Sith Civil War: Campaign Clone Extermination/Chapter V - Manhunt

Throne Room: Kuat

Emperor Shadow was leaned back on his spinny chair throne, listening to the testimony of Gra'tua. It just didn't make sense to the Emperor. Why would such a faithful member of the Empire, not kill traitors? Shadow understood that Barad-Dur might have wanted to talk to the person, but, to turn on Gra'tua? The High Inquisitor? It didn't fit with his personality.

Gra'tua ended his report by saying, "It is obvious to all that Barad-Dur is now a rebel and with the demise of our enemy on Jabiim, we can now divert many of our soldiers and Sith to hunt down Barad-Dur."

Shadow looked up at him and the gathered Lords and Ladies, who were standing in a semi-circle around the chamber, listening with growing hatred at the man who was being talked about. It was apparent to all that Barad-Dur must now die. Shadow could see the bloodlust and smeel it like a foul wind. But, it was ultimatly his decision. And, he really didn't have much choice.

"Are you sure that Barad-Dur was acting under his own free will?" Shadow asked, "Are you sure that Barad-Dur was not being controlled by a Master Jedi?"

Gra'tua shook his head, "You and I both know that Barad-Dur would not be easily controlled by anyone, Master or other. I saw him, and he did not act as one who was under the influence of the Force."

Shadow put his forefinger and thumb to his chin, rubbing it thoughtfully. Intresting, most intresting. He did not know what to make of this.

"Are you sure this isn't an enemy scheme to devide our Empire?" Shadow asked, looking the High Inquisitor full in the eyes.

Gra'tua shrugged. "I don't think so," he asked, "That would be the enemies way, but, they are all but defeated, and it would profit them nothing."

Shadow closed his eyes. He really did not want to condemn Barad-Dur. Once the order to hunt down Barad-Dur went out, he could not revoke it until Barad-Dur's head was brought back to him on a silver platter. But, like he knew, there wasn't much choice he had.

"Then, commence the manhunt," Shadow commanded, "But, I want you to bring him back to me alive if possible."

"Your will be done, sire," Gra'tua said bowing. He turned on his heel, and strode out, and the beginning of Barad-Dur's end had begun.

Two Months Later: Abandoned City on Kashyyyk

The shadowy figure watched the five stormtroopers as they came around the corner. The stormtroopers were weary of all, being scared of the silent killer that was in the city. Thirty stromtroopers and two sith had already been found, killed. They believed that Darth Barad-Dur was in the city, but weren't willing to go out far beyond the base a city away.

They passed the figure, watching him wearily. They passed him, and the figure sprang forth. Within a few seconds, it was all over, all of them decapitated. The figure stood in the midst of bodies, his twin blades lit. He heard somebody call out, and he shut down his lightsbares, and Force ran from the scene. Two minutes later, another scouting party came upon the casualties.

The figure watched them from above the branches above, and when they left, the figure pulled back his hood. For sixty-two days he had been on the run, fighting for his life. When he had heard the manhunt order on him, he knew that not even his men could be trusted. But, that had not stopped him from finding a few good men who knew he was a good man, and these accusations against him were false.

He pulled out his comlink, and turned it on, pressing it close to his mouth, to keep the static and his voice down.

"Captain Ferrow," he said quietly, "More activity in this part of the city. Be prepared for anything. We might have to leave soon."

"Yes sir," the captain replied, "We are ready to leave at any moment. Oh, and we have the site found."

"Good," Barad-Dur nodded, "Over and out."

He clicked off and placed the comlink back in his cloak. Everything was against him. And he didn't understand why.

What could he have possibly done to incure the wrath of the Emperor? That question still lingered on his mind as he went back to his base.

Five Hours Later

"For your own sake commander," Gra'tua said darkly, "You had better be right."

"Everything indicates that they are here," the commander said, pointing to the broken down buildings infront of him.

Good, Gra'tua thought, the Emperor is getting impatient.

He turned on his lightsaber, and the twenty Sith charged into the ruins. He slashed the flimsy door off the post, and the rest flipped through the windows, or burst through the walls. But, Gra'tua snarled.

"Barad-Dur," he spat, "Where have you gone this time?"

"Sir," one of the sith said, pointing to a door in the back, "That was opened not five minutes ago."

"We were that close to getting him!" Gra'tua snarled, turning to the commander as he stepped into the building, a great blaster cradled in his arms.

"Did you find him?" he asked, looking around, "I guess you did not."

"Oh, yes we did," Gra'tua said, and his lightsaber flew across the room, burying itself into the commanders' skull.