Ok, here it is... the final chapter of the Dathomir series... hope you all enjoy!
While Rykrof Enloe struggles to find a way back to Coruscant, a lone enemy battle cruiser looms over the planet on which he resides.
Although his initial mission to exterminate the Badoo Corba terrorists on the planet failed, Rykrof did manage to find their hidden base. In doing so, he has obtained valuable information for the Republic. Fortunately, the Separatist force did not discover the complex until after Rykrof had abandoned the base.
On the run with his new allies; Freelo, Traedon and Briss, Rykrof and his comrades discover a number of destroyed battle droids.
“These are the same droids we saw yesterday,” Rykrof says. “What do you make of it?”
“These marks aren’t from any animals,” Traedon says. “Looks like we have more company.”
“Let’s just hope the Badoo Corba aren't back,” Rykrof replies. “If someone’s taking out droids here, maybe we’re on the same side.”
Meanwhile, General Snodd continues his search for Rykrof and wonders why one of his droids patrol units has not reported in.
Although he is concerned as to what could have happened to the group, he knows there are countless dangers in the jungle. Smugglers have been known to hide on the planet, and there are always the dangerous beasts that inhabit the area.
And although he is confident in his tracking abilities, he knows that if he is unsuccessful, Count Dooku’s disciple will surely eliminate Commander Enloe.
Meanwhile, the group of refugees stumbles onto a heap of decomposing bodies.
“What in the name of Valorum happened here?” Rykrof wonders aloud.
“Something’s approaching,” Briss then says. “We better take a defensive position.”
Suddenly, the most horrifying sight that Rykrof has ever laid his eyes on appears. Dragging the corpse of one of his troopers, the evil being known as Siriadne slowly emerges.
“I told you,” Freelo whispers. “The witch!”
Suddenly the demonic being turns towards the group and roars an obscenity in an unknown language.
“Great job Freelo!” Rykrof yells.
As the group opens fire on the hideous creature, Freelo runs off in fear.
In a blur of motion, the witch advances on the group…
…and tears into Briss.
Horrified, Rykrof and Traedon sprint for their lives as the evil Siriadne begins to consume the flesh of her kill.
Minutes later, the two exhausted comrades stop to catch their breath.
“It’s just you and me, Republic boy,” Traedon says.
“No,” Rykrof pants. “Freelo’s out here somewhere. We have to find him.”
“The fish took off to save his scales,” Traedon argues. “He’s only slowed us down. He’s useless…”
Suddenly, to Rykrof’s surprise, Traedon’s eyes widen as he raises his blaster…
…and triggers a direct shot into the chest of an approaching battle droid.
Rykrof then remembers that the witch is not their only concern.
Both men then layer a shower of plasma at the attacking droids.
Then Rykrof hears the unexpected yet familiar sound of a lightsaber ignite. Out of nowhere, a figure appears and dismembers two of the droids.
And the other droids are destroyed by a second Jedi.
As Rykrof comes to grasp with the sudden turn of events, he realizes that the aid has come from an old friend, Jedi Master Kala Mly Shundi.
“Am I glad to see you,” Rykrof exclaims to his friend.
“As am I, Rykrof Enloe,” the Jedi replies. “But it is not I that found your location.”
To his surprise, Rykrof turns around and sees his closest friend, the mighty Wookiee Ralbarr.
Although overwhelmed with emotion, Rykrof feels a bit uncomfortable showing his feelings for his friend in front of Traedon.
“Alright you two,” Traedone smirks. “There will be plenty of time for that once we get off this hell hole.”
As the group prepares for an escape, an evil figure appears.
“Ventress,” Shundi says. “Ralbarr, take them to the rescue site. Kovin and I will handle this. This is no place for you Rykrof.”
“This is no place for you either, Jedi!” Ventress exclaims.
Deciding not to question the Jedi, Rykrof and Traedon follow the mighty Wookiee further into the depths of the jungle.
Meanwhile the Jedi have their hands full with the dark side advocate.
As the dark woman begins to gain the upper hand, a hideous bellow erupts from the left. “Jediiiiii…..” the horrible creature cries.
Ignoring the Jedi, Asajj Ventress leaps at the opportunity to face the abomination; now knowing this confrontation is the true test her master, Count Dooku, has orchestrated for her.
To her surprise, the living curse of Dathomir unleashes a terrible fury of dark side energy into her.
With Ventress rendered unconscious, the two Jedi cautiously confront Siriadne.
With a burst of speed, the witch delivers a Force push into Kala Mly Shundi and proceeds towards Kovin.
As the others continue to make way towards the designated rescue site, Rykrof begins to fear more for the safety of Jedi.
Many hours pass before Kala Mly Shundi awakes with a terrible headache. Looking around, he sees no evidence of Ventress or the abomination...
…but finds the dismembered corpse of his apprentice, Kovin U’Delli. Suddenly he hears the sound of someone approaching.
To his surprise, he finds a Mon Calamari smiling at him.
“A Jedi,” he says with joy. “We’re saved!”
As dawn nears, Rykrof, Traedon and Ralbarr near the rescue site but are discovered by General Snodd’s patrol.
During the heat of the battle an enormous Rancor is attracted to the commotion.
While the main droid force concentrates on the Rancor…
…Rykrof is astonished as he looks in the sky to see a Republic Gunship descending.
“Rykrof, we’re here to rescue you,” Freelo exclaims.
Dumbfounded, Rykrof questions the Mon Calamari as to where he has been, and where Kovin is.
“Get on the ship,” Kala Mly Shundi calmly says. “It is time for you to leave this place.”
As Rykrof and his friends climb towards safety, the droids fire several idle shots into the air.
After subduing the Rancor, General Snodd receives a transmission from Asajj Ventress.
“They escaped,” Snodd says. Alert the orbiting cruiser to engage them.”
“It's too late,” she replies. “They’re gone.”
“The Nemoidian hierarchy will not be happy about this,” the general says.
With a hiss, Ventress replies, “I suggest you worry about yourself, General Snodd. Prepare to evacuate this wretched planet.”
Back on Coruscant, the Dark Lord of the Sith meets with his apprentice to discuss the latest events.
“This was an educational experience for her,” Darth Sidious says. “She managed to survive against an adversary capable of defeating any of the Jedi Council.”
“Yes, but was she not defeated?” Count Dooku asks his master.
“Of course she was. But through her failure she will learn her own weaknesses …and the limit of her power. This defeat for her will only refine her abilities. Soon she will be ready to face the one they claim to be ‘The Chosen One.’”
"And what of Rykrof Enloe? I am impressed that he survived," Dooku says.
"He is not important in the grand scheme of things. Nonetheless, he has gained powerful allies, and may prove to be an asset for the time being. But he will be dealt with in due time," Lord Sidious replies.
Meanwhile, Rykrof and the survivors embark on the long journey home.
“I can’t thank you enough for coming for me,” Rykrof says to his Jedi friend.
“Think nothing of it. It only saddens me that you are in the position you are in with the Senate,” Shundi replies. “Although it is against the Jedi Code, I understand why you delayed your mission to Dathomir. Seeing your family is important to you. The Badoo Corba may have escaped because of your actions, but it is important that you are safe, regardless of what some politicians may think.”
“Yeah, well I have a feeling what’s on this data cylinder with turn some heads,” Rykrof says grimly. “It’s invaluable information, but they’re not going to like everything I found on it.”
“But no matter what they do, at least I know I'm not going back to that planet again.”
