Garet Jax

Garet watched as the first android approached. He silently named the battle droid Ax. The metallic warrior swung a large chain it its right arm. In place of its left arm, the droid had a massive ax that could split even a Doshan's hard skull. And of course, as with all the other droid weapons, they were coated in cortosis. Another droid approached from the opposite direction. Garet glanced over his back as he heard the footsteps of the second fighter. He silently labeled the droid Hammer. In place of fists, each of the droids hands were tipped by large metallic hammers. Each hammer head was as wide around as the crown of his head. Garet squatted as Ax expertly swung the chain above his head. He drove his knee into the droid's chest plate. The force of the blow knocked the metal monster back a few steps. I should have enhanced my attack with the Force. I really do need this training. That point was driven home by the swing of Hammer's right arm. Garet nimbly dodged, but the blow glanced off his shoulder. He had been a step too slow. Garet felt blinding pain. But the pain was a sign of his luck, and he did not lament it. He wouldn't be feeling anything right now if he had been a second late. Garet rolled away from the droids as they continued their cold unrelenting advance.

Garet took the holoprojector. He would complete his Master's assignment. But as Rocketblaze had given him permission, Garet first wished to get himself reacclimated to life amongst the Serpents. The Doshan stalked the familiar corridors of the Serpent stronghold. Garet stopped off on his way. He found his forge untouched, but worn by disuse. The Doshan would have to take great care to restore it. The Serpent continued on until he entered the training area. Garet considered himself a master duelist. He had spent countless hours here honing his skills. But since Rocketblaze's departure he had not once activated his lightsaber. Now Garet would need those skills again. He summoned forth his sparring partners. Four deadly battle droids emerged from within nearby wall panels. There was nothing he enjoyed more than the beautiful hum of his double-bladed lightsaber. Even the pleasure of hunting paled in comparison to the thrill of his many duels. Duels which Garet invariably won, but to keep that track record he needed to maintain his training. The Serpent prepared himself as the cold adversaries advanced.

By now, Garet was used to Rocketblaze's strange words and actions. Rocketblaze was an extremely powerful Force-user, and Garet had always suspected such power came with a twinge of madness. Why a Serpent needed such an annoying pet was beyond him, but he didn't question Rocketblaze. I hope he didn't seriously think I would eat that thing. Garet of course, had no intention of eating Rocketblaze's pet. Such animals were far too easy to capture, and had nowhere near enough meat to satisfy his appetite. He oould be brutal, but he didn't kill on a whim. On the other hand, Garet wouldn't have minded exerting extreme violence against Xentar. For Garet, Rocketblaze's absence had been an easy thing to deal with. He simply went underground, until his Master returned. There was never any question of Rocketblaze's motivations or whether or not he deserved respect upon his return. Rocketblaze was the embodiment of the Serpent Order. There could be no other and the loyalty of a Serpent's body was always to its head. Garet spoke to his Master for the first time in many years. "It would be a simple thing for me to teach Xentar a lesson."

Garet Jax stalked his prey with practiced ease. The tattered remnants of an old flight suit fluttered in the cool breeze. Even this small movement annoyed Garet. But he knew the beast before him would not notice. He had hunted them enough times to know all of their tendencies. It was not the challenge of the hunt that he enjoyed. It was his goal of perfection. The idea that he could kill the beast before it felt his presence was his target. And he was very close to achieving that goal, after so much practice. Garet's claws stretched out in anticipation of a fresh meal. I could use the Force to dull the beast's sense. Or create an illusion forcing it to flee in my direction. Garet had always been good at illusions, the one non-combat technique he had perfected. But that would be cheating. Garet inched forward into a pouncing position. It was better to perfect combat without the Force, and use the Force only as a supplement. It was why he alone among his brethren had no fear of ysalamiri. As Garet processed this thought, he was nearly knocked from his perch. It at that exact moment, the Serpent sensed a presence he had not sensed in years. Is it truly possible after all this time? When Rocketblaze had disappeared, Garet had spent a few months in the service of others, the Hutts, the Empire, the Sith, but all had seemed hollow and meaningless. He had eventually returned to Chandrila, content to live out his life in freedom. He knew he could never return to Trandosha. Their vision of him as some sort of savior was not something he could live up to, nor did he want to. And so the Serpent had turned feral, waiting for Rocketblaze to return, but content that this was probably how he would live out his life. In moments, it seemed, his future had changed. Unquestionably, I will return immediately. Garet had never had any doubts as to where his loyalty lay, even in his Master's absence. And so, before Rocketblaze had even sounded his arrival, the Serpent was on his way back. He stopped in a small cave on the way. It was the place where he had made his home. Garet opened a small chest to reveal his dark robes, protected from the elements. The Serpent ceremoniously put them on, and clipped his double-bladed lightsaber to his belt. Garet looked at his metal hand and arm as he did so, a gift from one who Rocketblaze had once served. It's alchemic powers had faded along with his own, but it was still useful in straight combat. The Serpent continued his short journey before emerging into the dining hall, and silently taking his seat at his Master's side.

Garet was impressed by the speed with which Xentar learned. Perhaps he had at last found a worthy adversary. He was most impressed by Xentar's ability to fool him. Garet normally could smell a feint coming, it was a tactic he employed often. But this time he was completely oblivious until the last second. The Force push came, and Garet concentrated on absorbing the blow. He had expected Xentar to heavily rely on the Force due to his behavior earlier. He barely saw Xentar striking low. No Force push is coming. Good move Xentar, just like I suggested. It was for this reason that Garet used a double-bladed lightsaber. The lower end stabbed straight down and blocked Xentar's attack just barely. But the force behind the strike sent Garet sliding back. His claws gripped into the ground to hold him steady. The Doshan pushed back and they disengaged. Xentar had tried to go for a major strike at the start of the attack. That was a bold and respectable way to fight. Garet in contrast was a planner and now he circled Xentar. I know thousands of battle tactics, but only have a handful of Force tricks that I use. Xentar is the exact opposite. And we both have skill with a saber. I haven't had this much fun in quite a while. Garet knew if Xentar went for it on the first attack, Garet would have to do him one better. Otherwise he would appear weak. Garet held out his Iron Reaver arm to this side saber in hand. He charged Xentar. At the last moment, he brought his hand forward, and his wrist began to rotate at incredible speed. Thanks to Tzeentch's gift, Garet's arm and double-bladed lightsaber had become a single unique and dangerous weapon. Xentar's blade was hit hard, and knocked clear. Garet spun and struck his foot out toward the new Serpent's face.

Garet was pleased. Now that Xentar had finally embraced the Serpent way, he was no doubt discovering the sensible nature of Garet's methods. The Doshan blocked the shot, but was indeed knocked back. In an all out fight, it would have left him vulnerable. That was the purpose of using this saber technique. "I think that you have mastered what I came to teach you. How about a test? You can fight me any way you choose. Rocketblaze would not be please if we killed each other, so other than that, no rules. Are you up to such a challenge?"

Garet trained Xentar at swordplay for some time. The Doshan could tell when Xentar used the Force, and was pleased the man did not attempt to. This sort of training was essential to becoming a skilled duelist. Garet stopped Xentar. "Alright, now you may use the Force. But only as I instruct you to. I'm sure a man like you has lots of Force maneuvers to use on opponents. I find such things lacking, but I would not begrudge you from mastering Force techniques. What I teach you now will help you save your energy for more difficult Force attacks." Garet held his double-bladed lightsaber up. He began to attack Xentar as they had before. Garet did not use the Force. But as he swung his blade, he summoned his anger. He used the Force to increase the strength of his blow, and send Xentar stumbling. "If you are good at swordsmanship, you will only need to use the Force to augment specific attacks at strategic times. This will catch your opponent off guard. Now you try."

Garet's firey eyes danced in anger. "I am here to teach you battle tactics that involve the use of the Force and fighting without the Force. How you choose to use them after our training is complete, is not my concern. You can fight any way you wish in real combat. But this is what I know, and all I can teach. You will learn these techniques. Rocketblaze has commanded it. Are we clear?"

Garet could see Xentar's mind working. Garet needed no Force ability to read his intentions. He had dueled enough to know a person's strategy just by looking at their face. Xentar perceived that he could increase his speed and outmaneuver Garet. The man's attacks began to speed up. It was a logical reaction to Garet's defense. But it was not good enough. Their sabers clashed again and again. Every time, Xentar's strike came just a little bit closer to slicing him open. Finally, he pierced Garet's defenses. Garet was too slow as Xentar's saber clashed his own high, and then swung low very fast toward his legs. The Doshan pressed the button on his saber. The other end activated blocking the attack. Garet's now double-bladed lightsaber counter attacked without missing a beat. The shots came fast, forcing Xentar on the defense. Their lightsabers disengaged and the two circled each other. "That wasn't a bad attempt, for a Sith. But I expect more from a Serpent. Stop relying on your Force power. That's what a Sith would do. A Serpent is a warrior first, and a Force-user second. I will teach you to think battle tactics first, and only use the Force to augment these attacks." Garet swung his saber hard, using the Force and his Doshan strength to increase the power of his attack. Xentar blocked, but the sheer power behind the attack sent him stumbling backward. Garet did not press his advantage. This was not a true fight, but Xentar's training. "You are much more powerful in the Force than I am. Yet I had the advantage. That is because you are too reliant on the Force. I was able to save my energy. Only once during our exchange did I make a significant effort to use my Force power, and it through you off. That is what you will learn to do. This time when you attack, I don't want you to use the Force at all. I will start slow and then increase the speed of my attacks. Watch my elbows. That will tell you where the next strike is coming." Garet began, swinging his saber in slow motion toward Xentar's head. Xentar blocked it. Garet swung low, a touch faster. Xentar blocked it. Garet continued going faster and faster. He was hoping Xentar would pay attention to his elbows and learn where the next attack was coming from. If he payed attention while Garet was going slow, he would be able to block while Garet was going fast. "Don't forget, don't use the Force at all."

Garet had calmed considerably upon Xentar's arrival. The prospect of another fight would make him more comfortable after that unsettling experience. He was not sure where a Doshan's primal fear of the underground came from, but it was powerful. He growled at Tashkri as the man made another smart remark. He watched him scurry off before Garet could retort. I may not be the best Force-user, but few use the Force in combat better than myself. Garet was not one to boast. This inner realization didn't mean he was the best fighter or undefeatable. Being good at combat maneuvers was not the only way to win. A Sith Master would not be as skilled at fighting and using the Force in combat as Garet, but their superior Force power could conceivably defeat him. Garet was not being overly confident, he was merely stating fact. The Doshan drew his lightsaber. His red eyes looked Xentar up and down. "I will obey my Master, of course. Let's begin your lessons. Give me your best shot."

Garet tensed as they began to sink. Doshans had a fear of underground places. Garet did not understand why, perhaps something in their history. But almost all Doshans, especially those that had lived most of their lives on Trandosha, as Garet had, did not like the underground. Beads of sweat were visible on his forehead. "Why are we going under? If there is a threat, we should meet it face to face. The only security system we need is right at our sides." Garet's voice was thick with anger. He plopped down in relief as they rumbling ceased. But he was still visibly uncomfortable with Rocketblaze's little surprise.

Garet felt Kirana's presence leave the planet. He was certain Rocketblaze had his reasons for allowing her to depart. Garet would have preferred that her life end on Chandrila. But he respected his Master's wishes. Garet and Tashkri were alone now. "Well, that went badly. I thought you were good at that sort of thing? She wasn't persuaded at all."

((Cool gift)) Garet listened to Tashkri's long-winded explanation. He couldn't deny the man had a gift for speech. One had to when they were less endowed in the strength and speed departments. Despite their various draws in their previous battles, Garet stubbornly believed himself to be superior. Tashkri just rubbed him the wrong way. He turned his ire toward Kirana speaking sharply, "That is up to Rocketblaze. He would consider anything that advanced his goals." Garet would rather gouge his eyes out then help Jedi. He was confident Rocketblaze felt the same. But he wasn't sure, and in the end he would do as his Master wished. Garet stretched his legs out, his red eyes narrowed in annoyance. "You're trying to dodge the subject here. From our perspective, the Jedi and Sith are both useless. We have a tendency to favor the latter when it suits our purposes, but we have no use for either group. As I told you, I've killed more Sith then Jedi." Garet grinned at those fond memories. "The point is that the Jedi do more damage than good. At least most Sith admit they are a destructive force. When I said the Jedi should disband, it wasn't because I wished to take over the galaxy in their absence. For all I care, the Jedi could form a new group or join ours. The problem is that Jedi ideals are as harmful as the ideals of the Sith. They should disband for the sake of the galaxy if they are unwilling to give up their self-righteous beliefs."

Garet shielded his eyes from the blinding light. Tashkri was always one for theatrics. He also knew that as a Doshan Garet was even more sensitive to light than Kirana. That was probably why he'd done it, to cause Garet extra pain. There was certainly no love lost between the Serpents, but they each knew their place. The last time they'd truly fought each had left with a respect for his opponent, even if they didn't like each other. Well, Tashkri can show off and insult me all he likes. As long as he gives me a hand with this Jedi. Garet listened to each of them. He knew what gift Tashkri referenced. Garet shared Tashkri's admiration of the Iron Reaver, although he couldn't quite be sure Tashkri wasn't being sarcastic. He wondered what Tashkri had been given. I know he outlasted me, it must have been special. Garet rubbed the pain out of his eyes as he continued to hear their words. Tashkri definitely summed up their Order much better than he had. But Kirana's reply, soaked in self-pity was still just as annoying as what she'd been spouting to Garet alone. The Serpent Lord knew Tashkri would have something long-winded to say, so Garet broken in immediately pointing out the obvious answer to her words. "First of all, there is a contradiction in what you have just said. When you spare the lives of your enemies, it is isn't only you that you place in further danger. What about all the people they will harm in the future? That's one of my problems with the Jedi. They are more concerned with their own set of morals, and fail to see anything that is beyond. You may not follow the exact code that the Jedi used to, but as I see it, the result is the same. I killed Cineon, and although I don't really care, I'm sure that saved many more lives than you would have if you'd have spared him." Garet watched her face carefully to see if his words had their intended affect. "The simple answer to your question is to disband the Jedi altogether. If they are so hunted, perhaps their existence is causing more harm to the galaxy than good. But once again, the Jedi place their own existence above the needs of others. Sometimes it seems as if the Jedi and the Sith are quite similar. This is why we have chosen another way." He fell silent, waiting for Tashkri to go into a ten hour speech.

Garet was curious as to whether Tashkri would show himself as well. The Doshan was not good at this sort of thing. He wasn't stupid, but he wasn't verbally gifted either. Tashkri was. Nevertheless Garet wasn't one to back down. He wanted to make it clear that Kirana lived in a universe that did not really exist. Like all Jedi, and most Sith, she was living in a dream world. Protecting the innocent is something I have no interest in doing, I have to admit that. But I don't go out targeting the innocent either. I fight those who are capable of fighting. And I have not yet encountered a Jedi who as innocent. The Serpent Lord spoke, "I am not here to represent the Sith. I represent the Serpents. We may have helped them from time to time, but never have we aided them in the destruction of entire worlds. My Master has his reasons for our alliance, but do not think we are not an autonomous group." Garet lifted his hands, gesturing to the walls surrounding them, "Look at Chandrila. Do the local populace even know we are here? Have any of our warriors ever killed a native to this planet? The answer is no. Not a single resident here has died at a Serpent hand. A Sith would have conquered and enslaved this planet. A Jedi would have attracted Sith here trying to "protect" the people. But we live in harmony with Chandrila because we do not care. There was a time when Rocketblaze had disappeared and Cineon Yahn had taken control of the Serpents, that he tried to lead us down a path of destruction. The Serpents are not Sith, we are merely allied with them." Garet patted the saber at his side. "Trust me, Cineon was not leader for very long. The Serpents, including myself, kill without remorse. But we do not slaughter the innocent for our amusement. I kill only those that are able to defend themselves, like yourself for example. That is where I find my amusement. I would hardly consider you innocent. The Jedi have to make as many morally ambiguous decisions as we do, they cannot be considered truly innocent." Garet fully believed the words he spoke. He was not employing Sith lies. Garet believed himself to be imparting fundamental truths upon this naive Jedi. "Those decisions are much easier to make when one does not have morals to begin with. I do not believe we are doing any great service to the galaxy, but I don't believe the Jedi are either. The war between the Jedi and the Sith has caused the death of countless innocents. I would argue that the guilt for these losses is shared between them equally. At least the Sith admit they are a poison spreading through this galaxy. The Jedi are no better from where I'm sitting. I'm sure the innocents you speak of, caught in the crossfire of the long history of Jedi and Sith hatred, would say the same." Garet fully realized he despised the Jedi as much as any Sith. But the Serpents did not actively seek to make war with the Jedi. Garet may have killed Jedi on an individual level, but that was not the sort of large scale legacy of destruction he was talking about.