first it was, but the situation had changed..."

Master Yoda- "Leading the Separatist defenses, Sith Acolyte Gualo Rotinth was. Killed in action, he was, by a few of our Jedi brethren."

Coneros- "Our own? Who were they?"

Gulio- "Master Turin Dehais was one of them. We had recently sent him undercover in order to get some insight on some of our Republic forces from within. Apparently, some of them were having doubts about us and the Jedi Order.

Coneros- "But why would the Clones be having doubts about us? Aren't they programmed to not have those kind of feelings or thoughts?"

Gulio- "It would seemed that the Clones have been allowed to have their own personalities and free will of thoughts, which is said that it had lead them to doubt our abilities. But to the point...Turin was leading the assault under his command. He was going by the name of Lieutenant Higer, a Republic officer that was highly recommended for the past few years before the war started. But sadly, Master Dehais was killed in action by the Dark Acolyte, Gualo."

Coneros- "I...haven't heard the news."

Master Yoda- "Close, were you?"

Coneros- "Of course. He was one of the Masters that helped train my apprentice for quite some time. Turin loved and adored him like his own son."

Gulio- "Yes...about your apprentice, Master Coneros.

Coneros- "What about him?"

Master Yoda- "On the planet, he apparently was. Kedone Witress, he was known by the others. Helped Turin in the fight, but to only see him pass unexpectedly."

 

Coneros grew wide eyed. His apprentice was on Taris? That couldn't be right, Kydan was suppose to be somewhere else!

 

Coneros- "That can't be right! Kydan told me that he was assigned for a medical relief on Ryloth!"

Master Yoda- "Assigned to him, that mission was not."

Coneros- "So why then? What was he doing there?"

 

Both Masters Gulio and Yoda glanced at each other silently, sorrow and guilt implanted on their faces. Master Yoda spoke up first to hault the silence.

 

Master Yoda- "Tell him, we must."

Coneros- "Tell me what?"

Gulio- *Sighs* "...Your not gonna like it, I guarantee you that."

Coneros- "It can't be any worse than I could imagine it to be."

Gulio- "...Very well......Master Turin, Kydan, and one of our promising padwans that we sent with Turin, Padawan Calena Irune, attacked the planet Taris with only two heavily armed Acclamator-Class Cruisers, carrying only a batallion of Clone Troopers and a whole platoon of Bounty Hunters, Smugglers and Mercenaries. It seemed that it only took them eight hours to recapture the planet, killing General Gualo Rotinth in the process. Though, almost the entire batallion was killed and the platoon was completely wiped out. Then, Master Turin was killed in the very end."

Coneros- "Alright, but your still not telling me what happened to my nephew."

 

Gulio gave him a worried look. He was at the point of not able to tell him about his apprentice's decision that he chose afterwards. He knew the boy very well, even sparred with him over the years. He and Kydan were like brothers. Yet, telling Coneros about something awful about him would seem to be over the line.

 

However, Gulio was about to speak when Master Yoda spoke up for him.

 

Master "Yoda- Your apprentice...gone he is. A Jedi, he is no longer not. A mercenary, he has become."

 

Coneros' expression turn to a complete state of shock. He was totally speechless. His apprentice...left the Jedi Order? A mercenary? No, that couldn't be right!

 

Coneros- "I...I don't...understand. Why would he...?"

Gulio- "In Padawan Calena's reports, it seemed that he was trying to protect the entire Jedi Order from the Clone's standard point of views. He thought that in order to protect the Jedi, he would lie and tell everyone that he was this...Dark Mercenary, neither a Jedi nor a Sith... but rather, something else."

 

Coneros was now completely confused. The story didn't really add up to him.

 

Coneros- "He did it...so he could protect us?"

Gulio- "Apparently so..."

Master Yoda- "Clouded, his future is. Confused and in pain, he suffers through."

Coneros- "...I don't...know what to say. My apprentice? Leaving the Jedi Order behind? I hardly ever saw this coming..."

Gulio- "Coneros, I know you and Kydan share a close bond with each other-

Coneros- "He is like a son to me. I have raised him ever since his father died when he was still a small boy. I had promised my brother and his wife that I would protect the boy no matter what. But this? I can't even..."

 

Sitting up, Coneros makes his way towards the window and looks above the high buildings and traffic. He pondered for a bit, thinking about what to do next.

 

Coneros- ...I have to find him.

Master Yoda- His path, alone he must take.

Coneros- But Master--

Master Yoda- Allies he has, many more he will soon gain. Worried, you should not.

 

Closing his eyes slowly, Master Yoda hums in deep meditation. His mind trying to be one with the Force, his thoughts racing through his older mind.

 

Master Yoda- "Hmm...unexpected allies, he too will travel. Shadowed is his future."

Gulio- "Like who, Master Yoda?"

Master Yoda- "...Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future."

 

He reopens his eyes and stares at Gulio and Coneros.

 

Master Yoda- "His future, clouded by the dark side, it is. Kydan's fate, his actions it will all depend."

Coneros- "So what? Do we just sit here and let him do what he wants, Master? We and the Council knows what he's capable of. He is a major threat to everyone out there, even to the Republic!"

Gulio- "And so is he to the Separatist. Coneros, I'm sure he'll make the right decisions. You have trained him well enough to do that, have you not?"

 

Coneros stared at Gulio with sadness and disappointment. He didn't want this. He didn't want his apprentice to fall to the dark side like this. He already went through one family member falling, he didn't need his one and only nephew to fall either. But like Gulio and Yoda said, he had trained him enough to know his rights and wrongs, to make his own decisions wisely. He knew that they were both right.

 

Coneros- *Sighs* "...Yes."

Gulio- "Then you know that he'll survive on his own, whether he's still a Jedi in the inside or not. In a way, he might surprise all of us."

 

Standing up from his seat and stretching his muscles, he looks towards the other two Masters.

 

Gulio- "Well I'm off, I must prepare for my upcoming assignment for tomorrow. We are to head to the front lines immediately."

Master Yoda- "May the Force be with you then, Master Gulio."

Gulio- "And with you Master Yoda...and Coneros?"

 

Coneros looked over to Gulio who was giving him a comforting smile.

 

Gulio- "Have patience, my old friend. He will return when he thinks he ready to."

 

Coneros nodded in agreement silently. He still felt the utter sadness in him, even if what Gulio said was true. Bowing one last time, Gulio walks towards the door and out of the chambers, leaving Masters Yoda and Coneros alone. After what seemed like an eternity, Master Yoda finally spoke up.

 

Master Yoda- "Concerned for your Padawan, hmm?

Coneros- "Yes Master. I know the code forbids a Master and an apprentice to share such a close bond. But all my years of training him, he's been like my own...

Master Yoda- A son to you, has he become?"

Coneros- "...Yes, Master Yoda."

Master Yoda- "Hmm...dangerous this is Coneros. A fear of lost is a path to the dark side."

Coneros- "I know, Master. But it's something I cannot control myself.

Master Yoda- If anything, rejoice for your times together. Mourn him do not, shed him do not. Self-attachments is a part of possession. A part of greed, that is."

Coneros- "So what I am to do, Master?"

Master Yoda- "Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose. Kydan's attachment to you, close this bond for now you must, until another time is decided."

 

Coneros hesitated to reply. Closing off the bond with his Padawan? It was bad enough to hear that he left the Order, but to separate their bond just like that? Even though he knew this would be hard, he believed that Master Yoda was right. He needed to let his Padawan go and do things his way.

 

Coneros- *Sighs and nods sadly* "Yes, Master Yoda...I understand."

 

Master Yoda- "Very good. Now, back to teachings, I must go. Younglings, patiently awaiting me, they are."

Master Coneros- "I best be getting back to mine as well."

 

Bowing to the old Jedi Master, Master Yoda slowly starts to exit the room.

 

Coneros- "Um...Master?"

Master Yoda- "Hm, yes?"

Coneros- "...Thank you for telling me personally. I don't know how I would react if I have found out on my own."

Master Yoda- "A great Master you have become, Coneros. Seen you rise in the ranks of the Jedi Order, I have. Become a great Jedi Master in the Council, soon you will."

Coneros- "Thank you Master. I wish I could have helped my Padawan do the same."

 

Pondering for a moment, Master Yoda thinks of some wisdom for Coneros. That's when he smiled.

 

Master Yoda- "Perhaps one day, you can. His future, still undetermined it is. In the end, close allies and friends he will still have. A great teacher like you, he will one day become."

 

With that, Master Yoda exits the room, hoping that his somewhat wisdom had helped ease Coneros' concern for the boy. As Master Yoda leaves the room, Coneros walks back towards the window, thinking about what Yoda had just said. He really hope that Kydan will be what he said. But he still couldn't shake off the worry and concern for his nephew.

 

Coneros- "I hope your right, Master Yoda. I really hope your right..."

_________________________

 

(A few hours later after the brief discussion in Master Yoda's chambers)

 

Gulio- "Do you think he is really ready, Master Fisto?"

Kit Fisto- "He has come a long way in the ranks of the Jedi. The Council and I agree that he is to be the next General for the Grand Army of the Republic, as well as his Padawan going through the trials of becoming a Jedi Knight."

Gulio- "I don't disagree with the Council's decisions on those two, nor am I trying to sound disapproving. But him being in high command of the Grand Army? Surely I would think probably of perhaps Master Kenobi, or Master Plo."

 

It wasn't that Gulio didn't trust his fellow Jedi, it was the other way around. The other Jedi reminded him of another young Jedi in the Order that was stubborn, living for the adventure and never looking towards the present. It just seemed to soon for the Jedi to be Generals of war just yet. In fact, to fight a war at all.

 

Kit Fisto- "I know your judgement of him is different, but the decision has been made. We must honor the Council's wishes."

Gulio- "I have no doubts. But I just hope were not making a wrong decision, Master Fisto."

Kit Fisto- "I guess we'll have to wait and see Master Gulio. Now come on, we are to tell them both in person."

Gulio- "Of course."

_________________________

 

(Half an hour later...)

 

Kit Fisto- ...By the rights of the Council and the Republic, we have come to the decision that you would be the next General of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Gulio- Congratulations, Master Hecilt.

Hecilt- Thank you Masters. This is truly an honor. I will not fail the Republic nor the Order, no matter the cost.

Kit Fisto- We all know that you will do your best Hecilt. It hasn't been long, but it seems you've improved extremely well. We are sure that you will do what you can as General.

Gulio- Now, as for you young Padawan...

The seventeen year old padawan woman comes forth to the Masters. She wore a black Jedi robe and has long brown color hair that stops to the tip of her waist, her eyes colored in an emerald green. She seemed quite nervous in front of the Masters.

 

Gulio- "Padawan Calena? After much of your training training, patients, trials and your excellent skills with your speed and fighting techniques, we are happy and please to announce that you are welcomed to join the ranks of the Jedi Knights."

 

That news caught her off guard. She didn't seem to see that one coming at all.

 

Calena- "Th-that's...Th-thank you Gulio--I-I mean, thank you Masters. I promise to do my best."

 

The Masters silently laughed within themselves, a genuine smile formed on their faces. Her enthusiasm reminded them so much of what they went through when they were just Padawans themselves. It overjoyed them, to say, and they really couldn't be happier for her. Hecilt approaches his apprentice, putting his hand upon her shoulder as he gently squeezed.

 

Hecilt- "Now my apprentice, remember everything that I taught you, and you will do just fine."

Calena- "I will Master. I promise, I won't let you down."

Hecilt- *Smirks* "I know you won't. I have taught you everything I know. Now...it's time for you to move up to Knighthood, my old apprentice."

Kit Fisto- "So? Shall we begin with the trials then, padawan?"

Calena- *Smiles* "Yes, of course, Master Fisto."

 

Smiling, Master Fisto and Calena leave the chambers to prepare for her trials as Masters Gulio and Hecilt follow closely behind.

 

Hecilt- "She has come a long way Gulio."

Gulio- "Yes she has. We thought it was crazy when we brought her here when she was at a mere age of eight...and yet, we seemed to underestimate her. Her skills, speed and abilities of the Force have grown tremendously. She shows much promise as a member of the Irune Clan."

Hecilt- "Who knows, maybe she'll be a Jedi Master sooner than we think."

 

Gulio couldn't help but laugh at Hecilt's comment. Even though she was still young, anything could be possible.

 

Gulio- "Perhaps one day, my friend. Perhaps one day indeed."

_________________________

 

(Separatist Space, one month after the Battle of Taris)

 

In unknown Separatist space, aboard the Providence-class Carrier/Destroyer flagship, the Gyroosa, Lord Nedoura had just begun to report the news to his masters and allies. The situation, however, would soon get ugly for him as he stared upon the three holograms before him.

 

???- "What news from the fronts, General?"

Grevious- "The Republic is slowly moving upwards, my lord. Ever since the takeover of Taris and Christophis as of recent, the Republic have found multiple ways of countering our fleets in nearby borders of Republic systems."

Dooku- "We only have little concern of that, General Grevious. However, I am not able to coup with the loss of Taris. With the reports that we had received earlier...is somewhat disturbing."

Grevious- *Snarls* "The boy..."

 

Grevious and Dooku both had the looks of much anger and infuriation in their eyes. Ever since they learned about the downfall of their forces on Taris, they had to take their plans a step back because of some mere boy and his soldiers earning a victory against them. However, Nedoura didn't seem deterred by the situation whatsoever.

 

Nedoura- "He seems to have grown stronger since the start of the Clone Wars..."

Grevious- "You should have taken him while you had the chance! We could have saved one of our nearby planets if it wasn't for him!"

Nedoura- "It was not the time yet--"

Grevious- "Do not give us excuses, Nedoura! If you had just--"

???- "ENOUGH!"

 

Their master's voice crackled loud through the holograms, as well as giving a small tremor in the Force itself. It seemed that their Emperor had enough of their small debate over the boy.

 

???- "The boy is nothing but a immature mercenary. His act on Taris was but an example of what he could really do."

Dooku- But would he not be a threat to us, master?

???- "Perhaps...but also to the Jedi. They had tried to tame him under secrecy, and yet, they couldn't hold him down with a leash long enough. We will be cautious and watch the boy for now."

Grevious- "And then what? What if he becomes a major threat?"

 

The Dark Lord looked over to his apprentice and acolytes with a devious and evil smile. That look alone could have scared the daylights out of any alien or human.

 

???- "He will either join us...or die. But until then, we need to move forward with my plans."

Dooku- "Yes, my master. We had just sent a few fleets to some nearby trade routes in Republic territory. It shouldn't be long until we have control of the trading routes."

???- "Good, good. General, have your fleets ready to move on with capturing the home planet of Kamino. We will need to delay their armies a bit longer in order to fully move on."

Grevious- "At once, my lord."

 

With Grevious' hologram disappearing, the Emperor turned to his Grand Acolyte

 

???- "Grand Acolyte, is our fleets ready for control?"

Nedoura- "Yes, Emperor. Aeton II, Corellia and a few other planets are just days away of being conquered. It shall not be much longer."

???- "Excellent. You have both done well. Make sure my plans do not deter any further. And continue to monitor the whereabouts of the boy and the Jedi.

Nedoura- At once, my lord."

Dooku- "Understood, my master."

 

With that, both the Emperor and Count Dooku's holograms disappeared, revealing nothing but the view of Nedoura's massive fleet in space. It didn't take too long before a chime sound was heard from the room.

 

Nedoura- "Appear."

 

The doors silently slid open, revealing two figures wearing Sith robes and armor. One wore a torned cape with a black bandanas covering half his face. The other looked cybernetic, wearing an armored chest plate and shoulder pads, along with a breather mask. They both walked up to the Grand Inquisitor and they kneel before him.

 

???- "Our lord..."

Nedoura- "Report, my acolytes. Are we ready to advance with our operations?"

 

???- Yes, Lord Nedoura. The fleets are already mobilized and ready for departure. We shall have news from them very soon.

Nedoura- "Excellent. Any news from the boy?"

???- "Yes, Nedoura. We recently received reports that he was in the Carida system aiding Republic forces into capturing the planet. It also mentioned that his powerd and skills have proven quite a lot since then."

 

That little information gave him a wicked grin to grow on his face. He was correct after all; the boy was getting stronger by the days, and he would soon be able to hone his special abilities sooner than he would expect.

 

Nedoura- "Excellent. Then it will not be long before he is ready then..".

???- "My lord, I have to ask...do you really think keeping our plans from Lord Sidious a secret is a good idea? Would he not sense betrayal and deception from us?"

Nedoura- "Do not concern yourselves over that nonsense, my acolytes. Sidious will know soon enough. Our plans is what will help create his future Empire, after all."

???- "And what of the Witronian boy, master?"

Nedoura- "Simple..."

 

Nedoura turned back to the hologram, now revealing an image of a under construction structure that was not yet completed. Nedoura's expression became a smile and his eyes started to glow yellow.

 

Nedoura- "Once my nephew is ready...we shall have him by joining us, or take him by force. And once that happens, we will finally be ready. My acolytes...this war is just the beginning..."

 

At that very moment, he started to chuckle menacingly, turning into an insane and uncontrollable laughter that spread throughout the entire ship as they all stared at the hologram.

 

He was right. This was just the beginning...

_________________________

 

 

I really liked writing this chapter. Even though there wasn't any battles involved in this, it was still pretty good. We wanted to show from each side and some of the main characters on what was going on and what might happen later on.

 

On another note, because we been getting amazing support from you guys, we would like to give a shout-out to the following people that have been with us from the start:

 

Cole Blood

Jordan Hillis

Sully Manning

Random_Panda

Swash Buckler

Raven

Salo Gelb

Ezra Bridger

Royham1

Peter Thaler

Michael

D U B L

Antonio Hidalgo

Master Cheif

Robert Woodhouse

ThankTheLEGOMaker

Project Azazel

Jako of Nerogue

S Asbury

Alpha Bricks

Kltzthms

LegoGallifrey

VLAD SHEVTSCOV

Captain Crafter

 

Once again, thank you all for your wonderful and countless support on our series, and please, continue to give me feedback on how the story is going and what we could still do to approve on. Again, thank you all and, as always, have a fan-tucking-tastic day/night! See ya' in the next one.

 

- Director K.W.

Done