The Battle Of Tython

**THE HARPY BATTLECRUISER:**

Chaos, the Battle of Tython had been going on for nearly two weeks now but it seemed to have reached a deadlock, so the Je'daii thought. The enemy had retreated from the system, but the Grand Master of the Order had sensed that the battle wasn't over yet and ordered the evacuation of the all Tythans still on the planet and prepare the remaining fleet at Stav Kesh.

The Grand Master was right, as it did not take long before they received an urgent message from Fury Station. "Grand Master Bathor! The Enemy fleet is on the move, they have reentered the system in greater numbers and seemed to be on their way to Sunspot" the Communications Officer told Mab. The Iktotchi's golden eyes grew bigger "there's only one reason for them to go to Sunspot… Dark matter." She paused and began to walk towards the bridge. Terrogate was there overseeing the evacuation and the preparation of the fleet for departure. "How far are we with the evacuation?" She asked the moment she stepped onto the bridge. A bridge officer answered "All civilians have been evacuated, Grand Master." "Excellent, what off Kaleth?" Mab asked. "Due to the storm we have been unable to contact Kaleth, the last thing we heard was that all personnel and civilians have been evacuated." The witch let out a deep sigh, she had sent Esbern to Kaleth to oversee the evacuation of the city and download the archives "and Esbern?" "I'm afraid we haven't heard from him." "Where is Temple Master Terrogate?" "The briefing room."

Mab hurried towards the briefing room, she knew they had to act fast. When she entered the room she found Terrogate addressing the senior staff of the Harpy. Amilia West stood next to him, and on the opposite side of the table sat Temple Master Darsten, with next to him Fea and Mab's son Kas'sparr. Terrogate's former housemate, the Sephi Nightsister, Ziyal Moya stood with her back against the wall and near the door stood Nova. "The Enemy fleet has been spotted on their way to Sunspot" Mab said as she joined them at the table. "All civilians have been evacuated" she gazed around the room at all their closest friends. "But we haven't heard from Esbern, we need that data, someone has to go to Kaleth to make sure the archives are safe." She paused, then with worry in her eyes she said "We need to move the fleet, \*Now\* and stop the enemy at Sunspot before they get their hands on the Dark Matter."

\*\*\*\*\*

**THE HARPY: BRIEFING ROOM**

Terrogate stands in the briefing room of “the Harpy” Battle Cruiser surrounded by associates, Commander West, his apprentice and allied friends. They were still docked at Stav Kesh in the 2nd tier of the massive hanger bays carved into the ice giants mountain side below the mystical Tho Yor. The Temple Master and New Je’daii orders second was delivering the situation as it stood to the bridge crew and other high profile members of the order.

“My friends, as Temple Master Bal Darsten has just informed you we are currently undergoing a major planet wide evacuation of all nine temples and their surrounding towns and cities.” Temple Master Terrogate said addressing the gathered officers, allies and other council members. “We are as yet unaware of the exact status of the evacuations and can only assume that we are on schedule. Whether that means we are able to evacuate absolutely everyone or not is still unclear due to the time restraints of the operation”. The Cathar warrior said looking around the room.

“Communications continue to be spotty at best and we are experiencing unprecedented planet wide storms and seismic activity on a global scale”. Terrogate tried to remain calm and even as not to cause alarm and yet, in his voice and also in his heart there was an overwhelming sense of dread for as he himself felt a shift in the balance of the force clearly so did Tython. “I’ll ask Commander Amelia West to now speak regarding the flag ship's preparations...” Terrogate said stepping to the side and allowing the middle aged, serious looking human woman to take the lead.

“Thank you Master Terrogate” she said nodding in respect as she took the floor. “We have currently prepared for a total evacuation of the Stav Kesh Temple and the planet Tython as per the Grand Masters orders. We have currently re-stocked ample food and supplies for a total of four months and two weeks.” The commander says before being cut short by a small tremor that shakes the room for a few seconds, everyone including her looking around them with a look of concern. Once the tremor stops she faces front again and continues professionally.

“Errhhhmmm, like I was saying.. We are currently in the final stages of boarding a list of workers and key personnel, these include 228 Cathar and Prakith workers and civilians from the temple of Stave Kesh and neighbouring town of Windhelm. 173 engineers, scientists, healers, administrators and technicians from various temple regions mostly but not all originating from Prakith and Kesh. 56 force sensitive Padawans and knights from the Padawan academy, 13 artists from the Bodhi Temple and close to 22 of some specially selected individuals of the Je’daii councils close confidants and family including some of you here in this room and your bare essential belongings.

These as well as our current 505 crewmembers and officers in employ of the Harpy bring the ship to capacity in terms of sustainability.” she said looking stern and sharply eyeing the individuals in the room. “As well as this measure, we have taken aboard into the ships hanger all non navel standard flightcraft and also the personal ships of the council and its specialised allies along with whatever was on board as per the Grand masters instructions'. The commander turns and nods again to Terrogate, giving him the floor once more.

“Grand Master Bathor has been monitoring the situation closely from the ship's bridge and will inform us immediately of any update” says the Cathar Temple master. The pride for his wife in her commanding position swelling in his chest despite the unexpected order to evacuate the planet. It was odd for her to demand this, but he knew better than to question her judgment. And yet, even with his unwavering faith in her to lead them to victory he leans down and places both hands on the table, head lowered. “Time is running short though I fear and as i'm sure many of you do, I feel that this may be a day of reckoning,” the Cathar said in a deep and serious voice, his eyes piercing and his tone desperate. Indeed he did feel something. Deep down in his gut… An instinct, a hunch.. And the Carthar had long since accepted it was foolish to ignore those.

The Temple master of Stav Kesh instantly raises his eyes and stops speaking to hold his breath in anticipation as well as does the entire briefing room as his love, his wife, the Grand Master Bathor of the New Je’daii order steps into the room.

"The Enemy fleet has been spotted on their way to Sunspot," Mab said as she joined them at the table. "All civilians have been evacuated" she gazed around the room at all their closest friends. "But we haven't heard from Esbern, we need that data, someone has to go to Kaleth to make sure the archives are safe." She paused, then with worry in her eyes she said "We need to move the fleet, \*Now\* and stop the enemy at Sunspot before they get their hands on the Dark Matter."

Instantly there was a buzz around the room. Several officers and allies murmuring and talking all at once in a low inaudible drone that filled the briefing room. “SILENCE!” growled the Cathar immediately taking charge of the situation, he was a warrior.. a champion of the Je’daii Temple of Stav Kesh and knew it was in these moments clear leadership makes or breaks a campaign.

“Commander West, please resume command imminently on the bridge and get us airborne”. “Yes commander”. She replied, turning on her heel and departing the room. Terrogate turns to the Chiss female who was getting up off the chair to join Commander West. “Yasmina, once aboard the bridge please sent word to the rest of the fleet and also all known available allied starships also rendezvous with the Harpy one parsec away from Sunspot. Hopefully a show of Je’daii might will save a bloodbath.`` The Chiss girl stands, nods and follows Commander West and a dozen other officers out of the room at pace.

Terrogate looked to the remaining few in the war room. Council members, allies, fellow Je’daii.. Trusted friends all. “We have an important mission in front of us, we must retrieve Esbern and the data from Kaleth” he said echoing the Grand Masters' words.. “Once received whoever it is that takes the Mission is to then rendezvous with the Harpy once close to sunspot. There you are to dock and deliver the data and Esbern to us.”

Terrogate looks around the room weighing up his options. Who will be trustworthy enough to complete the mission? The knowledge contained in Kaleth, if lost, would be catastrophic. Much of it was remaining ancient Jedi lore, history, philosophy and personal files of masters and historians dating back several millennia. As well as much more recent documentation added from the NJO that held Sith and Grey Jedi teachings too.. He needed someone who could handle a small ship. Someone who knew how to sneak past imperial blockades and Sith warships, that had no alliance to a faction and one he knew that had 100% unwavering loyalty to Terrogate and Mab, not just the Je’daii order.

Terrogate scanned the room until his eyes hit his target….”My Apprentice” he said in a deep and commanding voice..., “it's time for a task.”

\*\*\*\*\*

Hopeful the young horned Chiss looked at his parents, hoping they would suggest Faera to join him on his mission, but before they could say anything he heard Bal Darsten speak next to him. The older human Temple Master offered to join and to the boy's frustration his parents agreed. Of course he understood that Master Darsten was a more logical companion for the task at hand, but still he felt disappointed it wasn't Faera. Kas'sparr nods to his parents trying his best not to show his disappointment and turns to Bal "thank you Temple Master Darsten."

On that moment the Sephi Nightsister behind stepped forward and stood between him and the priestess pledging herself to support the Je'daii in battle. Almost instantly he heard Fae do the same. Kas wanted to look at her but the Nightsister blocked his view. After his parents thanked them, another woman spoke. A blue skinned warrior stepped forward and showed the entire room a holo image of the enemy Flagship and an ancient super weapon. Like everyone else the boy gasped in shock, only he realized how serious the threat was.

"Battle stations" his father ordered and everyone rose and left the room. Kas'sparr got up, so did Fea, but before she could leave he took her hand. "Wait" he softly said and waited until everyone else had left the room. "Sorry.. I.. I just want to wish you good luck" he stuttered and instantly regretted as he felt embarrassed by his own words. Inside he was sad, he had the strange feeling that this was a final goodbye. A nervous smile appeared on his face, he didn't know what to say to her.

"Ehm… I want you to know.. no matter what happens I… ehm.. I appreciate you." Again he felt embarrassed, appreciate wasn't the right word, he cared deeply for her but he wasn't sure if she felt the same and didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. "Good luck.. and.. see you soon." He said, still holding her hand and looked into her eyes. For a brief moment they stood there, but then he heard his mother speak over the ship's com system.

“Battle Stations!” Master Terrogate calls and once more the room sprang to life, key bridge crew and high profile members of the Je’daii standing and leaving in preparation of the impending confrontation with the Darksiders who had once again entered the Tythos System.

As Faera stood she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling of impending doom on them. Nothing about this felt right. For years she had dedicated herself to the light side of the force, seeking knowledge and helping others. Her mind casts back to the last fight of Cathar, inside the courtyard where she had created a force shield so large it had protected nearly sixty Cathar resistance fighters as they charged the palace. But then it was blaster fire she was protecting them from. Her powers had grown much since then but dreadnought turbolasters? Gree Super weapons? What chance did they actually have if the enemy were able to arm that thing? And there was also the fact that several individuals that the Je’daii had chosen to help we're dark force power users themselves. And Priestess Faera, The Light of Cathar as she had been called since the liberation, did not trust them. Not one bit.

As she stood she took a step towards the door but someone had grabbed her wrist stopping her, she turned to see Prince Kas’Sparr had, who had now slipped his hand down her wrist and had now taken her hand in his. "Wait" he softly said and Faera stopped dead, as he touched her she could feel him.. She felt his feelings for her that for so long she didn't know he had for her. The who stood for a moment unspeaking and waited until everyone else had left the room.

"Sorry.. I.. I just want to wish you good luck" he stuttered and she could feel his nervousness, the cocky, brash boy that she knew and laid with back on Cathar was gone now. Before her was a man, a man she wasn't sure she would ever see again. "Ehm… I want you to know.. no matter what happens I… ehm.. I appreciate you.Good luck.. and.. see you soon." He said, still holding her hand and looked into her eyes. Faera forced a smile through her sadness and instead leant in, placing her head on his chest and closed her eyes for a moment, taking in his scent, remembering the rhythm of his heartbeat.. “I love you, don't leave me again, ask me now and I will come with you, escape now while we can and flee together forever..” These were the words she desperately wanted to say. But instead she remained silent. Responsibility, Family, Duty.. These are also things she understood, and saying what she truly felt would just make things all the more difficult.

"I… ehm.. I should go. Master Darsten is waiting for me" he said and he let go of her hand and walked away. Faera had to force herself to let go of his hand. Before he left the room he looked over to her. And as he left the room Faera allowed herself to weep. This she felt would be the last time for a long time she would be allowed to be weak in the moment. But now knowing that the Prince who had returned to Cathar, bedded her then seemingly left her again in the cold night years earlier, finally now in the face of death had confirmed his feelings for her. Her tears she didn't know were those of loss or those of joy.

~\*~

Later, once she had composed herself the Priestess Faera had followed the instructions of Master Terrogate and Grand Master Bathor and joined the rest of the company on the bridge. Walking in seemingly unnoticed by the others who were already discussing plans and schematics, Priestess Faera walked over to the far side of the bridge to be out of the way. She knew nothing about war, or space battles so it would be better if she stayed out of everyone's path for the time being. Try as she might she couldn't let her mind slip from their goodbye earlier.

As if sensing her feelings Master Terrogate who was standing looking into the hyperspace vortex warp called to her. “Faera, come. Stand by me for a while”. The Priestess smiled, and moved over to him. There they stood side by side, not saying a word for a long time. She was unsure if her King could sense her sadness, but she was glad to be by his side. She felt reassured.

That was until **“**SIR, WE ARE APPROACHING DESTINATION! 1 PARSEC” instructed a ship crew from the right of the bridge. “Understood. Pull out of Hyperdrive but be ready for anything” said Commander West from behind them. As the ship pulled out of the swirling blue and white vortex Faera steadied herself, the massive sun of Tythos was large and all blinding in the far off distance but there, above a small planet she saw a grand armada of Sith ships including a massive Dreadnought. Even from here she could see it's sheer size, even when compared to the planet of Sunspot that it orbited. She gasped and closed her firsts. “We must stop this evil,” she said through gritted teeth.

\*\*\*\*\*

Master Terrogate smiles as his Iron Sister Ziyal and The High Priestess of Cather Faera both voice their commitment to battle after Bal Darsten and Kas’sparr are selected for the rescue mission. To do what must be for the sake of balance, and yet, somehow, the Cathar feels an awkward uneasiness about priestess Faera. He decides to ignore it, passing it off as nerves. After all they were about to meet the adversary head on and even Terrogate knew that today had the potential to be their last.

“Thank you Ziyal, and thank you Faera. I..” he looks at his wife..  “We, are honoured to have trusted and valuable allies such as yourselves come to the aid of the Je’daii in this most desperate hour.” The Cathar inclines his head respectfully and then sensing the latecomer behind him's intention to add something to the briefing he takes a backwards step as the young Pantran he knew to be Mabs associate Kimi  then steps forward. Standing between him and the Grand Master the dark side warrior spoke “In that case I have something that might prove useful" she said. And for the next few minutes the room was in utter silence as the blue skinned warrior showed from her holopad the schematics of the darksiders Sith dreadnought flagship. It’s sheer size, weapon capability and defenses easily matching and surpassing the Harpies' own. And then even more disturbingly, the holo changes, a super weapon of some kind.. developed and mounted onto the dreadnought.

“If the enemy is taking the Dark Matter to fuel this…” The Cathar says trailing off, he doesn't even finish the sentence. The terrible truth of the situation was already very much alive in the briefing room, the air thick with dread. “We have to move now..” Terrogate said quietly in a low growling voice, still staring at the holo pic of the rotating weapon. “We have to stop the enemy from charging that weapon.. and we are running out of time..”  with that he glances at Mab, with a look which may almost have resembled fear in the brave warriors eyes. “Make sure the children are safe, that the remaining civilians are hurried on board, and then meet me on the bridge my love. I’ll send the word to the rest of the navy to begin their launch sequences.

Turning then back locks eyes with his apprentice and switches to Master Bal Darsten “best of luck with your mission. I’ll expect to see you back aboard soon. May the balance in the force protect you and guide you back home.” he said as they two stood up. Terrogates heart swelled in his chest for his apprentice and stepson.

“ OK, Battle stations everyone!” He said changing his tone and commanding the room, everyone will attend to your posts immediately, today the outcome will decide all our fates, we’ve no time to waste.” He said, then turned and marched out of the room at pace heading for the ship's bridge.

**~~\*~~**

**Soon after on the bridge of the Harpy battle cruiser.**

**~~\*~~**

Terrogate stands wide legged aboard the bridge of the Harpy, hands behind his back as he unintentionally but instinctively reverts to his military training on Tollere. The bridge itself was a large room with a big central holoprojector that was more like a large round table in size. Above it slowly rotated the uploaded schematics for the Sith dreadnaught and its onboard systems. Commander West, Master Bathor, Kimi, Ziyal and several high ranking crew surrounded the holoprojector discussing the enemy ship and the highly advanced weapon on board. The rest of the room was buzzing with activity, bridge officers reporting various ship readouts, tracking radar, visuals as well as the ships navigational tracking and weapons systems.

Terrogate however, was standing at the front of the bridge looking at the giant viewing screen showing the vast expanse of space, next to him was Faera the Cathar Priestess. She had arrived late to the bridge from the briefing room, and now seemed saddened. And so Terrogate had insisted she stay close to him for a while. At least until they were next required, then later they could talk more. If they indeed survived.

“SIR, WE ARE APPROACHING DESTINATION! 1 PARSEC” instructed a ship crew. “Understood. Pull out of Hyperdrive but be ready for anything” said Commander West without even looking at the person responsible for the command. And as the ship pulled out of the swirling blue and white vortex, and Terrogates eyes wided. For in the far far distance, sees finally them….

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

After the briefing Kimi followed the  others to the bridge. Grand Master Bathor made a ship wide announcement about their imminent departure from Stav Kesh while the Pantoran walked over to the holo terminal. Surrounded by the others she inserted the data and instantly the image of the enemy Dreadnaught appeared before them. Much larger then the holo image she showed in the briefing room.

Kimi looked up, to wait for the Grand Master, but she saw that the Iktotchian witch stepped into the turbo lift with her son and Master Darsten. The warrior could only imagine how stressful it must be for her, being a leader, responsible for so many lives and at the same time having to send her own child away on potentially dangerous missions.

A shiver went down her spine as she thought about the vision the Grand Master had, the danger she had sensed. Kimi turned to look at the slowly rotating holo image. Now those visions became reality, that super weapon was what the witch had sensed. The Sephi she saw at the briefing room had joined her at the holo terminal and so had several others. Master Terrogate stood further way, overseeing the ships departure.

Minutes later the engines ignited making the ship tremble. The docking clamps disengaged and the ship slowly moved away from the hanger. Kimi looked over at the view screen, where she saw Stav Kesh getting smaller as the Harpy went through the clouds.

Kimi turned to the others and cleared her throat, “ok... the last transmission I was able to pick up, mentioned a transport.” She explained as she looked around the room.. “they will take shuttle down to the surface to collect the Dark Matter from Sunspot.” She paused and glanced at the Nightsister who stood next to her “only a small crew will be aboard, small but powerful in the force. Sorcerers to contain the dark matter.”

Meanwhile the Harpy jumped into hyperspace, Sunspot was in the same system so it would only be a short jump. That moment grand Master Bathor returned to the bridge and as she joined them at the holo terminal, the Echani housecarl walked in as well. "This is excellent... Their ship might be more powerful but with this information we can outsmart them." Bathori said. Kimi nodded and zoomed in on the shield generator domes as the Iktotchi suggested they had to take them down. However before the witch could continue they heard the pilot shouting that they were  closing in on the destination. “Understood. Pull out of Hyperdrive but be ready for anything” Commander West ordered and at once all eyes were on the view screen.

Alarms all over the bridge went off when they jumped out of hyperspace. Other Je’daii ships also popped into view as they exited hyperspace. And before them they saw the enemy fleet. Kimi turned back to the Grand Master, “The Enemy will engage in a fight, to distract us from the shuttle they are taking to the surface... i just informed the others that there will be a small crew aboard, mostly Sorcerers.” The Pantoran paused, she didn’t want to get out of line but knowing the danger Bathori had sensed, she knew they had to act fast. “I suggest we send a small ship of our own to intercept the transport..” she then bluntly said, glancing at the Grand Master and Master Terrogate who stood closeby..

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\***

As the enormity of the situation comes into focus, the enemy armada before them, the Cathar Je’daii Master Terrogate overhears Kimi the Grand Masters acquaintance and now advisor in the battle. The young Pantoran woman informs them of the enemy's plans to take a small transport shuttle to Sunspots surface to retrieve the dark matter. Normally Terrogate would be suspicious of an outsider in these circumstances, particularly one who had been part of the enemy’s forces previously but he had no choice but to trust her. Even if it was a trap. With the size of the enemy fleet assembled if she was wrong they were already most probably dead. But if she was right and they didn’t act and soon they were definitely dead, as well as any and all hope for the galaxy.

Terrogate looks to Mab, he doesn’t need to probe into her thoughts to know she trusted him, he and his military experience under the Cathar Royal guard and also under Commandant Solus when it came to war was invaluable. It’s why she had tasked him with Stav Kesh back on Tython, and so he took the lead.

“If that is true we must act fast” he said, “our only hope will be to engage them, then send a craft ourselves to intercept the dark matter transport before it can reach the Dreadnaught and the Gree superweapon.” Terrogate looks around the room, “We will need to send force users of our own to retrieve it. And if needs be, to combat the enemy but we cannot risk destroying it. The enemy will know this too, and will have protective measures in place. No doubt it will the the reason they send a small transport ship to collect as Kimi has told us.”

“A smaller target” says Ziyal finishing Terrogates thoughts for him. The Nightsister too was training under the militant house of Tollere before the galactic civil war. Tactically she was on par with some of the best in the Tollere Navy. And Terrogate respected that.

Several very worthy choices in the room put up their hand immediately and offer their services including Terrogate himself, but the choice who to send was for the Grand Master alone to decide.

Faera turns, nods at Master Terrogate and steps off the platform and away from the large view screen to follow Ziyal the Nightsister. “Commander West” says Terrogate. “I want you to try and hail the Dreadnaught. I want to see if we can end this without bloodshed” It was a fool's hope the Cathar knew to try and deal with the darksiders, but he had to try, if not for any other reason but to try and distract them from sensing the Je’daii vessel soon to be leaving the Harpy flagship.

“Hailing them now Master Terrogate” responded Amelia West in an official tone. Terrogates eyes as well as everyone else’s on the bridge immediately locked onto the view screen.

As the black of the com screen passes a brief static and explodes into life the screen is lit up with the image of the enemies bridge and in the forefront is two middle aged Miraluka. A male, and a female both dressed in heavy predominantly red robes with black hoods pulled over their faces. Both similar height and both had similar features from what Terrogate could tell, they stood still as statues and neither speaking.

“Hail commanders of the Dreadnaught Shadowbringer. I have contacted you to.. “SILENCE YOU DISGUSTING FILTHY BEAST!” Shrieked the female in a high pitch. “YOUR VERY EXISTENCE SICKENS ME!” Terrogate could almost see the venom dripping from her mouth as she spoke, her yellowing teeth and wrinkles around her mouth a clear indication of a master of the darkness. “We wish only to speak to your Master, Cat.” Said the male in a more even but deep tone. Terrogate could see as the male lifted his head slightly that both were blindfolded underneath their hoods. He balled his fists and sensed the darkness of Bogan starting to overwhelm his balance, but could also sense something reaching out to him.. trying to force its way into his mind. He concentrated hard, keeping it out and his thoughts free of penetration. Taking a deep breath he turned and looked to Mab who was behind him standing near the holoprojector but still well out of sight of the communications video feed which was the same as all large ships. Purposefully designed to be a blank slate without being offensive, giving no information about the bridge or its crew at all. Just empty seats and unlabeled indicators and dashboards. Clearly it was the Grand Master these two wished to speak to…

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

The alarms kept ringing as all eyes were on the view screen, Mab could feel the tension on the bridge growing at the sight of the large enemy fleet. ‘This is it, this is where it will happen' she thought to herself as her heart sunk deeper in her chest. For a moment she glanced over at Terrogate, her lifemate, doubting her decision to bring their children to Tython. All this time she believed it was the right choice, but now it seemed to be the biggest mistake she had made, one she regretted immensely.

The voice of the young Pantoran warrior brought the witch's attention back to the present. “The Enemy will engage in a fight, to distract us from the shuttle they are taking to the surface” Kimi told Bathori. Mab slowly nodded, taking the information in, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together, hoping to find a solution.

Kimi then boldly suggested, to send a small ship of their own to intercept the enemy transport. Terrogate who stood close by looked at her and responded immediately, agreeing with the Pantoran's suggestion. “We will need to send force users of our own to retrieve it.” He continued as he looked around the room. When he was done he paused and looked her, waiting for her response.

Several had raised their hand, even Terrogate held up his, offering to go on this difficult mission. Mab glanced at him with a thankful smile and shook her head “no my love, we need you here to command the fleet.” She then turned to the others, “they are sending sorcerers for a reason, the Dark matter is highly unstable, only the strongest  force users could keep it contained.” Mab explained and looked at each of the members holding up their hand. “we should send our own.” Mab continued and stopped at the young white feline priestess Faera. “you, Faera, are you up to to the task?” Mab waited for the Trianii's response. The witch could sense her nerves but she knew that she could handle herself. “i won’t be sending you alone" Mab continued and looked over at Ziyal, the very opposite of Fae “Ziyal, will you go with priestess Faera?” Mab waited for her response.

Before Mab could continue to instruct them, Terrogate suggested to hail the Dreadnaught, hoping to end it all without bloodshed. Mab signalled the two Sorceresses to follow her, out of sight. “go to the main hanger and take Roar-1. As soon as the battle begins” she pauses, she knew that no matter what Terrogate tried, there would be a battle. “as soon as the battle begins, leave the Harpy. You will need a pilot and gunner, take Korg and Nova, they are in the hanger securing the ships.” Mab looked them both in the eyes, waiting for them to confirm her orders. “I will get Doctor Lathrop to bridge, he will be able to assist you with Dark Matter... now go.” The witch said and walked back to Terrogate who was now speaking directly to the enemy.

Out of sight Mab observed the two commanders of the enemy Dreadnaught. “SILENCE YOU DISGUSTING FILTHY BEAST! YOUR VERY EXISTENCE SICKENS ME!” the Female Mirakula screeched. Terrogate remained calm, but Mab could feel his tension. “We wish only to speak to your Master, Cat.” The male Mirakula interrupted. Mab could see the similarities between the two Sith, thinking that the two were probably related. Terrogate turned to look at her, Mab didn’t want to speak to them because she knew it wouldn’t stop the battle from comming. But she nodded and stepped closer, thinking about at least  being able to stall them. Giving Faera and Ziyal the time to get ready and giving Master Darsten and her son the time to return to the Harpy.

With a cold expression Mab stepped into view. “I am Grand Master Bathor” she said and looked at the two Sith. They began to laugh instantly, taunting her, but she didn’t let it affect her. An evil grin appeared on her face, her golden fangs shimmered in the red flashing lights of the alarms. “I am here, now speak" she said. The male stepped forward, getting closer to the screen “so this is the failed Knight Bathori.. i heard a lot about you" he said and began to laugh. The female pushed him aside “give up Tython now you weak pretender. Run away like you done if past.”

In the past these taunts would have affected her, but Mab had found her balance, he had embraced her past and it had made her stronger. “this is what they send to take Tython? Two squabbling siblings.. stop wasting our time. Who are you and what do you want?” Mab said calmly without blinking. The female grinned “I am Darth Morla, and you are right, this is my brother, Darth Falkor. I’ll tell you again, leave, run like the coward you are and maybe we will let you all live.” “Tython belongs to the Je’daii, we follow Ashla and Bogan, make alliances with the light and the darkside. We have no quarrel with any of you. But you have no right to take Tython.” The witch calmly said.. “pathetic” Falkor scoffed and began to laugh “you had your chance..  We will take Tython and hint you down until there are no Je’daii left. weaklings"

Mab knew that this conversation wasn’t going anywhere, but she hoped that Faera and Ziyal were ready..

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

“You, Faera, are you up to the task?” Grand Master Bathori asked the white-furred Priestess. Faera, who had already moved down off the platform and away from the viewing screen when the Iktotchi witch stopped in her tracks and stood up straight, chest out and looked the Grand Master in her eyes as she replied “Of course my Queen, I would give my life if that is the price to stop this madness. I cannot, I will not sit idle when millions of innocent lives are at stake.”

The Grand Master looked pleased, although it was to be expected after the light of Cathar had already voiced her desire to lend aid in this conflict. Although what her true reasons for feeling personally responsible to lay down her life if needs be were still yet unknown, even to herself. Was it to protect her King and Queen? Was it for justice and to exterminate the dark side from the galaxy? Or was it her way of proving to Kas’sparr her deep feelings for him that she came running to the aid of the Je’daii?

“I won’t be sending you alone" Mab continued and looked over at the night sister Ziyal. “Ziyal, will you go with priestess Faera?” Faera bit down on her lower lip to keep from cursing under her breath. She needed focus if she was to be successful on this mission, and the feeling of having to watch her back every moment wasn't something that would help her. She didn't trust this Selphi, not one bit, but she would do as her Queen commanded and hopefully the night sister wouldn't get in her way.

Mab signalled the two Sorceresses to follow her, as she walked towards the entrance to the hallway and both did as instructed. Faera walking quickly to catchup to the Grandmaster and to get alongside Ziyal. The Priestess couldn’t help but cast a sideways glance at the Silver haired woman as she moved along side her. “Go to the main hanger and take Roar-1. As soon as the battle begins, leave the Harpy. You will need a pilot and gunner, take Korg and Nova, they are in the hanger securing the ships.” Mab looked at Faera, and the Priestess looked straight back into her golden eyes and then nodded in recognition of the instruction. “I will get Doctor Lathrop to bridge, he will be able to assist you with Dark Matter... now go.” As you command Grand Master. May the force be with us all.” Replied the Trianii and strode off quickly towards the turbolift and the main hanger, not waiting to see if Ziyal had kept up.

Linked Stories

The Battle of Tython: Darksider Transport

The Collision