The Imperial Shipyards
Imperial Creative Engineering => Fan Fiction => Topic started by: Phatty on June 27, 2010, 07:55:29 PM
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(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f51/pnewell8/2po5zz5.jpg)
"You found this one in the cargo hold," asked the Dark Lord of the Sith? His menace loomed over the white clad Stormtroopers in the hallway of the Tantive IV. The white robed female, unconscious and in captivity, seethed with the Force. Vader hadn't felt a presence this powerful since his days at the Jedi Conclave on Coruscant. "Take her to my chambers upon my Star Destroyer immediately. Edit the logs to show she was left on Tatooine and that all aboard were killed, no survivors. I want all traces of this girl erased from this ship. Do not fail me, or you will face my wrath. Once you have accomplished your task, come see me in my chambers. Tell no one of the task I have put upon you."
"Yes, Lord Vader," echoed both Stormtroopers as they drug off the young girl to a fate unknown. They did not know what Lord Vader had in store for her, and they definitely didn't want to find out.
Hours Later in Lord Vader's Chamber:
"Who do you think you are, Vader?," screamed Leia, as she sat restrained in her chair, unable to move. "I am a representative of the Galactic Senate, you have no right to-"
"I know who you CLAIM to be, but I am more interested in who you are really," said Vader. "Who are your parents?"
"I am the daughter of Bail and Breha Organa of Alderaan," said Leia defiantly.
"That is what you may have been told, but I sense the presence of others in you, young one." Vader stood over Leia and stared, deep into her eyes and into her soul. The Force emanated from her in powerful waves, but yet Vader could see that the girl had no idea how powerful she truly was. Was she unaware of the power that resided inside of her? As Vader searched deep into the mind and soul of the alleged Princess Leia, a fleeting aura graced his psyche; a presence in the Force he hadn't felt since....could it be? Yes, it was! He could feel Padme, his long lost love, somewhere in the pit of Leia's soul. Was it possible that Padme had given birth before she had died? Could this be his last link to the life he had left behind? Her presence in the Force was stronger than even his own, a formidable opponent-or ally-if she were to ever realize her true potential.
The door to Vader's Chamber buzzed. It was the Stormtroopers who were charged with hiding Leia's presence upon the Tantive IV.
"Lord Vader, your command has been carried out, there is no trace of the girl on that ship, and logs show she was jettisoned to Tatooine before we overtook the ship."
"And you have told no one," asked Vader? Even as he asked it, he searched their minds for traces of lies, which he had found none. Their fear, fear of Vader, kept them true to their task.
"No Lord Vader, no one but the two of us know, just as you asked," said one Stormtrooper, full of pride in his service to the Dark Lord.
"Then no one will know of what has transpired here," said Vader as he reached out with one arm, closing his hand into a grip as both Stormtroopers reached for their throats, struggling to breath against an invisible assailant. It was Vader's favorite use of the Force, to take a person's ability to breath away from them. It provided a great deal of fear to instill in others, and erased loose ends that Vader wanted to be rid of. He turned to look at Leia, reveling in the horror on her face.
"Do you enjoy watching others die in this way, Leia," asked Vader with a measure of humor? "I ended your mother's life the same way. She betrayed me to the Jedi, showed her weakness, and I crushed the life out of her. I initially thought I had sensed a spark of her life remaining after she had collapsed, but I imagine it was your life I sensed in your mother's husk."
"What are you talking about," stuttered Leia, obviously shaken by the words that echoed in her mind. "That can't be possible!" Yet deep down, in Leia's mind, Vader's words resounded with truth. How she knew this to be true was a mystery, but she knew it to be truer than any words she'd ever heard before.
"Ah, I sense great turmoil in you, Leia. You know what I say is true. You don't want to believe it, but in time, you will come to know it as gospel. Would you like to know who your parents are, my dear," asked Vader?
Slowly, with shock still evident on her face, Leia nodded her head. She didn't know why she wanted to hear what came next, but she felt compelled to hear Vader's words.
"Your mother was Padme Amidala, of Naboo. I met her when she was Queen, I loved her when she was Senator. But she betrayed me, and for that she had to pay just like the rest of them."
"I know this to be true, though I don't know how," said Leia through tears as they streamed down her face. It was amazing to Vader to see her keep her composure, to control her feelings in the light of such turmoil. If the Jedi had gotten to her, they may have had one of the greatest allies against the Sith in a millennia. Fortunately for Vader, he now had with him the last link to his former life, and now the path to his future to overthrow his Emperor. "Then who is my father?"
"I, am your father, Leia."
The look of terror, horror, and avulsion on Leia's face was rich with feelings, ripe with hatred and fear. Vader would cherish that thought forever.
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great job phat!
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WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! awesome story awesomely written!
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Dude, that is HUUUGE! I love it, and as always I love your style.
A great idea so well executed. (also love the image...sheesh, it sure beats the Slavwe Girl costume)
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brilliant Pat!!! this has to go on the front page!!! your writing skills are top notch buddy is there any more to this story or is it a one off?
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Nice job, Pat!
How about some more?
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I have a busy day ahead of me today, but as soon as I have the chance I'll get the next chapter up and running. Thanks for the kind words!
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Good read, Pat!
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The air was thick with emotion. Rage and anger were as palpable as the floor and walls. Leia picked herself up off of the training floor for the umpteenth time today. It's been six years since Leia discovered her true lineage. Six years since Vader took it upon himself to train his daughter in the ways of the Sith. They have been brutal lessons, filled with hate and cruelty. Vader blamed Leia's life on her mother's death, so he took pleasure in punishing Leia for every slip up, every miss of her blade, every hesitation.
"Perhaps I was wrong about you, my daughter," said Darth Vader in all his malevolence. "You are weak. You do not give into your anger, your hatred. I can feel your emotions raging inside of you, yet you continue to keep them deep inside of yourself. You will learn the true power of the Dark Side, or you will perish trying." And with that, Vader grabed Leia in a Force Grip, lifting her high above the ground, suffocating the precious air from her lungs. Vader's cruel laughter rang out loud along the walls of the training room, echoing in Leia's fading conscious. As her body began to go limp, Vader threw her body across the room, crashing loudly against the wall, crumbling to the floor.
Inside the darkest recesses of Leia's mind, something stirred. All of her rage, her anger, her hatred, and her fear culminated into one, destructive being, building fire as it grew larger and more powerful in her mind. Vader could feel the build up in the Force as he approached his seemingly unconscious body, which gave him pause. He could sense the impending Force Storm, but was certain he could weather it easily enough. The Dark Lord of the Sith...was wrong.
Leia sprang to her feet, swelling with energy and strength, a twisted smile graced her black lips, her dark eyes shone bright with blazing Force fires. Ozone erupted in a sea of lightning and fire all around her, burning the floor all around her to a charred black. Leia thought it apt, as it was the same black as her father's hideous armor - and her blackened soul. Leia focuses her attention on her father, as he slowly tried to approach his pupil. The fires and lightning now combined with gale force winds, easily slowing Vader to a stop dead in his tracks. Darth Vader tried in vain to utilize his affinity in the Force to push the Force Storm back, to make further progress, but even his great might had paled in comparison to the devastating evil that now resided in his protage's heart. For the first time since he had left his mother all those years ago on Tatooine, the man formerly known as Anakin Skywalker knew fear, and it's name was Leia.
"Your thoughts betray you, Father," sneered Leia. Her lips, black as the blackest hole, twisted into an evil smile that made Vader's blood run cold. Never before had he seen such raw Force energies being used in such overwhelming destruction. He knew, if the Emperor was to be overthrown, Leia would be the one to do it. "I can feel the fear inside of you Father. It tastes delicious!"
"Strike me down, Leia. Strike me down if you are so confident that you can do so. However, you have much to learn yet, and if you are to rule as the Dark Lady of the Sith, to rule the galaxy, you will need my help yet. I am proud of your awakening."
With a sudden explosion, Leia sent her immense Force Storm hurtling towards the fallen Sith Lord, thrusting him backwards and against the wall with enough force to crumple the wall like a piece of flimsi. Her eyes still teemed with fire, as if her very soul was aflame, and she floated across the floor, not even taking a step, as she went to her father. "Was that to your liking, father," asked Leia?
"You have much to learn, Apprentice," shouted Vader as he ignited his lightsaber to life, making a reposte at the black clad Sith apprentice. The initial thrust caught Leia off guard, but not enough. In the splinter of a mind's eye, Leia felt the battle come to life before anyone even had reacted. The thrust by her father was easily parried asise as she ignited her twin short sabers. A back flip carried Leia back several meters and into a defensive stance.
"You are slow, Father. Your overpowering stance is no match for my speed and agility!" Leia had designed her twin lightsabers from the very same hilts her father had built many years ago. The blades were jet black in color, yet glowed with an eerie light all it's own. They were shorter than a standard lightsaber, which meant that Leia would have to move in closer to her target to deliver the killing blow, but as she said, her speed and agility more than made up for that. Several Force Acolytes had fallen to her blades over the past couple of years, each trying to prove their worth to Darth Vader. Each finding nothing but their own deaths at Leia's hands.
Vader rose to his feet, standing tall in all his splendid glory. His armor was in tatters, his biomechanics were in tatters, sparking and dripping molten metal. Yet Vader was more than his armor. His affinity for the Force was greater than any Jedi or Sith before him, and he knew how to use it well. Vader moved in to his pupil's range, swinging with all of his power, in an attempt to subdue his daughter. Each swing of his lightsaber crashed against black energy, sparking and sputtering each time. Each powerful thrust and swing drove Leia backwards a step at a time. However, each step backwards was a feint. The battle unfolded before Leia's eyes, ever before it unfolded on the training floor. The Force had taken her, and she was open to it all. Each attack was met easily enough, and each step back focused more and more Force potential, gathering it in her arms as she focused it into her blades of her lightsabers. Suddenly, Vader came down with his lightsaber in a viciously powerful downswing. Leia crossed her blades, pushed the attack down to the floor, and came up with both sabers crossed in front of her, hurtling a burst of flaming energy out at her father, enveloping him an a conflagration of Force Fire. Vader stumbled back, writhing against the flames as he unsuccessfully tried to extinguish the fire.
And with a mere thought from Leia, the fires were gone. Vader knelt there, on the ground, gasping for air through his mask as smoke roiled off what was left of his armor.
"And now the Student, becomes the Master," giggled Leia.
"No, it does not," gasped Vader. And with a thought, the loud crack of Leia's bones rung out against the walls of the training room.
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Great story pat but it seems like you're molding this story like the force unleashed.
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wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I have a vague direction I want to go, but I let each writing session take it's own path as I write it. I'm not entirely sure where I'll end up yet!
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speechless absolute ! you should send this to lucas saying its another infinities version its great
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Good read!
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Pain. Anger. Hatred. These are the only things Leia feels now. Deep within her mind, buried in her Healing Trance, Leia seethed with these emotions. The incredible pain she felt from all of her bones being shattered, combined with the sheer magnitude of rebuilding her body with the Force, racked her body and consciousness with agony. The anger was aimed at herself. Angry for letting her guard down, for not finishing her father when she had the chance. Blind ego had caused her failure, a failure that she would not repeat again. The hatred was for Vader. Hatred for twisting her into what she had become. Hatred for her injuries. But her body was healing. She would rise again. She would take revenge against Vader. She would destroy the Dark Lord of the Sith, as well as his Master, Emperor Palpatine. She would come to rule the galaxy in her cruel grip. Leia's body pulsed with Dark Side energies.
8 months later...
The violet energy dripped off of Leia's sweaty body as she swung her sabers in deadly arcs, slashing armor and flesh. Her garrison of specially trained Stormtroopers were a cacophony of destruction, their orchid blaster fire shimmering off of their distinct armor. The violaceous markings on their black armor were easily recognized as the most bloody, destructive troopers in the Empire's Armies. Their mere presence sent hardened soldiers running. Now, their fierce tactics and hugely precise blaster fire decimated the Rebels protecting their base on Orion IV. Leia and her army, the 818th Feartroopers, had tracked a Rebel freighter to Orion IV and launched an attack as soon as they let down their defenses. The Dark Lady of the Sith was pleasantly surprised to find out just how large this base was, and how many Rebels were stationed here. Her victory would send a crushing blow the the pitiful Rebel Alliance, and that thought made her grin an evil grin as she continued her onslaught. Each swing, jab, parry, thrust, and foil of her newly constructed amaranthine blades sent another Rebel scum to their grave, and each life taken gave Darth Leia more power. It was intoxicating! "Press on Troopers! I want only one Rebel puke left alive so that they may spread our tale. The rest must be slain, or you will face my wrath!"
From a distance, a Rebel sniper took aim at Leia, encapsulating her in her scope. Her position well hidden, the sniper named Thena Skyblade had been awaiting this opportunity since the assault began. She may die at the hands of the Feartroopers as they decimate the Rebel forces, but she would snuff the flame of the Sith Witch here and now. The wind was coming lightly from the East, steady enough to play accurately. The light from the sun glinted off of the woman's raven hair, though not enough to hinder the sniper's view. The sniper drew in a deep breath, holding it to steady her aim. The Sith paused, looking for more prey. Thena squeezed the trigger, sure of her shot like she was sure the sky above Orion IV were a beautiful sea green. The searing hot bolt of energy sizzled out of the barrel of the sniper rifle and hurtled towards the dark woman with the speed and voracity of a hungry Kath hound. The bolt was dead on target, due in a mere microsecond to splatter the insides of the vile girl's head all over the landscape. And yet, the unthinkable happened; With a speed unrivaled by any experience Skyblade had ever witnessed, Leia easily pushed aside the blaster bolt with her lightsabers and turned to face the skilled sniper, staring right into her soul. The distance was great enough that no mere human could see, yet Leia did. The stare from the Sith burned into Thane's psyche. It was horrifying.
"Commander, I want that woman taken alive," purred Leia.
"What woman, Mistress? I see no women on the battlefield," voiced Commander Arvyn through his eerie helmet.
"Then you need to broaden your view, Commander. She sits atop that outcropping along the hilltop to the North. Capture her alive, and do not fail me!"
"Yes Mistress, your will be done!"
With that, Darth Leia turned her attention back to the task at hand; the ultimate slaughter of these Rebels! Her blades again arcing in glorious heliotropic fireworks, like a Mon Calimari aqueous light show, she continues to cut down Rebel after Rebel, spilling their blood and entrails onto the ground without impunity. Leia could not help but giggle all the while...
"Troopers, guard quadrants 79er and 353. No one escapes from those routes. You three protect the escape perimeter at the Southern exposure of the hillside. Theta-Squad and I will head through the Rebel bunker into the tunnels of the Hillside. Mistress Leia wants this Rebel captured alive at all costs, so set your weapons for stun," ordered Commander Arvyn.
"Sir!" shouted the Feartroopers in unison. Beneath his helmet, Arvyn smiled a wicked smile. His Feartroopers were the absolute best of the best, minus the special troops selected by Palpatine himself, that is. No one escaped his troops.
WHOOMP!! WHOOMP!! WHOOMP!! Shots rang out, and just like that three of his troops lay dead on the ground at Arvyn's feet. "Take cover, initiate attack pattern 6-8-Zulu!" Arvyn took Theta-Squad and hurried into the bunker while the rest of his crew dove into cover.
"Well, that's three down, only seven remaining," thought Thena Skyblade to herself as she slung her sniper rifle over her shoulder, hurrying into the tunnels. She hoped the Empire's troopers weren't able to follow all of the tunnels inside of the base. She raced down one tunnel in a full on sprint, her breathing as controlled as ever, her peak physical conditioning fueling her flight. She made a right, a quick left, followed by a second left. The tunnel ahead uncurled into a straight run, with the final leg of the tunnel at the end where it opened out into the North of the hilltop. Thena put her head down and braced the rifle against her back as she sprinted even faster down the tunnel. Suddenly and ferociously, Thena felt a dull thud against her skull, and the already dark tunnel got darker, her consciousness fading rapidly. The last thing she saw before she succumbed to the encroaching blackness was the terrifying visage of the black and purple helmet of a Feartrooper, staring hollowly down at her.
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Good read Pat!
-Jack
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oh .... my .... holy...... shizen ... THAT WAS BLOODY AMAZING!!
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Thanks Jack and Wattoh!
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When is the next Chapter?
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Not sure yet. I've been super busy, and I've stalled a bit on my tale.
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"NO! Please, no," sobbed the Rebel trooper. His wounds, precise in their incision through his vital arteries in his arms and legs, lied on the ground, bleeding profusely. His eyes filled with tears and blood, he begged his assailant for mercy. Mercy that wouldn't come. Not at the hands of the woman once named Thena Skyblade. No longer was she known by that name, not since her transcendence from Rebel Sniper to the Lethal Hand of the Dark Lady. Now known only as Smashbolt, she was the right hand of Darth Leia. Through pain and misery, despair and horror, Skyblade was stripped of her former life, shown the error of her believes, and remade even more lethal and cunning than ever before. There wasn't a gun, rifle, cannon, blaster, or similar weapon made that Smashbolt hadn't become an expert in using. While her favorite instrument of death was her BlasTech Model E-17d sniper rifle, highly modified and highly deadly, she had become quite fond of her pair of BlasTech DL-44 blaster pistols for close up killings. The pair of blasters were a gift from her Mistress upon completion of her training at the hands of the Dark Lady of the Sith. Smashbolt stared down at the Rebel trooper, his pitiful sobs muted by her own thoughts. She rasied her boot high, bring it crashing down into the face of the trooper, ushering a torrent of blood and teeth erupting from the impact. The gurgling from the trooper as he tried in vain to beg for his life was silenced by the blaster bolt that was spent point blank into the forehead of the pitiful excuse for a soldier. Her blonde hair blew gently in the breeze, dancing along with the song of warfare as she surveyed the death and destruction her fellow Feartroopers were causing on Dantooine now. Smashbolt was now the head of the Feartroopers, the 818th regimen, answerable only to Darth Leia, Darth Vader, and the Emperor themselves. Her black and purple armor was a fearsome sight, standing apart from the rest of her Feartroopers. She was meant to be noticeable on the battlefield, meant to instill fear at the mere sight of her. She loved that power. She relished it. She craved it. And Leia gave it to her. Leia had tortured her, choking the life from her body, only to be brought back with torrents of Force Lightning. She had her bones broken and mended with the Force, only to be broken again. She knew agony well. Hatred was her friend. Misery kept her warm on those cold nights in her barren cell, where she would often lay naked and crying after hours upon hours of abuse. It was then, when she preferred death at the hands of the Sith over more torture. She plotted and shemed, in between being conscious and not. She had feinted oblivion, allowed her breathing and heart rate to plummet, almost to the point of no return, and when the vile woman let her guard down momentarily, the woman formerly known as Skyblade struck out with everything she had in her, assaulting Leia with a myriad of punches and kicks, using every technique she knew of. While it proved to be no where near enough to overcome the highly trained and skilled Dark Lady, it did earn her her life. While pressed against the walls of the torture chamber, unable to move in thanks to the Force applied to her, Leia offered her a chance to return to the battlefields, on the winning side of this pitiful Rebellion. Not seeing any other choice, Skyblade had agreed. Over the next few months, while her energy and strength had returned and she was given a proper living quarters on Leia's personal Star Destroyer, The Starkiller, Smashbolt was born. She trained alongside Leia, honing her skills to a lethal edge she'd never known. Smashbolt discovered in her, an inherent thirst for torture and delight in evil. She found she craved death, she lusted for blood, and leading the 818th into battle against those she once called her comrades, brought her a joy she'd never known. Her bold blue eyes sparkled in the fires that burned amid the battlefield. Her porcelain facial structure was a perfect facade for the baneful soul.
"You seem rather pleased with yourself," mused Darth Leia, as she strode up to her protoge. Leia carried herself with a confidence unmatched by any of these Rebel scum. She strode up, her hips swaying with each step, an evil grin plastered across her black lips. Her eyes glowed with a violent purple, evidence that her Force powers were at critical mass. It was truly terrifying to behold when she would unleash those powers from within. Smashbolt couldn't help but stand in awe of Leia's glory. Leia's body glistened with wet blood, evidence of her slaughter through the ranks of lower level soldiers in the Rebellion. Her two lightsabers, glowed with their mulberry blades ignited. It was such a joy to fight alongside her mistress and the Feartroopers, who were handpicked by Leia herself from the most brutal and evil Stormtroopers among the ranks. "Are you having fun, killing these little maggots?"
"Yes, Mistress Leia. These new blasters you blessed me with are terrific! Highly accurate and incredibly deadly. I'm getting plenty of use from them today. How goes the push for the headquarters? Have the Commandos breached their defenses yet?"
"Ah, so eager my young friend," smirked Darth Leia. "The Commandos have indeed breached the front lines and are destabilizing the integrity of the base. We should have the leaders of this world in our grasp in no time.
"How may I serve you, my Mistress? How can I bring you joy," pleaded Smashbolt. "Shall I slay an entire squad of Rebels single handed? Shall I slot any trying to escape from the hillside?"
"You have done well, my dear Smashbolt. I am most pleased with your progress on the battlefield. Currently, the Feartroopers are feigning a retreat, drawing out the reserve battalions. When they enter the field, another garrison of the 818 will come in behind and cut off their escape. Once that happens, I wish for you to fight along side me, and then we will have some fun!, said Leia.
"Your will be done, Mistress," purred Smashbolt, as she checked the power packs of her DL-44s and locked them in ready. It's time to kill more worthless Rebels. The grin was unstoppable.
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woow man this is awesome!!!!
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wow words fail me !
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First leia now Smashbolt
Why do the good go so bad???!!!!
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better than no 1 bestsellers .!!!!!! ill buy the bloody book
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Thanks guys! I have an endgame in mind for this whole thing, and I'm really liking the direction of this story so far. The mindset I have for this story is a dark, bloody, violent story. I may work on more this weekend.
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The Stormtroopers continued to pour from every nook and cranny along the countryside, an almost never ending hoard of white armor. Red blaster lit up the daylight sky like a Zeltronian meteor shower. Smashbolt stood side by side with Darth Leia, cutting down Stormtroopers like saplings being harvested. Both women were fine tuned killing machines, turning and firing, spinning and slashing, kicking and punching anything that came near her. Their bodies glistening with sweat, gleaming in the sunshine. Their cruel smiles could not be ignored, spread across their lips, worn with a delight found in children.
Leia's twin purple lightsabers arced through the air, the burning ozone roiling into the sky as she slaughtered the puny Stormtroopers by the dozens. Each stroke of her blades either ended the life of a hapless soldier, or deflected a blaster bolt. The efficiency of her Force induced battle trance was a measure of lethal not seen since the days of the Great Sith War. Blood spattered her glossy black garb and dripped off her bare skin as it mixed with the sweat. "Lord Vader can send as many of his useless soldiers as he sees fit, I will have his head this day!" exclaimed the Dark Lady as she stabbed the tip of her blade through the eye of the nearest Stormtrooper's helmet.
"Leave these insolent bastards to me, Mistress. Go after Darth Vader and I'll cover your advancement," giggled Smashbolt as she fired off rapid shots in an ever expanding outwards arc as she mowed down an advancing squadron of Scout Troopers. Even as they fell, the onyx armored woman spun one hundred and eighty degrees to plant her boot heel in the chest of an advancing Trooper. A hail of blaster file erupted on her seven, but evem as they left the barrels of their owner's rifles, Smashbolt executed a mid-air barrel roll out of the way and laid down a barrage of return fire. "I've said it before, my Lady, and I'll say it again: these DL-44 blasters you gifted upon me are stellar!"
The steady stream of Troopers came to a screaming halt, their blasters silenced across the battlefield. The lethal ladies gathered themselves, falling into a defensive back-to-back stance, surveying the field for the cause of the sudden cease in aggression. In unison, their eyes fell upon a black clad figure, standing tall, striding their way. His visage hidden behind a horrible mask, his black cape flowing ominously behind him. Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith had arrived. "Did you truly think you could defeat me, young lady? Have you learned nothing from our last encounter?" breathed Vader as he ignited his ruby red lightsaber, bringing it's full length to bear on the women.
"As we've practiced, Smashbolt. I want the killing stroke for myself. Do NOT fail me," growled Leia. Her fury began to spiral, her anger growing in intensity, her hatred swallowing the landscape, retaining only the visage of her father. "It is over now, father. No longer are you the Master. I have surpassed you in power, in ability. It is the way of the Sith, and it is time for you to die!" The Force poured from her in a terrifying display of raw power. The purple hue in her violent Force abilities streamed from her eyes like an orchid fire, blazing with intensity. She focused her energies into a Force Storm of incredible proportions, hurtling a barrage of lightning bolts at Lord Vader.
At that instant, Smashbolt peeled off from Leia's side to begin a distracting strafing fire alongside Vader's profile, trying to make him decide between deflecting her blaster fire or Leia's Force Storm. Smashbolt gritted her teeth as she poured her strength into her acrobatic fury of leaps, flips, contortions, and rolls, all in an effort to keep Vader's focus strained to it's limit while she shot off round after round from her twin blasters, reloading new power packs with frightening speed.
With hardly an effort, Vader used his free hand to deflect every single blaster bolt that came his way, all the while entangling the lightning bolts from Leia's Force Storm with his lightsaber, easily parrying them aside. With a push from his lightsaber hand, he pushed the Force Storm right back at Leia, who in turn swallowed the energies back into herself. With the other hand, Vader used a Force grip to grab Smashbolt right out of the air and hurled her into the ground. "Surely, you can do better than that, daughter. If that is the best you have, then perhaps I've chosen the wrong apprentice. This time, I'll do more than crush your bones, I'll crush your life. But not before I humiliate, break, and kill your pet. I shall delight in torturing her before your very eyes, and then killing you bo--!" The air from what was left of Vader's lungs suddenly left him as the boot from Smashbolt came careening into his back, throwing him forward.
The opening was well planned, and even better executed. Even before the strike had landed, Leia had built up her Force powers to focus her into muscles, moving with lightning speed. She leaped into the air, screaming down on Vader with both sabers ignited, all the while Smashbolt rained down a series of punches, kicks, and pushes to distract him. The ploy worked, and as Smashbolt landed a bone crushing elbow into Vader's ribs, shattering that same elbow, Leia landed in front of her father. Vader's head rolled across the blood-stained battlefield, his body crumpling to the ground. Victory was Leia's. She was now the Master. Only one man stood in her way, and she knew she had a lot more preparing to do before she could consider that.
"Computer, end simulation," said Darth Leia to no one in particular. Suddenly, the scenery disolved, her father's body evaporated. What was once an epic battlefield, with mounds of bodies strewn about soaked into blood, was now a pristine white training room. "This simulation went well, Smashbolt, but we were lucky. Even the simulation was able to shrug off my Force abilities, and your distractions were less than helpful. We have much work to do before we proceed. Go and rest, my dear. We will be leaving tomorrow for a new mission. You'll need your energy.
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this is a really cool chapter man°
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Talk about anger problems.
Great job pat.
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Whoa, that was intense!
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EPICNESS!
-Jack
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holy f............... that was the most awesomeness read in my whole life
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"You have sent for me, Father" asked Darth Leia from one knee. Word had come from Vader's 501st Stormtroopers that the Dark Lord had ordered her audience immediately. Even Leia knew better than to ignore such a demand. She made her way to Vader's flagship Super Star Destroyer and hurried to his quarters, where he waited for her. Darth Vader, imposing as ever, stood by the window of his cabin and looked out over the stars. His rhythmic breathing echoed through his amplifier in his helmet, menacing with each inspiration and expiration. His fists rested on his hips, while he stood tall and rigid.
Vader turned to Leia, looking down at his daughter. Though he'd never admit to it to anyone, he had grown quite fond and proud of his offspring. She had become incredibly powerful in the Force, her abilities manifesting themselves in ways that were both terrifying and awe inspiring at the same time. She had led some of the most vicious campaigns against Rebel forces throughout the galaxy, every one of them ending in complete slaughter. Her name struck fear in the hearts of entire star systems. Even her personal garrison of stormtroopers, nicknamed the Feartroopers, rivaled his own Vader's Fist legion in unprecedented terror. Beneath his ominous black helmet, the man once named Anakin Skywalker couldn't help but smile, a cruel, wicked smile. "You may rise, girl. You have done well, in your latest assault on the Rebel forces. Your most recent annihilation of their base on Brigia brought the death of Garm Bel Iblis. I am most pleased," voiced the Dark Lord.
"His death was a sweet one, Father. He begged for his life, the pitiful mongrel. His blood tasted sweet as I cleaved him into pieces with my lightsaber. I scattered his remains along the battlefield, making sure his troops saw them. I could taste their fear and despair in the Force, and it gave me chills!" exclaimed Leia, almost rabid in her joy at the misery she had inflicted that day.
"I have a new mission for you, my daughter. However, this one will be a simple, easy task. You will not need your garrison, nor will you need your personal bodyguard, Smashbolt. I only need you to hunt one man and bring him to me," said Vader.
"Your will be done, my Lord. Who is the target?" inquired Leia.
"In due time, child. First, I have a gift for you, one that you've earned many times over. Come, walk with me to the docking bay."
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"I had found this one when I visited an old Republic base from years past, in search of an old Jedi Master that had eluded me. Next to the Jedi starfighters of old, this was one of the fastest, most maneuverable ships in the Republic fleet. I took it upon myself to upgrade it with only the best in avionics, as well as weapons and shielding suites. I had it custom painted, to match your personal...style. I do hope you like it, Leia," said Vader wistfully. Leia detected a hint of emotion in Vader, which pleased her. Emotion brought with it weakness. Her time as Vader's apprentice was coming to an end sooner than she had imagined.
The V-Wing fighter had been painted a pearlescent shade of amaranthine, almost as if it were captured from the hues of her own lightsaber. In fact, the Hurrikane Chrystal was taken from the blade of the great Mace Windu, Her father's first Jedi slain during Order 66. Her twisted desires had darkened it's hues to the shade it is now, and this new craft was shaded the same way. It's gold plated accents glinted in the dim light of the docking bay of the Super Star Destroyer, while it's jet black wing panels seemed to swallow up that same light. The craft pulsated with power, emanating a certain menace that struck even Leia. "Father, it is a brilliant ship. I look most forward to using it to do battle in the skies for once. I've long tired of watching the TIEs of other garrisons swoop in the sky, lighting up enemy fighters. Now, I can also do aerial damage!" Leia's excitement was palpable. She walked along it's hull, stroking it's armor plating with her gloved hands. Her eyes sparkled in delight at her gift. "I need to find a suitable astromech for my new ship, Father. Do I have time to peruse the Imperial droid shop on board before I venture out?"
"Yes, Leia, you may. You will have a couple of days before you need to depart on your journey, as you are more than capable of tracking down your quarry. Seek me out in three days time," said Vader as he turned away, walking out of the docking bay.
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Leia had selected an R2 unit, designated R2-P8. She had it specially plated in the same purple as her starfighter, complete with black and gold accents. Leia had taken the astromech to her quarters, where she spent two days straight, without sleep or break, upgrading the droid's systems to a host of utilities and suites that were unseen in any other droid out there. Leia herself had designed and programmed the operating system that her droid would use. The software she installed allowed the droid to calculate hyperspace jump coordinates based on known Rebel jumping protocols, Rebel flight plans and records, and ion trails, as well as known star ports throughout the possible hyperspace lanes. This would allow Leia to follow a target, no matter where he ran. The upgrades also allowed for changes in control, switching from droid to Leia and back again in a mere nanosecond, to give Leia control when the Force spoke to her. Additionally, she had uploaded the complete mechanical specs of all known Rebel star ships, as well as her own, to give the droid the ability to calculate potential attack patterns, which would allow for greater maneuverability while she piloted her ship. Her defenses were greater than any other ship in the Imperial fleet. Perhaps even greater than her father's TIE Advanced. Finally, the droid would be able to compliment the ship's weapon systems, anticipating flight patterns and tactics that the Rebels employed, allowing the droid to shoot a fighter out of the sky before it even arrived at it's intended destination. Leia shook with excitement, unable to contain her desire to engage the enemy with her new toys.
"Let's see how you operate, R2," Leia said aloud as she fired up the newly constructed astromech.
The droid twitched to life, it's servos and processors whirring and buzzing as the droid came online. It's 'eyes' came online, showing it's green and red lights. The droid begain to warble and beep, communicating in it's own electronic way. Leia placed the processor in her ear, which would translate the droid's beeps, chirps, and warbles into Galactic Basic for her. Again, the droid sounded off in a melodic chime.
"Greetings to you as well, R2. You will call me Mistress, and you will follow my every command. Do you know your edict?" asked Leia
Again, the droid chirped and beeped in response.
"You are correct, droid. Whatever I command. You are also to serve my servant, Smashbolt. Her command carries as much weight as mine, when I am not present. Now, I have work to do, so make your way to The Viloaceous Spur and ready it for take off. We have work to do," commanded Leia as she turned to the door. It was time to meet with her father, Darth Vader. She was due to undertake yet another mission for her father. While she grew tired of constantly running errands for her father, she had to admit, she enjoyed the death and chaos which she spread throughout the galaxy. It would almost be a shame to crush this Rebellion for good. As Leia strode through the metal hallways of The Executor, she found herself wondering who was so important that she had to bring back alive. Stormtrooper and Imperial officers alike threw themselves to the walls, standing at attention and saluting Leia as she passed them. She loved the power she wielded, and the fear she inspired.
Leia had arrived at her father's quarters. Even the walls were black on this end of the ship. Leia knocked, and was immediately greeted with the opening of the door. Leia entered the room, and saw her father at the other end, sitting on his throne. He sat back in his chair, his hands wrapped over the end of the arms. "Come in, my child. Are you ready for your next mission," asked Vader?
"Of course, Father. How may I server you now," purred Leia.
"A situation has been bought to my attention, that requires a very public response. It would seem, a lieutenant in the Imperial Navy has broken protocol and abandoned the Empire, taking with him a slave owned by the Empire. This act of treachery cannot go unpunnished," growled Vader. It was clear, he was angered by the defection of an officer. "Commander Nyklas has informed me that an impetuous upstart has hijacked a slave and deserted the Imperial Navy. I want this man brought back here for punishment and execution. He is to be brought back here, alive. Failure will not be tolerated, young lady."
"As you wish, Lord Vader. Who am I pursuing, and where shall I begin," asked Leia, annoyed at the fact she couldn't kill this man herself.
"You are to travel to Corellia. There, you will hunt for the human male named Han Solo. Bring him to me, and destroy any who get in your way," said Vader.
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man you have seriously gotta send this in when you have finished it!
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great man!
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'Move your butt, fuzzball!" shouted Han Solo. The strange black clad woman was aafter him, and she wasn't looking for a date, either. One act of kindness, and now he was being hunted like an animal in the streets of Corellia. It was less than a month ago, when Solo had stopped the beating of a Wookiee slave by a senior Imperial officer. Han himself had been a rising star in the Imperial Navy. Aimless in his youth, he had sought some kind of purpose in his life. He thought the Empire would offer that, but he had quickly discovered the mistake in his thinking. He remembered that day well, when Commander Nyklas had decided to take his frustrations out on a weakened Wookiee by the name of Chewbacca. Han was a lieutenant at that time, and couldn't stand by any longer and allow the brutality to continue. He hadn't signed on for that, and without even thinking, he stopped the Commander's hand and smuggled the grateful Wookie off of the ship and fled to Corellia, Han's home planet. "I'm not sure who this woman wants more, me or you, but move it!"
The Wookie let out a string of growls and howls, that Han loosely translated to "Let her come, I don't fear one woman." Chewbacca was brave and a proud warrior, but even he wasn't going to stand up to this strange woman with her apparent Force powers. The Force. it wasn't something Han had ever believed in, but if the tales were true, this woman was as lethal as she was beautiful. Had seriously doubted that his usual charm would win her over.
"Don't argue with me, and don't be stupid, Chewie. I know this part of Corellia well, and there are places that smugglers use to hide themselves, and I don't even think this chick is going to find us there. It's not much farther, it's just up ahead," panted Solo as he continued his pace. He had his Imperial issue blaster pistol drawn, hoping to fire off a round if the girl poked her head around the wrong corner.
The immensely tall, incredibly muscular Wookiee, covered head to toe in thick brown fur, hustled down the streets, taking large strides while turning occasionally to search for a glimpse of the small female pursuing them. His crossbow at the ready, even Chewbacca's hair stood on end. He watched this girl use the same powers that Master Yoda and Master Vos had displayed at the Battle of Kashyyyk during the Clone Wars. She was like them, but different. Full of hate, full of anger. Black clad and lethal, he had witnessed her destroying ships and crumbling buildings, focused only on he and Han. Chewbacca owed Han Solo a life debt, and it looked like that debt would be paid sooner rather than later.
'"Quick Chewie, duck in here behind this false wall. It's an old storage warehouse for one of the oldest Smuggling operations in the Corellian Sector," shouted Han as he engaged the secret lever, opening a section of wall in a dilapidated building that would normally not get a second glance. They hurried in, and Han hit the secret lever again, and the door swung shut once more. "Come here, there's a secret stair case hidden in this big crate. There's ten feet of ferrocrete between the floors, so we should be fine," whispered Han. He wasn't sure if any of the smugglers were in the warehouse, and he didn't want to find out. They'd be less than sympathetic towards an intruder fleeing from an Imperial Assassin and hiding out in their 'hidden' base. They stealthily slunk down the winding staircase encapsulated inside of the crate, reaching the cold stone floor. A dim green glow from the hall lights lit the way to the main chamber. There didn't appear to be anyone here, which was good. At least here, they could funnel their pursuer down the narrow hallway, giving them the advantage.
A loud explosion rocked the floor above them. Dust and rock crumbled and fell over their heads as something caused utter chaos in the warehouse above. They didn't have to do much guessing; it was her.
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Insignificant peasants. Her quarry wasn't far, she knew. These insects who thought they could stop her, were nothing but an annoyance. Their bloody bodies littered the ground around her, their blood dripping from her bare skin. Her purple lightsaber glowed bright in the dark warehouse, a beacon to their deaths. Darth Leia hadn't even broken a sweat thus far. The least these morons could do would be to give her a workout, or even at least die with honor. Such was not the case today. The man she hunted was below her, she could feel his heart beat racing in her mind. She grew tired of this game, and it was time to end it. Reaching out with the Force, she projected a holographic map in her mind of the room below. The fool had actually trapped himself along with his pet in a sealed room, with only one way in or out. Why did her father want such a foolish human brought back alive? It was no matter, he would have his prize soon enough.
She easily found the 'hidden' staircase to the room below. For dramatic effect only, she obliterated the giant crate into millions of tiny splinters, revealing the winding staircase. Using the Force, she dimmed all of the lights below, silenced her movements, and lowered herself down the stairs. She glided down the hallway, each step as silent as a black hole. She could hear the breathing of her targets echo in the dark, and it thrilled her. She could taste their fear, and it was rich. The Dark Lady of the Sith reached the end of the hallway and reached out again with the Force, taking in a view of the room shrouded in darkness. The human was directly ahead of her, on top of a stack of crates, his gun aimed at the entrance. The Wookiee hung from a rafter by his legs, six meters to her left, with his crossbow trained on her position. Leia could feel the Wookiee reaching out with his senses to find her. He was confused by the void she left in the environment, but was afraid to act if he was wrong in his guess. Since the human was wanted for freeing this creature, and was not required to be brought back with the human, Leia decided to have fun with the Wookiee. With her lightsabers in hand, Leia reached out with the force and pulled the Wookiee violently from the rafters where he lied in wait and flung him hard to the floor, and then against the wall behind him. At the same time, she dove to her left, avoiding a blaster shot from Solo aimed into the dark where he guessed she might be. Leia gripped his throat tight with the Force and smashed him downward through the stack of shipping crates, crashing into the thick ferrocrete floor. The audible crunch of his bones in his legs as they broke against the ground sent a tingle through Leia's psyche. His cries of pain and fear only excited Leia further.
The Wookiee howled in shock and anger as it struggled to gain its footing. His new friend was injured and he needed to end this assault. Suddenly, a blinding flash erupted as the entire room was bathed in electronic light. Chewbacca looked to his friend's position, only to find him lying in a heap in the ground, unable to move his legs, cries of pain dribbling from his lips. The rage overtook Chewbacca as he launched himself up off the floor and at the woman in black. He swung fist after massive fist at the sprightly woman, who dodged every attack and returned her own flurry of punches and kicks, each landing an annoying blow on the Wookiee. All the power and strength Chewbacca could muster could not combat the speed and ferocity of the tiny woman as she continued to rain blows upon him, stunning and disorienting him as he struggled to maintain control of the situation. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Han raise his blaster at the woman, only to have it magically snatched from his hands and hurled across the room.
Leia allowed her Force powers to manifest themselves in their own strange way, the amaranthine flames enveloping her body, pouring from her like flowing water. She relished the emotions that echoed from her foes when this happened, the terror it brought was priceless. She glanced over, reveling in the shear horror that reflected off of Han Solo's face. Leia again turned her attention to the Wookiee as he staggered against her continuous assault. With a mighty Force push, Leia shoved Chewbacca against a wall, crumpling into a pile of fur on the ground. "Was he worth it?" asked Leia to Han. "Was he worth the pain and misery, the inevitable torture and agony?"
"Leave him alone, Witch! He's done nothing. It's me you want, just take me and leave him be," begged the pitiful human. "Just don't hurt him."
The begging only spurred Leia on, and she once again focused her attentions on the Wookiee. Using the Force, she lifted the creature back on to his feet. A Force Choke brought the howling beast back to consciousness as he struggled to free himself from the invisible grasp holding him just far enough off the floor to prevent him from steadying himself and restore air to his burning lungs. Leia grinned an evil grin, giggling an evil giggle as she toyed with the hairy creature. She released the beast, allowing it to fall to the ground, gasping for air to fill it's great lungs. With a flick of her arm, a shower of Force Lightning leaked out from her fingertips, wrapping themselves around the Wookiee, causing it to howl and cry out in intense pain. The smell of burning hair filled the air, and Leia let out a loud, long string of vicious laughter.
"Please, I beg you, stop!" screamed a sobbing Han Solo. His heartache was palpable on her tongue, and it only fueled her more. She sent an enormous Force Push at the Corellian, slamming him against the wall, and then grabbed him with a Force Grip and pulled him towards her. Leia wanted her prey to have a front row view of what was to come. Once again, she turned her attentions on the whimpering Wookiee.
"I didn't know Wookiees could cry," spat Leia. "Have you had enough pain?"
The Wookiee only responded with a series of growls and whines. She could feel his agony in the Force. It was delicious, to say the least.
"Rise to your feet," said Leia in a low, focused voice. Chewbacca did as he was commanded, staring a blank stare at Leia. "Take hold of your right arm, and tear it from it's socket," commanded the Sith. Chewie grabbed hold of his right arm with his left.
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" screamed Han. His plea was answered with a backhand from the Princess of Darkness, breaking his jaw. The gutteral sobbing and garbled words trailed off in Leia's ears.
Without hesitating, the Wookiee, as if in a trance, calmly and cleanly pulled his arm clear of his socket, tearing the limb from his own body. The intense pain, like a dagger of fire, jolted Chewbacca back to reality. His excruciating pain sent him into a spiral of dread, no sounds able to escape his lips. Leia ignited both of her lightsabers, and in two separate sweeping arcs, severed his other arm and both legs of the huge beast. Even as Chewbacca fell to the ground, unable to catch himself, his eyes drifted to his new friend. The wails of pain and sorrow emanating from the former Imperial Lieutenant, along with the streaming tears, broke what was left of Chewbacca's heart and resolve. His last words to his friend were, "Do not despair for me, my friend. Even in the Great Afterlife, I shall always treasure your friendship."
With Chewbacca's last words echoing in Han's mind, all he could do is watch in horror as the Dark Lady of the Sith set his friend aflame with a mesmerizing purple fire, brought upon by the woman's use of the Force. Chewbacca didn't even cry out.
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that was evill !! >:D you are one good writer that was gigantly herfereshoses goodly awesomeness of epicness
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its greeeat mannn!
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The trip back to the Galactic Core, to Vader's Super Star Destroyer, was filled with intense feelings of both power and excitement. Her complete victory in the hunt her father had placed her on had resulted in the excruciating annihilation of a dirty Wookiee, as well as the utter humiliation and painful beating of a traitor to the Empire. The delight she felt as she hurtled through hyperspace reverberated against the canopy of her ship, The Violet Storm. Darth Leia reveled at her abilities, her strength in the Force. She still did not understand why her father had sent her after one, useless human, even if it was to make an example of him. Any of his Stormtroopers could have accomplished that task, yet he sent her. While fun, it was still a waste of time, in her opinion. Her quarry lay bound and suffering in the cargo hold of her ship, a packaged prize for her Dark Lord. R2-P8 warbled to Leia, signaling it was time to exit hyperspace, their destination having arrived. As Leia brought the ship down in speed, the stars reverted back to pinpoints, decorating the blackness that surrounded The Executor. Her father was waiting for his prize, and she didn't want to keep him waiting.
Leia had docked her ship in The Executor's bay and opened her cargo bay. The worthless human, known as Han Solo, lay bound and gagged, bleeding and bruised on the cold metal floor. She made sure to keep the climate in there livable, though she didn't care about his comfort in the least. All that mattered was that he was delivered alive, as her Lord commanded. He looked at her through squinted, swollen eyes, a look of fear, dread, and despair leaking from them as readily as the blood from the same orbs. Using the Force, she lifted the man from the hold and tossed him onto a hovercart to deliver him to her father. As she did so, she was approached by her servant and aide, Smashbolt, along with an Imperial officer. His rank indicated he was a Lieutenant, though she could care less. She only answered to Darth Vader and The Emperor himself.
"I'm pleased to see you return, my Mistress," purred Smashbolt. The woman who had become as close to a friend as Leia would allow did not like to be separated from her Mistress, especially when there was battle to be had. The had shared many a battle together, and she felt closer to Darth Leia than she may have ever felt to anyone. "I trust your mission ended in your favor, as usual?"
"Of course, my dear. This one gave me very little trouble," said Leia, indicating to the human captive lying in the hovercart.
Smashbolt looked upon the man her Mistress had been sent after, and was surprised at the sudden jolt of emotion that rang out in her. So alarming in fact, that Smashbolt could not help but recoil at the sight of the bloodied and battered man. Never had she seen a person in such beaten and broken condition alive. Something stirred in her, yet she did not know what. Smashbolt had a hard time taking her eyes off of the man, who despite his savage and almost unrecognizable condition, had an alluring charm unto himself. Suddenly, Smashbolt became all to aware of her thoughts and surroundings. She looked up to find her Mistress peering at her with a questioning look upon her face.
"Something interesting you, girl?" asked Leia with a hint of menace in her voice. "Do you take pity on this traitor to the Empire?"
"Of course not, my Lady, he is scum and deserves all that he has brought upon himself," said Smashbolt, almost convincingly. Her voice was steady, her gaze solid, but her emotions could not be fully hidden in the Force. Still, Smashbolt did have a great deal of control of her mind and emotions, and would not be swayed by Leia's Force persuasions.
"I should hope so. Have you tracked down the next Rebel base for assault, my young protoge?" inquired Leia. Her cold tone was enough to instill order from her subordinate.
"I'm still tracing several leads on their latest hiding ground, my Lady. I have several leads out and should have a solid location within a week's time," said Smashbolt, fully at attention.
"Make it three days, no more," snapped Leia as she turned to the Imperial officer. "Inform Lord Vader that his prize has arrived and we see audience with him immediately."
"Um, I'm s-sorry, Mistress Leia. Lord Vader is away on Coruscant at the moment and he has commanded that you take the prisoner to the cell block and await his return in your quarters," stammered the Lieutenant. His fear of Darth Leia was quite evident. Leia drank his dread like a rich cup of caf. "Shall I call for your escort to lead you Mistress?"
"Do you honestly believe that I need you to do anything, worm? I am more than capable of handling myself aboard this ship, and I do not need you to presume to tell me what to do. You are dismissed, and I don't wish to see you in my presence again," commanded Leia coldly.
"Yes M-Mistress Leia, r-r-right away," sputtered the Lieutenant as he quickly bowed and took his leave.
Leia spun to her young aide, catching her staring at Solo as he laid in the bed of the hovercart. "Dear girl, since you seem so enamored with the piece of bantha fodder, you can take him to the cell block. Do not converse with him, do not untie him, and do not under any circumstances, make him comfortable in any way," spat Leia, clearly annoyed with her assistant. "I shall be in my private quarters meditating, and I do not wish to be disturbed. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, my Lady," said Smashbolt, "Your will be done."
Leia turned away and strode across the flight deck towards the aft wing of the immense ship on her way to her private den. Her anger was evident, as anything within five meters were pushed aside as though she were pushing a plow. Stormtroopers moved back in fear, droids scurried to hide, and even the most seasoned Imperial officers knew better than to look her in the eye. Smashbolt turned to the prisoner, and again could not help but feel pity. Where were these feelings coming from? She had placed more blaster bolts through the skulls of countless Rebel soldiers and officers, never once feeling an ounce of emotion. Their pitiful cries for mercy and pleas for their lives never once registered as anything other than contempt with her, yet this man gave her pause. She found herself staring at him again, and he back at her. All she could see in his eyes was pain and sorrow, which is perhaps what made her stop. The pain was evident, and perhaps she expected to see the typical despair, but never sorrow. "You, trooper," shouted Smashbolt to a random stormtrooper. "Bring this prisoner to the cell block."
"Yes ma'am," answered the Stormtrooper immediately. The trooper got behind the controls of the hovercart and headed towards the cellblock as Smashbolt followed behind, lost in her thoughts.
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"You are walking a thin line, my apprentice," seethed The Emperor. "You have defied me by training another in private, and to make matters worse, she is your offspring! Do you think to overthrow my rule?" The Emperor threw an incredible wave of Force energy, throwing Vader to the floor of The Emperor's throne room. "Perhaps I should kill you now, and flay the skin from your daughter! Or better yet, perhaps I should kill you and make her my apprentice!"
"My Master, you misunderstand my intentions," said Vader with no hint of fear. Though his Master was the more powerful of the two, he did not fear Emperor Palpatine. If he chose to end Vader's life now, it would be so, but he would not go down without a fight. "I do not seek any such thing, Master. I discovered my daughter on a raid of a Rebel cruiser, and felt her immense Force potential. In training her, I only seek to strengthen your Empire. Her decisive victories over the Rebellion have spread fear and panic throughout their ranks, dividing them all and driving them to the most remote parts of the galaxy."
"The true power of the Sith comes from our cunning, our ability to subvert even the most powerful. How do I not know you are doing what all Sith must do?" asked The Emperor through clenched teeth.
"You have freed me from the shackles that the Jedi imposed upon me, and for that, you have earned my respect. I have no lust for your power," replied Vader, lying all the while. Fortunate was he that he was as strong in the Force, for otherwise The Emperor would see through his ruse. Leia was his key to overthrowing the wrinkled codger and ruling the galaxy for himself. "As the code says, 'Through Passion, I gain strength; through strength I gain power; through power I gain victory; through victory, my chains will be broken; The Force shall set me free. My daughter is my passion, my strength is in the Force, and the power I gain is the power to crush the Rebellion, which brings my victory, breaking the chains that prevent me from assisting you in fully molding this galaxy to your whims. I only seek to serve you, My Liege."
"You had better be right, my old friend. If I sense one thread of treachery from you, one hint of betrayal, I will cause you more suffering than you've ever known," said The Emperor with a chill in his voice. "Go now, and do not return until you are called for."
"As you wish, my Master," said Vader as he turned and left the throne room.
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"What is your name?" asked Smashbolt, talking to the battered prisoner.
"Han Solo," replied the man through clenched teeth, in a great deal of pain.
"What have you done to bring this misery upon yourself?"
"What is it to you?"
"Because I've never seen my Mistress track down one man and bring him back alive. Not to mention she seems particularly unhappy with you."
"I was once a lieutenant in the Imperial Navy," gritted Han Solo through his broken jaw, anger welling up in his eyes. "I could not stand by while another officer abused and tortured a group of captured Wookiees just because he felt like it. I stopped him from killing one in particular and we ran, but that bitch found us. She tortured and mutilated that poor Wookiee worse than anything I've ever witnessed. That poor Wookiee never did anything to anyone, and had a fantastic heart, and that sadistic wench slaughtered him with a smile on her face. I will see her dead at my feet if it's the last thing I do."
"Oh, dear boy, I don't see that happening," chided Smashbolt. "You do know, Lord Vader himself has ordered you brought back, alive, to make an example of?"
"I don't care. I've gotten out of tougher jams than this, and when I do, I'm going to kill her, and anyone else who gets in my way."
Smashbolt's red hair fell over her left eye, shining an auburn glow in the bright lights of the cell block. Her sparkling green eyes had a hint of amusement in them at the Corellian's anger and threats. Her pouty red lips widened into a sly grin, and she found herself fidgeting slightly, her hips rocking for the man to witness. Was she feeling something? Was she feeling warm in her face? She was! She was blushing! What the Hell was coming over her? She immediately corrected her body language and put her game face back on. "Don't get your hopes up, Solo. Lord Vader is going to crush the life out of you before you have the chance to even look at my Mistress." Smashbolt took that opportunity to leave the man in his cell. She was very disappointed in herself. She let one man whom she'd never met bring about emotions she had long buried. worse yet, she didn't know why.
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aweeesome chapter man, incredible!
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Thanks Lux! I have a lot planned for this book, potentially becoming a series...
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why are you not earning your living as an author! that was fantastic Pat !
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uhhhhhh that was better than stuff in the bedroom with anjelina jolie ,, mate that was awesome
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Another day in the cell block, another round of torture. Any other man would have begged for death, would have succumbed to the brutalities shone onto him. Yet Han Solo remained. Day after day, he endured, through gritted teeth and blinding pain. And once again, Han Solo would not give in. He would not relinquish his life's essence today, nor any other day, until that woman suffered defeat and death at his hands. He would have his revenge for Chewbacca the Wookiee. The tree tall warrior with the heart of a poet, slain so savagely, would be remembered in her blood. Han strained to open a swollen eye to look around his cell. It had gotten quiet again, and he wasn't sure if the torture was over for the day, or if it was time to reload the sadistic torture droids. His vision was clouded and blurry from the intense trauma to his orbs, not to mention blinded by the blood resting behind his retinas, yet he could make out a few shapes here and there. The torture droids had left, but once again, the red haired woman stood outside the cell block door, watching. Every day, she was there to oversee the bouts of torture, and every day, she stayed behind while they patched him back up again. For whatever reason, regardless how hard Solo worked to sustain himself, the Empire continued to patch his broken bones, torn tissues, and stemmed the flow of blood, all in efforts to keep him alive. While it made no sense, it did make Han's job easier.
The woman was beautiful, Han had to admit. Her long, flowing red hair, crimson like the fires of Mustafar, hung over her shoulders, shielding her eyes from his sight. Her pouty red lips were full and enticing. She was tall, with a slender waist and perfect curves over her hips and chest. Incredibly athletic, Han had no doubt that she was full of stamina and vigor. He couldn't help but be attracted to her, despite the fact that he knew he'd have to kill her to get to that Sith wench. The black and violet armored woman was the right hand of the Sith lady, known now as Darth Leia, and where her mistress went, the woman would follow.
"Why do you feel the need to watch me while I die?" mumbled Han at the woman through a swollen jaw, minus a few teeth. "I'm sure you would get just as much pleasure watching the holovids of the torture sessions."
"You shouldn't speak," purred the woman. She stepped closer to the cell doors, allowing the bright lights to wash over her body. Her pale alabaster skin washed out more than usual in the harsh lights, but it was still very appealing to Han. "You'll need your strength. Lord Vader and Mistress Leia have not called for your death as of yet, so they will continue to torture and heal you, keeping you alive, until they've tired of this. Each session has been recorded and been mandated for replay for all of the ranks, as warning for any others who seek to betray the Empire."
"The tighter they tighten their grasp, the more that will slip through their fingers," said Han with a painful chuckle. "I told you, I won't die until that mistress of yours does. Bring on your worst, I can take it."
"No, Han Solo of Corellia, you can not. Just give in already! What more do you have to prove?" pleaded Smashbolt uncharacteristically. She suddenly shied away, aware of her display of emotion.
"What do you care? You know as well as I do, I'll have to kill you to get to her, so you may as well stop playing nice," gritted Han.
"Oh, dear boy, I've slain more so-called soldiers in more ways than a scruffy looking nerf-herder like you can imagine. Do you really think a beat up, crippled, broken traitor like yourself has a chance?"
"Yeah, I do. Just wait and see, girl. As soon as the chance presents itself, I'll put a blaster bolt right in between those bright green eyes of yours," spat Han.
The woman's lips widened into a grin, as sexy as it was evil. "You are most certainly welcome to try." Smashbolt turned slowly, allowing Han to view all of her curves as she did so, and strode off down the hall.
"And who's scruffy looking?!" shouted Han as the woman left his line of sight.
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The intense lightsaber training had lasted for hours now, innumerable in Leia's mind. There had been no break, no pause, since her father ignited his ruby bladed weapon. Leia responded in kind with here amaranthine sword, matching Vader's blows with her blocks, brushing aside his arcing swings with her parries. Her return assault wasn't nearly as savage or brutal as her father's, but the speed and ferocity more than made up for it. While her muscles were burning from deflecting Vader's power, his lungs were surely burning from defending her speed. Sweat poured from her body, her hair was soaked and stuck to her skull, but she drew upon the Force, and continued to fight her father. All the while, she continued to look for flaws in his style, for openings in his stances, searching for anything she could use when the time came to slay the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader. While today was not that day, it was another day closer to her goal. Today's training prohibits use of the Force as a weapon, only as a means of strengthening the body. While it was natural for Sith to find any and all uses for the Force to defeat their enemies, that was only one use. Sith of the past had fallen because they relied on one facet of the Force, and Vader would not rest until Leia became greater than those who came before her. He would prepare her for her battle with the Emperor, prepare her to be more than the Emperor had ever faced before. His overuse of his Force Lightning would prove to be his undoing.
With a sudden wave of his hand, Vader pushed at his daughter with the Force in an effort to stop the sparring session. However, despite Vader's vast strength and power, Leia hadn't moved an inch. Her Force bubble, along with her own Force abilities, proved to be a dead match for his. Neither combatant budged from their spots, though both had lowered their weapons, extinguishing their blades. "You have done well this day, dear daughter. You are growing stronger in the Force, and faster with your lightsaber. I am most impressed with your abilities, but you are not ready as of yet."
"What makes you so certain I am not, father?" asked Leia, barely out of breath, all appearances to the contrary. I've matched your lightsaber play, thrust for thrust, blow for blow. I've fought you for hours already without giving any ground, all without using the Force for an advantage. Even your attempt to push me away was countered easily enough for me. She stood tall, her chest rising and falling as she took in deep, slow breaths. "I say we take the Emperor soon, and then we shall rule this galaxy as Father and Daughter, as we see fit!"
"As I have said, you are not ready," rumbled Vader. With both hands and with a ferocity that surprised Leia, she was picked up off the ground and thrown against the nearest wall with enough force to blur her vision. As she fell to the ground without any thought of the Force to catch herself, she fought against the impending blackout. She struck the floor hard, and was very slow to move. "Your arrogance will be your undoing, young lady. You disappoint me. Do not ever lower your defenses like that, or you will be dead." Another move of his arm, and she was again yanked off of the floor and flung to the far side of the training room, striking the wall with intense impact.
As she struck the floor for the second time, Leia had no choice but to fall into the darkness, despite her best efforts to draw upon the Force. The last thing she saw before the blackness overtook her was her father storming from the room, his onyx cape flowing angrily behind him.
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The black began to lighten into a mild grey, eventually giving way to a blinding light that hurt Leia's eyes. Her senses were quick to return to her, and she immediately felt a presence. It was her servant and assassin, the woman known as Smashbolt. She stood at attention above her master, helmet cradled under her arm, not uttering a word. "You may speak," uttered Leia as she moved into a sitting position, legs crossed, falling into meditation to regain her strength and composure.
"I only came to see if we had another assignment after your workout," said Smashbolt mater of factly. She did not look down at her Mistress, did not give any hint at her master's apparent failure.
"We do, my pet. Soon. I've been given word that the Rebels have a new leader in their midst, a woman called Mara Jade. She leads them into battle, and has been doing well in her own right. I high think it's time to end her streak," said Leia in a hushed tone. "Yet you have another question. I sense some confusion in you, my dear girl. I pray it has nothing to do with the pitiful male who betrayed our Emperor?"
"It does, Mistress, though I believe you misunderstand my feelings on the matter," said Smashbolt. She knew she was treading on thin ice. Even though she was strong minded, she was no match for her master's wits. "Is there really anything to be accomplished from his continued torture? I know we're broadcasting his pain for the entire Empire to see, as a warning, but perhaps it's having the opposite effect on them. Perhaps, the fact that he is still alive, shows the Empire doesn't have the resolve to destroy their enemies quickly and cleanly. I've even heard that an entire garrison of Stormtroopers have fled the Empire, joining the Rebels."
"Are you questioning the wisdom and resolve of our Emperor and Lord Vader?" asked Darth Leia, eyes suddenly open and ablaze with anger. She rose smoothly to her feet, almost as though she had floated upwards. Leia moved close to her minion and stared into her eyes. "Do you dare question the orders you've been given?"
"No, Mistress Leia, of course not -"
"But you do, child. You do, and you have taken pity on that Rebel scum," seethed Leia. "Do you wish to throw your lot in with that traitor? Would you prefer to suffer along side him?"
"No Mistress Leia." Smashbolt stood still, fully at attention, not flinching at her master's threats.
"LIAR!" roared Leia as she backhanded the red haired woman across the mouth, sending her careening backwards, falling onto her buttocks. By the time Smashbolt had picked her head up, her mistress was already upon her, grabbing at her through the Force, lifting her high off the ground in a Force Choke. Smashbolt's hands immediately came up to her throat, fighting unsuccessfully against the invisible grasp that restrained the air from filling her lungs. Leia hurled the girl aside into a wall, and then again into the opposite wall. She was dropped to the floor, and once again, Leia was upon her. The Dark Lady of the Sith grabbed at Smashbolt's collar and hefted her to her feet and punched her square in the mouth, just as she drove a knee into the girl's abdomen, driving out the precious air she had retained. As Smashbolt fell to the floor, on her hands and knees, gasping for air, Leia raised her boot and brought it down hard on the back of the young woman's skull, driving her face first into the floor. Leia rolled the weak body over onto her back and leaned down to the fallen woman's face. "I highly suggest you reevaluate these thoughts I sense inside of you. You are an Imperial Soldier and my personal assassin. If you aren't those, then you are dead to me, and I'll make sure that is more painful, more brutal, than any you have witnessed before. Now get your pitiful excuse for my Assassin off the ground, get yourself cleaned up. We leave for Ithor in sixteen hours. You had better remember who you are, and where your place is, child."
Leia stood and stalked away to her quarters, her entire body slowing a deep purple in response to her rage and anger. Smashbolt watched until her Mistress left the training room, leaving her alone to herself.
"My name is Thena Skyblade," muttered the battered woman as she stood up. Smashbolt picked up her helmet, staring into the empty eye shield, viewing her own warped reflection. Thena turned and walked down the hall, hips swaying as she did so.
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this is incredible man, getting better and better each chapter!
amazing work!
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Pat you know what i think ......you should be writing novels..plain and simple.
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Great job on this Pat.
Very creative and I am loving this.
But I don't approve of what you have done to poor Chewie. Torn to shreds....
I guess it was better when he was killed by a planet dropping on his head.... I threw that book and needed a few days before I finished reading it.
But I didn't throw my laptop reading this.... I guess I am a better more grown up person now.
Truly impressive.
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DRS, I knew that part was harsh, and would not be a popular move. I did it to illustrate how dark and evil my Leia really is, truly setting her apart completely from the Leia we all grew up with. I wanted a violent point to my story, and I went with an unpopular move. I'm glad you're still reading though!
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Time continued to pass, though Thena didn’t care. There was no sleep for her this night. So many emotions flowed through her thoughts like fish swimming through a stream. Anger, hatred, pain, sorrow, shame, and love wove together to create a tapestry of incredible confusion in her mind. Thena had been raised by a caring, nurturing family along the shores of Lake Grallia on Raltiir. When Imperial factions began moving in on Raltiir, infiltrating it’s government and financial systems, her family had lost everything. Once Lord Tion bombarded the planet’s surface, what was once a happy life had now been destroyed. Her parents dead, her home destroyed, it was easy for her to sympathize and fall in with the Rebellion. She was taught well enough, both by her father when she was young, and the Rebel leaders, in the arts of war. She had developed quite a reputation among the various bands of Rebels, and she was quite proud. Once her Mistress had captured, tortured, trained, and reeducated her, however, she felt so much more. She reveled in each death she brought, each bolt she shot. For the first time in her life, she had felt free and powerful, and it was all in thanks to her Mistress, Darth Leia. But now, things had been turned around again. She met a man with a death sentence who for some odd reason, awoken feelings in her she had though long dead. His psyche burned bright with an intense light of life, despite the insurmountable odds he now faced. Despite his death sentence, in spite of his daily tortures, he still managed to hold his head high and rage against the dying of the light. For that, she was in awe.
To make matters worse, she now felt betrayed by her Mistress. She had shown nothing but loyalty and devotion to her master, and in the blink of an eye, she was rewarded with a savage beating, brutal and bloody. She had forgotten where she came from. She had lost her true persona. She had once thanked Darth Leia for freeing her from the restraints of her former life. Now, she would thank her again, for reminding her who Thena Skyblade was. Still, Thena was no fool. She knew it’d take more than raw blaster fire or any sorry attempts at hand-to-hand combat against her Mistress. This would not be something she could pull off immediately. It would take some time, some planning, and some cunning. It would take more than her, she knew. It would take someone with as much hatred for the Dark Lady as she had. It would take a fighter, a true warrior. And she knew just where to find one, also.
Skyblade donned her fearsome black armor, holstered her blaster pistols, and headed out of her room, into the hallway. She made her way to the detention level, walking briskly and authoritatively among the paltry Stormtroopers who littered the hallways on their watch. Each flung themselves against the walls with a hasty salute, aware of the penalties for not showing her the proper respect. Beneath her custom fitted and kitted helmet, she smirked a positively delightful smirk. As she made her way to the detention block, she came upon the Imperial Guardsmen standing by at the entrance.
“I am relieving you both for the night,” said Smashbolt to the two guards. “Authorization code Delta Echo Alpha Delta Niner. Now leave me.” The guards saluted and parted ways without another word, without even a glance. They knew better than to question her motives, regardless of how unlikely they may be. She had the proper authorization codes and was high ranking in the Empire, that was enough for them. As she entered the room, she immediately closed and locked the door, and went to the control panel. She had spent enough time with the Imperial hackers to know how to reset the security system to delete her presence there, as well as loop a segment repeatedly, so all anyone would see were empty hallways. Thena stood up and adjusted her uniform. She had removed her helmet and was primping her hair when she realized she was actually blushing. What a silly way to behave! She felt like a little girl again, with her first crush! She straightened her spine and put on her best fearsome face and went to his cell. She keyed up the holoprojection in his cell to observe him. He was awake as well, lying on his steel slab and staring at the ceiling. His face was contorted into a myriad of bruising and swelling. Lacerations adorned his face and body like a road map, intersecting in points of misery. His rhythmic breathing entranced her as she watched, her heart beating in conjunction. Once again, her face became warm with the increase of blood to her cheeks. Her lips parted, and a sigh escaped them quietly. Suddenly, the man known as Han Solo sat upright with a jolt, turning to the cell door. It was as if he knew she was there, though she knew there was no way he could. She stared deep into his chocolate brown eyes, and found herself drowning in their pain and sorrow. But like a lighthouse on the shores of lake Grallia, guiding lost boatmen back to shore, the spark of life buried behind the misery blazed like a raging inferno, and it excited her! She pressed a button, opening the window to his cell. He scowled at the sight of her, immediately soured by her. All he knew her as was the Right Hand of Darth Leia. She couldn’t blame him, really.
“What do you want now,” asked Solo through clenched teeth. Thena wasn’t sure if it was because his jaw was broken again, or if it was just the anger.
“We have a common enemy, Solo. I can see where once I was blind, and I’ve come to find out just how bad you want to kill Darth Leia.”
“Why should I believe a word you say, girl?”
“Because I’m the one who’s going to help you escape,” purred Thena Skyblade, a delicious smile upon her lips.
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This is amazing!
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awesome Pat cant wait to buy my first book by Pat Newell
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Pat, I have just taken the time to read of all these this evening and wow what a great read. I was liking your Light Shines Brightest Series, but this is just spectacular. We really ought to have buttons on the front page for both of these so folks have direct access. Just outstanding. Surely you have thought of submitting some of this for publication!
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great story. :)
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You have a tru talent for this, Pat. Nice read indeed.
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Thanks everybody! I just wish I had more time to write more chapters!
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Hi,
Please write more;) This is the best Star Wars fan fiction I have ever read! It has inspired me so much I am making my very own Darth Leia now!
Well done for writing such great work. Think George Lucas needs you to write any future Star Wars!
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Pat, I have been reading this...I'm almost caught up.
This really is another fantastic story and a very interesting concept. It reads just like a novel and I especially like the play on Leia's character. I love the part where she finally turns on her father.
As soon as I've caught up fully I'll comment in more detail.
Jules
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This reads like an alternate verse Star Wars to me. Kind of like Harry Turtledove's alternate history books. I really like his series on WWII (Into the Darkness).
I too can't wait for more and we can only hope Pat can free up some time to give us an update, but I think he is pretty busy right now.
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Warthog, thank you so much for your comments! It's encouragement like yours that keeps me going. I can't wait to see your Darth Leia!
Jules and Shawn, thanks to you both as well. It's definitely meant to be an alternate version of Star Wars. In fact, if I ever get the time, this will become a trilogy, mirroring in my own way, the Original Trilogy. Shawn's right, I wish I had more time to devote to writing these, as I want to get them finished so that I can start another project...
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The crazy she-bat was right; there was no one in sight. Han sprinted down the long, winding corridors of the Star Destroyer he had been, until recently, imprisoned and tortured on. The lights seemed to be uncharacteristically darker than normal, and Han couldn't help but wonder if perhaps this was all due to that assassin's plan. Han still didn't know why she had freed him and provided him with access codes for a shuttle to escape on, and frankly, he didn't care. If it were all a ruse, and he'd be killed when he reached the hangar bay, then at least the torture would be over. Han would never give in to Vader's cruel machinations, or admit that he had been broken more times than he cared to count. A quick and painless death at the end of a blaster muzzle would be much more welcome than being locked away again.
The two guards who were watching his cell before the assassin came to see him were found mysteriously dead at the door to his cell when he opened it. Han guessed it was to cover her tracks, but he didn't care. He was able to swipe a blaster from one of them and hustle down the hallway in the direction of hangar bay ninety-four. As Han came to an intersection in the hallways, he slowed down and crept along, carefully peering around the corners to be certain he was in the clear. Again, both hallways were like a ghost town, devoid of any other life than his own. Turning left and carefully padding away, looking over his shoulder, Han hurried as quickly and quietly away as he could.
Han rounded another corner, still expecting an ambush at any time, and yet again being disappointed. He had arrived at the hangar bay, and across from him on the far side of the hangar sat the shuttle he was told about. A lone Lambda-Class T-4a shuttle sat in the aura of a spotlight high above it. Han knew this wouldn't be easy, but it was getting trickier and trickier. The empty corridors were one thing, but there were several Imperial flight technicians and pilots scattered about the flight deck, not to mention the many in the control tower keeping vigilant watch on things. With blaster at the ready, Han crouched behind a utility hovercart and surveyed the deck. Four TIE Fighter pilots stood in a group ahead and to his right, talking about past conquests and dogfights won. None appeared to have any indication he was lurking in the shadows, so he turned his attention elsewhere. further down the deck, three mechanics were busy tuning up a sleek, black ship of an unknown type. Han had never seen one of that make, but it looked deadly. It appeared to have the body of a Lambda-Class shuttle, but with aft dual laser cannons built in an arc reaching on top and bottom of the fuselage, much like a Rebel B-Wing fighter. It was a sleek matte black ship, gleaming with an inherent evil that chilled Han to the very bone. Obviously busy with tuning up the ship and finalizing it's weapons systems, the techs clearly were also not aware of Han's presence. Solo turned his gaze upward, to the scaffolding and control room high above the hangar bay, and counted four more technicians and three Imperial Stormtroopers. Han further surveyed the area, looking for his next position to move to to stay out of sight. Blasting his way wasn't going to do him any good, as it would call more troops to his location. There weren't any distractions he could cause that would remove the techs, pilots, and Stormtroopers at the same time. Han's mind was reeling, when all of a sudden, the poodoo hit the fan.
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Alarms sounded off, blaring loudly along the walls of Darth Leia's private chamber. She sat up with a jolt and flung herself out of her bed, grabbing her clothes and lightsabers and sprinted down the hall. At the end of it stood her Imperial Guard, still standing guard at the entrance to her private quarters of the ship. "Guards, what is going on here?" shouted Leia to them.
"Two Stormtroopers were found dead in the prison sector, cell block one-one-three-eight. One is missing his blaster and identification card," came back the guard, standing tall and at attention.
"Solo's cell?" asked Leia, already brimming with anger. The telltale purple haze of her Force powers swirled and whisped around her skin like an amaranthine shroud.
"Yes, Mistress," replied the Guard.
"Where is Smashbolt?" asked Leia through gritted teeth.
"She's already radioed in and on her way to the detention level, my Mistress."
"Fine. Activate the rest of the Imperial Guard, have them sweep the halls and hangar bays and kill anyone who isn't properly identified on the spot!" shouted Leia as she sprinted away from the Guard towards the detention level.
As Darth Leia approached the cell block, her slave and assassin, Smashbolt stood in the doorway, clearly seething with anger. Leia could hear her berate the cadre of Stormtroopers that stood around her. Their fear was palpable, and tasted all too sweet to Leia. She took delight in her protoge's anger and smiled to herself. "What happened?" barked Leia to her subordinate.
"Mistress Leia, my apologies for my failure," began Smashbolt. "The prisoner was able to overcome his guard and kill them, escaping his cell. It appears the prisoner surprised one guard and broke his neck, and choked the life out of the other. I believe he'll be heading to one of the hangar bays to try and escape the ship, though I confess to not knowing which hangar bay it might be."
"The failure was not yours to apologize for," said Leia as she waved her hand at the group of Stormtroopers standing before her. She picked up five of the six Stormtroopers trembling before her and crushed their throats, dropping their limp and lifeless bodies into a heap on the floor. "You there, what's your designation?" demanded Leia.
"TK-0919, Mistress Leia," answered the Stormtrooper. This one had some resolve, and didn't appear to be as fearful as the others who now laid dead at her feet.
"Well, TK-0919, I want these bodies cleared and the prisoner found. Complete these tasks, and you will be rewarded with the rank of Stormtrooper Commnader."
"Right away, Mistress Leia," remarked the Stormtrooper with a salute. With that, he turned his attention to his comlink and began to bark out orders to have bodies removed.
"Smashbolt, which hangar bays do you think he would have gone to?" asked Leia. A new wave of calm washed over Smashbolt once she was sure she wouldn't suffer any repercussions.
"On this level are hangar bays sixty-two, seventy-eight, and ninety-four. Ninety-four is heavily guarded and the 181st Pilot Guard are doing training maneuvers currently, not to mention it's on the far side of the ship. Sixty-two has been earmarked for support and back-up flights only and is unmanned, however still guarded by a squad of Deathtroopers. Seventy-eight seems to be both the closest and most likely option at this time, with no special activities or training scheduled. It'll be active, but secluded. If I were making an escape, I would find the closest and quietest hangar I could."
"I have to agree," chimed Leia. "I'll go to seventy-eight, you head to sixty-two."
"As you wish, Mistress Leia. Do you wish him recaptured?" asked Smashbolt.
"No. I want him executed immediately and violently, for all to see. Leave no room for error," ordered Leia.
"Your will be done, Mistress," answered Smashbolt.
Thena Skyblade watched Leia sprint down the hall towards hangar bay seventy-eight, rounding a corner and disappearing. She had impressed herself, able to hide her true intentions and machinations from her Mistress without being found out through the Force. Her plan for escape had begun. She hoped that her faith in the strength and resolve of a former Imperial Naval Officer would pay out.
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Han jerked with a start once the klaxons began to blare, warning the ship likely of his escape. More lights kicked on over the flight deck and the few Pilots hanging around sprinted to the lifts, taking them to the cockpits of their TIE Fighters. The techs scrambled from their work platforms and prepped the fighters for take off. Han glanced up to see what the Stormtroopers were doing on the catwalk, and they were no where to be seen. The time was now, because he was only going to get one chance at this.
Han jumped up and dashed from cover to cover, ducking down to avoid being seen by various techs and pilots scrambling about. In seconds, though it felt like hours, Han was ducking down behind the landing ramp of the shuttle. All he had to do was sneak aboard and wait for the opportune time to escape the flight deck and he was half way home. True, he still needed to avoid and outfight the attack that was sure to follow his departure from the Star Destroyer, not to mention the need to place several hyperspace coordinates into the navicomputer at the same time in an effort to shake any followers from his tail, all in the hopes that the secret coordinates given to him by the seemingly traitorous Assassin were correct. Han was just about to make a move when he felt a hand on his shoulder, spinning him around. There stood an Imperial Stormtrooper, arm cocked back in readiness to land a blow in Han's face. As the Stormtrooper's arm came forward, Han twisted to his left, allowing the Stormtrooper's punch to sail past him and to his right. Han threw out his right arm to push the Stormtrooper's arm further away and spinning the trooper, exposing his back to Han. Han landed a left jab in the trooper's kidney, followed by a right kick to the trooper's right knee, bringing the plastic-bodied combatant to his knees. Han reached around to the front of the Stormtrooper, grasping the rim of the soldier's bucket and pulling backwards, landing a vicious right hammer to his throat, silencing the Stormtrooper. Han looked around wildly, checking to see if anyone else saw the altercation. Luck was on his side this day, because no one looked the wiser. Scrambling up the ramp, Han closed it down so no one else would have the chance to surprise him.
Han flopped down in the pilot's seat and checked over the controls. Clearly, the Empire hadn't upgraded their systems since he had served with them years ago, which again he attributed to luck being on his side. Outside the cockpit, four TIE Fighters roared off through the hangar bay, exiting into the cold vastness of space in order to perform their patrolling duties. Han was sure there would be more out there than just four TIEs, but he needed to clear the flight deck first. Han switched on the engines and punched up the shields and weapons systems. The sudden activation of the ship clearly alerted the hangar bay's control staff, as they chimed his comms.
"Shuttle Wraith, you are not cleared for flight, all crafts other than fighters have been locked down. Power down immediately and return to your barracks until further notice."
Han continued to punch in the coordinates for his first jump and charge the thrusters. "Control, this is Lieutenant Solo, authorization code Bravo-Niner-Echo-Echo-Three, and I'm flying vanguard for this exercise," spoke Han into the comms. He hoped his ruse would work long enough for him to clear the flight deck, and then he didn't care what happened. Han eased the ship off the ground and towards the portal to the space beyond. Quickly, he shot out of the hangar and into space, just as the control tower activated the security shields which would have trapped him inside. Han punched the accelerator and shot out further away from the Star Destroyer. His computer sprang to life, chirping and alarming, as several TIE Fighters fell into pursuit of his shuttle. Several green energy bolts sizzled past his cockpit viewport as they opened fire. Han jerked the yoke and barrel rolled out of the line of fire and punched it harder, dipping and rolling away from various assaults from the attacking TIE fighters. His navicomputer warbled that the coordinates to his first jump were ready for use, and just as another emerald blast seared past his cockpit window, he jumped to hyperspace, the stars before him turning to streaks of light. Even as Han was thrown backward into his seat, he was already asleep and resting until his next stop.
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"So, a beaten, broken, unarmed man defended your attack and knocked you unconscious, stealing an Imperial shuttle while you lay on the flight deck. Is that correct?" asked Leia of Imperial Stormtrooper TK-0919.
"Yes Mistress," answered the Stormtrooper without wavering.
"That is all you have to say for yourself? Tell me then, trooper, why I shouldn't cut your limbs from your body right here and now, in front of the entire Imperial Army?"
"I allowed myself to be taken out, Mistress Leia. I had an idea."
"You had an 'idea'?" shouted Leia. "An IDEA?? What makes you think an Stormtrooper is allowed to even HAVE ideas?"
"Forgive me Mistress, my actions are unforgivable, but please allow me to tell you what I have done before you take my life."
"Yes, you will tell me what you had in mind, so that I can make some sense of this quagmire you've gotten yourself into," said Leia sarcastically.
"I knew you and Mistress Smashbolt were heading to hangar bays seventy-eight and sixty-two, leaving ninety-four as the only hangar bay left. On a hunch, in an effort not to duplicate actions already being taken, I headed to ninety-four and saw the prisoner making his way to an Imperial shuttle. I snuck around to that same shuttle and placed several homing beacons on it, and then instead of killing the prisoner, I confronted him, putting up a weak effort so he thought he beat me and had escaped."
"So you placed homing beacons on the ship in an effort to track it down?" asked Darth Leia. "And your plan has succeeded?"
"I believe so, Mistress Leia. I feigned unconsciousness so I could keep an eye on what he did next. He never searched the the ship, just jumped in and took off. We can now track him down and see where he goes. Perhaps he will run to the Rebels and we can find and eliminate them all."
"You've taken a rather large chance, trooper," said Leia coldly. "We do not believe he has any affiliation with the Rebels, and all that we will accomplish by allowing him to run is to track him down again and kill him, which you could have done when you had the chance."
"You are correct, Mistress Leia. I have no excuse, and hereby forfeit my life for you," said the Stormtrooper evenly. No fear in his voice, no fear in the Force.
"Still, I look for such inventiveness and instinct in my personal cadre of Deathtroopers. You are permitted to live at this time, and will be transferred to my Deathtroopers Battalion immediately.
"Yes Mistress, as you command."
"Go to the Quartermaster on the ship and exchange your armor and weapons and report to the aft section of the ship where my Deathtroopers are staged and report to the Commander there. He will assign you as appropriate. Smashbolt, come with me."
"Yes, my Mistress," said Smashbolt as she fell into step behind the Dark Lady.
"Prepare an assault group for immediate departure, full tactical battlements are required. We'll follow this lead and see where it leads us, as the Force is telling me that our prey will yield a greater payout than just a simple traitorous Imperial Officer." As they walked down the corridors, Smashbolt became aware that they had arrived at hangar bay ninety-four. Smashbolt took great care not to set off any waves in the Force indicating that she had any connection to this hangar bay. "I have prepared a ship for you, your own personal shuttle. Your talents are wasted when the fight is in the sky or in space, so this is your very own Delta-Class JV-7 shuttle. It's lighter, faster, and more powerful than a standard shuttle, and can carry your own squad of Deathtroopers as needed. While larger than a starfighter, it is highly maneuverable and capable of overtaking other ships, even in Hyperspace. She is yours to use as you see fit. You will take her on this mission and will chase down any fleeing starships. No one will escape us this time, and we will wipe out all who oppose us."
"Your generosity is overwhelming, Mistress. Thank you for such a beautiful spacecraft!" exclaimed Smashbolt excitedly. She walked briskly over to the ship and scanned its surface carefully, admiring the matte black hull and intense looking firepower forming the arc around the body of the ship. "I shall have her loaded immediately for departure."
"Do not disappoint me, Smashbolt. I want this man dead within one standard day. I've just been given word that the shuttle is currently in orbit around the planet Phindar, in the Outer Rim Territories. We shall depart immediately once the assault team has been assembled.
"Your will be done, Mistress," said Smashbolt as she bowed to the Dark Lady. Her plan was accelerating faster than she anticipated, but it would still work in her favor. She would follow this man to the Rebels who would be lying in wait, and the final part of her plan would come to fruition. She could feel anticipation welling up inside her, and she could see that her Mistress noticed as well. "I'm highly anxious to use my new gift to obliterate someone for you," offered Smashbolt. Darth Leia nodded in acknowledgment and turned to leave for her quarters. Leia soon disappeared, and Smashbolt immediately turned to her comms and ordered her ship's loadout filled for immediate departure. She contacted the Stormtrooper Commander for the Deathtroopers and ordered the attack squad assembled as well. The grin on Thena Skyblade's luscious red lips could not be wiped off, not even with a lightsaber.
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SPEECHLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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This is amazing!
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Another great chapter Pat.
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Thanks to everyone who's read and commented on it thus far. I had plenty of time last night to work on it for once, and it really rolled out easily enough. I'm thinking 3-5 more chapters to finish off this particular story, and then it's on to plan my very own with my very own world and characters. Of course, I still have plans to turn this story into a trilogy, but that's awhile off yet.
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Brilliant:)
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Thanks, Warthog! I hope to try and get another chapter done tonight, but we'll see what happens.
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Good luck. Am looking forward to it very much.
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Pat, in a word..."AWESOME"... ;)
Your creative writing is becoming more consistent...consistently superb that is, this chapter was a great example of you gripping the reader and keeping them in suspense all the way through, I even felt my adrenalin start pumping as I was reading Han's escape.
I love the Stormtrooper character in this one, you have left some openings for him later on. I am intrigued as to why he didn't feel any fear...another story perhaps! You also made a couple of references to a certain member of staff here, thank you for that, and also Wraith9 crept in there...
I am now going to see if I can find any images of Switchblades ship anywhere, is it a made up designation, or is it actually a real type?
As usual you have painted a wonderful picture in words, it's like a mirror into the Star Wars Universe and I can't wait for the continuation.
Jules
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Pat, you've been Hangarbay'd
(http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv191/hangarbay94/Imperial%20Shipyards%20Stuff/switch1.jpg)
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Jules, thanks for your review! I hadn't given any thought to the Stormtrooper's reasons for being fearless, and Smashbolt's new ship is indeed a real designation, which I believe you found on your own. Wookieepedia gets a lot of site views from me when I write! Thanks for "Hangarbaying" me as well! I love the look of the Sith Assassin in there. I hadn't thought to give her any tattoos like that, but I think that really adds an element to her fearsomeness!
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Jules, thanks for your review! I hadn't given any thought to the Stormtrooper's reasons for being fearless, and Smashbolt's new ship is indeed a real designation, which I believe you found on your own. Wookieepedia gets a lot of site views from me when I write! Thanks for "Hangarbaying" me as well! I love the look of the Sith Assassin in there. I hadn't thought to give her any tattoos like that, but I think that really adds an element to her fearsomeness!
Pat I just realised I got the name wrong on the artwork....that's what happens when I rush a piece of work...will you ever forgive me!!!
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sweet !!
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Awesome image!
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But of course I will Jules!
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Oh my! An awesome image for an awseome story!
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that is frikken sweeet!
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"Imperial Shuttle, this is Clawbird Squadron. We have your ship surrounded and we will fire upon you unless you power down your shields and armaments. Failure to comply in ten seconds will result in your total annihilation. Do you copy?" came a voice over the intercom in the stolen Imperial shuttle manned by Han Solo. It had only been mere minutes since he exited Hyperspace in the sector given to him by the Sith assassin. He still didn't know why she would have given him this information, and expected a trap of some kind, but he was at least glad to be out of that torture rack and his prison. Han leaned over the cockpit's control panel and powered down the craft's shields and weapons and prepared the airlock for boarding. Through the cockpit's viewport, a Corellian Gunship appeared out of Hyperspace and brought itself along the lower section of the shuttle. Han could hear the boarding tube connect and lock into place. Any moment, the ship would be stormed by Rebels. Part of Han hoped that they'd simply put a blaster bolt through his temple as opposed to further interrogation.
"Clawbird Squadron from Imperial fugitive Han Solo. I'm powered down and awaiting your boarding party. I am not armed, and surrender to you willingly." Han rose from the pilots chair and moved to the center of the cabin, lowered himself to his knees, and placed his hands on top of his head. In the next second, six armed Rebel troopers stormed the cabin, weapons drawn on Solo.
"Han Solo, please rise and walk with us to our ship. Any sudden moves, and you will be executed immediately. Do you comply?" asked the nearest Rebel trooper.
"Yeah, I comply. Just get me off of this ship and I'd love a glass of water," said Han back in an even voice. "I have information for your squadron leader, and I'm not too keen on hanging around on this ship any more than I already have." With that, Han fell into step in the center of the pack of troopers, marching his way to the Corellian Gunboat awaiting him and his story. He really didn't have much hope of living past this. He didn't believe his own story, so why would anyone else? Once aboard the Corellian Gunship Tantive IV, Han was able to look outside a viewport and watched as a Rebel Alliance worker manned the stolen shuttle and flew off to destination unknown. That was the last thing he saw, as he was blinded by a black bag over his head and led away to a holding cell. Great, from the frying pan and into the fire. That blaster bolt was looking better by the moment.
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The sounds of lightsabers crashing against one another filled the training room, purple on red like flashes of flitter bugs in the night skies of Alderaan. Sweat glistened on Leia's body, her workout apparel covering only the bare minimum so as not to overheat or restrict her movements. While many Sith preferred armors, tattoos, and ornate garments, Leia preferred as little as possible. She didn't rely on fear of some corny outfit or a myriad of twisted tattoos, she made sure that any who looked upon her knew the face of their demise. Her tight, muscular abs twisted and flexed with each movement, while lines of violet and scarlet sweat trails entwined each sinewy fiber in her musculature. Her biceps flexed and heaved as she swung her lightsabers in tantalizing arcs and jabs, a mesmerizing light show which reflected darkly on the gleaming armor of her training opponent, Darth Vader. Leia preferred to spar with her father, not only because it was much more intense and useful than a roomful of droids and practice droids, or even an entire garrison of Stormtroopers, but because it continued to give her insight to her father's fighting tactics and strategies, all in hopes of finding weaknesses in his style that she would eventually exploit. Darth Leia's body erupted in a storm of violet energy, her Force power manifesting itself as a maelstrom of amaranthine destruction. She used her brilliant command of the Force to push her body past its limits and make her attacks even faster and more fluid. Pushing her limits even further, she lashed out with the Force and threw a Force Slam into the torso of Vader, hurling him backwards into the wall behind him. Without even a nanoseconds worth of pause, Leia reached out with the Force and hurled various bladed weapons which adorned the walls of the training room at her father, pushing them with enough velocity to pierce Vader's armor. At the last moment, the Dark Lord of the Sith erected a Force Shield to deflect the edged assault and rose again to his feet. With a quickness that surprised most, Vader closed the gap between himself and his daughter and again continued to hammer blows that would crush durasteel on her, each swing of his lightsaber expertly deflected by his apprentice and kin. Again, the cacophony of lightsaber combat rattled off the walls of the obliterated training room, each combatant willing to push themselves to the very edge, each unwilling to give the other an inch.
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Thena Skyblade sat alone in her room, staring at herself in the mirror of her refresher. She stared into her own beautiful, blue eyes, as azure as the oceans of Naboo. She stared into them, hoping to find a glimmer of her former life, innocent of warfare, unaware of any Galactic Civil War. All she saw were the eyes of an efficient, cold blooded killer. A sniper without equal, capable of putting a blaster bolt between the eyes of a Dug at ten kilometers in high winds, all she could remember was the body count, numbering in the thousands. Imperial and Rebel alike, she forgot who Thena Skyblade truly was. No longer could she remember the little girl who ran carefree over the plains of Naboo, her scarlet hair flowing in the summer breezes. No longer could she remember the faces of her mother and father, killed so many years ago when the Emperor ordered the massacre of the Naboo people, as well as the Gungans. Skyblade rose from her seat in front of the mirror to inspect the rest of her body. A beautiful, hourglass figure stood before her, her porcelain skin a light golden bronze, her voluptuous breasts heaving gently with each breath, her luscious red lips parting slightly to allow her sighs of regret pass them. If Thena were inclined to think about it, she would have perhaps thought that she would be considered beautiful by many people's standards. But all she could see when she scanned her body were her well trained shoulders, capable of hefting and steadying her sniper rifle. Her long, slender fingers, which only looked in her eyes to be instruments of death that pulled the trigger of said rifle. Where other saw an intensely ravishing woman, Thena Skyblade only saw a Harbinger of Death. Long ago, she did it to avenge the murders of her parents and to do what she felt was right. After her breaking at the hands of her now Mistress, the Dark Lady of the Sith known as Darth Leia, she did it to spare her own life. Soon, it wasn't about her own wellbeing, but instead to satiate the thirst for blood that had been instilled in her by her Mistress. However, a caged Tuk'ata who is poked and prodded, soon learns to bite the hands of its Master. Thena was tired of being the instrument of another's machinations. She was tired of taking the lives of the ones she once called allies and friends. She still loved the feel of her rifle kicking back against her shoulder, and the sound of a blaster bolt ripping through flesh. Now, however, she would again feel all of that as she tore through those worthless Stormtroopers. Even Darth Leia's Deathtroopers, though higher trained and outfitted, were no match for her fighting skills or blasters. Hell, she trained in hand-to-hand combat and close quarters combat at the hands of Darth Leia and Darth Vader themselves. There were very few who could go up against her and live to tell the tale.
Thena turned from the mirror, ashamed of what she was looking at and had become, and walked gracefully to her closet and opened it wide. Hanging there up front was the uniform that Mistress Leia had ordered to be created for her. The tight, black jumpsuit with black patent leather boots, belt, and shoulder pauldron did look good on her, an Angel of Death, but she hated wearing it. It represented the darkness with which she had become. She longed for the day when she could adorn her own combat suit again. She had done much planning for that moment. She supplied Solo with a comm code to give to the Rebel rendezvous once he had escaped, one that they would identify with her. Even if they suspected a trap, they would be prepared for when the Imperial assault came down on them. They will have evacuated any and all important personnel, leaving just enough to make the Empire think they crushed an entire cell of Rebels. She hoped that the right personnel would be on hand and would recognize her plans and facilitate them, whether they knew it or not. If not, she'd be dead, and it wouldn't matter at all anyway. Thena donned her combat suit, zipping up the back and attaching her pauldron. She placed her DL-44s in their holsters and slid her vibroknife in her left boot. Finally, she pulled her hair to both sides, winding them into buns on either side of her head. She was ready, whether she felt it or not. Skyblade walked over to her comm station and buzzed the control room to the Deathtrooper's Barraks.
"Attention Deathtroopers, Squads Delta and Bravo are to report to my ship immediately and prep for battle, full armaments required," said Thena in her most authoritative voice. She turned again to her mirror, took one last look at the fiend she had become, and turned in disgust, storming out of her room for the last time.
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"The time is rapidly approaching, my young pupil. The Force breaths winds of change in our direction, and I fear it is time to to confront our most ancient of opponents. Your training has all culminated to this point, and I think you are ready for what is to come."
"I feel it too, Master Obi-Wan. The enemy approaches and we must strike at them if the Alliance is to have any hope of rising once again. I've felt the Sith in the Force before Master, but this time it feels different. I can't place why, but something feels...more familiar. I've never faced Darth Vader or Darth Leia in battle, yet I can't help but feel a connection of some kind."
"My young friend, you have indeed become a powerful Jedi Knight. I've seen you rise to become stronger, faster, and more brilliant in the Force than even your father. You've faced many Dark Jedi and Sith Acolytes in the past, and your trials on Dagobah took you to the darkest depths of your own soul. The feeling of connection you feel is attributed to staring into your own dark places of your soul, nothing more," said Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. The venerable Jedi Master stood among the trees of Kashyyyk, tall and powerful. His muscular physique was hidden well in his dark green tunic, wrapped in his dark brown robe. His cybernetic arm clutched his lightsaber, azure blade extended at his side. His bearded face laid neatly in stark contrast to his cleanly bald scalp, his deep green eyes shone with brilliance in the dark of the depths of the forest floor. "Now, we must continue our workout and training, young Luke Skywalker. We must be prepared to join the Rebels shortly."
Luke Skywalker, tall and sinewy, stood at attention and ignited his viridian blade on his lightsaber. Standing in his Form V Attack pattern, his light grey tunic hanging over his navy pants, Luke enveloped himself in a jade fire, the manifest of his enormous Force potential. In the blink of an eye, he and his master crossed blades, the sizzle and clash of the electric fire resounding off the gigantic Wroshyr trees.
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Oh hell yeah! Wow did I like the new description of Obi-wan and Luke. You are gonna have to make those customs Pat. Have you sent in anything to be looked at yet? I for one would buy any SW novel I saw your name one.
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HOW DID OBI WAN GET HIS ARM CHOPPED OFF !! THIS IS PURE AWESOMENESS !!
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Brilliant as always. Really superb.
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Guess you'll have to stay tuned to find out!
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OMG ! WOW! :o
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Looks like I've got some catching up to do!!! will comment asap.
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Another brilliant continuation, Pat! I believe that I am following Han's story the closest.
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Wooow amazing!
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Ok, finally got this on the front page. Once again, nice chapter Pat.
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So far I've been able to look over the last part and the first part. From what I have read, I can tell that this is going to be a very good story. I agree with everyone else and say that you should try to publish this story.
bbfet
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okay ! this is by FAR the BEST fan fiction made EVER!! send it to gl he will LOVE it !
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Luke admired her from across the battlefield. Her brilliant red hair swayed in the breezes that blew across the verdant plains, yet never became a nuisance to her. She stood among her troops, giving orders with utter confidence and authority. No one dared to question her or break their formations. Her word was absolute in the Rebellion, for she had led them through countless victories against the Empire's vast armies. Mara Jade, Jedi Master and Rebel General, stood in her traditional Jedi garb; gold trimmed, maroon tunic over a white shirt, black pants, and maroon boots. Her silver and gold lightsaber, a gift from Obi-Wan Kenobi, hung at her side. Her weapon was rumored to be that of the great Jedi Master Mace Windu, slain by Darth Vader himself. How or when it was recovered was unknown, but it was presented to Mara upon her ascension to Master. Though Master Kenobi's ways were vastly different than those of the Jedi before their fall at the end of the Clone Wars, he always felt a need to keep certain traditions and memories from fading into the histories. Luke continued to stare at her from across the field, which she must have felt in the Force, because she turned to him slightly, shooting him a disapproving look. Luke turned away bashfully. Sometimes he forgot that he could project such things in the Force. As powerful as he was, possibly the most powerful Jedi in history according to Master Kenobi, he was still just a kid, no older than nineteen years old. He'd been trained since as long as he can remember, living with Master Kenobi on Tatooine since he was an infant, and he'd been able to do some amazing things with the Force. Even his unnatural manifestation of the Force in a jade fire that surrounded his body but didn't burn, was something never before discovered in the Force. However, for all his training in the Jedi ways, no one had ever taught him to interact with a woman. Even if they had, why would a Jedi Master go for a Jedi Knight? Though relationships were encouraged among the few remaining Jedi throughout the galaxy for the purpose of birthing new Jedi, Luke highly doubted Mara Jade would ever fall for him.
"Keep your mind on the here and now, Luke," came a voice from behind him. Master Kenobi strode across the battlefield toward him, a serious look across his face and spreading out in the Force. "There is no time for you to pine for a woman, the Empire draws near and you will be needed greatly. You mind must remain sharp and focused."
"Yes, Master, forgive me. I'll be ready when they arrive, and I know my duty. I'll lead the second wave of resistance, flanking the enemy from zero-point-eight-echo once Master Jade gives me the go ahead. Once I begin my assault, the initial company will retreat back to regroup with you and your troops for the third wave. Finally, Master Jade, along with Major Shepard will close in from point three-two-three-theta and try to close them all in. Air support will be led by Rancor and Rogue Squadrons, with Captain Solo running interference on the larger vessels," recited Luke to his master.
"Very good, Luke. Remember, do not engage Darth Leia or Darth Vader directly. While you are very powerful, your training is no match for theirs, and you are too important to the Rebellion to lose foolishly. If you encounter either of them, call to Master Jade and myself, and we'll join you immediately."
"As you wish, Master," said Luke disappointedly. He didn't like being told to hold back. He'd been trained all his life to fight Sith, to defeat the Dark Lords and return freedom to the Galaxy, and yet he was being told to ignore his training and instincts.
"This is not a request, Luke," said Obi-Wan gravely. He could sense the turmoil and disappointment in Luke and was not happy with it. "I suggest you meditate and prepare for what is to come." With that, Master Kenobi turned and walked away. His green tunic blended in well with the grasses that filled the plains of the planet. Luke sat in the grass and folded his legs, placing his hands on his knees, and fell into a deep meditation. The veridian fire erupted around him, signaling his escape from the world into the ethereal landscapes of the Force.
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so good so good !!
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Superb
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I am loving the sound of the green fire that seems to surround Luke. I am wondering how you are gonna pull that off on a custom Luke!
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This is really awesome!
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Thanks everyone! This last chapter was a short one due to time, but I'd rather get something up there than nothing!
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The robed figure sat alone at the bottom of a hill, motionless except for the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest while he inhaled the calm and peace of the Force, all while exhaling the turmoil and strife of the Universe around him. His emerald green tunic hung heavy over his chocolate brown clothing, topped by the silvery hair that surrounded his head. Obi-Wan had aged well since his last days as a Jedi Master for the Republic, Jedi General to the Clone Armies. Now, he was a fugitive from the Imperial Dictatorship that was the product of machinations devised by the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, better known throughout the galaxy as Emperor Palpatine. His apprentice and enforcer, Darth Vader, spreads fear and misery throughout the Empire, was once better known as Anakin Skywalker, Hero of the Clone Wars, The Chosen One, and Obi-Wan's own best friend and apprentice. The Jedi Order failed Anakin with their old ways of detachment and uncaring. That long held belief was the sole catalyst that resulted in the fall of the Republic and the end of Galactic Democracy. Obi-Wan opened his eyes and stared out over the verdant fields, his mood darkening. He often thought of his old friend, and almost always resulted in feelings of a pain and sorrow. The old Jedi teachings said that such feelings led to the Dark Side of the Force. Obi-Wan used to believe that whole-heartedly, because he didn't know any better. But life had taught him much harsher, clearer lessons than what the Jedi Code preached. The Universe wasn't black-and-white like the Jedi and Sith would lead you to believe. The Force was not absolute, not pure, in any which way. Obi-Wan stood and exhaled forcefully, purging the anger and misery from his soul in a great, exalted push. Life wasn't all about negative reflection and dwelling on what once was for Obi-Wan. He had a purpose in his life, a very important one at that. With most of the Jedi slain after Order 66, the task was his to bring about the resurrection of the Jedi Order. He was tasked with bringing about the change to the Jedi that would prevent such travesties from occurring ever again. The lesson was not one of bitterness, but one of enlightenment. Not only did Obi-Wan have a greater understanding of the Unifying Force, but he had under his tutelage one of the single most powerful Force users born in a millennia. The Son of Skywalker was possibly more powerful than his father ever was, and that was saying something. One day, he would have to tell Luke of his family's existence, but for now it was best to continue his training without that knowledge. Obi-Wan hated keeping that history from his apprentice, but Luke needed to remain focused.
The Empire drew near, probably four or five clicks away, assembling their forces. He was ready to face his old friend and current nemesis, Darth Vader, for the final time. By the end of today's battle, one of them would become one with the Force. He had no premonitions, no foresight of the battle to come, but he was as certain of it's final outcome as he was that the twin suns of Tatooine would rise daily. Obi-Wan strode across the fields towards his battle regiment of Rebels. A ragged bunch, culminated from races across two dozen star systems, all in hopes of toppling the Empire and returning peace and prosperity to the Galaxy. Bith and Correlians, Bothans and Coruscanti, Mon Calamari and Nubian, all bound together in arms, eagerly putting aside their differences in politics to accomplish the same goal.
"General Kenobi, the men are assembled and they have their orders. At your word, they'll follow you to the gates of Hell," said Commander Coleman, a female from Naboo who was rumored to have a direct blood tie to the Amidalla family. Most of the population of Naboo were eradicated after the rise of the Empire, and there weren't many records left from the planet. While Commander Coleman bared no resemblance to Padme, there was a fire in her eyes that reminded him of her greatly. She never brought it up, and he never asked, they just continued to fight side by side to try and put things right. "What are your orders, General?"
"Have the battalion take defensive positions around the camp and await my orders. We will be the last push against the assault and will wait on Luke and Mara's words. No matter what happens, if Darth Vader enters the battle field, he will be mine alone, no interference. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, General. I'll prepare the men," responded Coleman with a salute. The woman turned and marched back to her troops and began to spout orders. Without batting an eyelash or hesitating for even a nanosecond, the troops followed her orders to the letter and scrambled to comply. Obi-Wan admired her ability to command her troops. Blood relative or not, there was definitely a resemblance to Padme Amidala in her.
Obi-Wan donned his robe and hooked his lightsaber to his belt and took one last look at his tent. He felt very strongly that it would be the last time he would lay in that tent, and yet that thought brought him peace. He turned away for the last time and strode up the hill, his velvety brown robe, worn with age, billowed behind him.
The Empire had arrived, and with them, Darth Vader. The time to right the wrongs had come.
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Oh yeah, cmon Obi this time you can win!
I am wondering if perhaps Yoda will make an appearance and just how in the heck are the Rebels gonna take on those Walkers.
I can't wait to see how this turns out. You have me hooked Pat ole boy. I sure hope the next few days and weeks give you some time to pen more of this.
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I'm going to try and tackle the end of this story in several, small chapters through the eyes of the various combatants. That way, I should be able to get more done at a quicker pace.
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I'm going to try and tackle the end of this story in several, small chapters through the eyes of the various combatants. That way, I should be able to get more done at a quicker pace.
Wow, I like the sound of that too.
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i love this story the superb quality of the writing shines thru ,its an awesome story and phatty should feel justly proud.
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Pat, your story is simply stunning. Reading through the chapters I have become more and more involved. I have to admit, I wasn't sure how this would work, especially Leia turning to the dark side, but you are pulling it off wonderfully.
These last two chapters are a prelude to something big, and I can just feel the tension growing. I also loved the part where you described Obi Wan's feelings towards the Jedi and Sith, saying that there was no Black or White. That is very profound, the character has seen his comrades slaughtered and the Sith rise to absolute power, it must have had an effect on him. The way you summed up his feelings was perfectly and cleverly put. Just adding that little moment was a stoke of genius.
I am constantly amazed at the skill at which you describe scenes and observe characters, with every new part you add something wonderful, a thought or action that makes me think "pure class"
Finally, I've noticed Clawbird and Rancor Squadrons being mentioned, very cool indeed, and a wonderful nod to the X-Wing graphic novel.
I am really looking forward to reading what happens next.
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Jules, while I am grateful for each and every comment, good or bad, that is made about my work here, I especially treasure yours. You break down the elements of my story and seem to get every nuance I'm trying to put in there. Things like Obi-Wan's new attitude towards the Force, is a necessary focus of the story, even if only in that one small chapter, for the exact reasons you said. I'm not out to rewrite the Star Wars we all grew up with, but to re-envision it, taking one small part of the story and skewing off into an alternate dimension.
With that said, the reason Clawbird and Rancor Squadrons are in there is because your stories are just as well written and put together, and why shouldn't they cross over at all?
To everyone who has read and commented on my story, thank you for your feedback! It keeps me motivated to continue to write this!
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Pat,
Granted that the movies have a special place in my heart, but as a reader of Star Wars books I've found that once you move away from the movies and into written fiction that's when things get really interesting. Your words allow the reader to feel as well as see what is going on, it is a wonderful experience.
Jules
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Your descriptions of what Obi Wan sees and feels are very vivid, Pat. One of the great things about this type of writing style is the way a reader visualizes the way a story is presented and what is going on within the plot of the story. The broader the imagination of the reader, the greater the mental image.
I believe that your skills advance with each excerpt.
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Jedi Master Mara Jade stood among the tall trees on the outskirts of what is to become a battlefield of epic proportions. Her job in this battle was clear, and while she didn't like it, nor did she trust the outcome, General Kenobi gave the orders, and she would not disappoint him. She commanded only a trio of sharpshooting snipers, clad in camouflaged armor and sporting the latest in long-range ballistics. She felt the cold shudder of the Dark Side wash over her as Darth Leia approached. With her was the target, the former Rebel and current lackey of the Sith Witch. While it was not in her nature to feel joy at the thought of the death of another, nor was it a belief of the Light Side, she felt the eagerness and anticipation of her soldiers as they all hoped to be the one to take down the woman who has slain more Rebels than any other.
"Snipers, ready your weapons, our quarry approaches," ordered Jade. "Take separate positions so as to split their focus once the shooting begins. You'll all have only one shot at this, and then you are to retreat to the preplanned location immediately and without looking back. I shall remain behind to cover your escape and then I'll follow. Should I fall, you are not to come to my aid. Is this understood?"
"Yes General," said the three sharpshooters in unison. With that, they dispersed to their designated positions, readying their weapons and adjusting their sights according to wind direction and speed. They were the absolute best snipers in the entire Rebellion, aside from the former Rebel Thena Skyblade, and Mara had faith that they'd carry out their directives.
Mara took the time to kneel in the tall grasses and fall into a shallow meditation. Through the Force, she set a proximity alert so as not to be taken by surprise. She stretched out through the Force and calmed herself. She was not happy with the part she was asked to play in this battle. She preferred to stand side by side where her troops, facing Darth Leia at the blade. Instead, she was part of a hit and run tactic that she felt was unnecessary. Her red hair flowed easily in the breeze, tickling her face as it danced in the wind. Her chest rose and fell rhythmically, calm and serene. Her porceline skin shone in the sunlight, its rays glistening off her rosy cheeks. Mara had heard many whispers from others of how beautiful she was, though she'd never agree with that. She was a Jedi, and such ideals were of no consequence to her. While the New Jedi Order, under guidance from Master Kenobi allowed such things as relationships, Mara still felt that the was of the Old Jedi were more appropriate, and she had no thought of such inconsequential thoughts such as her looks.
She was awoken from her meditation by the Force, she could feel the footsteps of the approaching hoard of Imperial Troops. She stood on her feet and slunk deeper into the treeline, shrouding herself in the Force.
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Darth Leia could feel the Jedi in the area, and it excited her. She had longed to fight Jedi, for it had been too long since she last murdered one with her blade. Rebels were a nuisance, easy to kill and no match for her prowess in both skilled combat and the Force. The thought of crossing blades with a Jedi Master made her skin tingle and put a wicked smile across her black glossed lips. Beside her, Smashbolt strode with purpose. Her Right Hand was armed to the teeth, carrying both of her DL-44 blasters and other armaments. Clearly, she expected quite the battle. Leia would hate to disappoint her Commander-At-Arms on that point, so she'd be sure to leave enough Rebels to quench Smashbolt's bloodlust. Still, Leia could detect a hint of uncertainty in her protege's thoughts, unsettling and unsure. It was curious to Leia, as the woman had never before gone into battle with such thoughts. More importantly, Smashbolt normally held a great deal of mental fortitude, prohibiting even Leia from reading her thoughts easily. That thought unsettled Leia, though briefly. She attributed it to the coming battle, combined with the fact that Smashbolt had never faced a Jedi before, much less Jedi Masters. "Calm yourself, young lady," said Leia to the other woman. "I can sense your uneasiness, and it is unwarranted. We shall be victorious in this battle as we are in any other. Do not fear these Jedi, they don't possess the power or strength that I do. They are no match for us."
"Yes, Mistress," replied Smashbolt. She was disappointed in herself for letting her guard down at all, so she steeled her nerves and trudged on. Instinctively, she drew her weapons, gifts from her Mistress.
"Am I to presume you can sense things I cannot?" asked Leia. "Why do you draw your weapons so soon? I sense no imminent threats, other than a couple of scouts in the treeline to the West. You act as if you are expecting something so soon."
"You taught me to always expect an attack, and those trees to the West provide a heavy cover for an assassin or sniper. It's where I'd set up if I was going to take an opening shot. I'm just being prepared, nothing more," replied Smashbolt with a sense of confidence. What she said made sense, and Leia could find no fault in her theory. They continued to walk on, marching towards where here scouts had reconned the enemy camp. As precaution, she unhooked her lightsabers from their loops on her belt. Just in case.
"Troopers, fan out, attack pattern Bravo. Shock troops up front and grenadiers along the perimeter in the rear," shouted Smashbolt to the trailing battalion of troops. "Heavy Artillery will march down the mid--"
Smashbolt's sudden silence was preceded by a loud hiss, ending with a sharp snap. Leia spun around to find her young assistant lying in the grass, her eyes wide open in shock, blood smeared across the side of her head. Leia could detect no signs of life in her former protege. For a moment, Leia could hardly believe it. She could sense no impending attack, and yet the only woman Leia had any faith in other than herself lay dead in the grass. "Squad, into those trees and flush out the assailants! No one lives, do you understand me?!?!"
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Mara Jade had done her job, as had her troopers. They were already far from their sniping positions, and were well on their way to the rendezvous point with the rest of the Rebels. She unhooked her lightsaber from her belt and slunk further into the woods, disappearing into them. The opening gambit had been taken, and the plan was going accordingly. She looked out onto the plains, and locked eyes with Darth Leia. It won't be the last time she stared into those gleaming violet eyes.
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Oh yeah, Pat is writing again. Great new chapter Pat, on the front page!
I plan on getting into this in further detail once I get my chores done!
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so... where is yoda? ... i CAN'T believe you killed off smashbolt... she was like my soulmate
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Pat, I really don't think I could ever dare add graphics to your writing here, as it would take something away from the images you paint with your words.
Number one, I could actually feel the tension as Lea and her protégée walked into battle
Number two, I felt surprise and a smile came over my face when the sniper shot hit its mark...that was just sweet the way you built things up and then with a fizz erased Smashbolt out of the equation. I've not been in battle, but I guess that must be what happens sometimes, your buddy suddenly wiped out by a shot, and you have to just move forward.
To be able to stir the emotions is such an amazing gift, and it is something you achieve with every new piece of creative writing you post. Simply awesome!
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Wow, what great action. Daggone I hope Leia and Jade get into a light saber battle next time, but I guess Jade is pulling back.
I can't wait to see what Luke and Obi get into.
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WOAH! why the hell arent you published!
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Guys, your praise is highly appreciated! I can't wait to get the next chapter finished, I think you guys are really going to like how this goes!
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I have to echo what Julian is saying, your writing evokes emotion and I can see all of this happening in my head like I am watching a movie. I love your posts here and all of your stories for that matter. Great job Pat!
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another amazing chapter pat!
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The cacophany of mayhem transcending the battlefield rang out like a well orchestrated symphony in Darth Leia's ears. She stood atop a low hilltop, observing the chaos as an artist would observe the myriad of colors upon her canvas. Rebels and Stormtroopers, Commandos and Feartroopers, battled harshly with blasters, vibroblades, and even fists. The piles of bloodied, mangled, scorched bodies continued to pile up on both sides. Leia could care less about the body count, the troopers on either side were insignificant. All that mattered to her were the Jedi. She now counted three at the fringes of the battlefield. The older one she recognized as her father's most hated nemesis, a Jedi of the old Order, before the fall of the Republic. The only Jedi to escape the Purge and Vader's vengeane, this Jedi was responsible for more Imperial deaths and corruption of the Empire's reign than Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi. The red haired Jedi, newly entering the fray, could be none other than Jedi Master Mara Jade, a pest who desperately needed exterminating. Leia guessed by her only recently showing up to the battle that perhaps she had something to do with the assassination of her former Right Hand, Smashbolt. She would be sure to be the one to take Jade's head before the day came to a close. The third Jedi, she did not recognize, though something familiar rang out from him through the Force. Peculiar, it resonated very strongly within her. The younger Jedi stood well behind the field of battle, lightsaber drawn but not ignited. Clearly, Kenobi was keeping him in reserve, but for what? A blaster shot seared towards her, soaring easily past her jet black hair as Leia had plenty of time and reflex enough to dodge the sloppy shot. Several times, one Rebel or another had taken shots at her, each time dodged easily or batted away with her lightsaber. Darth Leia smiled a cruel, wicked smile as she breathed in the stench of combat and death, her black lips peeling apart in an evil sneer. She grew tired of merely watching the fight; she longed to enter into it and taste the blood of the pitiful Rebel scum as it sprayed from their throats newly opened by her violet blade.
Leia strode seductively towards the battlefield, her curvy hips swaying to and fro, her saunter as alluring as it was fearsome. Both hands clutched the hilt of her dual lightsabers, held out from her side. Her back arched slightly backwards, pushing her amble breasts outward, an act that yielded the desired results: the battlefield now focused their attention on her, whether it be direct or indirect. As she neared the closest assembly of warring combatants, she ignited her twin blades and cut them all down, Rebel and Imperial alike. She did not care to discern enemy from ally, all she cared about was the slaughter. All that mattered was cutting her path towards the Jedi.
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The change in the winds was apparent through the Force. The Sith had entered the battle, just as Obi-Wan figured that she would. Her bloodlust was legendary, and she was incapable of holding off from killing. Kenobi had tried to hold back from the battle as much as he could, providing only limited advantage for the Rebels scattered throughout the battlefield using Force Synergy. "Master Jade, Skywalker, stay put. Do not enter the field of battle," said to the other Jedi through the Force. "I will face the girl on my own. Jade, should I fall, you are to evacuate the Rebels and secure Skywalker. His training is complete, but he has much to learn yet and cannot be sacrificed." Master Kenobi shrugged off his tattered brown robes and headed off to face the Dark Lady of the Sith, his veridian blade accenting the verdant greens of the grasses. Imperials flocked to him in hopes of being the lucky one to take down the vaunted Jedi who had escaped the Purge. Obi-Wan cut them down easily as the flung themselves at him clumsily. Just like the so called Vader's Fist, the 501st Legion that he had made short work of at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant all those many years ago, these Feartroopers of the 818th were clumsy and irrational. Obi-Wan's green blade swung in a series of rapid arcs, like flowing flit bugs in the night on Naboo. Just as a conductor waves his wand to orchestrate a beautiful symphony, Obi-Wan waved his lightsaber, conducting an ensemble of his own. His flourishes and parrys, his thrusts and waves were flawless and never missed their mark. He strode through them as easily as Darth Leia was through her adversaries on her end. As Kenobi neared the center of the battlefield, a cold wave of dread washed over all present. Master Kenobi stopped and looked into the distance. Standing there, atop the same hill Leia once occupied, stood a black clad, armored force of Evil. His billowing black cape flowed like a wraith from his shoulders, the sun glistened off his onyx domed helmet. Pure, unadulterated hatred and rage emanated from the dark figure standing there, blood red lightsaber blade glowing and pulsing at his side.
Darth Vader had arrived. All who stood in his way would die this day.
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:o
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get this to a publishers..............NOW!
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Freaking awesome Pat.
I agree, send it to someone and let them pay you!
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Pat, you are storming ahead my friend....
I am thoroughly enjoying this, man! you really know how to build up your audience...
I want Lea to be returned to the good side!!!!
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I'm hoping to get more done tonight as well. I was really pleased with that last chapter, so we'll see what I can get accomplished with the next one!
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Vader stalked off the hilltop, casting aside all who got in his way, as he made his way to his former Master and Mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Nineteen years ago, Kenobi betrayed him, humiliated him, dismembered him, and murdered his wife. He even tried to hide his daughter from him all those years, but that was yet another failure by the elder Jedi. The tall, black-clad figure marched with passion, cutting down anyone who got close enough to feel the searing burn of his crimson blade. His shiny onyx dome reflected the horrified visages of the Rebels as they met their deaths, his cape billowed around the echoing screams of pain and misery from the putrid Stormtroopers who failed to move from his path. As he approached his apprentice on the battlefield, Vader bellowed, "You are to stay your hand, girl. Kenobi is mine alone."
"This is my battle, Father," retorted Leia, turning her back to him. "Today, I will end the lives of all before me and prove that I am truly a Sith Lord."
Vader swept his arm in a powerful arc, using the Force to throw Leia off of her feet. "How dare you turn your back on me?! You are still now strong enough to face a Jedi Master, regardless of what your ego tells you. If I have to cut you down myself, I shall," boomed Vader at his daughter.
Leia easily caught herself and landed on her feet, her lightsaber ignited and at the ready. Her wicked lips curled into a portrait of hatred at her father's obvious lack of faith. She watched her father continue his journey to seek our the elder Jedi Master with contempt. The plum fires that burned inside from the Force began to emanate themselves from her eye sockets, dancing upon the drifts of wind like the fingers of a concert pianist. She was not going to be left out of this battle with the Jedi. She promised she would slay all on this battlefield this day: what was one more death to her?
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Obi-Wan began to prepare himself for the coming battle with his former pupil and friend. He knew he should have ended the boy's life when he had the chance those many years ago on Mustafar. Had he known his best friend, his brother, would become the walking pillar of evil that stalked the battlefield before him, he would have seen to it that the river of molten lava claimed Anakin that day. Instead, the boy grew up to become a powerful Sith Lord, Darth Vader. He stood side by side with the vile Emperor Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious. Palpatine had pulled the greatest ruse of any Sith ever throughout the history, and corrupted perhaps the most powerful Jedi ever known in the process. Vader's viciousness on the battle ground was terrifying to watch, as he used the Force and his lightsaber to cut down and maim any and all before him, ally and foe alike. His ruby red blade sliced through the air with deadly precision, never missing it's mark. Vader used Force Push, Force Choke, and other wicked applications of the Force on the dead, dying, and fleeing masses.
A Stormtrooper stormed at Obi-Wan in an attempt to ovecome the vererable Jedi. His glistening black armor shone in stark contrast to his vivid purple markings, designating him a part of Darth Leia's 818th Feartroopers. Known for their high effectiveness, deadly accuracy, and diabolical tactics, these Feartroopers were without souls. The Feartrooper brought back his arm, fist clenched, and threw it forward at the Master. Obi-Wan easily sidestepped the focused punch , deflecting the arm away from himself and gripped his wrist into a wrist lock and brought his own elbow into the trooper's throat, incapacitating him. He then threw the Trooper over his shoulder and to the ground and knocked him unconscious. As he stood up, another trooper was coming at him hurriedly, so Obi-Wan brought his leg up into a well timed front kick and flung the stunned attacker aside with the Force. Gathering himself once again, he walked off to meet his former pupil.
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Mara Jade watched the gap between Vader and Master Obi-Wan narrow, the inevitable battle looming ever closer to its conclusion. The whispers and murmurs through the Force told her that this day, one of them would not survive. The air crackled with energy, both sinister and benign. She felt chills and warmth simultaneously. Never before had she experienced such conflict in everything all around her. She knew her duty was to guide Luke should anything happen to Master Obi-Wan. She was ordered to do so, and she would not disobey Master Kenobi, regardless of how she felt about that. Luke was incredibly strong in the Force, stronger than she and most likely stronger than Kenobi as well. His Force potential was off the charts, unparallelled in any of the archives that survived the Jedi Purge. Even Grand Master Yoda was cautious with Luke, warning Kenobi and herself of the gravity of training him. But Luke had surpassed such misgivings. He was a very humble, yet confident young man, neither pompous or arrogant, yet with a steel will and iron resolve. She glanced in his direction. There he stood, standing at the rear of the battle, his viridian fire crackling all around him. His emerald lightsaber shone at his side, at the ready should he need it for any reason. She marveled as the occasional blaster bolt seared towards him, only to be batted out of thin air by the wave of his hand. The Jedi Knight didn't even need his lightsaber to deflect such things. Who would be saving whom, should the situation present itself.
No longer content to simply observe the battle all around her, no longer able to watch as her loyal rebel troops fell all around her. They would lay their lives down for her without a thought, and she felt it only right to do the same for them. She ignited her lightsaber, the orange blade humming to life, burning bright with the Light Side of the Force. She leapt into action, shooting Luke a mental message to stay where he was unless she or Obi-Wan called for it. She felt his displeasure at her order, but he followed it as requested. She blazed through the ranks of Imperial troopers, clad in both black and white. Her copper blade sliced and sizzled through their armors, her tangerine cutlass cut down adversary after adversary. Jedi Master Mara Jade fell into a battle trance, becoming one with the synergy of her body and blade, an artistic rendering of chaos, a symphony of lethality. She had felled several adversaries when she felt the cold grip of the Dark Side at her limbs. Stopping herself, she looked up to see Darth Leia staring at her from across the plains.
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Fantastic.
I can't wait to see who survives this. Do you know yet Pat?
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Oh, I definitely know how this will end and who shall survive it. It's just writing it all down that's taking so long. It took me 4 hours to write what I had last night, so I'm not sure how long the finale will take. I'm going to be swamped for the next 2 weeks, so I'm not sure when I'll get to tackle the next chapter, but when I do, I think you'll all like it!
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Pat, awesome work man! I love this story!
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Pat, awesome work man! I love this story!
Me too. We talked a bit about this on CAFN tonight! I haven't picked up another SW book since I started reading your novels Pat. Wish someone would hire you full time to write so we could get lots of good stuff. If you do get that novel job though you have to promise to finish the RC novels please.
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LOL! Yeah, I still need to figure out who to submit this to for consideration and whatnot, and that would be AWESOME to get paid to write this stuff.
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LOL! Yeah, I still need to figure out who to submit this to for consideration and whatnot, and that would be AWESOME to get paid to write this stuff.
Well I hope you know none of us are just doing lip service when we say you need to submit this. I really do enjoy it. When I can envision in my head the scenes and the dialogue trust me you have done a fine job. As everyone knows I have my issues with attention and bouncing all over the place so being able to pull this off with me as an author is an achievement.
I would think perhaps contacting one of the SW Novel Publishers might be an idea or, and this might even get you some quicker communication, email someone on the staff of star wars insider (SW Collecting Magazine) as they seem to be publishing some SW Novellas now. I can get my magazine tonight and send you some email addresses if you would like.
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Yes, send me that email address!
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Yes, send me that email address!
Count on it, but I want the first autographed copy! LOL.
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Done and done!
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Crimson clashed with azure, creating a shower of violet sparks across the grasses of the plains. The winds seemed to have a life of their own, as their direction changed seemingly on their own whims. The air crackled and popped with each clash of lightsaber blades, the world surrounding both combatants seemed to fade away as each used the Force in their own ways, both offensive and defensive, in order to gain the upper hand against one another, neither giving pause to the other.
"You are as much a fool today as you were all those years ago," bellowed Vader. "You failed to destroy me before, you failed to hide my daughter from me, and now you will fail in destroying me now."
"You may look at it any way you wish, my old padawan. While your discovery of Leia was regrettable, it was her decision to turn to the Dark Side, so she was no better than you. Neither of you will leave this battlefield today," said Obi-Wan Kenobi evenly. "Your prattle will not sway me, as Palpatine's obviously did you."
"You know nothing of what The Emperor can do, or is capable of," growled Vader as he brought his lightsaber down on Kenobi's head with a powerful swing. The aged Jedi Master sidestepped the Sith Lord's attack, batting it aside with his own lightsaber and returning with a backhanded attack. "He is more powerful than either of us, and is the supreme master of the Force. He defeated Master Yoda with ease and brought the end of the Jedi Order." Vader swatted aside Kenobi's retaliation, stepping sideways, keeping his lightsaber in front of him. "The few of you who remain will not leave this battle today, thus ending your diseased teachings for good."
"As long as the Sith remain, so shall those who choose to follow the Light, Anakin," said Obi-Wan. The venerable Jedi moved in with a flurry of rapid attacks, trying to push the Sith Lord backwards onto his heels. Sensing the onyx clad combatant's reversal, Kenobi threw up his hand, thrusting with the Force in an attempt to knock Darth Vader onto his back. Stepping widely backwards to broaden his stance, Vader countered Kenobi's Force push with one of his own. Both combatants used all of the Force energy they possessed, building up more and more pressure between the two. If either were to flinch, they would surely be hurled backwards, giving the other the advantage. Kenobi stared into the dark, empty shells that were the 'eyes' of Vader's fearsome mask, his brow even and calm, his face serene. Vader loomed over Kenobi, his 'face' not flinching, never leaving the gaze of Kenobi. Neither man showed any signs of withdrawl, no sign of fatigue.
A true master of the Dark Side, powerful in the ways of the Force and a student of subterfuge, Vader reached out with the force and gathered a mass of rocks from around them and hurled them at Obi-Wan, sure to split his focus and give Vader the advantage. "You are no match for the power of the Dark Side, Obi-Wan," chided the Sith. The shower of sediment rained down upon Obi-Wan with force and speed, randomly assaulting the elder Jedi.
Yet the Jedi would not be put off by this new attack. His arm still outstretched, matching the intensity of the Dark Lord's Force push, his other arm skillfully deflected each and every stone. Much like an artists wields a brush, or an author handles a pen, Obi-Wan flourished his lightsaber. "Your trickery will only take you so far, Vader," grinned Obi-Wan. Just then, Obi-Wan sensed through the Force, Vader's release of his Force push. With that much Force potential built up against Vader's push, the sudden shift would send him headfirst into Vader's grasp, sending all advantage Vader's way. Immediately, Kenobi released his Force push as well, therefore maintaining his sure footing. With speed that would rival a podrace, both men were locked once again, lightsaber against lightsaber.
The ensuing swordplay would be recorded by any who had a brief moment to witness it. Truly a battle to be inducted into the Jedi Archives, were they to still exist, the engagement was hard fought and versant, both men flourishing their lightsabers with skill and precision. Each thrust, every parry, every feint was displayed like a finely choreographed dance. A kick here, a punch there, all countered without a second thought. Red and blue fireworks lit up the sky like fireworks, the vibrant colors dancing off the armor of Vader and gleaming in the sweat off of Kenobi's skin.
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Luke watched the battle rage before him. As far as his eyes could see, troopers were clashing with both blaster and blade, fist and boot. Hundreds, if not thousands, lay dead and dying, while still more battled on. Air support darted across the sky, brilliant streaks of metal and laser congealing among the clouds and pale blue sky. TIE fighters roared above as they chased down X-Wings, and vice verse. Dazzling explosions rocked the treetops as ships on both sides were torpedoed, shrapnel borne of devastated vessels raining down on the battlefield. Even tuned in completely with the Force, Luke could not discern who was winning and who was losing. He supposed that in the end, no one really won. If the Empire were to fall, the Rebel Alliance would then be thrust into a governing body, trying to make sense of the chaos with which the Empire had ruled the known Galaxy. Their task would be a daunting one, and with their personnel already so thin, battles like this one decimated their ranks even further. Putting the last of the Jedi on the line, as they were now, only further showed the desperation and earnestness with which the Alliance now approached these battles. They must give it their all, they must use every resource at their disposal, if they have any hope of winning.
Through the Force, Luke could feel the consciousness of many, if not most of the combatants here today. Those he focused hardest on were the other Jedi and Sith on the battlefield. He was familiar with those of Master Jade and Master Kenobi. They were all he knew from the time he was but a small child. He had no parents, only the Force, and those who trained him to use it. Both Masters led solitary lives, secluded from most of the Alliance unless they were called upon. Where Master Kenobi was older, Master Jade was younger by far. Luke didn't know exactly how old she was, but he can remember her being almost a child herself when she began to assist Master Kenobi in his teachings. She was distant with Luke, however, as if she were always trying to keep him at arms length. Luke never really understood why, but he respected her wishes. He followed her teachings, and as she was a Jedi Master and General for the Alliance, Luke had no choice but to follow her orders. Obi-Wan often told Luke to do exactly that. He had insights to Master Jade that Luke never could, so Luke patiently respected both Masters' wishes.
The other two combatants on the field, the Sith, were strange to him. Raw, unadulterated, passion, hatred, and rage emanated from the pair in waves that rippled through the Force, lapping at Luke like waves on the shore. From Vader, immense power radiated off of his onyx armor like solar flares from a dazzling sun. Yet for as incredibly powerful as Vader was, the sense he got from his Apprentice, Darth Leia was even greater. Her ability to summon a violet firestorm of Force potential around her was as awesome to behold as he was told his ability to generate his own viridian Force Storm is. There was something familiar feeling coming from both Sith, something that struck Luke in a strange way that he couldn't comprehend. He would have to remember to ask Master Kenobi about that, as the constant pull at his psyche through the Force was unshakable. He continued to watch Darth Leia as she conducted her symphony of death and destruction, slicing through the ranks of Rebel troopers. Even more disturbing was the fact that as she did so, she never took her eyes off of Master Jade, a wicked smile painted almost permanently across her cruel, black lips. The foreboding in the Force was mounting.
Occasionally, a blaster bolt would rip towards Luke as he stood far behind the battle, up on a hilltop. Growing weary of easily batting them away with his lightsaber, Luke eventually erected a Force Shield of green energy around himself, easily deflecting, and even dissolving the bolts as they struck the jade barrier. The occasional Stormtrooper or Deathtrooper would take their shots at him, and were quickly felled in battle by one of his fellow troopers, or Master Jade herself. Luke didn't know how she was able to split her focus as much as she was. Besides keeping an eye on the battle between Master Kenobi and Darth Vader, she was also watching out for Luke, keeping watch on Darth Leia, the battlefield as a whole, and something else she was keeping a close guard on. Even for as powerful as Luke was, at least to his Masters, he could not penetrate Master Jade's mind to see what it was she was keeping secret. Then again, Luke had no reason to tread on his Master's thoughts anyway. Still, it was quite curious.
Luke was growing weary of simply watching. He knew Master Kenobi had his reasons, but he just did not like it. Why was he special? Why must he stay behind, watching the epic battle before him unfold? Every time these thoughts crept into his mind, a familiar warmth covered such thoughts, Master Kenobi's way of reminding Luke to bask in the calm and serenity of the Force. Luke steadied himself once again and focused his Mind on the battle before him, watching what would one day become an epic tale, worthy of retelling by all who were witness to it.
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Vader continued to rain powerful strikes of crimson upon his mortal enemy. The hated Jedi before him deflected, defended, and parried every thrust. Yet while his familiar adversary showed signs of fatigue, Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith, fought on with renewed vigor at every turn. The Jedi relied on the Force to help them in times of need. Such was a waste of the incredible potential the Force could offer. Darth Vader commanded the Force to do his bidding. His anger and passion fueling the storm that was the Force, he willed the Force to renew his tired muscles and aching lungs. While he didn't know if it were true, Lord Vader was certain that he hadn't even broken a sweat.
"You know you can never beat me, Kenobi," crackled Darth Vader through the electronic mask he now adorned. "You grow weak and tired, your command of the Force is nothing compared what the Dark Side can offer."
"You mistake what your eyes tell you with fatigue, young man," replied Obi-Wan. "I am no more worn out now than I was at the beginning of our little dance." Kenobi continued to artfully flourish his azure bladed lightsaber with the same skill and precision of a master artisan, sculptor, or conductor. His movements were as fluid as were the vast oceans of Kamino, each one as concerted as the next. "You will not win this day, Darth. Today, the Sith will be defeated and the Rebel Alliance will be one step closer to overthrowing the Empire."
"You may be a fool, but surely you cannot be so foolish as to believe that is a possiblitly, old man. My apprentice and I are more than a match for an old man, a young woman, and a boy," retorted Vader as he moved in quickly and hammered down his blade over Kenobi's head, being batted aside by the elder Jedi.
The battle continued to rage on, the sharp crackle of their lightsabers as they clashed against each other. The electric hum of their blades whirred through the burnt air as each thrust, cut, swipe, parry, and riposte filled the airspace surrounding the two swordsmen. Though he would never admit it to his former protoge, Obi-Wan was wearing down. He needed to find a weakness in his former pupil's assault and defenses if he were to have any hope of leaving the battlefield alive this day. Indeed, he had trained this black armored Sith all too well, when Vader was but a student under Obi-Wan's tutelage. Combined with the twisted and arcane teachings at the feet of Darth Sidious, the new Emperor of the Galactic Empire, Darth Vader was indeed quite powerful.
Whatever thought that fleeted through Obi-Wan's mind was enough to prove to be his undoing. His timing may have been off, his deflection slowed by the most minute of fractions, but it was enough.
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The tremor in the Force was unmistakable. Even before the fateful moment in time happend, Jedi Master Mara Jade could feel its ripple in the Force. Gathering the Force in one explosive burst, she threw any and all within five hundred feet of her. She spun around just in time.
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Luke felt the impending horror grip his spine, bathing him in cold, icy fear. Working hard to cast off such emotion, he shot to his feet, looking with terror across the battlefield at his Master, his mentor, his friend.
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The blood lust gripped Leia as the echo in the Force wrapped itself around her like the finest of silks. She could feel through the Force what would be the finest day in her father's life. She viciously cut a squad of Rebel troops in half so that she would be able to witness this moment uninterrupted.
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Lord Vader could taste the blood before he could see it. As his last swing of his lightsaber was brushed aside, the Force brought to him a momentary lapse in response from the elder Jedi. That moment was all the Sith Lord needed, as he cut back in a backwards swipe and evaded Kenobi's block. The resulting momentum carried Vader's blood red blade completely through the venerable Jedi's torso, separating the man in half, slicing his heart clean in half. Even as Darth Vader's blade emerged from the flesh of his former Master's body, that same body became one with the Force, evaporating from before Vader as if it were the fog being banished by the sunshine. The green and brown robes that once belonged to one of the greatest Jedi Masters in history wafted to the ground, crumpling into a heap at the Sith Lord's feet.
Vader reached out with the Force and grabbed his fallen adversary's lightsaber out of the air before it struck the ground, holding it in his off hand in momentary disbelief. He had done it. He had destroyed his former master, the self appointed Grand Master of the Jedi. Today had seen the end of Kenobi, and would soon see the demise of the entire Jedi Order, for if Kenobi would fall to Vader, then none other stood a chance of opposing him. Throwing his hands up into the air in triumph, the Dark Lord began to bellow with a tremendous roar, his reaction to the victory at hand.
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Master Jade was immediately struck with a sense of grief at her fallen comrade and teacher. Master Kenobi had been the father to her she never had, the friend she never knew she needed, and the teacher who made her into what she was today. Reaching out to Luke through the Force, she felt a backlash of grief and anger emanating from the young man. A dangerous time indeed, she knew she had to retreat. Already had the Rebels paid a price, larger than they were prepared to pay this day. They could not afford to lose any more men or Jedi. Her mission of taking out Darth Leia's confidant and right hand was a success, but they had lost their greatest asset in their struggle against the Empire. She tried to soothe Luke's anger through the Force, but wasn't making much headway in that effect.
"Luke, you must not give in to your anger," voiced Mara Jade to Luke through the Force. "Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering. Do not become those you have sworn to defend against. There will come a time when you will face your enemy, but that time is not now."
"I am trying, Master," replied Luke, gathering his emotions and finding solace in the Force. He stretched out with his feelings, and could feel that the Force was enriched with his former Master's essence. Master Obi-Wan Kenobi had become one with the Force, strengthening it in all things, including himself. "I agree, we should begin our retreat. Nothing is to be gained from furthering this ba--"
Luke stopped mid-sentance, a jolt of shock rang out in Mara Jade's mind. She turned to see what had taken her new pupil by such surprise, and was taken aback herself on what she saw.
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Vader's helmet fell to the ground, rolling away from him and coming to rest up against the rock. The reflective eyes stared back at the Dark Lord as he stood several feet away. Yet the eyes would not meet another's eyes this day.
Darth Leia stood triumphant behind her father, her violet blade humming at her side. Her father's weakness had come to light finally, and she had taken full advantage of it. Her former Master's demise was his emotional link to his former Master, and with the end of Kenobi's life, so came her father's. The powerful Sith Lord had lowered his defenses, had lost sight of the battle around him, all to revel in the glory of his victory, short as it was. Leia used that failing to cut her former Master down, just as the Sith Code demanded. One to possess the power, and a second to covet it. She slew her father, with no emotion other than elation at his death. She now only had one obstacle in her way; Darth Sidious was now her Master. All around her, Stormtroopers stopped their assault in confusion, standing around, hesitant about what to do next.
"I am now your Master," bellowed Darth Leia. "I am now the Emperor's Apprentice and you now do my personal bidding. Destroy the remains of this pitiful rebellion, squash them all beneath your boots. We shall take no prisoners, we shall allow none to escape. Any who oppose me will meet the same fate as these traitorous wretches!" Still glowing in her purpleish, firey form, Darth Leia surveyed the battlefield once again. She had lost her confidant, Smashbolt, to a Rebel ambush led by that red-haired wench, Mara Jade. While she had no emotional ties to her former assistant, she had spent quite a bit of time training the girl to become one of the best and brightest assassin in the Empire. More importantly than that, the girl was Leia's to command, and it was taken from her. She killed her father in cold blood, and that was demanded by the Sith Code. She felt no sorrow, no remorse for that. Vader had earned a worse death than she was able to give this day, but it would suffice. She could feel events changing, shaping themselves in unforeseen ways through the Force. She could also feel the presence of her next quarry.
Turning her head sharply, Darth Leia, the new Dark Lady of the Sith locked eyes with Jedi Master Mara Jade. Today has seen the end of Kenobi, the end of Darth Vader, and would see the end of the Jedi entirely. She was certain of it. The Force said it would be so. Her cold, dark eyes stared into the brilliant green eyes of the Jedi Master. Neither flinched, neither batted an eyelash. Once again, Leia's black lips curled into a sneer, and with that she began to close the gap between her and her adversary. Cutting a swath through the Rebels who tried to get in her way, all fell from her plum hued lightsaber blade. She picked up more and more speed until she was only a few yards away, and leaped at the Jedi Master, brandishing her lightsaber before her.
Mara Jade was prepared for the coming battle, and easily brought her own tangerine colored blade up to block the clumsy advance from the Sith Lady. Falling immediately into a battle trance, Mara Jade attacked the Sith fast and hard, using every maneuver she had ever learned from Master Kenobi, as well as those she had been taught before she met him. Kenobi's teachings weren't the only ones she had learned, and she was using those lessons now. Combining various uses of the Force along with her incredible lightsaber prowess, Mara Jade mounted a surprising assault against Darth Leia. The combatants were locked in a furious battle, faster than anything seen before. But the immediate surprise felt by Darth Leia would fade quickly.
"Stupid girl, you won't survive against me," chided Leia. "I owe you for slaying my Hand. I put a lot of time and effort into my pet, and she showed a lot of promise."
"Feeling a little attachment to an actual person" asked Jade. "I didn't know you Sith cared about anyone."
"I don't care, bitch. Caring is better left for Jedi, and other soft minded creatures. I'm merely annoyed that all that training, all of that time invested in her teachings, was all for nothing now. I'll have to find a new Hand, and start over, and that's just such a hassle," retorted Leia with heavy sarcasm. "Then again, once I slay you and the boy over there, there won't be much else to stand in our way. I'll have plenty of time to do what I please."
"Even if you were to destroy Luke and I this day, others will always rise to rebel against your tyrannical rule," said Jade as she spun to avoid a thrust from Leia. She returned with an attack of her own and said, "But your overconfidence is your undoing. Do not presume to have won already."
"I grow tired of playing with you, Jade," growled Leia. "Your kind always believe that you have strength because you believe you are right. You believe you are just. You believe in these falsehoods and sleep well at night. But your beliefs cannot save you from the TRUE power of the Dark Side!" Erupting into her amaranthine fire, Darth Leia let it flow through her, enriching her muscles and tendons, igniting her neurons and neuropathways in ways that would defy physical descriptions. Moving faster than than Mara Jade could counter, the tides soon turned against her. Finding herself at an immediate disadvantage, Mara Jade had no choice but to put herself on the defensive. Stepping backwards with each attack , Jade trusted in the Force to aid her now against the seemingly inhuman Sith as she attacked with a ferocity and speed that she could not match.
Yet it was not enough.
In a blink of an eye, Mara Jade lost her right arm below the elbow. The searing pain was instantaneous, and just as quickly, was gone as the stump was cauterized by the humming blade of Darth Leia's lightsaber. Reeling in horror, she gripped her truncated arm, certain of her impending death. She readied herself and found peace in the Force, just as she sent a telepathic message to Luke to flee. She could feel the death blow coming through the Force and she steadied herself. Yet it never came. Instead, what she felt she couldn't describe. I swirling mass of confusion, shock, peace, and certainty flooded her senses. She opened her eyes to see a flash of green as the Sith Lady was knocked back several yards.
Luke stood before her, blazing in all of his glory. His green fire roared around him, more powerful than Mara had ever seen it. She found herself in awe as Luke stood his ground, stronger than she had ever seen him before. Master Jade looked to find the Sith and found her lying on the ground, dazed and confused. She hadn't counted on Luke's incredible strength in the Force, and apparently, neither had Mara.
Using his command of the Force, Luke picked Mara up from the ground and shielded her with his own Force Shield and moved her far away from the battle. Still taken aback by Luke's mastery of his powers, she wasn't even aware what was happening until she noticed the ground had widened between them. She tried to struggle against it, but found herself unable to do so. Luke wanted her away from the battle, and apparently, it would be so.
Facing the Dark Lady of the Sith, lightsaber ignited, Luke beckoned to her. "Face me, now," challenged Luke. "You'll find I'm not such an easy target as you had believed."
Grinning her evil grin, Leia got back to her feet. "Boy, you are surprising, to be sure. The surprise is gone, however, and you have no idea what you're getting in to." Leia ignited her lightsaber once again and shot herself at Luke, crossing her blade with his. The sparks showered off of their blades, singeing the ground in purples and greens.
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I know it's been awhile since I last wrote for this story, but it's coming to an end soon. I am thinking I'm going to go back and fill in some gaps, to lengthen the novel and get more in depth with the characters.
By the way, did you know that a post can only contain 20000 characters? Neither did I until I tried to post this chapter! I had to break it up into two parts.
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Awesome man, Kevin Anderson and Kathy Traviss ain't got nothin' on you. smtie Gotta go! [at1]
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Thanks! I didn't know anyone still read this, it's nice to get some feedback.
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Woow pat this is awesome, incredible really!
Damian.
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Thanks!
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Hey Phatty I know you're busy and all being a moderator, but I really would like it if you could finish this awesome story!