Posted: 2004-04-29 01:29am
Derith walked down the hall, noticing that the statue of Master Durandal had finally been erected. The Padawans that helped Verilon rushed off to their respective masters.
“Beautiful, is it not?” Verilon said looking at the pristine features.
“Certainly fits him.”
“How so, would you say?” Verilon asked as tall man in a white tunic and cloak walked behind the two of them.
“The size for starters, certainly a large enough statue for his boundless confidence.”
“The Derith I trained would’ve said that the statue is far too small; this but represents a mere fraction of a molecule of my hair’s supreme ego is what that rash boy would have said.” The man said. With that Derith turned slowly around and expressed a beaming smile.
“Master Durandal!” Derith said hugging his former master.
“I take it you haven’t had much luck with the women of any species.” Durandal said parting with Derith at arms length, smiling.
“Ha, ha…well…”
“Ah, my young apprentice, one technique you never learned from myself or Stravo.” Durandal said as they walked down toward the hanger.
“Perhaps, though I could never equal up to the master himself in quantity of men he has tried to bed thinking they were women.”
“True, Stravo has gone blind in his old age.”
“Perhaps, but at least he never tried to bed a gundark while drunk.”
“Very astute, my young apprentice.”
“So why were you not the one that summoned me to the council chambers? Master Wong rarely, if ever has an audience anymore.”
“Because my young friend, I am no longer Master Durandal.”
“What, they expelled you?!”
“No, no. Nothing so dramatic or hasty. I just found myself between serving the Jedi Council or serving the people of the Hapan confederacy. I chose my people.”
“So you’re…”
“The new lord of the entire Hapan Confederacy.”
“Ah.”
“Oh, do not look so disappointed. You and I will likely see each other again. In fact your current mission, while something I never really trained you for, is something of a favor for me.”
“It is?”
“And I expect nothing less then success from my best student.”
“Mas…Lord Durandal, I sincerely believe that it’s ending may not be particular for what you view as success.”
“Are you saying that you doubt yourself?”
“In matters I am ill-equipped for? Perhaps.”
“Oh tosh, you have always performed every duty to the finest of your abilities and for this one, you will find the best solution.” Durandal said as they stopped in front of an Aethersprite. “Though I give you a word of caution, there is something out there; It has killed twelve Jedi. The last being Master Steve. Do not overestimate what you will face.”
“Thank you, Lord Durandal. And as for this threat…I am simply better.” Derith said as Durandal was staring at his space craft.
“Still using that old thing? I’m still in awe that you even found it.”
“Well, the chassis design is old certainly, but a few modification in where it counts.”
“Ha, ha…ah you were always better with machines then women.”
“Aya is proof that I’m much better with women then machines.”
“True. Now go my friend, and may the Force be with you.”
“Always.” Derith said as he lounged inside the cockpit. The boards lit up and the engines roared to life. Durandal stepped a few meters back as the fighter effortlessly leapt away from gravity’s pull and within few seconds escaped his sight, streaking towards the stars.
On a skyscraper overlooking much of Coruscant a lone figure stared as the craft flew away.
“And so it begins, Jedi.”
*****
Upon exiting of hyperspace, the small Aethersprite sliced through space effortlessly towards the sapphire blue planet of Isolder74. Derith had sent the requisite code both identifying him and his purpose. He noted when waiting for the return signal, twenty dagger like shapes orbiting the planet. No matter the time, no matter the government, they had only one name that ever fit them, Star Destroyers. Derith noted as he effortlessly passed close to one that it was a Imperator Mark four. Bristling with weapons at every port, and a cold gray color that seem to enhance it’s purpose. Derith shifted uneasily in his chair, not for fear of himself, but fear for what this bode for any sort of negotiation. He flipped on his comm screen for confirmation.
On his the view screen of the main Star Destroyer was the head of the Shinji Corporation, Lord Darkstar. A small blue Twi’leck was dressed in lavish robes and many jewels on both his lekku and fingers. His entire head seem to glisten in the light of the ship’s bridge, and his face wore a perpetual sneer. It seem to denote him as to a position of some importance but gave him the air of a being who was one thing but another entirely.
“State your name and the nature of your business.”
“Jedi Knight Derith Rider, I’ve come on behalf of Lord Durandal to act upon behalf of the Jedi Council as an ambassador.”
“Indeed.”
“With all due respect, I believe my authorization code as well as my standing are not in question. I request to land immediately”
“Of course.” Darkstar said as an aide whispered something into his ear. “Very well, you made land in the capital of Krechet. Enjoy our hospitality.”
With a flicker, the blue image evaporated into the ether, and Derith let a snort exhale from his mouth. This was not going to be a fun trip. He had read the data that Master Wong had downloaded into Aya about the situation. Apparently the dispute was a little deeper then just merely a king and a corporation head. The contract had a few shady hints to that it was something deeper of the Shinji corporation since while it had power, for some reason the person who sponsored the contract between Lord Poe and the Shinji Corporation was the repudiated Prince Vympel. Many rumors circulated about this person, but the truth of the matter was that, Vympel was the owner of a multi-system corporation that had it’s hands in everything from candy to starfighters. There was also the rumor that Vympel is a Vigo in the Black Sun crime syndicate. What disturbed Derith the most was that the Shinji corporation or Black Sun, if the rumors were true, rarely had the backbone to display such a show of force. Somehow they have found a backbone. He pondered the how of this as his craft glided into Isolder74’s atmosphere.
His craft gently settled to the platform and noticed an entourage awaiting him. He climbed out of the cockpit and let Aya down from the side port he was lodged in, as a radiant woman approached him with three handmaidens flanking her
“Jedi Master Derith Rider.” The lady said.
“Correct name, but hardly a master. Jedi Knight Derith Rider at your service, Lady Tevar, I presume?” Derith answered with a slight bow.
“Indeed. I am glad that you could make it so quickly” The situation has become quite volatile, and you came with Lord Durandal’s greatest assurances.”
“Indeed.” Derith said not making eye contact. “Could you illuminate for me how the situation has become where it needs a Jedi's attention?”
“I assume you have seen the small armada above us?”
“Of course.”
“That is how far the situation has declined.”
“When did this happen?”
“About a week ago.”
“Hmm, very recent. Any particular reason why?”
“Have you ever met my husband?” Tevar said as the door to the palace proper opened.
“No.”
“Then you’ll soon understand, he does not take threats…lightly or well.”
“Wonderful.” Derith said with a low sigh exhaling from him.
As they entered the palace, Derith was greeted by a hallway that seemed to extend into the sky itself. Windows gazed upon the city proper, which seemed to be nothing more then something of a holocard from this distance. The main hallway was bathed in sunlight but even with it’s mighty window could not cover the entire passage. He noticed a few tricks in the archways as he walked with the queen through the main hall. They gave an appearance of being much larger then they really were to the untrained eye. The palace could oppress or impress any would walk it’s corridors. As they walked up the stairs to the main doors of the throne room he noticed the delicate handiwork on the doors, as well as their size. The doors swung inwards with not a noise. On the far side of the building stood two thrones and in one sat Lord Nitram. He stood up as Lady Tevar approached him, and Derith made a simple bow of his head and outstretched his arms and his hands palm up.
“Lord Nitram.”
“Hmmm, I see you’re versed in Hapan traditions.”
“My former master, Lord Durandal taught me how to at least present civility when required.”
“Hmm…nonetheless I do hope you can help us with our current plight, Jedi.”
“From what I have gathered, I am unsure of all of why your plight is happening.”
“Why would say that?”
“Given what a coward Shinji is…I sincerely doubt any amount of cajoling or insulting on your part would ever convince him to initiate a blockade.”
“Perhaps, but the facts stand. He initiated the blockade.”
“True, now exactly why did you request that a Jedi be sent here?”
“What would imply that?”
“If I may speak freely?”
“You may.”
“Given that Lord Durandal’s reputation as well as influence, he could’ve brought a investigative commission from the Senate proper, but instead he comes to the Jedi Council and requests for a Jedi Knight.”
“And you find this unusual, how? You are repudiated as guardians of peace and justice.”
“That we are, but it’s rare that we involve ourselves in any sort of particular political dispute such as this one has become. This is a dispute over who owns a particular part of a heavily used Hyperspace route.”
“Ah, so you that this is too specific to your nebulous goals of helping the people?”
“Yes and no. Your situation is one we do handle, but the overall point is more to personally helping you and your people for goals for a specific system, not just helping people.”
“Ah, so when confronted with complex goal, you retreat that my personal goals are what is interfering with a decision of greater thinkers?”
“Maybe, but I am hardly a diplomat, thus my view of the situation are as such.”
“So this is beneath you?”
“I never said that.”
“You implied it with your statement that this should be handled by others.”
“Perhaps, but I was also speaking the truth, your majesty. This situation would be better handled by those trained for this. I will do my best, but I am not the best choice.”
“Then for that I am glad for your curt approach. You give me little confidence of the outcome, but at least you are honest of your skills.”
“I will do my best.”
“Indeed, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I will have my wife show you to your quarters.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Nitram.”
With a simple bow Derith walked out the room as Nitram slumped back into his throne. Tevar lead him past the great door and down the hall.
“May I ask a simple question, Lady Tevar?”
“You may ask.”
“Is he always so…”
“Curt?”
“Honest, if I may be so diplomatic.”
“Yes.”
“Ah.”
“Do you see what I mean you will understand?”
“Perhaps, but even with his…honesty, nothing short of a Sith demon would convince Shinji Corporation to act they way they have. The oft chance that this catches wind in the Senate would drive them into uproar against their company.”
“Do you honestly believe that?” Tevar said as they enter a turbolift.
“On some level, it would be ignored, but on many, it would not be.”
“Why?”
“Because any system would instantly associate what is happening to your world with theirs. While they do not hold sway as some of the larger systems, the smaller ones do have the lobbyist and backers. It would be an unprofitable move.”
“Exactly.”
“Pardon?”
“Now you understand why Lord Durandal requested a Jedi, he knew of these facts, we all did. There is nothing reasonable or rational behind these actions. What we wish to find out is what is behind it, and unless you’re naïve, you know full well an investigative committee would take weeks to even form an opinion of what is happening.”
“I see, well as I said to Lord Nitram, I will do to the best of my abilities.”
Tevar nodded as the turbolift stopped. They walked in silence until she reached the end of the hallway.
“Your quarters.”
“One thing.”
“Yes?”
“Was this a lovable ruse by Nitram to divine why I am here or to see whom I would side with?”
“Perhaps, could you not just take what you want from my mind?”
“Myself? No, too painful.”
“Ah. I suggest you draw your own conclusions since you’ve done so well so far.”
“I will, and if I may; I request my droid sent to my quarters and access to the contract that is currently being debated over as well.”
“Of course, a servant will bring the droid shortly and we’ll load he information within him.”
“When will you require my services?”
“Tomorrow, the final proceedings are then.”
Derith looked about the room and then closed his eyes and felt anything he should or should not feel within the room. Nothing; good, he thought. At least it’s bed looks far more comfortable then his own. He looked outside the window and noticed the waterfall that extended from the palace itself. A knock on his door and a handmaiden had shown his small red astromech the way in. He bowed his head slightly in thanks and closed the door.
“Tweet, boot, beep.”
“Thank you for telling me she touched you there.”
“Bweet oop.”
Within the bowels of the flagship of the Shinji fleet, a meeting was taking place. Darkstar nervously paced about as the hologram erupted to life. His aide, Stewart, stood next to him rubbing his hands. The cloaked man stood before him, face unseen, nothing to denote he was human except his mouth protruding from the depths of the hood.
“My lord, I am honored by…”
“Silence, report on the situation at hand.”
“We are nearly complete with the negotiation but there are few minutiae to be worked out.”
“And would this minutiae relate in any way to the fact that Lord Nitram has not signed the treaty?”
“We are merely in the final stages of the negotiations, there is…”
“Silence, fool. You were to handle this more then a month ago; I want this situation resolved, tomorrow.”
“There are…complications, my lord.”
“Complications?”
“For one, we were assured that he would instantly capitulate once my grand armada appeared before his world.”
“You were given no such insurance, this action is nothing more then your inept buffoonery.”
“Nonetheless an additional problem has arisen. A Jedi has arrived for Lord Nitram to settle the matter.”
“Ah, the true complication.”
“My lord, this may mean that we cannot complete…”
“Be silent; I have arranged for a suitable solution to our Jedi problem.” The dark lord said. “All you have to do is simply not fail, me.”
“Yes, my lord.” Darkstar said lowering his head as the hologram dissolved. Stewart shuffled to his side. He raised his head and stared at the empty space that the hologram once occupied.
“This is completely out of hand.” Darkstar muttered. Thinking that all he wanted was a prominent trade route through the heart of the Hapan empire and what was rightfully his. He did not enter these negotiation so he could be the lackey of a Sith lord and risk all that he had.
Derith opened the small doors to the library with Aya following closely behind. The place had a dead feel to it. The data pads that lined the shelves glowed and blinked in unison. As Derith walked through he spied not one living soul, in fact not one droid. When he finally reached the center of the small maze, he thrusted himself in, he saw a small woman sitting inside a circular desk happily tapping away.
“If you have any data discs you like to return please place them over to the left of the counter.” Said the brunette as she relentlessly continued tapping at her keyboard.
“Excuse…”
“I said to the left.”
“I need your hel..”
“Pardon?” with this the woman stopped tapping and looked up. Derith flashed her his nicest smile. “Oh, your looking to take out something out, right?”
“You don’t get many visitors, do you?”
“Oh no, Lord Poe visits constantly.” She said as she looked around aimlessly “Though of late I haven’t seen him; do you happen to know what may have happened to him?”
“He’s…been on affairs off planet.”
“Ah, well he shouldn’t leave his darling boy alone; who knows what trouble the child would get into.”
“Yes, of course; I will need a set of records in relation with Lord Poe and a contractual agreement he had with the Shinji corporation.”
“Do you have the proper authorization?”
He tapped Aya’s head lightly, with which he spat out a data card. He handed the woman, who inserted it into the adjacent terminal.
“Hmmm, states here that you have full access to our files.”
“It’s for something rather important.”
“Must be, Lord Poe is ever so jealous of anything of his being looked upon outsiders.”
“Right, well if you’ll perform the information dump into my astromech, I will delay you no longer.”
“Oh pish, you are the first person I’ve seen in…weeks, months, I’m not honestly to sure when I’ve last seen anyone.”
Derith nodded slightly as he grimaced a bit. Aya cheerfully chirped with the strange woman as she attached a cable to his frontal control panel.
“Tweet, tooop, bop, boo.”
“Hmm, do you want a snack?”
“No…he’s just,” Derith looked as his astromech bobbed back and forth slightly “Commenting on your beautiful eyes.”
“TWEET, Tooph”
“And your hair.”
“boop.”
“Ah, all done.” The small woman replied. “And you have beautiful eyes too, you cute little droid, you.”
Derith suppressed a laugh and calmly escorted his astromech out the door as the woman once again descended into her work, oblivious of their passing. The small droid chortled away as they walked back to their room.
“You wanted me to tell her, to dip her breasts in lubricant and smear them all over you?”
“Bweet, tppt.”
“Too bad, never will happen.”
“Breet.”
“Yeah, and if you could, you would’ve done so long ago.” Derith said as walked into the turbolift.
A silver vessel came ripping from Hyperspace into orbit around Isolder74. The small craft charged towards Darkstar’s ISD and the pilot silently awaited for approval. Darth Fearghul looked upon the armada that had assembled and let out a derisive snort. This mission was at best beneath him, at worst an insult of his talent. He should be hunting Jedi and ensuring their order’s light was extinguished, not catering to his master’s sycophantic toad. Though a small part was intrigued that he would be facing a Jedi of some possible caliber, and to test his abilities would be enjoyable diversion. The last one died so foolishly. That particular Jedi truly believed as long as the lesser people escaped death, his would have meaning. When one engages in battle, one fights to their limits. To engage in such lesser thought dilutes one’s potential and makes one unworthy. He looked over to his side wall as the tractor beam slowly tugged his craft in. Eleven unworthy foes, and on his belt number twelve. Perhaps this one will be either his first worthy, or yet another lightsaber to his growing collection.
His ship serenely docked within the ISD main hanger bay and was approached by Darkstar and a cadre of troops. They stood waiting at the foot of the ship as the maw opened and Fearghul’ black frame briskly escaped the vessel.
“Ah, finally you arrive. I am most displeased the situation has come to this and demand that it to be rectified immedia…”Darkstar stopped as he clutched his throat.
“Do not presume you have any authority. As of this moment I am in command and I speak for my master.” Fearghul said as he held his gaze upon the slowly dying Darkstar. “And my first order of business is you address me in my proper title.”
“Ye…s, Lo…rd Fe…argh…ul.”
“Good.” And with that the pressure subsided and Darkstar fell to his knees massaging his throat. “Now for my second order is to disperse your fleet, except this ship.”
“WHAT?”
Fearghul clutched his hand into a fist and exerted true pressure upon Darkstar’s lungs, throat and eyes. Darkstar scrabbled his hand wildly upon his throat, his men stood there frightened and hoped that this being would not divert his attention to them.
“Did I ask for your approval?”
Darkstar shook his head violently from side to side.
“Exactly.” Fearghul released his hand, and Darkstar collapsed in a heap, huddling on the floor. “I will expect when I proceed to the planet that my orders are obeyed. My master is most displeased that you created this situation.”
“I…had no choice.” Darkstar whimpered.
“Of course you did, you just accepted the most foolish course of action.” Fearghul said and with that he walked back to his ship.
Inside his room Derith was reading the files at inhuman speeds, scanning for anything that would give his case any meaning. He massaged his eyes as he finished another volume. He looked outside and noticed that all the light that now existed was glowing from the city below and from abroad.
“Who would’ve thought it to be over two hundred volumes.”
“Bweet toot”
“Only 45 done?”
“Twipt beet”
“Hmm…Aya contact the Master Stravo, he should still be on Coruscant.”
“Twerp boop”
“I don’t care if you don’t like how it feels, just do it.”
“Vreet.”
Aya popped up a small compartment on top of his head and a small array expanded over him. Within seconds a small blue image of a stately robed man stood before Derith.
“Master Stravo.”
“Knight Derith.”
“Master, I have a small…”
“Men?”
“Pardon?”
“I will have you know that I have never once…”
“Master, now is hardly the time, I have a…”
“So the young knight forgets the time wherein he decided that a certain Twi’leck’s coat was more then particularly attractive?”
“At the time it escaped my notice, but now is hardly the time.”
“Perhaps, so how may I help you young knight?”
“I am embroiled in conflict of contracts, and I wish to utilize your infinite wisdom to help me divine a possible solution.”
“Ah, so you’re reading a four hundred volume contract?”
“Perhaps.”
“Nonetheless, what specifically are you wanting to…divine?”
“Have there been any cases in court about contractual disputes over hyperspace lanes?”
“Derith, try to simplify your search by something less the last twenty six thousand years.”
“Very well; then any contractual disputes between the Hapan confederacy and interstellar companies?”
“A few, why?”
“The mission I am on is one about Lord Poe’s contract with Shinji corporation and so far I have yet to find any such loophole.” Derith said his hand on his chin. “I am curious if Nitram has any real dispute, aside from Darkstar’s inane reaction of setting a tactical threat on his doorstep.”
“Hmmm…there was one case that had some bearing to this; I’ll send the case to you, though I must warn you it’s another 50 volumes.”
“I have all the time in the world.”
Stravo’s image pressed a few buttons that Derith couldn’t see and Aya replied with a confirmation beep.
“There, young one…and try to resolve this without slashing through an army.” With that Stravo’s image dissolved and Derith stood there shaking his head.
“Alright Aya, cross reference all known case factors involving Poe and Shinji Corporation between the two and give them to me volume by volume.”
Off in the distance a ship landed and deposited it’s cargo. Twilight was emblazoned with gold and red throughout the night sky. Something in the air was rushing through aiming itself for the palace, invisible to all but hearing the ship glided itself until it halted a number of miles away. The aft hatchway opened and Darth Fearghul steeped out onto Isolder74’s land. He had kept his armor and robes since he was in full preparation for battle. Fearghul looked upon the terrain with his electrobinoculars and surveyed the scene. The palace to his eyes was just a situation of will and planning, except a small twinge he felt.
Ah, A Jedi he thought, yet not quite a master. Still one should always test their prey. He pressed a small button on his arm module and three black balls hovered behind him. Choosing the commands he wanted he silently gave them their commands and let them towards the palace. Darth Fearghul let a small smile pass his lips. Soon, so very soon.
****
Derith continued to scan the files for many hours as the lights in the city began to dim and dissolve, until he saw something of distinct interest. The contract case that Lord Poe arranged was of a favor to the Shinji corporation but had allowed him to retain rights to the Hyperspace route solely in his possession. Quite literally Darkstar had no bearing upon his argument that he had any rights to said route, but this nugget was lodged within the depths of hundreds of volumes of pointless rhetoric that virtually no one remembered or cared to remember. Interesting tactic he thought to himself, simply pound the opponent into submission because they wouldn’t know where to look. It bore marks of a idiotic cunning, of no true skill except to be very loud when needed be.
“Good work Aya, now save this file onto something I can present to both Lord Nitram and Darkstar so we can resolve this mission…” Derith trailed off as he felt something amiss in the Force. He felt the air get heavy. He shook his head in effort to clear it, but it continued to cloyingly pull at his lungs. He walked over to the window and he gently slumped to the floor. Aya chirped once to no avail.
Outside three black droids hovered into the palace corridors, having full access to the systems, and began a methodical search. Men had slumped onto their guns and other had just fallen onto their faces. The three followed their master’s instruction and avoided all contact until they had reached the fifteenth floor. They scanned the area and then approached Derith’s room. The door swished open, with Aya frantically prodding the cloak to no response, and swiveled his head to see the three droids. He chortled a string of beeps only to receive a arc of electricity that emitted from the nearest one, shutting him down. The three hovered and in silent agreement, opened a small compartment and a small blaster was unsheathed. They aimed and fired at the prone figure.
“Perhaps you were not as powerful as the master thought you were, a pity.” Fearghul snorted as he boarded his speeder.
“Beautiful, is it not?” Verilon said looking at the pristine features.
“Certainly fits him.”
“How so, would you say?” Verilon asked as tall man in a white tunic and cloak walked behind the two of them.
“The size for starters, certainly a large enough statue for his boundless confidence.”
“The Derith I trained would’ve said that the statue is far too small; this but represents a mere fraction of a molecule of my hair’s supreme ego is what that rash boy would have said.” The man said. With that Derith turned slowly around and expressed a beaming smile.
“Master Durandal!” Derith said hugging his former master.
“I take it you haven’t had much luck with the women of any species.” Durandal said parting with Derith at arms length, smiling.
“Ha, ha…well…”
“Ah, my young apprentice, one technique you never learned from myself or Stravo.” Durandal said as they walked down toward the hanger.
“Perhaps, though I could never equal up to the master himself in quantity of men he has tried to bed thinking they were women.”
“True, Stravo has gone blind in his old age.”
“Perhaps, but at least he never tried to bed a gundark while drunk.”
“Very astute, my young apprentice.”
“So why were you not the one that summoned me to the council chambers? Master Wong rarely, if ever has an audience anymore.”
“Because my young friend, I am no longer Master Durandal.”
“What, they expelled you?!”
“No, no. Nothing so dramatic or hasty. I just found myself between serving the Jedi Council or serving the people of the Hapan confederacy. I chose my people.”
“So you’re…”
“The new lord of the entire Hapan Confederacy.”
“Ah.”
“Oh, do not look so disappointed. You and I will likely see each other again. In fact your current mission, while something I never really trained you for, is something of a favor for me.”
“It is?”
“And I expect nothing less then success from my best student.”
“Mas…Lord Durandal, I sincerely believe that it’s ending may not be particular for what you view as success.”
“Are you saying that you doubt yourself?”
“In matters I am ill-equipped for? Perhaps.”
“Oh tosh, you have always performed every duty to the finest of your abilities and for this one, you will find the best solution.” Durandal said as they stopped in front of an Aethersprite. “Though I give you a word of caution, there is something out there; It has killed twelve Jedi. The last being Master Steve. Do not overestimate what you will face.”
“Thank you, Lord Durandal. And as for this threat…I am simply better.” Derith said as Durandal was staring at his space craft.
“Still using that old thing? I’m still in awe that you even found it.”
“Well, the chassis design is old certainly, but a few modification in where it counts.”
“Ha, ha…ah you were always better with machines then women.”
“Aya is proof that I’m much better with women then machines.”
“True. Now go my friend, and may the Force be with you.”
“Always.” Derith said as he lounged inside the cockpit. The boards lit up and the engines roared to life. Durandal stepped a few meters back as the fighter effortlessly leapt away from gravity’s pull and within few seconds escaped his sight, streaking towards the stars.
On a skyscraper overlooking much of Coruscant a lone figure stared as the craft flew away.
“And so it begins, Jedi.”
*****
Upon exiting of hyperspace, the small Aethersprite sliced through space effortlessly towards the sapphire blue planet of Isolder74. Derith had sent the requisite code both identifying him and his purpose. He noted when waiting for the return signal, twenty dagger like shapes orbiting the planet. No matter the time, no matter the government, they had only one name that ever fit them, Star Destroyers. Derith noted as he effortlessly passed close to one that it was a Imperator Mark four. Bristling with weapons at every port, and a cold gray color that seem to enhance it’s purpose. Derith shifted uneasily in his chair, not for fear of himself, but fear for what this bode for any sort of negotiation. He flipped on his comm screen for confirmation.
On his the view screen of the main Star Destroyer was the head of the Shinji Corporation, Lord Darkstar. A small blue Twi’leck was dressed in lavish robes and many jewels on both his lekku and fingers. His entire head seem to glisten in the light of the ship’s bridge, and his face wore a perpetual sneer. It seem to denote him as to a position of some importance but gave him the air of a being who was one thing but another entirely.
“State your name and the nature of your business.”
“Jedi Knight Derith Rider, I’ve come on behalf of Lord Durandal to act upon behalf of the Jedi Council as an ambassador.”
“Indeed.”
“With all due respect, I believe my authorization code as well as my standing are not in question. I request to land immediately”
“Of course.” Darkstar said as an aide whispered something into his ear. “Very well, you made land in the capital of Krechet. Enjoy our hospitality.”
With a flicker, the blue image evaporated into the ether, and Derith let a snort exhale from his mouth. This was not going to be a fun trip. He had read the data that Master Wong had downloaded into Aya about the situation. Apparently the dispute was a little deeper then just merely a king and a corporation head. The contract had a few shady hints to that it was something deeper of the Shinji corporation since while it had power, for some reason the person who sponsored the contract between Lord Poe and the Shinji Corporation was the repudiated Prince Vympel. Many rumors circulated about this person, but the truth of the matter was that, Vympel was the owner of a multi-system corporation that had it’s hands in everything from candy to starfighters. There was also the rumor that Vympel is a Vigo in the Black Sun crime syndicate. What disturbed Derith the most was that the Shinji corporation or Black Sun, if the rumors were true, rarely had the backbone to display such a show of force. Somehow they have found a backbone. He pondered the how of this as his craft glided into Isolder74’s atmosphere.
His craft gently settled to the platform and noticed an entourage awaiting him. He climbed out of the cockpit and let Aya down from the side port he was lodged in, as a radiant woman approached him with three handmaidens flanking her
“Jedi Master Derith Rider.” The lady said.
“Correct name, but hardly a master. Jedi Knight Derith Rider at your service, Lady Tevar, I presume?” Derith answered with a slight bow.
“Indeed. I am glad that you could make it so quickly” The situation has become quite volatile, and you came with Lord Durandal’s greatest assurances.”
“Indeed.” Derith said not making eye contact. “Could you illuminate for me how the situation has become where it needs a Jedi's attention?”
“I assume you have seen the small armada above us?”
“Of course.”
“That is how far the situation has declined.”
“When did this happen?”
“About a week ago.”
“Hmm, very recent. Any particular reason why?”
“Have you ever met my husband?” Tevar said as the door to the palace proper opened.
“No.”
“Then you’ll soon understand, he does not take threats…lightly or well.”
“Wonderful.” Derith said with a low sigh exhaling from him.
As they entered the palace, Derith was greeted by a hallway that seemed to extend into the sky itself. Windows gazed upon the city proper, which seemed to be nothing more then something of a holocard from this distance. The main hallway was bathed in sunlight but even with it’s mighty window could not cover the entire passage. He noticed a few tricks in the archways as he walked with the queen through the main hall. They gave an appearance of being much larger then they really were to the untrained eye. The palace could oppress or impress any would walk it’s corridors. As they walked up the stairs to the main doors of the throne room he noticed the delicate handiwork on the doors, as well as their size. The doors swung inwards with not a noise. On the far side of the building stood two thrones and in one sat Lord Nitram. He stood up as Lady Tevar approached him, and Derith made a simple bow of his head and outstretched his arms and his hands palm up.
“Lord Nitram.”
“Hmmm, I see you’re versed in Hapan traditions.”
“My former master, Lord Durandal taught me how to at least present civility when required.”
“Hmm…nonetheless I do hope you can help us with our current plight, Jedi.”
“From what I have gathered, I am unsure of all of why your plight is happening.”
“Why would say that?”
“Given what a coward Shinji is…I sincerely doubt any amount of cajoling or insulting on your part would ever convince him to initiate a blockade.”
“Perhaps, but the facts stand. He initiated the blockade.”
“True, now exactly why did you request that a Jedi be sent here?”
“What would imply that?”
“If I may speak freely?”
“You may.”
“Given that Lord Durandal’s reputation as well as influence, he could’ve brought a investigative commission from the Senate proper, but instead he comes to the Jedi Council and requests for a Jedi Knight.”
“And you find this unusual, how? You are repudiated as guardians of peace and justice.”
“That we are, but it’s rare that we involve ourselves in any sort of particular political dispute such as this one has become. This is a dispute over who owns a particular part of a heavily used Hyperspace route.”
“Ah, so you that this is too specific to your nebulous goals of helping the people?”
“Yes and no. Your situation is one we do handle, but the overall point is more to personally helping you and your people for goals for a specific system, not just helping people.”
“Ah, so when confronted with complex goal, you retreat that my personal goals are what is interfering with a decision of greater thinkers?”
“Maybe, but I am hardly a diplomat, thus my view of the situation are as such.”
“So this is beneath you?”
“I never said that.”
“You implied it with your statement that this should be handled by others.”
“Perhaps, but I was also speaking the truth, your majesty. This situation would be better handled by those trained for this. I will do my best, but I am not the best choice.”
“Then for that I am glad for your curt approach. You give me little confidence of the outcome, but at least you are honest of your skills.”
“I will do my best.”
“Indeed, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I will have my wife show you to your quarters.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Nitram.”
With a simple bow Derith walked out the room as Nitram slumped back into his throne. Tevar lead him past the great door and down the hall.
“May I ask a simple question, Lady Tevar?”
“You may ask.”
“Is he always so…”
“Curt?”
“Honest, if I may be so diplomatic.”
“Yes.”
“Ah.”
“Do you see what I mean you will understand?”
“Perhaps, but even with his…honesty, nothing short of a Sith demon would convince Shinji Corporation to act they way they have. The oft chance that this catches wind in the Senate would drive them into uproar against their company.”
“Do you honestly believe that?” Tevar said as they enter a turbolift.
“On some level, it would be ignored, but on many, it would not be.”
“Why?”
“Because any system would instantly associate what is happening to your world with theirs. While they do not hold sway as some of the larger systems, the smaller ones do have the lobbyist and backers. It would be an unprofitable move.”
“Exactly.”
“Pardon?”
“Now you understand why Lord Durandal requested a Jedi, he knew of these facts, we all did. There is nothing reasonable or rational behind these actions. What we wish to find out is what is behind it, and unless you’re naïve, you know full well an investigative committee would take weeks to even form an opinion of what is happening.”
“I see, well as I said to Lord Nitram, I will do to the best of my abilities.”
Tevar nodded as the turbolift stopped. They walked in silence until she reached the end of the hallway.
“Your quarters.”
“One thing.”
“Yes?”
“Was this a lovable ruse by Nitram to divine why I am here or to see whom I would side with?”
“Perhaps, could you not just take what you want from my mind?”
“Myself? No, too painful.”
“Ah. I suggest you draw your own conclusions since you’ve done so well so far.”
“I will, and if I may; I request my droid sent to my quarters and access to the contract that is currently being debated over as well.”
“Of course, a servant will bring the droid shortly and we’ll load he information within him.”
“When will you require my services?”
“Tomorrow, the final proceedings are then.”
Derith looked about the room and then closed his eyes and felt anything he should or should not feel within the room. Nothing; good, he thought. At least it’s bed looks far more comfortable then his own. He looked outside the window and noticed the waterfall that extended from the palace itself. A knock on his door and a handmaiden had shown his small red astromech the way in. He bowed his head slightly in thanks and closed the door.
“Tweet, boot, beep.”
“Thank you for telling me she touched you there.”
“Bweet oop.”
Within the bowels of the flagship of the Shinji fleet, a meeting was taking place. Darkstar nervously paced about as the hologram erupted to life. His aide, Stewart, stood next to him rubbing his hands. The cloaked man stood before him, face unseen, nothing to denote he was human except his mouth protruding from the depths of the hood.
“My lord, I am honored by…”
“Silence, report on the situation at hand.”
“We are nearly complete with the negotiation but there are few minutiae to be worked out.”
“And would this minutiae relate in any way to the fact that Lord Nitram has not signed the treaty?”
“We are merely in the final stages of the negotiations, there is…”
“Silence, fool. You were to handle this more then a month ago; I want this situation resolved, tomorrow.”
“There are…complications, my lord.”
“Complications?”
“For one, we were assured that he would instantly capitulate once my grand armada appeared before his world.”
“You were given no such insurance, this action is nothing more then your inept buffoonery.”
“Nonetheless an additional problem has arisen. A Jedi has arrived for Lord Nitram to settle the matter.”
“Ah, the true complication.”
“My lord, this may mean that we cannot complete…”
“Be silent; I have arranged for a suitable solution to our Jedi problem.” The dark lord said. “All you have to do is simply not fail, me.”
“Yes, my lord.” Darkstar said lowering his head as the hologram dissolved. Stewart shuffled to his side. He raised his head and stared at the empty space that the hologram once occupied.
“This is completely out of hand.” Darkstar muttered. Thinking that all he wanted was a prominent trade route through the heart of the Hapan empire and what was rightfully his. He did not enter these negotiation so he could be the lackey of a Sith lord and risk all that he had.
Derith opened the small doors to the library with Aya following closely behind. The place had a dead feel to it. The data pads that lined the shelves glowed and blinked in unison. As Derith walked through he spied not one living soul, in fact not one droid. When he finally reached the center of the small maze, he thrusted himself in, he saw a small woman sitting inside a circular desk happily tapping away.
“If you have any data discs you like to return please place them over to the left of the counter.” Said the brunette as she relentlessly continued tapping at her keyboard.
“Excuse…”
“I said to the left.”
“I need your hel..”
“Pardon?” with this the woman stopped tapping and looked up. Derith flashed her his nicest smile. “Oh, your looking to take out something out, right?”
“You don’t get many visitors, do you?”
“Oh no, Lord Poe visits constantly.” She said as she looked around aimlessly “Though of late I haven’t seen him; do you happen to know what may have happened to him?”
“He’s…been on affairs off planet.”
“Ah, well he shouldn’t leave his darling boy alone; who knows what trouble the child would get into.”
“Yes, of course; I will need a set of records in relation with Lord Poe and a contractual agreement he had with the Shinji corporation.”
“Do you have the proper authorization?”
He tapped Aya’s head lightly, with which he spat out a data card. He handed the woman, who inserted it into the adjacent terminal.
“Hmmm, states here that you have full access to our files.”
“It’s for something rather important.”
“Must be, Lord Poe is ever so jealous of anything of his being looked upon outsiders.”
“Right, well if you’ll perform the information dump into my astromech, I will delay you no longer.”
“Oh pish, you are the first person I’ve seen in…weeks, months, I’m not honestly to sure when I’ve last seen anyone.”
Derith nodded slightly as he grimaced a bit. Aya cheerfully chirped with the strange woman as she attached a cable to his frontal control panel.
“Tweet, tooop, bop, boo.”
“Hmm, do you want a snack?”
“No…he’s just,” Derith looked as his astromech bobbed back and forth slightly “Commenting on your beautiful eyes.”
“TWEET, Tooph”
“And your hair.”
“boop.”
“Ah, all done.” The small woman replied. “And you have beautiful eyes too, you cute little droid, you.”
Derith suppressed a laugh and calmly escorted his astromech out the door as the woman once again descended into her work, oblivious of their passing. The small droid chortled away as they walked back to their room.
“You wanted me to tell her, to dip her breasts in lubricant and smear them all over you?”
“Bweet, tppt.”
“Too bad, never will happen.”
“Breet.”
“Yeah, and if you could, you would’ve done so long ago.” Derith said as walked into the turbolift.
A silver vessel came ripping from Hyperspace into orbit around Isolder74. The small craft charged towards Darkstar’s ISD and the pilot silently awaited for approval. Darth Fearghul looked upon the armada that had assembled and let out a derisive snort. This mission was at best beneath him, at worst an insult of his talent. He should be hunting Jedi and ensuring their order’s light was extinguished, not catering to his master’s sycophantic toad. Though a small part was intrigued that he would be facing a Jedi of some possible caliber, and to test his abilities would be enjoyable diversion. The last one died so foolishly. That particular Jedi truly believed as long as the lesser people escaped death, his would have meaning. When one engages in battle, one fights to their limits. To engage in such lesser thought dilutes one’s potential and makes one unworthy. He looked over to his side wall as the tractor beam slowly tugged his craft in. Eleven unworthy foes, and on his belt number twelve. Perhaps this one will be either his first worthy, or yet another lightsaber to his growing collection.
His ship serenely docked within the ISD main hanger bay and was approached by Darkstar and a cadre of troops. They stood waiting at the foot of the ship as the maw opened and Fearghul’ black frame briskly escaped the vessel.
“Ah, finally you arrive. I am most displeased the situation has come to this and demand that it to be rectified immedia…”Darkstar stopped as he clutched his throat.
“Do not presume you have any authority. As of this moment I am in command and I speak for my master.” Fearghul said as he held his gaze upon the slowly dying Darkstar. “And my first order of business is you address me in my proper title.”
“Ye…s, Lo…rd Fe…argh…ul.”
“Good.” And with that the pressure subsided and Darkstar fell to his knees massaging his throat. “Now for my second order is to disperse your fleet, except this ship.”
“WHAT?”
Fearghul clutched his hand into a fist and exerted true pressure upon Darkstar’s lungs, throat and eyes. Darkstar scrabbled his hand wildly upon his throat, his men stood there frightened and hoped that this being would not divert his attention to them.
“Did I ask for your approval?”
Darkstar shook his head violently from side to side.
“Exactly.” Fearghul released his hand, and Darkstar collapsed in a heap, huddling on the floor. “I will expect when I proceed to the planet that my orders are obeyed. My master is most displeased that you created this situation.”
“I…had no choice.” Darkstar whimpered.
“Of course you did, you just accepted the most foolish course of action.” Fearghul said and with that he walked back to his ship.
Inside his room Derith was reading the files at inhuman speeds, scanning for anything that would give his case any meaning. He massaged his eyes as he finished another volume. He looked outside and noticed that all the light that now existed was glowing from the city below and from abroad.
“Who would’ve thought it to be over two hundred volumes.”
“Bweet toot”
“Only 45 done?”
“Twipt beet”
“Hmm…Aya contact the Master Stravo, he should still be on Coruscant.”
“Twerp boop”
“I don’t care if you don’t like how it feels, just do it.”
“Vreet.”
Aya popped up a small compartment on top of his head and a small array expanded over him. Within seconds a small blue image of a stately robed man stood before Derith.
“Master Stravo.”
“Knight Derith.”
“Master, I have a small…”
“Men?”
“Pardon?”
“I will have you know that I have never once…”
“Master, now is hardly the time, I have a…”
“So the young knight forgets the time wherein he decided that a certain Twi’leck’s coat was more then particularly attractive?”
“At the time it escaped my notice, but now is hardly the time.”
“Perhaps, so how may I help you young knight?”
“I am embroiled in conflict of contracts, and I wish to utilize your infinite wisdom to help me divine a possible solution.”
“Ah, so you’re reading a four hundred volume contract?”
“Perhaps.”
“Nonetheless, what specifically are you wanting to…divine?”
“Have there been any cases in court about contractual disputes over hyperspace lanes?”
“Derith, try to simplify your search by something less the last twenty six thousand years.”
“Very well; then any contractual disputes between the Hapan confederacy and interstellar companies?”
“A few, why?”
“The mission I am on is one about Lord Poe’s contract with Shinji corporation and so far I have yet to find any such loophole.” Derith said his hand on his chin. “I am curious if Nitram has any real dispute, aside from Darkstar’s inane reaction of setting a tactical threat on his doorstep.”
“Hmmm…there was one case that had some bearing to this; I’ll send the case to you, though I must warn you it’s another 50 volumes.”
“I have all the time in the world.”
Stravo’s image pressed a few buttons that Derith couldn’t see and Aya replied with a confirmation beep.
“There, young one…and try to resolve this without slashing through an army.” With that Stravo’s image dissolved and Derith stood there shaking his head.
“Alright Aya, cross reference all known case factors involving Poe and Shinji Corporation between the two and give them to me volume by volume.”
Off in the distance a ship landed and deposited it’s cargo. Twilight was emblazoned with gold and red throughout the night sky. Something in the air was rushing through aiming itself for the palace, invisible to all but hearing the ship glided itself until it halted a number of miles away. The aft hatchway opened and Darth Fearghul steeped out onto Isolder74’s land. He had kept his armor and robes since he was in full preparation for battle. Fearghul looked upon the terrain with his electrobinoculars and surveyed the scene. The palace to his eyes was just a situation of will and planning, except a small twinge he felt.
Ah, A Jedi he thought, yet not quite a master. Still one should always test their prey. He pressed a small button on his arm module and three black balls hovered behind him. Choosing the commands he wanted he silently gave them their commands and let them towards the palace. Darth Fearghul let a small smile pass his lips. Soon, so very soon.
****
Derith continued to scan the files for many hours as the lights in the city began to dim and dissolve, until he saw something of distinct interest. The contract case that Lord Poe arranged was of a favor to the Shinji corporation but had allowed him to retain rights to the Hyperspace route solely in his possession. Quite literally Darkstar had no bearing upon his argument that he had any rights to said route, but this nugget was lodged within the depths of hundreds of volumes of pointless rhetoric that virtually no one remembered or cared to remember. Interesting tactic he thought to himself, simply pound the opponent into submission because they wouldn’t know where to look. It bore marks of a idiotic cunning, of no true skill except to be very loud when needed be.
“Good work Aya, now save this file onto something I can present to both Lord Nitram and Darkstar so we can resolve this mission…” Derith trailed off as he felt something amiss in the Force. He felt the air get heavy. He shook his head in effort to clear it, but it continued to cloyingly pull at his lungs. He walked over to the window and he gently slumped to the floor. Aya chirped once to no avail.
Outside three black droids hovered into the palace corridors, having full access to the systems, and began a methodical search. Men had slumped onto their guns and other had just fallen onto their faces. The three followed their master’s instruction and avoided all contact until they had reached the fifteenth floor. They scanned the area and then approached Derith’s room. The door swished open, with Aya frantically prodding the cloak to no response, and swiveled his head to see the three droids. He chortled a string of beeps only to receive a arc of electricity that emitted from the nearest one, shutting him down. The three hovered and in silent agreement, opened a small compartment and a small blaster was unsheathed. They aimed and fired at the prone figure.
“Perhaps you were not as powerful as the master thought you were, a pity.” Fearghul snorted as he boarded his speeder.
