Back in Black

[Sir Lord Ash]

This planet resonates with the dark side of the Force.

[/color]

Zero stood silently on the bridge of Solrain, gazing down at the planet. Occasionally, a N-1 starfighter would cruse past the bridge as it continued on its endless scanning. Throughout space, more fighters hid, mainly Shadow Squadron, the Stealth-X starfighters. The man who spoke was Aku Hikari, who was now working with Zero and the Black Knights.

Or was it Zero who was with Aku. After the large beast of an enemy, who called himself Ripa, nearly killed Miki Hawke and Akira Rumo, in fact forcing Miki into a coma, he lost it, and Aku was there to support him. That may have been his fall, and even Shina couldn't do anything to aid Zero like Aku did.

Young Zero, this planet will be the newest test for you. There are primitive force users down there, as well as monsters and other creatures. Each and every one of them wants to kill you and those who are under you. One of those creatures is a Rancor, and I need you to... obtain some for me.

If that is what you wish. Do you have an estimate on how many you will need?

I will need enough; hundreds perhaps. I have need of a hardy species for alchemic experiments.

I will send down a few troops to recon an area that Spirit of Fire is now scanning for large life forms.

Good.

Aku turned around, silvery hair spinning behind him and he moved out of the bridge. As soon as he was gone, Shina Hikari walked over, putting a soothing hand on Zero's shoulder. The other shrugged it off and left as well, heading off and leaving Shina in control of the bridge.

Out in space, two titan dropships broke off from Spirit of Fire and, with an escort of twintail starfighters, 20 per dropship.[/center]

[Crazy O]

The Olympian-Class Escort Transport dropped out of hyperspace on the outer edge of the Dathomir system. Kitana was sitting in a seat on the bridge which was empty. The entire ship was empty which was strange for a ship of its size. She had completely computerized the ship, had a few astromech droid to maintain it, and she flew it through the Force. She looked at the information coming in as the Nyx traveled towards Dathomir. It seemed like there was a larger number of craft in orbit of the planet. On of the ships was a monster, she did not recognize the design and thought she should have paid more attention to the military advices meetings.

The Nyx continued forward however. The ships transponder denoted it a diplomatic craft of Zeltros. Ships of those sizes had to either be Federation, Mandalorian or Imperial, each would not attack a diplomatic ship in fear that the others would begin to attack diplomatic ships also. She continued straight towards the planet with her eyes closed, she reached out and tried to read the minds of those on board any craft which would approach, simple influence them to let her pass should they be Mandos or Feds.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Zero left the bridge into his ready room moments before Aku walked silently back into the bridge. As always, Shina hated the feeling of that man. His orange eyes scanned her silently for a moment before he looked away.

Captain, there is an Imperial ship out there. These are Imperial codes from my personal ship. Switch over all the codes in your fleet to these, seeing as you are a fleet under imperial rule.

We are not fully with the Imperials until the owner of this fleet deems otherwise, sith.

That may be sooner than you think, grandchild.

Don't call me that. You are not related to me in any way, sith.

[/b]

Despite her words, Shina did grab the datapad Aku held and passed the order for the crew to change the codes. It took little time for all forces to change their codes. Aku was at the communication consol to open communications with the ship that entered Dathomir space.

Zeltronian ship, this is the Imperial Dreadnought Solrain. You seem to be a little ways away from your space. What brings you to this pointless planet?[/i][/color][/center]

[Crazy O]

Kitana sighed heavily when they sent a request for her purpose. She punched several buttons on the console. "This is Lady Nachta, Dark Lord of the Galactic Empire. I need not explain myself to a lowly Captain such as yourself. What is a Imperial Dreadnought and supporting craft doing over this world of no strategic important. I know the Navy has had no such instructions to take it yet." She said as she punched in her command code which identified herself as an elite among the galactic empire. The Nyx did not however change course nor speed, but continued towards the planet.

[Sir Lord Ash]

How smart you, Lady Nachta, but I am no captain, but a sith of the Empire. This is the personal fleet of the once member of the Federation; a man named Zero. A rather interesting story this one has, if you care to come aboard and hear it, my Lady. We are here for my personal gain.

[/b][/i]

Aku turned to Shina, who glared back at him before turning away to the weapons control. Aku let a small smile touch his face before he let his mind reach out and touch Zero's, stirring the depression that he was in, forcing the pure hurt upon him again. He felt a very strong reaction come from the young human, which was all he needed to get. Hopefully that reaction was enough to get that Sith lady on this ship. Meeting a sith lord face to face would be good, and he may be rewarded for a new puppet, and a massive fleet, both for the sith.[/center]

[Crazy O]

The Nyx continued on its way towards the planet. "That is a negative. I do not have a desire to meet with a defector currently. I have am here to recruit the clan of Force-Users known of the Nightsisters. I will meet with you after this. Lady Nachta out." Kitana said over the radio. She then flew her escort transport into the atmosphere. She flew over the surface of the planet slowly, following the currents of the Force to lead her towards the Nightsister.

[Sir Lord Ash]

If that is your wish, my Lady. Solrain out.

[/i][/color]

So much for that plan. Guess that Aku will need to get awarded for his catch later. No time to pout about it now. Slowly, Aku spun on his heel and went to the Captains ready room; to where Zero sat with head in his hands. With a nudge of the force, Aku brought Zero to his feet.

Stop your pouting. You got your revenge for the death of those who you once loved.

But I fled like a coward after that.

More could have came and killed you. Keep your life above all else, young one, and you will live.

That is a cowards way to live.

And yet you will live nonetheless, and you living is the path to great power. The darkside is a powerful place, and with my help, you could become a great darksider. Your first test is soon to be here. Are you ready?

... Yes... I am...

Good, my new apprentice.

With an dark, evil, smile, Aku turned and left the room, heading to one of the massive hangers where he could meditate in peace.

Once he was gone, Zero sat down again, and felt what he knew was the darkside flow through him. He felt more powerful, but at the same time didn't like this feeling. Anyhow, he had to do something to please Aku. He stood back up and went to the bridge.

Send all forces to the surface of the planet save the Deltas and Echo's. Everything else, ground and air forces, secure us a nice large zone and find us some rancor's. Kill anyone else that stands in our way, save for one woman, if she enters our zone of occupation. SP now.

Shina looked at Zero like he was a monster, then stormed off the bridge, tears in her eyes.[/center]

[Crazy O]

Johana walked into the hangerbay in a black set of Marine trooper combat armor. She walked in front of four thousand soldiers in the same armor as her except it was Marine Blue standing in front of fifty Y-85 Titan Dropships. To Johana right was Angel in her black leather outfit and to her right was Commander Adam Malkovich to her right in the same blue marine armor as the rest of the troops. "You are going to be the spearhead to recapture the Sorlian before it can be turned over to the Empire. Should we fail the ship will be assaulted by the entire might of Task Force Taffy and our allies on the Avalon; when this attack starts I want you to get off that ship by any means. Set your weapon to stun and use lethal force as a last resort. You got you assignments. Good luck and may the Force be with you." Johana said before turning and heading back to the medical bay.

Angel looked over at Adam and nodded. The Commander nodded back and turned to his men. "Okay you heard the Admiral. You got your assignments. LOAD UP!" He shouted as the 80 marine turned around and charged onto the Y-85 Dropships. As soon as the troops were one, sitting in seats around large metal boxes which were placed all around. Then on ten of the transports T1-B Hovertanks which would be used to better secure the large hangerbays. The loading ramps closed and the Marines just had to sit and wait for deployment. Angel meanwhile headed to the Dragoon which they would be taking over, preparing it for the mission.

Johana headed to the hangerbay and looked at Akari in the tank. She turned to the doctor how push a button which injected a substance into Akari's arm. They then drained the tank and Johana looked at Ash before Akari as the doctors helped her out of the tank. "Miss Rumo. We are about to try and covert your brother and my friend back to the lightside of the Force. Commander Hawke is not health enough to ask this, but I was hopping that would also play the bait with me. We have a chemical cocktail that will give you a boost of strength for this, but know that this could cause your body greater damage and you will need to spend more time in a tank after this mission." Johana said explaining the situation. The Doctors had already extracted a sample of Ash blood and mixed it with all sorts of other things to give her the best chance. Johana then looked at her watch. They had only fifteen minutes tell they dropped out of hyperspace, she needed an answer quickly so they could get Akari dress and down to the hangerbay.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Ash finished zipping up his black flight suit, hiding the armor under the clothing. It was a bit tight, the flight suit; due to the armor, but once the fighting starts, then Ash could shed the flight suit and properly fight and move.

On Ash's back was a giant sword he found on Intrepid; it being designed more for large, sweeping, crushing attacks rather the more nimble strikes which his lightsabers would be used for. His silver lightsabers hung on his belt. Quickly, he made his way to Johana and Angel. He arrived just as Akira's tank was being drained.

Save Gray? I will do everything I can.

Akira, that cocktail inside of you contains a sample of my blood, which should provide you with better protection from electrical attacks for a portion of a time. That sith we ran into before you were attacked by that massive alien is a Ki, so I don't know what to expect.

Alright. Lets get ready then.

[/b]

Ash handed Akira a blaster pistol, who took it and set it on a table and waited for some clothes or possibly armor.

-------------------------------------------------

Zero, I think that enough time has been spent sitting around. We are heading to the hanger, more specifically your Normandy yacht. Your first test arrives sooner than I expected.

I understand.[/b]

Without hesitation, Zero left the bridge, leaving Aku there, where he seemed to materialize out of no where. Shina was still missing after she left the bridge, but had to be somewhere on th 20 kilometer long ship, but that was quite a bit of area to hide.

More likely, she was on the Normandy waiting out some time. She would need to stay here when Zero and Aku left for the planet. Hopefully she wouldn't be caught up in this mission.[/center]

[Crazy O]

Once Akari was dress Johana, Akari and Ash headed to the hangerbay. As they walked in fighter pilots were scrambling to their birds. Johana watch beeped as they climbed aboard the Dragoon. Just then on the outer edge of the system, the USS Destiny arrived from Gree, the USS Nimitz arrived from Mon Calamari and the Avalon arrived from Ilum where it had been getting repaired. The Destiny used laser communication to beam Johana's orders directly to each ship were they were dispersed to crew members and pilots. The three ships launched all their fighters and which took up positions in front of the three capital ships. The Nimitz also launched the fifty Longsword-class gunboats which where originally to be shipped to Exile Station for modification, but were diverted to this battle. The Avalon activated its cloakbuster and the eleven other Dragoons of the Destiny started to deploy cloakbuster satellites from the Intrepid.

Johana meanwhile piloted the Dragoon out of the hanger bay with Akari in the co-pilot seat and Angel and Ash in the back out of view. It exited the hanger ahead of the fighters and started towards the planet just ahead of the fleet. The entire way she was broadcasting a message. This is Johana Kay. I have on board my AT-130 someone that wises to speak to your commanding officer. Gray Rumo. I would also like to talk with you Zero." The message transmitted as the shuttle headed straight for the Sorlian. Johana then turned to everyone in the shuttle. "Now for the moment of truth, how cocky is this Sith." Johana said to everyone before turning back around to fly the shuttle.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Zero turned his head as he felt the shuttle, and two very familiar people on it, including one who should be dead. He didn't feel Angel, for she wasn't an organic, or Ash, who was concealing himself from the force. Aku, who was right next to Zero, turned, indicating he felt the same thing. Both were on the ramp of the Normandy when they felt the sudden appearance of the shuttle.

Well, my apprentice, we have a change of plans. I'm sure you feel one certain person who shouldn't be here. This is no doubt a trap. They are here to get you back, but are here to lie to you to do so.

This cant be a lie. That is my sister.

No, it isn't. The force is playing tricks on you. Your first steps into the darkside are complete, now to ensure you are with me, you will kill those on that shuttle.

.... As you wish.

Zero stepped off the ramp and to a computer terminal on the wall of the hanger. From there, he gained access to the main communication channel and listened to Johana speak. He closed his eyes to center himself: or rather calm himself down.

Admiral, this is Commander Zero. You have landing clearance in hanger 1 bravo. I will wait for you there.

Zero cut the link to Johana's shuttle and turned sharply. Aku stood, waiting with narrowed eyes. Zero shifted his eyes off to the side and got a crewmembers attention.

Are all the fighters out of hanger 1 bravo?

Yes, Commander.

Good. Make sure no one goes in there, save for Jay and Miki.

Yes Commander

The crewmember jumped to his work, leaving Zero and Aku alone.

You will make a good sith, my young apprentice.

If those are your words...

Don't play games with me. I am your master, and you will address me as such.

Yes, my master.

Zero let his head drop and made his way to the correct hanger where Johana will soon be landing.

---------------------------------------------------

Admiral, this is Commander Zero. You have landing clearance in hanger 1 bravo. I will wait for you there.

[/i]

If this sith is like most every other sith I have came into contact with, including my former self, he would be cocky, unless he is older than I first thought.

Ash thought back to when he was a sith, before his first death. He was one cocky bastard, but now he has calmed down. If he was correct, then the sith would be setting a trap for them as they spoke. He thought for a moment longer before he felt Akira's hand on his arm.

Don't think so much about your former life. You are no longer a sith.

I know. Admiral, I feel something in the force. I fear we may need to strike sooner than I thought. If Zero is going to be in the hanger, then so will the sith. That is where I am assuming the attack will come from... I promise I will buy you a new shuttle...

Ash watched and felt the hanger and its occupants better as they neared it and them. They were out of time.[/center]

[Crazy O]

Johana pulled out a pistol and checked it power levels after Ash's comment about it being a trap. "No shit Sherlock, of course we are going to be attack there. And don't concern yourself with collateral damage. Just keep the Sith busy while Angel hacks the system and Akari and I sweet talk Zero." Johana said as she slide her pistol into her hip holster and put on her helmet. She flipped up the visor and piloted the hanger bay.

The shuttle gently set down in the hangerbay and Johana stood up. She turned away from the window and looked at Angel. They gave each other a little node and Angel activated a personal cloaking device she was wearing around her hip. Johana then walked over to the door and open it. She stepped off the Dragoon followed by Akari. "Zero, we are here. We want to talk to you." Johana said with one hand rest on her blaster and the other on her hip. She put up a lot of mental barriers of emotions like worry, the thoughts of Michael Partus and his death, anything to she could which could divert Zero or his Sith Master of learning about Angel before she could bring down the ships weapons and defense to allow for backup to arrive.

Once Johana and Akari was off, Angel followed shortly behind them walking as quietly as possible while under the cloak. She also was wearing a Yslamari in a pack on her back in order to allow her to work without being ripped away from the terminal when she was detected. Angel made her way to the side of the room and over to a droid access terminal. She extended a port which she plugged into the system and started to attempt to hack the main computer. She was doing the hacking as covertly as possible to not to show their hand until it was ready to play. However she was ready to blow through the firewalls with a massive cyber-attack if her presence was detected on the system before she could complete her work.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Ash was the last one off the shuttle, as he had to wait for Angel to get out of proximity of him so that he could cloak his body as he had his mind. As soon as he was fully invisible, he fallowed Johana and Akira, standing near them. He would wait for the right moment to strike.

Akira had a limp as she walked, and kept an arm on Johana's shoulder just in case she tripped up. She hoped she wouldn't especially if there was something crucial at that moment. She couldn't hide the narrowing of her eyes as they first fell on Aku, or the tears that welt up as they saw Zero. She wanted to run to him but held herself back: she also would have trouble running.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to our fine ship, Ma'am's. Please, sit down and relax so we could talk. That is what you came her for, did you not?

A half dozen metal boxes flew over to the meeting place, settling behind Zero, Aku, Akira, Jay Roras, Miki, and Johana. Aku resumed talking after everyone was sitting.

Don't bother having a hand on your weapons. We are all civilized here. Now, The young one with the black hair: the one with the injuries. You are suppose to be dead, are you not, or are you just a droid in disguise?

[/color]

Aku spoke like a gentleman, and didn't act anything like a sith. One wouldn't know he was as they first met. Only one who could feel the force would know what Aku really was. Zero had his face neutral: Jay had a look of boredom: an excellent poker face. Miki looked as if she was about to cry.

I am the real Akira.

We will soon see. Have either of you questions to ask of us?[/b][/color][/center]

[Crazy O]

Johana removed her hand from her pistol. "But it is the best place to rest it in this armor. Especially in such fine company as yourself." Johana said as she sat down on the metal crate. Johana looked at the Sith and shrugged. "As I figure it to much to ask you just to tottle off, so what do you plan to do with use in your evil little Sith ways. Because you do realize I sorta left Miki back on the Destiny and I don't want her to miss any of this great bonding time we are no doubt about to experience." Johana said in a manor which could only be taken that she was taunting the Sith. She figured her best option for trying to get Zero to see the light was to get the Sith to attack them. Force him to pick sides not by his mind but by his heart. Meanwhile Angel had made it pass the first firewall and was on to the second. Only two more major firewalls blocking her from the main computer access.

[Sir Lord Ash]

Sorry, but I am going nowhere. My place is here, with my new apprentice. You are wise to hide your thoughts, but too much protection is a dead giveaway that there is more going on here that you just showing up for a talk. If I had to guess, and from what I know about the federation, you have a trap for me right now, and we are going to stumble into it. I was going to have this young man kill you two, but I suppose he will make due with that young, what was her name, Miki once I capture your ship. Captain Shina, your usefulness to us is at its end, unfortunately.

NO!!

Shina was the first to guess what was happening, after Zero did. Zero had his lightsaber hilt up and he was in front of Shina before Aku attacked, but it was a feint. Aku mind twisted himself into Zero's mind, twisting him as much as he could, while at the same time, grabbing his sith sword at his waist, and sent darkside energy flowing through it, doubling the length of the blade.

He slashed quickly, moving faster than a human eye could see clearly, but Ash was just as fast, turning his back to the blade so it hit the massive claymore on his back, then he uncloaked himself.

Miss me?

You! Zero, kill the wom!!!...

Ash force pushed Aku away before he could finish his sentence, then charged after him. Jay charged after them, speaking into a commlink on his left wrist.

Zero had his hands on his head as he tried to fight off the mind influence Aku had him under. He was loosing that battle, and his body was starting to fail listening to him. He had a activated, deep blue lightsaber in his right hand after he pulled it away from his head. His left hand held an unlit hilt, which was still on his head.

Get... away... from... ME!!!

He wasn't yelling at the rescue team, but rather what he thought he was seeing, which were many Aku's telling him to kill everyone around him.