The Mandalorian Contract

With the Vizier's regime on Albios now in ruins, Orono projected a copy of himself back to Confederate space. He had received troubling visions as of late, and wanted to remind any rebels, present and future, who was in charge…

 Coruscant, Old Market Quarter…

HK-51, the infamous and deadly protector of the Zoiji line, ran quickly down the enormous alleyways and vendor stalls that made up a now decrepit section of this planet. Three Inheritor soldier squads were attempting to flee through ancient markets and he intended make them fail.

"Freeze it, droid. They're mine." a figure in green-red Mandalorian armor threatened. Within seconds the squads appeared, and HK-51 held back. The first squad fell to a thermal detonator in their haste, and were enveloped in the blast that followed. The other three, more cautious this time, attempted to flank their attacker, taking cover and roadie-running towards him in synchronized movements. However, no amount of tactical brilliance would save them here. The Mandalorian launched rockets from his jetpack at the rebels, taking them out with two loud BOOMS! From this assault, one survivor used the last of his strength to aim his blaster at the Mandalorian. However, a quick blaster shot between the eyes quickly spelled doom for him.

"Query: While I admire the efficiency with which you deleted these rebels, who are you, Mandalorian?" HK-51 asked the figure.

"I'll tell you, HK: Boba Fett!" a voice from the shadows answered.

Both the Hunter-Killer and the Mandalorian turned to look at the speaker. He was clad in a grey-on-black suit of fabled RIS armor, with two KDY-21 blasters holstered at his side, a vibrosword sheathed at his knee with an onyx jetpack. The helmet possessed a voice changer, giving the warrior's voice a gravelly feel to it. Boba Fett, taking this in, asked gruffly,

"Who the kreff are you?"

"You'll find out soon enough, Fett. I hear you're planning to leave the Confederacy. Care to explain why?"

"Emperor Orono's a coward." Fett answered bluntly. "He leaves known space and makes his followers do all the work. Anyone who doesn't lead his forces into battle is no true leader."

The warrior clenched his fist in response and Fett smiled beneath the T-shaped visor of his helmet. Good. Now he's angry, it'll be easy to kill him.

"Then I challenge you to an honor duel, right here, right now. If I win, you stay with the Confederacy. If you win, the Mandalorians can leave, no questions asked." the warrior said defiantly. 

Instead of answering, Fett drew his EE3 carbine and let loose a series of blaster shots. The warrior had barely enough time to get behind a stand for cover. Drawing his KDY blasters, he fired a volley of bolts, their shrill sound echoing through the market quarter. Despite being hit by the greater part of his opponent's shots. Fett brought a jet of flame to bear from his his flamethrower. Dropping one pistol, the warrior activated his jetpack and went up into the sky like a shot. Not one to give up, Fett did the same and doggedly gave pursuit. The chase ended near the remains of statues dedicated to bygone Senatorial big wigs. Upon landing, the RIS-clad warrior drew a sleek serrated blade. After Fett unsheathed smaller blades from his crimson wrist gauntlets, a rapid series of jabs, thrusts, parries and feints followed. The two warriors exchanged and received several blows until the RIS-clad warrior's helmet was knocked off. Boba Fett was poised for the finishing blow until he saw who he was actually fighting.

"Orono Zoiji?" Fett said with an unusual amount of surprise.


"Yes, it's me, Fett." the grey bearded old man replied. "And I hope you realize by now that I am NO coward!"

In a single fluid motion, he leapt over Fett and slashed his blade at his jetpack's igniters. The pack's engines roared to life, sending the Mandalorian in a sharp upward spiral, before finally slamming into the remnants of the first Supreme Chancellor's statue with a loud BOOM! Boba Fett, leader of the Mandalorian people, lay sprawled on the ground in a sea of rubble, as Orono approached him, blaster drawn. He fired a shot, and just before feeling its sting, Fett closed his eyes, expecting to feel death's embrace. Instead, he opened his eyes just as his own helmet was being removed.

"So this is your real face." Orono said with a tinge of awe. "I've been around a long time, but I never thought I'd be privileged enough to see it."

Unconcerned at his defeat, or the fact that someone knew what he looked like, Fett asked,

"Why didn't you kill me?"

"I respect you, Fett. You've survived everything the galaxy's thrown at you, stared death in the face and blown its brains out." Orono replied, 'Which is why I'm doing this for you."

He waved his hand, and suddenly, all of Fett's wounds had healed.

You're immortal now, Fett." Orono said, "Because in my world, the legend never dies."

An hour later...

After some deliberation, the two leaders solidified a permanent place for the Mandalorian people as long as Clan Fett ruled...

Boba Fett

Orono's RIS armor

One of Orono's KDY blasters.

From the Ashes

The morning winds of Albios tried in vain to push the Summer Crow out of the new morning sky. Instead, she stayed true, soaring through the sky well enough to shame any bird of prey. Celgo Zoiji was at the helm, his cybernetic right eye scanning the horizon for the so called 'Amaranthine Fleet' the Vizier had at his command. If what Ryo and Virra had told them was true, it would be just up ahead. Setting the ship on autopilot, he turned to the two behind him and said,

"So you're sure you're ready for this?"

Almost immediately, Ryo and Virra replied,

'Absolutely. We'll do whatever it takes."

Celgo furrowed his brow and the metal iris of his right eye flashed yellow. The two had learned that this meant he didn't quite believe what he was hearing.

"No, I mean, are you ready? Once you fire the first shots, there's no turning back," he said firmly, gesturing at the turret entry ladders as he did so.

The siblings' faces became more pensive, and Celgo didn't need his 'good eye' to see the synapses going off as they mulled it over…

Below, at the edge of the Vizier's fortress…

Korgo Zoiji stood in front of the thousand-strong Hearth Brotherhood, his cyan-colored lightsaber blazing bright, his father Orono and the others beside him, and looked over the army he had trained for a year straight. There had been some setbacks and struggles of course, but now each of them brandished makeshift lightsaber and blaster of their own, with strong metal armor to match. In his steel edged voice that commanded attention, he declared,

"Friends and comrades, today your freedom is at hand. Many of you were doubtful that this day would come. But no cowards march on the Vizier today--no, I see brave warriors, willing to take what is rightfully theirs. Today, a new age begins: the Age of the Phoenix!"

With a raucous cheer, the Hearth Brotherhood charged forward and into the enemy compound. The equally strong guardsman responded in kind, enveloping the area in a storm of blades, blaster fire, and blood. At the same time, the Summer Crow let fly a hail of crimson energy, blasting the fleet of galleons, brigantines and triremes to bits. Moments later, the ship passed over the central palace, with Celgo, Ryo and Virra jumping off the rear ramp and out into the sky. Celgo's Force energy absorbed most of the damage, but they still landed with a heavy THUD! Here, the first-born of the Zoiji showcased his signature power: speed shooting. The movements of blaster and hand together were so fas that it appeared as a blur. However, Ryo and Virra slew their fair share as well, for several bodies lined the entrance to the palace. They found it largely deserted; the guards were fighting beyond the compound walls, and only a wrinkled, portly old man with a wispy mustache remained, cowering in his throne. He made no attempt to escape, merely recoiling as a trio of blasters were aimed at his face.

"Pl-Please! Don't you know who I am!? I am Vizier My'mas Voy, and by the power vested in my by the gods, I order that you spare me!" he ordered, the response coming out like a squeal instead. Celgo let out a short chuckle,

"My'mas Voy? That's funny; sounded like mama's boy to me!"

With that, three blaster shots fired, and Vizier My'mas Voy sprawled back against the throne. In a flash, Celgo drew a vibroknife, and in a single fluid motion, decapitated him. He handed the grisly trophy to the siblings,

"Keep this." he said calmly, as if it were nothing but a simple knickknack, "to remember the price of power."

The siblings nodded and held it up high for all to see…

Homefront

After the the departure of the Zoiji family from the known galaxy, the Confederacy came under attack. Remnants of the Unified Counter-Treason Initiative, disbanded after the fall of the Republic and Sith Empire had become domestic terrorists. Using salvaged hardware and whatever they could steal, the Initiative had joined the Inheritors in exchange for having their influence restored. Their intimate knowledge of Confederate worlds made them a difficult for Revan, Darth Vowrawn, Darth Malgus, Count Dooku, General Grievous and Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Zoiji's regents…

Midday, in the center of Coruscant…

Revan stood crouched behind the shell of a crashed land speeder , a squad of four soldiers huddled behind him. About ten feet ahead, eight massive assault tanks lumbered into view: fifteen tons of steel and heavy ordinance that could easily decimate an enemy if caught in the open. Thankfully, these weren't any ordinary soldiers.

"On my mark, plan the charges, then run for cover," Revan said to them in a low whisper. The four soldiers nodded silently as the seconds ticked away.

Three…

Two…

One!

"NOW!" Revan shouted. 

In a flash, the soldiers ran forward, the ash-grey color of their armor hiding their advance. In a matter of seconds the tanks were half covered in demolition charges, their receivers flashing crimson. Just as they had taken cover behind a withered streetlight, the charges went off with a resounding BOOM! The tanks were enveloped in a storm of fire, reducing each to rubble once the dust had settled. Unfortunately, their display of guerrilla warfare had not gone unnoticed. Groups of soldiers ran to the scene, attempting to drive the attackers back with a hail of blaster fire. Revan and his men stood their ground, with the soldiers firing from what little cover remained while he charged ahead. Using the Force, he augmented his speed, gliding past his attackers while he sliced, dismembered and decapitated each in turn. However, his advance was cut short by a group of battle droids, the pale yellow color of their plating prominent in the morning sun. Suddenly, and without warning, a red skinned man clad in elaborate robes leaped in front of Revan. Instead of brandishing a lightsaber, he raised his hands upward, making violet lightning billow from the sky. The droids tried to resist, but short-circuited one by one.

What a strange time this is, Revan thought to himself. First we were adversaries, now we're trusted allies.

That much was true. This was the latest of many victories they had achieved together, and there was a flicker of goodness in Vowrawn. He would never admit how much but there was a sense of compassion that tempered his calculations and plans, something Revan had come to admire.

 As the last fell, the figure, Darth Vowrawn turned to Revan.

"My heavens, that was exhilarating!" he said in a elegant, well mannered voice.

Letting out a light chuckle, Revan replied,

"Thanks Vowrawn, but send me some advance warning next time."

Smiling, Vowrawn said,

"Ah, but what's warfare without a little theatricality and flair?"

As he spoke, dozens of HK units, some 50's and 51's entered and began patrolling the streets, killing Initiative and Inheritor alike.

"That's true," Revan said, "because the fight is far from over."

"Not to worry, my friend," Vowrawn replied, "because while our enemies may be one step ahead of us, I am fifty ahead. And sooner or later we can crush this rebellion."

"I just hope Obi-Wan and the others are having as good luck as we are," Revan wondered…

Revan

Darth Vowrawn

   

Joy Amidst A Storm of Sorrow

In no short time, the Zoiji family became active participants within the rebel cause. The "Hearth Brotherhood", as they were called, inhabited a massive cave complex that lay beneath the forest itself. While ideal in terms of stealth, it made gathering supplies and provisions year-round particularly difficult. Thankfully, the powers of the Zoiji made a profound difference, as they could predict wildlife movements before they even happened and gather herbs and roots faster than ever before. Instead of a great many followers going hungry and dying of illness, all of their number survived the season. As the Brotherhood and the rest of his family danced, sang and feasted in celebration, Orono pulled out a tome he had retrieved from the Cadfael. Completely blank and the color of flashing green, he pulled out a quill with azure ink and began to write,

The Eternia Biographica

On the first page he began with these solemn words,

"Vi veri universum vivus vici (By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe)"

With that, he began to recount everything he had seen and done within a hundred millennia of life. He would finish his chapter, and have his family follow in turn until the story of an ageless dynasty was complete... 

Night Terrors

After the rescue of Korgo, Orono took his granddaughter, Viquina out into the galaxy and expand her knowledge of the Unknown Regions.

At least, that was the plan..

Instead of the customary neon blue light that normally enveloped the Cadfael, bright violet took its place. The ship would not respond to any of their commands, as if possessed by some great will. All they could do was wait for their destination to be revealed...

Albios, center of the Erykin (eric-in) galaxy...

Frantic and hasty footsteps could be heard throughout the central forest. Two thieves: Virra and Ryo, were running for their lives. They had stolen six of the Vizier's Shards of Power: gemstone-like objects that could endow the user with various powers. Now something truly terrible was chasing them. Finally stopping to rest, Virra turned to her brother,

"What in oblivion were you thinking, Ryo!?"

Frustration tinging his face with red, he answered,

"What else could I have done? These are our only chance against the Vizier!"

Clenching her teeth she pointed back the way they had come,

"But now we've got a Cackler on our trail!"

"I'm not afraid of--"

Suddenly, Ryo heard an insect-like patter of footsteps and a demented, homicidal laugh that was louder than before. The creature Virra had called a 'Cackler' was getting dangerously close. Fear overtaking their frustration with each other, brother and sister bolted for the next clearing. However their pursuer revealed itself moments after. Fragments of metal had been painfully grafted into the creature's squid like body  its eyes pried open and red with rage. Where two arms should have been, vicious scalpel claws took their place. Rearing up, the Cackler went to attack, but stopped to look up at the sky. Ryo and Virra did the same and saw a wondrous sight. A large fireball spouting red light was racing towards them. As one the two rolled out and into the foliage. The Cackler, however was not as quick. With a defiant cackle, it snapped its claws in challenge just as the fireball came to rest exactly where it was standing, incinerating it completely. Silently relieved, Ryo and Virra crept out to investigate just as a hatch opened in front of them. Two individuals slowly emerged: a wizened old man with a bright grey beard and dark robed armor and a woman in sleek black and white bodysuit with dark blue eyes and raven hair that hung in front of her head like short vines. They seemed normal enough except for one thing: short shafts of metal that glowed in certain areas were strapped to their belts. Virra only looked at them from a distance until the old man turned to face her. He smiled and held out his hand,

"You can come out. There's no need to be afraid."

Cautiously, Virra stepped out of the foliage and beckoned her brother to do the same. Then she voiced the question that was on both their minds,

"Who are you?"

"I am Orono Zoiji." the man said to them. 

The woman next to him bowed slightly and said,

"And I am Viquina Zoiji."

This answered the question, but the siblings perked up when the woman known as Viquina spoke. While Orono's voice had been calm and reassuring, hers, while calm all the same, had a steely edge to it that commanded attention.

"How did you find us?" Ryo asked.

Gazing at the ship, Viquina said to them,

"Purely by accident. Our vessel brought us here on its own. Although," she said, gesturing at the creature's smoldering remains, "what exactly was attacking you?"

"A Cackler. Personal hunting dogs to the Vizier", answered Virra.

Furrowing his brow, Orono looked over the corpse and said,

"Hmmm. Crude, but effective for intimidation."

He next turned to Ryo, appraising the scarlet tattoo and cross-like scar on his face.

"Who gave you these markings, my friend?"

Slight indignation on his face, Ryo answered,

"The Vizier, our pig tyrant who thinks he's a god. He branded me a Blightspawn at birth; someone fit for nothing but slave labor and gladiatorial combat. I gained the scar when I escaped with my sister Virra. We--"

"Wait," Viquina said, perking up, I sense more of those creatures coming."

Awestruck, Virra went to ask how, but Orono held up his hand,

"No time to explain now. We need to hide."

"How?" the siblings asked in unison.

Orono did not answer, but simply snapped his fingers and enveloped the four in gold light. The Cacklers did come shortly after, but wandered frantically instead of attacking. As they left, Orono's eyes glowed in a flash of white, then returned to normal.

"What was that?", the two asked again.

"I called in the family for help," Orono answered, "Now, do you have a base where you can bring us up to speed?"

Virra simply pointed the way, and with that, they vanished into the forest...

Later that same night...

Eight other starships entered the sky and made a landing further in, each brimming with weapons, medicine and other supplies. For this situation to be resolved, it would have to be a family affair... 

Ryo

Virra

  

Watcher in the Dark

Inspired by Viquina's rather unorthodox wedding, Novon and Elara finally decided to get married as well. After small ceremony with the entire Zoiji family in attendance and a short honeymoon came a young daughter: Ixandriel (Eex-ann-dree-el). In the Forgotten Tongue, this meant "Veiled Lady". She had great potential in the Force, as befitted those of her lineage. However her early years were not the happiest. When Ixandriel was only ten, revolutionaries calling themselves the "Inheritors" attacked the house where she was spending time with the rest of the Zoiji. First there was a loud crash at the door followed by frenzied cries. Korgo flashed his lightsaber and told her to run. Kurumo and the others barred the door, but it did not hold for long. The revolutionaries burst in guns blazing, but their war cry was drowned out by earth, lightning, fire and blood. Just as Novon his wife and daughter cleared the room a shard of shrapnel darted out and slashed her across the face. Ixandriel screamed as blood streamed onto the floor. The three got away safely, but discovered Korgo had been captured while buying the others time to regroup. Ixandriel never quite forgot this act of loyalty and drilled herself for years in order to repay it. Her eyeless sockets were quickly replaced with state of the art cybernetics, ones that flashed bright red. Between her parents and other relatives, she mastered every blaster recorded with incredible speed. Now a full grown woman, she embarked on a solo journey to rescue her uncle. Despite the Inheritor's belief that their base was untraceable,  Zoiji spies found it on the edge of the Maw Nebula within three days. The soldiers laughed at the threat she posed but Ixandriel said,

"Even the void of space can't hide you from me."

One by one, she killed the traitors until reaching Korgo's cell. The door slid open to reveal a large man with muscle and sinew coursing all over his body. His hair was no longer the pitch black she remembered, now it was streaked with salt and pepper coloring. The fists were bound as well but he was soon free. While the Inheritors were by no means decimated, this rescue gave Ixandriel an early place in history...

Ixandriel Zoiji

  

Tournament for a Lady's Heart

By the time Circeia returned to the Confederacy, a tournament was in full swing. Upon further investigation, she realized her cousin Viquina had arranged the event to choose a proper groom. The entire population bore witness, as it was all broadcast over the HoloNet. Powerful individuals the galaxy over would fight for her hand in marriage. Out of seventy-five candidates, only a select few had survived the melee. The first was Symon Cedrax, brother to eccentric scientist Tharan Cedrax, the second a Force-sentsitive Kaleesh warlord known as Zoken, with Captain Moran, and smuggler Kim J'yur as the final two. The only rule was to not strike a killing blow, as the survivors had skills and connections that were vital to the Confederacy. With a wave of Viquina's hand, the fight began. After several hours and the most intense spectacle the Confederacy had ever seen, Warlord Zoken emerged the victor. Lord Korgo, Viquina's father came to congratulate the Kaleesh and deliver this warning,

'If you break her heart, I'll break your neck."

Unflinching and with fire in his eyes, Zoken answered,

"Never, Forcebane. I will follow her throughout eternity."

Smiling, the hulking man said,

"Good, because that's how long you'll be married to her."

The next day a lavish ceremony followed with banquets so grandiose the people   in attendance could barely believe their eyes...

Warlord Zoken

Kim J'yur

Symon Cedrax

Captain Moran

Trial by Fire

Shortly after Nitro's defeat, Circeia Zoiji ventured into the Unknown Regions. There her gunship crash-landed on the planet Lehon. After days of searching, Circeia discovered an ancient artifact: the Chrysalis. Left behind by the Infinite Empire centuries ago, it had the capability to endow whoever entered with near infinite power. Several droids, each more potent than the last appeared to face her. As the sun set over Lehon, Circeia reached the center of the Chrysalis. As promised, she gained great power in both combat and visions but at a great price. Her crimson eyes faded into nothing and her body shifted and contorted. In exchange she would forsake the Sith species forever. Now resembling a Miralukan, she created a new starship Seeress's Whisper and returned to the Zoiji Confederacy and her family. Her new insight foretold nine traitors in their midst, from the Confederate Knights...

The Chrysalis 

Lehon

A New Generation

Standing amidst the scarred fields of Dras Edoc'sil was HK-51, the legendary, assassin and protector of the Zoiji family. Surround by piles of scrap metal he chuckled,

"Mockery: 'HK-101' indeed! These imitations are not even worthy of the name!"

Arkana and Korvo entered, taking a moment to examine the steel grey killing machine. Standing near this iron pit Arkana asked,

"Are they really that bad?" 

"Salutation: Greetings Lord and Lady Abyssus. Pardon my rambling but yes, they are quite defective."

Curious, Korvo said,

"Any ideas on how we can do one better?"

"Statement: I have no shortage of ideas but we had best go inside. By the time I am done you will likely collapse from exhaustion."

By the end of a week, plans for a new battle droid were being drawn up: the ZC-01 support model...

ZC-01

HK-51

The Crucible

Finally, Nitro commenced his attack on the Confederacy. To the surprise of his enemies, he unveiled the HK-101 a so-called 'successor' to HK-51. Nitro had also founded House Abyssus and sired two children with his wife Styxia: Arkana and Korvo. Systematic warfare occurred throughout the galaxy, with a thousand worlds drowned in the blood of soldiers on both sides. To the surprise of Orono and his House, Arkana and Korvo entered Dras Edoc'sil eager to defect. Orono sensed the truth in their words, as neither had the dark taint of Nitro's doctrine. They struck a deal; if they helped kill their parents and end the war before it shattered the galaxy, they would be welcomed as an ally of the Zoiji Confederacy. Many years later their parents were defeated. Styxia was slain by her own daughter, slashed through the skull. Nitro, after a lengthy battle only his children and House Zoiji working together could win; reverted to the corpse he truly was. Their bodies were devoured by corpses of the vengeful fallen summoned by Koschei and the power of countless souls bequeathed to their children. They were even given a choice of a bride and groom from the Zoiji family, and a royal name all their own, bought in the blood of patricide... 

An HK-101

Arkana,  Nitro's daughter

Styxia, Nitro's wife

Nitro's true form

Korvo,  Nitro's son

Red Tears

Unfortunately for Viquina Zoiji, her grandfather's words eventually came to pass. While on a mission to ferret out the last followers of the old Sith Lords, her longtime lover Malavai Quinn jabbed a poison laden syringe in her back. Even though the attack had no effect, she was shocked and angered at the attempt. In a blind fury, Viquina charged towards Malavai as he fled behind zealot and citizen alike. Twin orange blades carved their way through flesh eventually, and his head rolled across the floor. Four months later, Viquina was still reeling from the betrayal, with only her father and grandfather able to calm her. A new officer was sent her way, a Zoiji Confederate with unwavering loyalty. History would know him as Captain Kristoff Moran...

Kristoff Moran

Koschei

Despite painstakingly precise preparations, Orono was deeply troubled at Nitro's coming. Recent reports had stated he could survive nearly anything; even a planet's destruction. Then, in desperation, he decided to do the impossible: create his enemy's equal. Venturing into the catacombs of Dras Edoc'sil, he gathered the countless bones of warriors he had vanquished. Using the most forbidden powers and blood from his latest foes, a new creation: Koschei; was born. Named for an ancient terror conquered centuries ago, he Nitro's equal in nearly every way, Orono tasked him to help end his life when the time came. Since he possessed the memories of the untold many that had died at Nitro's hands, Grand Necromancer Koschei happily agreed...

Grand Necromancer Koschei

The Scarlet Armor

Deeply concerned for his wife's safety, Orono immediately began crafting the finest set of armor in the galaxy. Strongly resembling the apparel of Darth Malak and forged with the same metal as his lightsaber; nothing short of an en masse attack by Force users of his caliber could break it. After fourteen weeks of labor, he was finished. Seeing the armor, Nadia said,

"I know you want to keep me safe, but this is too much."

"Please, Nadia. Wear it for my sake."

"I'm immortal, I have the best lightsaber, and now-"

"Yes, but now I don't think even that will be enough."

Curious she asked,

"Just how terrifying is this Nitro?"

After a brief pause, Orono answered grimly,

"He is the cruelest, most foul abomination who ever lived. I thought I knew his capabilities, but now.."

"Are you sure? We've beaten impossible odds before."

"I've never been more sure in my ten thousand and one years on this earth."

"All right," Nadia said after a short pause, "I'll wear it for you."

The timing was perfect, as the a long and bloody century, what history would call the 'Crucible' was fast approaching...

Ancient Nightmare

Upon returning from their five-year vacation, Orono received a report from the Confederate Archaeological Division. A new tomb had been found on Korriban, brimming with artifacts. Upon arrival Orono saw an eerily familiar crypt. After picking up the jaw casing of Darth Malak, a set of eyes hidden against the wall opened up. Turning quickly to face it, Orono saw a maggot-eaten corpse in faded robes with blood red eyes and a bone handle lightsaber. Only one person owned such a weapon: Nitro.

'Nitro? It can't be!"

In a voice like a long dead snake, the corpse answered,

"Miss me that much, Orono?"

"How? You died with us on this planet ages ago!"

Laughing, Nitro said in a wicked grin,

"Did you forget? I CAN'T be killed!"

With that, he ignited a sickly green blade and charged at Orono. At the last second, Orono faded into mist, narrowly avoiding him. Moments later, he leapt out of thin air, sapphire blade in hand. In a forward arc Orono slashed at Nitro, his blade gouging out his left eye. However his opponent simply charged forward, his attacks feral like a beast. The two fought so quickly that anyone watching would have only seen a blur. Rock, fire, lightning and debris were exchanged, until both resembled walking corpses. Seeing only one other option, Orono targeted the host of screaming souls in his enemy's body. Bone cracked and flesh ripped open as several spirits surged out of Nitro. As the living cadaver finally staggered back, Orono swept forward, cleaving its head clean off. However as he went back to his ship, the severed head delivered a warning,

"You got lucky this time, Orono. It'll be fun to see your empire burn."

Sternly Orono replied,

"And I'll be there to stop you, demon."

Chuckling the head taunted,

'We'll see about that..." 

Nitro, the Angel of Death

A Family Retreat (The Furies of House Zoiji)

Spending several months waging war and running an empire finally started to take its toll on Orono. After removing insurgents from Makeb, he arranged a five year vacation for the whole family. However  Vyrkon, Mako, Kozin, Kira, Novon and Elara politely refused as someone had to keep any future rebels at bay for the time being. At first light they left Dras Edoc'sil. Years earlier Orono had funded the construction of a state of the art luxury resort on Oceanus III: Diamond Shoals.

The shuttle floated to the ground amidst sunny skies and the calm splash of the ocean. The Zoiji family stepped onto the landing pad to admire the view.

"Couldn't have picked a better time, I think. Oceanus III is beautiful this time of year," said Orono.

"You said it, Dad," Celgo remarked, walking with his wife into the distance.

"Indeed. This makes Dromund Kaas and Coruscant put together look like a cheap motel," Korgo said in his steely Imperial accent.

Moments later, they entered the hotel lobby. When the employees saw the Royal Family, they ushered them to the elevator with breakneck speed through the droves of vacationers and tourists. Once inside Ashara was the first to ask,

"So, Orono, where are we in this craziness? A room? A suite?"

A warm smile on his face, he said, 

"Just wait. We're almost there."

With a light thud, the elevator doors slid open. Instead of the crowded single and double rooms they had seen earlier, the eight saw a voluminous underwater hotel with perfect views of the sea floor. After an awestruck silence, Celgo asked curiously,

"How the heck did you build this!? I mean, I was there when this place was being done, but this wasn't in any of the plans!"

A sly glint in his eye, his father answered,

"That's because I left it out. I figured you'd want privacy while you were on vacation."

The location in question was the Arcadia Zone. The room soon filled itself with the sound of fluttering wings and tiny feet. Within moments a platoon of droid butlers headed by a Jawa concierge in a tuxedo entered the room. In a jittery voice, he said,

"Ah, Mr. Orono. What bring you to Arcadia Zone?"

Kneeling at the Jawa Orono said,

"Hello, Jhin. It's been a long time. Everyone treating you well?"

"Oh, yes. No one mess with us. They fear you, great Throne Breaker."

Gesturing at Jhin, he said,

"Everyone, this is Jhin, of Clan Beshyr. I rescued him and his clan from White Maw pirates many years ago. He's been loyally working here ever since."

After talking with Jhin, the eight went to their private quarters. To the surprise of their wives everyone save Celgo meditated around holocrons. Voicing their disbelief, Vette said,

"Seriously? We're on vacation and this is what you want to do?"

"Oh not just this, Vette. There'll be time for more later. But don't let us hold you back. Please, enjoy yourselves. Celgo knows all the favorite haunts," Orono said reassuringly. 

The four headed out, unaware that five Clawdite assassins were tailing them. Out of the five hundred and seventy-two attractions, they went to the New Moon Bar and Casino. Featuring an all-Zeltron staff, it was frequented by almost everyone. The main attraction was Jayne Nova, a singer that many a drunken patron pined over. While Jayne performed, Celgo looked around and said, 

"What did I tell you? Isn't this place great?"

'Vibrant yes, but this place is soft. I need to fight," Akaavi said gruffly.

Don't worry, cyar'ika," (sweetheart) Celgo reassured. Pointing to the corner he said, "There's a fight pit over there." 

A tipsy patron started towards the ring but Celgo grabbed him by the shoulder, warning,

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, pal. Not unless you got a death wish."

As he hobbled away Ashara asked,

"Is she really that tough?"

A knowing look on his face he said,

"Trust me. I'm immortal and I still don't want to get on her bad side."

And he was right. Within two hours fifteen men lay senseless and bruised on the floor. Suddenly Nadia who had been enjoying the crowd, perked up.

"Wait, I sense something."

"Assassins. I sense them too."

In a flash, five "patrons" drew blasters and vibroblades, attacking them. Lightsaber blades flashed as each was cut down. Finally the Zoijis could enjoy their vacation in peace...

Vette Zoiji

Ashara Zoiji (nee Zavros) wife of Xhulon Zoiji

The Diamond Shoals Resort

Akaavi Zoiji (nee Spar) wife of Celgo Zoiji