The Malevolence drifted through deep space like a wounded predator, its hull scarred and smoldering from the Republic's strike. But even damaged, it remained a formidable warship—bristling with weapons and treachery.
Within its shadowed war room, Count Dooku's hologram flickered over the table before General Grievous, his tone cold and composed.
"The Republic believes they have the upper hand, General. They are mistaken."
Grievous growled lowly, cybernetic fingers tapping against the railing. "They've crippled my cannon. Without it, I cannot finish the medical station."
Dooku raised a hand. "You no longer need to. A new opportunity has… presented itself."
He leaned forward, eyes narrowed.
"Senator Amidala is en route to negotiate peace with the Banking Clan. Her ship will enter your sector shortly."
Grievous paused. "And you expect me to capture her?"
"No. I expect you to use her. The Jedi will not stand by if a senator is in danger. They will come to rescue her."
Dooku's expression turned cold.
"And when they do, you will destroy them."
The transmission ended with a subtle hiss, and Grievous turned to his droids.
"Prepare the tractor beam."
[Aboard Senator Amidala's cruiser – En route to the Banking Clan]
Padmé sat at the pilot controls of her sleek Nubian ship, flanked by C-3PO in the copilot seat. The stars shimmered ahead as she glanced at her nav display.
Then her eyes widened.
A massive silhouette materialized out of hyperspace—damaged, hulking, but unmistakable.
The Malevolence.
"An ion trail… but it should be disabled," she whispered.
Before she could turn away, her ship jolted—tractor beam locks clamped tight.
Behind her, Threepio flailed. "Oh dear! We're being pulled in!"
She didn't hesitate.
Padmé leaned over the console and opened a transmission—broad frequency.
[Aboard the Resolute – Jedi Cruiser]
The comm console lit up with a flickering image—Padmé Amidala, voice urgent, transmission choppy.
"This is Senator Amidala! My ship has been caught in a Separatist trap! They're pulling me into the Malevolence! Repeat—this is a trap!"
The transmission cut.
On the bridge, Obi-Wan Kenobi turned sharply. "They're targeting her directly."
Anakin was already moving. "We can't leave her."
Jason Shan, standing beside them in full Jedi robes, stared at the projection, expression tightening.
"She said trap," Jason said flatly. "Which means Dooku knew we'd come for her."
Anakin met his gaze. "Doesn't mean we don't go."
Obi-Wan sighed. "No, it means we go carefully."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Is that even possible with you two?"
[Later – Infiltration Shuttle, approaching the Malevolence]
The stolen Separatist transport glided through the open hangar doors of the Malevolence, its transponder spoofed and shields lowered. Jason stood at the rear ramp beside Obi-Wan and Anakin, his hand on his saber, cloak flaring behind him.
He tried to center himself.
This wasn't battle meditation. This was close-quarters sabotage.
"Find the Senator, disable the ship, get out," Obi-Wan recited. "Preferably in one piece."
"I like that plan," Jason said, "except I'd also like to not be melted by droids."
Anakin smirked. "Relax. This'll be quick."
Jason looked at him flatly. "Every time you say that, I end up limping."
[Inside the Malevolence]
The Jedi trio moved through the corridors swiftly—slicing down patrol droids, dodging security cams, and overriding control panels. Jason's violet blade ignited the darkness with every swing, its energy humming like a live wire.
They reached a fork in the corridor.
"Split up," Obi-Wan said. "Anakin, find Padmé. Jason and I will locate the engine core."
Jason started to argue but caught the look in Obi-Wan's eyes.
"Fine," he muttered. "But if Skywalker gets her killed, I'm blaming you."
Obi-Wan smiled faintly. "Noted."
[Engine Core – Minutes Later]
The thrum of unstable energy pulsed through the massive power room. Jason stared at the complex array of conduits and ion coils.
"Is it me," he said, "or does this entire ship feel like it's about to explode even without us?"
Obi-Wan examined the terminal. "If we disable the hyperdrive, they won't be able to escape."
Jason frowned. "That'll bring Grievous straight to us."
"Most likely."
Jason smiled.
"Good."
[Grievous enters]
Metal groaned behind them.
Jason turned—and there he was.
General Grievous, cloak billowing, lightsabers hissing to life—four in all.
Obi-Wan stepped forward calmly. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
Jason flanked him, saber rising. "That makes one of us."
Grievous lunged.
Their blades clashed in a blinding flurry—Obi-Wan locked with two arms, Jason dueling the other pair. Sparks flew, steel against plasma, as Grievous twisted like a demon of metal.
Jason pivoted hard, slicing one saber away—but overextended.
Grievous caught his forearm and hurled him into a power conduit.
Jason slammed into it with a grunt, lights flickering.
"Jason!" Obi-Wan shouted, deflecting another vicious strike.
Jason staggered up, blood in his mouth, fury in his eyes. "I'm fine."
Without hesitation, he leapt again, blade spinning—a reckless dive straight for Grievous's chest.
Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "Jason, no—!"
Grievous countered, grabbing Jason's cloak midair and slamming him into the floor.
Jason coughed hard, saber knocked from his grip.
Grievous raised both sabers.
Then—explosions rocked the corridor.
Anakin's voice echoed from a distant comm: "I've got Padmé! Engines rigged to blow! Get clear!"
Obi-Wan lunged, grabbed Jason, and yanked him to his feet as smoke poured in.
Jason stumbled, gritting his teeth.
"That went well," he muttered, eyes blazing.
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. "Define 'well'."
[Moments later – Outer hull breach]
The Jedi fled through the winding halls, engines destabilizing, fires roaring. As the Twilight came in low, Anakin pulled them aboard. Padmé was already inside, steering hard.
Jason collapsed against the bulkhead, panting.
Grievous stood on the bridge of the Malevolence, watching the Jedi escape.
Before he could pursue, Obi-Wan's fleet arrived in hyperspace.
Republic cruisers opened fire.
Blasts rained down on the Malevolence, smashing its hull and detonating the bridge as Grievous dove into an escape pod.
Jason watched through the viewport, chest still heaving.
They'd escaped. Again.
But Jason knew it was only a matter of time before Grievous came hunting again.
And next time… he wouldn't hold back.