The Rebel forces assembled silently, their weapons aimed at the entry hatch. They all listened grimly to what could only be the sound of the Star Destroyer's docking clamps locking into position around the helpless Tantive IV. With steadfast determination, the brave soldiers prepared themselves for a last stand against the inevitable attack of Imperial stormtroopers.
A loud thud sounded out from behind the entry hatch. Any second now the stormtroopers would be cutting their way in.
Suddenly the metal door bent apart in front of the Rebel troops. The entry hatch did not burn open, rather it warped inwards, its white metal groaning as it was bent like a tin can. The shocked Rebels watched silently in horror as the entrance to their ship was ferociously ripped open by some invisible force.
A crimson blade came blazing to life as a lone figure entered through the gaping breach. The masked figure entered silently, his black waist robe adorned with assorted lightsaber hilts, his muscular arms tensed for action as the Rebels gaped in revulsion at his metal talons, seemingly graphed directly into his shredded flesh.
The Rebels all opened fire, their initial shock quickly giving way to their military training. But their blaster bolts all were rapidly deflected by the inhuman speed of the monstrous warrior's red blade. Extending his clawed hand with hateful malice, a massive burst of electrical energy exploded through the cramped hallway, striking all the Rebels at once. The blaster fire ceased, as the troops all were consumed by the vicious blue electrical arcs.
Darth Stalker ended his blast and shot forward into the hallway with a burst of Force enhanced speed. His lightsaber swung viciously, cutting down any Rebels who had managed to avoid his lightening. As they fell, Darth Stalker looked over his shoulder to see the first of his stormtroopers advancing into the Rebel ship.
They were practically useless to him, like the Idiot in a Sabaac deck. He could easily take this ship apart single handedly. But where every other Imperial commander would have allowed stormtroopers to enter the fight first, Stalker lived for action. In truth, he preferred completing his missions completely alone. But his master had insisted--he was to fight with and inspire the Empire's forces. Back during his years as Vader's apprentice he had killed as many loyal Imperials as he had traitors to the Empire. But today he would fight alongside them. Today his mission was not assassination. He was to retrieve the stolen plans and, perhaps more importantly, bring a traitor to justice.
Turning down a pristine white corridor, Stalker cut down three more Rebels then gave himself another burst of speed and exploded onto the bridge. His blade made deadly quick work of the co-pilot and navigator. Only the captain remained. As the stormtroopers formed in behind him, Stalker reached out with his bladed fingers and pierced the Rebel captain, pinning the man to the wall.
"Ahhhh!" the captain screamed, "Why are you doing this?!"
"The Death Star Plans are NOT in the main computer." A stormtrooper informed him from behind as he efficiently scanned the database.
"Where are the plans?" Stalker demanded.
"We...we haven't any plans..." the captain stammered. "This is a consular ship! We're on a diplomatic mission!"
"Diplomacy has never been my strong suit."
Darth Stalker extended his free hand directly into the chest of the Rebel captain. His metal finger-claws pierced five points deeply around the Rebel's heart. Twisting his wrist viciously, he closed his grip and ripped out the captain's still-beating heart.
Stalker smiled cruelly behind his expressionless mask as the dying Rebel had just enough life left to see his own heart ripped forth before sliding quietly into death's embrace. If his master wanted him to inspire his men...he would do just that.
Turning to his troops, the dead man's heart in his bladed grip, he spoke decisively.
"The only kills today will by mine."
The stormtroopers nodded affirmatively.
"Bring me the passengers. Alive."
He closed his fist, shredding the dense heart muscle to pulp with hideous strength.
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"Darth Stalker." Princess Leia demanded. "Only you would be so bold."
Stalker appraised the young woman quietly. She had matured. Her girlish features were giving way to adult beauty.
"The Imperial Senate will not sit still for this!" she continued. "When they hear you've attacked—"
"The Emperor ended your traitorous father's life, personally." Stalker announced coldly. "Don't think I won't end yours right here, bitch."
Leia's gaze became cold at the mention of Bail Organa. Stalker smirked. She had a strong will. He would enjoy breaking her.
"I've known you were a traitor for years." He continued. "Where are the plans your spies sent you?"
"I don't know what you are talking about." Leia answered flatly. "I'm a member of the Imperial Senate on a diplomatic mission to—"
"You are part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor. Take her away."
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Aboard the monstrous Death Star, Leia looked up at the door of her cell as it rose to admit Darth Stalker. Looking closely at his cybernetic limbs, graphed painfully into his living flesh, the beautiful Rebel tried to suppress a shiver. He was a hideous creation of the Emperor. As twisted and evil as anything she had yet encountered.
"And now, your highness." Stalker announced sarcastically. "I'm going to personally interrogate you as to the location of your hidden rebel base."
"What, no droids?" Leia asked casually, her voice betraying none of the dread she felt. "Or do you have interrogation equipment built into that disgusting body of yours?"
Stalker smiled at her taunt as he shut the door behind him, much to the disappointment of the black attired guards outside.
"You found me attractive once..." he mused as he stepped close to her. "When I took your virginity."
Leia took an involuntary step backwards and glared at the cyborg incredulously.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" She demanded. "This is the first time I've been unfortunate enough to meet you."
"Oh no, my young Rebel." Stalker reached up and unlatched his helmet. "You and I are old friends."
As his bladed hands reached up to removed the droid-like mask, Leia's eyes went wide with recognition. It was a face she'd known years before. A face that had changed her life once. "No." she gasped. "Not you..."
The cruel face that stared back at her took her back through the years. Back to Kashyyk.
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two years earlier...
