Sith Civil War: Chapter X - Revenge of the Sith

As the Star Destroyer tumbled through space, jumping this way and that like a small star-fighter, klaxons once again began clanging throughout the ship. Marix turned and identified the threat. The nearest frigate, The Fearsome Wind had turned and opened its bay doors, and unleashing a mottled swarm of mixed fighter craft. X-Wings, Y-Wings, TIE’s, and Headhunters poured out together, all with one target in mind, the Destiny’s Law. Marix saw them and at once ordered the launch of ¾ the TIE’s stored onboard the SD. ½ to guard the SD, the other ¼ to hassle the enemy. For the first minutes, the enemy had the upper hand, as they were out earlier and had time to organize. But soon the training took its hold and the Imperial pilots took control.

Marix turned his attention back to Stang’s SD.

“On my command, concentrate fire on Zone 3 Sector 2. Full power bursts. After 30 seconds of constant bombardment, launch 10 torpedoes, aimed at the very same area. Then draw your fire to Zone 1 Sector 4, and repeat. Be careful not to hit our own ships and torps. 5…4…3…2…1… mark!”

The batteries sprung to new life, the bright green Turbo-laser blasts were sent directly at Stang’s reactors. After 20 seconds, the shields in that area were down to 25% power. By 30 seconds, they were gone, and the torpedoes leaped from their tubes. The metal monsters quickly chewed up the distance and exploded, knocking out the ships power. Almost directly afterwards, the accompanying frigates ceased fire and recalled their fighters. Turning their tails, they ran for the crippled SD, seeking to save their precious Admiral.

Marix grinned madly, and then turned to face his officers. “Losses?” He asked.

“We lost no men onboard the Law. But suffered 10 casualties in the fighter division, 2 of which were able to evac and are being recovered as we speak.” Replied the captain, a man called Dawes.

“Not bad. Keep an eye on the rebels. Once they have given up any idea of a fight, give them the normal terms of surrender and if they try to run, blast them to tiny, very tiny particles. Now Dawes, did you have a relative in the Navy, captain of the Vader?”

“You heard the Grand Admiral. Get ready to board and take on prisoners. Gunners keep a sharp lookout, be ready to destroy them at a moments notice.” Dawes turned back to Marix, “Yes sir, I had a brother, named John Dawes, and he was in command of the Vader last we spoke. Why, did something happen?”

Marix nodded his head. “I have reason to suspect that John no longer resides with us. I was with the Vader before joining you, and then felt a disturbance connected with the men on that ship through the Force. He will be commended for his loyalty, as well as you. I believe a ceremony is in order, Commander Dawes, your brother, Commander John Dawes would have been proud.”

The just promoted Dawes looked stunned, but quickly regained his cool. Anger surged through him, oddly it was not directed at the Sith Navy. “Thank you sir, for this honor. But you must know the question I am about to ask. Who killed my brother?”

“The question had to be asked, Dawes, had to be. I would expect no less of you. I believe that Stang here, was connected to it. If I am right, then it was a rebel group known as the Galactic Republic, right now, my colleagues should be wiping the rest of them out. Your brother’s honor is restored, vengeance is not needed by you. Now, go and serve the Navy and Empire. Of course, you will be allowed leave for as long as you need. Your family will be notified immediately. Now, I must attend to this fake admiral of ours. I am sorry for your loss.”

Marix saluted the Commander and walked off to the Comm-Station.

“Send out an encrypted message to this list of Sith saying, ‘It is done, Stang has been stung’. Then send out ten frigates to the Vader’s last position to search for it. Also, notify Military HQ that the families of the crew of the Vader may require mortem notices.”

Receiving a nod and a salute, Marix walked to the center of the bridge.

“Status, now!”

“Sir, the frigates have surrendered. The Destroyer has yet to regain power, and the back up generator seems faulty. Life support alone is taxing them, and communications is off-line.”

“Send in the boarding teams. Tell them ‘Weapons free’”

Marix then settled down for the long wait and hopeful interrogation of Stang. Ohh, how he looked forward to that! --- As the last city targeted by the SSD was destroyed, Barad-Dur smiled bitterly. A bitter price to be paid for destroying the Vader. They deserved to die, all the rebels.

He opened a channel and connected with The Darkest Knight.

"This is Commander Dawes of The Darkest Knight," a crisp voice said over the line, "Who are you?"

"This is Darth Barad-Dur," Barad-Dur replied, "Patch me into the Grand Admiral now, commander."

"Yes sir," the man promptly said, beginning the process to patch him to the Grand Admiral. He sat back and waited for Marix to come on screen.

Marix had just settled down in his cabin aboard the Darkest Knight, when Dawes voice came over his comm-link.

"Sir, Darth Barad-Dur to see you. He has been routed to your chambers channel, if you will answer it."

Marix turned to his screen and hit the right buttons. Barad-Dur popped onto the screen.

"Marix here, what do you need Commander Barad-Dur?"

"Sir!" Barad-Dur said, snapping to attention, "Klar and the others in this sector are dead. Most of thier men were killed, but, remember the clones? Well, they are out and about now, and I was able to get them to run away. Their SSD is under my command now. We captured it while fighting. Our casualties were heavy sir. The Vader was destroyed. Every man onboard was killed. As soon as Inquisitor Gra'tua has killed the pirate, we'll head for Kuat to regroup and resupply to be able to go after the clones sir."

Marix returned Barad-Dur's salute and held a parade rest stance while listening to the younger Sith. He nodded when the Vader was mentioned. Passing on an affirmative, he saluted him again and turned off the connection.

Marix left his chambers and walked back to the bridge. Looking at Dawes, standing by a window, gazing towards the system where the Vader had last been, he turned to the young captain in charge of the SSD, and coughed.

Captain Jag turned, stiffened, and then saluted. "Grand Admiral, Sir! we are ready to leave the system when you wish it to be so, sir. When would you like to depart, and to where, sir?"

Marix smiled at the naked ambition of the young non-Force Sensitive, almost reminded of himself.

"We leave now, for Kuat. And we go in with all the bells and whistles. I want a fine entrance and journey in memory of the late Commander Dawes, our own commander's brother. Let's show the capital what the Military really is. When the Commander is ready, you may jump to hyperspace."

"Sir, yessir!"

In time, the great mammoth of a ship generated speed, and made the jump to lightspeed. Heading for the capital of the Eternal Empire. - With the connection cut, Barad-Dur relaxed. He took a seat in the command chair, and ran a hand along the arm rest. A SSD. Now his to command.

Now, he took a moment to reflect upon all the men that he had known and served under. How thier services had proved many times that they were worthy of fame and glory. And yet, they had not been enough. They had been suprised, and not even if they had been ready could they have proved capable enough to not be destroyed.

Gentlemen, you have been avenged, he thought to himself.

"I think it's time to give this ship a name," he said outloud, "Henceforth, it shall be called...Darth Barad-Dur's Revenge." -- Gra'tua flew through the vast empty area just out side of tatooine. As he saw the ship, he engadge the stealth setting on the ship and approached at a slow speed to prevent getting picked up by radar.

As a ship left the Pirates hold, Gra'tua piloted in, just as the bay door was closing. He landed inside, making sure there was no one around before opening the cockpit and exiting, keeping to the shadows as he crept around the large hangar.

As Gra'tua neared the doors the bridge he stepped behind the two gaurds, breaking their necks and moving them into the shadows with the force. He opened the door with the wave of his hand a moved in, using the force to cloak his presence. As he moved around the cooridors, he walked past a moved past many gaurds and soldiers aboard the ship, remaining cloaked visibly as well as in the force.

As he neared the bridge he used the power of the Masquirade force ability and changed his face to appear as one o the officers that the Pirate scum knew, this would be the death sentence for the trusting pirate. As he moved to the bridge, he noticed the Pirate, surrounded by gaurds, slipping into a door near by, he killed a soldier from the darkness, breaking his neck instantly with the force grip.

He stripped the man and changed into his uniform before exiting and approaching the Pirate."Good evening sir," Gra'tua said as he started to engadge with the man before giving him a slight bow. As the Pirate spoke, a saber slid into the Inquisitors hand, igniting, as it quickly cut down the gaurds as well as claiming the head in a few quick strokes.

As panic arose, the Inquisitor took a cloth and wrapped the head, placing it at his side before running to the computers, typing rather quickly to engadge the self destruct sequence. As the time started, Gra'tua ran to the hanger, boarding his ship, and taking off.

As he flew back to Barad-dur's ship he sent a message. "The deed is done," He said before showing the cloth wrapped sphere through the screen.

"Good," Barad-Dur said, "Now, let's regroup at Kuat." Indeed, the time had come. The first phase of this puny insurrection was over. Now, to finish it.

For the Glory of the Eternal Empire!.

THE END