บท 4: Chapter III: Two Disciples, One Master

(Quick Author's Note:)

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This plus the following Chapter is going to be very fun to write…that's all I'm saying about it…

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(Republic Venator-Class Star Destroyer Tranquility, Tyrius System, Savareen System)

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Kellian was aboard the Republic Venator Star Destroyer Tranquility.

Why was he even there? Aboard the Tranquillity? Well it wasn't just because Ahsoka was coming there, no he was here for a far more personal reason. Asajj Ventress was coming here, which was a matter of pride for him. Like him, Asajj had learned from Dooku. He wanted to see which of Dooku's Disciples was better, and while he had no doubts it was him, he wasn't content letting pride and arrogance tell him that, he wanted to be sure.

So he attached himself to the Tranquillity for this prisoner run. He was waiting by the cells as it were, his Holocron floating just above his hands. The thing wasn't complete by any stretch, but it was complete enough that he could begin storing data in it. He lacked the crystal to complete it which is why Kellian would eventually need to take a special trip to Kashyyk. He wasn't comfortable going back there, because that was where he first brushed against the Dark Side. An old friend had been given something that day, and that very thing would hopefully be a suitable substitute for a Kyber Crystal. Hypothetically, he could use a Kyber Memory Crystal for that, but only after Master Ropal's death. He'd take the Crystal as much for safekeeping as keeping it and the children on it out of the hands of Palpatine when the Purge happened.

It'd be better for the entire Galaxy if that list stayed in Jedi Hands, and since he planned on surviving anyway and with a large number of Jedi to boot, it made sense to take it with him instead of anyone else. Besides which. he also had the training to protect it from the likes of Cad Bane. It was a little appalling that the likes of Bolla Ropal would even be given the Crystal in the first place. The Rodian was a good enough person, but why the hell was he entrusted with something he couldn't even protect from a Bounty Hunter? Granted Bane was no ordinary Hunter, but even so, if you can't protect the Kyber Memory Crystal from a Bounty Hunter who isn't even Force-Sensitive what good are you as a protector of something so critical?

"General Ordo? General Luminara has arrived, she is bringing the Prisoner aboard now, Captain Argyus awaits you at the docking tube.'' One of the Senate Commandos says over comms.

''Copy that, I'm on my way.'' Kellian says as he pockets his Holocron and proceeds to leave the cells. Time to See how well he does this Mmisson….with Ahsoka…shit

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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)

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Finally, they'd be handing off Gunray to the group of Senate Commandos aboard the Tranquillity, and after that, it'd be a simple trip to Coruscant and then she could wash the stench of Neimoidian Moneygrubber off of her skin. Seriously the Viceroy of the Trade Federation gave off a significant level of persperiration and Ashoka felt it fall on her occasionally.

It wasn't pleasant.

But at least it wouldn't touch her after Gunray is firmly behind a ray-shielded cell. Not even a Lightsaber could penetrate one of those, and not for lack of trying on the parts of countless numbers of Jedi over the millennium. It was going to be a long trip back to Coruscant, but at least she wouldn't have to suffer Gunray's presence alone, the Clones and Master Unduli would suffer with her. If only Gunray would learn to shut up once in a while it would not be so bad, but then she can't have everything now, can she?

''This is an outrageous miscarriage of justice! I demand my litigator!'' Gunray cries as they enter the halls of the Tranquility.

''Keep moving!'' Commander Gree says, pushing Gunray forward.

A small contingent of Senate Commandos approach them, their captain has his helmet off as he moves to greet them.

''Greetings General, we have the brig all ready for this traitor.''

''Very good Captain, Commander Gree? Let's get under way'' Says Mater Luminara.

''Right away sir. LET'S MOVE!'' Gree says, scaring Gunray a little as he switches from polite and formal to demanding.

'Watching as the Clone Commander joins the Senate Commanders in escorting the worm to the brig, Ahsoka can't help but speak up to Master Unduli.

''Senate Commandos? How does a money-grubbing worm like Gunray rate all this security? He doesn't look that dangerous.'' Ahsoka asks.

''Don't let your overconfidence give Gunray another advantage Ahsoka. Even now, his allies may be conspiring against us.'' Luminara warns.

''You can bet on that Lumi.'' Says a voice, as both Master Unduli and Ahsoka turn to see Master Ordo and a small contingent of Clone Commandos walking towards them.

''Master Ordo, I was not aware you'd be joining us?'' Master Luminara says, and Ahsoka can sense her surprise is genuine.

''Last minute decision, but the possibility of Dooku sending one of his top agents was too tempting to ignore. Call me prideful, but I want to see how much his current students measure up to one of his old ones. Be interesting to see how vast the difference in quality of training is now that we're on opposing sides.'' Says Master Ordo as he throws her a data file.

''What's this? A data file?'' Asks Ahsoka.

''Consider it a small gift, it's not easy getting through Nebrays like our last mission. The fact you did what was needed on the first try spoke well enough of you that I'm comfortable giving you some details on what to use to sharpen your skills. It should help you deal with the extra chaos Anakin brings to the battlefield, and it should also help to put you ahead in any sort of competition that Skywalker starts, at least for a little while. He won't be expecting you to show what's in that data file.'' Master Ordo says, before turning to Master Luminara. ''Don't look so disappointed Lumi, I haven't forgotten about you. I'm available to spar if you should feel like it. Only in hand-to-hand though, I'm saving my lightsaber skills for Dooku's agent…and Dooku himself when the time comes.'' The look in Kellian's eyes and his previous comments on their last mission imply he had a different relationship with the Seppie leader than most know.

''Why do you speak like you know Dooku better than most?'' Ahsoka asks curiously.

''Because he does Ahsoka, Master Ordo was trained by Dooku extensively in Lightsaber Combat as a Youngling or when Master Windu was unavailable.'' Says Master Luminara.

''Yeah, Lumi here is a Form III specialist, Anakin specialises in Form V Djem So, and you are well on your way to mastering Form V Shien. But Dooku? He is the pinnacle of Form II Makashi mastery. I have trained in every Lightsaber Combat form, but Form II is the root of all my training and attacks. It's my default, my original and preferred style of Combat. But I also favour Form VI Niman, because it's the incorporation of the Force and Form I Shii-Cho, Form III Soresu, and Form V Shien and Djem So that works so well for when I use my Pike or a second Blade.'' Says Master Ordo.

''Master Ordo is also one of the Order's foremost experts in Force-enhanced Martial arts, he's the order's only master in Bakuuni Hand and Teräs Käsi.'' Says Master Luminara.

''Foremost expert she says.'' Master Ordo says with a bit of amusement and a small amount of indignation. ''You undersold it Lumi, I'm a Teräs Käsi and Bakuuni Hand Grandmaster, and one step shy of becoming one in the Echani Martial Arts. Ahsoka, if you ever wanna learn hand-to-hand combat, you come to see me and I'll help you out.'' Says Master Ordo before he winces and touches his forehead gingerly.

''Are you alright Kellian?'' Master Luminara asks him.

''I don't know, I just felt a small tremor in the Force, barely perceptible…but it was there, I think Dooku has put a plan into motion. We better put the entire ship on high alert, I think we're about to get some company.'' Master Ordo says nodding to one of the Clone Commandos next to him.

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(POV Shift: Count Dooku)

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Not for the first time, Count Dooku knelt before his Master, Darth Sidious. Sidious might only be there on the holo, but he was the apprentice, not the Master. He needed to show Sidious appropriate respect and deference, the consequences should his Sith Master feel slighted or disrespected would be severe.

''Gunray's capture could be a serious threat to us, my friend. The Viceroy will not last long under Jedi interrogation.'' Sidious said.

''I have already put a plan into action, my Lord. My best agent, Asajj Ventress will infiltrate the Jedi ship and either free Gunray….or silence him.'' Says Dooku, and he can feel the disapproval his Master feels.

''Ventress? You are putting a great deal of faith in an operative who has failed us in the past.'' Sidious says.

''She is a gifted assassin, you have my word. She will complete her mission to the letter.'' Dooku says, trying to assuage his Sith Master as much as not to make Ventress seem too threatening to his Master.

''Very well, you may proceed. However, you should be aware that Jedi Master Kellian Ordo has assigned himself to the Tranquility. He will pose a significant threat to your Assassin, for he has the training necessary to overcome her. She must not underestimate him, he is far superior to her.'' Sidious warns and, Dooku is grateful for the disconnecting of the connection.

Kellian Ordo…

It had been a long time since Dooku had seen him.

Quickly snuffing the emotion that Kellian's mentioning brought him, Dooku turns to his secret apprentice as she enters the Bridge of his flagship.

''Master?'' Ventress says.

''There is no margin for error this time child, you must prove yourself worthy of being my apprentice.'' Says Dooku.

''I am worthy.'' Dooku frowns at her arrogance but doesn't turn to face her. ''As you shall see.'' She finishes.

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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)

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It was strange seeing Luminara again, he called her Lumi, a nickname he gave her during the missions they ran together in the past. She didn't like it much, but she couldn't stop him. He mostly used it to embarrass her, but there was some affection there.

Nonetheless, Kellian didn't have feelings for Luminara, hell, he wasn't even sure he had feelings for Ahsoka. Not romantic feelings at any rate.

Kellian however wasn't going to stay idle, he would wait for Ventress, but he would do something productive. To that end, he began to practice his sequences in Form II in the privacy of his quarters when the Cruiser took a hit disrupting his practice but not his balance.

One of Dooku's lessons involved maintaining footwork and balance to leverage maximum manoeuvrability against an opponent of lesser skill or greater acrobatic ability.

''Status report?!'' Kellian calls into his wrist comm as the alarms begin to sound.

''We've got droid fighters and boarding ships. Droids have boarded and are causing havoc.'' Came the reply.

''Dank farrik, alright put me through to General Unduli immediately.'' Kellian orders.

''Kellian? Where are you?'' Asks Unduli.

''In my quarters, I was practising. Listen closely Lumi, I'm sensing the Dark Side aboard the Tranquility. I don't know precisely who it is, but my credits are on a Sith Assasin. I'm on my way, but I'll have to deal with our uninvited droid guests first. Do whatever you were planning on doing, I'll deal with the distraction committee.'' Kellian tells her.

''Are you certain?'' Luminara asks him.

''Yes, focus on the Assassin while I deal with the droids. This will go a lot faster if we divide and conquer.'' Kellian tells her.

''Alright, I understand, I'll deal with the Assassin.'' Luminara says.

''Leave Gree and someone you trust to guard that grub we're escorting, I'm headed to the droids now.'' Kellian tells her before signing off.

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Kellian rushed to deck three, where the largest amount of boarders were concentrated.

Running around the corner, Kellian activates his main lightsaber and draws his blaster in his off-hand. Firing shots at the B2's, Kellian uses Force Speed to quickly close the distance as the B2's turn to face him. Ducking under the B2's, Kellian cuts their legs out from under them before turning and cutting off their arms one by one in a cyclone of speed and lightsaber strikes.

Coming to a halt until only the B1's are left Kellian drops his Lightsaber and Blaster to his belt and holster respectively before raising both hands up and using the Force to lift the B1's, he begins to make the Force Grip motion, and the Droids begin to get crashed before Kellian slams his arms criss-cross and the droids smash into each other.

''Thank you, General Ordo, we're trained in riot control, not boarding maneuvers.'' One of the Senate Commando's tells him gratefully.

''Don't worry about it, Galaxy has a way of surprising you doesn't it?'' He tells the commando.

''That it does.'' The Commando agrees.

''Begin coordinating with the other troopers, try and box the droids into one area and create a kill zone. I better go and check on General Unduli.'' Kellian tells the Commando before rushing off.

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(POV Shift: Asajj Ventress)

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Asajj Ventress had snuck aboard the republic cruiser and having planted explosives was ready to rescue Gunray now. But she sensed a powerful presence aboard the Tranquility, a being whose power in the Force blazed like the twin Tatooine Suns.

Her master said nothing of one so powerful aboard this Ship, so either he knew nothing of it, he has deliberately withheld this knowledge and betrayed her, or he has withheld it to test her.

Given her recent failings either the second or third option seemed likely.

''I won't fail again!'' Asajj vowed. If the second option was true, then by succeeding and overcoming this mission and its obstacles she would prove herself worthy once more.

No more waiting, time to succeed or perish!

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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)

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Kellian wasn't sure whether or not Lumi would be able to get to Ventress before him.

Not that it mattered, as long as Ahsoka got first contact and he arrived afterwards he should be able to let events flow more or less normally. Kellian didn't wish to make too many big moves in the opening months of the war.

Infiltrating and then taking entire separatist ships and then putting them in secret storage might seem like a big deal, but if anything Kellian was just preparing for the rebellion. He had captured a little over a dozen capital ships so far and he'd paid a price for each one, be it in men or blood.

Kellian wanted as many ships as possible to hand deliver to the rebellion when the time came. Plus he had a good way to make them money as well. He'd pull a Vexx and rob them directly.

He hoped to beat Vexx's record too! Vexx robbed fifteen Imperial Military pay stations before a Bounty Hunter executed him on Nal Hutta. Kellian would do the same thing except he didn't plan on dying.

Speaking of dying, it was time to shrink his presence in the Force. He doesn't usually hide it, but not shrinking it meant that Ventress would sense him coming, and honestly, she has undoubtedly already sensed him aboard, so lowering his presence would ensure that she thinks a Jedi Knight or Padawan would be coming for her instead. He was looking forward to crossing sabers with Asajj Ventures even though he fully expects to be disappointed. Lumi said it best after all because compared to the master he and Ventress had trained under, Ventress was sloppy.

Going over his memories of the show and reviewing reports of engagements where Ventress was present, and then comparing them with his childhood teachings? Kellian was left with a bad taste in his mouth. On the one hand, you must remember that Asajj Ventress was sold to a Pirate by the Nightsisters, then raised as a Jedi and then for some time was the queen of the rattataki. So it was somewhat unfair to judge her too harshly.

But on the other hand, she had zero excuses that Kellian would accept. He like her had been trained by Dooku in Lightsaber Combat and it was the one thing he had zero tolerance for failure in. Additionally, he had met Ky Narec, and the man was a dutiful lightsaber instructor.

Ah, at any rate, he has a job to do and using Art of Small would help him in this task.

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As Kellian entered the detention bay, he watched as Asajj slipped past Luminara, Ahsok, the

Clones and Senate Commandos.

And Ahsoka is quickly saved by Lumi.

Kellian lets them do a monologue before he drops Art of the Small entirely.

''....seems our attacker has come for Gunray. Stay here and guard him. I'll -''

''You'll what Lumi? Confront her yourself? No, not happening. You, me, and Ahsoka are headed after the failed padawan.'' Says Kellian.

''Master Ordo? But when did -''

''What do you mean failed Padawan?'' Lumi says, cutting off Ahsoka.

''Asajj Ventress, Dathomirian Nightsister, sold to a pirate to protect her family, rescued by Jedi Master Ky Narec, trained by Ky until his murder. Fell to the Dark Side and killed the warlords who murdered Ky. She tattooed her head for each warlord she killed. Became ruler of a planet, but declared herself a Sith before being humbled by Dooku.'' Says Kellian pulling his Holocron out and watching as it displays some information he'd discovered and stored recently in his Holocron.

''Ventress was a Jedi?'' Ahsoka says in surprise.

''Wasn't officially recognized as one of us since Ky was stranded on Rattatak. But from what I was able to dig up, Ky trained her as his Padawan, and the pain of his death turned her. I knew Ky Narec, he was a friend of mine for two years before his disappearance. I wrote him off as dead in the outer rim, but when I reviewed the reports of your encounters with Ventress Ahsoka, I recognized some of the tactics as Ky's, so I investigated. During my recovery, I meditated extensively on Ky and the Force allowed me a glimpse of what had happened to him and his apprentice.'' Kellian explains and he wasn't even lying that much since most of it had happened and the only lie in there was about the tactics Ventress used since strictly speaking both he and Ky had learned those tactics from Dooku.

If there is one thing Kellian had learned early on, it was to hedge his bets and gambles. Mix lies with truth and spin that to his advantage. It worked more often than not because he backed what he said he did by actually doing it and with evidence to prove it.

The evidence he knew would validate him more than incriminate him.

But that is beside the point…

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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)

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Ahsoka watched as Master Kellian traded words with Master Unduli.

''I'm still not comfortable with putting a Padawan against a Sith Assassin.'' Unduli says.

''A Padawan who has already faced said assassin and come out victorious? Don't lie to me Lumi, you fear your lack of synchronization with Ahsoka will affect the battle's outcome. And in any event, I can vouch for her skills. She's good with the Force and better with her Lightsaber.'' Says Master Kellian.

''I'm sorry Kellian, but as the senior Jedi Master present, it is my decision. And in any event, I am more than enough for a lone assassin with undisciplined fighting skills.'' Master Luminara refutes. ''I'm going after the assassin, you're free to join me, else wise I'm going after her alone.'' Master Unduli adds, but Master Kellian doesn't visibly react, and Master Unduli seems to take that for an answer because she nods her head and departs.

''Ahsoka? If you feel like you can help you've my permission to go after her.'' Master Kellian says and Ahsoka feels her hopes rising. ''Or should I say, go after me? As the now-ranking Jedi master, I find myself worried about Lumi. Commander Gree? You have the command, Captain Argyus? Keep a watch for any more infiltrators. Come Ahsoka.'' Master Ordo says.

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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)

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Kellian and Ahsoka were trailing after Lumi and Ventress. Keyword being trailing.

''Why aren't we rushing to catch up with Ventress and Master Luminara?'' Ahsoka asks him.

''Lumi wasn't always like she is now. I remember our first series of missions together quite well. It culminated in the deaths of her former Master and newest Padawan. Ever Since Lumi has been rigid, I call her Lumi to remind her that I haven't forgotten who she used to be. But ever since she's been rigid and tries to synchronise perfectly with her partners and her Padawans.'' Says Kellian.

''That doesn't answer my question, Master Ordo.'' Ahsoka says.

''Ahsoka, when we're alone, call me Kellian. But to answer your question, if we're going to truly help Lumi, she needs to be humbled first. The belief she can handle Ventress on her own is her pride talking. If we're to offer her any meaningful help, we must prove to her we can truly be of any help, but only after Lumi's vulnerable.'' Kellian explains to her.

''I guess that makes sense, but are you sure that's wise? What if Master Unduli gets hurt?'' Ahsoka asks him.

''Lumi's tougher than she looks.'' Kellian says before they begin to hear the sounds of battle.

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Watching Ahsoka leap in and save Lumi was nostalgic, but he quickly lept in and engaged Ventress himself.

''So disappointing! Sloppy, amateurish, pitiful! I expected better from Ky Narec's padawan! Not to mention Dooku's shadow hand!'' Kellian says as he quickly outperforms Ventress in Makashi and lands several devastating but light cuts to various parts of her body.

''You know nothing of who I am! What I've done!'' Ventress screams.

''Maybe not, but I knew both Ky Narec and Dooku when they were Jedi. Ky was my friend, and Dooku was my mentor! That would make us sibling students, but your skill in Lightsaber Combat is so pisspoor I would be better served to seek out Obi-Wan for a challenge. He at least has a proper concept of footwork!'' Kellian bites back, as he blinks his blade off and drops his saber from his hands to execute an unarmed takedown.

If one were to describe it, it was a flying armbar, though the crucial difference was that his back never hit the ground, instead using Force speed for momentum or broke Ventress's arm with a head-scissor-like maneuver using the force of his body weight weighing down on Ventress Arm with the speed of which he's moving and the power of the Force to execute the manoeuvre. As Kellian begins to descend he rolls and tries to ignore the way his Beskar grates against itself as he tucks his body in to roll smoothly. Beskar wasn't designed with flexibility in mind after all.

But Kellian manages to pick up his lightsaber as he rolls, and Ahsoka and Lumi both rush in and pick up where he left off. Kellian is smirking underneath his helmet as Asajj Ventress battles them with only one Lightsaber, but just as Kellian rushes in to join the battle, Ventress flees.

''We must find her! She can't be allowed to free Gunray.'' Lumi says urgently as they begin searching for her.

''Kellian? Ahsoka? I'm sorry, this assassin, I've never faced any like her. I should have listened to you Kellian, but more than that I should have trusted you Ahsoka to be able to help me.'' Says Luminara.

''General Unduli, General Ordo! We've been betrayed Argyus has freed Gunray!'' Gree came in over the comm.

''I've been a fool!'' Lumi says, but Kellian is already moving to intercept.

Kellian however quickly dodges the debris that Ventress sends after him and the two women, and grunts in annoyance before turning back to engage Asajj. When Asajj's comm beeps again, some forty seconds after Kellian, Ahsoka, and Luminara began combat with her again, Kellian watches as Ahsoka pursues her, but is thrown by a stealthily dropped detonite charge. Kellian quickly tackles her and lands hard on his back as he catches her in his arms.

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Kellian, Ahsoka, and Luminara were on the bridge talking to Anakin and Master Yoda via holo-communicator.

''I'm sorry that despicable wealth worm Gunray got away!'' Ahsoka says tensely.

''It's okay snips, I know you did your best.'' Anakin consoles her.

''Master, I-''

''Troubling is the treachery of the Senate Guard, Captain Argyus. Revealed all around us, enemies are.'' Yoda interrupts.

''I'm not sure all is lost, Gunray and his accomplices stole a republic ship to make their getaway.'' Says Lumi.

''It could be tracked!'' Anakin realises.

''Indeed.'' Luminara replies.

''A coward Viceroy Gunray is, but powerful allies he has. Swiftly we must move, if we are to recapture him.'' Yoda notes.

''Master Fisto's fleet was near Gunray's position. Kellian has already contacted him to follow the signal.'' Says Lumi.

''Ahsoka! I'll meet you at the rendezvous point.'' Anakin says.

''Yes, Master.'' Ahsoka says as the two Jedi on the Holo disconnect. ''Master Luminara, Master Ordo, I guess this is goodbye for now.'' Says Ahsoka.

''I owe you my life Ahsoka.'' Lumi notes.

''Protecting a Jedi Master is the role of a Padawan.'' Says Ahsoka.

''And teaching is usually the role of the master, Master Skywalker should be proud. Farewell.'' Lumi says.

''Thank you, master.'' Ahsoka replies as she and Kellian leave the bridge.

''Ahsoka, seek me out next time you are on Coruscant, I think it's time to expand your arsenal a little bit.'' Kellian tells her before turning down an opposing corridor.

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Thanks to Cody, Lewis Wilson, Luci alarra, Kunta, Jacob Hixson, and Mitchell Howard for their support on P-atreon.

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