Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Chapter Eight

EDITED 7/16/2021 Took out a line from Jokar I found cringe-worthy ("decaying flowers for Palpatine").

CHAPTER EIGHT

  "You know, the least you could do would be to tell us whether or not anyone's left in this city," Kyle Katarn said. The armored being who he knew as the Old One scoffed at him.

  "Telling you as much would delve into our plans, which I refuse to do."

  "Whatever," Kyle replied as he and his team moved through the deserted streets of Ahto City. "How about giving us your name, then? There can't be any harm in that."

  The Old One gave a raspy-sounding laugh. "My true name is unpronounceable in the tongue of Galactic Basics. But during my time here on Manaan, I was called Nuuba."

  "Until they started calling you 'Old One,'" Kyle said with a smirk. "I overheard your little conversation."

  Nuuba, who had his arms around Jokar's neck while he gave him a 'piggyback' ride, suddenly began lightly clawing at the stormtrooper commander's chest. "What did you hear from it?" Nuuba asked quietly.

  "That you were about to activated a 'star harvester,'" Kyle said. "I might not know what that is, but judging by its name, I can make a good guess."

  The Glorian growled. "You're the ones hunting us, aren't you? You're the ones who killed Zordo and ruined the operation on Tatooine."

  "I have no idea what a 'Zordo' is, but we have been to Tatooine recently. Except we spent most of our time being a Dark Jedi's prisoners."

  Nuuba simply gave the Jedi Master a disdainful snort and did not say anything else.

  Kyle and team continued to move through Ahto City, thoroughly searching for any more Glorians or possibly captured natives. After nearly an hour and a half, they were just about ready to give up.

  "Let's face it," Arek said, throwing his hands up in the air. "Either the blasted scanner messed up or everyone just magically disappeared. And I don't think even the Force can cause something like that."

  "There's still one place we haven't checked yet," Tahiri Veila noted, pointing to a small facility located near an apartment complex in the Ahto West Central. "Maybe everyone's in there."

  "You're wasting your time," Nuuba said. "Even if you do find the city's inhabitants, what then? What's the point? You have already ruined our operation, so they are in no danger of-"

  "You know," Jokar said, "I'm really getting tired of carrying you." He lifted the Glorian off his back and dropped him to the floor. The legless being let out an audible groan.

  Jasel looked at the stormtrooper, smiling but speaking with a chiding tone. "Commander, I don't think you should disrespect your elders like that."

  "He's no elder of mine," Jokar muttered.

  Kyle moved past them and up to the facility which Tahiri had spotted. Seeing that the door was locked, he activated his lightsaber and placed it into the door. He carved out a hole large enough for him to fit through and stepped into the room behind the door, unlocking it from the inside. He then found a light switch amidst the pitch-black darkness of the room and turned it on, illuminating it.

  To his surprise, the room was smaller than he expected, not much larger than any of the apartments that he and the others had explored. Littered across the silver-plated floor were several droid parts- mainly limbs- as well as broken datapads and crumpled up pieces of flimisiplast. 

  Laid atop a rectangular table was the dismantled body of a reddish-brown droid, its design unfamiliar to Kyle. Its primary computer was left exposed in an open panel on the back of its head. Letting curiosity get the best of him, Kyle carefully walked up to the droid and tapped its brain module a few times.

  Suddenly, scarlet optics flared on and the droid let out an agonized scream.

  "Exclamation: Spare me your torturous practices! Stop before I exterminate you meatbags!"

  The droid then silenced itself as it analyzed its surroundings. It turned to face Kyle and spoke in a calmer, albeit colder tone.

  "Statement: You do not look like my captors. Unless you're using your pointless shape-shifting abilities again."

  "I'm not," Kyle assured the droid. "I am Jedi Master Kyle Katarn."

  "Query: Jedi, you say? If my recently reacquired memory banks are correct, I used to kill Jedi for a living."

  Kyle visibly tensed. "You don't say..."

  "Answer: Yes, but that was many years ago and I have since been given a new target by my master, which is these meatbags that call themselves 'Glorians.'"

  Kyle relaxed a bit. "What a coincidence, because we're looking to stop them as well."

  "Query: Is that so? Then perhaps I won't kill you like I was planning on."

  The droid's gaze then shifted to the scattered limbs on the floor. "Statement: Of course, even if I wanted to kill you, I would be unable to do so, for I am both unarmed...and armless."

  "As long as I have your word on not killing us, then I will repair you."

  "Statement: I can not promise anything, due to my primary functions," the droid said. "But I will do my best to limit my targets to only Glorians...for now."

  "Fair enough." As Kyle bent down to retrieve the droid's limbs, he added, "However, I'm going to ask you to spare at least one Glorian. We captured him recently and we're trying to get him to talk about his and his friends' plans."

  "Enthusiastic Statement: Ah, I could easily extract any information from him. Granted, he may die as a result, but he will have fulfilled his usefulness."

  "Normally, a Jedi would say no to that," Kyle said as he began reattaching the limbs to the droid's body. "But considering the situation, I'll make an exception. By the way, what's your name?"

  "Mocked Embarrassment: Oh my, I forgot to give you my proper designation. You may call me HK-47."

    

Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

  The elevator basket slowly came to a halt into the dark realm of the Shadowlands. Located on the ground level far below the wroshyr trees, hardly any sunlight reached through the thick overcast of branches and leaves. As such, Lysira gave Naar and Anakin lightsticks to guide them through the vast darkness of the forest.

  "So," Lysira said as they began moving through the Shadowlands, "if you were a shape-shifting alien plotting to take over the galaxy, where would you be?"

  "It depends on the limits of their shape-shifting capabilities," Commander Naar replied. "I don't know if they can only take on humanoid shapes or if they can impersonate inanimate objects as well."

  "What, like a tree?" Sev chuckled. "Blast, I knew I should have brought an axe."

  Lumpawaroo glared at the Sullustan and growled. Lysira also gave him a dirty look.

  "Wookiees don't take jokes like that lightly," she said coldly. "I would keep my mouth shut if I were you."

  "Okay, okay!" Sev crossed his arms. "Didn't think walking carpets were that touchy."

  As the group moved deeper into the Shadowlands, Anakin became more wary. All around them, he felt the cold, merciless gaze of predatory creatures as they stalked the forest, waiting for the right moment to strike. The others seemed to be feeling the same, for none of them dared to make a sound or sudden movement. They simply allowed the creatures to follow them while they thought on the best course of action to get rid of the beasts.

  Naar soon broke the silence when he whispered to Anakin, "There's at least three of them. They have four large legs and two smaller arms. And big tusks."

  "You caught a good look at them?" Anakin asked.

  Naar nodded. "When I give the signal, I want you and the others to run as fast as you can, while Kalvin, Tesara, and I handle them."

  "Are you sure you can take care of them alone? You might need someone with a lightsaber handy."

  The Iktotchi commander shook his head. "I can not have you risk your life like that. I promised your parents that I would look after you."

  Just like Threepio, Anakin thought. Aloud, he said, "I don't need protection. I'm a Jedi. We can look after ourselves."

  Naar smirked. "Four thousand years worth of Jedi dying and falling to the dark side doesn't really support that statement."

  Before Anakin could protest further, Naar pointed up ahead. "Go. You have a great destiny awaiting you, and I won't let it end here."

  "How do you know my future."

  Naar gave him a rare smile. "I'm an Iktotchi. We have the natural gift of precognition."

  No longer seeing the point in arguing, Anakin nodded and moved ahead of the group while Naar, Tesara, and Kalvin slowed their pace, charging up their weapons. The commander then quietly gave a countdown to his signal. Anakin braced himself, preparing a running position.

  However, just before Naar reached the end of his countdown, a loud, ear-splitting roar broke through the forest. The pack of katarns following the group suddenly retreated back into the shadows as the ground shook beneath their feet. Soon, behind the trunks of the trees, Anakin could see a large shape approaching them.

  Lysira's eyes widened in horror. When she spoke, her voice was in a whisper. 

  "A terentatek..."

*  *  *

  Jak Kasra looked up from his datapad to see a small, dagger-shaped starfighter land on a platform in Kachirho. He double-checked his datapad's schedule and scratched his head. Kachirho was not to be expecting any more tourists or visitors of any sort for the next two weeks. 

  Odds were that the pilot was simply lost. But just to be safe, Kasra signaled three Wookiee guards to follow him. Bowcasters at the ready, the trio of guards followed  him to the platform which the ship had landed on.

  The ship's boarding ramp lowered and a tall, dark-haired man dressed in a black suit and cloak walked down. His piercing cold gaze made Kasra feel uneasy.

  "Welcome to Kashyyyk," Kasra said to the stranger. "I don't believe you are on our tour list, so this is a rather unexpected visit."

  "Then I hope my presence is not an inconvenience," the man said sharply, not even pausing in his walk. "Direct me to the Shadowlands immediately."

  "Hold it right there," Kasra said, raising his hand, which was enough to stop the man for a moment. "What business do you have here on Kashyyyk?"

  "My business is not of your concern," the man said coldly. "Should it be?"

  Kasra blinked, his mind suddenly becoming disorganized. After regathering his thoughts, he said, "No, it shouldn't be. As long as it's for the good of the Alliance..."

  The man smiled, though Kasra wasn't sure if it had any mirth in it. "Of course it is. Why would it not be?"

  Satisfied with the answer, Kasra and the three Wookiee guards stepped aside to allow the man entrance to Kachirho. 

Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

  For Wallen, time seemed to be moving too slowly and too fast at once. Upon seeing Senator Ulur's body being thrown out the building, his immediate instinct was to try to save the Rodian senator, even though deep down he knew it was impossible. 

  Just as he stood to make a move, Xemer grabbed his arm and held him back. Before Wallen could protest, Moog Ulur landed onto the crystalline ground, his body giving a loud, sickening crunch. Wallen cringed and closes his eyes, not wishing to see the senator's lifeless body.

  All eyes were soon on the silver-armored being who had killed Ulur. Arms folded across his chest, the being was silent at first, until he spoke in a loud, booming voice.

  "I am sorry, but I will have to kill you all. No witnesses can be left of this day."

  In the blink of an eye, the armored being leaped from his place on the building to the ground below, unleashing a blast of energy that immediately killed a crowd of Christophsians and Rodians. Two Kerkoiden guards, armed with spears, charged towards the warrior, who brought out a pair of two swords and used them to kill the guards easily.

  "Come on!" Xemer hissed in Wallen's ear. "Let's run back to the ship before he reaches us!"

  Nodding, Wallen followed his Kel Dor lieutenant, crouching down so that the warrior wouldn't see them. Once they were certain that they were out of the being's eyesight, Wallen and Xemer began running as fast as they could.

  They soon reached the outskirts of Crystal City and ran even faster for the docking bay which they had docked their ship at. Once they had reached the hangar, the Rodian dock officer came out of his work booth with a look of concern on his face.

  "What's going on?" he asked. "What was that explosion I heard earlier?"

  "The city is under attack," Wallen said hastily, rushing into the hangar. "Senator Ulur is dead and I'm sure Lord Creno is as well. If I were you, I wouldn't stay here for long."

  "What are you talking about?" The dock officer's eyes narrowed in skepticism. "Did you two have anything to do with this?"

  "We don't," Xemer said, his voice strangely quiet as he pointed at something. "But he does."

  Wallen turned in the direction the Kel Dor was pointing. Standing before them, in the hangar's entrance near the dock officer, was the armored being, his two swords in hand, covered in different types of blood.

  "No witnesses of this day shall be left alive," the warrior murmured and with that he swiftly sliced the Rodian dock officer in half.

  "Get onto the ship!" Wallen cried to Xemer. As the lieutenant reluctantly followed his orders, Wallen pulled out his blaster pistol and aimed it at the armored warrior's head.

  The mysterious being chuckled softly, which unease Wallen greatly. "You don't really expect me to die so easily, do you? You saw what I'm capable of. If a dozen Kerkoiden guards can be killed in the matter of seconds at my hand, what chance do you think you have?"

  "Well, first of all, I don't think Kerkoidens are that strong," Wallen said, hoping to buy himself some time to escape. "I mean, sure, they have bury torsos, but their limbs are pretty small."

  "Either way, you will be no challenge." The warrior twirled his two blades. "Legions have fallen before me."

  "I'll bet they died from seeing your ugly face," Wallen said as he slowly stepped back towards the ship's boarding ramp. "That's why you wear a helmet, right? So you can walk around without people dropping dead like flies."

  The warrior growled. "And just what will your insolent insults accomplish?"

  "Who's insulting? I understand your problem and I feel sincerely sorry."

  Wallen was now standing on the ramp itself, with the armored being near its edge.

  "You're going to wish you were never born," the latter growled.

  "Try me." Suddenly, the ramp raised up and Wallen tumbled into the ship. At the same time, he heard the engines roar alive as the ship raised off the ground and blasted into the sky. He then got back to his feet and walked into the cockpit, where he found Xemer at the controls.

  "That was the stupidest thing I've ever seen you do," the Kel Dor lieutenant muttered. "I'm surprised he didn't kill you right away."

  "Hey, I've got to put my life experiences to use somewhere," Wallen said.

  "Experiences? Like what, taunting people?"

  "No. Being the taunted one."

*  *  *

  Baleful eyes watched as the Galactic Alliance ship vanished through Christophsis' atmosphere and soon blast off into hyperspace.

  Creno cursed to himself for letting them get away. The two investigators would definately return to Coruscant and tell the Alliance of what had happened here. Although he would be long gone by then, the Alliance would likely find something connected to him and the others and prepare themselves for the impending invasion.

  This was not meant to be, Creno thought. We were meant to have the advantage of launching an unexpected attack. But Toah Jarsan went and ruined those plans.

  His wrist-mounted comlink beeped. That would be General Starka calling. Creno was prepared for whatever punishment the Supreme Commander had in mind for him.

  We have won Korriban and Manaan is next. We may have lost Tatooine and Dantooine, but they can be replaced.

  All that is left is Kashyyyk. Once we have taken that world, the Invasion may commence.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

  "What exactly is in the Shadowlands?" Jast asked as he and the rest of the team followed Lysira onto an elevator basket that led down into the realm beyond Kachirho's tall wroshyr trees.

  "Well, there are minstyngars," Lysira replied. "They're big simians that can squash you flat. Then there's these arachnids called kinrath, that can poison you. And then there are the katarns. You won't see them until it's too late."

  Sev chuckled. "Sounds like another Katarn I know of."

  "My, these Shadowlands sound very dangerous," C-3PO murmured. "Perhaps I should stay back here and wait for you to return."

  "Fine by me," Anakin said. "Though I don't know why you insisted on coming with us if you're just going to freak out at every scary place we go to."

  "Well, actually, I only came with you at your mother's insistence," the protocol droid replied. "I believe she wanted me to make sure you stayed safe."

  Anakin sighed. "She doesn't need to worry. I'm a Jedi, like my grandfather who I was named after."

  "I think that's what she's afraid of."

  Anakin stared at the droid for a moment, wondering what he meant by that. Finally, he shook his head and said, "Just wait here until we return, okay?"

  "As you wish, Master Anakin," C-3PO said. "Just...please do be careful."

  Once Anakin was in the elevator basket, which just barely had enough room for him and the others, Lysira tugged on a strong vine and the lift began its descent into the dark forest below.

*  *  *

  "We've only been on this planet for five minuted and already I'm getting bad vibes from this place," Arek muttered as he, Kyle, and their team walked through to deserted surface city of Manaan.

  "Oh, so the fact that no one's here in the city despite what the ship's scanner said wasn't enough to scare you?" Jasel snapped. She shook her head. "Either you're very brave or very stupid."

  Arek smirked. "Can't I be both?"

  "Quiet!" Jokar raised a hand for silence and the others stopped. "I hear voices coming from that apartment."

  They had arrived at a hallway with apartment doors to either side. One of the doors, from which Jokar had heard the voices, appeared to be damaged, with large dents covering it. It was almost as if someone had taken a turbohammer and tried to break in.

  Kyle Katarn carefully and quietly walked up to the door and planted his ear against it. Behind it, he could make out at least three voices, speaking in quiet murmurs, but loud enough for him to hear.

  "The preparations are finished," a raspy voice said. "We are ready to activate the Star Harvester."

  "Excellent," a deep voice replied. "General Starka will be most pleased. We are now one step closer to making our move."

  "Indeed," a nasally voice said. "It's a pity that Zordo failed, or else we'd be even closer."

  "A pity indeed," the deep voice said. "But no matter. We shall carry out the plan. Old One, activate the harvester. It is time for this planet to go dark."

  Kyle had heard enough. He unleashed a powerful blast with the Force, sending the door flying off its hinges. Inside, three, identical beings in silver armor were gathered at a round table. Upon Kyle's entrance, one of them aimed wrist-mounted weapons at him and began firing.

  Kyle activated his lightsaber and deflected the shots, sending them back at the armored being. While most of the bolts were absorbed by their armor, the last one made contact with the being's neck, which was unprotected, and it caused them to drop to the floor, briefly twitching before dying.

  The second being, who was a bit taller than the others, unsheathed a pair of blades and lunged at Kyle, who raised his lightsaber in defense. To the Jedi Master's surprise, the swords did not break upon making contact with the lightsaber and the resulting impact instead caused him to stagger back from the blow.

  Before the warrior could attack him again, Kyle used the Force to make his opponent lose their footing and drop to the floor. He then raised his lightsaber over his head and brought it down to impale the warrior's shoulder, pinning the being to the floor.

  Ignoring the agonized screams, Kyle stepped away from the warrior and brought out his Bryar pistol, aiming it at the third being, who was shivering with fear, their left hand hovering over a handheld remote control of some sort. Kyle fire his blaster at the device and turned it into scrap.

  Suddenly, the other being whom Kyle had pinned to the floor let out a rage-filled roar. He grabbed Kyle's lightsaber and pulled it out of their shoulder, hurling it at the Jedi Master. Kyle dodged it in time and called it back to him with his mind. The moment the lightsaber had returned to his hand, the armored warrior charged toward him with their uninjured arm reeling back for a punch.

  Just as they threw the punch, Kyle quickly sidestepped to the side and swung his lightsaber in a decapitating movement. The warrior's head quickly dropped to the floor with a resounding clang.

  All that remained was the third being, who was cowering underneath the table. Seeing that they didn't appear to be much of a threat, Kyle deactivated his lightsaber but stayed alert, slowly approaching the being with caution.

  "Mind if I ask what the heck's going on," the Jedi Master asked.

  The being shook their head, their raspy, masculine voice trembling with fear as he spoke. "If I tell you, my masters will kill me."

  "And I might kill you if you don't tell me," Kyle replied, pressing the blade emitter of his lightsaber against the being's abdomen. "So either way, it doesn't matter."

  "Fine, kill me," the being (Kyle presumed he was the 'Old One') said. "If you want information from me, you'll have to extract it from my cold, dead brain."

  Kyle smirked. "Actually, I have a better idea."

  Igniting his lightsaber again, he swung it and severed the being's legs below the knees, which, like his neck, were unarmored. Although the Old One's face was hidden by his helmet, Kyle could still imagine his reaction.

  "If you want prosthetic replacements, you'll have to tell me what you're up to," the Jedi Master said. "If not, you'll need to either crawl or have someone give you a piggyback ride."

  Kyle could feel the cold stare the legless being was giving him. "Humiliation won't get me to talk."

  "Piggyback ride it is then." Kyle lifted the Old One up from under the arms and carried him out of the room, where Jokar and the others were waiting, still gazing in awe at the quick duel that had just taken place.

  "You kept on of them alive?" Arek said in disbelief.

  Kyle nodded. "Don't worry, he won't be any trouble. Commander Jokar, how strong are you?"

  The stormtrooper raised an eyebrow at him. "Well, I can lift up a steel crate with no problem."

  "Good." Kyle then put the Old One in Jokar's arms. "You wouldn't mind giving out friend a ride on the back, would you?"

  Jokar stared at him with a mix of contempt and disbelief. "Are you serious?"

  "If I wasn't, you would know." Kyle signaled for the others to follow him. "Let's keep going. There's bound to be someone else in this city if the scanner said it was populated."

  As they moved on through the apartment hall, Jokar called out to Kyle, "Is this all because I'm the only Imperial here?"

  Kyle did not turn to face him as he said, "Of course not. I would've done the same thing to you even if you were Darth Vader."

  He showed nothing in his voice to suggest which way Jokar was meant to take those words.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

  Much to Kyle's relief, the city of Ahto was indeed still intact, stationed in the middle of Manaan's vast, oceanic surface. And according to the ship's scanners, it was still populated. The only problem was, no one was answering the ship's hailing beacon.

  "This is Rogue Shadow to Ahto City," Arek said for the third time, using a name for the ship found in its very few accessible computer files. "We are requesting for a port to land in. Do you copy?"

  Still no reply, not even a blast of static to signify that something was interfering with the broadcast. Plus, Arek had had Reeda and Jasel check the communications array on the ship at least five times, making sure it was working.

  "Look, if you want us to leave, that's fine," Arek went on. "I was never practically that fond of Manaan. Seasickness, you know."

  Still, nothing but silence. Arek turned to Kyle and frowned. "It's no use. Either their comm systems are down, or the Selkath aren't in a social mood."

  "Find us a place to land in the city anyway," the Jedi Master replied. "If there's people there like the scanners say, then they obviously had to have gotten there somehow."

  "Unless they're all Selkath," Jasel pointed out. 

  "But then, why make a surface city?" Reeda asked. "The Selkath are amphibious, aren't they?"

  Kyle nodded. "I believe so. Which means there are likely species other than Selkath in the city."

  "Including Glorians, I'll bet," Arek muttered.

  Kyle smirked. "Well, of course. Why else did we go all the way to the Inner Rim for?"

  Arek shrugged. "Get ourselves killed, I suppose."

  The Rogue Shadow made its way down towards Ahto City, which, from above, appeared in the shape of a flat, circular shell. The ship descended onto one of the city's many landing zones which, to Kyle's surprise, was not being supervised by a dock officer.

  "Can anyone explain why I'm weirded out by the fact that landing here is free?" Arek asked. No one chose to answer him.

  Once the Rogue Shadow had landed, Kyle, Arek, Commander Jokar, Reeda, Jasel, and Tahiri Veila walked down the boarding ramp to find not only the spaceport but the entire city itself desolate. Kyle gazed at the lifeless scenery before him, staring at the silvery buildings and facilities that made up the city, looking as if they had been polished rather recently.

  After a moment, he turned to Arek and said, "Are you certain that the scanners said the city was populated?"

  "If I wasn't, I probably would've only tried hailing them once instead of three times," the pilot replied. "Unless the blasted thing is broken, this place should be swelling with people."

  "Maybe they're all hiding," Reeda muttered, looking around the city. "Don't ask me why they would be doing that..."

  "Only one way to find out." Kyle gestured for Arek and the others to follow him. Lining up in a single file, the four troopers and Tahiri followed the Jedi Master into Ahto City, readying their weapons in case the Glorians gave them an unpleasant welcome.

*  *  *

  From the view of Wallen's GA-class light freighter, the world of Christophsis appeared as a crystalline sphere in green-blue colors. Scattered across the planet's jagged surface, Wallen could make out the cites of various cities, giving it a surface pattern not unlike Coruscant's.

  As he drew closer to Christophsis, his ship's comm radio buzzed and the gruff voice of a Kerkoiden spoke through. "Alliance ship SJ7, speak your business."

  "This is Captain Wallen Nix of GA Security and Intelligence. We're on officially classified Alliance business."

  "Does it have anything to do with Senator Ulur's negotiations?" the Kerkoiden asked. "Lord Creno told the Senate that he wished to negotiate in private, with no one else supporting Ulur."

  "I can assure you that this has nothing to do with the negotiations at all," Wallen said. "We simply wishes to speak with Senator Ulur once he's done."

  The Kerkoiden responded with a low grunt. "Fine. You may land at docking bay 228, on the outskirts of Crystal City. You'll have to get there by foot. If you're fast enough, you might be able to reach Senator Ulur in time."

  Typical, Wallen said to himself. Aloud to the speaker, he said, "All right. Thanks for your permission."

  Powering up the engine, he flew the ship towards Christophsis, entering the atmosphere and passing through the low dark clouds. Below, he could see the planet's crystalline terrain and the many tall, jagged, crystal-like buildings that made up its large cities. Eventually, he found a small, lone spaceport located on the edge of Christophsis' capital city, Chaleydonia, which was more commonly called Crystal City by off-worlders.

  Once the ship had landed in Docking Bay 228, and after Wallen had paid the Rodian dock officer, he and Xemer began waling towards the city, moving as quickly and swiftly as possible.

  "I guess the Christophsians care about their visitors' physical fitness," Xemer said with a chuckle.

  Wallen smirked. "Are you kidding? The Christophsians live under an oligarchy government, where they care only about wealth. If someone on this planet, visitor or otherwise, isn't wealthy or can benefit the Christophsians in any way, they couldn't care less about them."

  "I see," Xemer muttered. "Well, if that's the case, why is the Senate even bothering in trying to get Christophsis to join the Alliance?"

  Before Wallen could answer, a loud boom sounded from the city and the ground shook beneath their feet. Up ahead, Wallen could see one of Crystal City's many tall buildings on fire. Given that it was located in the city's center, and given the odds, he had a gut feeling that Senator Ulur and Lord Creno's negotiations were taking place there.

  As he and Xemer quickened their pace to running speed, Wallen heard his Kel Dor partner say, "I'm going to guess negotiation didn't go very well."

  Even while running, Wallen managed to give him a dirty look. "I wouldn't joke about something like this, especially around Christophsians."

  "Who said I was joking?"

  Just as the two of them finally reached the city, the ground shook again with another resonated boom. Christophsians, Rodians, and Kerkoidens ran for safety as large pieces of the central building broke apart and fell to the ground. Ducking for cover, Wallen crouched behind a fallen statue in order to get a good look at what was happening. 

  From what he could tell, there was a large gap in the central building, allowing him to see into what appeared to be a meeting room. Squinting his eyes over the glare of Christophsis' sun, he could make out the figure of what appeared to be a cowering Rodian, which he realized was Senator Moog Ulur himself.

  Standing before the Senator however, was a tall, armored being of a species Wallen did not recognize and could not describe. The sun's light reflected off of their silvery armor, giving the being a bright aura glowing around them, making it hard for Wallen to distinguish any features.

  Before he could comprehend what was going on, or before he could think of how to save Ulur, the strange being spoke, loud enough for the entire city to hear.

  "The negotiations are over."

  And with that, he made a small gesture with his hand, and the Rodian senator was sent plummeting to the ground thirteen feet below...

Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Chapter Three

Note: I might post an extra one today, because this one is a bit shorter than the others.

CHAPTER THREE

  "Welcome to the Kachirho Community Center!" said an overly cheerful protocol droid as Anakin and the others walked into the facility. "I am M-3PX, human-Wookiee relations. How may I be of service to you?"

  "We're looking for Lysira Naris," Commander Naar said, walking up to the droid's desk. "She's supposed to be our guide here on Kashyyyk."

  "Ah, yes. Just give me one moment." The silver-plated protocol droid tapped a datapad in its hand and began entering something into it. Finally, M-3PX said, "Miss Naris is waiting for you down the hallway on your left. You'll be able to recognize her from her dark hair, light skin, approximately one-point-six meters in height-"

  "Thank you for the info," Naar interrupted, sounding slightly annoyed. He signaled for the rest of the team to follow him. "Let's go."

  The group went down the hallway which M-3PX had directed them to and soon found a person looking exactly as the droid had described. Standing beside a tall Wookiee with goldish brown fur, Lysira Naris was dressed in an Alliance suit similar to Jak Kasra's. Upon noticing Anakin and the others, she smiled kindly at them.

  "Hello," she said. "I am Lysira Naris, member of the Intelligence Services and fellow Wookiee liaison with Jak Kasra. I've been told that you need a tour guide for traversing through Kashyyyk."

  "Indeed," Naar said. "We would greatly appreciate your assistance, especially for our mission."

  "Well then, I am more than happy to oblige," Lysira said. She gestured to her Wookiee companion. "This is Lumpawaroo, or Lumpy for short. He swore a life debt to me after I saved him from two Trandoshan bounty hunters."

  The Wookiee named Lumpawaroo nodded and growled a greeting to the group.

  "A pleasure to meet you," Naar replied, not exactly sounding delightful. "I am Commander Zanjaar Naar of the Alliance Defense Force. This here is Jedi Knight Anakin Solo, my fellow soldier Sev Nep, diplomat droid C-3PO, Imperial troopers Vex, Kalvin, Tesara, Avon, and Levat, and the smuggler Jast Kyjar."

  Lysira gave a light laugh. "It must be hard trying to remember all of their names."

  The Iktotchi smirked. "When you have to command almost a dozen soldiers everyday, it helps to have a good memory."

  Lysira nodded in agreement. "So, what's your mission?"

  "We're looking for a group of shapeshifting alien invaders," Sev Nep said bluntly. "Stars know how we're going to find them on a planet full of Wookiees..."

  Lysira gave the Sullustan a bemused look. "That sounds...rather serious. Why didn't the Alliance send an entire fleet or something?"

  "Well, we didn't find out about these aliens until about a day ago," Naar said. "And by then, our communications system got damaged, so we have no way of contacting Coruscant or Mon Cala."

  "I see. Would you like to contact them now?"

  "Not yet. Not until we've found the capabilities of these Glorians and their weaknesses."

  "If they have any," Sev muttered, but the others ignored him.

  "I would be glad to help you find these invaders," Lysira said, her smile returning. "In fact, I believe I know a place where they could be."

  "And where would that be?" Anakin asked.

  "The Shadowlands."

  Lumpawaroo let out a low growl, shaking his head with disapproval. Lysira frowned at him in response.

  "I know it's a dangerous place," she told the Wookiee. "But what better place for them to hide than one that no one would dare go to."

  Although his face was still fixed with concern, Lumpawaroo soon nodded slowly in agreement after much consideration.

  "Then it's decided," Lysira said, turning back to Naar and the others with a smile. "We'll take you to the Shadowlands."

  "We?" Jast Kyjar frowned at Lumpawaroo. "The Wookiee's not coming with us, is he?"

  "Of course he's coming," Lysira said. "He knows the Shadowlands better than I do." Her expression darkened. "That's not a problem, is it?"

  Jast hastily shook his head. "No, no. Not at all..."

  "All right then," Naar said, nodding to Lysira. "Lead the way."

  "With pleasure." As she turned to lead them away, Anakin saw Lysira glance at him and felt his heart skip a beat as she smiled. At that moment, Sev walked past and nudged him with his elbow.

  "Don't be too surprised," the Sullustan chuckled. "You Solos can attract women like magnets."

  "Shut up," Anakin muttered as he and the team followed the girl and her Wookiee companion.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

  "By the right of the council, and by the will of the Force, I dub thee Knight of the Jedi."

  Jedi Master Xanus Baran ended the Knighting Ceremony with a saluting gesture of his lightsaber. The rest of the Jedi Council did the same as Lexa Varr rose to her feet and bowed to the Grand Master.

  "Thank you for this honor, masters," the female Kel Dor said.

  Baran smiled. "And thank you for your services to the Jedi, the Alliance, and the will of the Force."

  Lexa bowed once more and walked out of the Council Chambers. Once the doors had closed behind her, the gathered Jedi Masters deactivated their lightsabers.

  "And now another one of Master Gaaraddik's students has completed their training," Master Corran Horn said with a smile. "It is unfortunate that he was not here to witness the ceremony."

  Baran nodded in agreement. Along with Masters Kro Sadoon and Kyle Katarn, Gaaraddik had left with Anakin Solo, Commanders Naar and Jokar, and their teams to investigate mysterious signals found on Dantooine, Kashyyyk, and other worlds.

  "Nonetheless, I am sure he would be proud," Baran said. "Once we regain contact with Gaaraddik and the team, we will make sure he learns of Lexa's knighting."

  After a moment of silence, his expression grew solemn. "Now then, I have interesting news. News that I am sure you have all heard of by now."

  The others signaled for him to continue. "According to several academies, at least half a dozen Jedi have vanished from each of them, quite a few of them being masters and knights."

  "Indeed," Corran said sadly. "A similar thing has happened at the Jedi enclave on Corellia. Two weeks ago, Master Viron and his apprentice went on a mission to the Mid Rim and have not sent back word ever since."

  Baran frowned. "This is indeed worrisome, which is why I have formed a search party to find them and the other missing Jedi."

  "Is that a wise thing to do?" asked the Togruta Jedi Taana Di. "What if they disappear as well?"

  "I have faith in them," Baran replied. "The team will be led by Master Katarn's apprentice, Jaden Korr, who is skilled and powerful enough to be considered a Jedi Master. And in addition, Admiral Sovv will send two Alliance platoons and a small fleet to search for them as well."

  "I do hope that will be enough," said Master Van-Sar-Nodan, stroking his white beard. "Let us hope that it is nothing serious that is causing these disappearances."

  "Sometimes, old friend," Baran murmured, "that is all we can do."

*  *  *

  Captain Wallen Nix never found his life easy in the Galactic Alliance Security Force. More often than not, he was given petty crimes and mysteries to solve, with the resolution to the case coming very easily to him. Sometimes, it frustrated him so much that it made him wish he was ten years older so he could retire.

  And today's case was no exception to any of the above.

  Captain Nix stood in the office of Senator Versanus of Eshan, doing his best not to look surprised by the Echani senator's request. Nearby, Lieutenant Xemer stood idly at the door, tilting his head with slight skepticism. After a few seconds of silence, Wallen cleared his throat.

  "Did I hear you correctly, senator? Are you saying that Senator Ulur kidnapped your son?"

  "You indeed heard me correctly, captain," Senator Versanus replied. "Moog Ulur and I have met before and we have always shared a...bitter rivalry."

  "And so you believe this is Ulur's way of trying to undermine you." Wallen shook his head. "I'm sorry, sir, but there's not much evidence to go upon, other than your own accusations."

  Versanus' silver eyes narrowed into slits. "Is it not your job to find more evidence, captain? You are an investigator after all, aren't you?"

  Wallen shifted his feet. "Well, yes, but-"

  "Then I suppose you better get started. An example must be made of Ulur for committing such a detestable crime."

  Wallen nodded stiffly. "Agreed. I will see what I can do."

  With a nod of farewell, Wallen turned on his heels and strode out of the senator's office, with Xemer close behind. Once they had walked at least ten feet from the closed door, Xemer spoke quietly to Wallen.

  "Are you sure Senator Versanus isn't lying?" the Kel Dor lieutenant asked. "I've heard that he's not exactly the most trustworthy person in the galaxy..."

  "A lot of people are like that," Wallen muttered. "Besides, we don't have any evidence to prove Versanus wrong, nor do we have any to prove him right."

  "So are we sure we can trust Senator Ulur?"

  Wallen shrugged. "I can't say I am. But in this case, we don't have much choice." 

  Xemer nodded in agreement and remained silent as the two of them moved through the hallways of the Senate Building on Coruscant, which the Galactic Senate had just moved in to three days ago. Wallen was rather surprised by how quickly the senate settled in and made themselves comfortable. 

  Well, they were really itching to return here for so long, he thought.

  As he and Xemer reached the corridor which held Senator Moog Ulur's office, the lieutenant spoke again. "What exactly would someone get out of kidnapping the child of their rival?"

  Wallen smirked. "That's the one-million-credit question, isn't it?"

  He slightly knocked on the door and it was opened by a young Rodian female. "Can I help you?" she asked quietly.

  "Yes, I am Captain Wallen Nix of the Security Force, and this is my lieutenant, Xemer. We would like to speak with Senator Ulur, if that's not too much trouble."

  "I'm afraid he's not here," the Rodian replied. "He's just left for the Galactic City Spaceport."

  "Do you know where he's heading?"

  "He's going to Christophsis to negotiate its membership in the Senate." The Rodian eyed the two investigators warily. "Why do you ask?"

  "GA security business, that's all," Wallen said, turning to leave. "Have a good day."

  Wallen and his lieutenant walked back down the corridor and waited until Ulur's aide closed the door before speaking. "Christophsis," Xemer murmured. "That world's been independent ever since the New Republic's founding, hasn't it?"

  "From what I know of it, yes," Wallen said.

  "So how come the senate wants it to join now?"

  "I have no idea, Xemer. And right now, that's not important. Our main goal is to speak with Senator Ulur and sort out Versanus' problems with him."

  Xemer nodded. "Odds are, this is going to be another boring, uneventful case."

  "Makes me wish I was a hotshot Corellian pilot," Wallen muttered. "At least then I could just ignore those odds..."

 

Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

  "Hey, did you just cheat on me, droid?"

  C-3PO's photoreceptors lifted up from the dejarik table to look at the Sullustan sitting before him. "I don't know what you're talking about, I'm afraid."

  Sev Nep frowned. "It was my turn and you moved your Mantellian Savrip to crush my Kintan strider!"

  "Did I do that?" The protocol droid titlted his head. "I am terribly sorry. I am not much of a dejarik player, you know."

  Sev simply scowled and leaned back in his seat, giving up on the game. He turned his head to Anakin Solo, who sat on the opposite side of the Adventurer's lounge, tinkering with his tools, and said, "Did your parents program your droid to be a jerk?"

  Anakin shook his head. "I don't think so. I think he just got some of his attitude from Artoo."

  The Sullustan sighed. "And that's why you don't see me hanging out with droids a lot..."

  Anakin smiled to himself and returned his attention to the comm unit that had somehow broken apart, most likely due to the fact that the ship was an old one, and uses as well.

  It had been about three days since he and the others had left for the four worlds where a warning signal made by Toah Jarsan was detected, and where the mysterious Glorian invaders had arrived. So far, they had visited Dantooine and Tatooine, and on both of those worlds they had encountered the person known only as the Revanchist, and watched him defeat hordes of Glorians.

  Anakin wondered if they would meet the Revanchist again on Kashyyyk, and, if they did, if he would explain to them what exactly the Glorians were and how they could be stopped. And if not, then Anakin, Commander Naar, and the rest of the team would have to fend for themselves.

  Anakin broke away from his musings as the Stormtrooper known as Kalvin came from out of the cockpit. "We've entered the Kashyyyk system," said the sometimes stoic trooper.

  Anakin, Sev, and C-3PO followed him towards the cockpit, where the lush, green homeworld of the Wookiees floated before the Adventurer, almost filling up the viewport due to its rather large size. It was surrounded by three moons, which, compared to Kashyyyk, looked the size of the tiny remotes Anakin had faced in his lightsaber training.

  Sitting in the pilot's seat, the Iktotchi commander Zanjaar Naar spoke with a spaceport officer via comlink and received permission to land at a starport in the city of Kachirho.

  "It's best if you and the others don't put on your armor," Naar then said to Kalvin. "Even with the Alliance, Wookiees don't take kindly to Imperials."

  "I don't blame them," Kalvin muttered as he armed himself with a heavy blaster rifle.

*  *  *

  The scarcely lit cargo hold of the Imperial transport made Jedi Master Kyle Katarn feel uneasy as he attempted to meditate. It was clear to him that the Dark Jedi to whom this ship had once belonged to often meditated here as well, letting his dark side energies spread throughout the entire ship.

  After a few tries, Kyle gave up on his attempts and decided to search the cargo hold for anything useful. As he rummaged through the dark room, his comlink buzzed and Arek Cobalt's voice crackled through the speaker.

  "We're approaching the Manaan system," the pilot muttered. "Let's hope the natives don't try to drown us."

  Let's hope there's a place for us to even land, Kyle thought. From what he had read of the planet, Manaan had slowly fell to obscurity, due to the fact that its primary export, the healing substance called kolto, had been ignored in favor of bacta. As such, it was likely the native Selkath had taken down Ahto City, which served as a place for off-worlders to visit, due to the fact that hardly anyone visited Manaan, at least not since the Galactic Civil War.

  In order to pass the time while Arek tried to find a port to land on Manaan, Kyle continued to search through the cargo hold. Among the things he found was a small, metal case, which contained a collection of at least five lightsabers.

  Someone must have been busy, Kyle said to himself sardonically. Never knew someone needed this many lightsabers...

  As he examined the lightsabers however, he began to feel a strange, familiar feeling, as if he had seen these lightsabers before. He took one of the silvery hilts and held it in his hands.

  And then, realization dawned on him.

  Ten years ago, at the start of the Imperial Sith War, Andor Chasan, a Jedi Knight and friend of Kyle's, led a group of Jedi to the planet Kuar, located near the Daragon Trail, in order to find a Sith outpost. Those Jedi never returned. And now Kyle held Chasan's lightsaber in his hand...

  He pressed the activation button and ignited its azure blade. He knew vengeance was against the Jedi code, and, as a Jedi Master, he certainly was not planning on seeking it. But as Andor Chasan's friend, he would avenge him and make sure his murderer was brought to justice.

  Deactivating the lightsaber blade, he attached the hilt to his belt, replacing the one he had lost to the Dark Jedi, and walked out of the cargo hold, knowing that they would be nearing Manaan soon. If the Glorians were indeed there, he was prepared to stop them. He was prepared to do anything to prevent another war.

  To prevent anyone from sharing Chasan's fate.

*  *  *

  The Adventurer descended through Kashyyyk's tall, lush wroshyr trees and soon arrived at the coastal city of Kachirho, located on a system of islands surrounded by the murky oceans. From the cockpit's viewport, Anakin could see a welcoming party gathering at one of the many platforms protruding from the thousand foot high wroshyr tree, on which the Adventurer was about to land.

  Coming up beside him, the cocky Stormtrooper known as Vex let out a low whistle. "Do Wookiees normally greet guests like this or are they expecting us?"

  "In case it's the latter," Kalvin said, "I would keep a blaster handy. Or a lightsaber, if you've got one."

  "Try not to look intimidating though," Naar advised. "It's not a wise thing to do when dealing with Wookiees."

  The Adventurer soon came to a slow land onto the strong wooden platform, allowing Anakin, Naar, C-3PO, Sev, Vex, Kalvin, the smuggler Jast Kyjar, and the other trooper, Tesara, Avon, and Levat, to exit the ship. Awaiting them was a group of Wookiee guards, all clad in light-armor, along with a dark-skinned human male in an Alliance-styled uniform, who saluted in greeting to Commander Naar.

  "Welcome to Kashyyyk, sir," the man said. "I am Jak Kasra, assistant to Senator Triebakk and interpreter for Chieftain Ciiranta and Captain Barakka here."

  He gestured to the leader of the Wookiee guards, who gave a curt nod to Anakin and the others. Commander Naar returned the gesture with a slaute.

  "We appreciate the welcome, captain," he said. "I am Commander Zanjaar Naar of the Galactic Alliance Defense Force. Three days ago, we received a signal from Kashyyyk and three other worlds. We have since learned its meaning and that it indicates a faction of alien invaders have reached these planets and are hiding somewhere here."

  Kasra slowly nodded. "Yes, Admiral Sovv has informed us of the signal. But we were not aware of its meaning..."

  "It's a good thing we're here then," Naar said. "Admiral Sovv has sent us to exploit these invaders and stop their plans."

  Kasra gave a faint smile. "We appreciate your assistance, commander. Shall I assign you someone to guide you through Kachirho? It is a big city, and Kashyyyk is an easy planet to get lost on."

  Naar nodded. "If it's not too much trouble..."

  "Not at all." Kasra brought out a comlink and murmured into it. He then turned back to them and said, "Lysira Naris is waiting for you at the community center, which is on the second platform to your right. Have a nice day."

  The group thanked Kasra and they began heading for the community center. As they passed through a crowd of Wookiees and humans, Anakin suddenly felt a foreboding sense tingle in his mind. He dared to look over his shoulder and saw the Revanchist standing amongst the crowd.

  You should not have come.

  Anakin blinked his eyes once and the masked being was gone...

Star Wars Invasion: Episode III, Prologue

PROLOGUE

Cal Omas, Chief of State of the Galactic Alliance, took his seat at the long, oval-shaped table placed in the middle of the conference room. To both of his sides sat the members of his advisory council, consisting of representatives of the nine planets that signed the Declaration of a New Republic more than thirty years ago.

Across from them sat the eight members of the Imperial Remnant's Council of Moffs, along with the Remnant's Supreme Commander and political leader Rolan Verradun. Dark haired and only a few years Omas' junior, Cal Omas did not trust Verradun as much as he did his predecessor, Gilad Pellaeon. He saw Verradun as being just as greedy and ambitious as the other Moffs, who Pellaeon had kept in check during his term.

However, Omas also had faith in knowing that Verradun would not try to declare war against the Alliance or try to take control over the galaxy. Which was also why Omas was comfortable with sitting less than ten feet away from him.

A moment of silence lingered over the conference room, each Moff and senator staring coldly at the person sitting opposite of them. Finally, Verradun spoke first.

"I am sure the incident at Kuat is...common knowledge by now." He made a steeple out of his fingers. "I can assure you that it was not the Imperial Remnant's intent to attack the Kuat Drive Yards. We were told to do only blockade the planet by Governor Aidel Saxan of Corellia."

"And yet you agreed to fulfill her wish," Cal Omas noted. "Why?"

Verradun let out a small sigh. "Well, Governor Saxan claimed that she had overheard Senators Haydnat Treen and Kvram Jia were plotting to overthrow you."

"I doubt that excuse," muttered the Bothan senator Zrask Krey'lis. "Why exactly would those two senators try to usurp the Chief of State? And for that matter, how would attacking- or, as you say, blockading- Kuat change matters?"

Verradun shook his head. "I honestly do not know. But you must know that I wouldn't dare try to overthrow the Senate."

Krey'lis's eyes narrowed. "You already have-"

"That's enough, Senator Krey'lis," Omas snapped, startling the others and preventing the Moffs from retorting. Turning back to them, he spoke in a more calm tone.

"I want to believe you, Verradun. But we need proof or confirmation from Corellia...which isn't exactly a possibility at the moment."

Verradun slowly nodded. "I understand. We shall see what we can do."

"Very well," Omas replied. "Now then, have you received word from Commander Jokar and his team? Admiral Sovv hasn't been able to contact them, Commander Naar, or even Master Katarn ever since they left for Dantooine nearly three days ago."

"None, as far as I know. But it's only bee three days. I highly doubt they've run into trouble already."

Senator Krey'lis scoffed. "If stormtroopers are on the team, I would be surprised if anyone is still alive."

"Silence, Krey'lis!" said Senator Via Eerin of Mon Cala. "Verradun has a point. We should wait at least a week before trying to contact Commanders Jokar and Naar."

The reddish-brown furred Bothan huffed but said nothing to counter the female Mon Calamari.

"Very well, then," Verradun muttered. "I take it that this meeting is adjourned?"

"Yes," Omas said, his voice strangely quiet. "For now."

As he and the rest of the Advisory Council rose from their seats to leave, Omas couldn't help but wonder what the future had in store for the Galactic Alliance.

And the galaxy itself.

*  *  *

"It seems that the conference went...well, master."

The being known only as the Master shifted in his seat. "I was prepared for such an outcome. I suppose Agent Deceiver's manipulations were... not as successful as I had hoped."

"It seems so, my liege."

"Have him executed then," the Master said. "In the meantime, it is time for us to initiate our backup plan."

He leaned back in his seat, pressing the tip of his fingers together. "If we cannot get the galaxy to tear itself apart...then we will have to do it ourselves."

STAR WARS: INVASION

EPISODE III

PRELUDE TO INVASION

Star Wars belongs to Lucasfilm, which belongs to Disney. I own nothing. But if you try to steal my characters, well...I might not be happy. 

Of course, the odds of anyone coming across this blog and reading my story are 3,720 to 1.