Empire's Vanguard: Sovereignty | Star wars

8. Recrimination

"We're in a world in which the possibility of terrorism, married up with technology, could make us very, very sorry we didn't act."

 Condoleeza Rice

Location: Darpa Sector,  Ralltiir System, Ralltiir, Kodo Private Dojo...

Timeline: 0 BBY, FEW WEEKS BEFORE BATTLE OF YAVIN 4....

I was standing in the centre of Ralltiir's private dojo, the soft hum of a few dozen lights providing a stark contrast to the pitch black outside. The room was filled with weapon racks, training dummies, and the occasional elaborate display, all of which gleamed in the overhead lights' reflection. This was my haven, and each breath honed my skill and discipline.

One of the Shadow Guards stood in front of me, a powerful figure in black armour. There was only the harsh glow of the lightsabre pike he wielded, and his expression was obscured by the dark visor of his helmet. His stance was fluid. The sight of the long, crackling pike's blade intimidated me, but I focused on the task at hand.

A small group of people observed from across the room. Captain Mara Volkov, my strategist and trusted friend, stood with her arms folded, intently watching the duel. General Heget, well-known for his ground combat prowess, stood beside her, his face intensely focused. Shayla Paige-Tarkin, the woman I loved and who had helped me through so many difficulties, watched with a mix of admiration and concern. My mentor Antinnis Tremayne watched from the corner, his gaze hard and analytical.

The Shadow Guard advanced with deliberate and accurate movements. The vibroblade I was holding vibrated slightly as I adjusted my grip. The duel was more than just a show; it was a test of my skill, willpower, and personal development.

"Ready?" I asked, my voice steady despite the anticipation.

With a curt nod, the Shadow Guard raised his pike in a low defensive stance. His pike arced towards me in a high strike, and with that the duel began. My vibroblade deflected the attack, and the dojo reverberated with a metallic clash. I felt the shock of his blow go through my arm, but I deflected it and hit him in the stomach instead.

With the vibroblade cutting through the air with precision and the pike's longer reach keeping me at bay, our weapons collided in a blur of motion. My time with the Shadow Guard had taught me a lot, and I could feel the difference today. My strikes were more deliberate, and my movements more fluid.

I ducked under a shove from the pike and closed the gap, strafing quickly and accurately. The Shadow Guard parried them all with ease, his pike a flurry of defensive feints. Everyone in the room understood that there was a lot on the line, and the tension was palpable.

Antinnis Tremayne's voice cut through the air, his tone a mixture of encouragement and critique. "Kodo, don't hesitate. You must seize the initiative and press your advantage."

I briefly locked eyes with him, grateful for his advice. The Shadow Guard advanced with a flurry of quick, powerful blows. I deflected and blocked, my bones tingling with each blow of our weapons colliding. I kept my cool throughout the heated duel, my every move a deliberate retaliation for his blows.

Shayla's concern was clear as she fixed her gaze on me. I could almost hear her encouraging me to go beyond what I thought was possible in silence. I altered my stance and spun into a low, sweeping cut that caught the Shadow Guard by surprise. The pike stumbled back, his blade brushing against my shoulder, but I wasn't deterred, determined to take advantage of the opportunity.