Bloodlust: Crisis/Epilogue

The Akarak disappeared into space, ready to leave the Atairis System for the last time.

Artel looked out upon the vastness of space in his quarters. He sensed several people approaching and leapt to his feet, greeting them with a warm smile.

"Good to see you up again, Ballo," he grinned at the clone commander, who was fully recovered and back in his armour, as ever, helmet tucked underneath his arm.

"And Doc," he smiled, shaking the Rodian's hand warmly as he entered. "Good work. You make quite a soldier." Doc smiled modestly and sat down.

"Master," Opa bowed briefly as she entered, followed by Master Mundi. They all sat down in his quarters, all staring out into the blackness of space.

All was silent for a few moments, until Artel spoke. "But I don't understand," he addressed Mundi. "We saved the city. They should be thanking us; instead, they banish us and join the Separatists. Why?"

"The Atairisians are cowards," Ballo answered, "born and bred. They'll join the side they think can give them the best protection, regardless of their morals."

"But we saved the city!" Artel exclaimed. "We won, but they surrendered anyway."

Mundi shrugged. "More would come after them. This is a hotly contested area of space; they wouldn't be free of the fighting for long. Dooku's forces are winning the war so far-"

"It's early days yet," grunted Ballo.

"-So Hyarkis assumed they would be his best option."

Artel shrugged in a resigned manner. "Anyway," he turned back to Mundi, "has the Council reconsidered my request yet? Can I train Opa in solitude, away from this war?"

Mundi shook his head slowly. "We need all forced available to us in this war, Artel. I'm afraid the answer's no."

"In any case," Doc reassured him, patting him on the shoulder, "you're doing a fine job of training her anyway."

"Come on, gentlemen," Mundi said, getting up. "The 511th's been given a new assignment. You coming, Artel?"

"I'll just be a minute." Artel waited as the others filed out, then watched as the planet of Atairis-Deta vanished into the darkness of space.