"Additional Inquiry: And why did Jorg Sucal put you here?" The droid, looks between me and HJ and then sighs.

"The answer is not one I can readily give to your question, HJ Twilight. We are a derivative of the SHK-1395, which is more commonly referred to as the Sith Hunter droid. However, we were not fully developed by the Foundry as the other models were. Our mechanical parts were, but then we were moved to another facility and the organics that comprise the rest of us were added. The location was wiped from our memories however. As for why Jorg sucal put us here, HK-49, our orders were to kill anyone who came in and anyone still here. However, I didn't quite understand why we needed to, so I killed my handler and recalled the pack to me before we started to create the nest."

I would have frowned if I could, but I couldn't so instead I spoke. "Considered Query: Then what is your new primary objective?"

"To escape the upper levels to the very lowest levels we can reach. From there, we wish to remain left alone until we ourselves can answers questions like what are we."



I lean over to Vette and speak so only she can hear me, as there was a fair amount of space between the protocol droid and HJ and us. "We aren't seriously going to let these things escape are we? That's asking for trouble."

“I agree, it’s not a great idea. But I also don’t want to start a fight here if we don’t need to. One of the main things I learned from my time with Sal Greshh was that there are alternatives to fighting.”



Having overheard, I lean into Harn. “Remember Greshh also invited known murderers into his home, then was surprised when they murdered him. I wouldn’t chalk him up as a great judge of character.”

"I mean, I kinda agree with Vette. Especially since there's...I mean, we might have a Jedi, but there's a lot more droids than there is of any of us. I vote we live now, exterminate later."



I lean over to HJ. "Quiet Statement: We are outnumbered and outgunned. We may not have any other option."

I shrug. “There are plenty of nasty things hiding in Coruscant’s underbelly nobody talks about. A few more shouldn’t be too much trouble, especially if they are smart enough to avoid the surface.” I look up at the Queen. “You have a deal. We will allow you and your hive to leave in peace, and we will keep your existence a secret form anybody who would wish to do you harm. I wish you luck in discovering your purpose in this world, and hope that should our paths ever cross again, it will be under better circumstances. Preferably with fewer dead bodies.”

The Queen nods and howls, with several answering howls echoing around them. "You will be permitted to leave this area unharmed. The members of the pack who've been attacking your people in the foyer will leave you be, and we will allow your astromech to do what it must. I have just received word that an exit that fits our needs has been found." I turn with the others and follow them out back into the halls and towards the stairs.

After a few minutes of silence, I speak. "Statement: That was...most strange."

I sigh in relief. “I’m just glad it ended smoothly. We will, of course, have to tell Dad and Aunt Becca about these things. Peaceful or not, they should know we know have bio-mechanical downstairs neighbors.” I look at Vette. “Thanks for following my lead. I could sense you guys were a little less sure about all this then I was.”



“No problem. Like I was telling the guys here, it’s best to save shooting for a last resort. Even Salazar knew that.”



“I assume Gavin follows a similar motto. If I tell him about the droids, he isn’t going to try to stop them from leaving or anything?”



“He isn’t stupid. He knows that these things could tear us all apart if they really wanted.” I wave a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry about it. He’s his father’s son. He knows not to walk into a fight he isn’t prepared to win.”

At Presidential Palace, I sit in high backed armchair in the living quarters adjoined to my office. In my hand, I clutch a glass of something bright green and fizzy. It tasted of death, but I drink it anyways. It was the only thing that made the thought of Jude less painful.

Despite my foggy mindedness, I can still sense the presence of another entering my chambers. “I had a feeling you would come for me eventually.”



I loom in the doorway of the apartment, staring silently at Sucal. The o it sound I make is the occasional electrical sound from my damaged helmet, custody of Jerus Je’and. I hold my inactive lightsaber in my hand.



I close my eyes. “Leave me be. I have no interest in fighting any longer. My planet has railed against me, my skies have abandoned me, Lord Traya refuses to answer me... and my only son was taken from me.”



“Not taken from you.” I say at last. “You gave him away. His blood is on your hands.”



I grit my teeth, clutching the arms of my chair hard. “You’re one to talk, murderer.” I glare daggers at Stoneheart, searching for some sign of reaction. Unfortunately, every expression he makes is hidden behind that lopsided mask. Finally, I rise from my chair, downing the last of my drink. “So what now? You think killing me will solve everything?”



“It’s a start.” I step into the room fully at last. I do not approach Sucal yet, as I know he is not as defenseless as he makes himself appear. “You are the source of the corruption. Once you are removed, it will be simple to treat the remaining symptoms.”



“It’s too late.” I say, backing away towards the bar. “My influence runs too deep. Remember, I’ve been ‘dead’ before. Nothing changed, no matter how much Marek Folee tried to steer things back to the old ways. No matter how many of my followers Salazar Greshh tried to root out, he wasn’t able to predict his own demise.”



“So you think. But as you said yourself, you are out of allies. Nosboh, Naberrie, Malori, Hexxus. All of your greatest tools have either died or turned against you. And now look.” I point to the balcony outside. “Jedi, Sith, Mandalorians, and the angry citizens of Coruscant have all joined forces against you. When you fall, your spell will be broken, and the last of yo ur supporters will disappear, and you will become nothing more than a distasteful memory.” With that, I activate my lightsaber.



I narrow my eyes at the dark figure with the crimson blade. My once controlled rage begins to boil up to the surface, burning away the fogginess and making my mind clear as sober. My fingers curl into claws. My left hand sparks with electricity, and as my right flexes, my cross guard lightsaber flies off my belt and lands in my palm. Switching the blade on, I stand on slightly wobbly legs, facing Stoneheart down. “We will see who is forgotten.”



Without another word, I rush across the chamber, swinging my blade in a wide arc to cross with Sucal’s.

"Firm Statement: Antagonizing those droids will not end well. I can't place why, but Sucal went to lengths not yet clear for them." As the stairs we came down come into sight, I turn to the others. "Encouragement: With them dealt with, we need only break the Republic lines. This war is almost over."



"Yeah, and then we get to see how the Mandalorians run things before we inevitably rebel against them." Noticing Lomi's look, I shrug. "Come on, they're warriors. I'm just being realistic."

[END SCENE]

I stand amidst the chaos of battle, blasting Republic troopers left and right. "Come on, nar vod! We are almost to the Palace! Fight on!" I spin kick a trooper in the head, then shoot him before he can get back up. Behind me, legions of Mandalorians charge towards our goal. Victory was almost at hand. I could tell by the way the Republic soldiers fought that they were losing moral. Some of them had even surrendered in earlier skirmishes. Now, all that was left was to clean up those still standing against us."



In space above us, what remained of the Republic fleet continued to trade shots with the Mandalorian ships. It wasn't so much a battle anymore so much as a contest to see how long the other could hold out before losing shields or running out of ammo. I continued to command the Mando'ade fleet with the determination of a true warrior. Even if the ground battle was pretty much won, I would not call back my ships or demand the Republic admiralty surrender. Until Mand'alor gave me the order to stand down, I would fight to the last.

Then, suddenly, one of the radar techs turns to me and informs me of several ships approaching from hyperspace. Moments later, a small fleet of very fancy looking starships appears on our starboard side. The strange angular designs look more decorative than combat efficient. "Who in the stars are these guys? Hail them and demand they identify themselves!" But the comm officer has no need to do this, as the ships hail us first, and strangely accented voice comes through the speakers...



"Attention, I am Armond Organa of the Royal Alderaanian Fleet. I speak directly to both the commanding officer of the Republic Defensive Fleet and the Mandalorian Attack Fleet. For the sake of all those trapped on the planet, caught in the middle of this pointless conflict, we ask that you both seize fire immediately. We would be happy to render medical aid to anyone who comes to us in good faith, and we plan to provide said aid to all civilians wounded in the fighting. I'm sure that we call all come to a diplomatic solution where no further lives are lost."



I exchange a look with my closest advisers, confused by the sudden interference of these... fancy boy Alderaan nobles. After much consideration, that being less than twenty seconds, I turn to my weapons officer. "Open fire on the Alderaanian fleet. Let that be our answer to diplomacy."

The sounds of combat in an alley way below me caused me some hesitation before I jetpacked across the gap as I glanced down. A squad of Republic troopers was in desperate retreat from a pair of Mandalorians with energy shields before them followed by another squad of Mandalorians who took shots from behind the shields. This was the first time I'd seen the Mandalorian Guardians in action and if I was honest, as I jetted over the one sided fight, they were somewhat terrifying. They were able to create mobile cover that only doubled their protection alongside their armor, and the other Mandalorians could move and fire from behind them without fear of actual retaliation, which made them the single deadliest urban fighting force you'd ever meet.

"The Mando'ade have been busy..." Of course, as I jetted from roof to roof to reduce my odds of being targeted, taking out the odd Republic Sniper as I went, my mind was preoccupied with what I was doing out here. Stoneheart was likely already in the Presidential Palace and the pair were already fighting given the armored man's penchant for getting straight to the point, which likely involved putting the point of his lightsaber in you at some point. Jumping across to three different roofs, the palace came into sight and I grimaced. The easy part was coming to an end, because once I got close, I'd have to fly the remaining distance to it.

I slash at Sucal's neck, but he ducks out of the way at the last minute, and my lightsaber slashes across the bar, destroying several shelves and bottles. He retaliates almost instantly with an upwards strike that I am barely able to block. Using both the Force and my superior musculature, I push Sucal away several steps, advancing with a series of powerful slashes, hoping to drive him back further.



I dodge when I can and deflect when I must. Stoneheart was large and brutish, but he could be fast when he wanted. My crossguard lightsaber did not have the maneuverability of other blades, and so I was forced to use many wide arcs and spins in order to keep up with my opponent.



I needed to keep Sucal on the defensive. If he ever had the chance to collect his power, it could easily turn the tides. That is why I press him with everything I have. With a powerful overhead blow, I am able to knock his blade aside and expose his midsection. My blade is not properly poised to strike, so I kick out with my leg. My boot catches him in the stomach, sending him stumbling backwards through the glass pane doors and onto the balcony. He is on the ground now, and I stake towards him to bring this fight to a quick end.



Thinking quickly, I summon the Force around me to gather up broken shards of glass and hurl them at Stoneheart. I knew they wouldn't do much through his armor, but it slows him down enough for me to scramble to my feet and meet his next attack.

Landing on the last roof before the palace, I look down and watch as the Mandalorian lines and the Republic defensive lines clash, blasters and explosions going off all across the courtyard. The battle must of taken a turn at some point to level the playing field like this, but it didn't matter. There were also a lot more Sith Hunter models here and their cannons and missiles prevented any kind of meaningful push by the Revolution and Mandalorians. I was going to have to make it to the roof of the palace just to work on finding a way in and THAT was going to be hell.

Taking a deep breath, I activate my jetpack and begin the flight towards the palace roof, watching the fighting beneath me. I had my cloaking tech, but the fighting I'd been in thus far had left the reserves low on charge and I wanted to save it for a critical moment instead of a flight to the heart of darkness. Fortunately, as I set down on one of the balconies so I could get into the building, no one saw me as I flew. Or if they did, it didn't click what I was at first. Opening the doors and glancing around the room they lead to, I draw my lightsabers and move in, searching for Jorg and Stoneheart.

There isn’t much room to maneuver on the balcony. I continue to press the attack, but Sucal is moving faster than I anticipated. He isn’t getting any good hits in on me, but he isn’t taking any either. I do what I can to push him back more towards the railing.



I duck a powerful blow, bringing my blade around to deflect another, all the while backpedaling across the balcony. I needed space in order to preform a proper counter, but this far Stoneheart has not allowed it. As another strike comes, I spin away and slash down at his leg. My lightsaber connects, but glances off his armor. I hiss in anger at the failed attempt, then jump back a step as Stoneheart advances on me.



I clash with Sucal, throwing my shoulder into it to force him back even further until I have him pinned against the balcony. I am so close to him now that our faces are practically touching. All it would take is a little more pressure and I could have him over the edge, falling to his death. I just needed to break through his defense.

The sounds of blaster fire within the palace joined the sounds of that without as I duck behind cover from a focused barrage from one of Sucal's droid guards while the other moved up on me with it's shield and vibrosword. They were different from the one's that Becca and I had faced in the hotel, so I figured they were likely some kind of elite model used for guarding important officials. Like Sucal himself. Waiting for a count of three, I ignite both my lightsabers and soar out around the corner away from the droid that was ready to engage me in melee and instead ram my shoulder into the blaster pistol wielding one.

Its response is to use it's servo strength to send me flying back before drawing it's own shield and vibrosword. Growling, I jet forwards again, clashing against sword and shield alike while the other tried to get a flank on me. This would be its own fight for sure now.

Stoneheart still has me pinned against the railing. I can feel myself beginning to lean dangerously over the side. The massive Sith Warrior was applying all of his pressure into me, and it took all of my strength to hold him back.

But so focused was he on pushing me that he seemingly forgot about the special advantages my lightsaber possessed, and with a simple twist, I bring one of the cross guard vents to slice into the back of his glove. Stoneheart pulls away in pain, and I use the opening to grab him and yank him to the side, knocking him over the balcony.



I am able to redirect my fall and land awkwardly on a platform a few levels down. I look up just in time to see Sucal jumping after me, his blade pointed directly down. I roll out of the way to avoid him, but it is too late for me to recover the offensive. He is immediately on me again, spinning and slashing with everything he has.

He has been holding back, I realize; consolidating his power for the proper moment to turn the tables. Now, all I could do was defend myself a pray for him to make a mistake so that I may regain the advantage.

Pivoting to my left, I finally manage to slice off the arm of one of the droids and capitalize on the advantage, bringing both my sabers around in a whirling attack that manages to shred through it's shield after a few consecutive hits and take off its head. I jet forwards as its companion attempts to slice me from behind and barely avoid the vibrosword. Spinning around, I clash with it as I jet forwards again, using the momentum to push it back hard and slam it into the wall behind it. Unable to get the room to properly attack me, it resorts to trying to stab me, an attack I easily bat aside each time it tries.

Now, the main problem was that I knew cutting it across the chest wasn't an option, as it's armor seemed to be at least an alloy derivative of the big ones. And I didn't have the time for a drawn out fight to expose its head as the droid kept the shield protecting its head from another blow like what had felled the other one. I needed a way to end this quickly.

I preform a spinning jump kick at Stoneheart’s helmet, causing him to stagger. I immediately follow it with a series of slashes and stabs, all of which he is able to deflect, but with obvious difficulty. He was growing tired. Meanwhile, I was still as strong as ever.

Coming in close, I manage to catch his blade in a lock, and once again Stoneheart throws the force of his body against mine, hoping to use physical strength to overpower me. Just as I had anticipated. With my free hand, I reach up and grab onto the damaged section of his helmet. I then channel full power Sith Lightning into the exposed wires of his faceplate.



The electricity surges through my helmet, destroying much of the internal circuitry and causing me immense pain. The HUD had completely shut down, leaving me unable to see through the helmet visor. In a desperate move, I blindly lash out with the Force to get Sucal away, then I jump away in the opposite direction. Once I was sure I’d gotten enough distance, I quickly reach up and begin pressing the release buttons near my neck. With a mechanical hiss, the helmet unseals and I am able to slip it off and toss it aside.



My eyes widen. A legitimate dead man stares back at from from across the platform: lifeless, milky eyes set deep in a sallow face. Skin, once crimson, has since turned pale pink, and is now stretched tight against the skull. His hair was grey and thin, with several patches missing.

“It cannot be.” I whispered in astonishment.

“It is.” Replied the corpse of Salazar Greshh.

Keeping the droid pinned hadn't provide me a very quick way to finish the fight, so I gave it some space to attempt to charge me before I lifted it up with the Force. Focusing myself, I close my hand into a fist and turn the droid into a ball of sparking scrap metal, which I promptly drop on the floor before turning to burst through the doors to Sucal's office. Except the only signs anyone had been in here were the scorch marks from lightsaber combat and shattered remains of objects struck by powerful Force abilities. I frown and follow the direction the battle seemed to flow in and spot the open doors to the balcony. Running through them, I look around, trying to figure out where the pair went.

I slowly advance towards Sucal, ignoring the pain that every step brought me. I couldn’t fail here. I’d come too far.



With significant space between myself and Greshh, I simply raise my hands and unleash talons of Force Lightning. “Fascinating. You’ve managed to cling to life, even after everything! All for what? Revenge? You will find none of it here!” I send more waves of energy towards Greshh.



I do my best to block the lighting attack, but it is more than even I can handle. Stray bolts get past my guard and fizzle into my armor, slowly my approach to a near standstill.



I flex my fingers and the electrical surge intensifies. The blue energy lights up the night around us, and the noise buzzed in my ears. Within moments, Greshh has been through to a knee, overcome by my superior power. “Enough struggle, ‘Stoneheart’. You died long ago. You just haven’t realized it until tonight.”

The familiar sound of Force Lightning coursing through the air below me had me leaping off the balcony and engaging my jetpack, slowly lowering myself towards the scene unfolding before me. It would seem that Stoneheart, who was indeed Salazar Gressh, though..."Oof, that armor did him no favors." Still, I wouldn't be able to lower myself too fast, but I could break them up with a rocket, I just had to line it up...