Following clearance to enter the recently lost Kobridor System, Jedi Master Kala Mly Shundi prepares to land on the war torn planet.
Once landing, Kala is met by two battle droids. “This way Jedi,” one says in a cold mechanical voice.
The Jedi Master is then promptly escorted to meet with the Dark Lord.
"Ah, Master Shundi. It has been far too long. It is my pleasure to have you as my guest," Count Dooku says with a dark smile.
"I am not here as your guest, Count," Kala replies. "Nor as your enemy. I wish to find the Republic officer who was captured on this planet prior to our evacuation. I believe this planet may hold a clue to his whereabouts."
"The warehouse the Badoo Corba held may hold clues to where they have taken Rykrof. I did not have time to investigate the location before your forces returned," Shundi says. "I do not have time to argue …allow my investigation or I will leave."
"I sense you are here for more than knowledge of your friend’s whereabouts. Regardless, the area you seek was destroyed," Dooku says with a frown. "You will find nothing there. But there are other ways to find the one you seek..."
"Other ways?" Shundi asks.
"Gain a greater knowledge of the Force and you will see things the Jedi Council has kept from you …ways to save your friend,” Dooku says seductively as he motions towards former Jedi Master Quinlan Vos and the misguided Asajj Ventress.
“Knowledge only I can teach…”
Meanwhile in a dark chamber in the Yinchorr system, Rykrof Enloe struggles to survive through the horrors of a Badoo Corba prison cell.
“Your Republic is weak,” Zeedo Chissis growls. “Fuuda’s demands will be met or your blood will be on your chancellor’s hands!”
“Yes,” a Nikto guard laughs as he looks up to see a figure enter the chamber. “Yes, you will die soon, Republic fool.”
“Do not damage the prisoner beyond recognition,” Judiss says as he approaches the group. “Mubaas has scheduled a final warning to the Republic. We need to show them proof he is alive.”
“What does it matter?” Zeedo argues with a snarl. “They have ignored the demands for weeks. Let us finish him now.”
“You have your orders,” Judiss says firmly. “Now, leave us.”
Once alone, Judiss looks down upon the broken prisoner. To his surprise, the captured officer stares him defiantly in the eye.
"They'll never give into your demands," Rykrof says sharply. “Give it up. You’ve lost.”
“You speak bravely for one that is about to die. A false sense of confidence,” Judiss says.
“My life doesn’t matter. I know my family is alive, and the Republic won’t give in to your leader,” Rykrof says. “Maybe someday you’ll realize what they stand for and the mistakes you’ve made.”
“The only mistake I made was in believing the lies of the Republic!” Judiss roars. “Your army did not defend Lippros and failed to come to the aid of millions during the Nebron Famine, even after the promises of the Senate! How can I support a government that fails to protect its people?”
“All governments face challenges,” Rykrof says. “During troubled times we work together; not turn our backs on our troops or the people. It takes hard work, especially during war. People are naturally divided. But the choices we make during these times define who we are.”
Speechless, the Aqualish terrorist stares at Rykrof before regaining his composure. “Mubaas is waiting for you,” he says quietly.
Rykrof is then escorted to an adjacent chamber by a hooded executioner he has become all too familiar with seeing during his stay in the complex. As he stares down the dark figure, the leader of the Badoo Corba enters the room.
Within seconds Rykrof realizes his image is being recorded via holocam as the terrible Mubaas Fuuda begins announcing a final threat to the leaders of the Republic.
Throughout the galaxy, the dark message appears across all major Republic newscasts.
“Leaders and citizens of the galaxy, I come to you one last time. I have as my captive Commander Rykrof Enloe of the Grand Army of the Republic!”
As the broadcast reaches millions of viewers, Admiral Tylin Gere observes the message with a group of military leaders. “He is lost,” Jedi Master Mace Windu laments. “We can not give in to any terrorist demands. These demands will not only hurt our cause, but also strengthen the war effort of the Separatists.”
After several minutes of threats and anti-Republic propaganda, Mubaas Fuuda concludes his message.
“The Badoo Corba will not allow the Republic to legislate outside its jurisdiction or bring this war to non-Core systems! If all Republic forces are not withdrawn from the Outer Rim within 24 hours, Commander Enloe will die!”
The broadcast also reaches the eyes of Alyssa Enloe, bride of the captured officer. Supported by Rykrof’s closest friends, the realization finally sinks in that her husband and their friend is forever lost.
"He'll die the way he always wanted to... serving the Republic. Trying to keep his family safe," Alyssa cries.
“Funeral arrangements,” Freelo says thoughtfully. “I can help Rykrof one last time with his funeral arrangements!”
After the final announcement, Mubaas attempts to torment Rykrof further through both physical and psychological torture.
“Soon you will die,” he warns. “It will give me great pleasure when the Republic fails to respond. I shall relish in taking your life myself! Soon after I will find your son and destroy him, just as I should have done with your dear wife!”
“But I did not finish her while she was in my captivity. I am allowing her a short time with your son before their imminent death. Am I not merciful?” he laughs.
After making more horrific threats, Mubaas departs the chamber, ordering Judiss to begin the termination process.
Judiss then waits until the two are alone before speaking to Rykrof.
“The process will be painful,” Judiss says. “The ITK droid has been programmed to do everything but interrogate you…”
“Why do you not respond to me, human?” he asks. “This is your last chance to speak… the droid will weaken you. Then Mubaas will complete the execution… if you have any last message you want your family to receive, tell me now and I will see that your wife hears it. We have our differences but I once had a family too… I will do this for you. I give you my word.”
After a minute of silence, Judiss turns his back. “Very well Rykrof. May your pain end soon.”
“Tell her… I’m sorry,” Rykrof finally says. “I’m sorry she has to go it alone. To raise Caldin the best she can… That I love her. And that I’m so sorry.”
“I see… I will send the message to Naboo. She will receive it,” Judiss replies. “She will know you were strong in the face of death, that your final thoughts were of your family.”
Slowly an ancient ITK droid then enters the chamber.
“Be strong human,” Judiss says as he exits the chamber.