//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Force of Wills: A Duel of Fates Story // by Shadowsnake89 //------------------------------// Aria walked down the halls of the empty ship that silently crept toward it's destination. The only sounds outside of her footsteps were the sounds of electricity sparking and the subsequent screams. She casually rounded a corner and opened a door to a room that was aglow with the electricity, her sister Sonata's force lightning the source of the light. The blue skinned woman's target was their capture, Flash Sentry, whom she'd spent the better part of a month interrogating for information. “So how are we today?” Aria asked humorously as Sonata stopped and turned to her. “Just making sure we've gotten every ounce before we arrive.” Flash weakly moved his head to the side as he was suspended from a harness of four energy cuffs on each of his arms and legs. “I told you....everything...I know.” Sonata swiftly turned around and shocked him again as he cried out. “Uh uh uh, speak when spoken to.” She turned back to her sister. “Are we almost there?” “Yeah, we'll be arriving shortly. He'd better be telling us the truth.” “If he's not, what we have planned for him will be more than adequate punishment.” Eventually the vessel approached the planet as Aria and Sonata sat in the cockpit and activated the cloaking device that shielded them from detection from the planet's military as they sailed right to opposition territory on the other side of Kentoph. Soon they touched down on a landing pad that appeared from a cloaked base located within thick jungle. No sooner had it landed that the ship an base disappeared just as quickly. The two Sith disembarked, Aria pushed Sonata aside as she made sure she was first down the ramp. Sonata stopped momentarily but continued on shortly after. They were greeted by a woman with blue hair and lighter blue skin with dark patches. She was dressed in a white lab coat with black boots. “Greetings. I must say I am so pleased to finally meet you both in person.” The woman said as she furiously shook Aria's hand as the latter wedged it free and pulled it back. “Right, anyway...” Aria said as she wiped her hand on her cloak. “Oh my. So sorry. There were some experiments that demanded my attention before you arrived. Right this way.” She guided them down a hall. “I must say, General Zap has been anticipating your visit ever since you reached out to us. Your funds have done wonders in advancing my...the cause.” “I'm sure, Dr. Patchwork. Oh and before I forget I've got a present for you. Sonata!” Aria shouted and gestured for her sister to return to the ship. Sonata rolled her eyes and headed back to the ship. “Another little gift for...all your hard work. Now then, how has the project been going?” Patchwork picks up her step to keep pace with Aria. “Things are going very well. Organic testing has moved from flora to fauna. The results have been...promising.” “When do you think it'll be ready?” “With a few extra hands and some “volunteers” I should have it ready by the end of the month.” “Excellent. Before we head out to meet the troops...” Aria stopped and turned as Sonata pushed a cuffed Flash in front of her as she finally caught up with her sister and the doctor. “Here's one extra set of hands. Doctor, meet Flash Sentry, former officer in the Republic Navy. Had a good career, that is until he threw it all away to join a rogue Jedi's quest for power all because some woman batted her eyelashes at him. Should be good for a bit of poking and prodding, right?” The doctor walked over to Flash and looked him over, putting her hands on his face and moving it side to side. She stepped back and clapped her hands together. “Splendid! He'll make the perfect compliment to my other assistant. Oh Wallflower...” She shouted as a door opened a short ways away and a sickly looking young woman with green skin and darker green, shoulder length hair came shuffling toward them. Outside of her dead eyes and emaciated appearance, what really stood out was the top of her head that had been completely shaved with cybernetic implants in place of the removed hair. “Ah, Wallflower, my trusted assistant. Allow me to introduce Flash Sentry, your new partner. Isn't he just scrumptious?” Wallflower let out a small grunt and nod in agreement as she stood hunched slightly, a trickle of drool on the corner of her mouth. Patchwork noted the disturbed looks from the others. “Yes, she was one of my earlier experiments. My attempt at cybernetic soldiers: A soldier with all the dexterity and ability of an organic with the blind obedience of a droid. Still needs some fine tuning. In the meanwhile, she is the perfect assistant. Fun fact, she was a Jedi herself so you two should get along well. Wallflower, take our new guest and get him the proper equipment for the job while I finish with our esteemed guests.” With another compliant grunt she grabbed Flash by the wrists and began to lead the weakened prisoner away. Sonata quickly ran over and put her hands to Flash's face. Her eyes were wide with emotion as tears formed in them. “I know we've only spent a short time together and it was magical, but this is your new home now. I need you to be strong, Flash Sentry.” She released him and began to walk back toward Aria. “Perhaps are paths will cross again.” As she said this, lightning danced across her fingertips as her face twisted into a demented grin and dark shadows appeared around her eyes. “Oh, I hope not.” Flash uttered as he was led down a hall away from the group who pressed on down a hidden tram system. The speedy transport quickly ferried Aria, Sonata and Patchwork to their destination as several armed rebel soldiers greeted and escorted them through a series of tunnel checkpoints and up to the surface where they entered a large encampment with a large ancient temple in the center of it. They headed up the steps and inside the stone structure and traveled down several halls until they finally reached a small room that housed a single bed in the corner, a sofa in the other and a desk in the center that faced the door. At said desk sat a woman with a tan complexion and swept back blue hair with goggles resting on her forehead. She didn't seem to notice them as she and a woman with long green hair stood over the desk blocking the door as they were going over some sort of plans. Aria interrupted by speaking first. “General Indigo Zap, I presume.” This caused the green haired woman to turn around and step aside as the general was allowed to see who it was that addressed her as she smiled with a wide grin and got up to meet her long awaited arrivals. “Greetings, my friends. You don't know how long I've been dying to meet our very generous benefactors face-to-face.” She rose from her seat and walked around the desk. “The pleasure is all ours, I assure you.” Aria answered. “Would you care for a tour of our facilities? I'm sure you'd like to see that your contributions are being put to good use.” She gestured as they took a tour of the large encampment that was fully protected by a ray shield. “As you can see things here are as well as can be expected. Thanks to your donations we've been able to recapture some of the heavy industries on this side of the planet. Hisan's government had put a considerable amount of funds into these facilities and he wouldn't dare risk destroying them if at all possible.” “Though I fear without additional support our ground forces are no match against their air power and without this shield protecting us they'd simply bomb us from orbit and let it be the end of things.” The green haired woman walking beside Indigo chimed in. “Commander Zest is correct. With the air superiority on their side we don't stand much of a chance since they've reorganized under Hisan's new fling. That woman knows military strategy like no one I've ever seen. I've heard she's even got rogue Jedi to join her cause. If she and these new commanders of hers let loose, they may very well write these factories off as acceptable losses.” “We'll see to it that more generators are delivered to better protect them from these aerial bombardments and more battle droids will be sent to protect from ground forces.” Sonata said as Aria turned an annoyed look to her. “Thank you...for everything.” Indigo said with a sincere smile. “These weapons, these supplies even that doctor you've sent, they've all gone a long way to helping us. All the same I have to ask why you would do all of this for us.” “My sister and I have seen how time and again good people trampled on by those with their own agendas. You fight to aid the people of your world who are suffering under a man who could care less if the poor have enough food to eat or clothes to wear or homes to live in. The Republic offered meager support to you and worse, the Jedi they send to mediate clearly favor the royalists.” Aria stated. “With our connections, if we can aid groups like yours and help them fight another day, how could we not? Just keep fighting the good fight and soon your world will be liberated from these oppressors. That's all we ask.” “Thank you, Ms....” “Aria. Aria Blaze.” The two shake hands as they head back to the tram system. “We really should be getting back to it. Many things need to be done for the next shipment. I can promise you that our support will continue as long as you are willing to fight.” “Don't worry about that. There is plenty of fight left in my soldiers.” “Good to hear.” Aria and Sonata board the tram and say their goodbyes as it exits the station and back to the labs. “Sonata...” Aria turned as she choked her sister with the force. “Don't ever speak unless I've commanded it. Understand...apprentice?” The girl gave a gasping nod as she was soon dropped to the ground. A few moments later Aria's communicator began to blink and she answered as Patchwork was on the screen. “Everything is set doctor. We'll drag things out as long as we need for you to finish your work. Together we'll bring the Republic to it's knees and you'll have exactly what I promised you.” Six Months Later On the planet Equus, the Council of Friendship was in a heated debate over the events that were transpiring on the planet, Kentoph. “I don't like this.” Dash, who had been the most vocal of the members, said. “It's been six months since we assigned them that mission and all we've got are vague descriptions and stalling.” “True,” Rarity chimed in. “They were expected to resolve the situation promptly.” Twilight put a hand to her chin as she thought things over while the others continued to discuss things. “And the reports we've received ain't exactly promising.” Applejack said. “If they're true then the situation on the planet has escalated, not been defused.” Rarity commented. “It was a mistake putting those two together.” Dash said in frustration. “We've given them more than enough time. I say we go there and bring them back to the temple so they can explain exactly what they've been doing because it certainly isn't what we sent them there to do.” “I don't think that will be necessary, Rainbow.” Twilight interrupted her fellow council member. “We don't want to cause an incident. Remember, Tempest was specifically chosen for this mission because of her connection to the Kentoph and it's people. If she is as instrumental in what is happening there as the reports say, then recalling her to Equus might not be as simple as you might hope.” “What are you suggesting?” “We take a slightly more diplomatic approach. Sunny Flare is a former Republic naval officer, was she not?” “Yeah, until she went rogue and joined up with...” Rainbow's eyes grew wide as she locked eyes with Twilight. “You can't be serious.” “They share a camaraderie. Perhaps that could be enough to bridge this...'misunderstanding'. Honestly, she might have been the best choice to send to begin with.” Dash sat back silently as Twilight turned to the others to get their opinions on the matter. Each and everyone gave a confirming nod, including Dash, who was the last one to do so and even then, begrudgingly. “It's agreed, then. I'll contact Sunset Shimmer in the morning and get everything set. Unless there are any other concerns.” No one said a thing as the meeting was convened and the various members departed. The next day, Sunset stood on one of the landing pads as her ship was being loaded for the trip. “Master!” She turned to see her padawan running up with a pack full of equipment as the astromech, Spike followed behind her with Rainbow Dash in tow. “I'm sorry I'm late. Master Fluttershy wanted a word with me before I left.” Sunset laughed lightly. “It's quite alright, Zaza. Why don't you and Spike get your things on board and I'll meet you inside?” The orange haired girl nodded and ran up the ramp as Spike beeped and rove inside the ship. This left the two older Jedi on the platform while the loading crew and engineers finished up their work. “How are you feeling?” Dash said as she walked up and stood next to Sunset as the ship was being prepped. Sunset turned her head slightly and flashed a half-hearted smile. “Excited, nervous, wishing they would have picked someone...anyone else.” Rainbow chuckled as she stared out at the fields of green just outside the temple. “You know,” She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “This isn't really easy for me to say but I wasn't completely on board with you going on this mission.” Sunset's gaze dropped a bit as Dash cleared her throat. “But the council has made it's decision. More importantly, Fluttershy trusts you and I've always trusted her judgment.” “The things I've done in the past won't just disappear overnight but maybe my past is the key to completing this mission as quickly as possible. I was given a second chance and I swear I'll do my best not to let any of you down.” “I suppose that's all I can ask. May the force be with you, Sunset Shimmer.” Dash lightened up a bit and with a small smile, playfully punched Sunset in the arm before she turned and walked off. “Just make sure you look after the kid. Fluttershy will have your head if anything happens to her.” Sunset herself had a small, nervous smile as she headed onto the ship as the ground crew were clearing the platform. “Ouch.” She said under her breath as she rubbed the pain out of her arm and headed toward the ship for the voyage. Capital City, Kentoph Rose, alongside her master, Tempest as well as Garble and a small group of royal guard, stood on a landing platform. The red haired girl fidgeted with her now more militarized gear as they awaited a new arrival. “Does my hair look alright? What if they don't even recognize me?” “Calm down, Rose. Everything will be just fine.” Tempest said as she stood calmly. “I haven't seen either of them in almost a year. I'm just nervous I guess. I can't imagine how much they've changed. I know I have.” “Hey,” Garble said as he bit down on a piece of fruit in his hand. “Is that their shuttle right there?” He pointed into the sky as the others looked but saw nothing yet. A few moments later a craft came into view. “How did you see that before we did?” Rose asked. “Dragon Clansmen have exceptional eyesight. Makes them invaluable scouts, among other things.” Tempest answered as they watched the shuttle touch down. Rose takes a deep breath as the landing gear settled and the ramp slowly came down. Several individuals stepped out until she spotted who she was waiting for. “Girls, over her!” Rose called and waved to them. “Rose!” Two girls one with pink skin and blonde hair and the other with a slightly lighter skin tone and curly green hair, ran toward Rose and the three celebrated with a long embrace. “Daisy, Lily, it's so good to see you girls. It's been too long. Glad you could come.” “Are you kidding?” Daisy said. “When we heard from you, we didn't hesitate.” “Though I can't help but think the temple staff won't be happy when they find out what we're doing. But forget them. We're here to help any way we can.” Rose smiled and looked to her master. “Girls, this is Master Tempest Shadow.” Tempest gave an acknowledging nod. “Pleasure to meet you both. Rose speaks fondly of you.” Lily looked over her friend's shoulder and noticed the man behind them. “Who's the fiery haired guy?” Rose turned back to Garble who was still chewing on his food. “Oh, that's Garble. He was our pilot to the planet.” “Hey, what's up?” He said nonchalantly as the group gathered. “Well, let's get going girls.” Rose said as they headed to a large drop ship. “We'll explain everything on the way to the base” “Base?” Daisy asked as she and Lily looked to each other. Rose took the two by a hand each and led them along. “Well it's more of our forward command post that we've been operating out of. It'll help you guys acclimate...in style. Come on! You can ride with us in our transport.” “Listen, I got some stuff to take care of. A shipment is supposed to come in soon and I got to be here to see it through.” Garble said to the group. “Catch you later.” “Stay out of trouble this time.” Rose said playfully. “No promises.” He winked as he took another bite of his food. As they walked away, Daisy and Lily traded humored looks. The group made it to the custom, heavily armed transport vessel and hopped aboard and got seated. “Lily Valley, Daisy, I'd like you to meet the best pilots on this rock, Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail.” “Aw, you're too kind.” Vapor said as she fastened her helmet. “Now hang on everybody. We're going to be double timing it.” After everyone was secured onboard, the vehicle took off toward the HQ. “So, what have you girls been up to since I left?” Rose inquired. “Oh you know. Same old temple guard stuff.” Lily responded. “It's so dull. Watch that hall, watch this hall, over and over and over. At least we didn't get roped into managing the archives or hyperspace mapping.” “I just think it's so unfair that we gave everything up to be Jedi and when we don't cut it, we end up doing menial chores like someone's errand boy.” Daisy added. “I will admit that I have found fault in the Order when willing younglings were relegated to other assignments simply for not being chosen as Padawans.” Tempest chimed in. “That's exactly why we came. We want to actually make a difference in the galaxy, not just sit around in the temple all day.” “I just hope you are ready for what we are in store for out here.” “We are ready, Master Tempest.” Lily assured. “There is conviction in your words, Lily Valley. A shame you weren't selected. I sense you would have made a fine padawan.” “Thank you, master. And thank you for taking care of Rose.” Lily and Daisy then shot playful looks at their friend. “And it looks like you aren't the only one.” Rose sat back in her seat with a raised eyebrow. “What's that supposed to mean?” “That Garble. You and him...” Daisy said as her eyes lit up. “He and I what?” “Your thoughts betray you, padawan.” Tempest commented as she then relaxed in her seat, a wide smile on her face, while Daisy and Lily drilled their friend for details and she vehemently denied everything. Sky Stinger and Vapor turned to each other laughing lightly. “This is going to be fun.” Sky said as the ship sped toward its destination.