Star Wars: Malignant Metamorphosis

Malignant Metamorphosis

By

Forcechild

SMASHWORDS EDITION

* * * * *

PUBLISHED BY:

Star Wars Fanbase Publications on Smashwords

Malignant Metamorphosis

Copyright 2013 by Forcechild

*****

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

*****

First and foremost I would like to dedicate this novel, as well as express my sincere gratitude, to Mr. George Lucas for his vision. Star Wars opened the door to a completely new universe for me, as well as billions of others. Mr. Lucas, you have my deepest respect and admiration. Thank you for taking me on that incredible journey to that galaxy far, far away.

I would also like to dedicate this novel, as well as express my deepest appreciation, to Mr. Hayden Christensen. His brilliant performances in both Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith is what inspired this story. He projected an exceptional depth of understanding of the emotional pain that Anakin Skywalker suffered during his transformation into Darth Vader. It made me empathize with the character. Without Hayden’s incredible portrayal I would’ve never put pen to paper. He made me aware of a hidden talent I never knew existed. I’ll always be grateful to him and will remain a devoted fan.

I’d like to thank all the other actors who performed exceptionally in the film, especially Ewan McGregor who portrayed Sir Alec Guinness’ role to perfection. In my opinion no one else could have honored him more.

I’d also like to thank everyone else who encouraged me and had faith in me, especially my family, Judi and Leslie. (NMRK) Your love and friendship will always be appreciated.

Forcechild

Author’s Note

There is no way I can possibly achieve the brilliance of George Lucas, but I’ve tried to stay as close to his ideals in my attempt to continue his extraordinary epic. I’ve included original content from the movies, especially in the first few chapters. It is essential to introduce Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader to those who aren’t familiar with Star Wars by explaining who Anakin was and why he turned to the Dark Side of the Force. It is extremely important that readers understand Darth Vader’s significance to the saga.

I was told that I caused some confusion when I skipped back and forth in time, especially in the beginning of my story. For that reason, I’ve extended the accepted lore and created a time line to follow. I hope it doesn’t add to the confusion, but is instead helpful in following the tale. I’ve included a reference guide for new readers to Star Wars as an aid, which will enable them to understand the language of the saga. For those of you who are loyal fans, it will refresh your memory as to the main characters, as well as introduce you to new characters I’ve created.

I consider my novel to be more an alternate universe, not an addition to the extended universe already published. I hope all who read Malignant Metamorphosis will enjoy it. May the Force be with you all.

Forcechild

For information on this novel Contact

Phil Lee at International Talent Management

Phil@ITMTalent.com Off 602-861-0001

ITM represents Writer Forcechild

- Sources -

The Movies:

Episode I - The Phantom Menace / Lucasfilm Ltd.

Episode II - Attack of the Clones / Lucasfilms Ltd.

Episode III - Revenge of the Sith / Lucasfilms. Ltd.

Episode IV - A New Hope / Lucasfilms Ltd.

Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back / Lucasfilms Ltd.

Episode VI - Return of the Jedi / Lucasfilm Ltd.

The Star Wars Trilogy:

A New Hope by George Lucas

Copyright 1976, 1995 by Lucasfilm Ltd.

A Del Rey Book

Originally published by Ballantine Books in 1976

The Empire Strikes Back by Donald F. Glut

Copyright 1980, 1995 by Lucasfilm Ltd.

A Del-Rey Book

Originally Published by Ballantine Books in 1980

The Return of the Jedi by James Kahn

Copyright 1983, 1995 by Lucasfilm Ltd.

Originally Published by Ballantine Books in 1983

Star Wars - The New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels

Copyright 2003 by Lucasfilm Ltd.

Text by W. Haden Blackman

Illustrations by Ian Fullwood

A Del Rey Book

Star Wars - The New Essential Chronology

Copyright 2005 by Lucasfilm Ltd.

Text by Daniel Wallace (with Kevin J. Anderson) Illustrations by Mark Chiarello, Tommy Lee Edwards, John Van Fleet

A Dell Rey Book

Star Wars - The Complete Visual Dictionary

Copyright 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005 by Lucasfilm Ltd.

Text by David West Reynolds, James Luceno, updates by Ryder Windham

Published by DK Books

-i-

Time Line and Reference Guide

ABE: After the battle of Endor.

BBE: Before the battle of Endor.

Example: 01/02/03-ABE (1 year, 2 months, 3 days)

Since Coruscant is located at the core of the galaxy, it’s used as a standard measure of time. This is an established fact of the lore.

I created the following time line:

Coruscant’s orbit around their sun equals 600 days/year, 10 months/year, 60 days/month, 4 weeks/month, 15 days/week. It takes approximately 14 hours for the planet to complete a full rotation. This equals a little more than twenty four hours earth time.

Terms of the saga:

Chosen One: Anakin Skywalker. He was a very powerful being created by the midi-chlorians. (microscopic organisms that live within all life and give the Jedi the ability to use the Force) The Chosen One was prophesied in Jedi legend to destroy the Sith and restore balance to the Force.

Clones/Clone Wars: Millions of cloned soldiers created by the Kaminoans. (a race that supplied clones for payment) They were supposedly ordered by the Jedi for the purpose of fighting the enemies of the Republic. Yoda brought these cloned soldiers to Geonosis to fight the Droid Army when Obi-Wan Kenobi was captured. Their continuing battle was later termed the Clone Wars. Having these clones created was a part of the Emperor’s devious plot to later kill all the Jedi and overthrow the galaxy. These cloned soldiers were later called Stormtroopers.

Dark Side: The evil side of the Force.

Death Star: An enormous battlestation the size of a standard moon. Conceived by Grand Moff Tarkin, the Death Star was ordered constructed by Palpatine. The battlestation is powerful enough to destroy an entire planet.

Droid Army: Army of robots secretly constructed by the insectoid foundry on Geonosis. The robotic army was used by Palpatine in his quest to rule the galaxy.

Empire: An evil dictatorship controlled by Emperor Palpatine/aka Darth Sidious. Palpatine is the sadistic Sith Lord who ruled the galaxy by using the power of the Dark Side of the Force.

-ii-

(the) Force: The universal power that is used by both the Jedi and the Sith. They use the Force in order to combat foes and gain insight. Powers used through the Force include ESP, telepathy, telekinesis, etc. - anything to do with extra ordinary powers.

Force Lightning: The electrical energy that issues from the hands of the Sith that can cause death. Only those who turn to the Dark Side of the Force (the Sith) have this ability.

Jedi Order/Council: A group of warriors who use the Force in order to combat evil.

Lightsaber: A lighted sword. It’s empowered by jewels imbedded in a circular disk in the handle. The Jedi built their own weapons as a part of the Trials. (advancement in the Jedi Order) I took the liberty of describing the purpose of the Jedi’s use of the lightsaber. I stated that the more honorable the purpose, the brighter a lightsaber glows, enabling the weapon to exert more power.

Master: A teacher. There were tests a student had to pass in order to achieve this status. First you served as a padawan learner. After years of training and testing, padawans achieved the status of Knight. If you passed all the Trials and matured enough to use the Force wisely, you were then granted the title of Master.

Netherworld: Where all good souls go after death. (heaven)

New Republic: The government who took over after the Empire fell.

Outer Rim: The furthermost planets from the center of the galaxy.

Padawan: A student or apprentice.

Rebel Alliance: (the Resistance) Those who banded together and fought the Empire in order to gain independence.

Republic: (or Old Republic) The democratic government that ruled before Palpatine took control of the galaxy.

Separatists: Those who withdrew from and organized against the Republic.

Sith: The complete opposite of the Jedi who use the Dark Side of the Force.

Trade Federation: Led by Viceroy Nute Gunray it was comprised of industrialists, etc. within the galaxy who joined the Separatists.

(the) Trials: Tests the Jedi had to go through to advance in rank.

Youngling: A child, or teen.

-iii-

Established characters of the lore:

Padme Amidala: Anakin Skywalker’s wife. She served two terms as Queen of Naboo when she was fourteen years old. She met Anakin on Tatooine when her ship was forced to land there after being damaged while escaping the Separatists’ blockade of Naboo. After serving as queen, Padme became a senator representing her home planet. (Naboo)

(the) Antilles: (Raymus and Wedge) Raymus was the Captain on Bail Organa’s starship, the Tantive IV. Wedge (Raymus’ son) fought in the Rebellion against the Empire along with Luke, Han, and Leia.

Artoo Detoo: An astro-droid or astromech. They were robots who co-piloted X-Wings and other small crafts. They had numerous tasks such as piloting, plotting courses, repairing damage, etc.

Lando Calrissian: Smuggler, gambler and scoundrel. Han Solo’s friend. Administrator from Cloud City. Han won the Millennium Falcon (Han’s starship) from Calrissian in a game of chance. Lando later joined the Resistance and fought against the Empire. (Has rank of Admiral in my story.)

Chewbacca: A wookiee from Kashyyyk. (pronounced Ka-sheek) A ferocious looking creature covered entirely in fur. wookiees had violent tempers, but were extremely loyal to their friends. Chewie was Han’s co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon.

Count Dooku: (aka: Lord Tyranus) Darth Sidious’ apprentice who first appeared in Attack of the Clones. Dooku was Sith Lord who was once a Jedi Knight trained by Yoda. He was Qui-Gon’s Master before being turned to the Dark Side by Darth Sidious.

Emperor: (aka: Palpatine, The Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious) One of the main characters in Star Wars. He went under the guise of different identities. Darth Sidious was the evil influence behind everything that transpired in the saga. He was extremely cunning and powerful.

Obi-Wan Kenobi: (aka: Ben Kenobi) Jedi Knight. Anakin’s Master, later becoming Darth Vader’s enemy after Palpatine turned Anakin to the Dark Side. He watched over Luke while he was growing up on Tatooine and was responsible for Luke’s emergence into the Force.

Bail Organa: A senator from Alderaan. He was present at Luke and Leia’s birth. Adopted Leia and hid her from Emperor Palpatine, as well as Darth Vader. (Luke was taken to Tatooine to be raised by his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru.) Bail organized the resistance without Palpatine’s knowledge. He was killed on Alderaan when the Death Star destroyed the planet.

-iv-

Leia Organa: Princess of Alderaan. She served as an ambassador, but was secretly a member of the resistance. Anakin/Vader’s daughter. Luke’s twin sister.

Owen and Beru Lars: Luke’s aunt and uncle. They lived on Tatooine and raised Luke there.

Poggle the Lesser: Insectoid leader of Geonosis where the Clone War started. He manufactured the Droid Army for Darth Sidious.

Qui-Gon Jinn: A Jedi Knight. He was Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Master. (teacher) He found Anakin on Tatooine and sensed that the boy was the Chosen One. He took Anakin to Coruscant to be trained as a Jedi.

Han Solo: A smuggler hired by Obi-Wan to take him to Alderaan after Leia sent Artoo Detoo to Tatooine. Fought by Luke’s side during the Rebellion. He became a hero of the saga.

Anakin Skywalker: (aka: The Chosen One/Darth Vader) A Jedi Knight who was turned to the Dark Side by Palpatine.

Luke Skywalker: Anakin/Vader and Padme Amidala’s son. (He was introduced in the original movie.)

See Threepio: Protocol droid built by Anakin for his mother when he was a child. He was Artoo’s companion throughout the saga.

Darth Vader: (aka: Anakin Skywalker) Luke Skywalker’s father. Villain of the saga. Darth Vader became one of the most popular characters of the Star Wars saga.

Mace Windu: One of the senior members on the Jedi Council.

Yoda: A central character of Star Wars. A Master Jedi Knight. He was a senior member of the Jedi Council. This small, green creature was known to be one of the wisest of all the Jedi. He trained Luke in the Jedi Arts after Obi-Wan Kenobi died.

-v-

New characters I’ve created:

Steffen Antilles: Wedge Antilles son. He is Ben Solo’s classmate at the Galactic Space Academy. They become very close friends.

Alec Brant: Ben’s captain on the Solaris, the Rebel Star cruiser Ben is assigned to after he graduates from flight school.

Ceris: Poggle the Lesser’s son. Palpatine appoints him the new ruler of Geonosis after the death of his father Poggle.

Lucian Gris: Second Lieutenant on an Imperial Star Destroyer. His appearance is important to the story and is presented during different time lines.

* Benjamin Bail Solo: One of the major characters in my story. Son of Han and Leia. Luke Skywalker’s nephew. Named after Ben Kenobi (Obi-Wan) and Bail Organa.

* Padmay Hanna Solo: Another major character in my story. Daughter of Han and Leia. Luke Skywalker’s niece. Named after her grandmother Padme and Han Solo. (I changed the spelling so this character wouldn’t be confused with Padme Amidala.)

** Though the lore already has children born to Han and Leia in other books I took the liberty of creating different offspring which makes my novel more an altered universe, not an extended one. I did this because I feel Leia would name her children after those who were very important and meant a great deal to her. Thus, I gave them the names of Ben and Padmay.

** There is another major character that I can’t reveal at this time. He’s the villain of my story, and his creation is essential to my tale.

*

Copyright Disclaimer

Everything Star Wars and the known characters within belong solely to George Lucas with the exception of my new characters and plot.

Malignant Metamorphosis

Part One

Prologue

- Endor -

~ 00/00/00+10 ABE: Ten minutes after the battle over Endor when Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader died on board the Death Star. ~

The massive explosion lit up the heavens over Endor as the Emperor’s second Death Star detonated into a million fragments of molten metal before vaporizing into space. What started out as an ambush by the Imperial Fleet ended up being an all-out assault by the Rebel Alliance once the Death Star was destroyed. Hundreds of assorted ships banded together targeting their weaponry on the Empire’s Great Armada. Chaos erupted at the death of their monarch causing his mighty fleet to retreat.

Second Lieutenant Lucian Gris remained at his post as his Imperial Star Destroyer came under attack. This being the first major battle he’d taken part in, terror was churning up his innards like sulfuric acid, but Gris dared not show this weakness to his superiors as he carried out his orders.

The ship’s deflector shields were down, enabling the craft to initiate the new cloaking system that was installed some months back. Gris’ captain had just given the order to start the procedure. In the hurried process to activate the device, a Rebel Star cruiser went unnoticed as the vessel’s sensors detected its swift approach. The small cruiser fired on the huge battleship without cessation. They saturated the destroyer’s unprotected bridge with an unrelenting barrage from their turbolaser batteries. Their accurate blasts finally penetrated the vessel’s armor-plated hull hitting command central. The violent explosion propelled the burning bodies of his superiors soaring in all directions. Bloodied body parts splattered Gris in his face. The man shrieked in uncontrolled fear and joined other crewmen in a frenzied flight from the control room.

Gris narrowly escaped the fireball that enveloped the bridge as he fled in terror to the main turbolifts. The inexperienced officer let panic control him as he tried in vain to open the jarred doors, but they were thrown out of line by the continuous explosions that rocked the ship. The inferno was abruptly extinguished as the vacuum created by the shattering of the viewport sucked both atmosphere and crewmen out of the breached gap. The blast doors automatically slammed shut, and life support was instantly reestablished. Gris greedily sucked the sustenance into his deprived lungs as it flooded back onto the bridge.

Confusion intensified as the rebels continued to attack the armada relentlessly. Though outnumbered, the resistance fighters decimated the Imperial Fleet through the sheer fierceness of their defiant assault. As the battle raged on, the Star Destroyers scattered in every direction.

Lucian Gris finally regained his composure and scanned the destruction on the bridge. He noticed his captain lying under a pile of debris near the helm. The young officer ran over and pulled his superior from the wreckage. His captain was still alive, but appeared to be in critical condition. The man was badly burned and blood was gushing from an open wound in his forehead. Gris was consumed by fear, but refused to let his subordinates see this. He stood erect, showing false bravado, and shouted out to two crewmen, You there. Take the captain to the infirmary. Now! The men quickly scurried over and did as commanded.

While crewmen scoured through the wreckage for more survivors, the Second Lieutenant realized that he was the only officer to remain unharmed on the heavily, damaged bridge. His underlings looked to him for orders as the vessel continued to take on heavy fire. The young man understood that this was a rare opportunity for advancement and quickly took advantage of the situation. He puffed out his chest in exaggerated authority and gave the order to initiate the cloaking system.

Emperor Palpatine had discovered a different power source for cloaking shields. A few prototypes had been randomly installed on eight of the fleet’s newest destroyers. Lucian was eternally grateful that he served on one of the vessels that incorporated this experimental device. Though often used on most crafts, cloaking devices never held enough power to conceal such large vessels before. They required stygium crystals for power. These rare crystals were only mined on Aeten II in the Outer Rim and the supply was depleted long ago. The cloaking device proved its worth in this day’s battle. Gris’ ship wasn’t fired on again as the Imperial Star Destroyer disappeared among the stars.

Lucian knew the only way he’d survive this day was to run from the enemy. He decided to head to the gigantic asteroid field that orbited beyond the Outer Rim. It was uncharted territory and only a few had dared venture into it. Surely no rebel ships would follow. The young man planned to hide among the orbiting debris.

Gris told the helmsman to plot the course and gave the order to activate the hyperdrive. The Imperial Star Destroyer sped to the relative safety of the asteroid field and carefully made their way to the interior. The destroyer remained hidden there for days. The young officer tried to contact his superiors numerous times, but it seemed all communications had been severed. Lucian Gris never received further orders.

Chapter One

- Geonosis -

Far from Endor, eons before this major battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance took place, life forms of a different kind struggled for survival in another system. Geonosis was a heavenly body ringed by billions of asteroids of varied shapes and sizes. Scattered among the lumbering satellites were smaller bits of frozen ice, rocks, and dust that gravity held together in an orbit around the sphere that bordered the edge of the galaxy.

This planet was once completely submerged under water and quaked with volcanic activity. Magma erupted from the core creating gigantic mountain ranges that slowly rose from its depths to the surface. Billions of volcanic vents covered the seabed allowing life giving matter to spew violently from them. Microscopic organisms formed and clung to the growing towers as they fed on the precious elements that billowed into the sea. These organisms slowly evolved and moved from the seas to enormous marshes that bordered them. Jungles rose from the bogs as the organisms evolved and eventually inhabited the entire surface.

Sea levels slowly diminished through the ages leaving nothing but vast expanses of arid, flat, rocky terrain that stretched out over most of the sphere. Other portions contained mountainous peaks that jutted sharply into the heavens. Geonosis seemed a desolate planet devoid of all life forms, but upon closer inspection, one would see caverns gouged into the craggy ridges. If these caverns were explored, it would be acknowledged that the orb was indeed inhabited. It was populated by several different species of air-breathing arthropods.

Centuries elapsed as the survivors of the insect’s warring evolution merged into one intelligent species. Their mingling through the years produced insectoids that were dark green, while others were colored a reddish brown. They bore a resemblance to termites, though they stood approximately four feet in height, almost as tall as human beings who now populated systems throughout the galaxy. Some insectoids were wingless, and as such were classified low class among their kind. Their winged brothers soared among the clouds as these flightless creatures labored for the upper class.

As the new species spread throughout the planet their predecessors disappeared through extinction. The survivor’s knowledge advanced at an incredible rate. The abundance of the planet’s precious ores were detected and mined by the insectoid race. They used the metals to produce their foundries. Building their extensive city underground, the inhabitants were able to keep their existence hidden from the prying eyes of the galaxy.

Years passed before Geonosis’ resources were discovered by other systems. Many grew wealthy because of the commerce now shared between the planets. Their leaders profited greatly from this alliance. The winged insectoids amassed a vast fortune and became very powerful as they ruled over their small domain. The excess of rich, vital ores Geonosis provided ranked it as one of the Trade Federation’s most valuable members.

*

Poggle the Lesser was the current monarch of Geonosis. His underground foundry had been employed to manufacture an army of droid soldiers for Count Dooku. The Count, also known as Lord Tyranus, was once a Jedi Knight. The Jedi were warriors endowed with what was known as the Force. The Force was a universal power that granted them supernatural abilities. This gift allowed the Jedi to use their powers to police and protect the galaxy from evil. Dooku had become disillusioned by corruption in the Galactic Senate and believed that the Jedi had been corrupted as well. He left the Order and fell under the influence of Darth Sidious. Darth Sidious was a Dark Lord of the Sith. The Sith, like the Jedi, had knowledge of the Force and used their abilities to fulfill their greedy desires. The Jedi were Darth Sidious’ hated enemy. He easily persuaded Dooku to join him in his endless quest to eliminate them.

The creation of the robotic army Poggle the Lesser manufactured was just one of the many steps taken in the plan developed by the Sith Lord in his unquenchable desire to rule the entire galaxy. Darth Sidious used whatever means possible for this endeavor. Part of his plot involved luring the Jedi into a number of traps that he hoped would eventually lead to their downfall.

When Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi Knight, was captured and held prisoner on Geonosis, the Jedi went to rescue him. They were attacked by the Droid Army led by Count Dooku. Yoda, who was a senior member on the Jedi Council, brought a cloned army to the planet and a battle broke out. Due to the clones, the battle turned in the Jedi’s favor. Because of this, Poggle ordered his warriors to hide in the catacombs. There was no need for his followers to die in this day’s battle. This confrontation was the first conflict in what later became known as the Clone Wars.

*

Years passed while the insectoid warriors hibernated inside the dark catacombs. When Poggle’s son Ceris was finally awakened from his slumber, he learned that Darth Sidious’ plot was already well in progress. The Sith Lord had hidden his true identity from everyone, including all his followers. Darth Sidious was known among the Republic as Senator Palpatine, the Ambassador from Naboo. He’d won over the hearts and minds of the population on Coruscant. The man was highly regarded throughout the galaxy, and was a well-respected member of the senate.

The Sith Lord had secretly instructed Viceroy Nute Gunray to use the Droid Army to invade the peaceful planet of Naboo. Gunray was the leader of the Trade Federation, and a member of the Separatist Movement. The Separatists were an ambitious group of beings in the system that withdrew from the Republic because their ever increasing demands were repeatedly rejected by the legislature. Darth Sidious used this invasion as a means to oust the current Supreme Chancellor, using his control over the senate to be elected to this extremely important position.

Ceris had learned that Darth Sidious’ apprentice, Count Dooku, was killed by a Jedi Knight. This was part of the plot conceived by Darth Sidious to turn the young warrior to the Dark Side of the Force. The Sith Lord had foreseen that this powerful Jedi, who now fought against the Sith, could some day take Dooku’s place by Darth Sidious’ side. He’d been right. Due to the Sith Lord’s manipulation, the young man soon pledged his alliance to him.

The Separatist leaders played a major role in Darth Sidious’ plot to seize control of the Republic. For this reason, he ordered General Grievous, the new Commander of the Droid Army, to send the Separatist leaders to the volcanic planet of Mustafar in order to hide them from the Jedi. He sent Poggle the Lesser along with the group. The Sith Lord couldn’t take the chance that he’d be captured. The insectoid had knowledge that must not be revealed under interrogation.

Darth Sidious told Ceris that, while under his protection, the Separatists had turned on Poggle and murdered him in order to gain control over Geonosis and its valuable resources. One of the most valuable ores mined on the planet contained the element vanadium which was fundamental in the construction of all space vehicles. When blended with durasteel it increased the tensile strength of spacecrafts enabling them to withstand the tremendous pressures exerted on a ship when entering hyperspace. Without vanadium, space travel would be seriously compromised. Hence, it was a sought after and brought fortune beyond belief to those who controlled this most valuable resource.

The Sith Lord also told Ceris that he’d been enraged by the Separatist’s treachery. He’d sent his new apprentice to the planet to retaliate for Poggle’s death. Lord Vader had exterminated all the assassins. After executing his orders, Darth Vader engaged in combat with his former Jedi Master. He didn’t come out the victor. The young man was seriously wounded during their battle. He’d been burned beyond recognition and his lungs were severely damaged. This injury caused him to be placed in a life sustaining suit. The black, armored suit only enhanced his menacing demeanor. In seeking vengeance against the Jedi, Darth Vader ultimately proved to be invaluable to Darth Sidious in his quest to dominate humanity.

The Dark Lord had acquired an inordinate amount of authority while he presided over the Republic as its predominate official. Under his pseudonym, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine used his substantial influence to turn the minds of the population against the Jedi Order. He accused the Jedi Council of attempting a coup against the senate and trying to assassinate him. Sidious used this apparent Rebellion as an excuse to order the extermination of all the Jedi. They’d been tagged traitors to the Republic and had a high price on their heads. Sidious then appeared before the senate and appointed himself Emperor of a new Galactic Empire. No one dared to openly oppose him.

Emperor Palpatine had since sent Ceris a special package. Instructions accompanied it which was to be carried out in stages. Everything was to be opened upon his authorization alone and the orders followed without deviation. He also informed Ceris that the contents were highly classified and must be kept from all eyes but his, friend and foe alike.

Ceris was completely astonished by being honored with such an important assignment. Ceris would do anything the Sith Lord asked of him. The insectoid was now secured as ruler of Geonosis and owed his Master a great debt. Darth Sidious had also sought revenge for his father’s murder. It was an honor and obligation the creature would never forget.

Ceris was well aware that this exceedingly important parcel, as well as the mysterious orders within, needed to be kept in a secure place until his Master called for it. The insectoid vowed that he’d protect the package with his very life, keeping the contents safely concealed from the Sith Lord’s adversaries. Holding the package protectively in his arms, he returned to the catacombs and entered into hibernation while awaiting the Emperor’s summons to proceed.

The new Emperor was confident that this extremely important task would be carried out with the utmost secrecy. He was well aware that