CHAPTER NINE
Devon Zanab gritted his teeth as he wrestled with the vicious flytrap that had ensnared him. Nearby, Reeda and Sirul were trying to shoot at the tendrils wrapped around him, but it either didn't fell pain or it was that tough.
With his arms and legs bound, all he could do was grimace as the flytrap leaned forward and opened its wide maw. Suddenly, a blue lightsaber pierced through its mouth and it dropped down dead, allowing Zanab to free himself. He then nodded his thanks to his savior, Taana.
"Some screwed up planet this is," the commander then muttered, surveying the bizarre jungle surrounding them. "Let's find the others before more plants try to eat us."
Suddenly, a figure shot from the bushes. The troopers raised their blasters at it only to see that it was Jaden Korr.
"Well, that's one down," Sirul said.
Taana walked over to the other Jedi as he bent over, panting for breath. "Jaden? Are you all right?"
"Not exactly," he said in between breaths. "I... I think I just let a monster out of its cage."
The Togruta's forehead creased. "What do you mean?"
"He means that I am free."
The voice was all around them. The troopers aimed their blasters widely as it cackled.
"Thanks to you, Jaden, I have been awaken from my eternal slumber," it said with a girlish giggle. "All I need now is for my other children to destroy the chains that bind me to this accursed planet."
"Then what?" Jaden called to it. "What do you have planned for this galaxy, like so many before you?"
A horrible, grating laugh echoed all around them. "What need have I for the galaxy? My goals are more personal than conquering the galaxy; they needn't concern you."
"You reek of the dark side," Taana said darkly. "We can't let you roam free."
"It is too late," the voice said. "The fires have already started."
* * *
Centerpoint Station, located in the Corellian system, was one of the most ancient sites in the galaxy, a relic left behind by the fabled Celestials.
Was.
Now, in its place, was a massive fireball, a result of the explosives placed by those awaiting Abeloth's reawakening. One of those people watched the explosion from afar, basking in its light.
With a grin, Varon Krul commanded Taral to carry him away from the scene.
* * *
The sky was being torn apart.
Normally Jaden would be freaked out by that sort of thing. But after what he saw in the cave, not much could faze him anymore.
As storms began to tear the jungle asunder, Zanab said, "Well, men, it's been a pleasure serving with you."
"Oh, don't be like that!" the voice of Mother said. "I have no intention of letting you all die. After all, I could always use more children to take care of."
"I'd rather die than be your child," Jaden called back to her.
Mother's voice ran cold. "Suit yourself."
However, before anything could happen, Jaden heard the roar of engines. He looked up to see Rancor Squad's ship, damaged but still operating, flying towards them with its ramp lowered. As it stooped down towards them, the two Jedi and three troopers clambered onto the ship, closing the ramp behind them. In moments, it was taking off towards the sky.
"Nice one, Arek!" Zanab laughed. "Great timing. Remind me to get you promoted."
"That wasn't me." Everyone turned to see Arek, Natia, and the other troopers sitting nearby. Arek then jerked his head towards the cockpit; sitting in the pilot's seat, manning the ship's controls, was Seer.
The bald woman turned to them with a wide grin. When she spoke, it was with Mother's voice.
"Buckle in, children. It's going to be a dangerous trip."
* * *
"And so another relic of the Celestials is destroyed," Varon Krul said to himself as he watched Sinkhole Station be torn apart by the powers of Abeloth. "A sad, but necessary sacrifice."
I fail to see the need of awakening this creature you call Abeloth, Taral said telepathically. If what you say of her is true-- that she is an unstoppable force of destruction-- won't she pose a threat to our plans?
Varon smirked. "Our? Don't flatter yourself, Taral. You are but a mere tool in this plan, just like Abeloth."
Even in the coldness of space, Varon felt the temperature in the Sith Meditation Sphere drop.
I am subservient to no one. I agreed only to work with you, never for you. You would do well to remember that.
"Don't worry," Varon said, just as icily. "I will... though it might be hard with you not around to remind me."
The air in the sphere began to decompress, but Varon moved too fast for Taral. Igniting his scarlet blade, he plunged it into the ship's main computer. A terrible scream emitted from it before lapsing into silence.
Satisfied with his handiwork, the Sith warrior put his weapon away and replaced it with a comlink.
"Sao, prepare for my return. And be sure to get the stage ready."
* * *
Abeloth's planet was well behind them now as the ship went through hyperspace. While Abeloth herself, in the body of Seer, piloted the vessel, Jaden and the others sat in silence, dreading what was to come now.
Sitting across from him, Taana's eyes seemed to read Jaden. "Tell me what is troubling you," she said abruptly.
Jaden looked up at her. "Where did that come from?"
"You looked frightened when you rejoined us. Where had you been?"
He sighed, knowing that he couldn't dodge the question. "I was in a cave with Darth Vorath."
When the Togruta's eyes widened, he added, "Don't worry, it was an illusion, a phantom. Then... a voice told me to remove his helmet, which I did."
"What did you see?" Taana whispered.
Jaden shuddered at the memory of it. With a deep breath, he looked everyone in the eye before saying, "You're looking at him right now."
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