The New 501st

...YOU are going to watch us ruin everything you've been trying to defend

His troopers shoot down the clones who survived the explosion before Cole can regain his balance. The Sith unleashes a continuous stream of lightening at the last remaining Jedi,savouring the pain and hopelessness and laughing mockingly. Cole knew this moment would come but nothing could have prepared him for sheer power or unbelievable pain that effortlessly coursed through his body. The Sith occasionally stops the torment for a few seconds only to send an even stronger bolt at Cole,worsening already agonising pain...until eventually it stops. I look up and groan...there's two now.

Stop wasting time Stryder finish this pathetic Jedi!

Just having some fun Manias.

We're not here for "fun" now destroy him,you're holding us up.

As you wish.

....You cant trust him...

The two look at him as if they're surprised Cole could speak.

What do mean?

..Sooner or later your friend here will kill you and take your place,just like you killed your master.

The Sith master doesn't move but the other one growls with rage and throws a massive amount of energy at Cole,he smashes through the window overlooking the platforms and falling past them crashes into the endless black ocean...

I looked at Darth Stryder. He was furious... It pleased me to see his anger bring itself forth. It was very good...such raw power in his force lightning...I could still sense the life within the soldier as he plummeted into the ocean. The creatures of the sea will probably devour him. I couldn't get what he said out of my head though.

Well done......Let's get out of here.

Hey...what he said...

Don't worry about it. I know you wouldn't do so...would you...

Of course not. We're in this to the end.

Yes...I thought as much.

I could sense the deciet, not only in his voice, but in his mind. He will betray me...We'll come to that when we get to it however. It shall not come as a surprise now... I'll be ready for him.

Omega 9....let us return now.

I looked out the corner of my eye to see Stryder watching me....We then vanished and appeared on the Malevolent.

Where to next my lord? (Pilot)

Let us be on our way to planet Iridor once more. We shall drop off what clones we've made, and let them train there. Then we'll head over to the Duro system...

Why the Duro system?

Our ships could use a little speed for the blockade over Courascant.

Ahh I see...

....what?

The Duros are credited with the invention of the hyperdrive.

Oh...so we're gonna get them to hasten our ships with any new inventions they have?

You forgot to mention by force...

Stryder and Omega 9 stood on the bridge looking at the planet Duro. The Malevolent hovered over the planet while soldiers inside were preparing to descend, Stalkers were gearing up and wearing black robes with the hoods over their heads. Stryder had ordered his team to travel with him and Omega down to the planet and secure the area before Manias' arrival. A soldier approached the two and informed them of a small transport ship approaching the hangar bay, Stryder told the man to open up the hangar and allow for the ship to land. Inside the ship were a group of Mandalorian Bounty Hunters that had worked for Stryder and Ailyn before they joined the Empire. Stryder patted Omega on the back.

Let's go.

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A group of Sith Stalkers entered the hangar where two dozen armed soldiers were aiming their weapons at the ship known as "The Dawn". Stryder and Omega entered the hangar as the group of Mandalorians exited the ship.

Not quite the welcome I had expected Kyle, but I suppose you do have a reputation to keep intact.

Indeed I do. It's good to see you Danko.

The seven Mando's all wore traditional Mandalorian armour, three of them had red armour while the others wore black. There were two women in the group and they seemed to have the more "scratched" armour.

So what's the deal Kyle? Why do you need us?

I need you and the others to escort myself and Omega on Duro, we have a few Sith as well but I have a feeling I am going to need all the firepower I can get my hands on.

Just like old times huh?

Seems like it. We will be leaving in about two hours. My friend Omega here will get you up to speed on the mission, just stay in the hangar and wait for us to return.

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Stryder, Manias and Eclipse all stood on the bridge discussing what they had to do.

Stryder, you can take the first wave down and secure the area. Eclipse and I will follow after you have taken the landing zone and then we will assert our authority on the populace.

Sounds like a plan.

Stryder left the bridge and traveled back down to the hangar, when he arrived he saw his Stalkers and Mandos gearing up. Omega approached him and told him they were almost ready.

Good. Manias is taking us for a ride.

What do you mean?

I have a feeling he plans to betray us after we have done his bidding.

And why would he do that?

Two Sith can't rule the galaxy Omega. Especially not three.

Kyle. We're ready to go.

I walk to a ship with Cole over my shoulder. Damn this guy is heavy. We get on the ship and I set him down in a seat, he starts to wake up, and to his surprise, he sees me there.

Damn it, Sith what do you wish of me?

Well, the Sith used me and tried to kill me off...you were almost killed by them too. What do you say we team up...and get revenge on them.

He looks at me with an odd look in his face.

Well revenge isn't very Jedi like now is it? I laugh.

Well my dear boy....Jedi play by the rules, the Sith don't. So I figure we could be....Dark Jedi....we have honor but we are not afraid to bend the rules to win.

Cole looks back at me, and he chuckles.

Finally, someone that understands how I work. I am in!

I take control of the ship and we head for parts unknown, the rise of the Dark Jedi is coming.

Darren followed Strife in his own ship then opened up a channel to Strifes ship

so um where we headed?

..looks like they're heading for the Duro system

Who's that?

A mercenary...thought we could use some back up

Copy that,en route to the Duro system

------------------------------------------------

The Sith had a head start but Stifes and Darrens ships are smaller and faster so they catch up pretty fast. They can see "The Malevolent" orbiting the planet. They watch as a small ship leaves its hanger and heads for the planet. I can only sense one Sith aboard it..we let him go,we're not here to save the natives.

We wait until he comes back or until the others follow him down,so we can destroy all three of them at the same time.

Agreed

Only three of them? HA! I could take them with my eyes closed

Don't even think about it

The Mandalorian's left first with Stryder on board, moments later dozens of Dropships followed and they all flew to the same location. The Mandalorian ship flew down and landed on a platform used by royal ambassadors while the other ships hovered through the streets of the main city, the Stalker's all began to drop down into the streets and secured the city. The Mando's exited the ship and stood in front of the ship, Stryder and Omega walked out behind them and waited for a group of councilmen to arrive on the platform with armed guards.

What are you doing?! You can not simply arrive on our planet and take over our cities! This is madness!

Actually we can, we are trying to be subtle but if you choose to be difficult and resist our presence then we will use deadly force.

This is outrageous! We will not stand for this!

Alright, fine. Danko, contact the Malevolent and get some reinforcements down here, let's kill all the inhabitants and then strip the planet of it's raw materials.

WAIT!!!!

Stryder looked at the councilmen and smirked, he knew they would give in unfortunately he wanted to kill these people to show Manias how far he was willing to go to get things done, whether or not he himself would go that far is yet to be determined.

We will do......whatever you want. Just don't hurt us.

Good choice. Manias, the people have surrended. Get a move one.

As I nodded to the captain to teleport me and Gromm down...I suddenly had a vision. It showed a small fighter ship....hovering. Coming in for a landing upon Duro. I then saw it open...One stepped out...the soldier that we sent off the platform on Kamino. Then an unknown one...probably a survivor...The 1st soldier then ignited a green lightsaber....the the final one stepped out...My vision was then interrupted by Gromm.

I never told you...I am quite greatful to you for breaking me out of prison. Our arrangement shall work out just fine. What shall become of the prisoner however?

The prisoner? Ah yes...the one Omega 9 locked up. I then mentally unlocked his cell. (Join us...) He's on his way Gromm.

Gromm looked at me...his eyes confused. He had seen sith abilities before though, so he did not question it. It was just another trick they were using, according to his mind. I then looked upon Duro. It was quite the technologically advanced place...The speeders zoomed by, the overhead vehicles did the same. It was such a peaceful, yet...busy planet. Disgusting... I looked upon the Duro councel and smirked. They looked none too pleased, but tried to hide for their lives sake.

Good evening. I see you've already met Darth Stryder. I am Darth Manias. Darth Eclipse will be joining us soon.

Omega 9 shot a look at me, that of which I ignored.

Wh-Why have you come here?! What could you possibly want with us??

Not just what...but who as well. You Duros are credited with the creation of the hyperdrive....correct? Well...that was over 80,000 years ago that it was created. I'm sure...although you've kept it quiet...you've improved it.

We know nothing of what you're talking about....

He's lying. I can feel his heart rate from here...

I really...don't like liars...It does not become of people. It's ugly. It angers me...now I'll ask you again...have...you...improved it?

we have not touched the hyperdrive invention since the millenia falcon!

Still lying...

I ignited my lightsaber, and chopped off one of his fingers. He screamed in agonizing pain! I then put my hand on his head. Using my psycometry...I checked for any reports on a new hyperdrive invention in the last 24 hours. I found one...an exceptional one. One that will blow past 120,000 lightyears...now in minutes...rather than days or hours.

Class 28...is it? You've been truly holding out on us. I think we'll take it...along with a few mechanics.

I then turned to Stryder.

Let's get the Stalkers in here...capture seven mechanics and kill the rest. Gromm, with me...Omega 9...with me. We're going to meet up with Eclipse outside. The Class 28 Hyperdrive is located on the outskirts of the planet.

This is where my vision took place as well...

We began to head to the outskirts of the planet. Manias seemed troubled. He must have had a vision of some important event in the outskirts. But what troubled him did not trouble me. Stryder was right. Two sith can't rule a galaxy together let alone 3. It became apparent that I would have to pick a side soon. I began to think of the possible pros and cons of each sith when I was interupted by my long range scanners. They had picked up a weak energy signature that was emitting from the the atmosphere just above the outskirts. I had a feeling in my gut that this is what Manias was worried about. I locked onto the signal and began running various diagnostics on it. The midichlorian count on the ship revealed that there were 2 or 3 jedi on the small transport ship. The others would not know of their presence until they could sense the midichlorians. Thanks to me, we have the advantage.

My Lord.

What is it? What is it?

Further evidence of the conflict to come.

Jedi or sith, at the outskirts waiting for us. 2 of them maybe even 3 I cannot be positive. But there heart rates reveal nervousness. They must have gone there during the invasion. Which explains why I couldn't detect them earlier because of our own ship's jammer.

Alright so if it's a fight they want. It's a fight we shall give them. Stryder prepare the stalkers. Omega lock on to the ships last coordinates. Gromm....

Stryder interupts Lord Manias.

Get ready to throw something.

Manias looks confused as Stryder runs towards Gromm at a dead sprint. Gromm grabs Stryder and continues to spin.

YOU! ROBOT! TELL ME WHEN TO "FIRE"!

I calcuate the flight path he'll need to throw Stryder to get him onto the ship and bring it down to us.

NOW!

He releases Stryder and Manias adds a bit of force push to send him along the way. Within a few seconds the ship started to lower. Stryder wasn't on it though. I zoomed in on the ship and something zipped by it. I locked on. Stryder's body had been set on fire from the throw. He had hit the ship and sent it down but they would be able to restablize themselves before they hit the ground. The group dashed toward Stryder.

YOU ****! YOU MEANT TO DO THAT!

It was true, Manias' "extra boost" set all my calculations off. It seemed that this break in the empire may happen sooner then I had anticipated.

Darren was just able to pull the ship up before they crash landed close to the edge of a landing platform.

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!

Looks like they got some extra muscle

We got a problem here,the ships taken too much damage to take off

We can worry about that later..lets do what we're here to do

Cole is first out the ship,he can sense them from here,and ignites his lightsaber. The other two follow,Darren with his dual blasters ready and Strife with a blue lightsaber. They walk down the closest path leading to the Sith,killing any guards that get in the way...it feels good to bend the rules,but its still no challenge.The Sith are close now,not far at all. Cole and Strife pull out a second lightsaber each while Darren checks his blasters and vibrosword. Cole can feel the excitement in the air,he will have his revenge.

Darren walked down the ramp and found a security console nearby he hacked into it then cycled through cameras he paused on the one showing the Malevolent

their docked right above Duro it looks like

alright lets get goin

wait

what?

their waiting for us

how would you know that?

this is to easy they should of come for us by now and they knew we didn't crash they know were after them there gunna be waiting for us

what do you have in mind then? wait for them to leave?

no there not gunna leave en till were dead or en till they think were dead

so?

we set up a trap wait for them to come to us

Cole and Strife looked at each other then nodded

alright we'll do it your way then

The three Dark Jedi make their way into the control consoles of Duro. While stalking the small group made up of Stryder, Manias, Omega 9, and Gromm; they themselves were being watched. A dark figure descends upon them.

Darth Eclipse's POV

Hello, boys...

The three men turned to face me. They were well armed. However, they were not of Jedi or Sith origin; except one. One of them, resembling a soldier, stepped up and drew his vibrosword.

You're with them, right?

He pointed at the large monitors with my fellow Sith companions.

Yes.

The other two then activated their own lightsabers. I ignited my own and performed the Makashi stance. As they watched I let out a force scream to warn the others so that they could help me. The rogue group then attacked me.

I blocked the first strike by the soldier, he held no power behind this strike and I pushed him back. The other two then leapt in the air and tossed their lighsabers at me. Before the two blades could do me harm, I dashed away from the one with whom I locked blades with. A force blast sent them cowering for cover.

One of the rogues then dashed towards me and began to swing his blade like a madman. A madman that I easily disarmed. I delivered a powerful kick that was powered by the force into the manman's chest but caught him in midair and force choked him into unconsciousness. The other two did not take this kindly and were using the force to throw objects at me. With well-timed force repulses I sent the objects away.

Two rogues then shot out from their hiding places and locked blades with me. One of them broke off and stood behind the other as he raised his hand into the air. A pipe came down to my position as the one I was currently locked with then jumped away to safety. I used force telekinesis to throw it at one of the rogues as it pinned him against the wall and wrapped itself around him. I then blasted a storm of force lightning into the metal and stunned him.

The final and last one then removed his hood.

And who may I ask are you? Rogue.

Strife...

Manias and the others

Just as things were about escalate, Manias and Stryder heard Eclipse's force scream and dashed off to his location. The main purpose of the force scream is to call out in anger for assistance. Those that hear it are compelled to come to the assistance of the screamer.

As Manias and Stryder neared Eclipse's position, they felt two faint tremors in the force.

He must have deal with two of them already.

I sense a lot of force tremors. Guess this is how it feels like to be around a sith sorcerer.

This man is quite dangerous. Who knows how far he'll get if he keeps this up.

True...

Manias then looks to Stryder. The two do not seem to trust Eclipse.

Even through our lack of trust, and the force tremors. we all pressed on. From our position, they were behind the control consoles. This means we'll have the element of surprise. We then stopped directly behind the targeted location. The control center...it wasn't a large place, for it only held control consoles.

What can you sense going on in there?

Hastened heartbeats....two of them. Two faint ones as well.

Soft spot?

I doubt it....he probably just wasn't sure if they should be kept alive or not.

I sense Strife...

I thought we killed hi,m....

Guess not. We shall finish the job this time. I shall make quick work of him this time.

I then wound up a powerful force blast...and unleashed it upon the wall. We found Eclipse and Strife fighting already. Dueling to the death. Eclipse's Makashi stance was quite powerful against Strife's Niman form. He wasn't taught the true form he should have learned. His style did not fit his form at all. I figured...I'd show him how to really use such style. I then went into my Ataru form. I then charged to attack Strife and aid Eclipse in the battle. The two of us at the same time was far too much for him. His form was made for balance...but my style was made for aggresion and speed, while Eclipse's style was made for the ultimate of fighters. We all backed off for a brief moment. Strife was fatigued. He looked at his allies. Cole was beginning to come to. I sent force lightning at the pipe binding him, and rendered him unconscious once more. I then looked at Strife and smirked. He charged at me, embraced in hate, anger....now I would make him suffer. He swung a wreckless swing toward the knees, a mistake. My form requires mastery of force spins, force running, and force jumping. I jumped clear over his head at this point while Eclipse ran in under me. His lightsaber dashed straight for his chest. Strife was able to block it just in time. I then spun around from behind him finishing with my back turn...and his left leg removed. I then turned to look at him with my lightsaber pointed at his face. Eclipse too pointed his lightsaber.

This time...you shall not come back.

Yes...he will!

I turned to see the unkown soldier of whom I'd seen in my vision! He held a flash grenade. He threw it toward us and dashed from his position to save Strife. I swung all the same although i was unable to correct my vision in time. I apparently did not hit anything.

When my vision returned....Strife...the unkown soldier...and Cole were all gone.

I looked around...and growled to myself.

The hyperdrive is not too far from here...let us get back to the matter at hand....and get off this wretched planet.

Stryder had stood behind the fight and watched the style that Eclipse uses, it was magnificent. Makashi was a style Stryder had heard of but never seen, it suited him well. Although he knew it was a form that could not match his own it was a dangerous addition to the trio. A group of Stryder's Stalkers walked in and grasped their lightsabers tightly.

Shall we track them down my lord?

No, they're not important. Let's do what we came here to do.

No. Stalkers, follow those men, I want their heads on a plate. We will continue on our mission and meet up with you once you have killed those fools.

The Stalkers didn't budge and simply stared at Manias while standing behind Stryder. Manias realised what was happening and had a look of uncontrollable rage on his face.

I'm afraid I am going to have to over rule you on that order Manias, they aren't important. We need the Stalkers to get to the Hyperdrive. Now, shall we continue?

Stryder and the Stalkers walked passed Manias and Eclipse who both seemed shocked, Manias never thought that Stryder was going to over rule him so fast. This day became known to the entire galaxy as the trio's day of reckoning. Darth Stryder had taken full control of the Stalkers and turned most of Manias' army against him. Stryder was a smart and dangerous enemy for Manias, and he didn't even know he was against him.

The three Sith lords put aside there quarrel and proceeded to Duro's hangar bay 'purchase' their new hyperdrive engine. They had confident looks on their faces. Showing no fear but extreme hatred towards all that wresled from their grips. The Duro were obviously afraid. The only question was; who were they more afraid of?

So, will you give us the hyperdrive or not?

Here it is...

A curtain behind the Duro fell onto the ground. The Duro smiled and the fear from his face disappeared.

Ha! Take this you Sith-scum!

The Duro watched the three Sith lords. A single drop of sweat formed on his forehead and slowly went on to the edge of his nose, where it dropped and didn't make a sound. The Duro slowly turned to face a menacing figure. Gromm. Behind him, the dead royal guardsmen he had requested to assist him in his 'revolt' against the Sith masters. The Duro, now with an even greater sense of fear, stared at the Sith lords for forgiveness.

How would you judge this wretch?

Manias stared at the Duro and then made his deciscion.

Guilty.

The Duro began to whimper and looked up to Gromm, who did nothing.

Your judgement, Stryder?

Stryder looked at the Duro with distaste. He closed his eyes and made his deciscion.

Guilty.

Now crying and begging for his life, crawling over to the Sith lords before being stepped on and held down on the ground. And finally, Eclipse was the final Sith lord to sentence the Duro to death or provide mercy.

Guilty.

Gromm acted immediatly and crushed the Duro's head into the floor. Then scrapping the gore off of his boots. The Duro populance watching in horror.

So, where's the hyperdrive?

Minutes after the installment of the Hyperdrive.

Our next location would be to the Jedi temple of Coruscant. We should have enough firepower to take on the temple, destroy it, and kill Jedi Master Luke Skywalker.

Anyone found inside will be considered an enemy. Do not take them lightly. The Jedi will surely be ready for anything. Just for history's sake, why not go on about the same way Vader did during the clone wars?

Because it's foolish. I don't believe that the Jedi and its security forces will just let a bunch of Sith lords and Mandalorian clones come to their front door. Then again, this would not be the first time their security showed weakness.

I shall take Skywalker's head.

Whoa there. What's with all this sudden sense of bravado?

It's not bravado imbecile. Skywalker tarnished the Sith name by giving up on the Dark side of the force and going to the light. As Sith, I'd expect you to understand my anger towards the Skywalkers.

You have a good point. The question is; can ya handle it?

Eclipse stared at his fellow Sith lords. His resolve was strong, his actions are justified, and his hatred cries out for Skywalker's death. He was ready to take on Luke.

Of course.

Alright then.

Gromm then began to speak about his plan to take down the Jedi temple without the loss of life on their side. The three Sith lords listened in.

When Gromm finished, they were ready to attack the temple.

On the stairs on the Jedi Temple.



Manias approached the temple at the center, just as planned. Gromm was at his side. Behind them were Stryder's men. Numbering in the thousands, they marched silently up the stairs of the Jedi temple, mirroring the same event that took place so many years ago. Manias felt the old prescence of Vader as he walked the stairs. To Gromm, he could see the very shadow of Vader behind Manias. Manias could feel it.

Up in the Jedi Temple vents

Stryder and his clone squad infiltrated the Temple through the vents and surpressed his force energy to sneak in with his squad. They found little resistance from the Temple guards, but were forced to take a different route upon coming into the same hall of a Jedi. Stryder then split up his team and planted thermal charges on the pillars that lead to the upper floor of the main hall. This was all an elaborate plan thought up by Gromm. The ultimate finisher.

One of the Jedi Temple's towers

Eclipse and Omega 9 breached through the communications system and shut them down. They then contacted both Stryder and Manias that they had completed their work. They were then tasked with closing off any escape routes and sabotaging any vehicles found. The Jedi were soon to be trapped like rats.

Back to Manias

Manias was confronted by several squads of Temple guards. He did not want his time wasted so he shot an enourmous arc of force lightning at the guards and killed them. Any survivors were to be finished off by the soldiers. Upon entering, Manias was already surrounded by Jedi. He did not waver or let a hint of nervousness enter his mind. He cleared it for what was about to come.



Back to Stryder

Stryder ordered the detonation of the pillars. Thanks to Stryder's ability to sense the force, he was able to pin-point Manias' excat location and planted the charges only where he thought that they would be neccessaray. To his delight, he was right. The massive explosion was heard all over the Jedi temple. As the surviving Jedi plummeted to the ground where Stryder and his squad waited, Stryder lept on any falling debris and used it as leverage to cut a swath through any Jedi unlucky enough to be cut down. The rest were shot by blaster fire or were unable to gain there balance and died as they landed.



Stryder directed his squad to regroup and kill any Jedi they find. He then looks up at the hole he and his tem had made and landed right next to Manias. They watched as a large group of Jedi and Temple security forces ran straight at them. The two Sith lords unleashed force fear on the charging forces. Some of the weaker minded ones, especially the Temple guardsmen fled for their lives. Manias pressed a button on his robe as their soldiers came forth from the temples gates and a massive battle ensued. The two Sith lords charged and clashed blades with the Jedi, cutting them oone by one with ferocity and hatred unlike the kind the Jedi have never seen. Stryder forced jumped and landed on top of a Temple guard as he beheaded him and threw his lightsaber in a large arc. With his back turned, a Jedi Knight took his chance and was about to strike down Stryder. Stryder responded with a force push and as he flew in the air, the thronw lightsaber cuts him in two.

Manias was a blur to the Jedi. Cutting down two or three every five seconds. He sped across the battlefield and used his mastery of Ataru and acrobatics to spin and dash through many foes. None stood a chance. With a sudden stop, Manias unleashed a force wave that knocked or blew away numerous amounts of Jedi and Temple guards alike. A Jedi then lept from the sea of bodies and clashed swords with it. He was surprised to see that it was a female. One that he knew...

Gromm was better fitted with taking on Temple guards but did not shy away from any Jedi. He used his customized wrist shields to fight toe-to-toe with the Jedi. Luckilly for him he was experienced enough to take on Padawans and some Knights. After deflecting a few blows from a Knight, he gave him an uppercut that knocked him cold. A Jedi tried to force push Gromm away, but the Iridorian kept his ground and scared the Jedi to his feet where he proceeded to pummel it into the concrete floor. He felt the heat of battle in the air and used a large blaster on his back to fire an innumarable amount of blaster fire that took down so many lives.

Omega 9 then appeared out of nowhere and began to use his unorthodox style of fighting and droid capabilities to slew many Jedi. The fear on their faces was so great that some would even cry, "it's Grievous! He's come back from the dead!". Whatever their cries were, they were quickly silenced by the blades of the sith cyborg. No one could stand up to him in single combat. A Jedi was foolish enough to try and attack him alone. Omega simply grabbed the Jedi, without bothering using his swords, and smashed him skull against the ground.

Then came Eclipse. Who descended from on top on the ceiling and upon landing, used a combination of force lightning and shockwave to send a large pile of Jedi and Temple guards into the air. Those still in the air were cuts to pieces when the three Sith lords threw their lightsabers at the them. Five more Jedi remained. Eclipse finished them off with a force blast.

Showoff.

Showoff.

Showoff.

The time of the Jedi was almost at an end.

The bodies fell, one after the other. We'd made a considerable amount of noise. Grandmaster Luke definately knew we were here. We all gathered together into one group, and headed toward the counsel chamber.

Luke won't be alone...

He's right....The entire counsel will be there.

We have them greatly outnumbered.

Do not underestimate the power of the force.

He's right...I've made the mistake of underestimating my opponent too many times. It shall not happen again. We will show no mercy.

Indeed. .....he's here. Directly ahead.

His heart is calm...he shows no fear...no nervousness...no emotion at all.

A true jedi master. Let us end this.

I looked at the group....then nodded. Me, Stryder, and Eclipse then looked at the door and began to focus intensely. We wound up together...and blew the door open with a massive force blast. The door flew back, and shattered once it hit one of the jedi master's hands.

shatterpoint (whisper)

Luke stood up from his seat....and without words..ignited his lightsaber. The other 7 jedi in the room did the same.

Gromm..with me. Let us make this quick.

Yes. Let us end this.

I knew Gromm couldn't handle jedi masters on his own. He was powerful, even with his wrist shields, but these were masters...not padawans, and not knights.

Luke pushed a massive force wave at all of us. He was no longer a wimp. He then held up his saber in a modified Makashi form, much like Darth Eclipse, but much more stable and stiff. He gave a firm look to us, and then ran toward us. Luke was important to kill...but not my business. I focused on the jedi to my right. Me and Gromm looked to him and stood our ground as he charged. I then flipped upward and back onto Gromms chest, then pushing off to land behind him and strike at his legs. This was not Stirfe however....he blocked and then struck toward Gromm's head. Gromm dodged back, and swung a powerful fist at him, grazing the jedi's head as he ducked. I then spun back around to strike at his back...but he was still able to deflect my attacks. I let out a series of quick attacks as Gromm tried to land his punches. The jedi kept dodging Gromm, and deflecting me. My plan was now in full effect however. I swung my lightsaber hard toward the jedi's body, forcing him to block. I then turned off my lightsaber quickly, forcing him to stumble off balance, and walk right into a powerful hook from Gromm. His mind was now elsewhere....there's not a human in the galaxy that can take a hit from Gromm. I then swung to his legs, amputating him, and then spinning around to swing once more to his head....decapitating him. His head rolled past the other jedi. They looked to me, but had no choice but to continue fighting. Me and Gromm then moved on to another jedi, making things even. Luke was going head to head with Eclipse...Stryder dueled with 2 masters...one of them being the famous Kyle Katarn. Omega 9 was struggling. The force comes in handy with these battles, and it was not something he possesed. However, he still held his own against the master he fought.

It was now 5 against 6. Fair enough for us...

The battle in the Jedi temple was not yet over. Manias and the rest duel against six Jedi Masters. With neither gaining an advantage over the other, the Sith and Jedi begin to fight all out. Eclipse alone duels with Jedi Grandmaster Luke Skywalker. Their duel will have a profound affect on Eclipse's phyche. This battle will mark the beginning of the war to come.

Stryder's duel

Kyle Katarn and an unknown Jedi Master teamed up against Darth Stryder. Stryder was neither nervous or afraid. Instead, he was calm and observant, looking for any mistake or openings.

Both the Jedi Master and Katarn attacked Stryder. The Sith lord blocked their lightsaber strikes and smacked them away with his blade. He launched his own attack against the Jedi. Stryder swung with heavy blows and quick strikes. Every inch of ground he took, the Jedi would find themselves cornered. Katarn jumped behind Stryder, and with the Jedi master in front of him, Stryder found himself trapped. He was not about to lose.

Katarn slashed in different angles to catch Stryder off guard to let the other Jedi get an opening. Stryder switched his attention to the other Jedi and was able to sock him in the face. He then stabbed the Jedi in the chest and cut a portion of his body in half. Katarn yelled in anger as he swung his blade down onto the Sith, who blocked the futile effort.

I'm going to make you pay, Sith!

Yes, that's right. Embrace the Dark side.

Shut up!

Stryder force pushed the Jedi master away. He sensed that Katarn would no longer hold back and so took out another lightsaber from hiss belt and ignited it. With his Niman, he would overwhelm the Jedi Master and put an end to this duel.

Omega 9's duel

To Omega, this was his greatest match yet. The duelist he was up against showed tremondous skill in wielding shoto guards. This form of combat mirrored a certain Jedi during the years that Palpatine's Empire reigned. The Jedi master would twirl around the 'lightsaber tonfas' to confuse the cyborg. The blocking power and quick jabs from this opponnent quickly irritated Omega. Each strike he would make, the Jedi Master would block it, pushing his blades away with one shoto, and then make a short jab to Omega's face. This went on for several minutes before Omega leapt up against the ceiling and shot off of it to slam both of his lightsabers onto the Jedi. The ground under the Jedi cracked under the sheer force of strength the two displayed. However, the Jedi was still standing.

With their blades still locked, Omega began to put all of his weight on the Jedi and had it pinned to the ground. He focused his optics and recognized the Jedi from his files.

Maris Brood...

Eclipse's duel with Skywalker

Skywalker was by no means a 'wimp' as I originally thought. His strikes were clean and precise, nearly flawless. We both were practitioners of Makashi and showed our respects earlier. But this isn't the time for formalities. I jabbed at Skywalker and he did the same, using force speed in our arms alone, I could see the sparks jumping off of our blades, the air heating up, the speed showing our arms as nothing but blurs. We broke backed away and zoomed past one another, a clash was heard two seconds after we clashed swords. The speed of our strikes were literally faster than sound.

I opened my palms and released force lightning at Skywalker. He responded by blocking it with his own palms and redirecting it at me. With a flick of my blade, the redirected force lightning hit one of the council seats to my right. The fight was about to escalate.

Luke turned off his lightsaber and unleashed a massive force push that sent me back where I smashed into the wall behind be and fell into the training courtyard. Skywalker jumped down and hit the floor with the force to cause tremors. I jumped just in time but heard a humming noise above me. It was Luke's green lightsaber, spinning towards me! I let loose a force push but was instead knocked into the ground. Before I could get up I was dragged along the temple grounds, lifted up and thrown on the ground face first, and finally smashed into three statues. I felt such pain and anger. Skywalker had used telekinesis to throw me around like a doll. His lightsaber may have had a force shield so that the negative and positive energies would push each other away. In this case, I was pushed away by a lightsaber.

I charged towards Luke, he did the same. Our lightsabers clashed so fiercely that the ground below us cracked. Each strike we laid against one another let out an ear-splitting noise. The noise was disorienting me and I let my guard down. Luke took his chance and cut my arm off. I force jumped away and landed several feet away from Skywalker. He got my right arm, the weapon-wielding one. There laid the arm still gripping the lightsaber, just like before.

This is the end Eclipse. We've been tracking you down ever since you killed your dark master. You have a choice. Give up and rebuke your evil ways...or die.

Not a chance. You will pay for what you did to me and my army. You killed my men and took away almost all of my power. You then take my arm and try to crush my pride. There can only exist one ruler in the Galaxy. Neither you or the Sith up there will stop me.

Then you choose death.

Luke walked catiously towards me. His guard was still up and his attention was directed to me. I reached out for my arm and pulled it towards me. I used the force to turn it on and watched as it spun behind the unaware Skywalker. However, Luke felt the force enerfy on the blade and backflipped away from its trajectory. I grabbed it and closed the distance between us as we slammed our blade into one another. He kicked me away and locked blades again. I kneed him in the gut. He was pushed away and was slowly eletrocuted by force lightning. More and more power coursed out of my body as I eletrocuted Luke. He screamed in agony as sparks began to appear. Eventually, his skeletal system briefly illuminated as he began to twitch. I knew he was suffering from calcification.

I felt weak and tired. I fell on my knees and rejoiced to my myself. Holding up my left arm, I held my lightsaber, still ignited. I looked at Skywalker as his charred body lay there. I scoffed and arrogantly taunted the dead man.

I thought as much. You're as weak as they come. You Skywalkers are a sore sight. Never knowing your true destinies until someone like me helps to correct it. Your true fates is to join with us. But because you decided to join the light side of the force, you already sealed your fate. Palpatine was a fool to actually believe that you would actually stay on the dark side. That cost him his life, multiple times. Your father was an even bigger fool. Turning his back on the Sith prophecy. Killing the Emperor and destroying the great Empire...I cannot say how-

To my horror. Skywalker began to move. I tried to stand up by quickly fell back down.

How! How can you still stand!?

Skywalker did not respond. He stood up and stared directly at me. His burnt body showing no signs of pain. It was as if his energy was restored! He was immersed in the force itself.

Darth Eclipse...my father was a good man who made...the wrong choices. For you to insult him is nothing short of disrespect...Now, I will show you...what it means to be one of the Skywalkers...

Luke leapt from his position and grabbed my face, holding it down on the ground. I tried to pull him off but could not. Strange lines formed on his fingers as they came towards me. The fear came back.

Stop! What are you doing?! Stop!!

I already told you...

I screamed as Luke shared his life with me through his eyes. I saw everything. Vader and the Emperor. Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen. Ben. Everyone. I could see everything Luke went through. I learned his techniques and understood his resolve and knowledge. He then let go of my face and fell on the ground. He was dead...

I now understood everything about the Skywalker's. I now did not hate them. Now I understand what they went through and just how currupt and evil this galaxy is. It is up to me to take control of this galaxy and rule it to keep it from being ruled by tyrants like the Emperor. The dark side shall help me...

I look at the main tower of where the others are at. I'll need to regroup with them. As soon as our mission is complete, we are enemies.

The battle was over....we had won...but now came the rule problem. Who would rule this galaxy. I looked at Stryder who was already watching me. Gromm behind me.....Omega 9 to the right side of the room, and Eclipse finally crashing through the window back into the tower.

Change of plans....I'm ruling this galaxy.

Oh I beg to differ...because you see...I am ruling here...

You're both fools, if either of you think you can take it from me.

They all exchanged stares between the 3 of them. I felt something creeping up behind me, but I force jumped in time, to flip over it...Omega 9. As he missed me...he then moved toward Darth Eclipse.

I believe in his motives to rule this Galaxy. I will stand by his side...and make it so.....whatever it takes.

He then ignited his lightsabers....

Gromm then moved closer to me....

You are he who has set me free...and he whom has given my planet into my hands...I will stand by you Manias.

He readied himself for combat.

Well...looks like you're outmatched Stryder....just give up, and drop out. You can't hope to defeat us all...

Just then...the Stalkers, led by the Melina unit bust into the room.

We heard everything sir! We will stand by you!

I chuckled a bit....

Betrayal is a funny thing when you think of it...we all helped each other...just to reach this point. We all knew it was coming...it's too bad it has to end this way.

I ignited my lightsaber. The crimson red glowing in front of me.....Omega 9's lightsabers shining to my right....Darth Eclipse then ignited his own lightsaber, as did Stryder and his Stalkers.

There are no more words....

Stryder was the first to make his move...he jumped towards Gromm, to make quick work of him, but I jumped in his way, and force pushed him back. Gromm then headed for the Melina unit, and proceeded to beat, whomever of them was dumb enough to take him head on, into oblivion.

Stryder then began to rise to his feet, only to be dropped on by Omega 9. Omega 9, lunged his lightsabers forth, but Stryder repelled them with his own, and force pushed him off.

MANIAS POV

Eclipse, took advantage of my distraction to hurl force lightning forth at me. I dropped my lightaber, to catch his force lightning with my hands. We struggled against each other....fighting to gain the edge over the other, with the force lightning...trying our hardest to push it back at each other. I tried to use my telekenisis to pick up my lightsaber and throw it, but the strain was unbearable. I could not do both at the same time. However...he could... He sent his lightsaber directly at me....It was either get shocked or get a lightsaber, through the gut. I chose shocked, and I jumped up, releasing my grasp on the lightning. I felt it course through my body...an unbearable pain...but I would recover.

STRYDER AND OMEGA 9

Stryder and Omega 9, now to their feet, were battling fiercely. The cracks in the ground were tremendous from their power. Stryder's two lightsabers, smashing against Omega 9's four. Omega 9 found an opening, by smashing one of his lightsabers against Stryder's and releasing it upward. He then smashed 2 of his lightsabers to meet Stryder's, while the 3rd headed straight for Stryder's head. Stryder ducked, only to be met with the 4th lightsaber coming down into his shoulder. He screamed out in agony, and then force pushed Omega 9 away. Omega 9 got up and ran toward Stryder, jumping up to land on him, but Stryder, whom had already pulled the lightsaber out, threw it at him, causing Omega 9 to deflect it and lose focus on Stryder coming toward him in mid air. They clashed in the air! Stryder gained an edge, forcing himself over top of Omega 9, and bringing him down to meet the cracked floor below. Omega 9 smashed into it, breaking the ground below, and falling into a lower level of the temple.

MANIAS POV

I had made the right choice...taking the electricity spared my life. It wasn't enough to kill me, unless he kept it up. The lightsaber, would've impaled me however. I rose from my knee, as Eclise tried to shock me again. I had to get my lightsaber back...I could not handle him in a battle of the force. He then sent a force push, sending me into the wall, and then picking me up, telekinetically, and smashing me back into it. I rose to my feet once more...unarmed. He then ignited his lightsaber...he meant to finish the job! He went into his makashi style and glared at me. I was not about to go down without a fight...with what little energy I had...I force pulled my lightsaber, and went into my Ataru stance.

STRYDER AND OMEGA 9

Stryder jumped to his feet, while Omega 9 rose to his as well. They exchanged glares, and then charged toward each other. Stryder used his force speed to surprise Omega 9 and get to him before expected. He pushed his foot into Omega 9's chest, then flipping back, he rose his lightsabers upward aiming for Omega 9's chest and head. Both of which Omega 9 was able to block. Stryder then tried to manuever himself into position for a force push, but was surprised to meet Omega 9's deployed hand, pushing him into the wall behind. It then trapped him against the wall. Stryder was near helpless against Omega 9 at this point. He called out for his Stalkers, but to no avail...they were being handled by Gromm. Omega 9 then walked to Stryder and raised his lightsaber....Stryder looked...and then shut his eyes tight. To his own surprise, he let out a massive fore pulse...sending Omega 9 flying out the window on the oppositte side of the building. Omega 9 crashed onto the temple courtyard. Stryder rushed to look out the window...Omega 9 was not moving....

MANIAS POV

We heard a loud blast right before we began to fight. It shook the floor. Then a loud thud...Eclipse's eyes widened. He rushed at me, like I had something to do with it. He smashed his lightsaber into me, attacking me wreckessly. He used all his anger...hate...agression...power. He was too much...even for my Ataru style. I was not even given a chance to move swiftly, as intended. I was surely dead...there was no chance that I would win this fight. Just then, Stryder rose from the hole in the floor.

NOOO!!! You bastard!!!

He then looked at me...I was gasing for air. Then he turned to Stryder...and re-ignited his lightsaber. I took my oppurtunity. If I couldn't beat him, he'd make quick work of Stryder, leaving me dead soon after...I used my last ounce of force energy to send a massive force wave, pushing Stryder, Gromm, the Stalkers and the Melina unit, and Eclipse back. Eclipse however, crashed through the window, falling down to the temple courtyard, along with Omega 9. Gromm looked at me...he understood why i did what i did. He nodded to me. Then looked back at the Stalkers. The special Melina unit was all that was left.. He then readied himself for a hell of a battle. They were rising to their feet, as was Stryder. We were all exahusted. This gave us a little time to recover however.... My lightsaber was off...as was Stryder's. The Melina unit was slowly igniting there's...We were ready once more...

Stryder made the first move. He force pushed Gromm to the ground, thus enabling the Melina unit to gain their edge, but I force pushed them as well....all of them. Gromm nodded to me once more. He charged at the Melina unit, and delivered the most fiercest of punches to their leader...the real Melina. I then looked at Stryder. He looked at me...and we deployed our lightsabers together. We then force jumped at each other to smash our lightsabers together. battling it out, his brilliant style, searching for mistakes, while using his teriffic double weapon style. My Ataru style, focusing on aggression, and speed. We clashed for what seemed like hours, but really only minutes. Problem was, nobody could gain an edge. He must've been practicing while i was not looking. Preparing for this battle. As soon as I realized it...I figured out what I must do... I found a way to lock with Stryder, then using my own strength to push off. I needn't use too much force energy against him...it will only backfire. I then switched stances. The confused look on his face told me, my plan was working. Not many knew of this stance...the ferrocity form....Form 7, the Juyo stance. Mastered solely the legendary Mace Windu, whom of which even lord Sydious could stand to...I was profound in such art. We then closed in once more, and for the last time, to do battle. We clashed fiercly, sparks flying, sounds of lightsabers, deafining everything else around us. All that mattered in the galaxy right then, was our battle. He could no long handle me....his attacks were failing him, and he could find no flaws. In an attempt of desperation, he pushed off of me, and put out his hand to for a force push, only to be met by my own. The power of the force pushes created a deafining sound, and soon began to almost be visible. A blue aura circulated in between our hands. Gromm was now being pushed over to my side by 2 Melina's. As soon as he got to my side....an explosion occured. Our force powers repelled each other, and sent the both of us flying into differebt directios. We both exploded through oppositte sides of the temple walls. Our battle was over...but the war was not yet finished. We flew far past the temple walls, to the outside. I rose to my feet, and helped Gromm up.

Come Gromm...we are finished here...for now. Let us return to the Malevolent.

We got to the Malevolent, and flew off... As we hit lightspeed...something exploded in the engines. We were going down. In all the panic, I hit something and blacked out....I later awoke to find myself on the Dagobah system...This was where I started....this was where I would train once more.


narrator pov

Later on...Stryder made his way to his own small ship, and loaded what was left of the Melina unit into it like Mexicans. They flew off, toward the moon of Dxun. There, they met up with the Mandalorian clans, and seeked refuge. One day, they'd rise again.

Omega 9 awoke, rebooted and ready for action...only to find that it was all over. He had failed to defeat Stryder, and had been defeated. No more then 12 yrds away from himself, he found Eclipse's motionless body. He examined it to find a few cracked bones...He lifted Eclipse up onto his shoulder and brought him to an abandonded building. They would reside on Courascant until the proper time to take the galaxy over came.