Storms Over Jedha

[Darth Kravos]

None other than the Will of the Empress dropped out of hyperspace above Jedha. It had been a short jump from Ilum to the Jedi world and the menace of their shadow seemed to blot out the sky. There was no doubt of what was coming and it would be the same death the Sith Empire had brought to a dozen worlds.

It had been years since Kravos had been to Jedha and then he was a very different man than he was now. What had once been a bastion to rest and recuperate from long bouts undercover and in enemy territory was now a nest of those who would see him destroyed. There was no warmth in returning "home" for Darth Kravos.

The Empress was in all of its glory with a full fleet for support. The Sith fleet looked almost disjointed in its composition but 4 frigates and 3 corvettes of various types filled the sky, each with its full complement of starfighters and a crew loyal to the Empire. The combined firepower represented was more than enough to level the Jedi base.

Deploy the fighters and ready the gun crews, he ordered as soon as the planet filled the viewport. Starfighters screamed out of the hangar bay and filled the sky to protect the larger ships. The crews had been prepped during the journey to the planet.

He looked over to Andraste on the bridge of the Star Destroyer. Would you like to address our hosts? he asked as a crew of technicians readied the communications unit to send a message if she opted to go that route.

OOC: This is only open to space resistance. No magically appearing aboard the Imperial ships.

 

[Andraste]

Andraste looked out as the planet loomed into view, her eyes narrowing at the sight. She hadn’t been on the planet in years, her main temple having been Ossus. This was quite the experience for both her and Kravos, both with origins in the Jedi. She said nothing for a long moment as the small fleet made its way down towards the surface of the planet and the temple specifically.

She heard Kravos address her, but she said nothing for a moment. Andraste had to smile, “Did you ever think we’d be here?” It still felt surreal to be aboard the star destroyer, the first of its kind in history. It would be a ship no Jedi had set eyes upon before, and it was a sight to behold. The ship was a behemoth, capable of destroying fleets on its own and cutting an imposing figure. It was aptly named, a testament to the very foundations that helped create the Sith Empire.

Andraste opened up the comms to the Jedi temple as they made their descent. The star destroyer was enough to cast a massive shadow as it loomed above the temple, “Jedi,” Her voice came through the comms, a voice no Jedi wanted to hear, “You have someone that is important to us. You have one hour to hand over Serie Fond. If you do not comply, we will begin bombardment of the temple and will continue to eradicate Jedi temples one by one until our demands are met. Choose wisely,” She clicked off, using the Force to call a bottle of wine to herself and pouring herself and Kravos a glass.

“Let’s see if they stopped being blockheads,” She said calmly as she clicked her glass against his and took a sip.

@Wit @anzat17

 

[Darth Kravos]

It was an inevitability, he told her with confidence. They were always going to be coming back here. Their path across the galaxy wouldn't come to an end so easily. We've surpassed what the Jedi always feared we would be, he said. He could remember back to the early days when the two of them were just trying to find their way in the galaxy.

She made her address of the Jedi and he was fully prepared for them not to pull through on it. Death would come swiftly and decisively if they didn't. It was the danger of your enemy being former members: they were well aware of how you functioned and where you slept. He slipped his helmet off as she called a wine bottle to herself and he took the glass she offered. HIs clanged slightly with hers and he took a sip.

Unlikely. Something about "not negotiating with terrorists" most likely, he stated. They were zealots and ready to die for their cause. Like victims jumping into the grinder. Congratulations, beautiful, he said, looking at the bridge of the ship they stood on. We've built something incredible. May it stand for a thousand generations, he said.

 

[Jon Atreides]

Uncharted Space, Mid Rim​

Jon was seething in the co-pilot's seat while the droid Fen had lent him fiddled with the ship's control. KR3CH, or Kreech as some of the Jedi called him, seemed to have some history with the little Jedi Master, but not the friendliest one at that. As little time as he had spent with the droid, Jon was already beginning to see why.

"How long till we exit hyperspace?"

The droid didn't look away from the controls as it responded in an exasperated voice, this wasn't the first time Jon had asked the question since they entered hyperspace. "10 minutes."

Which put them 15 minutes beyond Andraste's deadline, which had already expired 5 minutes ago. He had been about to plot a course to Kashyyyk when he had received the warning message about Sith presence above Jedha. And the bad news hadn't stopped at that. The Empress herself was there, and threatening to blow up the Temple. Jon had no doubt that she would follow up on her threat if the Sith wasn't returned to her. The Sith who was currently locked up in his ship's hold.

He wanted more than anything to blame the droid's whining about the risks of making the almost blind jumps they would have to make to get to Jedha in time for them not reaching the planet in time. But it was obvious that even with the few moments the droid had cost them he was never going to get there in time. All he could do now was be patient and hope for the best. Hope that a Sith tyrant didn't blow his home to smithereens because he had captured one of her pets.

"Don't worry Sir," The droid piped up a little later as the ship dropped out of hyperspace, the large star destroyer visible as a harbinger of doom on the ship's sensors, "Mistress Alais is a woman of her word. There is a 94.7% probability that she has already bombarded the Temple and killed all the Jedi. You probably don't have to worry about disappointing anyone."

@Sreeya @Phoenix

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba was face down in a large bowl of truffles when the loud trumpeting rumble of approaching starships could be heard near the temple. Almost immediately a hive of activity broke out as the word spread that the ships in question were in fact of Sith origin although one wouldn't really know that by looking at most of them.

With him sat two younglings who, completely terrified of the commotion but otherwise had no idea of the grave threat that was looming above all of them. Their faces betrayed their fear, trembling and trying to hide under the table with which the great big Hutt straddled for his supper.

Surely a Jedi Master would know what to do but as he looked around he could not see any with which to ask. Rumors began to quickly circulate that the Sith had arrived to destroy the temple and that they were to evacuate as much of the archives as possible before this occurred.

Still, nobody arrived for the younglings.

Jubba wasn't the bravest Jedi nor was he the wisest or powerful but an opportunity had presented itself for him to prove once and for all that the Order had not been mistaken to award him the rank of Knight. Holding back his own overbearing trembles, Jubba called for the younglings to follow him.

"Children, we cannot stay, we must find somewhere safer. Climb on my back, let's look for a Jedi Master together."

Meekly the few children slowly climbed the hulking Hutt despite their fears one by one until they were all aboard. As the small group made their way through the temple, more and more younglings coalesced around the knight until the number of children following him had become too many to even try and count. He was sure that most of them had either escaped with other Jedi already or were with him inside the little crowd that had formed.

It wasn't so much that they trusted him but rather the group felt safer in numbers and they moved as one toward one of the side exits of the temple. Jubba had not seen a Jedi Master to take instructions from, however, the task that had been thrust upon him seemed too important to just wait around.

Wherever they went, it didn't matter. All that did was to get these children as far away from the temple as he could before the bad people came.

 

[Vollen Shai]

“Jon where are you” Vollen muttered beneath his breathe. The Sith were here, and they wanted something he couldn’t give them, and apparently that knight was the one who had their prize. He ran sprinting through the streets of Jedha City, ushering younglings and knights away from the temple as fast as he could as the sky above darkened. Though his own light wasn’t quite so ready to give out, and neither, he knew, was that of the Jedi Order. They’d begun to evacuate as soon as the Sith fleet had arrived in their local space. Against the firepower of such steel monstrosities there could be no victory, not today, and so they had wasted no time in evacuating as many as possible. Some just away from their temple, others onto ships they still had about. While the hangar had not yet been rebuilt in full Jedha City proper was still a surprisingly cosmopolitan town with more than enough space to store ships about, even if the Order did pay a lease at times to do so. Though the city and the Order were symbiotic to each other for hundreds of years, much of the town had assisted them despite all the dangers. And of course, there was space across the expanse of Jedha, with smaller landing bays. While it would take some time, and organisation, to get their people out in safety they could do it.

They had to do it.

The Empresses bargain left them little time though to do so, and precious little for Jon to return and the deal be made. And so he would do what he could, try and buy time for his friends. They had to escape, he had to trust in them to make the right choice. Trust Jon to make the right choice. And so, drawing a deep breath and even more deeply on the force, Vollen, entering the great hall of the Jedha temple, opened a comm channel in return, and recorded this moment for posterity,

“Gunboat diplomacy is unbecoming on an Empress” he opened, trying to remain calm. Though it felt as if the world was falling down again, just as it had on Ossus, just as it had with the Skyward Sword. He’d survived through those, he’d survive this,

“This is Vollen Shai of the Jedi Order. We’ve met once before, briefly even, I wonder if you even remember, it feels a lifetime ago. The circumstances were similar. You sought the life of Malthazar Dreadhart, Darth Malos, I was one who escorted him” he reminded her. The experience was not one he had forgotten so easily. They had still been the Exiles then. So much had changed,

“I offered you then what I offer you now. Speak to us, speak to me even, face to face. Diplomacy is best done like that, don’t you think” bargaining, perhaps it would work. She had dismissed his offer then, and they had only gone strength to strength since. He doubted it would work now. But it was the right thing to do, and that’s what Jedi were meant to do, right?

“We are not the Order you left so long ago. Your enemies in it are long gone, their spirits passed on. Let this vendetta stop. Speak to me, speak to us, a new Order to a new Empire” he tried to keep his voice from shaking. So much more seemed to ride on his offer this time,

“Both of us, Jedi and Sith both, have changed. I promise you that. This could be chance for both of us to prove that. Please” he offered, as he turned off his comm, silently taking in the surrounds of the Jedha temple. This may be the last time he saw it, if Jon could not make it in time. Even if nothing came of it, perhaps he could buy them some time.

And so, he awaited their response.

@Sreeya @Phoenix @Wit

 

[Serie Fond]

Serie sat on the railing that she was handcuffed to with her chin on her hands and slouched over rather unenthusiasticly. To say she was pissed off about the turn of events would be an understatement. She was practically fuming as the ship lurched into hyperspace again. But then she heard something rather fantastic on the comms systems down the hall.
Her friends, her family, the Sith, were coming for her. And they weren't being subtle about it either. The empress would be true to her word she knew, if she wasn't handed over the entirety of jedha would be set ablaze. The thought alone made her smile wide and forget her anger.

She sat up and hopped off the rail and leaned as far down the hallway as the handcuffs would allow. She wanted to make sure that Jon heard her.
Did you hear that Little Jon?! Do you remember what it was like when you lost your legs? I wonder if any of your friends might be going through that right now? Didn't you train on Jedha? That must be really unfortunate for you huh? Not knowing if your friends are dying and it's all your fault! That must be terrible!

She yelled, every word dripping with sarcasm and malicious intent. She might not be in a very good position herself, but the Sith had the Jedi by the balls at the moment, and she was the reason for it. She was fleeing with pride and satisfaction, her trademark thin smile on her lips again. She had been brought rather low by her betrayal and defeat on Mandalore, but those feel g were fleeting now as she stood up tall and breathed in deeply. She was going to milk the Jedi for all they were worth before she would finally be let loose. She was rather confident afterall that the Jedi weren't going to let their temples be blown to ashes on her account. And even if they did, that was done with her as well, she would enjoy watching jedha burn as much as the rest of the Sith would. Then she got another thought. She didn't like the idea of dead children littering the landscape as much as the next person, so she figured she night be able to push this along and hurry things up for her release.

Or.. Maybe if you get on those comms and tell my friends over there that you'll bring me in straight away, I might put in a good word for you? I mean, think of the younglings Jon? We wouldn't want anything to happen to the younglings! Let's be civilized and get on the comms, I'm sure everyone is just dying to know what your decision will be!

 

[Jinlo Halan]

"Clear the halls, wounded coming through" a stern and somewhat drained voice called out as a raven haired woman swiftly paced her ways through the winding corridors, leading their way from the halls of healing down towards the gates of the Jedi temple. Her attention moving down from the patent on the hover stretcher beside her, before looking over towards the robotic orderly "Once you are clear of the temple take them straight to the freighter at the space port, Docking pad Gamma 12" the raven haired master spoke before slowing her pace down allowing the patient transit to continue on towards the star port.

Inwardly Jinlo hoped that the need to evacuate the temple would be an unnecessary one. All hell had broken loose as soon as the Sith had dropped out of hyperspace over the planet moon. The open channel from none other than Empress of the Sith Empire herself had taken the Temple by surprise, and threw the inner halls into chaos, Knights, Masters and young lings alike frantically safeguarding all that they could and making their way to the various evacuation and emergency mustering points. Demands had been made for the release of one of the Sith's Numbers, but to the Raven haired Master she wasn't aware of there being a captive Sith arriving at the Temple.

Not knowing whether any of the attempts to reason with the Flag ship that was at the forefront of the sudden arrival, would be successful. Whether Master Shai would be able to reason with them, explaining that the one they sought was not at the temple. It seemed that regardless the planet moon was currently at their ransom, the only thing they could do for the time being was to make arrangements to evacuate, clear as many of the wounded and young as possible to try and minimise the losses and casualties that may be inflicted as a result of the events that were still to unfold.

Coming to a stop, the raven haired Master stepped out of the way of another slew of orderlies and Jedi healers made their way from the halls of healing towards the gates of the temple. Sighing in the brief respite, Jinlo gathered her breath and composure whilst they passed. As soon as they were clear she turned on her heal and made her way deeper into the temple, back towards her station within the Temple. There were still yet more patients to be evacuated.

 

[Andraste]

Andraste sipped her wine as a familiar Jedi came through on the comms. He was the Jedi that had spoken to her what seemed like an eternity ago. It was when she had taken Malthazar back from Jedi custody. Of course, he decided that the best way to open up dialogue was to suggest her methods were’ unbecoming’. If he had hoped to have any kind of sway with her, that line alone completely eradicated it.

Instead, she casually hummed to herself as he spoke, checking the time every so often. About twenty minutes had elapsed and there was still no sign of Serie. Andraste glanced over to Kravos, “Get ready to start firing. I see they still haven’t repaired their hangar,” She rolled her eyes, “Typical. I may be a villain, but I don’t fancy myself dead younglings. I hope they at least get them out.”

After musing for a moment, she finally decided to respond to Vollen to amuse herself, “Enlighten me then, Jedi Master,” She addressed him directly, “What do you propose? Do you want to be my friend, Master Shai?” She took another sip from her wine, “Do you want us all to come together as one and sing around a fire and be merry?” Andraste couldn’t keep the laughter away, and she found herself grinning at the prospect, “Jedi are Jedi regardless whether a stuffed animal is leading you or a frog. I would focus your efforts on getting people out safely over trying to have philosophical discussions with me.”

@Nightfall096 @Phoenix

 

[Vollen Shai]

Moving through the temple halls he watched as the remaining members of the Jedi Order were being hurriedly escorted out. It was a good thing they had started early, or else they mightn't have had enough time. But the temple had many exits. Some into the Holy City, others into the desert and mesas below. It would not be long before everyone was out, indeed, they nearly all were.

With so many gone and going the temple was quieter than ever before, not in sounds, there was always very little of that. But in the force, with the exodus of the Jedi the only feeling in the Force Vollen sensed was the ambient hum of Jedha, of the very world itself. All else was still now, the temple almost paused in time. As Andraste finished her reply he was checking a last trio of rooms, ensuring that the last of them had escaped. He couldn't be sure if they needed more time, but for now he still knew not Serie and Jon's whereabouts. He wouldn't give up on them yet,

"Somehow Empress I feel our friendship might be short lived, but to not be enemies..." he took a deep breath before continuing, making his way toward the main hall and the main exit to the temple once again,

"I think we could be that much" Vollen paused, he would make this offer every time they met if he had to, whether it would ever be taken he could not say. But there was enough hope in him to keep asking.

"An offer of peace, or as close as we Jedi and Sith might ever get, is on the table. If you have no interest in seeing unnecessary dead then I must inform you the one you seek is not here, though..." Jon had the girl, he had to believe he'd come "Though she will be soon. For now, I'm afraid we're both waiting. So discussion couldn't hurt, while we have the chance"


@Sreeya

 

[Spencer Ward]

Before the Skyward Sword blew up the Jedha Temple's hangar and killed the Jedi Grandmaster Cadef Sige, people at Jedha thought their fortress-temple was safe from the war. After the Skyward Sword happened, that all changed. The Jedi after that moment knew that the temple and it's denizens weren't as safe as they thought. It was only a matter of time before the war came back to them, and it came in a big way, as the Sith Empire's massive flagship and it's accompanying vessels came forth, a powerful response to rescue Serie Fond from Jedi captivity. And if the Jedi don't do the wise thing, the Jedha Temple would destroyed.

Spencer Ward would be deployed in an Imperial Starfighter, following with the others that have also been deployed from the capital ships. The ex-Jedi wanted to destroy the temple with the Skyward Sword when he and Tage stolen it at the time, but unfortunately the Sword didn't have the firepower to do so, but today with the Star Destroyer and the other ships, they can raze the temple to the very foundation in short order.

And it just happens after all this time, the Jedi still haven't repaired the hangar. That's really shocking. That would mean an evacuation of the temple would take time, and it would also mean that no significant starfighter resistance from the Jedi could be deployed against the Sith. Although that would be a futile effort, as every starfighter that filled the hangar around the time of the Skyward Sword theft was destroyed along with the hangar. At best a few starfighters could be launched from elsewhere, but again that would be a futile effort.

Although having Serie would be good for the empire, Spencer can't say she knows her really well, but hopefully the temple would be erased. Spencer would be tuned into the open channel to the Jedi. Andraste is chatting with Vollen, with the latter still as naive as ever. Does he actually think that he and Andraste could be friends? Oh well.

 

[Shorkazzabecca]

Kazza upon returning from his first lesson with his new mentor Alek outside the citiy, excited to be taking his first steps towards becoming a full jedi, was wandering the city pondering on the knowledge that was gifted to him about the force.
While the young white haired wookie didn't know where he was he could see the temple not far from hisbcurrent position, deciding to head back to the temple for the night to rest, unaware of the looming threat above. Making his way through the winding alleys he noted the strange silence that seemed to settle over the area as he neared the Temple.
Unnerved he inhales deeply calling on the force to clear his mind, exhaling he continues, rounding a corner Kazza spots the temple and an exit he didn't notice earlier in the day.
Making his way towards the entrance he pauses at the entrance looking into the darkness of the hall, straining his ears he tries to identify the sound that stopped him... there, a shuffling sound, a snake? Could an animal be loose? Placing his hand on the hilt of his Vibroblade, he goes against his judgment and calls out "who's there" as quietly as the young wookie can, cursing himself internally. 'hope they know wook if it's friendly, and hope it's not hungry if it's not.'
@Jubba the Mutt

Spoiler: OOC

To Jubba, hope you don't mind, Jubba seems like someone Kazza should meet, don't mean to guide you..

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba reached the exit where they were to encounter the presence of an unknown Wookiee who blocked their way out. The children instinctively moved behind him as the unexpected appearance during an attack would likely be interpreted as hostile. Hand to his waist, Jubba was ready to draw his lightsaber to defend the younglings if this Wookiee was with the Sith although he didn't know how it would end.

"Move. If you are with the Sith, let the little ones go and you shall have me. If you are not with the Sith, then please help me find somewhere to hide them until the Sith leave."

Jubba was in a hurry to leave and wouldn't give the Wookiee very long to answer before he would attempt to push through.

@TheRevanchist

Spoiler: OOC

The temple is literally on the verge of being destroyed, move yo ass

 

[Bayani Isko]

Bayani Isko had been staying in the holy city of Jedha for months. It had been an eye-opening experience for the scholarly pilgrim to say the least. He was able to research a great deal about the various interpretations of the forces among the city’s religious sects. The twenty-three year old young man was strolling through an open market place with metal staff in hand when a monstrous shadow began engulfing everything. Looking up Bayani’s jaw dropped at the sight of the massive warship looming overhead.

“No, it can’t be!” Bayani exclaimed, with trembling horror. He wasn’t the only one, soon all around him many of the inhabitants began to panic and run. Stalls overturned, pottery shattered, and people crying out in terror. For a moment young Isko was about to turn and flee as well until stopping in his tracks.

Clear your mind and decide on what to do. The would-be scholar reminded himself, standing still in spite of the chaotic surroundings. Taking a deep breath and releasing, Bayani glanced in examination of the menacing vessel that bloated out the sun. He noticed it was angled toward the edge of the city. Swiftly the piligrim realized the location is...the Jedi temple!

Without hesitation, young Isko ran toward the temple’s general direction. His heart was pounding with fear, nevertheless he continued to push on for the destination. Exiting out of a narrow alleyway, the Jedi building came into view. Bayani would then notice out of the corner of his eyes several regular people from both sides racing for the temple as well. They have come for the same reason.

Isko briefly thought before arriving at the entrance. Swiftly he noted a Wookiee, a Hutt, and numerous childern around them. Bayani directly stood in the center of the would-be recusers opposite of the peacekeepers. A wrinkled face Weequay female in a simple white robe said.

“Jedi we’re here to help. Please let us escort you all to shelter.”

Bayani nodded in agreement with the elder. Stepping forth the pilgrim stretches out his limbs toward the Wookiee and Hutt, the silently offering to take a youngling or two with both arms.

 

[Shorkazzabecca]

Kazza seeing the children removes his hand from the hilt of his blade, he nods the hutt.
"I mean no harm, allow me to help. Stepping aside for the Jedi, and younglings to continue on their way to safety. "I've got your back.. Best hurry." taking the rear gaurd and making sure that none of the children lag behind as they make their swift retreat. Spotting human as he speeds towards them he lifts a straggling child and hands him off, glad that someone else can help herding the children to safety.
Hopefully they'd get away, sith attacking, hell of a time to try and join the order.

Spoiler: ooc

Sorry, yes let's get outta here

@Jubba the Mutt @Bayani Isko

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba could sense no ill intent in either of them and so he reluctantly nodded to both the Wookiee and Human before turning to the children. By his estimation, they should have enough time to get them all to safety although he wouldn't have time to make it back for others if the threat was made true.

"Let's go little ones, only a little further and we will be safe. Let us follow the helpers and find you somewhere to rest."

@TheRevanchist @Minuteman75

/exit thread

 

[Bayani Isko]

Young Isko takes the Jedi Youngling into his hands. The dozen or so other helpers did similarly, taking younglings by the hand or arms, following the Jedi Hutt and his Wookiee ally. As the whole group fled, Bayani can feel the boy (a zabark) he carried trembling and crying. “Why is this happening to us?” The horn-headed child asked in a whimper.

For the moment Bayani could not answer, in part because of he didn’t know and being more focused on escaping quickly as possible. Even so the pilgrim’s heart went out to the kid, his home will probably be destroyed very soon. In the midst of the run, the traveler from Commenor asked.

“What’s your name?” Puzzled by the request the zabark timidly replied.

“Rovra.” The glass wearing human nodded. “That’s a strong name for a future Jedi. Please repeat these words with me Rovra.”

In the midst of the flight, Bayani despite his own fear recited a chant. “The force is with me and I am one with the force.” Slowly Rovra followed and the others nearby, overhearing them joined in, making it sound like a chorus.

/exit thread

 

[Shorkazzabecca]

Shorkazzabecca followed behind the group as they made their way out of the city and to safety, a coupling younglings beginning to lag, he scoops them up one in each arm, and holds the exhausted younglings close to his chest, glad that they would make it, and glad that the man and his group showed up when they did.
/Exit thread

 

[Fennex Zeerda]

Fennex shook his snout, whiskers twitching as he peeked over the sandstone ledge. What a mess, he thought. The Master was huddled on top of a rocky plateau more than a dozen kilometers from the Holy city, but even at this distance the dark shapes of the Sith Warships were unmistakable, hovering high above the temple. He was too far away to hear the Empress's demands, but he could feel her presence- he recognized it from Lothal- and another that seemed... familiar. Someone powerful. One of her Sith Lords, most probably.

"We should go fight them Master Fennex!" a little voice piped up. Fen eyeballed the scruffy looking little human initiate- one of the handful of younglings eeking their way closer to knighthood that he'd drug out here into the cave riddled mountains for a few days to explore and inspect crystal formations. They varied in age from true younglings to young men (and scaly gender ambiguous creatures), from fresh faced initiates to those on the very edge of being knighted. This was supposed to have just been a simple field trip to get them out of the temple and teach them a few things- now it seemed like it might just be their salvation.

"Stuff it Kyle," The Master barked, "A Jedi is brave, but cautious. Recklessness is unbecoming of a Knight." the Amaran nodded sagely. Might as well turn this into a lesson, "Go on now, get back down below to the camp and start packing up. I'll join you in a moment."

Fennex didn't want them to watch this.

/exit thread

 

[Darth Kravos]

No doubt down below the Jedi were beginning to panic. Of course, Jedi wouldn't call it "panicking" they would call it something with far more finesses, but the fact was that they had turbolaser canons pointed at them and no hangar to launch ships for defense. It was only a matter of time.

He gave a nod as Andraste told him to ready for the barrage. Time was ticking and they'd seen no results for their warnings apart from one Jedi who'd decided that banter and insults with the Empress was a good idea. It wasn't.

Darth Kravos made his way over to the gunnery stations, glancing to the communication officers who would relay orders to the rest of the ships. Tell the gun crews to begin the targeting, he said. His voice was flat and without a hint of remorse or hesitation. The fact that he had once been a Jedi played no role in this. The ultimatum had been given and the Jedi had not responded correctly.

Open fire, he said.

Within moments, it began. Turbolaser and laser canon fire streaked through the sky, racing toward the ground and pounding into the temple. Detonations could be heard for miles around as the temple grounds were pummeled by shot after shot. Some struck the temple, others the ground surrounding the temple, and a few even made direct impact with Jedi who were fleeing. The temple structure grew weak and segments began to fall in as others were vaporized entirely. And through it all, the Dark Lord watched unflinching.