Prelude to War (Book 6)

[Akirapryde]

(6.20) Difference of Opinions
Memorial of Fallen Warriors
Orbital Memorial Station 'The Fallen'
Expansion Rim World of Azgard
August 15th, 1937

The sounds of the music filled the chamber with a style and softness not common among any Azgardian warrior. The difference between Warlord Ansfrid and Warlord Fiolla stretched more than two millennia. Before last December, Warlord Ansfrid never thought that the situation would ever change. The Council of Warlords only met twice a year to discuss mundane issues. The rest of the time, the Warlords of the Council would return to their respected homeworlds. Being an elected Warlord had some responsibilities but not many. This left Warlord Ansfrid plenty of time to enjoy pursuing his cultured hobbies. Warlord Ansfrid walked slowly up to a large window that over looked the dead world below. The music continued to echo the chamber as he sipped from a glass of wine. He looked down with great sorrow at the view below his window.

He hated coming here. The only time he ever had to come here was during the Day of Remembrance. The rest of the time, he tried to avoid this place. This place reminded him of why Azgard had to avoid become drawn in to the affairs of the Galaxy at all cost. His legacy would be an Azgard that was both strong and independent from the Galaxy. His House’s legacy was the defensive perimeter that protected Azgard and her worlds from countless intruders. Now Warlord Fiolla Heartman was threatening his House’s legacy and his own hopes. No one ever considered that the Warlord of Azgard would ever return. The Council of Warlords had passed a number of laws that built their own power base. However no one ever considered the return so no laws were passed to limit the Warlord of Azgard’s powers. In fact some laws passed actually counted on the seat remaining empty.

When the last Warlord of Azgard died, there was no clear transition of power. This left the Council in a very difficult situation. The head of the government had been removed and no one could pass the genetic tests to lay claim to the position. This left the Council latterly headless. While they were without a head, they were not without heart. There were worlds that had to be rebuilt and the culture had to be saved. The Council acted as best as it could to secure the boarders while the Sith slowly rose to power in the Galaxy. There were times when the thought of invasion filled the debates. The Houses did everything that they could to prepare for the invasion that was so deeply feared. However, there was no invasion. In fact for the next hundred years, it was like the Galaxy had forgotten about Azgard. So the Council acted on their good fortune to ensure that Azgard would not vanish in to the night.

For the next few centuries, warriors were trained, ships built and weapons of war stockpiled. The Council acted on the last order given to them by the last Warlord of Azgard. To be prepared for when the Republic and the Jedi call upon them once more. By the end of the third century after the fall of the Republic, Azgard was ready with nearly hundreds of millions of fully trained warriors sleeping. They were sleeping till the call was given. Once the goal was reached, the Council made the decision that had never been made before. They ordered the Genetic Birthing Centers closed. It was a practical decision, as the realm could not sustain the resources that were needed to continue to run the centers. Nor could the realm sustain the high demand of such a large military. If Azgard were to maintain its seclusion, it would have to cut its military. Not five years after the Birthing Centers were ordered closed, over half of the currently active warriors were ordered to the carbonite centers. This was a choice that didn’t sit well with the warrior caste.

When Azgad moved to occupy a large number of systems directly around their homeworld, Azgard had to accept the demands of supporting these worlds. The problem was a mathematical one. Without the Republic to ship in millions of tons of supplies a day and to share the burden of the large warrior population, there simply was not enough to go around. The fears shifted from invasion to civil war as the Warrior Caste refused to cut its numbers in half. Even though it was their own caste that demanded this drastic action. It was the first time in their history that the entire Warrior Caste was at odds with its self. The entire caste met on the Station of Fallen Warriors to discuss the issue. They talked for an entire year over the issue. There was no room for compromise; the math simply didn’t support that. The under lining issue was that in fifty years, the resources of their realm would be depleted and the entire culture would vanish. By the end of the yearlong debate, tens of millions of warriors reported to the carbonite centers for long-term storage. It would be the first time in Azgardian written history that the Warrior Caste would number less than any other individual caste.

Warlord Ansfrid turned and walked away from the window. He walked along the ornate fireplace. He paused as he came to a large picture. It was of a strong man with red hair and board build. He leaned heavily on a large ax. The man in the picture was Warlord Kjell, the last Warlord to sit on the Council that was not elected. Warlord Ansfrid kept the picture as a reminder of what the Council used to be. It was his own House that brought the best gift to the Azgardian culture. House Mercer brought Democracy to Azgard as an attempt to minimize the advantages that the other houses had in stronger warriors. The idea spread like wild fire and before anyone realized it, the system had taken hold. It didn’t take long for the concepts of the trails to become a thing of the past. Soon House Mercer was making gains on hundreds of years of losses. Warlord Kjell had resisted the change in government and in culture with every bit of his heart. He fought against the new rules and argued that they would lead Azgard down a path that it could not survive. It was House Mercer once more that silenced Warlord Kjell. Though not the end that any Warlord would ever had expected. House Mercer backed a challenger for Warlord Kjell’s seat. Before Kjell even realized what was happening, he had lost the election.

Before that election, elected seats were only used to fill seats that had become vacant due to the passing of the resident Warlord. Warlord Kjell’s loss sent a shock wave through the entire Warrior Caste. Normally a Warlord can be assured that as long as he could defend his place in combat, than he would remain in place. Warlord Kjell lost his place as a result of an election that the Warlord failed to even take part in. It would be the last time that any one would sit on the Council that was not voted in by the majority of the entire House. Not just the Warrior Caste could vote now, but all castes within a House could vote on who spoke on their behalf. The times had truly changed within Azgard. Warlord Ansfrid took another sip of his wine as he turned from the picture of Warlord Kjell. He walked across the room as the music continued to play. Azgard had become stronger under the Council’s leadership. Though there was still one throw back to the days of old. That would be a constant thorn in the Council’s side. The Religious Caste!

As the Warrior Caste slowly lost their influence, the Religious Caste grew stronger. Even though the Council was passing laws to secure their own powers and privileges, there was nothing they could do to touch the Religious Caste. They were part of the old checks and balances of the Government. Whenever a law was passed that threatened the Religious Caste’s place in the Culture or their voice with the Government, they rebelled forcefully against it. Warlord Ansfrid stopped at the coffee table and looked down at the dagger in a case. He could still see the blood on the weapon. The dagger was an artifact that dated back to the fifth century after the fall of the Republic. The event was well known and a moment in Azgardian history that even he was not proud of. It was the Temple and Council Crisis. The Council had just passed a law that prohibited the Religious Caste from taking a political stance on any issue. The law was directly aimed at cutting the Religious Caste off at the knees. And they would not stand for it.

Publicly they used their own channels and the media to condemn the new law. The public took the Religious Caste’s side as they normally did. The Council over reacted to the situation and demanded that the leaders of the Caste be brought before the Council. The wording of the order as so forceful that the Warriors sent to retrieve the leaders mistook the order. The leaders of the Religious Caste were murdered within their own temples. When the word spread, the public out cry was so intense that all but two Warlords on the Council stepped down. But that didn’t silence the crisis. The Religious Caste moved to assassinate the Warlords as well as the men responsible for the murders. The next week turned in to a bloodbath on both sides. Finally, peace was achieved and both Religious Caste and the Council of Warlords set down and worked out their differences. It was learned by the Council that it would be easier to remove a Warlord of Azgard than to take on the Religious Caste. It would be the last time the Council would make any moves on the Religious Caste.

Time passed and safely behind their defensive wall, the Azgardian Council of Warlords watched the fall of civilization within the Galaxy. Horror filled their hearts as world turned on world and cruelty continued to spread like wide fire. Entire worlds would be put to the same fires that destroyed Azgard. The fear that gripped the hearts of the Warlords who set on the Council also spread to the common civilians of the realm. It was not long till the Council insured that Azgard would remain free from the wars that raged. To ensure that Azgard would never be drawn in to any wars, stringent laws were passed to prevent anyone to force Azgard in to an outside war. As the wars outside continued to spread, the Realm had fully recovered from the horrors of the Azgard/Republic war. Commerce spread across the Realm as new areas of the Azgardian economy were explored. At the forefront of this new commerce was House Mercy. Where they had failed as a Warrior House, they excelled as a House centered on commerce. Warlord Ansfrid and his family had become one of the most wealthiest of the Realm.

Nothing was out of his reach till December when ‘she’ returned. Fiolla Heartman was the last hire to the Throne of Azgard. Her genetic markers were a near prefect match for the dissidents of the Hammer. Warlord Ansfrid never imaged that the Council would have accepted her so easily. She came to the Realm at the worse possible moment for the Council of Warlords. Already there was a popular movement to return to the ‘Old Ways’ and a general disapproval of the Council of Warlords. Warlord Ansfrid knew that the Religious Caste was behind the movement, though he had not uncovered any links between the movement and the Religious Caste. He just knew that the two were linked. A month before Fiolla Heartman and her friends breached the Defensive Line, there were massive protests on every Realm world. The main claim against the Council was the lack of any real governance that the Council does and the high cost to maintain it. As the Council of Warlords was continuing to deal with the protests, word came of Fiolla Heartman’s return spread.

If the Council of Warlords ever considered the real possibility of a dissidents’ return, the Law of Warlord would have been changed to prevent their return to power. So when Fiolla Heartman did return, all she had to was to prove her genetic signature. Once more, no one in the Council thought she would pass it. She did pass the first test, and the divides in the Council started to form. He had never seen the Council so divided before and he had to stop her at all costs. Warlord Ansfrid used ever bit of his political might to set the stage for her defeat during her Trail of the Hammer. He knew that he could not trust the other Warlords to help him stop her nor could he himself stop her. He had to use less respected ways. With every bit of his planning, still she bested his plans. After the Trail of the Hammer he hoped that he could rally the Council against her. Sadly, none of them had the courage to stand up to her directly. However they each did agree to not support her insane ideas of taking Azgard to war or worse yet to join that new Republic.

She did have her supporters though. The Religious Caste saw her return as a sign from the Gods. The movement saw her as their means to limiting the authority of the Council of Warlords. Because of the romance of who and what she is, the commoners love her. Never before had Warlord Ansfrid ever seen such a real and capable threat to the Council of Warlords and the structure of order they had created. She had near limitless powers over Azgard and the Realm of Azgard. With the Religious Caste behind her, her influence was far reaching. If only the Council could unit against her, than they could stop her. They could protect the structure of the Realm once and for all. But they wont, some see her as a way to bridge the rift between the Council and the commoners.

'Weak minded fools. All of them' he thought cruelly of those who supported her and saw more in her than what was really there. He had briefly considered a military coup against her. However, the Black Dragons were awoken before he could rally enough troops to oppose her rule. With each of her speeches, it became clear to him. ‘Warlord Fiolla Heartman meant to bring about the death of a democratic Azgard’ he thought as he looked around his chamber. All that he was, all that Azgard had become was seen in the artwork along the walls. “Not if I can help it,” he said as he took another sip of wine.

She wanted to awaken the warriors that were secured in the Resting Place. It had been the centerpiece of every speech she had given. However, she needed every member of the Council of Warlords to unlock the codex. Without the Codex, she could not awaken the warriors. Keeping Azgard from war now took on a whole new meaning for the Council of Warlords. With each one of them elected, each member stood to loss their places on the Council at the hands of warriors created long before the new order had been set up. The balance of power could be over turned literally over night. While the other Warlords might see hope in her, they all share one common goal. Remain on the Council, and Warlord Ansfrid had been able to build a loss unity centered on that goal. It was not a prefect solution to his problem called Fiolla Heartman, but he would take what he could for the moment.

And thanks to a surprising turn of events just a few months ago, Warlord Fiolla might become a distant memory. A smile crept across his face as he just finally had the chance to realize his goal of controlling the entire Council of Warlords. He would go down in history as the only Azgardian to unseat the Warlord of Azgard with nothing but words. 'Warlord Fiolla's raise will not only spell the end of her era, it would also spell the end of the Religious Caste as well for supporting her' he thought with glee. He took another sip of his wine. It was then he heard the knock on the door. He checked his watch and nodded that she was ten minutes late, again. He allowed her to wait for her to knock three more times before speaking. “Come in please” he said very pleasantly. He watched as the door hissed open and he smiled “Warlord Fiolla. I am so pleased you could grant me your time on such short notice,” he said. His pleasant tone was completely fake.

Talon looked around the room out of habit. She knew he wouldn't be stupid enough to attempt to assassinate her. Though she welcomed the idea of an assassination over these political games that she was being subjected to. There was nothing about him that she neither trusted nor respected. “Your message made it clear that we speak before the Council's meeting tomorrow morning.” She stepped in to the chamber and the door closed behind her. “I could only assume that your invitation meant that our meeting was mandatory.” This place that they called the Realm of Azgard had become as alien to her as any other world she had visited. These Free Birth, so called warriors who now call themselves Azgardians lack honor and respect. These two principles were the cornerstone of what it meant to be an Azgardian Warrior. These ‘people,’ she could not even bring herself to call them warriors, lacked them. “You wanted me here, here I am. Speak your mind,” she commanded.

“As always young Warlord” he said looking at the young leader. To him, she was still a child. She lacked the experience needed to rule their people. She lacked the kind of experience that he had taken his entire life building. She could never be the kind of leader he was. “Always Warlord, straight to the point. The debate over your use of the Black Dragons has stirred the pot rather nicely. Your rash actions in using them could very well drag us all in to a war that no one wants to be a part of.”

Talon nodded, “They are my bodyguard units, I do not have to seek any permission as to where or when I send them. They have not seen combat in over two thousand years, I wanted to test their metal against a worthy enemy. Senni and myself were very pleased with the blood on their weapons when they returned. The Council of Warlords should be pleased by their courage and valor,” Talon explained. She didn’t bother to hide her intention nor allowed the Council to question her use of the unit. In fact the debates that he mentioned took place outside of the Council’s chambers as she refused them to even discuss the use of the unit. She cited it as being outside of their authority.

“Yes Warlord, I am aware of your position on this issue and I am sure you are aware that the Council of Warlords are not happy about it,” he explained. Warlord Fiolla had out smarted most of them and their anger showed in the closed debates that followed. There was little the Council of Warlords could do regarding the issue and it set a dangerous precedent. The Black Dragons only answered to the Warlord of Azgard and she was free to use them how she wished. Something he will have to change if his next plan failed to work. For now, all the Council of Warlords could do is further tie her hands in pointless debates over procedures.

“Warlord Ansfrid, I know that this is not the reason why you asked to speak with me. We have had this conversation over and over again.” She said as she started to make her way to the large window. “Please cut to the chase for I have to prepare my next speech to the Free Births.” There was clearly distain in her voice as the words free birth slipped from her lips. She didn’t even bother to look at him when she said it. Everything she hated about what the Council had turned in to, she blamed on him and his dishonorable House. Her heart cried once more as she looked down on the world that she once called home. She looked down at what should have been a lush and green world with deep blue seas. Instead she saw only the death of her world and possibly her own people.

The statement floored him. His mind raised a number of red flags as she goaded him in to a mistake. All she needed was a reason to challenge him to a duel and she could legally kill him. She was a far superior fighter than he was. “As you know Warlord, the use of terms like Free Birth and True Born are forbidden,” he reminded her. He knew that she knew this law and willfully refused to accept it or follow it.

“Does it make your blood boil to know that you are not my equal? Do you want to prove your skill against mine?” she said as she willing tried to goad him in to standing up for his own character.

“My blood does not boil over the use of words, Warlord,” he explained keeping his voice level and his tone respectful. These were dangerous waters he was navigating now.

She turned from the window and walked towards him. “Your blood doesn’t boil because you have never tasted the blood of your foe. This is why you should never lead our people,” she said directly challenging his right to lead. All he need do was answer the challenge and she would have the duel that would end all these political games. The very games she hated.

He took a step back from her path as she walked forward. He took a breath, “Yes Warlord, you are correct. Under the system of the past, I would never lead. My body is not as strong as yours. I am not a highly skilled warrior like you are. I was elected under the laws of Azgard,” he explained very respectfully. He had no choice but to speak the truth to her. He hated it, but anything else could have been seen as answering her challenge. ‘This has to stop, before she trips me up’ he thought. “Do you remember Chancellor Murl's visit?” He said making a point to keep his voice level. “You refused to speak with him just before he departed our space.” He had to change the topic of the conversation and it was time to get his plan under way. “He and I had a chance to speak. We spoke only as men sharing a drink or two. Well I did the drinking, but he did do allot of the talking. He spoke very highly of you.”

“I remember. He and I have little in common these days. I had nothing to speak with him about nor cared to hear anything he had to say.” She explained. There was a time that she called him brother. Now, she didn’t trust the man. Before she had been willing to give up her life for him. Now, she didn’t even recognize the man who held the same name. She was confused by this topic, that visit was months ago. “You bring this up now, for what reason?” She found out through the Religious Caste that he had met with Daz weeks ago. There had to be a reason why he was bringing it up now.

“I was waiting for just the right moment to share something with you,” he said as he turned and walked to his desk. “Chancellor Murl is going to make a good leader of the Republic. He understands the importance of allies and has tasted the burn of betrayal of friends.” He looked down at the desk and the item he had for her. “See Daz is a good leader. He understands the importance of strong allies who could offer him what he needs. I explained how Azgard will never join the war you have been pushing for. I explained how you were weak and lacked the ability to swing the Council of Warlords to go to war against the Reich.” The statement clearly struck a nerve with Warlord Fiolla. “We talked long in to the night during his final night here. As we spoke I learned a great deal about him. I found that once we were alone, he become more open to other possibilities.” He picked up the item and slipped it in to his pocket. He then turned to watch her reaction to his statement. He could read her anger easily in her eyes. He smiled as he enjoyed every moment of this.

“You see, you don’t understand how to lead, Warlord.” It was his turn to goad her. “We talked of the technology gap between Azgard and, well just about everyone else. I suggested that maybe Azgard could help the Republic in other ways instead of going to war.” He slowly walked towards her. Her renewed grip on her sword hilt did not go unnoticed. The signal told him to dial it back a bit, less he wants to end his hopes and life right here and right now. “He seemed to really like this, um, compromise” he had to say in basic, as the word has no meaning in Azgardian. “He loosened up quite a bit as we talked. Before I knew it, we were talking about a world where colonies of Bothans lived and worshiped him as some overlord. Of course he had to explain to me the reasons why they worshiped him. He explained about the Crusade and their goal to ruin him. He talked about a secret cloning base on this very world.” He stopped just short of her, “he told me of, you Warlord” he said as his smile grew to a grin. “Before you strike me dead, you should hear me out.” It was clear that she was shocked in to silence. It was the first time he ever saw her so eager to listen instead of speaking. “I normally look in to members of the Council. Pulling records and checking data and things like that. I have been doing it for nearly twenty years. So checking or shall I say confirming the facts that Chancellor Murl told me, on you would not seem out of place. What I found was very interesting. Chancellor Murl told me the truth about you, how you are a clone.”

Fiolla didn’t flinch at the insult. She knew that if he had planned to out her, he would have done so on the floor of the Council’s chamber. “Okay, so what is it that you want.” She knew this game also.

He raised up his hands, “Oh no Warlord Fiolla. I do not want anything from you. In fact, I gave my word to Chancellor Murl that I would not use this information against you. I wanted you to know that I know the truth. I know about how you are only a copy of the real Fiolla Heartman. He told me of how she died a hero’s death. He also told me of the troubles he has had with you in the recent past. Most troubling even more, was he told me of your, shall we say, your genetic programming to assassinate him.”

Talon was in raged over the level of betrayal that Daz has done. While her face was as blank as possible, her mind raced with the number of ways that she would end his life. ‘Why Daz’ she thought as she listened to the betrayal unfolding, ‘why do this to me.’ She knew that if she opened her mouth, she would make this whole situation even worse. She thought she was making ground with her plans to bring Azgard in to the war to unit the Galaxy. Now everything seems to out of her reach. She just stood there gripping her sword waiting for him to finish.

“Once I found this information out, I had to check it. While Fiolla’s body was not recovered it was assumed that she did die. I guess it is possible that she could have survived as well.” Warlord Ansfrid explained, “I asked for a number of genetic tests to be run. I was looking for a specific marker. As Chancellor Murl explained, a bar code.” He said with a grin. He had her now. There was nothing she could do to him. Nor could she dare to stop his plans to remove her from power without risking her own life. The look in her eyes told him that she was just where he wanted her. “Once I found what I was looking for. The rest, well sort of fell in to place.” He paused to give her a chance to catch up. “Everything will remain the same. Continue to fight and argue for Azgard to join the war. We both know that you will fail. I shall keep my word to Chancellor Murl, this information will not be used against you.” He stepped forward in confidence, “Before, I was worried that you would just murder me if I attempted to directly oppose you.”

“And you still might. However, if you do, know this. The test I asked for will come to light and everyone will know that you are nothing more than a copy of the original. Your role as Warlord will end, your life as you know it will come to an end. Our lives have become interwoven. As long as I remain alive and well, the results of that test will remain hidden away and you can go on pretending to be someone you are not!”

Talon looked deep in to his eyes. She wanted to cut the man down with every bit of her being. To end this game of politics before it grew beyond her own means of control. But she was wiser than that. She needed help. She had to seek advice from the one source that never failed her. She had to talk with Master Visst. She pulled her short blade as she moved forward with such speed that Warlord Ansfrid didn’t even realize her actions. It was only when a small droplet of his blood ran down the width of the blade that he realized how fast she had moved. She pressed the edge up against his throat and let her anger become clearly visible. He tried to speak but stopped when he realized doing so would cause his jaw to cut his own throat. “Lets make one thing clear. While of body I may be only a copy. Heart and soul, I am all Fiolla Heartman. I am known as Talon. If you think that I will sit idly by while you and the other Free Birth trash ruin what is left of our great culture, you have made a grave miscalculation. I would sooner die before I allowed this joke of a Council ruin Azgard any further. Play your games of pretending to be warriors while more focused on hording wealth and power. You have made your move. I have made mine. Be careful where you tread Warlord Ansfrid. For you are treading where legends walk!”

She ripped the blade from his next giving him a chance to breath once more and step backwards from her. She smiled at the horror on his face. She doubted that the man never once had a near death experience. She could see the horror and terror in his eye as well as on his face. He even dropped his glass of wine. Talon watched him stumble back in to a chair as he held his throat. “Thank you for this meeting Warlord Ansfrid. I am glad that we now know full well where we both stand on these issues.” Talon’s voice was back under her control as she turned to walk for the door. She returned her blade back under her coat as she walked for the door. “Please remember these words Warlord Ansfrid. I give you my word. Before Azgard goes to war, your life will be over. Not because of this meeting. I had decided this along time ago.” She said as she paused just before the door. “You and your kind are a cancer upon our culture. I just feel the need to let you know what I have been thinking about for months now.” She added than walked through the door without saying another word.

Her two black dragon guards joined her as she turned and left the area. She opened up a comlink and Senni appeared in hologram, “Senni, it is far too dangerous for me to leave Azgard now. However, I must speak face to face with Master Visst. Please seek him out and ask him to return with you. Make haste, my friend.” Talon waited for Senni to reply before closing the link. ‘What do I do about Daz, now?’ she questioned as she walked away from Warlord Ansfrid’s quarters.

[Akirapryde]

(6.21) Family Woes
Paraiso
Zall’s Family Estate
Colonies World of Byssi
August 16th, 1937

Rose smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Her dress was a light yellow with small pink flowers along the lower part of the skirt. A very light blue sash was tied gently in to a bow in the center of her lower back. The dress wasn’t hers but it fit nearly perfectly. She moved backwards a bit so that her full figure was shown in the reflection. She slowly spun as she extended her arms outward and watched herself. She had never thought of herself looking this way, but here she was. Her hair was done up nicely and her make-up reflected the hour she put in to the effort. She had spent almost an hour making sure her outfit matched perfectly. All of this was made possible thanks to Xan Zall youngest sister, Mariella Zall. It was Mariella’s dress and room that she was borrowing now. Last nights time spent at the ball, allowed Rose to meet Governor, Varlo Vanda. He is the highest Reich officer currently on Byssi, the homeworld of the Zall family.

It was a desperate mission for Xan to uncover what happened to his family after the Reich/Dorin invasion of the Free World Council space. It had been almost two months since the invasion and Xan had not heard from his family. The pain of not knowing seemed to have been eating at him. As the events continued to build, Xan had no choice but to find answers as to the fate of his family. After a short conversation with the party, Xan was able to get their support and to follow him to his homeworld. The mission was going to be dangerous but it had to be done. Master Angel Heartman, Azgardian General Birgr Heartman, Master Visst and Rose Sheridan each choose to follow Xan without hesitation through the gates of hell. They took the Cloak ship and crossed enemy lines and headed for Byssi. On arrival to the Colonies world, they found what they had expected. Hostile warships in orbit, a very large number of Dorin troops on the world below, and a smaller number of Reich troops centered on the three largest cities. One of those cities happened to be the location of Xan’s home.

The Tenth Hoplite Division had hit byssi hard and fast shortly after the fall of Jagga-Two. Right to their combat philosophies, the Reich unit hit the defenders with so much speed that they were soon overran. At the same time, the world leadership, Xan’s family, had been captured at their estate by a crack strike team. By the end of the first week, the major combat for the planet had all but been fought. Nearly three quarters of the defending units had been destroyed out right, captured or disbanded in face of high losses. Those few units that survived the opening hours of the invasion fled in to the northern mountains. The 2nd Panzer Haar took over for the Tenth Hoplite, which had to move on to its next target. The 2nd Panzer Haar pushed forward and drove the retreating defenders deeper in to the mountains. The following weeks saw the combined effort of the two Reich units smashing the defenders as they continued to flee northward. The reality of the situation became all to clear for the defenders once the Reich dropped troops near the arctic circle cutting off their further retreat. They couldn’t turn south and they couldn’t retreat any further. The Reich had their pray trapped between to larger, more mobile forces. The defenders were not willing to surrender, so they prepared for one last final battle. That night, the defenders prepared themselves for their last moments in this life. It was long night for most as they prepared for their own deaths and dug their own graves. With the coming morning came a shock!

With the final battle set for the morning of August 5th, there was no question of what would happen when the trapped defenders saw the morning sun. Fate however had a surprise for the defenders of Byssi. During the night, the 2nd Panzer Haar had completely withdrawn from the area. The withdrawal of the 2nd Panzer Haar had thrown the defenders in to confusion. Both the Southern and the Northern elements of the Haar had simply vanished from the field of battle without a trace. The defenders spent the entire remaining day waiting for an attack that never came. By nightfall, the leaders of the defenders grateful for their luck fled the area. They would live to continue to resist the Reich’s occupation of their world. It wasn’t long till the Dorins sent units up in to the Mountains to try to finish the job the Reich started. However the defenders fought back and found the Dorins were not on the same level as the Reich in terms of equipment and training. The defenders were able to quickly bounce back. Though they had to tread carefully if not to attract the attention of the 2nd Panzer Haar. It was unclear to the defenders if the 2nd Panzer Haar was still on world or not.

Here is how things were as Xan returned home. The party landed not far from his family estate and walked in under the cloak of darkness towards Xan’s home. The estate was lit up and the number of Reich guards told the party that the Reich had taken over Xan’s home. It was a painful pill to swallow for Xan to see Reich soldiers on patrol walking along his family’s estate. There was some type of gathering going on in the East wing’s Ballroom. This was Xan’s childhood home and so he knew how to get in to the estate undetected. The party used an old set of tunnels that were once used to smuggle runaway slaves to freedom before slavery was outlawed. Xan found a strange sense of karma that these tunnels now were being used to smuggle him home. It was clear that the Reich had not detected the tunnels and that they could serve the party for this mission. Once they reached the main building of the Estate, it was Xan that moved first through the last door. He led the party right in to a storeroom that was located just off of the kitchen. In the kitchen, the party found a few servants that had worked for Xan’s family. The Reich occupiers were employing the servants now. Xan was able to find out that Reich soldiers largely captured his family intact here at the estate. They also learned of the large ball going on in the ballroom.

It would appear that the Reich Governor of the world has decided to use Xan’s house as the head of the Reich Government on Byssi. Xan also learned that the gathering was to celebrate a change of command between the Reich military leadership and the Dorins. There wasn’t much more information and Xan needed to learn more. They used some clothing that was stored up in the attic and a pair of personal cloaking devices to disguise Xan, Angel and Rose for the infiltration of the ball. It was there, where Rose found the outfits that she was using for her current mission. They had to get in to the ball and find out what was going on and where Xan’s family was. It was Rose that pushed the daring plan to just go as guests. There were already a large number of guests and it seemed like a good idea to attempt it. No one at the time knew what doors would be opened by this daring little plan. Angel and Xan would go to the ball using the cloaking devices to pose as Kel Dors. Angel’s understanding of the culture and her personal relationship with Daz Murl would help the pair pass themselves off. Rose on the other hand had to go as a human.

The night had given the party another treasure trove of information. They learned that the 2nd Panzer Haar was leaving the world for Alderaan. This meant that the Haar would be continuing on to Mearisa where the rest of the Reich military was massing. They also learned that there was a clear distrust and disliking between the Reich and the Dorins. The alliance that seemed so strong before was only smoke and mirrors. The Reich would maintain their ownership of the world, but the Dorins would hold a military presence on the world to ensure that the resistance does not threaten the world. The party learned that Xan’s family was being held at a military prison ran by the Reich not far from the estate. He also learned that a man by the name of Krussk was the Planetary Liaison. Xan knew Krussk, a middle aged, midlevel bureaucrat with no real future in the government. Krussk worked hand and hand with the Reich to help them bring the world under their control once the civilian and military heads were removed.

Xan learned that the Dorins loved Krussk but the Reich didn’t trust or care for the man. The Dorins loved him because he had been ensuring that their slave quota was being met each month. Krussk had come up with the idea to break Xan’s father to ensure that the resistance will crumble. The Reich tolerated the man but saw him as a traitor of his own people. For the Reich this was a crime that they could not condone. What bothered Xan the most was the fact that Krussk had Xan’s sister, Mariella, and had plans to marry her by the end of the following week. Xan knew that Krussk had been married before but his wife left him because of his drinking and abusive behavior. This nearly drove Xan to blow the mission and kill Krussk right there in the ball. But Xan held his emotions tighter and carried on his mission. Just like the rest of them did. Xan had to do something to help his people, his family and his sister. The whole situation needed more resources than they had brought with them. Even if the Cloak ship could destroy the ships in orbit, there were simply not enough crew members to liberate the world. There wasn’t enough space to evacuate the population. Xan needed a plan badly, this is where Rose came in.

After enjoying the evening with other officers, Rose met with the planetary Governor and made a strong impression on him, and on Xan for that matter. Rose smiled as she looked at herself in the mirror; she had actually made a surprising impression on herself as well. Before she was cloned, Rose had been many things. She was Jedi Knight while secretly learning to become a Sith Lord. Her lust for power had started her on that path. Her extremely strong connection to the force fueled that lust like nothing she had ever felt before. There were times where all she could think of was power. She learned how to make it stronger, how to expand what she already had, and how to protect it from those who would take it from her. She lied, cheated, and even murdered for what she lusted for. She betrayed friends, loved ones, and never thought twice about it all in the goal of her lust. It was all about the power that she had to have. And from what others told her of what she had become, she got the power that she craved so badly. In the end, she died because of that lust. It was a fact that set heavily on her mind, allot.

Now, Rose was someone else. Her connection with the Force was gone as well as that thirst for power that drove her. There were those who didn’t trust her for good reasons. She didn’t judge them for it. She felt sad over it, but she didn’t judge them. Before she was evil, she was a murder, and a betrayer. This morning however, Rose was Countess Sanna Dystra, a young noble from the Palace on Vandor III. Rose had come across a file of the Countess a few months ago during her duties for Xan. Rose loved the young woman that she read about. The two shared the same age and similar builds and Rose would like to believe that they shared similar personalities. Now Rose was pretending to be someone that she wasn’t. If she failed, Xan’s family could pay the consequences for her failure. It was one of her most dangerous roles yet. She couldn’t fail, no matter what. She wouldn’t! There was a soft knock on the door of her room. She turned towards the door while checking her watch. She had nearly twenty minutes before she was expected downstairs. “Come” she said softly. ‘Game on’ echoed in her mind.

Governor Vanda slowly opened the door and peeked in. “Did you sleep well, Lady Dystra” Governor Vanda said.

Rose smiled and nodded, “It was not what I am used to back on Vandor but it was a pleasant night considering the trip I had coming here.” Rose walked forward, “I have nearly twenty minutes before I am expected downstairs. What do I owe the pleasure?” she added.

He smiled as he walked pasted the door holding a pair of boots, “I would like to offer a change of plans. I looked at my schedule and realized I would rather spend time with you. Care to join me riding?” Rose did all she could do to hold back her shock. She had never ridden an animal before. “They still ride on Vandor, right? The Lady Riders of Vandor are well known throughout the Reich.”

The terror rose in her, she had forgotten that Lady Dystra was a member of the Lady Riders of Vandor. “Yes of course they still ride on Vandor. The troop preformed for the Emperor last year.” It was a truthful fact and she added another piece of fact from the report she read about Lady Dystra. “The event was held in the Emperor’s personal garden. Have you ever seen it?”

Governor Vanda shook his head, “No I have never seen the gardens of the Emperor, but I hear they are a sight truly to behold. Could you tell me about them? I can have the mounts brought to the front of the house. They are the same animals you are used to riding back on Vandor.”

Rose smiled playfully as she shifted the attention of the conversation to the way she walked. She made sure to work her hips. It was a well-learned lesson from Aralah, a young computer programmer that worked for Xan back on the Nar’shana. Aralah had a boyfriend back home and a secret lover on the Nar’shana. She also had a deep crush on Xan. She was one of many office coworkers that accepted Rose and helped her fit in. Rose had found that being a non-force user was harder than being a Sith in hiding within the Jedi Order. She would have never made it if not for the help of her coworkers like Aralah. “Make you deal. It is such a lovely day. Lets leave the animals behind and just wonder the countryside. I will tell you all I know about the Gardens.”

He smiled as he set the boots down. “Deal” he said with a nod. “I shall wait for you downstairs” he added and started to back out of the room.

There was a look in his eyes that Rose knew all too well. It was that look of love. She was not sure but she also saw pain in his eyes. “Please tell the servants to prepare us a lunch. Lets make this a day trip and a picnic.” She said with a broad smile on her face. She moved forward and stopped him at the door, “As much as I wish to talk of my home. I also want to hear more about you. How one of the Reich’s most seasoned leaders and famous instructors would end up here. Would you share this with me, My Lord, Governor?” For her, she knew it would be important to learn the human language. She made a point to master it back on the Nar’shana. She never guessed that she would have needed it like this. He nodded and she rewarded him with a soft kiss on his cheek. “I will be down shortly. I want to change my shoes.” She said closing the door behind him.

She waited till she heard him walking down the hall. She rushed over to the closet. The Governor had all of Mariella Zall belongings brought down from storage. She grabbed a pair of boots that were more suited for hiking over her current shoes. She than rushed to the dresser and took a piece of paper. She picked up a pen and started to write.

---

Xan, the Governor and I are going out for a hike. I need a place that I can claim that I was going to sleep at. Talk to the owners and set this up so not to blow this cover. Also, I will need clothing suitable for a Reich Noble and a few human servants. These servants will double as my bodyguards. I plan to get the Governor to train my bodyguards for our operation. How crazy is this? Remember the name I go by now. The servants must all be able to speak, read and write human. Xan, I have a plan to get your family. This can work. We just have to follow up on this.

---

With the letter written, Rose folded it carefully till it was a small triangle. She wrote Xan’s name on the folded paper and placed it in her palm. The invitation last night to sleep over was a surprise and an opportunity that no one dared pass up. Rose was able to sleep in Mariella’s room while the rest of the party sleep in the tunnels below the estate. She double-checked her appearance to ensure that everything was in order before leaving the room. As she saw the maid walking from a room with an arm full of bed linens Rose walked up like a Reich noble, “Excuse me, but my sheets also need to be changed. Could you please make sure you tend to this at once.” She demanded and took hold of the maid’s hand. Rose pushed the triangle in to the maid’s hand, “I expect this done before you do anything else.”

For a moment the statements confused the maid till she felt the paper in her hand. The maid didn’t look down as the paper vanished in to the folds of linen. “Yes ma’am. It will be done right away” the maid said with a slight bow. She turned and walked away with renew purpose.

Rose didn’t watch the maid walk away. Once she saw the nod, Rose turned and headed down stairs. She had a long day ahead of her. She had to make it long. She had to ensure that the Governor was tied up so that Xan can get her request done. Once she had her people in place, she would ask the Governor if her servants could use the servant quarters of the estate. She will get him to offer to better train her bodyguards. ‘So much to do before the end of the week. So much to do, with so little time.’ She thought as she worked her way down the stairs. She started to make a mental list of talking points that will keep the conversation on the Governor and not on her. She had to keep him talking so she didn’t have to risk lying to him.

Within minutes Rose and the Governor were walking down the drive and towards the city. Xan could see them through a small basement window. The look in her eyes told him once more how much she was enjoying her time with the Governor. Once more he felt that maybe she was getting too close, too fast. He saw that look in her eyes last night. It was a look he would never forget. “What is she thinking?” he asked the others as he watched her walk with the Governor. The Rose that he saw last night and now this morning was not the Rose that he was used too. He looked once more at the letter and questioned, “what is she thinking?” He knew that she knew of their limited resources. He turned from the window and motioned for the others to follow him as they retreated once more back in to the underground tunnels. There was simply too much to do. And all of it was important if they were to save his family in time. Xan would have to wait to question her motives when he had her in private once more.

[Akirapryde]

(6.22) What Lays Ahead
Paraiso
Zall’s Family Estate
Colonies World of Byssi
August 20th, 1937


The echo of Angel's voice filled the vast space of Master Visst's mind, her voice filled with sadness as if she just received horrible news. Master Visst could feel her pain even though through her voice it was hard to detect. “I...I don't know what to do from this point on. I don't under why it has to be this way. Who will lead in your place?”

Master Visst's own voice sounded almost distant but without the same echo. Even he felt the bitterness of that pain that only comes from a long term separation, “Master Heartman, Angel, you will lead the Jedi from this point on. You will do all that is expected of you. You will excel at being the next Grand Master of the Jedi. Continue my work, continue what we have started. Guard the galaxy against darkness and ensure that the Jedi are ready for the next great battle when The Book frees its self.”

Sadness slowly slipped from her voice as she sighed out the last of the pain. “Visst, you have been and always will be my friend. I will do as you ask. I will make sure that the Jedi will remain ready against the night.” It was clear that closure had come to Angel's pain. With one last sigh, she allowed the last of her sorrow and sadness to slip away. All that remained was a simple peace within her heart. She had come so far and over come so much. And it was time for her to teach and mentor others as Master Visst taught and mentored her.

Master Visst took in a deep breath as he continued to meditate and faresee what the future held. He was not looking for this when he started but the Force guided him here. The echoes of that vision slowly drifted away as another one surfaced. He heard the familiar voice of Alya, “I owed Master Visst a debt. He saved me from who I was. It was the least I could do was be here when he needed me the most.”

Master Visst heard Angel's voice, “What of Zer'ra?”

Alya replied with a hint of sadness, “The taint of darkness ran too deep for her. She didn't survive the first full season. On her death bed, she told me that it was the best choice she made. Coming to Origin. She didn't regret it, regardless of what it cost her.”

There was another voice, one that Master Visst could not identify but it held some kind of familiarity with him. “The last of the dark Jedi have fled in to the low lands. Warlord Birgr and his warriors along with the Inner Light are pursuing them. The battle is over, we have won. Where is Master Visst?”

It was a moment of silence that told Master Visst the answer before Angel spoke up. “He...he gave his life for our victory. Cut down by Daz. I...I saw the whole thing. I.....” Angel trailed off not emotionally able to finish her wittiness to what had happened. There was clearly sadness in her voice.

“Master Visst will be honored among those who rest within the great halls of Defenders of the Light. I am sure my mother and the others would agree he has earned this.” the man said softly out of great respect for the fallen Master.

Angel spoke softly, “I believe it is time to return your father's lightsaber.”

“No Master Heartman, the Védő Lámpa is your responsibility now. When it was first found by Queen Sinya then passed to my father. Now it is yours. I was told by those that judge that the Védő Lámpa comes both great power and great responsibility. I can think of no better person than you Master Heartman.”

Once more the audio vision faded in to the shadows of his own mind. And the sounds of combat echoed around him. “You are beaten OLD MAN! Surrender now and I shall grant you and your followers swift merciful justice.” Visst heard Daz scream out in pleasure as the climax of the battle ranging around them.

Master Visst heard his own voice once more, “Daz, we didn't come all this way to defeat you. We came to save you. Striking me down now will only undo all that you have worked so hard for. This thing you have become, is not who you are. The Daz I know, would never allow what you have done.” Visst heard the tail tale sound of his own lightsaber deactivating. “Daz, striking me down will do nothing for you. It will only force you down a path that you will never return from. It will lead to your own destruction. Please Daz, let me save you. Please Daz, allow me to help you.”

There was that horrific sound of lightsaber hitting flesh. “No fool. Striking you down was something I should have done a long time ago. When you destroyed The Book, you also destroyed my only hope of saving Swip! You might as well have murdered her yourself.” There was a scream from somewhere off in the distance. Master Visst knew it was Angel. A intense lightsaber battle started and once more this chapter drifted off in to the distance. Once more the echoes of the future went silent.

It didn't take long for Master Visst to figure out what was taking place with the vision and how it was unfolding. “Master Visst, with all do respect, we can not sit idle by while this nightmare unfolds for all those people. We have to do something!” Rose said. Her words full of that same passion that he had come familiar with from her.

“Rose, you are allowing your emotions to govern your actions” Master Visst said but she cut him off.

“You are correct, but I am not a Force-user. I do not have to fear my emotions. What I do have to fear, is my conscience. I will not sit by and allow another Jumus happen. Not under my watch” Rose demanded. With each statement Master Visst attempted to regain control of the conversation. However, after the second failed attempt, he realized that she had to run her course before she would listen again. “Master Visst you are most wise and I love you like the father I never had. But I can't turn a blind eye. Not to this. Not any more. We have to act.”

Once her statement was over he took a deep breath, “This was the reason why I discourage Warlord Fiolla from having Azgard join the Republic. If Chancellor Murl will not help those in need, then the Jedi Order shall. I have already spoken with Warlord Birgr and Warlord Fiolla. Their forces are en route as we speak. Take the Maelstrom, and meet up with them. Bring light to this nightmare.”

Rose took a moment as she was apparently speechless. “You let me be believe that.....” She paused, “The whole time you knew....” once more she paused, “You are.....”

“wasting time Rose” there was a bit of humor in his voice. There were not much in the galaxy to bring humor to Master Visst. But there was a since of enjoyment that he gained from his relationship with Rose. “Ranger General, your ship and crew are waiting. Warlord Birgr will be waiting for you to lead this operation. May the Force be with you, Rose”

There was much more respect in her tone and in her voice, “Thank you Master Visst.”

“Daz what are you doing? You can not possible think you can control it!”

“I can control it, and I will finally put an end to the violence and death. It is not us, Visst, it is them. The humans must be brought to pay for what they have done to the Galaxy.” Daz said. It was clear that the communication was over some kind of device.

“Daz, you have to stop this. I can not allow you to unleash this thing upon worlds. Upon the Galaxy.”

“Visst, there is nothing you can do to stop me. Maybe once a long time ago, but not now. You will see, the humans must be brought to pay for the wars they inflicted on the galaxy. The death, the suffering. Her death. They must pay Visst.”

The line went dead as the sounds of others in the room stirred. “Warlord Fiolla, I need the strength of Azgard once more. If we don't stop this thing. It will murder the entire human race. If not the entire galaxy.”

The sound of Talon's voice was clear and personal, “It will be our honor, Master Visst. Shall we move on the Chancellor as well?”

“No Warlord. His time has not come wait. The pieces are not in place for that battle. In time, Chancellor Murl will have to face what he has become. But not here, not now. When it is his time, it will happen.”

“Yes Master Visst.” Talon said, there was sounds of others in the room but only Talon and Master Visst spoke.

“Master Heartman, please come in” Visst said softly as water fell in the distance.

“Master Visst, you asked to speak with me.” Angel said softly. Her voice measured and controlled. She was at piece in her heart and in her emotions.

“Yes, there is something that you need to know. Have you ever heard of the Védő Lámpa?” Master Visst asked softly.

“No Master, I have not” Angel replied.

“It was a powerful Force Crystal that was created long before many of the stars that we see now existed. It might even be older than the Scroll its self. You can find more about the crystal's history from within the Scroll. But what you wont find within it, is what I am about to tell you. The Crystal was found by a gifted Twi'lek. You once knew her, Queen Sinya. It is interesting that a Twi'lek who's name means darkness would find such a rare item. The blade is pure white and looks as if it is on fire with white flames. Queen Sinya used the blade to defend many agents of darkness. When she retired from adventuring, she took the Védő Lámpa and broke a piece off. She gave that piece to her daughter”

Angel broke in, “Lysire!”

“Yes, Lysire's Crystal. The very Crystal that Chancellor Murl has now. The larger piece was laid to rest with Queen Sinya, but taken from the grave by Master Chun to defeat the Sith Queen Rose. It now rests in his gave. There is one more element to the Védő Lámpa that is unaccounted for. The Crystal by its self a mighty weapon against darkness. But when the two pieces are combined with the pure light of an ascended being.”

“Master, you are speaking of the Crystal Lysire gave Biggs and now we have?”

“Yes Master Heartman. Once all three are mended together, it will be enough to destroy Lord Murl once and for all”

“Wont Chancellor Murl simply destroy his crystal before we can combine the three?”

Master Visst took in a deep breath, “No, the Védő Lámpa is not mentioned in the Book. It is unlikely that Lord Murl even knows of it. Daz wont destroy his Crystal because of his attachment to it. When the time is right Master Heartman, you must mend the two shards of Crystal and bring the light of Lysire's life to it.”

Angel took a moment to think of what she was told, “When will I know to do this?”

“I can only hope that when the time is right, we will all be ready” Master Visst said softly.

There was clearly some measure of fear in Ogon's voice, “I can not explain it. We found the Rächer right where you said she would be. But once we jumped out of hyperspace she was in firing range. She had use dead to rights, but she didn't fire. We had problems detecting lifeforms aboard so we bordered her. There they were, at their posts. All of them. I can't explain it. Dead, each and every last one of them. I tried laying my hands on them, I tried seeing through the force. But it was if they simply no longer existed. No connection, no anything. They were just dead. But we did find someone alive. Just one survivor, a Bothan. The rest of the human crew, dead.”

Once more a new audio vision slowly took center stage of his mind, “With the fall of Vandor III and the complete unconditional surrender of the Reich, The First Galactic War is over. Wait....we have Chancellor Murl giving his speech from his mobile command ship, hold on while we patch it over. 'I have just been informed by our Varl allies that the United Human Worlds or as they were known as before the war, the Reich of Humanity, has surrendered. This comes only days after the news of the Dorin surrender. I understand that this war has been long. I feel your pains, I know that this has been a grueling road that we each have traveled. But now it is over. The long night has come to an end and the light of tomorrow is upon us all. Together, we have faced off with one of the most horrific nightmares of the galaxy and have beaten it. Today we wash the blood from our battles off of our hands. Tomorrow we shall forge a new Galaxy where all are seen as equals and all have the same level of respect and basic rights. Thank you, and allow God's light to wash over us all'

“That was the Chancellor, speaking of the news of the Reich's surrender. The darkness is over, and freedom has shine through.”

“Captain Ogon, Warlord Birgr, The Republic needs your forces” Chancellor Murl said with little tone or inflection. “The Reich have dug in on the world of Jumus. To make matters worse, the United Human Worlds forces have been reported on Jumus as well. The Varl can not break the lines. As long as they control the souther Corrilian Corridor, they will continue to push supplies and reinforcements along the lines. We have to break the siege on Jumus and shut the Corridor down. I am ordering your forces to Jumus to break the siege.”

Warlord Birgr spoke up over the holonet communication with his acceptance of the order followed by Captain Ogon. The sound of one side of the link going dead it was Birgr who spoke up once more, “I don't understand why the UHW would betray us. For almost a year we fought side by side together. I still can't believe they turned again.”

Ogon didn't sound convinced either, “It was the damned thing I had ever seen. I had dinner with Field Marshal Model the night before. The next morning his ships and the rest of the UHW fleets had crossed the lines again. But I still think there is more to this than meets the eyes. We had not seen any UHW actions along our front. Have you seen them along your front Warlord Birgr?”

“No, I haven't. Our UHW fleets just disappeared as well. The fact that they have just now turned up on Jumus must be part of the reason for their actions.”

“I will inform Master Visst and the others. Maybe on Jumus, we will find out why the UHW turned on the Republic and went back to their Reich brothers. I guess I will see you on Jumus.”

The sounds of the ships faded as the sound of a man choking filled Master Visst's mind. He heard a dark and vile voice, “Tell me little man. Was your plan to come in here and assassinate me?”

“No” the choking man replied with. Once more Master Visst understand the Reich language perfectly. “We knew we could not defeat you.” There was a sound of something hitting the floor.

“What is this?” the voice said coldly, “Calling for reinforcements? I control the palace guards! Your forces are retreating. You have lost!” the laughter of the dark being seemed almost sadistic.

The choking man laughed as well. “You have no idea what it means to be human, Monster! We didn't come to defeat you. We learned that you are nothing without your puppet. You will never control the Reich now!” Sounds of alert filled the large chamber, “We came to rescue our Empress!”

There was a scream from someone stating that an orbital attack was being conducted. The sinister voice let out a scream of anger as the first explosion was so close that it drowned out the monsters voice, “NOOOOOOOO”

“Master Visst, why ask me about the Védő Lámpa?” Lysire asked in her normal tone and lack of emotions. There was something calming about her voice in Master Visst's mind. Once more he could hear the sounds of water running over rocks and through vegetation. “As old as the Sword was, the Védő Lámpa is older. It was the Védő Lámpa which allowed the Creature to be capture and imprisoned in the Sword. Something tells me, you already know all of this. What is it that you truly seek, Master Visst”

The sounds of a muffled party slowly replaced Lysire's voice. It was some kind of celebration that was taking place. A door opened and closed just as quickly. The sound level increased dramatically. The sounds of someone walking around a room echoed in his mind. He heard the sound of liquid being drunken from a bottle. “I can't become her. I wont become her!” Master Visst her a intoxicated Rose repeating. It was clear that she was filled with fear. Filled with doubt and filled with sadness. He heard a cabinet open and something metal being withdrew from it. He had his ideas of what it was. Once the round was chambered, Master Visst knew what it was and more importantly, what her plan was. Her emotions were running deep and filled with pain. It was a knock on the door which Master Visst hoped would bring her from her dark plans.

“Yes” Rose said softly as Master Visst heard her place the weapon in her shirt.

The door opened and the sounds of the party filled the room once more, “Rose” Xan said softly, “I wanted to thank you. Your plan was right and worked. Not only for my family but for my people. Thank you, I am in your debt” Xan said in a moment of great humility.

Rose sighed, “Xan” she said softly, “you know the person that Rose Sheridan was. A Dark Queen of the Sith. Do you think you could ever trust something like that?” her question spoke volumes to what her emotions were telling her. Something happened that caused her to question who she was. It was a complex question that echoed her fears. Her tone hid her emotions. She put a bit of humor in her question as if to soften it. The act betrayed her intent and gave the wrong impression.

Xan laughed, “No, I don't think so. Rose” he said almost jokingly. “Coming back to the party?” he asked as the door opened once more.

“Yeah, I will be out shortly Sir” Rose said in a complete lie. She had no intention of leaving this room alive. The darkness of doubt was descending on her heart. She held to the idea that the sum of who she was was Rose Sheridan. But the sum of who was Rose Sheridan was much more than who she was. This philosophy allowed Rose to believe that regardless of her origins, she was not the monster of her memory. That she was something else. Something better than that. Now, something has changed and brought doubt in her heart. A single gun shot and the sound of a body falling to the floor told Master Visst a confusing story. It also opened his eyes to a branch future that didn't have to happen.

As the gun shot echoed deeper in to his mind, a argument came to center stage. “I can not believe I am hearing this. We have a working plan Rose. We have trained for this. We are in position and now you just want me to turn my back on this.” Xan said in frustration.

“Yes, that is exactly what I want. Listen, I know that this means giving up our plan. That there is no turning back. But I know this guy. He has a daughter your sisters age. He hates the Dorins and what they are doing here. I know I can turn him. Please Xan, just give me a chance.” Rose pleaded.

Xan waited before replying. “Rose, this was your plan from the beginning. We make the changes you are suggesting. We give up on that plan completely. My family will remain in prison and my sister will be married the day after tomorrow. You want me to support you only because of a feeling you have about him. That is allot of trust, Rose. Even for you”

Rose sighed deeply. “Xan, I know. Please. I can pull this off. I know I can. Please trust me.” There was something in Rose's voice that Master Visst detected. This was more important to her than anything else he felt from her voice. There was no lying or withholding within her voice. He couldn't understand what was driving her but he knew it was something strong. There was also a measure of fear and doubt. They were deeply suppressed but what ever drove them, happened here on this world.

[Akirapryde]

(6.23) Raise of Darkness
Ruins of a Jedi Prison
Outer Rim World of Korriban
October 15th, 1937

I have heard the same rumors that I am some kind of time traveling savor of our Galaxy. These rumors are laughable. I was born on a simple world to simple parents. My life before was humble and filled with hard found lessons. I am not a time traveler, I am not some Holy Savor of the Galaxy. In fact there is nothing remarkable about me. What is remarkable is what I found in God. It was only within God did I truly understand his grand plans for my future. It is my hope that as a tool of God's will, I will be able to help as many as possible to find the pure of His love.
Excerpt from I, Citizen Murl

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During the hight of the Great Republic, Korriban had become a place of pride for the Jedi. This once headquarters of the mighty Sith Empire, had been captured by the Jedi. Through their vision of Korriban, the Jedi transformed it in to one of the most beautiful worlds in the Outer Rim. The markets and spaceports of Korriban were always filled with some level of commerce. Scholars and artist would come from across the Outer Rim to learn, teach and enlighten each other. Some would use Korriban as a spring broad to take them in to the Core worlds. Others would take what they learned and return home worlds to pass on that knowledge. There was a wide range of schools and universities that any Republic citizen could attend. These schools offered a wide range of learning that had never been offered in the Outer Rim. For the first time since before Korriban's rebirth, Outer Rim citizens could enjoy the same kind of education that Core World citizens enjoyed. There was even a large Jedi Academy located on Korriban. Between the pursuits of knowledge and the simple beautify of the world, there was always a large abundance of tourists and foreign students visiting Korriban. It was no wonder that Korriban had become commonly known as the Coruscant of the Outer Rim. It was a reputation that would not last beyond the fall of the Republic.

The Republic military held a strong influence on the world and used this influence to ensure the peace in the surrounding regions of the Outer Rim. There were two major naval bases here as well as a massive training complex all located on Korriban. To ensure law and order was kept, the Republic's Tingel Military Command was located on Korriban. From here, the Republic was able to play a key role during the Brush Fire Wars. Hundreds of Jedi operations were planned and supported from Korriban. A large number of Jedi Hunter teams and their Ranger units would use Korriban as a R&R station to get much needed rest and recovery before heading out on their next mission. During this time, the population of Korriban exploded as more and more support personal were needed to keep the Jedi war machine rolling smoothly. When the Brush Fire wars exploded in to the Jedi Civil War, Korriban played an even greater roll. From here Azgardian and Republic military units would be staged before lunching full scale military assaults on Rebel Jedi strongholds throughout the Outer Rim. Many historian believed that without Korriban the length of the Civil War and possibly the entire outcome could have been different.

Throughout the entire Brush Fire wars or the Jedi Civil wars, not once did the Rebel Jedi or their allies threaten the safety of the Korriban system. Though not because of lack of wisdom or strategic vision. A number of times, fleets attempted to make their assault of the key military world that had become Korriban. Each time, the assaults were turned back by Korriban's Jedi led defenders. Like all wars, the Jedi Civil War ran its course and came to an end. With the end of the Civil War, the massive support units that had called Korriban home during both wars packed up their supplies and returned to their home worlds. It didn't take long either for the large number of ships to vanish from orbit and the soldiers to return to their homeworlds as well. Aside for a few minor notes in history Korriban's military importance slipped from public sight. Soon Korriban returned to the state that it was before the Brush Fire Wars. Though, it remained in the Republic's news as the only jail break from the prison took place was reported. One of the most notorious prisoners, General Graff was broken out by the terrorist group known as the Flail. The brought the other importance of Korriban to the public light once more. For Korriban was also home of the well known Jedi Prison.

The Jedi Prison on Korriban was called the Jori Daragon Correctional Facility, named in honor of the human explore turned Jedi Hunter after the Great Hyperspace war, had become a place of renewed hope for those Force Users that had used their powers for greed or darkness. When a Force User was sentenced to Korriban is was believed that they would never return from it. This was largely a misunderstood myth. In fact well over half of the inmates sent to Korriban would receive some of the best counseling that the Jedi could provide. Two thirds of all inmates sent to Korriban would be helped back to a better path. In the words of Jedi Hunter Jori Daragon during the opening ceremony of the Prison named after her, “When I had to hunt down my own brother, Gav Daragon, there was no place like this back then for him to be imprisoned. Just a few years ago, for Force Users like my brother, there was no hope of turning back from the dark side. There was no safe place to hold them where society would be protected from him. Because of this, his sentence was death and carried out at the tip of my own blade. I hope, from the deepest parts of my heart that this facility will save countless others before they cross that final line and are no longer savable, like my brother, Gav.” It would be promise that would be kept by the tens of thousands of Jedi Masters and non-Jedi counselors who would serve the facility over the hundreds of years the prison would be in operation.

With the fall of both the Jedi and the Republic, Korriban tried to hold on. For almost fifty years after the Great Fall, the Tingel Command formed what was called the Tingel Protectorate. However as resources became harder and harder to come by, the Protectorate finally was disbanded. The Tingel Command remained in operation till Korriban was invaded by Tion Hegemony. These once allies during the Tingel Protectorate days proved to be powerful enemies of the Tingel Command. The Tion Hegemony had the Tingel Command out shipped and manned nearly twenty to one. Korriban's reputation made her a very appealing prize for the Hegemony. To their lack of foresight, the Tion Hegemony didn't realize the quality of soldiers that came with thousands of years of traditions and training doctrines. The battles between the two Outer Rim powers were intense and pushed both sides past their breaking points. The nearly hundred year war drove both powers to destruction, however it saw the Hegemony's military completely wiped out. Though in victory, Tingel Command and Korriban didn't make out much better. Without the Republic to replace lost warships, equipment and personal, the Tingel Command was in all senses dead after the war. They tried to hold on as one faction or another would move through the area. By the end of the first century, Korriban had become nothing more than a minor point of interest by the remaining local powers. Beyond the Outer Rim, Korriban was all but forgotten by all outside of the region.

The world had officially changed hands between regional powers nearly sixty times. However these events only occurred as lines on maps were redrawn after wars. Very rarely did anyone ever land of Korriban to lay physical claim to the world. There had been so little activity on Korriban that many actually thought it was a dead world. That remained the case till the eleventh century and the raise of the Telos Republic. Near the end of the eleventh century, the Telos Republic was facing a pirate and slaver crisis. It didn't take Telos long to follow the pirates to their secret base on Korriban. The pirates barely put up a fight and the base was captured. The Telos Republic built an outpost on Korriban's southern continent. From here, they were able to effectively deal with future pirate problems. Reports back to the Telos Congress reflected a long lost culture on Korriban that offered little or no real value to the Telos Republic itself. Over flights were ordered of the northern continent where this culture was discovered. Several ruined cities were mapped as well as ruins of military bases that had long been looted. During the twelfth and fourteenth century a groups of researchers ventured deep in to the northern continent to explore the ruins. These explorations yelled very little to offset the massive costs involved in the explorations themselves. For all the costs and efforts all that was learned was that these ruins were part of a forgotten cultured that once belonged to the Great Republic. Just as some clues started were starting to be answered, a sudden stop occurred when an entire research team vanished without a trace. Current explorations of the continent were stopped and future explorations were banned. From that point on the only people on Korriban were just a few hundred naval and support personal assigned to an isolated outpost on the southern continent were the only known inhabitants of this otherwise dead world, known as Korriban.

This was how Korriban remained till just a few weeks ago. Alarms were sounded in that isolated outpost as a fleet arrived in orbit over the planet. The patrol ships were dispatched to investigate the new comers to the system. The ships bore strange markings and didn't match anything in the Telos records. The warning was sent out throughout the Telos Republic of the possible invaders. The patrol ships made contact with the fleet and they found out that the fleet belonged to the Galactic Republic. Prior to their arrival, the Telos Republic had all but forgotten about the Galactic Republic and had no idea of what was going on outside of their region of space. There were a few tense moments till Chancellor Murl made contact with the Outpost Commander. After being invited down to Korriban, Chancellor Murl and his staff took a shuttle down to the Outpost. Chancellor Murl had played the part of visiting dignitary perfectly. Within days of his arrival to Korriban, he had managed to get most of the Telos Leaders to meet with him on Korriban. They were all skeptical of Chancellor Murl at first but soon they all seemed to warm up to him. Chancellor Murl noticed that the entire population of the Telos Republic were a mix of races, but lacked any humans among the population. Chancellor Murl spent a few days speaking with the leadership of the Telos Republic while his staff talked with the military officers of the Outpost and other ships that arrived. The first days were spent collecting valuable data on the Telos Republic. Chancellor Murl learned that the Republic has been hounded by the Jedi and their slaver allies. Most notable was the pirate, Captain Stains. To Chancellor Murl's secret delight, Captain Stains was a human.

Chancellor Murl learned that like most of the Galaxy, the region had been ravaged by war between local powers. Unlike the Core Worlds, this region found a very special solution to their problem. After a unnaturally brutal war, a group of local leaders met to talk about the future. It was a desperate attempt to curb the suffering and death of their own citizens. The leaders talked for months working out the details of this peace. What ended up occurring would become known as the Telos Peace Accords. It was named after the location of the meetings which brought them about. Unlike other Accords, this one was drafted to grow in to something greater than the what it was at first. As the months turned in to years, the Accords brought the local powers closer together. First they were bound through trade and continued to grow in to what it is today. The Telos Republic, in all sense of the ideals is a smaller copy of what the Republic was during its Golden Years. They continued to grow and invite other local powers to join them. Some did while others didn't. It was the Jedi that blocked much of their growth by organizing rivals against the Telos Republic. Captain Stains and his all human pirate fleet quickly became a thorn against the Republic. It was directly because of Captain Stains actions is the reason why the outpost on Korriban was built. Chancellor Murl saw his opening and played his cards nearly perfectly to work the way he needed.

Chancellor Murl explained the situation within the Core Worlds and talked of the Human empire known as the Reich. He explained how they were invading their neighbors and forcing the non-human populations off their own homeworlds. This fact alone had won over the leaders of the Telos Republic. Chancellor Murl pushed his cards even further. He explained how the Reich used other non-human races, like the Dorins, in their evil plans. He had more than enough photos to show evidence of this. The most damning were of the refugee camps along the Free Worlds Council boarders and the suffering of innocent civilians. When asked about other non-Reich humans, Chancellor Murl answered with this, “Yes there are a some humans that have seen the light and realized the mistakes of their human leaders. But in our experience, we have learned through personal experience that humans tend to stay loyal to their evil leaders. Some can be trusted. But we have to be very sure as to where we place our trust.” In the end, Chancellor Murl got what he wanted and needed. The Telos Republic saw the embattled Galactic Republic as a cause worth supporting. They agreed to provide both ships and troops to help fight back the darkness that is the Reich. Chancellor Murl smiled as they sighed the Articles of the Republic and officially joined the Galactic Republic. He enjoyed the fact that they were able to accept that the humans as an entire race were demonize. He played their fears, simple and good nature against the humans as an entire race.

It was something that Chancellor Murl never thought he could have pulled off but there it was. The leaders of the Telos Republic not only accepted what he said, they saw him as a near god like figure. He enjoyed the feeling that came with it and more importantly used the new status by asking them for the world of Korriban. He trumped up a story of needing a place to train soldiers out of reach of the Human empire. That other training areas were prime targets for the humans to attack. The Telos Republic couldn't sign the document fast enough to please Chancellor Murl and further the goals of the Galactic Republic. All of this played very well in to Chancellor Murl's plans. Once more everything was working just the way he needed it to go. By mid November, the last of the Telos military had departed Korriban and the first wave of new recruits were coming in from Shan'a'duna space. All of this gave Daz the image that he needed to continue to his original goal for coming to Korriban. He made sure that only non-human recruits were trained on Korriban. He made sure that those being trained on Korriban would know just who has caused the pain and suffering in the Galaxy. He would ensure that his message would be the only message that they would take home to their fellow soldiers. Chancellor Murl knew that hate was a powerful tool and was learning how to use it in others. Korriban would become a place where his new found hatred of the Humans would be spread. He had more then enough reason to hate the Humans, after all it was a human that murdered Swip in cold blood. From here, he would ensure that they would pay for this crime. Now that this was emplace he turned to the real reason why he came to Korriban, the ruins of the Jedi Prison. He waited till all of the eyes were no longer watching him, then and only then did Chancellor Murl finally made his move.

Chancellor Murl already knew that Korriban was not the dead world that the Telos leaders thought it was. In fact Chancellor Murl knew that Telos owed more to Korriban than it owed to any other world. Through the continued teachings of Makarov, Chancellor Murl was able to learn of the location of three communities on Korriban. Though each offered their own obstruction to his plans, he was not concern himself with the first two. The last one was the only one that stood directly in his way. He used Sister Dar'rus, an associate of Makarov's and Lord Murl's, to convince the Church to have Chancellor Murl take a few Knight Rose teams with him on this mission. He informed them that the first two communities were linked by some kind of pack. He explained that the first was a Sabbat group that used this world as a staging area to operate in the region and threaten the Church. He told them that the second, a group of druids, would stop at nothing to protect the Sabbat. Chancellor Murl insured that the Knight Roses had enough information to ensure that they would be victorious but kept back enough to ensure that their losses would be high. He calculated that it was a better way to further weaken the Church by ensuring that they continued to fight the Sabbat. He offered them something that the Church never had before. A way to find the Sabbat when they reached out through the Force. Chancellor Murl justified his actions by comparing the Knight Roses as the same level of murders as the Sabbat. For him, it no longer matter who the individual was. Rather they were light or dark, if they belonged to either organization, they were just as guilty as the whole. He removed their individuality from the groups they served. The druids were just icing on the cake for Chancellor Murl. They were just one less problem to deal with. Especially if Master Visst somehow showed up. He knew that they would be lured in to following Master Visst and would betray him. By removing the Druids, it removed a possible ally of Master Visst. The last community had been the ancestors of the original guards and support personal of the prison. They offer Chancellor Murl the largest problem and had to be dealt with personally.

Though it turned out killing off the guards of the prison was much easier than Chancellor Murl had thought. When his forces arrived, they rushed out to greet the Republic forces as returning friends. If Chancellor Murl had more time, he might have tried to turn them like he did with the Telos. Sadly he simply didn't have to the time to vest in that endeavor. He waited for the large community to gather at the landing port. They were smiling and waving old Republic symbols in the air. It appeared that they were waiting for the Republic to return one day. Chancellor Murl was not going to disappoint them. Once he was sure that the majority of the community had shown up, he gave the order. His troops opened fire on the guards of the prison. Adults and children were all cut down by the massive rapid flood of weapon's fire. Chancellor Murl allowed his Captain of the guard to finish off those that had escaped the massacre while he continued on to his true goal. He had a time table which the Telos Republic had wasted. He didn't even care enough to help in the murdering of the guards. They continued towards the large underground holding centers. The large sealed blast doors offered little hindrance to Chancellor Murl and his mastery over the Force. Though the act did trigger alarms to ring out that could have ruined his plans.

Across Korriban and in to space, a signal was released. It traveled at slightly faster than the speed of light as it rode the hyperspace lines. One such signal rang out at the Tingel Command Headquarters. Deep within a massive military complex, a light started to flash and a buzzing sound was heard. The cobwebs over the light told the story as the underground complex had not been manned for hundreds of years. The light and buzzer sounded in an empty command center. At the same time an alarm signal raced its way back to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The structure had been blasted to pieces by the Azgardian navy when they turned Coruscant in to the rubbled world it is today. Ships on patrol would have heard the signal if they were still there. Local authorities would have heard the signal if they knew to listen for it. Even after the massacre, still the guards fought a desperate battle to defend their prison against these invaders. Some even attempted to sound a secondary alarm as their ancestors had taught them in just this situation. They placed their hope in the fact that someone out there would be hear the alarm being sounded. That someone would come to the rescue. The system that had been created to warn the galaxy of what was about to happen worked perfectly. It was the galaxy that had stopped listening for that warning. In the end, Chancellor Murl had the prison to himself as he lead his team deep in to the prison.

Walking down the dark corridors of the prison made Daz remember how the Jedi once was. The images of long forgotten Jedi Master hung along the walls. They were the proud defenders of the Republic. They had stood for peace and justice in the galaxy. He knew many of their stories, these were the great Hunters of the Jedi Order. Legends of greatness, “Behold my friends, we are walking where legends once walked. We all should be honored to be here.” he said with pride in both his voice and heart. Though now they were only long forgotten legends. Why had they become forgotten legends? two words 'Master Visst' Daz thought coldly. Master Visst had weakened the Jedi to a point that they could no long serve their mission and protect the galaxy. Back then when Daz was not as knowledgeable as he is now, he had allowed himself to buy in to the lies Master Visst was selling. Back then, Master Visst had promised so much and delivered on none of them. It was Master Visst who started to demilitarize the Jedi and further weaken them. The down fall of the Jedi was all of Master Visst's doing. Daz knew this to be a fact. The future and past were all to clear to Daz now.

It was because of Master Visst's suggestion that Daz trusted the Sabbat. As a result, Swip paid the price for that misplaced trust. Daz paused as her face crossed his mind. He loved her so much and missed her even more. Daz gazed up at the darkened ceiling to hide the pain on his face. While she had been murdered, there was hope of saving her. The Book had a power that could have brought her back from the dead. Makarov told him that Lord Murl used the same power to save his beloved. Daz searched the Force and found truth in what Makarov told him. Surprisingly, Daz found allot of truth in what Makarov told him. He tried to find the book but Master Visst beat him to it. Before, sure Daz would have listened to Master Visst. But now that Master Visst destroyed the book, Daz could never forgive Visst for that. It was clear to him now. 'Master Visst did it on purpose to prevent me from saving Swip' Daz thought with such a hatred that even he was surprised he held. Visst never once told him of his plans for the book. Not once did Master Visst even reach out to Daz about the book. They could have worked together on finding it. It was the last straw that Daz felt break in his heart. It was the finally act that Daz could no longer ignore. At one time he had called Master Visst friend, mentor and even Master. 'No more' Daz promised himself then added, 'i swear, Visst will suffer just like he has made me suffer! I will deny him what he has denied me' Daz already had his list of names, but Makarov insisted that it was not the right time for revenge.

“Sir?” One of Daz's aides said quietly. The statement snapped Daz back to the moment and helped clear his mind. The hatred was still there, but he was able to focus on the task at hand. “Are you okay?” the aide asked.

Daz cleared the hatred from his mind as he turned to his aide, “I am fine. There are a number of very dark beings here. The darkness can easily be felt by me.” Daz turned toward the direction that they were heading and continued. He could make out the large blast doors at the end. Daz needed this mission to be successful if his next mission was going to work. In time he knew that he would have to face the Church and needed powerful army of force users to do it. The Church was not going to be an easy nut to crack. However, Master Visst did teach Daz one important lesson. To wait for the timing to be just right. The Church will fall when the time is right. Just like Master Visst will pay for what he did, when the time is right. Daz's communicator sounded and Daz activated his ear piece. He didn't want those around him, hearing what he was being told.

“Sir, we have confirmed that the Knight Roses have eliminated both the Druid community and the Sabbat Enclave. There are Knight Rose survivors. Only a few though. The battle against the two were much more than the Knight Rose's had expected. The Knight Rose survivors are returning to our ships.” The briefing came from his Captain of the Guard, Commander Fitish. Fitish, a Togruta, was a highly trained slave soldier of the Varl. Daz had tested his loyalty recently and was pleased to see the man's loyalties were sound.

“Commander, you know your orders. Please make sure that you follow them.” He had already talked to Commander Fitish about what was to come. The report was only to ensure that Daz knew what was going on before it happened. Daz had already ensured that none of the Knight Roses were going to leave this world, alive.

“Yes Sir, they will be taken care of. We have eliminated the remaining members of the guard force. A number of family members were also discovered and captured. What shall we do with them?”

Daz thought about the situation as he walked towards the large doors. He had not considered taking prisoners back with him. While he could trust his men to keep their mouths shut, he couldn't trust these prisoners. “Commander, we simply don't have room for that.” Daz gave the coded order, “You will have to leave that behind.” The first part means what ever they were talking about before would have to be killed. The second phrase meant that no one was to over see the act.

“Yes, we will ensure that your orders are followed.” Commander Fitish said without a second thought.

Finally Daz stood at the large blast doors. He looked at them as he felt the darkness trapped deep inside the prison. 'One step at a time' Daz thought to himself. He turned to his group and nodded, “It is time for us to get what we came here for.” he said calmly and without emotions. He turned to face the large doors and drew upon the Force and aid from Makarov. He reached out through the Force and pulled the mighty blast doors apart. Sparks flew as the doors and its supports fought against the actions that Daz was forcing on them. Slowly the doors started to part and the vacuum that had been in the chamber for over two thousand years finally tasted fresh air. A loud rushing sound was heard as the doors were force further apart. Daz smiled at the power of his will. This was something that he could not have achieved before he left Master Visst's teachings. The Doors continued to part as Daz forced his will upon them. He felt the metal bending and yielding to his command. Soon the doors were fully forced opened. He turned back to his group once more, “Lets go” he said moving in to the darkness of the chamber.

---

On the bridge, late night duty was a thing that just came with being a lower officer. Lieutenant Dal Yic'ish looked over the operations of the ship has she sped on her way from Reich occupied space. The cloaking device was working fine as they were moving from hyperspace point to the next one. The ship was at a state of yellow alert because they were still deep within enemy lines. The other crew members on the bridge went about their duties normally as lieutenant Yic'ish walked the bridge. His whole life, this is what he wanted, command of a warship. And because of a remarkable stroke of luck, here he was. lieutenant Yic'ish walked from one side of the bridge to the other. He didn't mind the late night watch, as he already figured. It just came with being a lower officer. It was the chair that he truly wanted and would do what it takes to get it. He walked over to the Captains chair and took his place in it. “Status report please” he said in a commanding voice.

The two junior officers sighed, “Sir, as we told you an hour ago. All systems are normal. We have nothing new to report.” They hated being on late night watch with lieutenant Yic'ish. They saw him as an over achiever and mistook his pride in his own duties as snobbish. None of the Third Shift Watch saw him as a bad officer or person. Just that he took too much pride in the simple duties of babysitting the ship on third shift.

Lieutenant Yic'ish smiled, “Good, I shall ask for the report again in one hour. Just as the regulations call for.” Lieutenant Yic'ish stood up and walked towards the back of the Bridge, “anyone would like some coffee or a drink?” He loved his fellow Watchmen, as he called them. He believed that no Captain would be great without a great crew behind him. These men and women who served with him were the best on the ship. And he knew that they each respected him. It was the nature of their relationship. None of them replied as he poured his own cup of coffee. A beeping sound broke the silence.

The Communications Officer turned in her chair, “I can't believe I am saying this, but I have something to report!” the Twi'lek said as she turned back to her station.

Lieutenant Yic'ish rushed to her station and watched over her shoulder, “What the hell is that?” he questioned as they started to read the screen.

---

Emergency Action Message: Stygian Caldera, Esstran sector, Horuset system
Flash Message Intercept: Alarm Events Received
Event Log: Alarm Event from Jori Daragon Correctional Facility, Code 104
Event Log: Alarm Event from Jori Daragon Correctional Facility, Code 085
Event Log: Alarm Event from Jori Daragon Correctional Facility, Code 101
Event Log: Alarm Event from Jori Daragon Correctional Facility, Code 013
End Flash Message
End Emergency Action Message