Chapters Into a Galaxy at War (Sith Warrior Edition)
Spike had gotten out of school and was walking home. He heard his phone beep and read a text that said, "Dear sir or ma'am, your NRG Virtual Reality System has arrived at our store and is ready for pick-up. Please come pick it up at your earliest convenience." Smiling, Spike said, "Sweet! My new game system is here!" he ran to the game store and saw his friends Gabby, Thorax, and Starlight Glimmer picking up their own NRG Systems. Spike waved to his friends, "Hey guys, what game did you order with your system?"
All three of them told Spike,"Star Wars the Old Republic."
Spike smiled, "Sweet, same game I got. When we all get together in the game, we should form a guild."
Thorax nodded, "Sounds like a good idea."
After Spike had shown the cashier his pre-order card, the cashier gave him the system and game. When him and his friends were leaving the store he asked them, "Since it's not a school night, you guys want to play over the weekend?"
His friends nodded and said goodbye as they split up to head to their houses
When Spike had gotten home from the game store, he was later than he normally was. Twilight Velvet called to him, "Spike? Is that you? You're awfully late from coming home"
Spike put his backpack in the closet and called back to his mother, "Sorry mom, I stopped by the game store to pick up that game system I pre-ordered a couple of months ago."
Night Light looked up from the newspaper he was reading and asked his son, "Another video game console? What's so special about this new one?"
Spike started explaining, "It's called the NRG Virtual Reality System. It lets you put yourself into the game."
Twilight walked downstairs adjusting her glasses and said, "Virtual reality? I'm somewhat intrigued by that idea. Do you mind if I play it some time?"
Spike smiled at his sister, "Sure, but I was only able to get one game for it, Star Wars the Old Republic. I wanted to start off as a Sith Warrior, plus, Gabby, Thorax, Starlight and I were going to get together to form a guild." He went up to his room, plugged in the NRG system and started up his game. When he put his virtual reality helmet on, he started making his avatar. A Sith Pureblood Sith Warrior named Spike. Thankfully, the name wasn't taken, so he could use it. When he finished the opening cutscene, his helmet went dark. "What's going on? Don't tell me it's broken already!" suddenly a message came up and he read it to himself aloud, "Welcome to Star Wars the Old Republic for the NRG. You will be playing the character you have created through the entire game. However, due to technical errors from our developers, you will not be able to exit the game until you complete the main story..."
As Spike was getting sucked into the game, he was able to quickly write a letter that more or less explained what happened, and to ask to find a way to get him out.
When Spike awoke in the game, he was on an Imperial transport shuttle and was wearing black pants, white boots, and a black jacket above white training shirt. On his back there was a Sith Practice Blade, the Sith Warrior's starting weapon. He'd seen YouTubers do let's plays of the game before, so he knew this was the ride to the Sith starting planet, Korriban. As the shuttle landed he thought to himself, "So... I've got to finish the game to get home... this reminds me of Sword Art Online, hopefully the same principles don't apply when it comes to dying."
As Spike was playing the game, Twilight Velvet went up to his room to tell him dinner was ready when she saw him out cold on the floor, the virtual reality helmet still on his head. She ran over to him and tried to take it off, but she couldn't. She read Spike's letter and her eyes widened before she screamed at the top of her lungs, causing Night Light and Twilight to run in. Twilight Sparkle called, "What's wrong mom!?"
Twilight Velvet was on her knees sobbing, "Spike's trapped in that game, and the only way for him to get out is to beat it!"
Night Light chuckled, "You're joking, Spike's trapped in a video game?" When his wife glared at him, he realized that she would never make up a story like that. "Ok, what if we just unplug the game? That should work."
Before he could unplug the game, Twilight Sparkle yelled, "Dad no! I recognize this gimmick from the Sword Art Online anime and manga. If Spike dies in the game or if somebody tries to remove the helmet, he'll die in real life!"
Night Light stopped when his daughter yelled at him and explained what would happen if he turned the game off. "So how are we supposed to watch his progress? We can't let him stay in there all alone."
Twilight Sparkle walked over to the box that the NRG came in and looked through the owner's manual. "Ok, I think I found a way to let us know what's going on. There's a green button on the helmet, if you press that button, Spike and the entire game will show up on the TV screen. I don't see anything on how to communicate with him... But I do have some good news and bad news. The good news is that if Spike dies in the game, he won't die in real life. The bad news is that if the game is turned off, he'll be trapped in the game forever. These damn companies are always trying to make a quick buck without thinking of their customers' well-being."
Twilight Velvet pressed the green button on the back of the helmet and the game came up on Spike's TV. She saw that he had just met Overseer Tremel. She could hear Spike and the Overseer talking to each other. The overseer told Spike, "That practice sword is insufficient, the blade of lesser acolytes. You need a dominating weapon. In the Tomb of Ajunta Pall, there's an armory, an ancient Sith war blade awaits you. Be careful in there, the tomb is filled with k'lor'slugs, deadly, savage creatures. They've been the end of many acolytes."
Spike nodded and said, "If they lack the instinct to avoid me, I'll feed them their heads."
Tremel chuckled, "Good, once you obtain the war blade, I suggest you spend some time in the tombs bloodying it, then report to me in my chambers at the academy."
As Tremel left, Spike walked out to the Valley of the Dark Lords and looked around the barren red plains. It almost looked like Mars, although it had ruined temples, the first of which he saw was the Tomb of Ajunta Pall, and the disgusting k'lor'slugs. The k'lor'slugs weren't really dangerous individually, but if enough of them gathered, you'd be their lunch. They could easily swallow a man whole with the size of their mouths. Spike saw many people in a group talking. He walked over to the group and asked them, "Are you guys actual people?"
One of the people nodded, "Yeah, all of us got here from the NRG system. Some of us are thinking that we should stay in groups to figure out how to get out of here."
A familiar voice said, "The only way we can get out is by beating the main story. It's not extremely difficult. Wait... Spike!? You're here too!?"
Spike saw a girl in robes with a vibro-sword and recognized her voice, "Starlight!? Where are Thorax and Gabby?"
Starlight shrugged, "I haven't seen them anywhere, which means they must be on Hutta."
Spike sighed, "Well, that figures. But still, groups might be a good idea, or at least pairs. Once we meet Thorax and Gabby on the fleet, we should probably stick together."
Twilight Sparkle facepalmed when she saw Starlight in the game, "Starlight, I can't believe you didn't read the manual. Spike I can understand, but you? Well, we'll just have to see how this plays out. I hope that being a Sith in the game doesn't go to Spike's head when he gets out of there."
And so, Spike has been trapped in SWTOR by his new NRG gaming console. Will he be able to complete and escape the game with the help of his friends?
Author's Note
If any of you wonder what Spike and his friends look like in game, I don't have pictures, but I can describe them to the best of my ability.
Spike: Spike chose to go with the Sith Pureblood race. His skin is blood red, and he has black dreadlocks. He has horns on his chin that mimic a beard. His irises are a milky white color. When he obtains his lightsabers, they will have a purple w/a black core color crystal. He wears typical Warrior acolyte attire
Starlight Glimmer: Starlight went with the Togruta race. Her skin is a deep purple color, with facial markings that resemble an upside down trident, and she has blue eyes. Her lekku and montrals are dark brown with white markings in zigzags. When she gets her double-bladed lightsaber, the color crystal will be a fiery orange.
Thorax: Thorax is a Chiss Bounty hunter, which means he has deep blue skin and blood red eyes. He has a receding hairline with a traditional ponytail, the color of which is a red-violet color. His blaster will have a green w/black core color crystal.
Gabby: Gabby chose to be a Cyborg Imperial Agent, and has a pale chocolate skin with cybernetic enhancements on her ears and eyes. She wears a typical Imperial uniform, and current blaster rifle has a red color crystal, but when she gets her sniper rifle, she'll use a pink color crystal
Into a Galaxy at War (Sith Warrior Edition)
After meeting up with Starlight Glimmer, Spike and her had ventured their way into the Tomb of Ajunta Pall. Spike's purpose in the tomb was to obtain a Sith war blade, while Starlight was there to speak to a hermit named Spindrall. The tomb was in ruins, with falling and broken columns everywhere. The k'lor'slugs were everywhere, some of them were not much bigger than them, but some were enormous and a blood red color. In the midst of all the chaos trying to kill them, there were raiders stealing Sith artifacts. Spike sighed as they entered the tomb, "The k'lor'slugs are even more repulsive up close. I suggest we proceed with caution."
Starlight nodded, "You're right, let's get going. Should we do some side missions?"
"It'll help us level up faster if we do some side missions." Spike agreed with Starlight
As the two continued through the tomb, a soldier asked to talk to them, "Sergeant Colman, 5th Infantry, Korriban Regiment. Can- Can I talk to you?"
Spike nodded, "Speak freely sergeant."
The sergeant explained, "Thank you sir. My squad and I are on an assignment to exterminate k'lor'slugs in this tomb. They're horrific creatures, mouths bigger than your head. I've lost a lot of good men fighting them. The damn k'lor'slugs breed so fast, there's no way to wipe them out conventionally, so we targeted their egg chambers. They went insane. We managed to get explosives to all of the egg chambers, but the beasts were on us before we could detonate them."
Starlight nodded, "We'll finish the job."
Spike and Starlight made their way to the egg chambers, killing k'lor'slugs on the way. Spike stopped for a moment and cut off a dead k'lor'slug's head saying, "I think I'll keep this as a trophy."
Starlight looked like she would throw up when Spike cut off a k'lor'slug's head, "That's disgusting Spike. But to each his own I suppose. Let's just detonate the charges." The two of them killed the k'lor'slugs that were in the egg chamber and activated the charges before running.
When the charges blew, they made their way back to Sergeant Colman and told him it was done. He thanked them, "I heard the explosion when you set off the charges. Thank you sir, outstanding work."
When they were done with the mission, a watch on their wrists beeped. They clicked the touch screen on it and saw they'd grown to level 2. "Nice, level two. We're one step closer to escaping the game."
Starlight nodded, "Yeah, but there's still a long way to go. Let's get going."
As Spike and Starlight made their way though the tomb, Spike heard a rumbling sound and pushed Starlight to the ground as a broken column fell to the ground, and yelled, "Starlight, get down!" when he got off her and helped her up, he asked, "You ok?"
Starlight smiled as Spike helped her up, "Thanks to you I am Spike. I knew the game had fall damage, but I didn't think there were environmental hazards. We'll need to be more careful"
When they got to their destination, Spike said, "I guess this is where we part ways for now. I'll go into the armory, and you're supposed to go to the Sacrificial Chamber to meet Spindrall."
Starlight nodded, "I'll see you later then." And headed into the Sacrificial Chamber.
Spike walked down the stairs into the armory, and grabbed one of the Sith war blades. As he walked out of the armory, he was attacked by ancient droids and smiled, "Guess I don't have to wait long to test this baby out." before Force jumping to one of the droids and slamming his blade into it, cutting it in half. He grabbed another droid with the Force and slammed it into another droid. After he was done with the droids, he headed back up the stairs and headed for the Sith Academy.
When he got to the Academy, he headed to Tremel's chamber, but was stopped by two human acolytes. One of them said, "Hey, you there, acolyte. Let me get a look at you. Hmm... so you're Overseer Tremel's secret weapon? Impressive to say the least. Afraid the old man waited too long."
Spike growled, "You must be Vemrin, I knew you'd be trouble when Tremel told me about you. Now get out of my way before I lose my temper."
The second human with a beard and facial tattoo suggested, "This is ridiculous Vemrin, let's just kill him and hide the body."
Vemrin stopped his friend, "We're not on Balmorra anymore Dolgus, there are rules, traditions. Let's just go, this idiot won't get anywhere under Tremel."
Dolgus stayed behind after Vemrin left and said, "Listen to me you useless priss, Acolytes aren't allowed to murder each other, but accidents happen. It's not murder without witnesses. Vemrin's the alpha here, you go after him, you die."
Spike scoffed, "Get out of here, back to your owner you little Kowakian monkey-lizard."
Dolgus growled as he left, but he said nothing. After that, Spike walked into Tremel's office, and he said, "Ah, acolyte. You're here. You seem in one piece. How do you like your new blade?"
Spike smiled, "I hope it's thirsty, I plan on drowning it."
A girl in the office asked, "What are you doing father? I've just gotten my war blade, and I've been here for six months."
Tremel sternly told her, "I have my reasons Eskella, and you will not breathe a word of this to anyone, understand?"
Eskella nodded, "Yes, yes father."
Tremel introduced his daughter, "Acolyte, this is my daughter, Eskella. She's one of the advanced students at the academy, on her way to becoming Sith. If she minds herself."
"I'll keep quiet about this father, but I won't be able to help you if this blows up in your face." Eskella said as she walked out.
Tremel sighed, "Don't mind her, she's just sore I'm keeping secrets. She growls, but she's loyal. Now, I thought I heard Vemrin's voice in the adjacent chamber. Did he make his move?"
Spike growled, "Yeah, I already hate him."
"If he didn't attack, he must not realize the threat you pose to him. Good. In a drive for sheer numbers, anyone with Force sensitivity is allowed into the Academy. Vemrin is impure, and unworthy. He must not be allowed to advance. Unfortunately, he's caught the eye of Darth Baras, a powerful and influential Dark Lord of the Sith. If he becomes Baras's apprentice, he could change things for the worst. Now, onto your next trial. I want you to interrogate three prisoners being held by Jailer Nash. You must listen to each prisoner's story, and decide their fate."
Spike bowed, "I will handle it" and headed towards the jails in the academy.
Into a Galaxy at War (Sith Warrior Edition)
When Spike arrived at the jails, he saw a man talking to a Twi'lek who said, "One more chirp from you little bird, and you'll regret it."
The Twi'lek said, "Chirp, chirp, chirp" and when she did, the man pressed a button on a remote and shocked her, "Ow, jerk! If you don't like it you can just say so. I can do other animals too, dire cat, frog dog, Kowakian monkey-lizard, you name it."
The man turned around as Spike entered and said, "You must be the one Tremel sent for the test. I'm Jailer Nash, I run these cells and slave pits. These three prisoners are your test. Listen to their stories and decide their fate. The convicted are normally executed, or given a trial by combat to see if they're worthy of living. Whatever you choose, you'll carry out the sentence."
Spike nodded, "As it should be."
Nash explained, "Now, this one on the left-"
The woman in the cell yelled, "You're not getting anything out of me, just do whatever you're gonna do!"
Spike rolled his eyes, "Continue Nash."
"As I was saying, she was caught attempting to kill an Imperial Spy in the Yavin system. Throughout her torture, she maintained she was hire anonymously.
The woman growled, "That's because I was! I had no idea he was Imperial!"
Spike scratched his chin, "So you're saying you're not a Republic assassin?"
She shook her head, "I'm not political, I work for whoever pays."
"Even so, she doesn't deny the charges, so what's your decision, execution, or trial by combat?"
Spike thought for a moment, "Neither. She could prove useful, you work for Imperial Intelligence now."
"I won't work for free. But if you're paying, I'll agree to that. The name's Solentz. Since you spared me, I'll work under you, if you're ok with that."
Spike smiled, "Yes, that will do just fine. My name is Spike. I look forward to working with you."
Nash was surprised, "You spared her, interesting. Now, this pile of waste is Devotek, once a valued Sith champion, until he botched an important mission that resulted in over a thousand Imperial deaths."
As Nash told him this, Spike could hear sounds of crackling electricity and screaming coming from a nearby room. It must have been Starlight doing her own interrogation, using her Force Lightning to get information out of her suspect.
Devotek sighed, "I served faithfully for 22 years. Then one mistake, and they threw me away. Now I've been left here to rot. Please, you are a fellow Sith, grant me a trial by combat."
Spike shook his head, "Not a chance. I have no time to waste on someone like you, feel the weight of a sword in your throat."
As Spike drew his war blade, Devotek shed a single tear, "I die a disgrace." before being choked and impaled by Spike's sword.
Nash thanked Spike, "Good, I won't have to look at his pathetic face."
"It was nothing." Spike said putting his war blade away.
"Now for the last one, his name's Brehg, and he's a jittery little wretch. He's suspected of supplying forged documents to the Republic, but he still claims innocence, despite being severely tortured."
In his alien language, Brehg said, "That's because I am innocent! I won't confess to a crime I didn't commit!"
Spike questioned him, "Are you saying you've led a straight life?"
Bregh shook his head, "I didn't say that. I went to jail for forging documents, so I'm the perfect guy to frame for it! I don't know who did it, but it wasn't me! I was set up!"
Spike rolled his eyes, "I highly doubt that, but suppose you're telling the truth, could you think of anyone who has a grudge against you? You say you were framed, but there's no proof, no suspects with motive, so what makes it true? Nothing but your word. One thing I know in this life, trust no one." he looked to Nash, "I don't care if he claims he's being framed, torture him enough and he'll confess!" before choking Bregh, letting him cling to life.
Bregh struggled while he was being choked, "No! No more torture! You call this justice!?"
Nash chuckled, "I think I understand what Tremel sees in you. You should head back to him, see what he thinks of your choices."
When Spike headed out of the jails and back towards Tremel's office, he saw Starlight coming out of a story area and asked her, "Interrogating your own prisoner?"
Starlight nodded, "Yeah, even though they aren't really real people, it's still kind of hard to torture these people."
"Yeah, I had to hold back vomiting while I was torturing those guys. I'm heading back to Tremel." Spike agreed with Starlight before heading back to Tremel's office.
Tremel was talking to another acolyte and asked, "Is this everything?"
The acolyte nodded, "Everything Lord Remming was able to obtain, yes."
"Then run back to your master in the beast pens, before I cut you in half." Tremel told the acolyte as he left, "Sorry acolyte, these interruptions are incredibly annoying. Now, onto your task, the assassin, Solentz, she failed to kill an Imperial spy but was unaware of her client's affiliation. You assigned her to Imperial Intelligence. I commend you, that was excellent thinking. Never waste a potential resource. She owes you her life, you can use that later down the line."
Spike smiled, "I'm glad you approve."
"What's more important is that Darth Baras would approve. Next, Devotek, the failed warrior, he requested trial by combat, but you refused. Good, Devotek was an utter waste of space. Finally, the forger who maintained his innocence. You sent him for more torture, a good decision, what is one man's life or sanity in comparison to the fate of the Empire?"
Spike nodded, "The ripples from even the tiniest stone can flow a long way."
Tremel was surprised by Spike's insight, "Look who turned deep and insightful. You made the right choices with every prisoner, excellent. You may be able to steal Darth Baras's attention from Vemrin after all. For a job well done, a small reward. Now, onto your next task. Deep in the Tomb of Marka Ragnos, there's a terrible beast, it will be a test of your strength. Sit among the flames, wait for the beast to come, then test yourself against it."
"As you say Overseer. This will finally be a challenge worthy of me." Spike said before heading out of Tremel's office.
Into a Galaxy at War (Sith Warrior Edition)
Spike took a speeder taxi towards the Tomb of Marka Ragnos, and noticed a lot of men going crazy. He walked up to a panicking soldier and asked, "What the fuck is happening here!?"
The soldier yelped and cowered before seeing who Spike was, "Oh, it's just an acolyte. Sorry about that. All the men who were sent into the tomb have gone mad! It doesn't seem to affect the acolytes, but every soldier that goes anywhere near the tombs goes insane!"
Spike sighed, "Don't you idiots know that the Tomb of Marka Ragnos is protected by strong Dark side rituals? Only those who are strong in the Force can withstand such dark energy. I'll go in and see if I can rescue any of the soldiers that haven't gone mad." Unfortunately, there were no soldiers that were still sane, so Spike went into the tomb. When he got there, he saw the chamber that he needed to go in. When Spike sat in between the two blue touches, he meditated until he heard a rumbling sound.
Out of the wall behind him emerged a massive beast. "Have at you demon!" before jumping at it with his warblade. The beast smacked him away as he jumped, but Spike focused the Dark side into his sword and tried again. The beast seemed confused, looking around as if it couldn't see Spike. Spike took this advantage and slashed the monster's eyes, so it really couldn't see. The beast thrashed around in pain and confusion before the ceiling crashed down on it. Spike jumped out of the way as the ceiling collapsed on the beast, and then cut it's neck open when it was covered in rubble. "Mission accomplished. I should head back to Tremel now."
Before Spike could get to Tremel's office, Dolgus stopped him, "Hey there, remember me?"
Spike growled, "Of course, Vemrin's little pet Kowakian monkey-lizard."
Dolgus growled back, "Well, at least you remember me, it's good to know the face of your killer. Notice anything? No witnesses. No witnesses means no rules. No more warnings, no more shortcuts, you're just going to be another dead failure on Korriban."
Before Dolgus could attack, Spike held out his hand, choking the life out of Dolgus. "You pitiful excuse for an acolyte. I could just as easily break your neck. But my blade needs some fresh blood." when he let go of the weakened Dolgus, he slashed his blade against his chest, killing him.
When Spike arrived in his office, Tremel quickly told him, "There's not much time acolyte. I may have made a slight miscalculation. The Beast of Marka Ragnos was a source of dark energy here on Korriban. When it was slayed, there was a tremor in the Force. Darth Baras felt that tremor, and has become aware of you. He demands an audience."
Spike gulped, "Tell me what to expect overseer."
Tremel warned him, "Baras is a serious man, but a master of deception. Everything he says and does is calculated. He will try to trip you up, get to the heart of who you are. Always take everything he says seriously, and I mean always. Go, meet Darth Baras in his chamber, and hurry, he won't take kind to waiting."
When Spike arrived at Baras's office, some other acolytes were waiting, "One of them said, "Hey, are you the one who's been summoned by Darth Baras?"
Spike nodded, "Yes, and you are?"
The girl said, "Tino! Pardon my over-eager friend, it's just we've heard so much about you."
Tino continued, "And we want to get in good with you."
The girl sighed, "Sorry about him. But yes, we'd like to acquaint ourselves with you. If you need anyone, say, dealt with, we'd like you to consider us."
"She's talking about Vemrin, we'll kill him for you."
Spike smirked, "Well, I wouldn't be upset if Vemrin turned up dead while I have an alibi. It's a deal.. As they left, Spike saw Baras giving instructions to other acolytes.
As the acolytes left, one of them said, "Look here Vemrin, I see the upstart, but no sign of Dolgus."
Baras dismissed them once more, and Vemrin sneered at Spike, "I underestimated you sending Dolgus, it will not happen again."
Baras asked Spike, "Are you having problems with Acolyte Vemrin supplicant?"
Spike shook his head, "No my lord."
"He's very capable of backing up his threats. Vemrin has paid his dues, he's fought against a deck to get here, you on the other hand. Let me see." Baras looked over Spike and nodded, "Overseer Tremel has done you and the Sith Academy a great disservice. Your warblade came early, prisoners flown in for your convenience, even a beast here on Korriban instead of off world in the wild. The first months of training should be dedicated to philosophy, conceptual tactics and understanding of the Sith code. Recite the Sith code for me, and explain its meaning in battle, war, and politics."
Spike growled, "The only code I need is kill or be killed."
Baras sighed, "Your ability is undeniable, but your understanding of the way of the Sith is lacking. I am your master now. Tremel was becoming a liability before you ever showed up. He refuses to adapt to the evolution of the Empire. These are the actions of a traitor, and traitors are executed. Return to his chambers and kill him. Bring me his hand as proof."
"Yes my lord." Spike agreed before bowing and heading back to Tremel
When Tremel saw Spike, he asked, "I didn't expect to see you back so soon. Has Baras returned you to me?"
Spike sighed, "Unfortunately, he wants you to die."
"Then I have been outplayed. Baras has the authority, but I never expected this. Either I die, or he forces me to kill you and destroy my own plan. Very well, you have your orders. Know that this hurts me more than it hurts you." Spike attacked first, choking Tremel until he broke free and attacked. In a matter of five minutes, Tremel was on his knees. "No, I'm amazed. I knew you were strong in the Force, but not like this. You're more than ready. I die knowing my success."
Spike shook his head, "All I need is your hand"
Tremel was confused, but quickly understood, "Baras wants my hand? Proof of my death? I don't want your pity acolyte, just kill me, don't disobey orders, especially ones that come from a Dark Lord of the Sith."
Spike sighed, "I will not kill you, I want you to be my ally later down the line."
Tremel smiled lightly and said, "Very well, here." before wincing in pain as he cut off his own hand. "For now, I work from the shadows. Good luck acolyte. The purity of the Sith, lies with you."
When Spike returned with Tremel's hand, Baras said, "Ah, the supplicant returns, and with a bloodied weapon. I assume this means Tremel is no more. Give me his hand." When Spike gave Baras the overseer's hand, he took a ring off it and gave it to Spike, "Here, take this one ring as a momentum. Reminding one's self of victory can enhance the spirit and bolster the body. I'm surprised you had the courage to destroy him, he thought of you like family. How did it feel?"
"I did what was needed." Spike replied plainly.
Baras chuckled, "You hide your emotions well, as long as you don't bottle them up too much. By destroying Tremel, you have taken your first step into understanding the Sith Code. Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, we gain strength. Through strength, we gain power. Through power, we gain victory. And through victory, our chains our broken. The Force shall set us free. By embracing the code you have broken out of Tremel's shackles and escaped his fate."
"It is a pleasure to be free of Tremel my lord."
Baras continued, "Now, onto your next task. In the Tomb of Tulak Hord, there are shards of ancient texts. Bring me these shards to continue your training. If you fail, you will die. Vemrin and my other acolytes have already gone to the tombs, and there are no rules as to how they obtain the shards. You are dismissed."
"As you say my lord." Spike said before going out of the academy and towards the Tomb of Tulak Hord
Into a Galaxy at War (Sith Warrior Edition)
Spike and Vette had just arrived on the Imperial Fleet when Spike's stomach growled. He asked Vette, "How about some bantha burgers and salamander sticks, on me?"
Vette smiled, "Sure, I'd like that." The two of them headed for the bar area and Spike paid for some food for the two of them. When they were done with their meal, Vette asked, "Hey, I was thinking... could you possibly take this shock collar off me? As a reward for my hard work on Korriban?"
Spike nodded, taking off the collar, "You've earned it Vette, it is not freedom though."
Vette smiled, "Thanks, now I feel silly for not asking sooner. Don't worry, I'll try not to give you a reason to slap that thing back on me."
Spike shook his head, "Neither the collar, nor your enslavement were my idea."
"Yeah, I get it, all in a day in the Empire. So, I'm not imprisoned, or collared, so... what do we do now?" Vette asked
Spike answered, "You will stay with me and help me achieve my goals. Nothing more, nothing less. Now, let's get to the shuttle to Dromund Kaas."
Vette nodded and said, "You got it boss." before following him to the shuttles to Dromund Kaas.
As the shuttle left the fleet for the Imperial Capital, Spike reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He thought to himself, "The food is as real as I'll get out, so maybe these are real too." and lit one of them. By the time the shuttle arrived on Dromund Kaas, Spike was getting claustrophobic.
As Spike checked in on the arrivals console, a man came up to him and said, "You're the one, yes. Not like the other scabs who exited the shuttle with you. You radiate power, lord, I bow before you. I'm a humble slave who owes his every breath to the kindness of Lord Baras. He sent me to meet his new apprentice and I made sure I was on time, I certainly did."
Spike growled lightly, "I suggest you leave. It was a long shuttle ride, and I'm ready to get some blood on my hands. Unless you want it to be your blood, scram."
The man gulped and said, "O-Of course my lord." before running off.
Vette smiled, "Great restraint there."
Spike nodded, "It took every shred of will I had to resist killing him. Let's get going to the Sith Citadel." The two of them went out of the spaceport and got a speeder taxi to the Citadel. Along the ride, they saw many soldiers fighting beasts, mainly gundarks, which were incredibly dangerous, and the soldiers were obviously idiots, shooting for the head instead of blasting its legs out from under it.
When Spike and Vette made their way to Baras, he told them about their mission, "There's a cargo cruiser touching down soon. They're transporting a vitally important prisoner to me. I want you to go make sure nothing goes wrong."
Spike crossed his arms questioning, "Paranoid much?"
Baras told him, "This prisoner is extremely important, and I have rivals who could greatly benefit from stealing him from the cargo port. We must always assume we are being plotted against, especially when the stakes are high."
Spike nodded, "Like I said back on Korriban, kill or be killed."
Baras chuckled lightly, "In a way, you are correct. A lightsaber can only reach so far, a Sith's greatest weapon is information. I will explain more when you get back."
Spike and Vette went to the cargo port. The imperials didn't notice them walk in and Vette said, "Hey Captain Oblivious, boo."
The captain turned around, "Oh, I didn't see you come in. Lord Baras didn't need to send a welcoming party."
Spike sighed, "Personally I agree, he's far too paranoid, but he's my master, so we must humor the old man."
The captain smiled, "Glad to see someone who agrees. Well then, let's get this oversized block of ice to your master."
Spike watched as they got the carbonite frozen prisoner off the ship until he felt uneasy and turned around, seeing a man coming up with a blaster who said, "Not so fast. My master ordered that block of ice. Step away and nobody gets hurt."
Spike growled, "Seems the old man was right to be paranoid. I suggest you leave. Now."
The man pointed his blaster towards Spike, "Perhaps I didn't make myself clear. I'm here to relieve you of your burden, whether or not that includes your own lives is up to you."
Suddenly, a second group, led by a Houk came up, and the boss said, "Well, well, if it ain't Slestak. Your master want the froze man too? Too bad for you, it mine."
Spike growled, activating the lightsaber on his right arm and said, "I suggest you all get out of here before I kill you and eat you raw."
Slestak and the Houk's eyes widened when Spike threatened to eat them. Slestak asked nervously, "You wouldn't really eat us would you?"
Spike growled, "You'd be surprised what the right spices can do."
The Houk gulped, "This too crazy for me. If me gonna die, it not be me being to stupid to walk away." before leading his thugs away.
Slestak sighed, "For once, I agree with that fat lump. I'm out of here."
As the thugs left, the captain smiled, "Good job my lord. It seems you really know how to intimidate people. I've heard Baras respects that. We'll get the prisoner to Baras as soon as we can."
Spike deactivated his lightsaber and said, "Thanks for the compliment. It would have been bloody if they called my bluff though. I may be a Sith, but eating those idiots crosses my principles."
Spike and Vette headed back towards the Citadel and Baras greeted them, "I heard from Captain Lanken about the ambush at the cargo port. It seems there are more eyes on us than I thought." He turned to the frozen prisoner and said, "This man is a Republic agent investigating one of my most deeply imbedded spies on Nar Shaadaa, one of my invisibles. The Force has given me a sign of doom in my dreams, and all of a sudden, my untraceable spy is almost exposed. It's obviously connected. You've done well, but I have more for you to do. There's a slave rebellion near an unfinished colossus, Commander Dykar will fill you in on the details of the mission. Now go, I have more for you to do when you return."
Spike nodded, "Yes master." Before leaving Baras's chambers.
Into a Galaxy at War (Sith Warrior Edition)
Spike made his way into the Tomb of Tulak Hord to find the shards that Darth Baras told him about. As he fought his way through shyrak, rebel slaves, and defected soldiers, he found all the shards and returned to Baras. When he did, another acolyte asked him, "You did it, didn't you? You collected the shards and you're returning to Darth Baras."
Spike growled, "Get out of my way."
As the acolyte drew his blade, he said, "I'll take that as a yes."
"You just made the last mistake of your life." Spike said drawing his own blade and attacking.
When the other acolyte was defeated, Spike continued into Baras's chamber, and Baras said, "The prodigal supplicant returns. And with all the shards from the Tomb of Tulak Hord. Superb. It appears your hopes have been dashed Vemrin."
Vemrin scoffed, "Appearances can be deceptive."
"Excuse acolyte Vemrin supplicant, he didn't take too kindly to you sending those novice acolytes after him."
Spike chuckled, "I was just giving him a taste of his own medicine."
Baras looked between the two acolytes, "A great tension boils between you. A great source of emotion to feed on. You both stand on the precipice of being Sith. But only one of you will create your lightsaber in the Tomb of Naga Sadow and serve as my apprentice. I thought it would be you Vemrin, but I've changed my mind."
Vemrin yelled in anger, "What!? But I've done everything you've asked, better than any of the others! The honor should be mine!"
"Don't mind Vemrin master, his whole world's crumbling down on him." Spike said smiling lightly
Baras nodded, "Today Vemrin is every bit your equal, but the Force is stronger with you. It was an easy choice. Vemrin, go wait in my antechamber, this instant!" As Vermin left, Baras explained Spike's final test, "You will go to the forbidden chamber in the Tomb of Naga Sadow. Nobody knows how to get into the chamber, but there was a Twi'lek who was caught breaking in. Use her to get into the forbidden chamber, and take the parts you wish to use for the hilt of your lightsaber from the supply room downstairs."
Spike nodded and headed back downstairs to pick out pieces for the hilt of his lightsabers. He was choosing to become a Marauder, so he'd need two lightsabers. He decided to do something different and grabbed two gauntlets and left the supply room before heading back to where he'd interrogated prisoners. Nash saw him, "Oh, it's you. Right on time. Heard you might become Darth Baras's apprentice. Congratulations if you can get it. I hear you'll be relieving me of this Twi'lek. She's a pain in the neck."
The red Twi'lek said, "I'm a pain in the neck? Says the guy without a shock collar."
"Consider that a going away present. This bruiser is taking you into the tomb where we caught you." Nash told her while handing the shock collar controller to Spike.
Spike thanked Nash and when the Twi'lek was released from her cell, he introduced himself, "My name is Spike, and you are?"
The Twi'lek seemed surprised he was so well mannered, "Name's Vette. Nice to work with you, I guess." Before following Spike towards the Tomb of Naga Sadow. Vette showed Spike the unlocking points hidden around the tomb. But when they got to the entrance of the secret chamber, she looked around, "Here it is, just let me get my bearings."
As Spike waited for Vette to open the chamber, he heard someone sneaking up on him and turned, kicking Vemrin to the ground. "How predictable of you Vemrin. Honestly, I expected better than a simple ambush."
Vemrin growled, "Shut up! I will be Baras's apprentice! I am the essence of what it means to be Sith. Today you will be forgotten, and I will claim what is mine!"
As Vemrin attacked, trying to hold Spike in place with the Force, Spike struggled his way through his grip, quickly overpowering him and getting into range to hit him with his warblade. "Surprised? My hatred for you fuels my power. The more you make me hate you, the stronger I get. But because I pity you, I'll make your end swift."
Vemrin was on the ground panting from exhaustion, "Becoming Baras's apprentice was my destiny. Did I overcome such adversity for nothing?"
Spike growled and said, "Still talking? I'll fix that." before snapping Vemrin's neck with the Force. As Vette was finished opening the door, Spike thanked her. As they went further into the tomb, Spike could feel the Dark Side calling him. He stopped Vette at the entrance to the final chamber, "You stay here, this is for me."
Vette nodded, "Got it boss."
As Spike stepped up to a sarcophagus, he sat down with his legs crossed and meditated. He had swiped some color crystals from dead acolytes on the way here, and focused to make the lightsabers. The pieces of the sabers levitated as they put themselves together before fusing to the gauntlets. After Spike had finished making them, he put the gauntlets on and activated the sabers with the Force. "Perfect, these will be useful."
When Spike returned to Baras, Tremel's daughter stopped him, "You! Murderer! My father was a staunch traditionalist, and he was extremely tough of me. But he's my blood, did you think you could kill him and get away with it?"
Spike rolled his eyes, "Did you ever see a body? I didn't kill him, I just cut off his hand and let Baras believe I killed him. He's alive, but as to where he is, I don't know. Now unless you want to die, get out of my way. If I could defeat your father in a duel, I'd have no trouble against you."
Eskella growled, but then looked like she was deep in thought and bowed, "I'm sorry. You're right, I can sense my father, he is alive. If you ever need my help, I am eternally loyal to you, as a way of thanking you for sparing my father. I await your call master." before leaving.
Baras was pleased, "I see you've constructed your lightsabers. An interesting design indeed, hiding your weapons in plain sight and activating them when nobody expects them, a clever move. Vemrin was not in my chambers as I instructed. I assume he tried to kill you and make his own lightsaber?"
Spike nodded, "He tried and he failed. Vemrin was nothing if not persistent."
Baras chuckled, "Very well, you are now my apprentice. Together we shall strike fear into the hearts of the Empire's enemies. I must inform the Emperor of your progress, and you will take this shuttle pass to the Imperial Capital, Drommund Kass. Be swift my pupil."
Spike nodded, "Thank you master, I will meet you there." before heading towards the shuttle to the Imperial Fleet.