Star Wars: The Tale of Darth Aolroth Book III - Fall of Darkness

Chapter Eleven

After conquering the Empire, Emperor Aolroth waged war against the Republic. But as the war dragged on, Aolroth's Empire grew smaller and smaller. On the capital planet of Mustafar, Emperor Aolroth prepares his forces for the imminent Republic invasion. He gathers his allies in his throne room with the exception of Grand Admiral Quinn, who attends the meeting via the throne room's holoterminal.

Emperor Aolroth: Quinn. Is the fleet ready?

Quinn(Holoterminal): Yes my lord. The fleet is on standby, awaiting the Republic Fleet.

Quinn answered at the communications were cut. Emperor Aolroth knew exactly what this mean. On the Devastator, Grand Admiral Quinn stands on the bridge and sees the Republic Fleet entering Mustafar's space. The Republic Fleet outnumbered Quinn's fleet three to one. But despite the numbers against him, Quinn would not back down. As the Devastator fires at the Republic Ships, a bomber attack cripples the Devastator. A Republic cruiser then fires a devastating bombardment on the Devastator, causing the ship to erupt in flames and sending it plummeting to the planet's lava surface. Instead of crying in fear, Quinn braved for whatever death would come his way. He would die without regret as he served his Empire to the best of his ability. Meanwhile, Emperor Aolroth and his allies see the Devastator plummeting to the river of lava, causing a large explosion. Knowing that his Grand Admiral was dead, he turns to Commander Pierce.

Emperor Aolroth: Prepare the ground forces Pierce! The Republic is at our door!

Pierce: Yes sir!

Darth Xhax! You will help Pierce lead the ground forces.

Darth Xhax: Yes my master! They will be shown no mercy!

Darth Xhax and Commander Pierce leave the throne room to prepare the defense force. Lord Scourge then turns to his Emperor.

Scourge: This is pure folly Aolroth! We must evacuate!

Emperor Aolroth: You dare Lord Scourge?!

Scourge: I won't let you destroy this Empire because of your ego!

Lord Scourge reacts as he pulls out his lightsaber. Seeing Scourge with his lightsaber on and armed against him angered Emperor Aolroth greatly.

Emperor Aolroth: You will die Scourge. Your treason will be punished by death!

Aolroth screams as he engages Scourge in a lightsaber duel. Despite his age, Aolroth easily overpowered Scourge and killed him. The fight despite being quick wore Aolroth down. His power was waning with his age. But he couldn't rest now. He alerts his forces within his palace to prepare themselves for the Republic forces that would soon make their way through his palace. He was ready for whatever would come his way. Meanwhile, Darth Xhax and Commander Pierce lead the ground forces on Mustafar as the Republic and Jedi forces descend onto the planet. Commander Pierce leads his men in a frontal assault on Republic lines.

Darth Xhax: For the Empire! For Emperor Aolroth!

Darth Xhax lets out a war cry as she leads Commander Pierce and shadow Squadron into the Republic front lines. Despite the hard fight they put, Republic troops begins to overwhelm the outnumbered Shadow Squadron.

Pierce: We're outnumbered! Retreat! Fall back to the palace!

Commander Pierce then leads Shadow Squadron to the palace. Darth Xhax follows as she uses her lightsaber to deflect the blaster bolts from Republic blasters. Eventually, they reach the palace where they barricade the entrance.

Shadow Squadron Soldier: These doors won't hold sir!

Commander Pierce then takes out his communicator and contacts Emperor Aolroth.

Emperor Aolroth(Communicator): What is it Commander?

Pierce: Sir! Republic Forces are breaking through! Won't be long till they enter the palace!

Emperor Aolroth(Communicator): Where is Darth Xhax? I wish to speak with my apprentice!

Hearing her master's concern, she goes to where Pierce is.

Darth Xhax: I'm here master!

Emperor Aolroth(Communicator): Here are my final orders to you. Fight off the Republic as long as you can. If it is our time to die, then we shall die fighting! Xhax. Pierce. It's been an honor fighting by your side.

Pierce: Likewise sir!

Darth Xhax: We will hold down the line as long as we can master!

As the communications were ended, the Republic began to break down the barricade. Commander Pierce turns to Shadow Squadron and rallied them.

Pierce: Men! This is our final stand! Fighting with you has been my greatest honor!

Darth Xhax soon continues Pierce's speech.

Darth Xhax: Death waits for us! Let us make it wait! We all served Emperor Aolroth and his Empire! Now we shall die for him! Ready yourselves for death's embrace!

Shadow Squadron readied themselves for the oncoming Republic onslaught. Darth Xhax and Commander Pierce ready their weapons and stand side by side each other.

Darth Xhax: It was an honor fighting besides you Commander.

Pierce: The feeling's mutual sir! Let's do this!

Commander Pierce shouts as Republic forces breach the entrance as Republic troopers and Jedi rush through the entrance and begins fighting Darth Xhax and Shadow Squadron. As they fight, they sustain injury after injury. Yet they keep going. Darth Xhax fought like a cornered animal while Commander Pierce kept shooting his rifle till he ran out of ammo. He pulled out his blaster pistol and fired it. Eventually, Commander Pierce and Darth Xhax were mortally wounded. Darth Xhax still fought against Republic troopers and Jedi as Commander Pierce covered her. Eventually, Darth Xhax and Commander Pierce succumbed to their wounds and Shadow Squadron was wiped out. After breaching the palace, a Jedi strike force soon took point to confront Emperor Aolroth.