An Unthinkable Alliance

Chapter 8

Separatist Space

Deep within the Confederate controlled space was the home of General Grievous, a castle of dark marble , surounded by mists on the fourth moon of Vassek. After the descovery of it by the Jedi, Grievous assigned a considerable fleet above his lair, to keep it protected from Republic attacks. If not in the command of Grievous, his flagship , The Invisible Hand would return in the orbit and await his arrival. So Grievous was pleasantly surprised to see that Dooku didn't recall the massive cruiser back to Serenno, the old man's planet. As the cyborg approached it, a hailing came from the Invisible Hand. This time, Grievous had a ship with holocomunicator so he answered properly. His trusted captain, Dofine , appeared. His daring look turned immeadetly into relief and fear as he saw his master's mask.
'My lord... you have returned! Welcome!
'Skip the pleasantries, Neimodian. I will land to gather some things from my castle, and then we will attack a planet!
'Of course! I will prepare the fleet to be ready to jump in Hyperspace...
'Good.
With that, the trembling image faded and Grievous traveled to the surface of the moon. His dark castle was a sight to be afraid of, but Grievous felt almost as on his hutt on Kalee. A place where he stored his trophies, armors, bodyguards and personal doctor. He landed safely and jumped out the Republic starship.
Two magnaguards appeared with their electrostaffs ready to attack the intruder but as soon as they saw the sckeleticall figure of their master, they nodded respectfully.
Grievous made no sign as he saw them and strode forward to his Trophy Room. He entered a big hall filled with table and glass-stained pillars. His doctor droid appeared from the other side , raising his hands cheerfully:
'Master! You are back! And with nothing more than a few scratches!
'Hello as well...
The docotor approached Grievous as he put the only hilt he had back in on a pillar.
'What happened to the others? And no new one to add?
'I had to... borrow some.
The doctor let a laugh.
'Borrow? To a Jedi? he said jokingly.
'Indeed.
No answer came back. His medical droid was surprised. Grievous finished looking around and picked 4 lightsaber hilts. All blue.
'Sir, why would you do that?
'It doesn't matter.
'Very well... shall I prepare the replacements?
'No... these scars don't bother me.
'Oh, my lord! You are becoming more fiercefull and dreadfull every day! Now the Jedi will be driven back by your signs!
Grievous sighed annoyed.
'Fetch me my white cloak.
'Strange choice of vestimentation, my lord! Why white? I haven't seen you wear one of those since Hypori.
Grievous laughed when he remembered that battle. One he would be proud of for his entire life. He remebered killing all those Jedi, almost breaking no sweat to cut them down. The only ones who resisted where Ki-Adi Mundi and... Shaak Ti. He remembered that she could have been killed that day. But... he hesistated and missed the killing blow. It was a strange act, that the Jedi didn't observe, but he hesitated out of instinct he thought. Still, now he didn't regret it. After all, Shaak Ti deactivated that Ion Cannon... he observed as the medical droid was staring curioulsy at him and shouted light-hearted.
'I achieve the greatest things with that cape. And the downfall of the Hutt Empire is certainly one I will be remembered!
'Of course, my master!
Grievous was starting to get a brighter
mood. His situation wasn't as hopeless he thought he would be when the Count refused the help. He realised that until Tabarous dies, the stalemate will remain between the Republic and CIS. Since there was no war, Grievous had all the time he wanted.
He stored his hilts into he white cloak and put it on himself.
'I want 6 magnaguards to come with me.
'Yes sir!
Grievous left the room and jumped back into the starship.

The Invisible Hand's Bridge

The Bridge was silent as always. The Neimoidian Captain was standing on Grievous's chair but since his master wasn't there, he enjoyed every bit of moment. The doors behind him sudennly opened and 6 magnaguards formed a royally corridor for the General to appear. Everyone on the Bridge stood up and bowed. The same did Dofine while awaiting orders. Grievous just approached the chair and sat on it. He clenched his fist up saying:
'Today we are going to end the Hutt threat Captain!
He pointed with his duranium finger at the space behind the Neimoidian.
'Set charge for Makeb!
'Roger roger! was heard all over the com link.
In a few moments, all the fleet aligned and jumped into Hyperspace...