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Chapter Text

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Outer Rim

Episode One - War Between the Wars

Written by Kaptain Viciorious

KVG Unofficial FanFic

October 2025

SCENE 1

EXT. KANZ SECTOR - 3970 YEARS BEFORE THE BATTLE OF YAVIN

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away...

The heavens fade in, stars sparkling into the distance. As the title screen arrives, drums and horns blast a triumphant melody. Vacillating between major and minor chords, a cacophony of triumph of good over evil emerges. 

The threat of the Sith has faded, and the Galactic Republic sleeps soundly as peace reigns in most corners of the galaxy.

But the rumor of threat is growing in the Outer Rim as Mandalorians and malcontents fester, and the innocent are ever at the mercy of cruel tyrants.

Jedi Knights Vaghar Marduk and Vima Sunrider venture into the Kanz Sector of the Outer Rim on a fact finding mission for the Jedi Council…

The half fiery orange, half icy blue planet Kanz V (Bimmiel) rises up. The two halves of the planet bifurcate the screen, swirling storm clouds. Loud crashes and a series of laser blasts tear through the silence. The planet continues to rise, and an asteroid belt appears, the flashes of lasers and explosions far off in the distance.

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ ASTEROID BELT

A pair of squat Teroch-type gunships, sporting an splotchy ochre brown paintjob, roar over a huge asteroid pursuing the sleek, asymmetrical, Nebulon Ranger - an orange and grey Crescent-X9 Heavy Courier.  The gunships keep up a steady barrage of laser fire as they make quick, jerky maneuvers trying to catch the Nebulon Ranger’s pilot off guard. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

(over comms)

I repeat. We are on a diplomatic mission to the planet Kol Huro. Do not attack.

ARGAZDAN PILOT

You have violated the Argazdan Redoubt. Turn off your engines and prepare to be boarded.

Another barrage of laser fire nearly misses the Nebulon Ranger. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

Like I said. They aren’t listening.

VIMA SUNRIDER

But it is our duty to try.

As a pair of asteroids spinning wildly close to collide, the Nebulon Ranger darts between them. The pair of gunships have to break off and find their way around.

CUT TO:

INT. NEBULON RANGER COCKPIT

Vima Sunrider sits at the controls with Vaghar Marduk at the gunnery station behind her. Vima is a human woman with red hair, bangs and a ponytail. Her square jaw is set, focus filling her bright green eyes, making her a stunning sight to behold. 

Vaghar is a male Mirialan with dusky blue-grey skin with ritual tattoos in a fierce pattern around his eyes and chin. He has a short mane of dark purple hair. Both are wearing the distinct robes of Jedi Knights. 

Reacting to the asteroids, watching for an opening for counter attack. Vima cuts the controls to the left.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Coming around.

VAGHAR MARDUK

Torpedoes ready.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Watch for the one coming behind.

VAGHAR MARDUK

I see him.

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ ASTEROID BELT

The Nebulon Ranger picks up speed as they skim the asteroid’s surface, a meter or two from the rock. Directly in front of them one of the gunships emerges. The music picks up again, continuing the battle light and dark themes.

VAGHAR MARDUK

Won’t even know what hit him. One away.

A proton torpedo zips out of the tube of the Nebulon Ranger, vaporizing the gunship on impact.

CUT TO:

INT. NEBULON RANGER COCKPIT

VIMA SUNRIDER

Other one is closing fast.

VAGHAR MARDUK

(he shows a wry smile)

Not fast enough.

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ ASTEROID BELT

Asteroids fly through the air as the gunship appears in the distance, first headed towards them, then spinning to flee. 

CUT TO:

INT. NEBULON RANGER COCKPIT

VIMA SUNRIDER

(Vima watches her scopes, turns a nob)

Looks like he’s trying to bug out.

VAGHAR MARDUK

(gets serious)

Like I said, not fast enough. Just get us close enough so I can catch him with the cannons.

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ ASTEROID BELT

The Nebulon Ranger closes the distance, spinning and twirling to avoid zipping asteroids. Music begins to lull, as they near the gunship. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

Don’t try anything fancy, Vaghar.

CUT TO:

INT. NEBULON RANGER COCKPIT

Close up of Vaghar using the targeting computer to aim his shot.

VAGHAR MARDUK

(very concentrated)

Almost… Just a little more…

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ ASTEROID BELT

The gunship tries to spin and maneuver, putting asteroids between them, but the Nebulon Ranger continues close in.

CUT TO:

INT. NEBULON RANGER COCKPIT

VAGHAR MARDUK

(a smile creeps across his lips)

Gotcha!

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ ASTEROID BELT

The Nebulon Ranger fires a quick burst of laser canons that hit the gunship, sending it careening into an asteroid, exploding fantastically. The music ends on a triumphant note with the explosion. The Nebulon Ranger curves toward the nearby fiery orange and icy blue planet of Kanz V.

CUT TO:

INT. NEBULON RANGER COCKPIT

VAGHAR MARDUK

(relaxing back into his seat)

So, no more diplomatic mission to Argazdan? They just attacked us. And those looked like Mandalorian Gunships with an ugly paintjob.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(tension still keeping her focused)

Agreed. But I sense that there is something else going on here.

VAGHAR MARDUK

You mean beyond the “friendly” occupation of the Kanz Sector by the Argazdan?

VIMA SUNRIDER

I sense a growing disturbance in the Force… 

Something approaches.

VAGHAR MARDUK

(rolling his eyes) 

Wonderful. 

Let’s at least check out the planet. I’d like to go back to the Council with more than: “We got shot at.”

VIMA SUNRIDER

Agreed.

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ SECTOR

The Nebulon Ranger approaches the planet, its surface coming more and more into detail. Swirling clouds fill the skies over the planet’s surface. Half looks like a frozen wasteland and the other half looks like a desert, but there is a thin band of green growth between the two.

VAGHAR MARDUK

Reminds me of being at the Academy. 

CUT TO:

INT. NEBULON RANGER COCKPIT

VIMA SUNRIDER

What does?

VAGHAR MARDUK

Things always felt one way or the other back then.

VIMA SUNRIDER

And now?

VAGHAR MARDUK

It’s harder to tell the difference sometimes. No war against the Sith to unite us. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

“There is no chaos, there is harmony.”

VAGHAR MARDUK

(laughs)

If only that were true, Sunrider. We all don’t have your lineage of certainty.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(passionless)

My training was different.

VAGHAR MARDUK

Now, that’s an understatement! 

My sister gets told she’s too old to train at seven, and you become a Padawan at fifteen to a severed exile.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(ignoring him)

Scopes don’t read any cities on the planet. But plenty of lifeforms. 

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ V, UPPER ATMOSPHERE

The Nebulon Ranger flies into lower orbit. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

I see some ship activity in the large valley there. The one in the green strip, near the lake. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

I see it. Let’s take a closer look. 

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ V, SKIES - DAY

The Nebulon Ranger tears through the atmosphere. Flying over a broken wasteland at first. But soon the land changes to a lush green and with purple-blue waters. They fly low to the surface.

Over the treetops, a small shuttle rises then takes off to the north (right). 

VIMA SUNRIDER

I’m going to set us down in the clearing outside of the settlement. Not sure what we are about to find.

VAGHAR MARDUK

Sounds cautious. I like it. I don’t feel like getting shot at anymore today. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

Don’t count on it. I’m sensing horrible pain. This place…

VAGHAR MARDUK

I feel it too. There is a Darkness. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

Good thing we are here then.

FADE OUT TO BLACK

SCENE 1.5

FADE IN

A Jedi Knight, Meetra Surik, stands on the bridge of a star ship. She has a darkness surrounding her, a determination set in her jaw. She is dressed in a long dark cloak and armor. The edges of the camera’s visions are wavy, twisting reality’s borders. The way people move feels like a dream.

Outside the viewports, Republic star ships explode, locked in deadly combat with a Mandalorian fleet that far outnumbers them. They are fighting above a planet with blue waters and purple landmasses, Malachor V.

A Republic Officer approaches tailed by a Zabrak engineer with a mechanical arm, Bao-Dur, who looks worried.

OFFICER

The weapon is ready, Master Jedi.

BAO-DUR

We don’t know WHAT it will do. I can’t be sure how powerful the Mass Shadow Generator field will be.

KNIGHT MEETRA SURIK

(passion filling her voice)

This is how we save the Republic, Bao-Dur. With your technology combined with the power of the Force.

(certainty filling her words)

You may fire when ready.

FADE OUT

End of Scene 1

Chapter Text

SCENE 2

FADE IN
EXT. KANZ V, WILDERNESS- DAY

The Nebulon Ranger lowers its landing gear and sets down on a hilltop outside of the settlement. In this strip of the planet’s surface, the vegetation is lush and green.

Music begins, evoking a sense of adventure and mystery.

CUT TO:
INT. NEBULON RANGER COCKPIT

Vima is at the controls powering down the ship, flicking switches and checking readouts. Vaghar unbuckles himself from his seat.

VIMA SUNRIDER
Go wake up our little one.

VAGHAR MARDUK
You think she slept through that?
(he gets up leaves the cockpit)

VIMA SUNRIDER
No doubt. Remember when you were fourteen.

CUT TO:
INT. NEBULON RANGER CABIN/CREW QUARTERS
Vaghar is sauntering through the cabin, stretching his legs and neck.

VAGHAR MARDUK
(yelling over his shoulder)
Not really.

VIMA SUNRIDER
(from off screen)
You slept through Master Taldin’s entire explosives demonstration.

VAGHAR MARDUK
(turning around with a quizzical look, his right hand hovers over a door control, and he covers his eyes with his left)
Yeah, but he’s a Miraluka.
(pushes the button, opening the door to the crew quarters)

In the crew quarters, there is a young woman sleeping on a bed, Padawan Meetra Surik. She is only halfway strapped in, so her body is twisted in an awkward pose. Her breathing is heavy, clearly in an intense nightmare.

VAGHAR MARDUK
Meetra!
(walks to the bed)
Hey! Are you–
(he shakes her shoulder)

Meetra’s bloodshot eyes pop open, a flash of anger crossing her face. Before Vaghar can react, she used to force to levitate her lightsaber from beside the bed and is spinning to rise in a fluid motion.

With a cry of alarm, Vaghar steps back as Meetra catches and ignites the lightsaber. Standing atop her bed in a fighting pose, she finally realizes who it was and where she is. Her eyes flash in terror.

VAGHAR MARDUK
(surprised)
Woah, Padawan. Watch yourself. You might just end up hurting someone with that thing. Or yourself.

MEETRA SURIK
(embarrassed and defensive)
I know how to use my lightsaber.

She turns the lightsaber off and clips it at her belt. Stepping off the bed to look up at Vaghar.

MEETRA SURIK
Master.

VAGHAR MARDUK
Really? Well, we will see soon enough. But not today.

MEETRA SURIK
Where are we?

VAGHAR MARDUK
Just landed on Kanz V. Vima – umm, Master Sunrider – and I are going to have a look around. You need to stay with the ship.

Vaghar turns and walks back to the Cabin and grabs his cloak out of a compartment. Meetra follows him, looking upset.

MEETRA SURIK
Why?

VAGHAR MARDUK
(gives her a bombastic side-eye)

MEETRA SURIK
Master – Why do I have to stay with the ship, Master?

VAGHAR MARDUK
We don’t want to attract too much attention.

Vima comes out of the cockpit, going over details of the planet on a hand terminal.

MEETRA SURIK
Master Sunrider, do I really have to stay with the ship? I need to get experience. That’s why Master Kavar sent me with you.

VIMA SUNRIDER
Did he now? I thought it was to keep you out of trouble, my young apprentice.

MEETRA SURIK
(indignant)
I didn’t do anything… It was an accident.

VIMA SUNRIDER
(gives Meetra a hard look)
You stay with the ship.
(turning to Vaghar)
I think we need disguises. We don’t want anyone to know that the Jedi are out here.

VAGHAR MARDUK
Alright. I think we’ve got some old flightsuits around here. A couple of blaster pistols - Just in case. What are we posing as?

Vaghar puts his cloak back and goes to a locker in the Cargohold, retrieving a pair of cloth and plastic bundles. As they talk, Vaghar pulls a locked case out of a cabinet and unlocks it, retrieving a pair of unassuming blasters. Vima stacks several large crates on a hover cart.

VIMA SUNRIDER
What do you think they trade here?

VAGHAR MARDUK
Not a clue. This place doesn’t even have a proper name, just the fifth one in the Sector.

VIMA SUNRIDER
Barely anything in the datalogs. Primitive population, not many accessible natural resources.

VAGHAR MARDUK
So, who’s out there in the camp we just parked next to?

VIMA SUNRIDER
That’s what I plan to find out.

VAGHAR MARDUK
(looking through a cabinet for more of their disguise)
Mandalorian ships nearby. An unconventional gathering of locals. I’d say something dangerous.
(coming to stand next to her, he has a pair of scratched and dented helmets with faceplates in his hands)

MEETRA SURIK
(excited)
Did you say Mandalorians?! I’ve always wanted to see one. Maybe even fight ‘em.

VIMA SUNRIDER
You won’t be meeting or fighting anyone. Because you’re staying with the ship.

MEETRA SURIK
(pouts)
But–

VIMA SUNRIDER
(holds up a finger, giving Meetra a look)

MEETRA SURIK
Yes, Master Sunrider.

VAGHAR MARDUK
(hands Vima a bundle of greasy clothes and helmet)
Time to get changed.
(nodding in Meetra’s direction)
We can speculate more without prying ears.

Meetra gives Vaghar an exasperated look, then when he turns around sticks her tongue out at him.

VIMA SUNRIDER
So are we smugglers then?

VAGHAR MARDUK
(gives a roguish smile, shrugging)
Naturally.

They both go to their cabins to change. Meetra watches them both, then heads to the cargo bay, looking at the stack of large crates Vima put on the hover cart.

FADE OUT TO BLACK

SCENE 3

FADE IN
EXT. KANZ V, WILDERNESS- DAY
Vaghar and Vima walk down the ramp from the Nebulon Ranger carrying their helmets. Each is wearing dirty flightsuits with holsters for their blasters. Vaghar is pushing a hovering transporter with several large crates of supplies.

VAGHAR MARDUK
The girl isn’t wrong.

VIMA SUNRIDER
About?

VAGHAR MARDUK
You’re going to make me say it?

VIMA SUNRIDER
(nods)

VAGHAR MARDUK
She needs to see some action. Cooped up on the ship while we have all the fun.

VIMA SUNRIDER
Fun? This is a mission. And clearly a more dangerous one than we realized.

VAGHAR MARDUK
That is to be seen. Could just be a gathering of friendly farmers, sharing the latest produce and pastoral delicacies.

VIMA SUNRIDER
You saw the weapons our sensors picked up.

VAGHAR MARDUK
(turns back to her with an excited grin)
Yeah, it MUST be “dangerous”. Prolly pirates, or Hutts.

VIMA SUNRIDER
I hope so. I have a bad feeling about this.

FADE OUT TO BLACK

Chapter Text

SCENE 4

FADE IN

EXT. KANZ V, CAMP - DAY

There are several junky cargo ships and a few small freighters surrounding the camp. Some have armed crewmen or droids standing guard outside. Clouds of dust roll across the open prairies surrounding them, dust devils twirling and bright pink tumbleweeds rolling.

The music is tense and mysterious. Rising and falling with the conversation.

The camp is an assortment of temporary structures clustered around a central area, filled with cages holding hundreds of large fur covered humanoids with feline features, Cathar. Many are visibly injured. 

As Vima and Vaghar walk through the settlement, the air of suspicion is thick. Everyone is armed. Everyone looks sideways at each other, so, naturally, they blend in with their non-descript flightsuits. The most attention they draw is from a group of three reptilian aliens, Trandoshan Bounty Hunters: Greshka, Jirno, and Sharok.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(under her breath)

This is terrible.  

VAGHAR MARDUK

(exaggerates looking around)

And what did you expect? I’d say it's better than a gang of pirates. I only see three Trandoshans. 

(waves his hands)

And these guys will at least give you bracelets before they kill you off. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

What they are doing to those Cathar is an abomination. 

(getting angry) 

You’ve heard the rumors about what happened on their planet. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

(looks grim) 

Mass Extinction.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Exactly. This is no time for humor, Vaghar. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

Right. Sorry.

They casually walk up to an open-air bar, park their cart, and order two drinks, they will only pretend to drink. The two continue to talk under their breath as they scan the crowd. Clouds of dust roll through and dissipate. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

Focus on the mission.

VAGHAR MARDUK

That’s your job. I’m here to be mindful, remember. That’s why the council teamed us up in the first place.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Don’t remind me. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

(casually pointing)

You see these ugly green skinned guys by the slave pens. I’m pretty sure, they’re Argazdan. Can’t forget a face that ugly.

VIMA SUNRIDER

They are. Argazdan slavers, no doubt trading for weapons with the Mandalorians. But you’re changing the subject.

VAGHAR MARDUK

I’m staying on mission. Remember. We need to find some proof then.

VIMA SUNRIDER

And I know the only reason you agreed to be partnered with me out here was because you wanted to learn my mother’s Battle Meditation techniques. Which I’m trying to get working now, but there is something pushing against me. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

That’s why I was trying to be mindful. Loosen up. Feel. 

We won’t spot them. They will reveal themselves to us.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Master Qel-Droma spoke of something like this, as if the weight of a thousand planets were pushing against the Force.

VAGHAR MARDUK

I see a lot of small timers. But nothing as dangerous as all that.   

VIMA SUNRIDER

(hold the side of her head)

Someone approaches. Two that are one. A Darkness so black, I cannot fathom…

VAGHAR MARDUK

Well, we need to do something fast for these Cathar then.

There is a large pen of blue and yellow spotted cattle-like creatures across the street. And nearby the Cathar cages are a pack of 10 large midnight purple hound-like creatures, slathering at the mouth to get to the cattle. 

The music is becoming tense, friction between the melodies weaves into the actions of the characters.

VAGHAR MARDUK

Let’s make some chaos to ensure harmony. 

VIMA SUNRIDER

(shakes her head)

I, I can’t – Oh, no…

VAGHAR MARDUK

A little help or a distraction would be nice.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(pointing)

It's coming from there. 

In the sky a large, fierce-looking spaceship - Mandalorian Crusader-class Corvette - crashes through the clouds. A pair of Teroch-type gunships, like those they destroyed in the asteroid belt, circle high above, diving in and out of the clouds. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

Wonderful. 

Vaghar turns to the cages. He focuses his Force powers to first rile up the hounds. The tattoos on his face wrinkle with his concentration, his eyes flash with righteous anger as he focuses his passion to help those in need.

CUT TO:

Looking up to the arriving ships, the Trandoshan Bounty Hunters talk in their language to each other, sling their rifles over their shoulders, then quickly jog to their speeders. They take off to the South, away from the Mandalorian-made ships.

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ V - SKY

Two massive Basilisk War Droids detach from the side of the large ship. A pair of armored humanoid females jump out of the airlock and land on the war droids’ backs. The riders’ armor is vaguely Mandalorian but more brutal than the typical Crusaders, with bone, fur, and horn accouterments over the dark grey Beskar steel. One has a red visor light, trim, and accents, the other blue.

The Basilisks fly at high speed towards the surface in perfect unison.

CUT TO:

EXT. KANZ V - CAMP

Vaghar visibly focuses on the hounds even more, as they start to yap and growl. Most of the inhabitants around them are distracted by the ship and war droids, dismissing the hounds’ behavior. 

The Argazdan Slavers rush over to a building in the center of town near the cages, readying to display the Cathar.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Those filthy scum – 

(turning to Vaghar)

That’s what you’re doing!

VAGHAR MARDUK

Do YOU have a better idea?

Vaghar unlocks the cage doors, and the hounds take off running across the street and leap over the fence into the cattle pen. 

In quick succession, chaos erupts on the streets as some fire blasters at the hounds. The cattle break the fence and start to rampage through the camp, knocking over temporary shelters and slamming into ships. Bystanders are hit by stray laser fire. 

One of the cattle-species runs careening down the central street and bulls into the hover cart stacked with crates, knocking them over, sending them tumbling and spinning across the street.

Fights break out between different groups. Several Argazdan are killed by a group of Rodians, and the rest flee as hounds and cattle rampage through the streets.

VIMA SUNRIDER

I think I know what is coming…

VAGHAR MARDUK

(pulls off his helmet, shaking his dark purple mane of hair out)

I can’t see a thing in that. 

(throws the helmet on the ground)

What? From that ship? A pair of Basilisk War Droids. That’s what!

Let’s go!

Vima and Vaghar take off across the central area to the slave cages, avoiding stray laser blasts and beasts with ease. Vima tosses off her helmet as well, letting out her long red hair to swirl around her romantically. 

As they approach, the Cathar watch them, confused but hopeful. 

The music hits that tender moment, as Vaghar flicks open the first cage lock with the Force and winks.

VAGHAR MARDUK

Come on. We’re going to get you all out of here.

Vima is already at the next pair of cages, breaking the locks with the Force.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(tenderness in her voice)

We are here to help. Just follow me.

VAGHAR MARDUK

(opening the last door, he raises his voice)

Alright everybody. Stay low and keep together. We’re going to get out of here.

The bulk of the slavers and guards have fled pursued by wild hounds and scared cattle that kick up a dust storm, blanketing what’s left of the camp.

Over two hundred scared and desperate Cathar, follow the Jedi towards a nearby cargo freighter. A pair of guards are watching a pack of hounds tear one of the cattle to pieces in the opposite direction at first. When they turn they raise their weapons. Vima steps forward.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(waving her hand before her)

You are happy to see us. 

SLAVER 1

(lowering his weapon)

We are happy to see you.

SLAVER 2

(lowers her weapon)

Very happy.

VIMA SUNRIDER

We will be taking your ship.

SLAVER 1

You will be taking our ship.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(turning to Slaver 2, arching an eyebrow)

We will be taking your ship.

SLAVER 2

Yes, please. Take the ship.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Now go help wrangle those cattle.

(pauses)

And never sell a slave again.

SLAVER 1

Yes, mam. Never again.

SLAVER 2

Right away. Never.

VAGHAR MARDUK

(to the Cathar)

I think it will be tight, but you should be able to all fit onboard.

Get somewhere safe. The Taris System has been taking refugees for farming work.

CATHAR LEADER

Thank you. Who are you?

VAGHAR MARDUK

(he squeezes the Cathar’s shoulder)

Just friends from far away.

The sound of engines grows louder as the pair of Basilisks approach, landing in the center of the camp, crushing the slave pens beneath their massive clawed feet. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

(tense)

Go! Now! 

Vima!

Vima finishes urging the Cathar onto the ship and comes to stand beside Vaghar, pulling her lightsaber out. Vaghar sees hers and pulls out his pair of dueling lightsabers.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Here is the darkness.

VAGHAR MARDUK

I hope Meetra is safe.

CUT TO:

Zooming shot of the knocked over hover cart, its crates scattered across the ground. One of the crates shifts. Rolls over. And the lid falls open tumbling a dizzy Meetra onto the ground.

CUT TO:

The Basilisk riders steer their mounts toward the Jedi. The massive droid legs gracefully clunking across the ground, the huge metal claws tearing the dirt. The Basalisks are painted a deep red, the color of blood, where they are not steel grey. Their snouts are an arsenal of weaponry, their tail sensor arrays and engines.

The brutal armored figures on their backs draw blasters, but hold back for a moment. Waiting. The calm before the storm is highlighted by the music rolling into a low rumble of brass and percussion. Waiting.

Suddenly, the Basilisks fire off a volley of rockets and lasers at the Jedi. The riders fire blasters in rapid succession. A torrent of fiery death at maximum speed. Then their shockwave cannons detonate the ground, sending a wave of mayhem before the Basilisks.

The Jedi split up. Vaghar and Vima dive in opposite directions, avoiding the barrage but the shockwaves nearly knock them both over. They both roll and spin, rising at a run and igniting their lightsabers. Vaghar's lightsabers are a purple and yellow blur. Vima’s is a vibrant green that watches her eyes. 

They race from cover to cover, cutting down the distance to the Basilisks in arcing bursts - a tactic developed during the last war between Jedi and Mandalorian. Their Battle Meditation training together synchronizing their movements.

VAGHAR MARDUK

(shouting)

Now that’s what I call dangerous.

VIMA SUNRIDER

Just get back to the ship. This isn’t where we stand our ground.

VAGHAR MARDUK

Just giving the Cathar time to get away.

While Vima draws the attention of both Basilisk riders, Vaghar makes a mad dash around and over a building to leap atop the Basilisks on the right, whirling a deadly pattern with his blades.

Being momentarily caught off guard, the blue visored rider drops her blaster and draws a pair of vibro-blades - wickedly curved daggers. She blocks Vaghar’s powerful attack, sliding between his swings as she leaps into the air catching him in the stomach with her boot. Vaghar tumbles to the ground.

Vima rushes in to slice through into the leg of the same Basilisk, while dodging the other war droid’s barrages of lasers and missiles. Her lightsaber cuts into the leg but is unable to slice all the way through, as the Beskar steel stops the blade. But sparks fly and the Basilisk droid slumps to the side, injured. Nearly losing its balance as it tries to crush her with its other foot.

From atop the Basilisk, the armored woman jumps down, landing in a crouch near Vaghar as he stands up. She rushes towards the Jedi, her movements liquid, like a snake, side to side. A green glow surrounds her knives, as she channels Darkside magic into her blades. She darts in and Vaghar parries. 

VAGHAR MARDUK

What are you?

BLUE VISOR

Everything you are not, Weakling!

They continue to fight, clearly an equal match. Blades and sabers blur and bodies whirl as they kick and cartwheel across the battlefield towards an old fighter parked on the edge of the settlement. Running up the wing, Vaghar dives over the blue visored warrior, swinging down with both sabers. He catches her across the shoulder and back with a slash. Her armor mostly deflects it, but she is slightly injured.

CUT TO:

Vima dodges and rolls out of the way as both Basilisks move in one her. The second rider with the red visor, runs her Basilisk at Vima, full speed. Vima uses the Force to throw a part of one of the collapsed temporary shelters at the war droid, catching it dead center, sending the rider flying off. But the red visored warrior lands in a roll and is on her feet swinging a brutal vibro-axe and activating a blast shield attached to her left arm guard in a less than a second. Setting her feet, she urges Vima on with a rude gesture.

RED VISOR

Come my sweet one. I’ll teach you how to fight.

Vima rushes towards her foe, twirling her lightsaber. They meet in a flash of sparks locked in a deadly duel. Vima spins and jumps, twists and turns, but she cannot get past the armored enemies defenses. As Vima is about to relaunch her attack, the red visored enemy activates the shockwave on her shield. A sonic wave blasts into Vima, catching her off guard and sending her flying off her feet and into a pile of debris.

CUT TO:

Vaghar and the Blue Visor are locked in a tense combat, jumping from atop the injured Basilisk that is still clumping about to buildings. The ship carrying the Cathar takes off in the background. 

Vaghar notices it but it distracts him just enough for his foe to slice him with one of her blades across each of his arms as she hisses an evil spell. 

He spasms and screams as the green Dark-magic crawls onto him, dropping his lightsabers. He falls from the rooftop of one of the prefab buildings. 

CUT TO:

A group of ten of the cattle are being chased by a pack of the hounds. They are headed right for Vaghar, who writhes in pain on the ground, the green light pulsing on his arms. His foe gloats, standing on the roof above him.

BLUE VISOR

Like I said. You Jedi are weak. You don’t deserve the Gift!

A group of cattle start to charge down the street towards Vaghar. He screams in pain, seizures on the ground, trying to fight back the Dark-magic’s poison. 

CUT TO:

Vima lies on the ground. The debris and wreckage of the camp all around her. Small flames have started where circuits have been cut. None of the slavers returned once the fighting started. 

The Red Visor approaches, sauntering slowly as she drinks in the pain of her opponent. 

RED VISOR

Oh, you are so tasty. I don’t know if I have ever had a hurt so sweet. And look at those legs - I could just eat you.

VIMA SUNRIDER

(pulls her head up)

I promise you. I’m sour.

There is a pause as the music finds the tension between them, weaving themes of light and dark - juxtaposed. 

Vima collects her lightsaber with the force, igniting it as she rises. The light of her green eyes and the saber flicker together.

VIMA SUNRIDER

And nasty.

RED VISOR

Delicious.

They rush each other. Red Visor activates the handle of her axe and it extends into a poleaxe. They jump in the air and meet metal on light.

CUT TO:

The wind is picking up even more now, a dust storm rolling in as twilight soaks through the sky. The clouds have lightning in them, thunder crashes again and again. The large Corvette in the sky begins to move up in the atmosphere as the pair of gunships fly to the surface.

CUT TO:

As the cattle are nearing Vaghar’s prone body, a figure flips through the air out from between a pair of ships. Standing before the cattle, she holds out her hands, sending the creatures to either side down alleys. 

She turns, and the Padawan Meetra looks to the Blue Visor, draws her lightsaber and ignites it. The blue of her saber is a beacon of hope as the sun sets behind the horizon.

MEETRA SURIK

Weak? I don’t think so.

BLUE VISOR

Ah, a youngling. I will enjoy breaking you.

MEETRA SURIK

(fierce)

Oh, yeah?

From either side down alleys in the debris, cattle and hounds some charging at the Blue Visored Warrior. She flips backwards and away barely dodging the beasts. 

Meetra rushes to help up Vaghar, who is recovering. The green Dark-magic no longer pulses, but there are lingering jagged green scars on his arms.

MEETRA SURIK

Are you ok?

VAGHAR MARDUK

Barely.

Meetra holds a defensive position, watching the Blue Visor as she approaches down the cleared street. Vaghar collects his lightsabers from where they fell with the Force, igniting and spinning up to his feet in one motion. 

Vaghar and Meetra rush at the Blue Visored Warrior, moving to either side of the street, then dive in on either side of her. Quickly it looks as if they will out match her, with both of them landing glancing blows on her armor.

But suddenly, she throws down a grenado that explodes in a cloud of poisonous smoke. 

Coughing, Vaghar and Meetra lose her in the gathering dust storm as they try to get clear of the poisonous smoke.

CUT TO:

Vima and the Red Visor are locked in deadly combat, running and jumping off things to try to land blows. Vima is able to catch the Red Visor with a blow to the leg with a flying piece of a speeder then strike at her opponents chest. But the Red Visor uses her armguard to shoot flames at Vima that send her reeling back from the heat. 

As the dust clouds swirl around them, visibility lessens to just a few meters, until a light from a Basilisk illuminates Vima and fires a rocket. Vima uses the force to redirect the rocket at the Red Visor, blowing her back into debris and disappearing in the clouds of dust.

Vima then launches atop the Basilisk and carves into the control board with her saber. The war droid begins to shut down and deactivate. She jumps off, chasing after the Red Visor.

But she is met by both Red and Blue Visor attacking her in unison. Poleaxe and knives (not glowing anymore) quickly start to drive back Vima’s single lightsaber. 

Vima looks to be nearly killed multiple times, then is knocked over with an unexpected kick from Blue Visor just as Red Visor lands a slash across Vima’s back with her poleaxe. A surge of green Dark-magic pulses from the axeblade as it cuts. Vima rolls away crying out in pain, her shoulder and back sizzling with green Dark-magic. She writhes on the ground.

The two armored warriors slowly saunter towards Vima, drinking in her pain, accentuating the curves of their bodies despite the bulky armor. Touching each other and themselves most inappropriately. 

Vima is just confused. Falling in and out of focus, barely conscious as she tries to listen to them.

BLUE VISOR

(caressing Red Visor’s body)

Aw, the poor Jedi can’t keep up.

(pushes herself away)

You can have her.

RED VISOR

(caressing Blue Visor’s helmet)

I’ve had a taste, and she’s spoiled. 

(dancing sillily, in a high voice)

But she squeals so nicely.

BLUE VISOR

(caressing herself, in a deep scary voice)

Then we will just have to kill the last Sunrider, won’t we, sis?

Green Dark-magic surrounds both of the women’s hands as they get closer, mumbling some vile spell under their breath in unison. As one.

Vima’s vision flickers overlaying the two women as they cackle and curse together.

FLASH TO:

A murky scene of a gathering of witches in long red, black, and purple robes. Dark red and white paint in patterns on their faces, a mockery of Mirialan tattoos. They chant a horrid language as the music turns as dark as it can go, to the depths of the Krath-Sith lair.

They are in a dark red stone cavern, wild designs and wicked markings are splattered and carved across the walls. And a body on an altar. HER body, being drained of blood. Tubes and devices pinch and suck at Vima. Yellow and red fluids filling large jars. 

FLASH TO:

The pair of Mandalorian armored women stand over Vima. The long tubes coming out of the back of their helmets twitch - these are Twi'lek lekku.

RED VISOR

I knew you weren’t worth it, Sunrider.

Sprawled on the ground it looks like Vima’s end.

Pause for effect. Close up on Vima’s pained face. Music comes down for a tender second, before igniting with the action. 

A speeder crashes into the pair of armored warriors. They are thrown back by the impact, tumbling away into the dust clouds.

Vaghar and Meetra come running in with lightsabers spinning. Meetra stands over them, as Vaghar kneels at Vima’s side.

VAGHAR MARDUK

(caresses Vima’s cheek)

There you are. 

(lifting Vima)

Get the ship ready Meetra. 

You ARE supposed to be there.

MEETRA SURIK

Yes, Master!

Meetra runs ahead as Vaghar carries Vima who slips in and out of consciousness.

VAGHAR MARDUK

You’re going to be alright.

And we’re going to find out who-in the-last-stop-on-the-Kessel-Run those crazy ladies were.

Together.

FADE OUT TO BLACK

Chapter Text

SCENE 5

FADE IN:

EXT. KANZ SECTOR

The Mandalorian Crusader-class Corvette “Insurreptyon” cruises through space, leaving the planet of Kanz V behind them. A squadron of six Davaab-type starfighters joins the Corvette from the asteroid belt, circling and weaving in a complex pattern.

CUT TO:

INT. CRUSADER-CLASS CORVETTE “INSURREPTYON"

The Blue Visored and Red Visored Warriors stand in their communication center, still wearing their armor and helmets. The slick Mandalorian designs of the ship are interrupted with brutal skulls hung on the walls and fetishes dangling from the ceiling. The room feels lived in, taking on a ritualistic quality.

The hologram comes to life, revealing a full sized image of a seated Togruta, Darth Theron. She sits on a black stone throne. Her red robes lie open, revealing her voluptuous body, one large breast leaking milk into a bowl held by a pair of hands of some servant off-screen. Another pair of hands caress and stroke her montrals slowly as a third set of hands massage her lekku.

The Blue Visored and Red Visored Warriors immediately kneel, speaking in unison.

BLUE AND RED VISOR

We have failed you, Mistress.

(prostrating themselves flat)

We are ready for our punishment.

DARTH THERON

(slapping away the hands holding the milk bowl, she leans forward)

But you have seen her. Sunrider. The apprentice of Lord Qel-Droma - Does she bear the Mark of Shadow as he did?

BLUE VISOR

No mistress. 

RED VISOR

She is unmarked.

Darth Theron is visibly angry, catching one of the slave hands caressing her lekku and wrenching it to her mouth. She bites down on the soft skin, drawing blood. A scream from the slave as the hand is pulled back. Blood on her lips, Darth Theron wipes it off with her fingers, delicately licking up every drop.

BLUE VISOR

But there was another. He bore tattoos on his face. A Mirialan.

(she traces a symbol on her forehead)

With but a small addition, the ritual could be completed. I have marked him with my blades.

DARTH THERON

A Mirialan? 

(she beckons someone off screen to her)

Acolyte Aryl, come.

A Mirialan woman in dark red and grey robes steps up next to Darth Theron.

DARTH THERON

(to Red and Blue Visors)

Describe him for me. 

FADE OUT TO BLACK

FADE IN

INT. NEBULON RANGER, COCKPIT

Meetra Surik is in the pilot’s seat, looking a bit overwhelmed as she flies the ship and starts to plan a hyperspace jump. Vaghar steps into the cockpit preoccupied. 

MEETRA SURIK

Master Vima doing ok?

VAGHAR MARDUK

She’ll recover. 

MEETRA SURIK

What about you? Are your arms ok?

VAGHAR MARDUK

I’ll be fine, just some scratches.

(he scratches his forearms)

I’m just–

Together they were far more powerful. They fed on Vima’s Force power somehow. 

MEETRA SURIK

Were those Sith? They didn’t look like any Sith I’ve ever heard of.

VAGHAR MARDUK

I don’t think so… honestly I don’t know.

But we’re going to find out.

CUT TO

EXT. KANZ SECTOR

The Nebulon Ranger changes trajectory, pauses for a moment, then zips into hyperspace, leaving a starry sky twinkling as the credits roll. 

END OF EPISODE 1