The Backdrafts (Book 4)

[Akirapryde]

Two Halves of the coin (Part Two)
City of Melcore
Republic Core World of Kelore

Amidst great fan fair, the Supreme Chancellor landed on Kelore spearheading a wave of relief ships. To many surprised and shocked opponents the Supreme Chancellor pulled off something just shy of a logistic miracle. Despite the claims leveled by his opponents within the Senate of being a political slug in action, incompetent, and a warrior with no wars to fight, the Chancellor has shown a more humanitarian and caring side. As the first wave of shuttles landed planetary leaders, under the guidance of the Chancellor, started organizing the means to get the first supplies out to the areas hit hardest. While debates in the Senate over which aid to send had gridlocked the Senate, the Chancellor had managed to assemble a task force of over twenty relief ships from both the military and private sectors.

During his arrival speech, he quoted, "I know that there is great debate over my administration, my lack of leadership, and failures here to stop these horrible attacks. There are people in dire need, republic citizens in dire need. If my opponents needs to blame someone for these tragic attacks carried out by the Flail, than I shall accept that blame. I do this only if this will end the needless debates that have stalled the Senate and help speed relief to these victims here. I have lead the way and set the example for everyone to follow. I ask my opponents and supporters alike, please set aside political debates over my leadership, failures and other distractions. Let us get down to leading the Great Republic during its hour of need. Let us helped these victims!"

The chancellor and his aides arrived just over twenty four hours after the first reports of the bombings hit main stream media outlets. Sources closest to the Chancellor stated that much of the planning had been done en route and ships joined up the operation during transit. After delivering his powerful "Call to Action" speech, the Chancellor took a tour of the Ravendale Elementary School with planetary leaders. While reporters were kept at bay by tight security, some details of the meeting did leak out. The Chancellor fielded hard questions from planetary leaders and gathered details on the needs of the victims. The Chancellor promised accountability and as much aid as needed to help victims. One leader stated off the record that the Chancellor's reputation didn't match the man, he met with today. Ravendale Elementary was the second location to be bombed during a series of cold blooded attacks on mainly schools. So far there are a total of four bombing sites which each has been secured by a special detail of Rangers. These sites along with what could have been a disastrous viral attack. Luckily for Kelore, the last and most deadly attack had been thwarted by Lead Ranger, Daz Murl.

Even during his tour of one of the bombing sites, the Chancellor took fiery attacks from Senators back on Coruscant for supposedly with holding key information regarding the attacks prior to the media being informed. Because of this claim, some Senators have argued that Chancellor Quee tied their hands and actively stalled their actions. Others have gone as far as claiming the Chancellor had something to do with the attacks directly or had fore knowledge of them occurring. Both claims have been sternly rejected by the Chancellor's office. One harsh critic of the Chancellor said, "How is it that the Chancellor had his relief teams ready so fast. Why withhold information regarding the bombings unless to show himself off." This statement came from Senator Moriunis from the mid-rim worlds of Hus'ist'le.

Senator Nabrina and candidate for the Chancellor's office offered a more measured reply, "while I do find the with holding of information issue puzzling, I truly do not believe the Chancellor to be responsible or even had knowledge of these events prior to. Entertaining these thoughts can only take attention away from the task at hand. We have to safe guard the Republic from real threats not create distractions of smoke and mirrors." Senator Nabrina is planning to arrive on Kelore with another round of relief ships sometime tomorrow afternoon.

With the attacks still fresh in the minds and the elections coming up, one thing will remain certain. The Chancellor will have a tough fight on his hands to remain in office. It is clear that he is not planning to leave office without a sound political fight. However, as the Chancellor pushes to reinvent himself to show his ability to lead, many ask if all of this fan fair is too little too late. What is clear, for the time being the people of Kelore is welcoming him as hero and savor. This election may become one of the most highly charged elections in Republic History. Only time will tell the outcome.

**********************************************************

"Greetings Daz" Sate said with a smile as he greeting Daz at the door to his suite. "Thank you for accepting my invitation for dinner." Sate was dressed in a casual attire which was surprisingly out of the norm for what Daz was expecting. He had a glass in his hand and offered his other for Daz to shake.

Daz nodded as he said, "of course Chancellor." The two men shook hands then Sate lead Daz in to the suite aboard the Chancellor's Transport. Just outside of the suite stood the Chancellor's personal guards.

With a hand raised, "Daz, call me Sate. And no politics tonight. My god, I have been blasted with politics all day." Sate complained, “Those worms in the Senate have taken every chance to stab at me today.”

Nodding, "um yes Sate, though before we refrain from speaking about politics. I have to know one thing" Daz stated calmly. There were questions on Daz's mind and he knew that Sate would not be offended.

Sate nodded, "the rumors?" Daz only nodded, "no I had nothing to do with the attacks.” Sate stated flatly. Daz knew in his heart that the Chancellor was telling the truth. “I don't blame you for having to ask. I wouldn't have the respect I do for you if you didn't speak your mind. As for withholding information. Yes I withheld it from the media. I had hoped that your team would have been able to catch the Flail in the act. It was a long shot I know, but I placed my hopes in your skills." Noting the look across Daz's face Sate moved closer and rested his hands on Daz's shoulders, "tomorrow I will have my full briefings from you and the other Rangers. But based on what I do know now, you did your best and I respect that. My faith in you was not misplaced."

Daz nodded and allowed the chancellor to continue, "I sent a personal messenger to the Senate leadership." He explained while walking to his desk. "Here, take a look" he said while placing his drink down and picking up a datapad from his desk and turning to a file. "See I have a signed receipt of the entire package that outlined the situation and your mission." He walked back over to Daz and offered the datapad for inspection, "All under the requirements of the Law which the Rangers were formed by. See, less then two hours later they passed a bill that allowed your team authorization to conduct your investigation. Senator Moriunis is trying to cast mud as always" Sate said as he walked back to his desk and set the datapad down. "Does this answer your question” he asked as he picked up his near empty glass.

Falling back on Daz's skill as an investigator, he could tell that the Chancellor was not lying. Daz nodded, "Yes it does Sate."

Sate smiled and walked over to a table, "you know, I meant to ask earlier. What happened to the other robes you had. It seemed so much more colorful and well, um pleasant. It seemed to fit you better."

"I was asked to change" Daz explained.

"Its a shame, I liked that outfit on you" he said as he poured a brown liquid in to his glass from a decanter. "I would offer but I know you don't" he said taking a seat. "Come sit. Let's not make this so formal" he said smiling. "I have to admit, I envy you my friend. A life free from politics. Filled with friends who respect and look up to you" he said leaning back in his chair taking a drink. "My world is filled with snakes, back-stabbers and liars. Sometimes I feel you are the only one I can trust" he said laughing. "Don't get me wrong, I have advisors and allies but each has their own political agendas and goals. You seem like the only one who would not screw me to advance your own career" he took a drink from his glass as two men dressed in white served a traditional Kel Dor meal for Daz and something lighter for the Chancellor.

“It was the same dish my cooks served for the ruler of your world four months ago. I hope you find it as enjoyable as he did” Sate said with pride as he motioned for Daz to eat. There was a short conversation regarding the means to which Daz would have to eat the meal. Sate laughed off the suggestion of Daz's taking his to go. Sate smiled while taking a sip from his glass, “You are not my first alien that I have shared a table with, my friend. You can learn allot from watching a man eat.” He motioned once more, “Don't be embarrassed my friend. We have nothing to hide from each other.” The meal passed as conversation moved to personal stories from the Chancellors past military career. The Chancellor was good to his word, answering all that Daz inquired about truthfully. The Chancellor didn't probe Daz for information but listened carefully when Daz offered. There was something about the way the Chancellor treated Daz that seemed to make him all that more comfortable.

Daz learned about how the Sate and Raynar become close friends along time ago. It was a leak to Sate that Raynar was going to be found guilty which was why he pulled the plug on Raynar's trial. "Sometimes I feel it was the worse mistake I had ever made. Justice must be blind and fair. Swift and merciful. He was my friend and I couldn't let his honor be tarnished by a guilty verdict. Ever since that day, I promised no more. Friend, ally, foe enemies will all be treated the same." Sate explain. Daz could see how that mistake had shaped Sate's vision of upholding the letter of the law. For him, there was no middle ground or gray areas. It was black and white. Right or wrong. At the very least, Daz could see where Sate came from and have respect for that. The Chancellor was very forth coming in answering Daz's questions as long as they remain off of politics.

Daz learn a great deal about Sate the soldier and student. Daz was able to share about his own personal life with Sate as the to enjoyed the night. Well after dinner as the two were sitting on the balcony of Sate's office, his comlink went off interrupting the after dinner conversation. "See, I can never get away from it" he said finishing off his fifth glass. The effects were taking their toll as he pulled out his comlink, "Yes, Chancellor Quee speaking." Daz was surprised how well he was able to hide the affects of his night time drinking.

"Chancellor, this is Master Uwthorin." Daz immediately recognized the Master's voice from one of the Jedi Council. He took notice of the conversation, "Are you available to speak?"

"Greeting Master Jedi, I am having dinner with Master Murl. How can I help you" Sate said calmly.

"Sir you might wish to speak to me in private." There was clear concern in his voice.

"Master Jedi, Master Murl is my close personal friend and my best Ranger, I need not hide anything from him" Sate looked at Daz with a look of pride on his face for Daz. But the nature of the call seemed to trouble Sate. It was clear to Daz that he didn't see where this was leading.

"Yes Sir, I just over heard a conversation between Master Noon on holovid and Master Lunish here in the Council Chambers. There were speaking about Master Murl. Her words were, 'we have to take steps to protect the Order and other Jedi from Daz's reckless and destructive behavior. Can I count on your support once we return to Coruscant?' They spoke in great lengths Chancellor regarding Daz actions. I have my beliefs that they mean to toss Daz out of the Order. I have checked the communication logs for Master Noor and found that she has already talked the other members of the Council. She has as of this moment kept myself and Master Rathor out of the loop. I can only conclude the reason is because of your support of us."

Sate looked troubled and shook his head. "Thank you for your timely update Master Jedi. We will look in to this matter on our end." He waited for Uwthorin to reply before turning off the comlink. Sate leaned forward towards Daz and looked at him in the eyes, "There must be some mistake. Master Noor is a close follower of Visst. I know her kind, she wouldn't move unless Visst gave his okay first. I have it on good authority that Visst does not want you removed from the Order. No there must be some mistake in this. It is too late tonight to seek answers, tomorrow morning you should look in to this. What ever help my office can offer, you have it my friend. Just ask and I will stand by your side My Friend."

Daz looked troubled as the information sank in. Sate was right, Noor was a close follower of Visst and has not taken any steps on her own. She didn't have the backbone for independent action. Daz thought harshly of the matter 'Something must be wrong.' Daz's mind couldn't help but dismiss the report as some kind of mistake. However, Sate's offer was on par with the way he has treated Daz to date. "Yes you are correct. I should look in to this tomorrow. Thank you for your kind offer." Daz said softly as he stood up from his chair, "I have to go and meditate on this."

Sate rose with Daz, "yes of course" he said as he lead the way to the main door. "I will see you at the after mission briefing at noon tomorrow. If you need to speak with me, I will ensure that you have access."

Daz nodded still caught up in his own thoughts. "Yes tomorrow at noon" Daz said as he walked through the open door. He left the Chancellor's office and headed back to his own home away from home. His mind raced with the possibilities of what could be happening. Walking alone along through the night Daz wondered of his future. Those terrible visions continued to press down on his heart tapping his strength. There were just so many unanswered questions running through his mind. Before he knew it he walked in to the main door of the barracks where his team was staying.

The place was dark and silent. The only light came from a small metal desk where one of his Rangers set reading a book. He looked up from his book and started to get up. Daz waved him back to his seat. The sleeping arrangements were offered by the local Government. While all seemed safe, everyone thought it a good idea to keep a watch during the night. Daz nodded to the Ranger as he walked passed. Entering the main hall he saw four rows of double bunks ten sets deep. His team only took up the first few bunks. He walked down the row looking at the Rangers sleeping.

He couldn't help but come to a stop next to one Ranger he knew was in deep trouble. He heard the whispers and understood the fear. She had acted out of good intention but the sad fact was that she was in allot of hot water. It was surely her actions which Noor will lay blame on him and use to attempt to cast him out of the Order. He knew the Chancellor well, and the Chancellor didn't like to hold double standards. Sate had made a point that the Rangers would not be above the law. If this is true and Sate pushes the issue, she could very end up in prison for her mistake. 'A simple ill place foot and her life and career would be over' Daz thought shaking his head.

His mind couldn't help but think of Biggs and how he was escaping Justice. 'A mass murder walks free and a good person goes to prison. This is not justice!' Daz could feel the emotions welling up inside him over the miscarriage of justice. Daz shook his head and turned as he continued to his bunk. He wanted to sleep with his team. He felt it brought them closer together. He still felt like an outsider with them. Each had history with the larger group. During the war they all had served together with the Grand Army of the Republic. While some like Daz had tired to hold on to the Order others were given choices, leave or be cast out. Still others held out till the end of the war before leaving altogether.

As Daz laid down he couldn't help but think of them as a family. They each looked out for the others. They would die for each other. Now this family was in turmoil over what could happen to one of the younger members of the family. Daz took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He closed his eyes and tried to get some much needed sleep. 'Tomorrow is going to be a very long day' he thought as his mind drifted away.

The night was hardly restful for Daz. He suffered through another dark vision. This time he found himself battling for his very life against no other than Talon. Everything he knew about her skills and abilities told him he was in a losing battle. Everything he tried failed to best her. The battle was joined to the death and only a death would bring an end to it. During one of her counter attacks on him, he was knocked to the ground. Her next action, she slammed her right boot down on his right forearm snapping the bones. She then kicked his right hand with her left boot shattering his hand and sending his lightsaber flying. Daz had no choice but to call on the force to summon his saber back to his left hand. He. Could see her leaping in to the air and spinning over him. He snapped his saber from midair and activated it.

It was down to who was faster. Daz brought the saber up with every intention of killing her while she spun above him with every intention of killing him. She won the moment! Her first passed right beside his saber and landed with all her weight behind it. She drove her fist in to his breath mask. He heard the shattering sound of her armored gauntlet smashing its way through his mask and impacting the soft flesh of his mouth. Pieces of metal and blood filled his mouth as he fought to breath the now lethal air filling his lungs. Talon moved quickly to kick Daz's lightsaber away once more. They both knew it was over. As she stood over him, he could feel his life slipping away. He watched her open up her visor to look down at him. He saw Talon's face as his vision blurred and faded. All that he desired, all that he was, all that he wanted was gone.

Daz woke up from the restless night to see that most of the Rangers were still sleeping. He turned and laid his feet over the side of his bed. He thought of the dream and couldn't understand why Talon would betray him. Why she would kill him. He shook his head and got up from the bed. He walked to the restroom to fresh himself. He bent over the sink and washed the sleep from his face. He took in a deep breath as he lifted his face. He knew he wasn't alone and was not surprised by his number two man, Ranger Jaster Saper .

"I have a report Sir" he said, "in a small mountain community not far from Resolute, our Rangers have uncovered some good leads. We have an eye wittiness that placed a person matching Lysire and get this, she made Biggs flee from the crime scene of where our slain brother was found. The time frame for the sighting puts it right in line with the time frame of the murder. I made sure that they test this witness to ensure that she was telling the truth. The witness passed our tests. I know you would have wanted it that way. While you were at dinner with the Chancellor, I had them investigate the sightings further. They found that the pair had been there, however the community as a whole is stone walling our investigation. They claim no information on Biggs or Lysire. However our investigators know they are lying.

"Despite their efforts, our team was able to learn that they were living in the area under the names David and Mikala. This morning the team is going to check out a house under their name near a lake. I don't think they will find them though. The team reported spotting a small craft, maybe a shuttle or a fighter leaving the area late yesterday night. It had to be them. They were unable to get a positive ID on the craft. The craft made for space and disappeared in to orbit. We contacted that Azgard ship for help tracking it, but they reported no unidentified traffic to track on their sensors. So either the ship had some kind of cloaking or the Azgards are lying. Either way I don't trust those Azgards. I have a meeting with my counter with the planetary defense force. I wanted to make sure you got this news. We are on the right track Sir."

Daz listened to the report and nodded then Ranger Jaster Saper turned and left. Truthfully Daz's mind was somewhere else completely. He heard the report but couldn't fully focus on the information. He needed to speak with Visst. He pulled out his communicator and dialed up Visst. He was sadly not surprised when it came up unavailable. "Still not taking my calls" Daz questioned softly. He took a deep breath and walked across the hall and in to his office that was on loan to him while he ran the investigation. Already in this early hours there was a mountain of work to be done and a incident report to file regarding the near fetal stabbing of the Padawan. "Its going to be a long day" said sitting down at the large wooden desk.

[Akirapryde]

Turning the Page
Azgard Dreadnought Ka-riss-ah
In Route to the Outer Rim

It was the third time Visst took a crack at the scroll Lysire left from him. The scroll was an amazing piece of technology, there was no doubt about this. The more he read from it, the more it seemed to draw him in deeper in to the subjects to which he was seeking better understanding of. With Lysire's warning in the forethought of his mind, he knew to exercise extreme caution. Her warning had came at the price of her own mistake. 'It will show you exactly want you wish to know' her words echoed deep within his mind. With this safety in place he understood not to chase the side thoughts of his mind and to remain focused only on what he wish to learn about. The thought that this scroll could read him and would react to his thoughts worried him deeply. It was just one more reason why he had to hold this technology very close. He feared to imagine what could happen should it fall in to the wrong hands.

Reading through the scroll while checking over Lysire's notes of her own discoveries while she had it, showed that there was no doubt that she was a very intelligent woman. Her understanding of what the scroll offered and her desire to learn more was matched only by her lack of reasoning of if she should pursue this path. 'Oh Lysire, what did you get yourself in to' he thought as he read over her notes about the very ritual that she performed on herself. The curse she leveled against herself was clear in her own words written long after she had performed that ritual, 'What have I done to myself?! I am damned without any hope salvation!' The scroll had been in her possession for nearly a year before she found the Temple where she cursed herself. During that time, from what Visst could tell, she nearly obsessed over understanding all of what the scroll had to offer. She pushed everything else away as she drove deeper in the scroll only to find that there was no bottom to be found. One passage in her notes reflected this.

"It has been nearly ninety hours since we left Coruscant and I have spent all this time studying the scroll. Yet still I find my self no closer to understanding what is hidden between these words. Yes I read passage after passage, but there is just so much more between the words, between the lines. Hidden in plan sight yet forbidden. An other world of understanding calling out to me still I feel this warning beckoning me to stop. Its almost as if the scroll wants me to understand this world but at the same time hides the very understanding I need from me. It is frustrating to me. I have ten more hours, I will continue to study it. I have learned so much already. I know there is more. I can feel more hidden within the scroll. I must unlock its secrets!"

Lysire had been many things during her lifetime. However reading her notes reflected one truth about her, she was above all things a scholar to her core. She took remarkable notes on the scroll and her feelings as she read them. She left nothing out, not one detail or thought. It was if each thing that she experienced had somehow been changed as she continued to read the scroll. It was like she was recording how the scroll was changing the way she was starting to think and see the world around her. The entire scroll cover a range of topics, but it centered on existence, life and energies. At first Visst uncovered a great number of details regarding the Sword, how and why it was created, and how to destroy it. Yet, there was so much more. He read through Lysire's notes about how she had wanted to achieve a level of understanding equal to those of the 'First Ones'. How she had allowed herself become a vessel through which this understanding could flow. The ritual had indeed opened her up to a new level of understanding but also something so much more darker.

It was because of her darker tainting at the time, her plan failed. Her own words echoed in Visst's heart and soul, "intentions are the key Visst. Pure intentions can mask even the most darkest of acts hidden within the heart. Yes! I wanted understanding and knowledge. However, my heart craved power. I got ALL of what I asked for. We can not lie about who we are in our hearts. It is the core of what we are. Through this can pure energies flow and become corrupted."

She had received the understanding that she craved and the power she secretly desired. Another passage from her notes had sent a shiver up and down his spin, “never before had I felt such access to power. There is no dark or light side, just power. Pure power that I can twist and shape this reality in to what ever I desire it to be. But I must be careful. I journeyed beyond, and saw them. There they were, around us all this time. Yet we couldn't sense or see them. Well I can now. I can see them now. They however have no care in anything that has to do with us. They spend their time lost in their own ambitions of what ever they are seeking. I know my own powers have far exceeded those of any other force user. However, I know they are more powerful them me. I must learn their secret if I am to challenge them.”

Because of her cravings she had become a vessel of her own dark desires. There was something in the scroll that also bothered him. As he read more about the Sword and what created it, he came to a realization. The sword was created to be a vessel just like Lysire had become a vessel to something else. It was created and something was trapped within it. He couldn't help but pounder, 'if the sword is destroy will it release the energy within it or destroy it along with the sword.' Part of Lysire's notes talked about existence is life, life is energy, which means that existence is energy and energy can not be destroyed. It is what had happened to the First Ones. They had traded their existence here to reach a higher state of energy. There was much of Lysire's notes that he simply couldn't understand about this subject. He reread them over and over again, but they simply didn't make any sense to him.

When Lysire died, Visst could feel her life touching his. He paused on that thought and pulled out the small glowing crystal which she had created. He watched it slowly lift from the palm of his hand as it hovered just above his hand. Once more he could feel her life touching his just like those seconds before her death. However back then, he felt the darkness deeper down within her. It was cornered and locked away within her soul. He had also felt something more terrifying trying to rip its way in to this world through. When she died, he felt her life slipping away from his. The connection was something remarkable to him. So pure and filled with warmth, its loss almost brought a tear from his eye even now. In those short seconds he felt her on a level he never felt with anyone else. It was also one of the most saddest moments in his life when it ended abruptly. He felt the darkness of her heart washed away as death was upon her. Deep down he felt that something worse retreat from Lysire's body. She had it wrong, it wouldn't die with her. Her death only broke that connection which she had formed with it.

Visst reflected on that moment as he closed his eyes softly and meditated. He saw General Graf's twin lightsabers screaming their way down on him. He was out of tricks and out of moves. Yet he was not afraid of death. He welcomed the moment and embraced his fate. He remembered feeling the force about him. In that moment he was ripped away from the jaws of death. As he flew backwards, he saw Biggs replacing him in combat. His red flaming saber taking all that Graff could throw at him. Biggs had all passion, skill and strength a man needed to survive this kind of battle. And it was the passion that Visst was most worried about. During times of high stress it was emotions which fueled passion that lead Jedi to their falls from the lightside. Visst remember looking up from Lysire's feet as she laid her hand on his chest while she healed him. Her focus was clearly on the battle that her beloved was engaged in. Visst remember seeing her left hand reached out towards Biggs the whole time.

He had used the Force to sense the other force users just as the battle started. He knew that it was fading but in that moment he could see a strong flow of energy from Lysire in to Biggs. He knew that the Sith had such powers and had even read up on them before. But this was something completely different. In that moment while Biggs stood toe to toe with the massive General Graff, she was giving herself to Biggs. 'It makes sense as why she was caught unaware of Graf's attack on herself.' Visst thought silently as he continued to remember that afternoon. He knew that had to be the only way Biggs could have stood up to such a highly skilled warrior and not die. The question of how she was able to pass so much of herself and so much energy to Biggs, was something that puzzled Visst.

No sooner had Visst pondered the thought did the scroll react. Visst looked down and saw a section of the scroll which was regarding those conduits which Lysire had spoken about the morning she had died. However, now the explanation was right there before his eyes. He knew it wasn't there before. There was so much of it that he didn't understand but so much of it did make sense. It also explained much of what the force users on Origin had learned. There was a link between them and what this scroll was teaching. He just nodded to the scroll, "you are very dangerous aren't you” he said as he carefully looked over the section. Some of it seemed pretty easy to understand but most of it was much like Lysire's notes. It confused him and when he looked up her notes on it he was left with more confusion. 'There is something hidden within these passages that I am missing.' He couldn't help but think as he read over the passages. There were simply concepts that was beyond his understanding at the moment.

He carefully he rolled the scroll back up and used the leather cord to tie it closed. He returned the scroll back in his robes for safe keeping. He started to get up from his place in the Garden aboard Carissa however voices caused him to remain where he was. He moved silently over to see Daz walking in and greeting Biggs, who seemed to be waiting for Daz. It was clear that they had spoken before. He had talked to Daz before and knew that Biggs wanted to meet with Daz. He recalled telling Daz to trust the Force and do the right thing. The tone in Daz voice showed his level of irritation at the meeting. Biggs' tone was level and calm, there was also a sense of surreal to Biggs' demeanor. It was clear that Biggs had been meditating just moments before Daz walked up. Visst set back and watched silently as the events unfolded.

He heard clearly Biggs explaining to Daz the events of his parents death. There was pain and remorse in Biggs' voice and a stand off attitude from Daz. Visst couldn't blame Daz, he was facing the man who murdered his father. Still this would stand to be a good test for Daz and something that Visst wanted to see within Biggs as well. Biggs spared enough details to be respectful of the dead but more then enough to show Daz the situation. Daz argued the fact that in how Biggs described the Daz who gave the order to murder the two Kel Dors. He stopped Biggs a number of times to make this correction. Biggs remained calm and never showed any signs of a change in his demeanor.

It was clear that Biggs had trouble even now in telling the two apart. Biggs explained how the murders were designed by the clone to limit disobedience by the other Kel Dor prisoners they were escorting. He explained how they didn't know at the time who the pair were and how this was Lysire's first taking of a life. The level of remorse grew as he relived the events just as Visst knew they had happened. Biggs was truthful in ever detail even the hate in his heart at the time over the event. Visst could tell that Daz didn't believe Biggs or the story which he was being shown. When Daz asked why they didn't simply refuse to follow the order, Biggs explained how the soldiers who were loyal to Daz would have killed them both. Daz seemed to have dismissed the claim and corrected Biggs once more that it wasn't him.

What happened next surprised Visst. He could feel the pain from Biggs as he attempted to reach out to Daz in some attempt to make amends. However, Daz went on the attack by asking questions about some girl that Biggs had supposedly murdered also. Biggs was fast to recover under the assaulting questions and faced with an attack changed his demeanor to a more defensive one. He outwardly refused to share any information about the girl claiming it was none of Daz's business. Visst could tell be the tones that this was going to get out of hand fast as they argued over the fate of this girl. Biggs questioned Daz about the girls name, past or any detail that would give him the right to ask any questions. Daz continued to poke at Biggs' past over and over. It was clear that this had fallen apart. Visst almost got up to interrupt the argument when Biggs busted out in laughter, saying, "I can say this. The girl you speak of is alive and well. She is certainly not beheaded."

It was if something in Biggs snapped and he was able to return back to that state of calm in his heart and mind which he started with. "Beyond that Daz, I cannot nor will not share."

This seemed to set Daz completely off. The emotion ran high as Biggs continued to listen to Daz's questions about his parents' death, the events of Thais, and a number of other issues. Daz then asked about another Jedi. Visst was unaware of the name but took mental note of it. Daz demanded information about this Jedi. Biggs had now completely regained his control and sense of calm. The answer seemed to only drive Daz further, "I am not going to apologize for that." It was something that Daz took personal offense to and this Jedi was someone of clear importance to Daz.

Daz seemed more disgusted then anything else. On that note he stormed out of the garden. Visst watched Biggs drop his head in defeat. He was surprised that Biggs held up a strong front against the relentless attacks but once Daz left the cloak fell away and Visst could see another side of Biggs. The look on his face of failure. He knew what a painful task this was for Biggs. He didn't handle it as well as Visst had hoped, but Biggs did attempt to handle it. It showed something to Visst. Both had shown something about their hearts and about their intentions. Visst smiled as he thought, 'now I am starting to think like her.'

Visst got up and calmly walked over to Biggs. Visst knew, thanks to the Teacher, each and every being that Biggs had killed or captured for the death camps. Biggs as well as other Hunter Squads had been given orders to hunt down "dangerous Jedi" and bring them in. For the past few weeks, Visst had a special view of Biggs past in terms of lives Biggs was responsible for ending. Visst couldn't recall this Jedi as being one the he had knowledge of Biggs killing. However the name did have some kind of meaning to Biggs. It was clear that he knew something and was not speaking on it.

Biggs looked up at Visst's approach. "Master Visst?" He said with surprise. Visst didn't say anything as he set across from Biggs. Biggs nodded and continued, "I don't know what I was expecting. I knew he would be angry and I am sure you heard. But I felt I owned him that. To tell him the truth of what happened that day."

"What you did, you did for yourself. You lifted a burden off your heart and accepted what you had done." Visst explained after taking some time to consider the words. Visst knew Biggs and his remarkable ability to lie all too well. However Visst could sense something deeper in Biggs. Pain, unbelievable pain was buried within the young man's heart. Biggs was lying about this pain. However it was the worse kind of lie. It was the lie to one's self. He knew that Lysire's loss had hurt the man greatly and now that suffering has been revealed.

Biggs listened carefully to what Visst said. "I have been thinking, Master Visst. All my life, being a Jedi Master was what I always wanted. The fame and glory that came with leading a Hunter Squad. I know now, that this is foolish. I don't think I deserve a place in the Order anymore because of what I had done. This was one reason why we didn't return" Biggs explained then paused as he thought of what he wanted to say. “The Teacher had explained to us, that serving the Force is not the same as being apart of something like the Order. The Order is not the Force, and one can not be loyal to both. I understand this now.” Visst could feel the young man's heart and knew that there were truth in what was being said. He was not holding anything back.

"I know you are right, that I have to face justice for my crimes. However, if I sit in some cell or secret place then I am a sitting target for your enemies and those who want me dead. I know the council has this ability, so I have a compromise. I asked to make a plea, I offer my blades" he said pulling his own and Lysire's lightsabers from his belt and placing them before Visst, "in your service. I will follow loyally till such a time that the council wishes to hand me over for trial."

Biggs seemed to think a bit longer, "should I die in service then at least my life was given for something better then what I am today. The past years I have wasted my talents and skills. I acted foolishly selfishly and horrifically. I know I will be facing life in prison or worse, I may be put to death for my crimes.” There was a grim acceptance in those last few words. Unlike Lysire's own words regarding her death, his words are fueled by that deep sense of remorse and loss. Combined, Visst could feel, have over powered the young man's will to defend his actions. “I accept this and will offer no defense during my trial. All I ask Master is to let me at least make just a bit more good out of my life before it comes to an end." Biggs finished as he lowered his head in respect.

Visst thought carefully about his next words while taking in everything that was said and done. Biggs had become the poster child for all that was evil from the Jedi Civil War. There was no doubt in Visst's mind that he had to answer for what was done. However, he was not in a position to hand Biggs over for trial while Quee was still in power. There were so many different ways to look at this choice. Leaning back some, Visst reached out with his mind and could feel Biggs. Sometime in the future, Visst could sense his own judgment coming to being. Biggs would stand or fall through his own actions. Visst opened his eyes slowly, “The choice will be yours. If this is what you wish, then I shall accept your blades with ours.”

Biggs nodded, “This is what I know I must do. Everything I can feel tells me this is the right thing to do.” Biggs started to get up with happiness in his eyes, but Visst could still sense the sense of loss in his heart. “Thank you Ma......”

Visst interrupted, “Sit, we are not finished” Visst said calmly and with a soft motion of his hand. “Lysire gave something to me for you. We need to talk about her, the pain in your heart and her parting gift to you.”

[Akirapryde]

Words of Warning
Azgard Dreadnought Ka-riss-ah
In Route to the Outer Rim

Speaking with Biggs had awaken some strong emotions deep within Daz. Controlling them was easy enough yet still Daz hated the idea that he had them. His whole life had been about forcing emotions down and away. For Daz, it was one of the core ideals of being a Jedi that drove him and helped guide his life. Still Biggs had struck a nerve with him once more. Biggs had always had a way of getting under Daz's skin like that. It was just one more reason why Daz had deep feelings against Biggs. As he walked through the corridors of Carissa, he could feel the eyes of each Azgardian upon him. He knew they hated him and within this there was no doubt. He didn't care about their hatred for him, he didn't hold any respect for them as a culture. As he turned the corner he saw Ubaah walking up the corridor. "Greetings Ubaah" Daz said while controlling his emotions that Biggs had stirred. He pushed them deep down inside and forced them in to the dark corners of his mind and heart.

Ubaah nodded as he replied, “Daz.” There was a since of urgency in his mannerism and tone.

Daz paused his motion and stopped Ubaah, “I had something I have been meaning to talk to you about. Do you have a moment?”

Ubaah side stepped Daz, “not right now, Daz. I am working on something impotent.”

Daz tilted his head slightly, “maybe I can help?”

“No, its ship systems issues. It might be best for you to remain in your quarters” he said as he pointed towards Daz's room.

Daz looked down as Ubaah rushed passed to tend to what ever he was working on. He turned and watched Ubaah disappear down the corridor. His life and status had changed and Daz was starting to feel the affects of that change. He turned and continued to work his way pass the other crew members and slipped in to his room. He could hear the rushing of boots as he closed the air lock door, 'there is something going on' Daz thought. He knew that he was being kept in the dark as to what was going on. Daz leaned his body and head against the think air lock door. He heard the soft tone of his atmosphere exchanger. The tone told him that it was safe to remove his mask and goggles.

Carefully he removed his mask and goggles as he walked to his dresser. He paused with them in his hands as he took noticed to a simple note. He laid his things down and picked up the note. It was some kind of incoming letter that had been printed out for him to read. The date and time printed reflecting its transmission showed it had just arrived before he entered his room from some unknown source. He read it with skepticism.

“Daz, your sister is being moved as this letter is finding you. They are unaware that we know their plans. She is being moved to a research lab on the Azgard world of Keffer Prime. There they plan on removing her from the Carbinite and preforming a test on her. The Azgard labs on Keffer Prime used as a biological and chemical warfare research center. From what we have learned, they are looking to rescue the poison which is locked within her veins. What you do with this information is up to you. We have done our part, now you know. If she lives or dies, will be up to who you trust with this information."

Daz trembled at the thought of his sister dying by the hands of the Azgards. Already both of his parents had been murdered at the hands of Biggs Saar. Now his sister was going to meet a similar fate at the hands of the Azgards so they could have another weapon in their arsenal. He closed his eyes once more and drove back the emotions linked to these events. He calmed his heart and mind as he reached out with the force. He could her the echoes of the future deep in his mind, *“Daz, trust me.”* He could hear Visst's words echoing in his mind. Beyond his mind he could still hear his sister calling out to him right before he froze her in carbinite.

******************************

Ubaah rushed in to the node room with a sense of purpose. “Captain, I am here, now what?”

“Commander Ubaah, you need to find the Sub-Node marked L19." He heard Natalie instruct over the comlink. It has been only a few hours since the virus had been discovered deep within Carissa's mainframe and it was already wreaking havoc throughout her systems. Shutting off power to systems, changing control settings and threatening Carissa's higher functions.

“Self Destruct System Activated” he heard Carissa echo throughout the ship and moments later he heard her voice echo once more, “Self Destruct System Deactivated”

“Don't worry about it Captain, I have already locked out all of the critical systems.” Ubaah heard Oktra explain over conference link. “The Bug can only have her make announcements like that” she further explained.

He rushed over to the Node and opened it up. The way Carissa was designed, no single Node held complete control over anything. And it was because of this design which is why they were able to protect so many systems from the bug. However it was also making it harder to find. It was able to kill the Jump Drive systems. Luckily Oktra had spotted the potential problem and dropped Carissa back in to normal space before the Jump Drive went completely off line. With each Node worked in tandem to control the entire mind that is Carissa, Natalie came up with an idea. They were attempting to reset the Nodes which were infected in hopes to try and kill the virus. It was a last ditch plan but Natalie was running out of time and ideas. Ogon, Natalie, Oktra and three other techs had each taken up positions throughout Carissa's higher function Nodes. “Okay, I got it open and am ready” Ubaah informed.

“Okay everyone, we have to reset the sub-systems one at a time but each at the same time. Each of you find the card marked, KBY035” Natalie explained calmly and smoothly. Once everyone checked in that they had the card identified, she continued, “Listen carefully, we have to get this right the first time. There are security measures in place that could be tripped. Some of them could result in death to us or death to Carissa. When I give the command, we have to each at the same time hit hit the reset button on the bottom of the card.”

The tension was very high and the stakes were even higher. The bug risked the entire ship and Natalie's last best idea could risk Carissa herself. However the bug had to be stopped at the very least. Resetting the nodes was the only way to corner the bug. Ogon didn't like it but he had few options. The bug had to be controlled. Had Oktra not spotted the bug when she did, they would be stuck in hyperspace. “Captain, I am tracking the bug incursion within MOG191” Carissa updated. Ogon was not sure what it meant but it was not good.

“Everyone stop!” called out Natalie, “No one do anything. Carissa remove your countermeasures!” The tension had just leaped up ten fold.

Carissa's voice however was as calm and ever, “I am unable to remove the countermeasures without Captain's Authorization. This would leave my high nodes completely exposed to the virus.”

Even before anyone could hear the Captain speak over the open links, Natalie cut in once more, “We don't have time to react, please trust me. We have to let it have access to this node. If not it will move on to a softer target. Please trust me!”

*************************************************

Visst's conversation with Biggs was once more surprising. He had made a mistake in his first assessment of Biggs' cooping with Lysire's death. The man had pushed the pain down and not tried to face it. Jedi were never meant to be devote of feelings and emotions. They were to be in control of them and not controlled by them. Biggs had been attempting to deny the feelings he felt which was not healthy or wise. Getting Biggs to open up to these feelings was hard but not a task worth abandoning. It took the man just over an hour to open up during that time, the crisis on Carissa continued to unfold. Visst knew he could be of help but he also felt in his heart that Biggs needed his help more. So he elected to remain in the garden and talk with Biggs about Lysire and their relationship.

Visst had his thoughts about their relationship and how it grew. Though listening to Biggs talk about it opened his eyes to a new level of their relationship. Biggs had pulled Lysire down that dark path, then one day she surpassed him. Visst didn't feel it necessary to explain what he knew about this time in her life. She had choose to keep it from him in life, Visst would honor that. However, their love held them together. And through their love for each other, they clawed their way out of the shadows of darkness. Biggs blamed himself personally for what had happened to Lysire. This guilt weighed heavily on the young man. Biggs confided in Visst with a secret, Lysire made him promise that he would turn himself in to Visst and not run any longer. She had explained that this was important to Biggs' destiny to do this. She had this conversation with Biggs, on the trip to the graveyard. Biggs he made his promise to her.

Of all things that Visst learned, he learned that the pain and grief suffered by Biggs from his past and the loss of Lysire would have to be dealt with at some point by a professional. Visst didn't believe that Biggs was suicidal, yet there was just so much pain trapped within the man's heart. Visst left Biggs feeling somewhat better. However long time healing will have to come from a professional. Visst made a note to speak to Master Noor about this. Walking down the Corridor, Visst heard Carissa calling out that the self destruct system had been activated then deactivated. The crisis was growing and Visst could feel the tension of the ship. He saw a group of warriors rushing up to him and then pass him. They took up nearly the entire corridor and forces Visst off to the side. In the middle of the group he felt something or someone touch his robe. He didn't feel any threat by it but was unaware of who touched him.

He reached in to his pocket as he watched the warriors rush pass. He had an idea of maybe who did it but was not completely sure. He pulled out a hand written note.

“Master Visst, please forgive this informal means of communication. However things have gotten worse here. The Flail is planning to attack the Temple on Alderaan. From what I have learned, they plan to bomb the academy to lure members of both the Alderaan and Coruscant Council in to a trap. I don't have a time table on the plan but I do know that the Flail Cell has been reported to arrive on Alderaan in twelve hours. Please Master Visst, you have to do something to stop them.”

Visst looked at the time the original message was sent. It would appear to have traveled through a rather complex communication system. It had passed through five different hands before reaching him. According to the time it was sent, the cell was going to land on Alderaan in four hours. This might have been the break he was looking for. However, he also knew that if the note spoke the truth about what is happening on Coruscant then he had to move carefully. He took special note, to the fact that she didn't sign the letter. A shiver raced up his spin as he thought of what all of this could only mean. The Chancellor was on to her or even worse was behind the assassination attempt on her.

Sure, the assassination on Kelore was grand and the Chancellor was the first target. That much was to be expected. However Visst had studied the security holovids carefully. The first shot hit the Chancellor in the right shoulder. Clearly a luckily shot for the Chancellor as every security officer leaped in to action and pushed the Chancellor down in to cover. However, the second and third shot is what caught Visst's eye. The second shot hit Nabrina's own personal protector as he was leaping to knock her to the ground. The wound hit him in the small of his back. The third shot killed Senator Harasihe, from Alderaan. He was a close and personal friend of Nabrina's and a mentor to her within the Senate. Harasihe had been standing right behind Nabrina when the assassination took place. The rest of the shots Visst knew were just random shots in to the crowds. Five other Senators were wounded and two others were killed. However, had Nabrina's own Azgardian Bodyguard not reacted as fast as he did, she would have been added to those killed. He was in midair when he was hit. The shot would have hit her in the heart.

Visst was sure that the shooter didn't know that Nabrina's bodyguard was Azgardian. Luckily, the brave man had survived his wounds thanks to Master Noors and her healers. What Visst didn't understand was why did the Chancellor want to assassinate Nabrina. She had already removed herself from the Jedi Oversight committee, had supported his Rangers, and even withdrew from the race for Chancellor. What did he fear from her. Visst looked down at the note and sighed, 'What threat are you to him?' he thought as he closed his eyes. There was no doubt in his mind anymore, the Chancellor had to be removed from power. However, that had to wait till after the Chaos was dealt with. He nodded, “Your days in power are numbered” he said in a silent vow to himself.

[Akirapryde]

Cross Roads
The Nether Worlds
Beyond Life and Reason

Lysire's eyes went as wide as possible as she let out a loud burst of exhaled breath. Her arms were thrust forward as the motion carried her body backwards. Fighting for breath she looked around and saw General Graff laughing as he was moving backwards towards his air speeder. Just before him stood Biggs turned to face her with a look of terror frozen across his face. She remembered Graff's words, “Cordelia says enjoy your rat on a stick!” She remembered the projectile rushing towards her just moments before. Her hands went to her midsection and only felt her own body. Her eyes continued to search the scene slowly. First her vision fell upon Daz and Damaya laying safely in the grass where she had moved their bodies earlier. It was in that moment that the confusion set in. She saw her own body laying on the ground with a large piece of metal stuck covered in blood ripped through it. Laying in her lap she saw Visst under the bloody piece of metal.

She could see large droplets of blood hanging in the air over Visst's head. She remembered pulling Visst back in to her waiting lap. She opened her heart and mind to the powers that fueled her knowledge to hold Visst to this world. At the same time she gave her beloved husband all the power he needed to battle Graff. Then she remembered seeing the large piece of metal flying towards her. She pushed her powers more to save Visst and the others. She didn't waste her time, then it was over. She remembered feeling the metal ripping its way through her body as the pain surged through her body all over again. She let out a moan of pain as she fought to contain the pain. But she was not dead. She was still alive. 'Still alive' she thought looking around. But something was wrong, no one else moved. Even the fire from Biggs lightsaber seemed frozen in time.

Lysire walked towards the scene on unsteady legs. As she tilted her head to the side she blink over and over again and still the scene didn't change and her confusion still held strong to her mind. The entire scene had become locked in time somehow. “B....Biggs.....” she called out, “I am over here baby!” her voice was shaken and trembled. Biggs' vision was locked on the bloody body that couldn't possibly be hers.

“I have to admit, when I first met you I never dreamed you had this potential within you” the voice said behind her. “Though I did have my suspicions.”

Lysire turned to see the creature that she had come to know as the Teacher standing there next to a group of tombstones. “Wh...What do you mean? What potential?” Her mind started to think as the confusion faded rapidly. As fear subsided, she was able to think more clearly. Slowly her mind reached out and could understand why things are the way they are. It was all so fast and so sudden, her mind was confused still.

“This Lysire. Not many Force Users have this gift like you do. You did all of this. In that moment of your death, you called upon and drew upon all that you learned and made a critical choice. Where most would simply choose the most logical path, you craved something more and you made it happen.” He said walked up towards her through the battlefield. Lysire watched him move past a shot frozen in midair that had narrowly missed Visst, “In that moment your existence change forever. Search your mind and feel with your heart. You will start to understand what I am speaking of.”

Lysire shook her head as she looked around. She knew that her life was going to change this very day and that she felt her death about her during the coming hours before this moment. She had welcomed it because of what it offered her. Now as the event of her death faded in her mind, she could feel and understand much more than she ever dreamed possible. She could remember feeling that her work here was not done. That there was so much more for her to learn. So much more for her to do. She decided she wasn't ready to leave her life behind. She could feel beings that she had named the First Ones around her. She knew of their existence before but now, she could feel them and sensed their presence. “Am I dead?”

He nodded, “To them,” he said motioning to Visst, Biggs and the others, “you are. And this is how it must remain. Maybe in a million years or two, you might be granted permission to help guide the younger races like I do. But for now, you still have much to learn.” He reached her and placed a hand on her shoulder as he smiled softly at her. “You will have to learn to let go of your attachments here” he said as she turned and looked at Biggs. He could see the tears in her eyes as he nodded, “Love is a powerful energy that can cause great things to happen. But the hardest energy to let go. Others have walked this path you are on now and have faced what you are facing now. It will be hard for you, but you will succeed.”

“So I am not the only one to do this?” she asked as she turned while wiping the tears from her eyes.

“No” he replied while shaking his head, “Master Yoda and other powerful Jedi have managed to achieve this state under the right conditions. Though for them, it takes so much longer for them to learn the secrets to achieve this state. Even some non-force users have reached this state. But for them it is so much harder.” He smiled at her with pride, “though I have to admit you had something that I have never seen before. There is a special quality within you that set you apart. For as long as I have been mentoring the younger races I have never seen what someone like you have been able to achieve. It was that special quality that allowed you to do this without the life long experience that the others had.”

She nodded as she listened to his statement. She understood what it was that he was speaking about. Somehow she understood it perfectly, “so now what happens?” Her gaze turned once more back to Biggs. Her heart was torn between the existence she knew was her next step and the man she loved. Before she believed death and rejoining with the Force would free her of these feelings. But this is not what she had expected. This was something completely different then what she had expected. She didn't want to leave him behind.

“There is a place that has been created for creatures like you that have achieved this state too early. It is the rule, that we allow those how can achieve this state to remain as long as they abide by the rules. This world that you are used to,” he said waving his hand over the frozen scene, “has nothing more to do with you. What happens to them should no longer concern you” he said as he softly guided her face and eyes back to his. “Time to let it all go and join a completely different existence.”

“How.....how I can turn my back on them now? What about the Chaos?” and in that moment her eyes light up in surprise as she spun her head to look in to the Teacher's eyes. Her hair flowed behind her head as her gaze caught his. He was right, she was aware of all things. All she had to do was simply think about it. “No........” She move back from the Teacher, “They have been lied to from the beginning.”

The Teacher shook his head, “No they were not lied to. What they know of their own history is based on their own inability to understand what has been shown to them about the creature.”

“Not a creature!” she snapped as she continued to move away and looked around as if seeing beyond the moment. He was right, she could see it. They weren't lied to, just didn't see the truth for what it was. It didn't change her feelings nor her anger over it. “One of you! A criminal bent of darkness and evil. He refused to follow your rules!” she spun and jabbed a finger towards him, “You all imprisoned him! Locked him away for his crimes because you couldn't bring yourselves to destroy him. So your kind left him like a time bomb waiting to go off. How many died because of this!” She didn't need him to answer, as she asked the question she knew the answer. It was sickening to her to think about it.

The Teacher looked down as the truth of his races actions near the beginning of time was exposed. “We never expected the prison to be disturbed” he tried to explain.

Lysire was like a sponge soaking up all that she was becoming exposed to, “NO you yourself never expected Durna....”

“DON'T SPEAK THE NAME!” he snapped at her. The force in his voice commanded her silence and even caused her to jerk back.

She nodded at her near mistake. She took note that there was still so much to learn, “There is power even in his name. Unbelievable darkness even in speaking his name” she said as he nodded. “You never expected him to find a way to breech the prison. You never expected that his influence could shape events beyond his prison” She watched the Teacher shake his head.

“I tried to warn the others. So much time had past since the great war. It took the efforts of so many to stop his forces of darkness before. 'The Prison is prefect in creation, he couldn't possibly escape' would be their only arrogant reply.”

“But he was smarter than what they gave him credit for. He knew that if he escaped the prison, the others would rally to stop him once more. That was the pact you all took at the end of the great war” she said as she continued to walk around slowly taking in the events that happened millions of years ago.

“Yes, we all agreed that should he ever escape that we all would band together and stop him once and for all” the Teacher explained. There was a sense of remorse in his voice as he set on a tombstone near where Daz was laying.

Lysire walked by the air speeder where Graff's men were firing at Biggs, “He brought Master Chun and his team to that Galaxy and then they found the tomb where he was hidden” she explained then turned and looked with horror in her eyes, “He created the Chaos! Those aren't ships! Their his minions! They are living creatures of his own design. For all of his powers and influences could reach out beyond, he couldn't help his minions find the location where his prison was hidden. He needed help to be set free. That is why the Chaos ripped that Galaxy apart searching for his prison. That was why he needed Master Chun and his team” she turned in horror to look at Visst, “You knew all this time, why didn't you warn them!”

The Teacher looked down at Daz laying on the ground, “It was a violation of the rules. We are not allowed to directly interfere with the younger races. We had our time to walk among the stars, that time had past. We are not as unified as you would think. He had been planning these events for thousands of years. The timing for his moves had to be right and the others are too preoccupied with their own quest for knowledge to care what happens here any more. Before it was different. Before we were united and stood by helping the younger races. As the younger races like yours grew more and more arrogant in your own understandings, we grew more and more detached. Some of us still mentor, most simply don't care anymore.”

She turned to him with a different expression, “You have been trying to get the Jedi ready to face him” he nodded to her statement. “You can create force users?” There was a look of surprise and shock on her face.

Once more he nodded, “And one day you will learn to do the same, Lysire. Yes I missed the warning signs. But for us, hind sight does matter. Time does not have a hold control over us. But for him, trapped in the prison, it does. When I realized what a mistake I made, I did my best to save an entire galaxy. But I failed to consider the arrogance of the younger races I was working with. They didn't listen to my warnings. Sure a few of them did, but no where near enough of them. In time you will realize why I couldn't undo that mistake. But here, I slipped back and did everything possible within the rules to make this galaxy ready for the events that are coming. Here is where it started and here is where it must end.”

She nodded, “And if you broke the rules, the others would use that as reason not honor the pack when the time comes.” he nodded as she walked over by General Graff, “But why not tell them the truth? Rules?”

“I did, many times in the past. Yet, fear drove the younger races to distrust what I explained to them. It was a fear of not understanding what I was explaining to them. They are so young and so naive. Those who would listen, tried to help. It simply was not enough to test the hands to time. My teachings got lost in time and now time is running out.” He explained as he slowly stood up from the tombstone. “I pushed the rules as far as possible without the others taking notice. Did you think that the scrolls landed in your lap by chance? Or the mission that would place you where you were to meet me. My final acts are slowly coming to a head. If the children of this galaxy are to survive, then it is going to happen through their own actions. There is nothing more I can do to make them ready. They simply have no more time.”

She nodded as slowly walked around General Graff, “He will kill thousands before he is defeated. I could simply will him out of existence.” her mind drifted in the distraction of the man that had ended her life as she knew it. “I could end his distraction right here and right now” There was a look of stern determination in her eyes.

The Teacher nodded, “And you yourself would have never existed. Nothing would change for him, just those that you have touched and loved. There are those who take the Rules very serious. They watch closely for others to break them. It is the Rules that keep us from becoming overlords of the younger races. It is the Rules that keeps the balance between light and dark the way it is. And it is the Rules that ensure that the younger races will have that chance to reach this state or parish all on their own. So many others like you have been where you are right now. They felt the urges you have right now. To do such acts of greatness or darkness with simply an act of will. However, in that moment they cross the line and have broken the rules. This is why you have never heard of them. The others do not allow the Rules to be broken for any reason.”

She nodded as her mind got back on track once more, “You have to warn them. They are running head long in to a trap and don't know it.” she stepped back once more and bent over slightly. Bringing her hands up to her head, “this is maddening they have to be warned.” Turning she righted herself and slowly raised her hand up to the side of Biggs face. Her love for him was so strong and she knew his future and his death. His whole life was laid out before her mind. She allowed a moment to smile as she could see his life and understood his love for her would never die.

He shook his head, “As I have said, I am not allowed to interfere in this matter any further.”

“Because you have already been warned. Because of your past actions to make them ready.” She walked away from Biggs and General Graff, “My god, that was his plan from the beginning. The pact says nothing about if he was released by the younger races. The others would see this as the younger races bringing it upon themselves. He wants them to do what they believe will destroy him. It will only free him and unleash his powers completely.”

The Teacher shook his head, “Not completely. Something that even he doesn't know. Something that we did to him when the prison was create for him. He will never have the powers he had before. As well as a vulnerability to life energy.”

Lysire stopped in her tracks and snapped her head back at Biggs and stared at his lightsaber, “Lightsabers! You taught the Jedi and first Force Users how to create the weapons capable of destroying him! And they had been making them ever since the dawn of their history.”

The Teacher nodded, “I passed that knowledge on to them early on during their development.”

She turned back once more and looked at the Teacher, “You have to warn them of the trap!”

“I can't” he said sternly.

She turned to her beloved, “Then I will!”

He slowly raised his hand, “You have much to learn Lysire. This plan is beneath you and I wont have you throwing your own existence away for it.” He raised his hand and snapped his finger and in that moment they vanished.

Unaware of the events that just happened around them, the blood splattered across Visst's face as the large piece of the air speeder van ripped through Lysire's body. He could hear the cry from Biggs echoing in the back of his head. Visst flipped over as he moved quickly to do what he could. He reached out with the force and hold her own life from fading. He never felt anything like it before. She was just gone. There was no trace of her life left. He looked down in to her lifeless eyes. In that moment he knew she had died. He closed his eyes as he morned the loss. He heard Graff's air speeder speeding away as Biggs rushed over. Biggs took Lysire's lifeless body in to his arms and cried out in pain. Visst could help but place a hand on Biggs' shoulder as the man morned the loss of his wife.

************************************************************

Daz walked in to the Temple on Coruscant with a feeling of defeat covering over him. It had been such a long day already and he felt as if it just started. He glanced over at the Hanger Manger who was standing with some other techs, they were all laughing. The story of how he was so foolish and allowed himself to be sabotaged was surely being told. 'I should have checked the battery cable before calling for help' he thought angry at his own lack of knowledge of mechanical repairs. He had left Carissa without asking permission and traveled all the way back to Coruscant. The letter had warned of his sister's pending death and now he felt like all he had done was wasted his time. He was worried for her safety and didn't feel like he had much else to do other than try to get someone to help him.

He had arrived late in the morning at the temple after five long and hard days in hyperspace. The trip was a marathon of endurance, but he knew he had to take it. Once at the temple, he had requested a air speeder from the hanger. With his trusty droid, Maven sitting next to him, they headed over to the Senate building. He knew that the person to speak to was Senator Nabrina. Her experience with the Azgards and her contacts might be able to get his sister released from their custody. There were others on his list, but sadly, he had burned so many bridges as he turned over his new leaf. She was the only one that he could think of that could help him. And he did trust Visst to have his back once all this was said and done. This was just something that simply couldn't wait, and Visst had his mission to the Outer Rim to contend with first.

Arriving at the Senate building was an eye opening experience for him. He knew there was going to be trouble even as he landed. He spotted a number of Rangers at security check points throughout the landing area. The sight truly bothered him and it was clear that the atmosphere had changed. Leaving Maven behind at the speeder, he walked up to the security check point. He noticed that there was long lines as Rangers were checking everyone for weapons and asking them questions before allowing them to enter the building. It was the same when it came to Daz. They scanned his ID and asked him basic questions, like, “What is your business at the Senate today, Sir?” and “Are you expected, Sir?” After passing their review, they directed Daz to a location where he could check his weapons. Once more, Daz, found a long lines and more Rangers standing guard over the area. The Weapon's Check area was actually run by a couple of older men who seemed to have the same attitude of the person who gave Daz his Air Speeder License. Daz tried to get some information from them, but they were more interested in collecting Daz's Weapons and then moving on to the next person in line.

Dissatisfied with the lack of answers and the short attitude of the workers, Daz left the check with his lightsaber still on him and returned to his speeder. His plan B was to meet Senator Nabrina at her apartment. He recalled that she lived in a rather dangerous section of Coruscant. He didn't like the idea but dealing with the Rangers seems more dangerous at the moment. As he returned to his speeder he met up with Ranger Saper. It was clear, that there was no love between the two and Daz was able to glean from the conversation that the increase in security was due to the assassination attempt on the Chancellor and the past other assassinations within the Senate building. Daz didn't buy it, and he left the conversation with Saper's warning “I am watching you closely Daz. Don't break any laws in my backyard.”

As Daz headed out for Senator Nabrina's apartment, he noticed that he was being followed. Not only that, he was being followed by a pair of Rangers that were with him on Kelore. He knew them to be a Weapon's Master and one of the Jedi Investigators. They had attempted to follow Daz undetected but Daz spotted them easily. Daz continued to Senator Nabrina's place. Once he got their he notice that his tail had landed where they could watch his actions. He had a short and slightly eventful run in with a local gang. With no sight of any law enforcement around and the street gang getting more aggressive, Daz decided to leave and meet up with Nabrina somewhere else. Once more he was able to spot that his tail continued to follow him. This time, they were holding back and trying to mask the fact that they are following him better. This time it was a bit harder for Daz to pick up on their actions, still though, he was able to spot them. He watched them turn away as landed back at the temple. While back at the temple, he contacted Nabrina and learned that she had a full night already planned. He was surprised to hear that she was attending the Chancellor's Ball tonight. He did manage to set up an appointment to speak with her back at the Senate building.

This time, leaving all of his gear behind, he made sure that they would have no reason to secure any of his items at the Senate building. On arrival once more, Daz found his ID was flagged and he was taken to a side room where he was stripped down to his underwear and searched for explosives. He was checked by a medical droid while Rangers searched his robs and pack for anything. Daz was slighted by the search but did his best to remain calm and didn't provoke any of the Rangers. As he walked through the building he took note to the large number of Rangers throughout the building. It bothered him deeply to see that they had replaced the normal security force that protected the building from attack. His mind was focused on seeing Nabrina and saving his sister at all costs.

Nabrina was surprisingly unhelpful and refused to provide even the slightly of information that could help him. She kept accusing Daz of being foolish in thinking that there was anything she could do to help him other then speak to the Azgardian Ambassador through official channels. When Daz tried to reason with her, she was evasive and kept derailing the conversation. Daz also didn't like the fact that she defending current situation in the Senate as, “A necessary evil to ensure that the Republic Government was safe.” Even from the beginning as Daz tried to explain the situation, she had interrupted him with, “Are you sure I am the best person to help you, Daz?” Daz's frustration grew even higher when she brushed him off when her secretary informed her of an incoming call. Daz leaned in as she looked away speaking to her secretary. He clearly hear the secretary say something about 'sandbox'. Though he couldn't hear anything else about it. He thought it strange that she didn't transfer the call to her desk comlink. Instead, Nabrina thanked the woman and picked up an independent comlink headset and stood up, “excuses me Daz. I have to take this.”

Daz watched her leave the office and step out on to a loud balcony and close the door behind her. Daz tried to listen in but couldn't hear any part of the conversation. Nabrina seemed upset during the call and ended it abruptly. She returned and informed Daz that she had to leave. She then canceled her appointments and bid Daz a good day and good luck with his sister's situation. Daz knew that there was something going on. He nodded and left the office without further comments. He rushed back down to his air speeder and got on just in time to follow Nabrina's air speeder for about an hour as they headed north. He knew that she was up to something and was meaning to find out what it was. He made sure to follow her well enough that she didn't have a clue that she was being tailed. He didn't notice if he was being tailed or not. He followed her to a very nasty and very run down dinner near a large northern spaceport.

The place was nasty on all new levels for Daz as he sneaked in to the dinner through a back door. Moving through the kitchen he saw Nabrina dressed completely different meeting with a humanoid female. He couldn't get a clear view of her but he could tell that the female seemed upset over something. Nabrina was trying to clam her down and both seemed to be rather concerned with who was able to over hear the conversation. Both took steps to keep their identities and voices as low profile as possible. The woman just keep shaking her head and speaking in whispers. No one else in the dinner seemed to care about the conversation between Nabrina and the female. Daz tried to sneak from the kitchen and in to the dining room to see if he could hear the conversation. However as he just got in to the dining room, he noticed the female had left and for a moment Nabrina seemed defeated or sad. She got up and left while talking on her comlink to someone. He rushed back to his speeder and found it not working. He tried to start it over and over again, but nothing happened. He watched Nabrina pull away and vanish in to the traffic. 'Damn battery cable!' Daz cursed.

Some one had removed one of the battery cables and Daz had not thought to check it. Instead he called for help and waited for an hour and a half for them to arrive. Now with his Speeder fixed he returned to the Temple and walked in to the library. He asked to borrow one of the terminals and set down. He uploaded the image of the Female that Nabrina was meeting with and leaned back as the computer searched. There were so many possible matches but none seemed to jump out at him. Then within the middle of the search Daz saw her. 'That's her!' he thought as he stopped the search. It was not a prefect match, being only forty seven percent positive. Daz however was sure the woman he saw at the dinner was this woman in the profile. Years of experience in being an investigator and trusting in his feelings all told him that this was her. There was simply no doubt in his mind about it. According to the Database, the woman was a Zeltron, named Tanai. She was a Jedi Knight trained on the remote Outer World Temple of Plaudis. During the Civil War she had joined the Rebel Jedi and was an mid level officer in the Midnight Raiders. After the war she disappeared from the radars. According to the records she is a suspected Flail sympathizer and her where abouts are still unknown. She was wanted by the Rangers and part of the Chancellor's Pyramid of Evil. Though she was a low priority target for the Rangers, it still spelled trouble for Nabrina and Daz was worried.

“Oh Nabrina what are you getting yourself in to?” Daz said as he leaned back in his chair reading over Tanai's file. He shook his head as he read the latest updates. According to the Rangers her involvement was suspected in the bombings on Kelore. He pulled out his comlink, “Doc, prep the fighter, we're leaving.” He got up as he turned off the computer. He walked past a padawan as he left the library and proceeded to the hanger. He knew this was all a mistake and had to return to Visst. He shouldn't have left, but now he had found something worthwhile.

The lift doors closed behind Daz, the padawan set down at the terminal that Daz had been working at. He was careful not to attract attention to himself as he entered Daz's own log in information. Daz was a threat to the Order and had to be watched. Agents of the Flail were everywhere and each and ever loyal member of the Republic had a duty to be on guard for any suspicious activity. Following Daz in the Temple was more then just a duty given to him. It was his moment to prove to his Master that he was loyal to the Republic. He pulled a small device and plugged it in to the terminal and entered a command on the keyboard. Within moments he nodded as the files were downloaded. He removed the device from the terminal and logged Daz off the terminal once more. He slowly rose up from the desk as he pulled out his comlink, “You were right, Master. I have all the information that Daz looked up. I will bring it to you at once.” he said in to the comlink as he left the Library.

[Akirapryde]

Shadows of the Mind
Galactic Republic World of Lustang
Outer Rim

In the capital city of Bennison, life goes about its normal day to day drone as people tend to their daily lives. Many of the planet's population don't worry about the war waging just over a thousand light years away between the Sith Lords. Everyone has heard the Republic promises that the war will not threaten Lustang. They all have good reason to believe As a show of strength, the Republic as stationed the entire 5th Republic Marine Fleet on this small strategic world. Because of the added military support, most citizens of Lustang don't fear the Sith or their armies. Most, however there is a small growing voice that is crying out words of warning. Lustang has more strategic value than is commonly known. It was the last strong hold of the Sith during the Great Hyperspace War. Here the last Sith Lord stood his ground against the armies of the Republic and was killed by the elite hunters of the Jedi Order. A few fear that Lustang's history makes it a prime target for one of the rival Sith Lords to gain a moral boast.

Just off the spaceport sits a small local tourist diner. Within it, are many travelers waiting for their departing flights, or just enjoying a final meal before their long hyperspace journey. Golo The Hutt's diner is a must see for Lustang. If a tourist is lucky enough, they might catch Golo The Hutt visiting his diner. The food is not what makes this remarkable place so special. The diner's popularity comes from being owned by one of the most notorious gangsters known. However that was before he turned his ways around and moved out to the Outer Rim. Now he has become more of a local celebrity and a point of tourist's attention. Which brings in money and the sole reason why the local authorities allow him to remain, under a watchful eye. The diner has one more claim to fame today. Sitting in the center of the dining room is a lone Twi'lek dressed in robes as he attempts to conceal his red skin. Today, Ubaah has found his way in to this small diner. And he is not alone!

A family of Twi'leks set next to the front door enjoying their simple meal. Father seems more stressed then the rest as their vacation is winding down. A Nautolan sits at a side booth with a Bothan across him. As they whisper their conversation, a Nagia stands as silent sentry next to their booth. Her twin vibroblades tell all those watching to mind their own business. Across the dinning room, a pair of humans enjoy their breakfast. One might confuse them as Jedi due to their robes, however their gold stars worn proudly tell all those that see what they are. A Vodran sits at the bar sipping coffee and finishing up his breakfast. His blaster rifle slung over his back and worn armor shows signs of heavy use. Clearly a merc heading out deeper in to the Outer Rim looking for work. Down the bar from the Vodran, sits a Rodian. His head down on the bar and cold food tells the story of his long travels. The waitress, a Torgruta and a pair of human females, all clearly slaves, do their best to ensure that each customer are tended to. A pair of droids in the kitchen ensures that the food keeps flowing as orders come in.

“Where are you going Ubaah” the attractive woman sitting across from him said. She played with her white hair and smiled at him. For her, this was nothing more than a game to pass the time. She has had allot of time to pass lately. The glimmer in her eyes told Ubaah that today's game would end badly for him and there was nothing he could do about it.

Ubaah didn't act surprise to see her. He felt her for nearly an hour. He also knew that no one in the diner would be able to see her. He had tried to convince others at the spaceport of her exsistance to no success.“Getting the hell away from you. Didn't I tell you no?” He said sipping on his coffee. “Why are you still here? Go away!” Once more, he had tried that back on Carissa, but she refused to leave. He felt her in his mind and realized he had to run before she did harm to those who he cared about.

She laughed, “Did you really think that you had any hope of denying me what is already mine?” She let go of her hair playfully as she smiled and leaned closer to him, “You crave power and I offered more than you could imagine.” The look in her eyes was unavoidable, “You worthless worm, you could have had all your dreams. But you feared being a puppet.” She leaned back laughing, “fearful of being used.” She looked up at the ceiling, “Didn't you know, everyone here on this plan is mine for the using.” She lowered her gaze back to him and leaned in once more, “And that means you too, Ubaah”

“I told you no, and I am not changing my mind” he said defiantly. There was concern in his heart of what the sword creature could do. He didn't care, he wanted power but was not about to give up his soul for it. There were simply lines one shouldn't cross and he wasn't about to cross it. He couldn't understand how she was able to be here. He thought that once Mia held the Sword, she would be silent. That was how it was before. He couldn't understand what happened. He felt her calling him to the sword just hours before he left Carissa. Calling him to murder Mia and claim the sword. It was tempting and the power was so intense he could taste it. But he couldn't, he wouldn't cross that line.

“Oh dear Ubaah, you can't change your mind if you life depended on it” she said with an evil glimmer in her eye. “And trust me, your life depends on it more than you will ever imagine.” She leaned back, “you feared being my puppet? Fear being used.” she laughed, “You could have been a minion.” She slowly turned and looked around the diner, “Let me show you what a puppet really is.” As she went back to playing with her hair, Ubaah's hand reached up and smacked the human server on the rear. She yelp at the force of the blow and rushed away. The Sword Creature just laughed at the act that Ubaah had no control over.

Ubaah was surprised at his hands action, “Leave me alone!” he said as he fought to regain control of his hand. He could feel the creature's control fading. He smiled back to her, “Not so strong now!” He couldn't have been more wrong.

“I am going to ask you one last time, serve me or be used by me.” She said not even looking at Ubaah. She just kept twisting her hair around her finger then pulling it from her hair. Ubaah wanted to cut her head clean off as he felt his anger raising.

Ubaah's mind went blank to his horror. It was if someone had simply turned it off. He couldn't believe the words coming from his mouth, “NEVER!” He didn't want to serve her. But the word was not his own. He couldn't understand what has happening.

She turned to him and smiled, “Then enjoy the show my little puppet” she said getting up from her chair, “Kill every living creature in this building except for yourself.” she turned and walked over to the bar while smiling as Ubaah started to get up from his chair, “Start with them!” she said with glee as she pointed to the two Rangers. Their human waitress was just finishing refilling their drinks. The smile on the waitress and the laughter from the two men set the mood. Ubaah didn't think as he turned as the Sword Creature started to laugh.

Ubaah didn't say as he walked over to the Ranger's table he could feel the ease of their emotions. He slipped his hand over his lightsaber and drew it from its hanger on his belt. Deep in his mind, he screamed out for control over what he was doing. Ubaah could see, hear, smell and taste everything around him but he didn't have control over his own body. He was forced to watch what he was about to do. He walked up to the table with his lightsaber in hand just as the waitress was walking away. He could see out of the corner of his eye the Sword Creature propping herself up on the bar and getting ready to watch the show. He did everything possible to fight the control over his body but nothing worked. There was no emotion on Ubaah's face as the two Rangers looked up at him. Even as one was about to ask if they could help him, without warning Ubaah activated the lightsaber and decapitated the first Ranger. The red mist rose up as the head flung bouncy towards the center of the diner.

Ubaah spun his lightsaber in his hand as he readied the next strike and shifted his stance. With a spin, he drove the saber through the second Ranger as he was standing and drawing his own saber. There were screams as shock and horror spread across the room. If there was any doubt of the situation, all was gone as Ubaah spun and leaped up slicing the waitress as she stood frozen in terror. Her eyes were fixed on Ubaah like an animal trapped by its own primal fears. It is an image he will never forget. His blade cut her down the torso and sent her tray shattering to the floor. He switched hands with his lightsaber as he spun around again to face the front door. The Twi'lek family were rushing to the front door as Ubaah reached out with the force and flung tables and booths to block their escape. The mother screamed in terror as she tried to protect her two sons. The father pulled his wife behind him as he started to draw his blaster. Ubaah didn't pay them much mind, there would be plenty of time for them.

The Vodran pulled his blaster rifle from his back and started to multi fire at Ubaah. Already ready for the attack he has expected, his lightsaber spun deflecting all the incoming energy bolts back at the Vodran. Each deflected bolt landed solid hits back on the Vodran causing him to fly backwards. He landed right behind the Rodian smoking from his own wounds. The Rodian jerked awake by the screams frozen in terror just set by and watched as Ubaah turned his attention to the Bothan and Nautolan. Ubaah started to walk forward slowly as he twirled his lightsaber in a sense of malevolence. The Rodian, now completely awake, started to walk towards the end of the bar trying to get away from the killer. Ubaah smiled at the Rodian as the Vodran's long blaster rifle flew right at the Rodian. It ripped through the creature's gut causing it to let out a painful, mournful death sound. Ubaah's full attention was now fixed on the Bothan as he continued to walk forward.

The sounds of movement behind Ubaah didn't break his concentration. The Nagia leaped from a side table with her blades ready for the attack. Even before she could complete her attack, Ubaah blocked her blades with his own lightsaber and caught her by her neck. Within seconds her head was covered by bluish lighting as he unleashed the darkside of the force on the bodyguard. Even though she was in that moment of her own death, she saw his face and he saw hers. There was no emotion on Ubaah's face as he killed her. Her face was lock with terror and death. He turned and flung the lifeless body at the Twi'lek family as they attempted to make their escape for the rear of the Diner. The body landing at the door just as they were reaching it. Once more there was more screams from the family as they turned for another escape route.

He turned back to the Nautolan and the Bothan, who both decided not to go down without a fight. The Nautolan held a large barreled ballistic short barreled weapon. It was leveled at Ubaah's midsection. The Bothan held a flechette pistol, just as Ubaah was turning around he jammed the pistol in to Ubaah's face as both pulled their triggers while saying, “Go to hell!” The blast sent Ubaah backwards and shredded the hood and other sections of his robe. Ubaah didn't show any signs of emotion as he wiped the blood from his face and flung it on the floor. The Bothan stepped back in surprise as Ubaah flung himself forward swinging his blade and cutting both creatures down before they could react again.

Ubaah walked toward the bar as he wiped more blood from his face. It was already healing and didn't cause him any pain. He could hear the Sword Creature laughing, “How does it feel Ubaah to be a puppet now! Bet you wish you were a minion instead.” She seemed so happy at the sight of the murders and even clapped with glee as Ubaah ran his blade through the Rodian. He was dying but not dead. Now he was dead, no longer dying. Ubaah even took a moment to kill the two furry pets that were in cages behind the bar. The Sword Creature stood up on the bar and started to walk towards the other end. She stopped and pointed down at the counter with a giggle in her voice, “I am really enjoying this Ubaah.” Ubaah walked up to the point where she was pointing and kneel next to the door under the counter. He could hear whimpering from behind the door and feel the woman's fear. He took his lightsaber and ran it through the door as the Sword Creature clapped more. “Their hiding in the restrooms Ubaah. Go get them my puppet!” she said with excitement and laughing.

Ubaah kicked the door and the body of second human waitress rolled out from the cabinet. The tears that she had been crying soaked the apron which she had been using to silence her soft cries. Ubaah slowly stood up and started to walk for the restrooms. He looked at the two droids as the Sword Creature spoke up from the end of the bar, “No no no” she said while shaking her finger at him, “those are not alive my little puppet. And we want them to be able to report what you have done here.” Ubaah nodded and walked past the two droids and continued to follow the bar till the end and crossed the walkway towards the restrooms. He paused at the ladies room as he placed his hand on the door. He could feel the Torgruta on the other side of the door. In his mind he could see her against the far wall curled in to a ball. Her fear was clear to sense for him.

He stepped away from the door and reached out through the force. He slowly stretched his hands out and felt her live in his hands. He pulled his hands back towards his body as fast as he could and the door made a loud thud as it shook harshly. He thrust his hand outward and there was another thud as she hit the far wall. He then pulled her back to the door once more as the door made that thud sound again and shook once more. Over and over he did this as the space under the door started to flow with Torgruta blood. He could feel her live slipping as he continued to slam her body in to the door over and over again. Dying was not dead and he didn't stop till she was dead. Once she was dead and he felt her life slipping from his grip, he let her go. He felt her energy pass him as he turned to see the Sword Creature kneeling on the bar watching him with a smile.

He let the lifeless body slip from his grasp and turned for the men's room. He could feel the family filled with terror as they attempted to hide from him. He could taste their fear and he hated admitting it, but he loved the feelings he was feeling. He slipped inside the mens room to see the Sword Creature sitting on the counter between two sinks. She was laughing, “With that kind of killing creativity you have my little puppet, I should have sought you out a long time ago.”

The father leveled his blaster as his hand shook uncontrollably. He brought up his other hand to steady the pistol. “Please...let me family go.” Ubaah shook his head and the father fired. Ubaah's lightsaber blazed to life and sent the bolt back at the father. The blaster bolt hit the father right between the eyes and the man died in that moment. Ubaah felt the man's life leave the body but not the room. It just vanished. The mother screamed out in terror as she tried to hide her sons behind her. Ubaah's lightsaber made short work of her. Her body landed on the ground before her sons. Ubaah put his lightsaber away and looked at the two kids before him. He reached out with the force and lifted both off the ground. The each struggled to breath as they clawed their own necks. Within seconds, the pair of boys were dead. For good measure, Ubaah used the force to twist their necks completely around and flung their lifeless bodies aside. Ubahh looked around and could no longer feel any life within the building. He nodded to the Sword Creature as she continued to enjoy every moment of the murders.


************************************************

Slowly Ubaah opened his eyes to see the colors of the setting sun spread across the sky above him. He took in a deep breath as he washed away the memories of that horrible nightmare. He slowly got up from the ground which he had been laying. His memories of the murders were clear and complete but he couldn't explain why he was here in some park. He looked around to find himself in a wooded park somewhere. He tried to get his barrings but his head was spinning. The flashes of memory of the murders occupied his mind as he tried to shake what had to be some horrific nightmare. He remembered every detail of the diner and each death he had caused. The nightmare was so real that he wanted to doubt his own memories. He slowly stood up and brushed his robe clean and saw that they were ripped and burned from combat. The sensation of moisture on his hands was his first warning. He lifted his hands for inspection and saw them covered with blood.

His mouth dropped opened as he realized that the nightmare was not over yet. “I offered you power and the ability to rule the galaxy under me.” Ubaah turned to see the white haired female he has come to know as the sword creature. “What, you thought you could out smart, ME? I am over a million years old” she said with a smirk, “Though you couldn't tell!” as she ran her hands over her body and exposed her smooth pale legs. She looked back to Ubaah as she stepped forward, “I command powers your pathetic mind couldn't hope to comprehend let alone control.”

He turned his vision back to his blood covered robes and hands. He was covered in the blood of those who he had murdered, “Wha....what have you done?” the grief was unbearable for him.

Her smile was sinister, “You are my insurance policy, little puppet.” She said as she turned to listen to the sounds in the distance. “And they are right on time.”

Ubaad looked up to see police air speeders approaching fast. He was confused and surprised, “how.....why....”

She laughed, “What are you going to do? Tell them that a million year old artifact forced you to murder all those people?” Her laughter filled the air as sirens grew louder and louder. And yells started coming from the distance. It was all just as she planned it.

Ubaah turned to flee only to see a group of Rangers rushing up fast to where he was standing. “I will kill myself.” he said turning back to her. He was his only leverage that he could think of. “Then you will have nothing!” He drew out his lightsaber holding on to it dearly.

She turned to him and looked in to his eyes. Her gaze sent a shiver up and down his spin, “Good luck with that.” He turned his lightsaber on himself and tried to run himself through. He tried to activate the weapon but his fingers simply wouldn't do it. She laughed even louder as he struggled to end his life. He dropped to his knees as he struggled even harder while tears started to fill his eyes. The scope of her control over him became painfully clear to him. She walked over to him and lowered herself to look him in the eyes “Oh no Ubaah, we are going to be together for a long long time. There is nothing you can do to change this.” She turned to see the Rangers nearing them from one side. She then looked to see the police coming up behind them. She vanished only to reappear leaning against a nearby tree, “Fight them my little puppet!” she commanded, “make them pay for arresting you.”

On that command, Ubaah leaped up at the Rangers who were ready for the attack. Still Ubaah was able to cut one of them down in his first attack while the others moved to a more defensive stance. The Sword Creature smiled as she moved around the battle. She watched as Ubaah fought against the Rangers and then the police. She knew she could give him all the power he needed to win this battle. However, if she wanted him to win this battle, she wouldn't have lead the authorities to where Ubaah was. Everyone was playing their parts just like she wanted and Ubaah, despite his attempting to refuse her, is doing a grand job at what she wanted him to do. As a second group of police rushed up to join the battle, she slipped behind one of them. He was rushing in to the melee with a force lance. While she didn't want Ubaah to win, she didn't want him killed either. She leaned in and softly whispered, “Use your blaster, stun him. It WILL work”

She smiled as the police officer looked around to see who was speaking to him. He shook off of the ghostly voice in the back of his mind as he drew out his blaster. He took aim at Ubaah as he was cutting down another police officer. He steadied his hand and pulled the trigger once he had a clear shot. The stun shot ripped toward Ubaah as the Sword Creature appeared behind him. She leaned next to Ubaah's ear and whispered to him, “Sleep!” On that command, Ubaah fell forward and landed heavily on the ground. The combat was over yet still the police and Rangers ensure that Ubaah could not pose a threat to them. They kicked him and gripped him as they placed him in cuffs. It was clear they were taking out their anger on the sleeping Ubaah. She smiled as they lifted him up shackled and bound. Ubaah was blooded and badly beaten. They dragged him to a waiting air speeder. “Enjoy your life sentence while I shall enjoy my freedom!” she yelled out to Ubaah's mind laughing the entire time.

[Akirapryde]

Night of Fire and Death (Part One)
Opening Battles of the Jedi Civil War
Embattled City of Forshering
Sumoo III, Boarder of the Mid and Outer Rims

Long before the Jedi Civil War turned in to a hot war, there were already battle lines which were being drawn. As many worlds were choosing their sides in secret, there were worlds that were caught between loyalty to the Republic and loyalty to the preserved Will of the Force. Debates rage among Jedi and world leaders as the war drew closer. Some worlds simply withdrew from Republic and announced their independence. Most of these worlds littered the Out Rim while a few ran deep in to the Mid Rim. Other worlds became hot beds of political struggle and later these worlds become some of the most fierce of battles. Some worlds felt that by supporting one Jedi faction or the other would cause them to fracture their loyalties to the Republic or further weaken their influence within the Republic Senate. These worlds attempted to remain neutral during the war with little success. However, there were a few worlds where the political and moral struggles that stemmed from the war became a focus of redefinition of how they saw themselves as a whole. No other world faced as much struggles and revision as Dorin.

Dorin was a prefect example of being caught between a rock and a hard place. Their close relations with the Republic and the Coruscant Order demanded that they supported the Jedi Order during the war. However, on a personal level, many Kel Dor Jedi felt that the Rebel Jedi held the moral high ground. Hidden from sight, and written only within secret texts that had been locked away in the Baran Do Temple on Dorin, plots drove the actions of many Kel Dor without their knowledge. The leaders of the Baran Do Sages saw this as a opportunity to drive a powerful blow against the Jedi and end their influences on Dorin. They used their connections and influences' to cause Dorin to make a political decision that hundreds of worlds would follow and intensive the flames of the war. What would come from Dorin was nothing short of a means for a world to remain free from the war without jeopardizing their loyalties to the Republic.

As the events over Coruscant were still fresh in the media, the planetary leaders of Dorin voted to reaffirm their loyalty to the Republic. They offered to render humanitarian aid to any world that asks for it. But what caused the most damning debates of the Senate was the statement that Dorin would not force Kel Dor to join either side of the conflict nor punish Kel Dor that joined either side. Further more, Dorin would not be used to directly support the Jedi Civil War by any means. The resolution soon became known as the Dorin Pack and was the brain child of Dorin Senator Num Korr. He used his political pull and connections within the Senate to draw in hundreds of worlds to sign the Pack. Even as the ink was drying, loyal Republic Forces were forced from their normal bases and ports or not be used to support the war. This had a profound affect on supporting Republic units in the field and caused many Republic units to become cut off as the battle lines shifted during the war. It also forced many Jedi Temples throughout the Expansion Region to either close their doors and relocate or not support the war. The Jedi Enclave on Dorin was forced to close its doors as the leaders of Dorin requested them to leave the Dorin till the war was over. Which was what Senator Korr or his fellow Sages had desired from the beginning. The Enclave has yet to reopen its doors as the Sages moved to replace them within Kel Dor society.

The Mid Rim world of Sumoo III was all but won even before the disastrous events over Coruscant occurred. During the Brush Fire Wars, the Republic hit it hard and secured it within a matter of months. In contrast to how events over and on Coruscant shaped other battles and turned them in to decisive victories, Sumoo III turned from complete victory in to a resounding defeat for the Republic and their Azgardian allies. Due to its location and large ports, Sumoo III was a key strategic location for supporting dozens of Brush Fire conflict areas. Billions of metric tons of supplies ran from the world of Ploo through Sumoo III and on to units battling Rebel Forces deeper in the Outer Rim. Another of its important duties was to help train both Republic and Azgardian warriors before moving on to their units in the field. As a training site, Sumoo III offered a valuable resource for the Republic and a number of its allies.

No one knew that a storm loomed over the horizon for Sumoo III. The Mid Rim world of Um-Ronar picked the worse time to sign the Dorin Pack and cut off the critical world of Sumoo III. By signing the pack, Um-Ronar affectively caused the flow of supplies to come to a abrupt end. During that critical time as the Republic Navy was attempting to secure other routes, the Rebel Forces launched a surprise attack on Sumoo III. The results of this single battle would have many lasting affects across the Republic. One of the most notable was the rift between many loyal Republic worlds and Dorin. It was due to the affects of the Dorin Pack that caused the disastrous defeat on Sumoo III. It was also the only time since generations, that the Azgard hoards were forced in to retreat. Later, the name of Sumoo III would become a battle cry for millions of Azgards. However, after the short lived battle, it would become a reason of shame. After the war, historians will write about this battle as one of the finest hours during the Rebel Offensive. They will also record some of the most bravest of actions along both sides of the battle.

The Rebel plan was created by one of their most brilliant strategists, Kel Dor General and Jedi Master Huw Raal. Taking Sumoo III was critical in securing the supply lines between their CSA allies and the front lines. Sumoo III could be used by the Republic to launch strikes deep in to CSA territories and hamper supply lines. The world had to be taken in the opening hours of the war if the Rebels wanted any hope of winning the Civil War. His plan hinged on two important factors. The first part of his plan was to hit the fresh soldiers of the Republic's Grand 15th Army so hard in the open hours of the battle that the unit would be forced to become divided and disbanded. He assigned half of his over whelming forces to take on the 15th. He knew they had to be taken out quickly so that he could shift his forces to deal with the much more dangerous force. It was this force that he focused the best of his remaining forces on. He knew that taking on the Marines of the 121st would be a very difficult task. They held the defensive ground within the capital city of Forshering. He hoped that without the support from the 15th, the 121st Marine Division would crumble. To ensure that they would fall under his attack, he planned a daring direct landing of his troops lead by entire battalion of Rebel Jedi right in to the center of Forshering. He also called on local loyal guerrillas to strike the night of the battle. They were to turn the city in to chaos as his forces landed. The plan had its flaws but history would be much more kinder.

As the Rebel forces made their landing within the confusion caused by the guerrillas and under heavy fire support from their naval units, the 121st Marine Division soon found themselves over whelmed, over ran across the city and cut completely off from the 15th. Still, the 121st refused to give up the city without a bitter fight. Within hours of the first bomb going off, the city turned in to a burning hellish nightmare for defenders and invaders alike. However, high above the world, all did not seem lost at first. General Raal knew that the 29th Support Fleet was a dangerous factor of the battle that had to be confronted directly and that there would be no clever way of facing it. It was going to be a stand up drag down fight between fleets. The Support Fleet was made up of a dozen frigates and cruisers, two frigate class carriers centered on a massive Proelium Battleship class carrier. However that was not what concerned General Raal the most, it was the well over two thousand fighters and support craft carried by the fleet plus those other fighters and support craft stationed on the planet its self. These assets of the defenders placed the most risk to his plan.

It was because of the 29th Support Fleet that General Raal enlisted the support of nearly six dozen warships and even more support ships. Even though General Raal took in to account the 29th Support Fleet, their fighters and their support craft, he could not have accounted for their luck or his bad luck. The commanders of the 29th had no idea that doom was rushing towards them, however their ingrained belief in readiness training that helped save the fleet. A timely readiness drill put the entire fleet at battle stations and ready for the coming battle that no one knew was right at hand. A solar flare which had knocked out the communication systems of a forward scout prevented the warning to be sent to the Rebel fleet which was rushing towards the planet. When the Rebel fleet exited hyperspace expecting to have complete surprise, they found themselves face to face with a Republic Marine Fleet ready for battle. At the same time, on the bridge of the Republic Flagship the Azgardian Admiral knew his luck had panned out. They had somehow managed to surprise the sneak attackers. What would have been a long painful twenty wait for his forces reach their full battle stations as they took a beating from the surprise attack, ended up being completely different for everyone. He turned to his communications staff and give the following command “ All Units! Break and engage!”

Luck had saved the 29th Support Fleet, but it did nothing for them from that point on. The battle turned heavily against them as surprise faded and numbers came in to factor. The 29th was completely unable to stop the landings of Rebel gunships and transports. They best they could hope for was attempting to fight back the attackers. General Kaal's ability to change his plan on the fly played heavily in to turning the space battle. Despite the loss of surprise, General Kaal was able to focus his ships and reorganize them and pin the 29th with its back to the planet. Though they were completely out numbered and out flanked, the ships of the 29th Republic Marine Support fleet fought bravely and hard to keep the space around Sumoo III open to relief forces that were promised. However, thanks to the Dorin Pack, that relief would never make it in time. With Um-Ronar cut off from them, this added almost two more days of travel time for relief forces to reach Sumoo III. It was a lossing situation for Sumoo III and none of the defending Commanders had any clue yet that they were completely alone in this battle.

The night time skies over Forshering glowed with a soft orange amber glow. The battle erupted nearly seven days ago during the early morning hours. The city had been taking a beating throughout the day from the Rebel forces who were supported by guerrilla fighters. The 121st at first had been caught by surprise but soon reorganized a powerful defense against the over whelming Rebel forces. Almost two hours ago, word had leaked out that the major forces of the 15th had surrendered to the Rebels. There were reports that some pockets of army soldiers were still putting up a struggle but they couldn't hold out long. All that remained between the world being captured completely were the 29th Support Fleet, the 121st Marine Division, a few hundred local Garrison Troops and the proud Warriors of Bravo Company from the Foxtrot Academy Task Force. These two hundred brave Azgardian cadets had been on world for just over two months learning valuable real world skills and were set to return back to Azgard next week. However the invasion changed those travel plans as they found themselves locked in a life and death struggle against Rebel invaders.

The static over the radio told the story of the heavy jamming going on as Cadet 1st Lieutenant Ariq Heartman listened to his communicator. “Foxtrot 21, the Rebels ships are sealing up the gap on the 29th. The order has been given, we have to start evacuations now or we wont be able to protect the civilians. The problem is that the Rebels have started to move along Monument Row. Government Forces are holding them back but not for long. We have to stop their advance and protect the LZ's before and during the evacs. I don't have to tell you how many people are counting on you and your unit, Cadet. You are ordered to move on the Prime Minster's House and secure it. From that advantage point you will be able to take on the Rebel's armor units with your heavy weapons. Once your unit secures Monument Row, we can start the evacs. Do you copy Foxtrot 21?”

Ariq listened carefully as his second in command, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Senni Heartman held up a map and nodded as she plotted out their route. They were young teens in love and had made sure to watch each other's back during their training back at the Academy. They knew that their love was forbidden but they would not be denied. He smiled as the orders came in, it was something that every Azgardian lived for. To fight in a glorious battle against overwhelming odds. He was going to share this battle with the woman he loved. It couldn't get any more prefect for him. They had heard the rumors of hoards of Jedi but it was something that they had dismissed. All they had seen were the same low grade droids that had become common on many Brush Fire battlefields and their biological support soldiers. They would surely have stories to tell when the relief forces arrived and they got back to the Academy. Ariq smiled as he nodded to her and spoke in to the communicator, “Yes Sir! We understand. Move to the Prime Ministers house and use it to protect the Evac LZ's. We will make contact once we set up and start pinching those Rebs.”

The communicator came back to life, “Expect more orders to follow. Keep your heads down, we have reports of those Rebs landing more troops in your sector.”

“Understood Sir! We will make you proud.” Ariq said then killed the link. He walked around the counter in the kitchen as Senni followed. He had to brief his unit on their next mission. During the opening hours of the invasion, they were forced to wait at the base, while other Azgardians from the Marine Division were able to go out to fight and earn honor. As losses mounted up new noon, they were allowed to take part in the battle. Their first mission was to support a Marine Company while they attacked a Rebel landing zone. They had performed so well that they were allowed to operate on their own. Their next mission near dusk, they were were tasked with supporting a large unit shift. During the shift, they had to provide heavy fire support while a Marine Company was able to pull back and move to another battle field while Ariq and his cadets covered their movements. During the mission they occupied a restaurant. By the end of the mission, Ariq gave his unit a much needed rest as they waited for new orders. That was only an hour ago and now it was time to move out again. “Okay you dogs gather around.” he ordered as his weary cadets slowly got up and moved to the center of the dinning area.

Ariq looked around as he activated his comlink, “Wenton, get your people online. I want everyone to hear this.” Wenton was one of his platoon leaders. They had started out with two hundred Cadets from over seven different Academies. However, Ariq's own Academy had won the honor of hosting the training mission. Now, they were cut down by half their original numbers. He had given command of half of the survivors to Wenton while Senni took command of the other half. He remained in direct command of the entire unit and a small support team. Both Wenton and Senni were strong able warriors with great skills. They led their cadets with pride and honor, Ariq was proud to be around such warriors. Ariq looked around at the dirt covered and blooded cadets around him, 'I couldn't have ever hoped to serve with such honorable warriors' he thought as his eyes fell upon Senni. He didn't allow his gaze to remain on her long enough for others to notice. He still knew what could happen if their love was found out.

No one knew that just the night before, the two teen lovers shared a very intimate moment together in a Assault Shuttle. They had learned about the strange ritual while talking with a few local Government troopers back at the base. It was something completely alien to them, yet natural and remarkable at the same time. Now he couldn't look at her in the same way since that moment. He couldn't explain it, but there was something different between them. Something stronger, deeper, different. She had always been more then just a warrior to him. But now, there were other feelings that had been awoken within his heart. Since that strange ritual, he felt his own emotions towards her have evolved in to something he didn't fully understand. He knew that she looked at him differently as well. He could see it in her eyes as she looked at him. They didn't have a chance to talk much after the ritual as their first mission came shortly after they had finished the strange ritual. They were almost caught by the crew of the shuttle as they sneaked away. He heard Wenton call over the comlink, “We are online Sir”

Ariq nodded, “Okay everyone listen up. Thor has blessed us once more with another mission. However, this one is most important. They are going to start evacuations of the civilians. However, the Rebs have moved up and is threatening the LZ's. We have to cross the bluffs and get to the Prime Minster's house. Wenton, your unit has the most heavy support weapons. Once we hit and secure the house, get your unit as high as possible and start hammering at those Reb armor units. Senni's unit will provide support and cover. There are civilians counting on us, you dogs. Failure is not an option. We have to stop the Rebs advance up monument row.” Ariq explained as he looked around. He was proud of his unit and they would still push harder, “Wenton, Senni is going to send over our movement route. We move out in ten. I want ammo and weapon checks before we move out. Any questions?”

With no other questions, the Cadet unit moved out in to the night. The shadows cast by the large number of fires throughout the city made movement rather easy for them. Getting to the destination was the easy part of their mission. Ariq was bread to be a leader. The DNA within his genes ensure that he was smarter then his other Rebel counter part. There were a number of chances that they could become engaged in combat with Rebel units, but their mission was too critical. They instead moved around the units without being detected. It was nothing short of brilliant as they moved. They knew they were in for a fight when they saw how heavily defended the Prime Minster's house was. Droids were all over the large massive building complex. However they were Azgard and they had a mission. No droid was going to keep them from their mission. Breeching the house was hard enough, but nothing they weren't trained for. Superior tactics and training easily made up for lower numbers.

Ariq turned his rifle down the corner and cut down a two Rebel soldiers as Senni took out the other two. “ Foxtrot 21 to base, Be advises, we are at the Prime Minister's house and are moving to location. We will be able to start support in five mikes. Also, we have flesh Rebels at the house.”

“Foxtrot 21 copy that. Hurry up, the LZ guard units are taking a beating. We are going to start moving the civilians to the LZ's in five mikes. Make sure those armor units are taken care of.” Ariq heard over the comlink.

He motioned for his team to move up and secure the entry way. “Wenton, Get you team to the roof and starting laying fire. Senni, take your unit up to the second floor and lock it down. Also, get some troops up to the roof and keep that area clear. As for that SAM unit we saw out behind the house. I will take my team and make sure it doesn't cause problems to the evac units.” watching to make sure everyone understood he finished with, “lets move out!”

Senni moved closer to Ariq as her unit started to move out. She took a quick look around and smiled as she lifted up her armored face plate. Ariq did the same as she moved in and kissed him, “the rivers shall flow with the blood of our enemies, my love. Hail Gods of War!” She whispered softly to him as they shared a second kiss. It was dangerous for such a show of affection between True Borns but he didn't care anymore. His love for her had grown during this mission and he had passed the point of no return a matter of hours ago.

He nodded to her as she replaced her face plate and joined her unit. He returned his own face plate and motioned for his team to follow. He took one last look behind him as he watched her lead her team up the stairs. The sounds of weapon's fire already started to fill the area as Wenton and his cadets were moving on to their objectives. Ariq and his ten cadet team continued to move towards the back of the complex. Clearing the rooms had been intense as they covered each other just as they were trained. Even before they were born, warriors like Ariq were genetically altered to be prefect warriors. It was one thing that set the Azgardian Warrior apart from any other soldier. It gave them an edge over any other warrior or soldier. After birth, those genes played a key role in their intense training. As warriors aged from infant in to toddlers, their training started.

Where some races' children were read fairy tales, Azgardian children were told stories of great battles and heroic deaths. They were taught to respect orders and their faith. Once a child warrior turned five, they was assigned to a Warrior Academy where their combat training officially starts. Here, they were trained in unarmed combat, tactics, military protocols, marksmanship and sword play. Azgardian children like Ariq never had childhoods like other children throughout the Republic. However it was this intensive training programs that made the Azgardian Warrior one of the most feared forces in the Galaxy. And tonight, within the burning ruins of the capital city of Washtering it allowed a group of teens ranging in ages from thirteen to fifteen to survive. The genes that were used to build Ariq and his fellow cadets were of the finest of stock, and his training was superior than any other military could offer.

The droids and their biological handlers fought hard to protect their hold on the Prime Minister's House. However, thanks to superior training, Ariq and his team was able to push them back and defeat them. As they cut through the house, the reports from the other floors showed that they would be ahead of their mission time tables. Wenton's team had already started to set up their heavy weapon positions. Senni's team had set up teams to protect the stairwells and was cornering the pockets of invaders. By the time Ariq's team reached the back yard of the large Government building, they were calling in for the first trucks to the LZ. However taking out the SAM site would prove to be much harder than first suspected. When Ariq and his team reached the rear kitchen that over looked the back yard. There they saw the SAM site and a platoon of mixed droids and biological soldiers guarding it. Taking it down was going to be hard.

As the battles across the Prime Minister's estate raged, it was clear that the Cadets were making strong progress against the invaders. Wenton's platoon had completely secured the third floor and had started laying heavy fire down along the wide open ranges that made up Monument Row. Their fire support forced the invaders to halt their advances towards the evacuations site and focus on the Prime Minister's Estate. Senni and her platoon had finished clearing the rest of the house and taken up station on the second floor. From that point they were able to keep the bulk of the enemy away from the house and those that got in from reaching the second floor. Multiple times, the invaders hammered the house with heavy fire with little effect on the harden building. In the rear of the Estate, Ariq and his team had been driven back in to the house due to heavy volumes of fire. However, before they retreated, they were able to destroy the SAM site. With the air space above the Evacuations Sites safe, the shuttles started their dangerous task of evacuating civilians and family members from the Capital.

Everything was going smoothly as the Marines and Cadets held the invaders at bay. However, the toll was being taken and there were no reinforcements coming. The Rebels made a move that would turn the tide of battle once more, General Kaal moved his command unit to a bluff that over looked the city. From this point he could command the battle and make changes based on what he saw with his own eyes. Seeing the way the Marines were fighting back, he realized that there was a chance that his invasion could stall unless he acted quickly to turn the tide. The battle for Forshering was far from over or won. The Rebels had to secure the city and the planet before they could continue their plans for moving deeper in to the Mid Rim. The moral of the Marines were starting to fade under the overwhelming battle situation. General Kaal kept the pressure up on them during the days of the invasion and he was about to shift the battle on them once more.

“Foxtrot 21, Base. Be advised that we have reports from pilots that the invaders have landed fresh troops within one click of your location. Son, your location is about to be over run. We do not have the troops available to support your unit. You need to pull out now.”

Ariq rushed to the second floor window that over looked the LZ. He turned to Senni as he shook his head, “There are still too many civilians left. We can't abandon them.”

She nodded back to him as she checked the ammo on her rifle. “The Gods are with us tonight. Let the battle begin!” Senni had a long streak of religious faith that pulsated through her veins. She was the religious heart of the unit. Many believed that she was a direct child of Thor himself because of her thrust for the blood of battle.

Ariq smiled and nodded, “Wenton, we can't leave the LZ unprotected.”

“I thought you were going to say that. We didn't pack up.” He said almost jokingly, “In a few hours, it will be our time. Time for the Raising Sun!” He added making a reference to his own Academy. The Warrior Academy of the Raising Sun was as old as the Broken Sword and their rivalry ran just as long and deep.

Ariq knew the rivalry and at first had a strong disliking of Wenton. However during the training mission, he learned to respect this young promising warrior. When the training mission turned to a real world combat mission, Wenton was a logical choice to lead part of the unit. He was smart, brave and very clever. “Base, Foxtrot 21. Negative Sir, we can not pull out. We will hold our ground. You guys just keep evacing those civilians. We will cover you.”

Over the comlink Ariq heard something that made him choke up, “Son, Thor will hold open the doors of Valhalla personally for you cadets. May your swords be wet like a young girl in her prime.”

[Akirapryde]

Night of Fire and Death (Part Two)
Opening Battles of the Jedi Civil War
Embattled City of Forshering
Sumoo III, Boarder of the Mid and Outer Rims

The Battle of Sumoo III had lasted days longer then General Raal had expected. Even with his superior, he could not have guessed the ability for the Marine division or their support fleet to hold on this long. Now as day seven of the battle was reaching its hight, General Raal was faced with even more troubling news. Rebel Intelligence indicated that the Azgard Fleets were on the move in his sector. Faced with a planet still far from under control, the system still a battle ground between his fleet and the Marine Support Fleet, and now the looming threat of a counter attack from the Azgards. He was forced to call in his reserve forces. He been planning on using them to leap frog the Sumoo system and hit key targets deeper within the Mid Rim and take the fight right to the Republic itself. Already he was badly behind schedule and forced to land his reserve forces on Sumoo III. This meant that he couldn't push his advantage beyond Sumoo III.

He knew that pushing deeper was risky to his forces but there was still allot that he could do to minimize that risk. With time turning against him, and now the Azgard Fleets were on the move. His campaign in to the Mid Rim was effectively over once he gave the order for the reserve units to land. As he watched them landing within Forshering city limits, he was quoted saying, “Eight days ago, I commanded one of the largest task forces within the Rebel ranks and possibly history. Today, I am hoping for enough luck so I can hang on to just one world. Why such a turn of luck? Because moral refuses to surrender the battlefield to me.”

What General Raal nor the Defenders could have known was that the tragedy of this battle ran deeper than anyone else had imagined. Because Sumoo III was a Grand Army base, all communications ran through the Army and was filtered over to the Navy. Due to a error somewhere within the Army Communication Center, no one within the Army nor within the Navy had any idea that Sumoo III was under attack till two days after the battle had begun. General Raal's intelligence was right, the Azgard Fleets were on the move. However, at Unified Command, a decision was made that would forsake the defenders. Sumoo III was going to be abandoned to the Rebel advances. Near by worlds were placed on alert and heavily defended. The Azgard Fleets would move directly on worlds that belonged to the CSA and key world in the Outer Rim. The plan was to cut Sumoo III off from support and supplies. Then later they could turn and take the world with less losses. No one in the Sumoo system knew that the Republic had decided to turn its back on its defenders.

Moral had indeed started to leave the battlefield as the night time battle raged on in the capital city. It had been only moments since Ariq had informed command that they would hold their ground against the coming death. Senni looked around and knew that unless moral increased they would fall short of their goal. She walked over to the communication cadet and knelled next time her. “I need this broadcast over open channels. Link our VOX's to the network. Its time that we wake my Father, Thor” she said then winked at the young Azgardian Cadet. “Wait for my signal.” Senni added and watched as the Communication Cadet nodded her understanding. The invaders had pulled back and given them a lull in the battle while the invaders regrouped for their next attack. Senni meant to use this time wisely, she walked over to Ariq as she removed her helmet and allowed her long blond hair to flow freely. Her deep blue eyes caught Ariq's attention as she walked up and dropped her helmet. “Its time to wake Thor my love, lets unleash the Berserker Rage” she said softly. She knew she wouldn't need her helmet or armor after this moment.

Ariq tilted his head to the side as he thought of what she suggested. The Berserker Rage was surely a surrender of hope and acceptance of their doomed fate. He closed his eyes with a heavy sigh as he lowered his head. She was right, they needed it tonight. “Corpman! Unleash the Berserker Rage! Communications, notify command that I have given the Order Berserker Rage.” Everyone turned on that order and looked at Ariq who righted his head and opened his eyes. He reached up and stripped off his helmet and tossed it down. One by one each of the Cadets started to strip off their armor as small auto-injectors filled a bluish-green liquid were passed out. Ariq was the first to take his followed by Senni. They tossed the auto-injectors down, within moments a small bit of acid ensured that the liquid would not be examined. He felt the affects fast and knew that they would last for many hours. 'More then enough time to lay waste to the enemy' he thought with a smile.

She smiled as well as the drug filled her vines while the rest were getting theirs. She motioned to the ComTech and music started to fill the channels. What the cadets didn't know was that their signal was being carried far beyond their stronghold. Within seconds, every Marine warrior was listening to what was about to happen. With all of her armor except her breast plate removed, Senni ran her hands through her hair one last time as she cleared her voice and let out with an almost angelic voice, “Here through the blaze I wander” She sang as she moved through the charred building walking through the shadows as she motioned for her fellow cadets to join her, “Through this black night I ponder” She said coming up to a group of Cadets with a smile on her face as she sang. She motioned to them to join their voices to hers.

One of them slowly stood up and drew out his sword, “The edge of our mighty swords did clash!”

She nodded as a second one joined his voice to theirs, “Fallen by our axes, HELMETS SMASHED!” he half yelled and half sung while swinging his large ax in to the brick wall. Its loud thud carried over the channel setting the tone.

She spun to face the rest of the cadets as they all were ready to join their voices and started to sing along, “Glory and fame” she waved her hands as she pulled out her rifle and everyone joined their voices to a timeless Azgardian battle hymn, “Blood is our name! Souls full of thunder, Hearts of steel. Killers of Men, A Warriors friend. Sworn to avenge our fallen brothers to the end.” Their voices carried loud and far as it echoed through the badly burned out house.

As their moral soared, they all turned to Senni to sing her next line. “One day too I may fall. I will enter Odin's Hall. I will die with sword in hand. My name and deeds will scorch this land!” She sang out loudly as the sounds of boots echoed as the invaders were started their next attack. This time they were ready in body, heart and soul. Ariq waved his cadets in to action as they continued to sing. They would not be denied their battle hymn nor the deaths that they demanded. This would be their finest hour!

Even as they opened fired on the invaders pushing up the stairwells, they sang on, “Glory and Fame! Blood is our name.” None of the cadets could have known that their battle was inspiring the defenders of the entire city. As their own voices joined in with the cadets. The Division Commander ordered that the song be broadcast up to the embattled forces of their support fleet. Their song continued on, “Souls full of thunder, hearts of steel. Killers of men, A warriors friend. Sworn to Avenge our fallen brothers. Children of the Gods, today we shall die! Open Valhalla Door! Let the battle begin, with swords in the wind. Hail Gods of War!”

Ariq squeezed his trigger killing two droids and four invaders. He smiled as he turned his head to see Senni sing and rallying the troops. She motioned for him to sing a few lines. He nodded as he didn't miss a beat of the song even though he was deeply involved in combat at the same time. “Children of Odin, we are. Forged by the Hammer of Thor. Ride down from the sky! Another is born, another shall fall” Their song continued as he killed two more invaders trying to get a foot hold on the second floor landing. “This day men will die!”

From the onlooker, the sight of the Prime Minister's house was a sight to be held. The sounds of intense combat filled the air as flashes of light illuminated the windows near rooms and hallways. Over the airwaves, the unified voices of hundreds lead by those few cadets, “Glory and fame. Blood is our name. Souls full of thunder, hearts of steel. Killers of men, a Warrior's friend. Sworn to avenge our fallen brothers. Children of the Gods, today we shall die! Open Valhalla's Door. Let the battle begin, with swords in the wind. Hail Gods of War!” The song echoed through the house as the cadets were forced back from their positions while more and more invaders surged their way in to the house. Now accompanied by Jedi, the cadets were not only out numbered, they were out matched. But they never surrendered nor gave up the fight. They made Jedi and allies pay dearly for each foot deeper in to the house. All the while they continued to sing their battle hymn, “Children of the gods! TODAY WE SHALL DIE! Open Valhalla's door. Let the battle begin, with swords in the wind. Hail Gods of War!”

As the light of the dawn filled the sky over the besieged city, its light became shaded in red through the thick smoke from the countless fires that rages out of control. Up on the roof of the Prime Minister's house, the few remaining cadets were washed in the red glow of the light of the day. There atop of the House, they found on. Wenton held the bright red and black flag of House Heartman's most elite school, The Academy of the Broken Sword. Through the smoke, onlookers from the Division Headquarters could see their struggle. The cadets drew in to a every shrinking circle as they found nearly back to back. Their voices still loud as thunder as they continued to fight on and continued to sing “Children of the Gods! TODAY WE SHALL DIE! Open Valhalla's door. Let the battle begin, with swords in the wind. Hail Gods of War!” Other Marine units attempted to relieve the besieged cadets but were unable to reach the house. The heart of the battle had shifted to the Prime Minister's House. The local Rebel commanders had decided against orders, to wipe out the cadets and drive a message to the rest of the defenders. General Raal attempted to regain control of the battle and shift it to the goals needed to win control of the city. However, this one battle had erupted in such a blaze that it took on a life of its own. General Raal could do nothing from his headquarters to change what was happening.

As the battle's final actions raged around him, Ariq heard the tell tail sound of a grenade hitting the floor around them. He turned to see it rolling between Senni and Wenton. Without a second thought, he leaped up in to the air and towards the explosive device. He landed soundly on it and felt it break a rib on the impact. The device exploded lunching Ariq up through the air and penetrated what was left of his armor easily. He landed hard on the deck knocking the wide from him. His vision was blurred as he felt his life slipping. Unable to move he watched Senni fighting with her twin blades. They were Azgardian specialty blades designed specifically to fight in a pair as one weapon. Among Azgardian duelist like Senni, they were known affectionately as 'Sister Blades'.

Covered in blood that belonged to many enemies as well as her own she fought against two Jedi at the same time. The smoke of near by fires swirled around her as she spun keeping up her attacks on the Jedi and forcing them to change their actions with each new attack she unleashed. Her blond hair whipping around as she spun and moved. Her blades cut through the air with deadly precision. she looked magnificent as she fought on against two Jedi of better experience than her. As good as she was, her actions were only a delaying move. And it was only a matter of time till one of the Jedi was able to get the upper hand on the momentum of the melee combat. And that moment was at hand as one of the Jedi spun up beside her and ran her through the side with his lightsaber. She let out a groan as her knees buckled under the attack. She took a step to the side as she twisted and lunged one of her blades through his neck. She made him pay for his mortal wound he landed on her. He fell backwards holding her blade as he fell. Her grip failed her as he hit the floor dead. She could feel her life slipping as well but she was in rage, the black cloak of death would have to wait.

The second Jedi took the opportunity to strike her from behind. He moved in and thrust his blade through her back and out her chest. Ariq tried to cry out but his voice failed him. He watched her her knees buckle and fail her this time. She fell to her knees as her vision was locked beyond the roof to the raising sun in the heavens. She felt the lightsaber drawn from her body and heard it swinging behind her head. Her eyes focused on something in the distance while her head tilted to the side as a smile crossed her face. She went limp to the left side as she rolled her body and fell backwards. The Jedi standing behind her, with his saber high in mid action to remove her head, was caught completely by surprise as she landed on her back between he legs. With a mighty thrust of her last strength she drove her blade through his gut and out his shoulder blades. The Jedi's lightsaber slipped from his grip and landed as it deactivated behind him. His eyes were fixed on hers as he tried to move but her grip refused to let go. She looked up in to his eyes with a smile frozen on her face. The blood from his mouth told the story of the mortal wound she had delivered to him. A near by soldier opened fire on her with his repeater cutting deep in to her body. It was too late, she died with her eyes fixed on the eyes of the Jedi she had just killed.

Ariq watched helplessly as Senni was cut down by the soldier. He didn't feel hatred for the soldier or of her death. He felt pride for the woman he loved. She had died with her sword in her hands. He could see the blood covered blade laying next to her. A Jedi Healer attempted to save the Jedi she had killed but it was simply too late. Ariq smiled as he closed his eyes and felt death coming to him. 'Welcome me father to Odin's table. Your son returns home' was his last thought as his mind failed. Ariq never saw the last two cadets battling. Wenton and another cadet fought on with swords in hand. From the distance, it was witnessed as Wenton was near death, he ran the base of the unit's flag through a Jedi and used the body as a base. Wenton died, with his hand holding the flag up so that all the Azgardian and other defenders could see it. Their song and courage would live on, long after this battle was over. It was something that General Raal knew and attempted to avoid.

The battle for the city would continue for another three days. And each day, echoing through the airwaves the invaders heard, “Let the Battle begin, with swords in the wind. Hail Gods of War!” The cadets had fulfilled their mission beyond their wildest dreams. Not only were they were able to keep the Landing Zone open so that all civilians could be evacuated. Their actions spurred the moral of all Azgardian and non-Azgardian defenders alike. Even as the last organized defense of the City fell, the remaining defenders drifted in to the thick jungles and continued the fight. Sumoo III would become a liability to General Raal and the Rebels by the end of the war. And because of their actions, the Warrior Priests within the Temple On High would commission a prayer in their honor.

“Onward into the heart of the battle fought the Children of Odin. Outnumbered many times, still they fought on. Blood poured forth from their wounds deep into the earth, vultures waiting for the broken shells that once were bodies. But Odin alone would choose the day they would enter Valhalla, and in their hour of need he sent forth unto them the Berserker Rage! Now, Gods and men, they rose up from the ground screaming like wild animals. Such is the gift of absolute power! No blade or weapon could harm them. They killed men and creatures alike, and all who stood before them died that day! Hail Gods of War!”

“Sir! Master Murl's fighter has been spotted. Our fighters are engaging him.”

Ariq opened his eyes as he set up. He looked around the Assault shuttle as his eyes adjusted. He saw cadet Mirax standing next to him. He ran his hand over his face trying to wipe the sleep away from his eyes. The echoes of his dreams reminds him of that night each time he closed his eyes. “Thank you Mirax.” he said softly waking up.

Ariq pulled himself up from the speeder and noticed the tattoo on his right forearm. The bright red rose told all that saw it, that he had survived a battle which his unit had lost. The thorny vine that wrapped around the stem of the rose was the symbol of a former prisoner of war. Thanks to the events over Coruscant, the ranks of the Order of the Rose swelled. However, to be an Azgard POW was a special kind of dishonor for Azgardian Warriors. Almost never do Azgardian POW's regain their First Class Warrior status when they return home. He looked to Mirax and smiled at her, “Thank you, inform our pilots that we need him down here alive. Now, leave me. I need to clean up before we welcome our guest to the hunt”.

She nodded and saluted then turned and walked away. He knew that she didn't respect him, he couldn't blame her either. He knew that none of the other cadets respected him. He couldn't count on his reputation to win over their loyalty. He had to earn their respect through honorable action. After the war, he was freed and allowed to return home. He was one of very few Azgardian POWs that had been taken during the entire war. That night, he lead his cadets in to a hopeless battle. There was no doubt in anyone's mind what would happen. It was a good death, it was an honorable death. They had earned honor beyond their dreams through their bravery of that battle. However it was the actions of a lone Jedi that prevented him from entering Valhalla. That Jedi had robbed him of the honor he had earned through blood. He remembered those first thoughts waking up in the POW camp. He was the only Azgardian in the entire camp. For nearly two years, he set there rotting away bit by bit. Three times he attempted to commit suicide. The last time, they gave him a special watch and ensured that he would not be able to make future attempts. On that roof, he had seen Valhalla's door and the Valkyries coming for them all. There in that POW camp, he had lived in hell. No it was not due to ill treatment, in fact he was treated well considering the situation. It was simply being a POW. Now, he was forced to live once more. 'Damn Jedi!' he cursed them all. He hated the way they betrayed the natural order of things. 'What they did to me IS a crime' he thought then added, 'and they shouldn't be allowed to do it.'

He slid off the speeder and started to put his protective armor on. When he returned home, his House Elders showed mercy on him and allowed him to complete his training. Their words echoed in his mind, 'You shall complete your training. Your First Class Warrior status will be up to you, Cadet. Finish with Honor and its yours.' He locked his breastplate in place and reached in the back seat and drew out a bundle of red cloth. He carefully unraveled it and looked at the twin blades locked together. He completely removed the protective cloth carefully and held the twin swords. It had taken him months to find these particular blades. These blades here hand crafted by his beloved Senni. They were in her hands during that fateful battle and held during her death. So many times, others had attempted to fool him. However he knew these blades personally. He unlocked them and slowly separated them. Carefully he spun slowly and moved them through the air. He closed his eyes as he increased his speed moving the blades through the air.

Returning to the Academy was something that he knew he had to do. But was would serve to be just one more challenge for him. If honor was to be his once more, he would stand up to this challenge and be measured. When he returned to his Academy there were no cheers or stories to be told in his honor. He was Utstott, Outcast. Down the Duelist Hall stood a statue of his beloved Senni in mid-combat. The stories of her heroic finally battle had reached the Academy. Below the statue was a plaque with names listed on it. There in gold, it recited the story of their battle and the heroics of that fateful night. There she stood frozen in mid swing as a silent guardian of the Hall. His name had been listed on the plaque just above hers. However the day after his return to the Academy it was removed. Being Utstott was nearly unbearable for him, till he found himself before that very statue. There he found his new purpose in his life. He would finish what she started. Instead of completing pilots training, he switched to duelist training and specialized in Sister Blades. Even for Azgardian standards, he trained hard and limited his other activities. His personal training mirrored a Broken Sword Hero, Fiolla Heartman. Twice he was counseled on pushing his limits. Twice he ignored the Academy's leadership and continued to push himself and his limits. He would become a Twin Sisters' Master or it would kill him. It was that simple for him.

After the nightmare over Coruscant, Senni and he had talked long about it. He had lost his father and she had lost an older sister. In a sense to maintain strong family links, the Geneticists found close matches to the DNA used to create each new warrior. The family links are ingrained deeply and allowed to flourish. It was rumored that Azgardians know nothing of family ties and that this was some kind of weakness. The rumors had lead many in to ruin for fallowing it. Young Warriors have Bothers, Sisters, Mothers and Fathers, and all have an bloodline adopted Grandparent. His was Warlord Brea Heartman. The family is there to help pass on learning lessons, and help younger Warrior better understand their place in the Warrior Caste. The Grandparent is a more important role. They are there to guide and teach the young warriors. He remembered the first time he met his Grandmother. She was a fearful woman, but she set him down and explained what it meant to be Heartman. He was sure that his second chance at life was because of her.

Senni and her older sister, who was also a duelist, were very close. It was because of her older sister why Senni was a duelist. With her sister's loss, Senni wanted Daz's head mounted on a pike on the Temple On High. She hated Daz more than anything else. Ariq had become an Azgardian Duelist Master simply for one goal. Fulfill her dream of placing Daz's head on that pike. He would carry it proudly up the long steps towards the summit of the temple. There he would plant the pike at the Temple On High. Ariq smiled as he brought the blades before him and slowly opened his eyes. Then as Daz's immortal eyes watched on, before the great statue of Thor, he would offer the blood of the niece of General Raal. He brought the blades together as he moved them over his back and slide them in to their sheath. With a locking sound that echoed through the Assault Shuttle, “Now, Everything is in place” he said coldly and locked his helmet to his body armor.

Killing of Daz would allow his beloved Senni to rest in peace and give thousands of Azgardians Warriors in Valhalla the glory of feasting on Daz's soul. Bleeding the niece of General Raal would allow his fallen cadet to have the revenge they deserve. They would be able to drink General Raal's blood, while the feast of Daz's soul continues for eternity. And these two deeds if done right would wipe away his dishonor of being captured and give him the chance of earning his own honor once more. He would no longer be Utstott and measured for the Warrior he really is. He turned and grabbed his rifle and headed towards the rear of the Assault shuttle. “Salek, make sure that General Raal's niece is finished her meal. She must be taken care of.” For the past six months, he had turned his focus towards this mission. He studied all that there was to know about Daz Murl and General Raal's family. The General had died during a space battle and his body was never recovered. It was a blow to the Azgards, as they were denied his blood. The General had very few family members, however a stroke of luck allowed him to discover a sister that had remained hidden from history. That sister married and had a daughter, for years they remained out of reach on Dorin. However as that child grew, she went to work for the very Kel Dor that betrayed the Republic. Killing and bleeding him was an unforeseen bonus for Azgard as a whole. Now they had the niece, next will be Daz, and then later a heroes welcome back on Azgard. “This time Daz, there shall be no escape for you!” he said as he walked through the make shift airlock.


*Editor's Note, Senni and the other cadets sang a modified version of a song originally performed by Manowar, the song is called The Sons of Odin.*

[Akirapryde]

Discoveries
Core World of Darjum VI
System of Darjum
Galactic Republic

The system of Darjum had been one of the most lucrative mining sites within the Core Worlds. At the hight of mining operations, more then twenty mining corporations had mining sites within the system. Most worlds have been so badly mined that the affect could be seen from orbit. Traveling through the system could easily be seen as a tour of a time when corporate greed over shadowed the good of the population that called this system home. Word had slipped out of a massive upraising by the primitive locals of Darjum III against one of the mining corporations. The upraising was not a proud moment for the Republic as the event hit the mainstream media. Tens of thousands of spear, bow and arrow and club wielding primitive locals were cut down by highly trained combat droids with Republic fighter support. Unaware of how the locals were able to communicate across worlds, the fighting soon spread to Darjum IV and later Darjum II. Despite the uprisings across the system, the Corporations had everything under control as their combat droids wiped out entire communities of primitives.

No one knows who first leaked the story of the uprisings and the blood being shed. Most of the Corporations blame their own workers for the leak to the media. However, now that the cat was out of the bag, Republic Citizens were outraged over the events taking place in the heart of the Core Worlds. While the Senate started hearings on the situation, the Supreme Chancellor was unwilling to let another life rest on her consciousness. She ordered the Republic Navy and Marines in to action. Private Sector Combat droids held little resistance to the combat trained Republic Marines. Within a short few weeks the Republic Navy had managed to drive the Corporation units from the system and secured the system. It was clear that tensions were still very high on the three inhabited worlds. The Navy Admiral ordered his units to limit contact with the worlds and no contact with the locals. Clearing out the hold out units left behind by the Corporations was still an uncompleted mission that the Navy meant to finish.

The Supreme Chancellor sent a team of Jedi to the Darjum system to open up dialog with the local communities. The Jedi were surprised to find that there were a far number of Force Sensitive members of the local population that had helped organize the uprisings. The Jedi held true to their mission as they offered the personal apology of the Supreme Chancellor. They informed the leaders of each world that the Corporations would not return and that their system belonged to them for now on. The Jedi also informed the leaders that to ensure this, that the Supreme Chancellor was going to station one of her best units to protect the system from further harm. Two months after the first news of the event happened, the Republic Senate passed the Darjum Protection Act. The DPA spelled out that there would be no further mining within the Darjum system by foreign powers. To ensure that Darjum would be safe from looters, the Navy would station two escort carrier groups within the system and patrol it regularly. The Jedi would be the only organization allowed to contact the locals of Darjum to help guide them as they over came the nightmares of those dark years.

Nearly two hundred years from that historical moment for the Republic, Darjum is still a primitive system. The entire population of Darjum II had been forced relocated when the atmosphere suffered a massive shift and turned toxic from greenhouse gases. It was later learned that the shift had been as a result of the mining operations. Darjum III and IV have both flourished and have reached points in their developments that they are forming their first official governments. With the DPA still fully enforced, the system was able to recover from the abuse and looting it had suffered. They were able to over come all of this thanks to the watchful eyes of their Republic Navy guardians. Nearly ten years ago, the DPA was changed by a Senator from Anaxes and the two Navy carrier groups were replaced with a pair of Grand Army Assault Gunboats squadrons.

Today, for the first time in nearly fifty years that a unannounced visitors would enter the Darjum system. A pair of Jedi Starfighters slipped out of hyperspace just outside of the system and quickly detached from their hyperspace rings. It would be the first time in nearly sixty years that Jedi had returned to the Darjum system. Just after they detached from the rings and flew past them, the pair of rings slowly vanished from sight as they powered down and shifted their colors so not to reflect light. While not completely cloaked, if someone is not looking for them, they would be easily missed. The pair of Jedi starfighters activated their counter measures and had their signatures vanish from sensors. The two fighters moved in silently and completely unknown by the Gunboat squadrons

“Master, I think I understand why we are not contacting the Republic Patrol” Preena said as they continued their conversation. Preena's voice was soft and pleasant as always as she carefully worked her controls and double checked her systems. The fighter was a birthday gift from her Master just a few days ago and she was thrilled to have it. Preena had shown a keen ability behind the controls of a starfighter so for Master Noor it was a logical gift. Preena loved moving through space, there was something liberating about being in space.

Master Noor smiled at the comment from her Padawan. Over the months that she had been able to teach Preena, Master Noor had come look forward to the surprises that her Padawan would show. It was Preena's helpful nature with an youngling that had given Master Noor the idea to go out seeking younglings that had been shunned by the Jedi Temples. Preena never stopped surprising Master Noor, she was the one that lead them to find Master Dassek new Padawan. Her attention to details is what she was hoping for. Master Noor had given her the file on this system and wanted to see what she would uncover regarding it. “My reasoning is that if the Chancellor is indeed hiding something here, they might be part of the conspiracy.” Master Noor said softly, “What did you find?”

Preena nodded for it made sense, “I cross referenced the Commanders of the patrol to the Chancellor's normal activities. I found that the Commanders have attended high profile dinners with the Chancellor as his guest pretty regularly.”

Master Noor smiled, “that was pretty clever Padawan.” She hadn't thought of that, she felt through the Force that those Commanders were not to be trusted. However her Padawan had found reasoning behind that feeling. “I am pleased with you Padawan” Master Noor said softly. It was no secret that Preena had become a raising star within the Order. “Master” Preena said almost uncharacteristically shy of her normal behavior. Master Noor looked out her window to see the Jedi Starfighter in formation next to hers, “What is it Padawan?”

Preena took in a deep breath as she closed her eyes. This was going to be a hard subject but it bothered her to a point of distracting her. “There is something that I have been meaning to talk to you about. I just don't know how to bring it up” Preena said softly as her emotions were still unsure of this actions she has set herself out on.

“Padawan, this is unusual for you. You know that you can come to me with any question you might have.” For the past few weeks she had felt that something was eating at her Padawan and finally, her Padawan was ready to face the issue.

Preena nodded as she looked down at the controls of her fighter. “It has to deal with Jedi Murl, I don't understand why he is not being held accountable for his actions.” She looked down in disappointment as she nearly whispered her next comments, “I mean, he has done so much to the Jedi, the Republic, and........”

Master Noor all to well understood her Padawan and the feelings that she was facing. She had been surprised that it had taken this long to reach the surface, “and you, my young Padawan”

“Yes Master, and me.” She said softly as she remembered that day. There wasn't a day that passed that she didn't think about that day. Her hand slowly left the control of her fighter and touched the scar in the center of her chest. That day her eyes were opened for good. She remembered how the Puppet Master had explained that the Jedi were out of control and a plague on the Galaxy. She kept her eyes closed as she remembered the details of that day. She knew, or thought she knew the legendary Daz Murl. She never dreamed that that day would have ended the way it did. A tear slowly ran down her left cheek as her fingers felt the scar just below her shirt. The wound had healed but there were nights that she still felt the pain. “Why doesn't the Council convict him of his crimes?” Her *friends* had offered to have Daz assassinated but she refused the offer. The Puppet Master seemed pleased at her reply to the offer. He explained about how all things came in their due time and rewarded her family as a result of her choice. It made her feel good but did nothing for the pain she was feeling right now.

“Padawan, do you recall the slaver that had mistakenly attempted to sell you on actuation block?” Master Noor asked as she leaned her head back thinking of all the times she thought this conversation would go.

“Yes Master, I remember him” Preena replied as that memory now filled her mind. They were tracking a Bounty Hunter at the request of Senator Nabrina. Preena had become separated from her Master as they were searching a large market place on a Hutt controlled world. It didn't take long for her to find the Bounty Hunter and a chase soon followed. He had made a radical move and surprised her. His attack only knocked her out and he left her in the custody of a slaver. Then as part of his larger plan to escape Master Noor, the Bounty Hunter once cornered informed her Master of the situation. Master Noor had to allow the Bounty Hunter to escape while she rushed to save her Padawan. Master Noor had to negotiate with the slaver to ensure Preena's release. It ended up costing Master Noor nearly ten thousand credits.

“Good Padawan, Now you were upset with the fact that he put a collar on you. You wanted to go back, put him to Justice and free all of his slaves. What did I tell you” Master Noor said softly as she continued to focus on the Force and reading her Padawan's emotions.

Preena sighed as she remembered her anger back then. The man did more then just put a collar on her. He beat her, and made her beg for food. It was only a few short hours that she was under his control but still another life lesson. “You said that he did not break any laws and that he was completely in his right to treat his slaves anyway he desires.” It was not completely what she said, but the point was taken.

“Padawan, please listen to me” Master Noor said softly as she felt the emotions swell up. “Jedi are the keepers of Justice and Order. But you must understand that Jedi are not and never should be the executioners of Justice.” Master Noor dug deep to recall this very lesson her own Master taught her so many years ago. It was by far one of the hardest lessons any Jedi can learn. “I know that there are times when we feel when something is right and wrong. Like the feelings you feel over Jedi Murl. You must see that these feelings are very dangerous. When we cast Judgment over someone we are forsaking our role as keepers of Justice and become the executioners of it. Tell me Padawan, do you understand the difference between a keeper of Justice and an executioner of it?”

Preena had thought she did, but now she was starting to second guess herself, “No Master, I don't think I do in the terms that you are speaking of.”

“If you see someone doing something wrong, um, lets say you witness someone attempting to kill another person. You move in with your blades and defend the victim. Would you be a Keeper of Justice or an executioner?”

Preena thought hard on the answer. She wanted to impress her Master but something nagged at her mind. She returned her hand to the controls and leaned her head back against the headrest. “I want to say a keeper of Justice but I really don't think that is the correct answer.”

“Then what is the correct answer, Padawan?”

“I would have to say neither. I think now I am starting to see where you are going with this.”

Master Noor smiled, “That is correct. All too often Jedi rush in and don't take the time to think of what their actions could really be doing. The desire to do good is a powerful desire to fight. In my example, there is just too many variables missing. If you are on Azgard, you could be interrupting a Honor Duel. If you were on Proenice, then you could actually be preventing Justice from being served. In my example, by moving in and taking action, you stop being the keeper of Justice. Despite your desires, you become a executioner of it. Even worse then this, you move past an executioner of Justice and teeter on becoming a criminal. Master Visst understands that Jedi should not rush in to casting judgment. We must not let our desire to do good cloud our actions. Daz must first be charged for a crime before we can act.”

Master Noor paused, there were some things that she simply didn't support Master Visst on but he was the unofficial leader of the Jedi and she dares not question him. “Yes, we do bring criminals in to the authorities. And sometimes, those criminals do force conflict and because of that, they die. This is a very fine line that we have to walk. Sometimes it is too fine for some to walk. When we fall from that line, we are drawn in to the center light of the media and brought to be seen as executioners of Justice. There are times when those who do fall from that line are seen as heroes. However this never lasts, the end result is always the same. They become pawns in a world that we, Jedi, simply don't belong. Those who execute Justice are more political than fair. If we are to be fair, we must not cross that line in action. Master Visst understands this and sees that with Jedi Murl it must be handled differently. For reasons even I don't fully understand, things involving Jedi Murl have become far more political than fair.”

Preena listened carefully, “So be acting rashly and failing to see the whole situation we turn out backs on what we should be doing. But Master, how many times have we rushed in to combat in the name of Justice. Are you now saying that those times were bad?”

Master Noor shook her head, “no Padawan. There were many times our hands were forced. Like I said, sometimes we are forced in to conflicts. Much like your engagement with Jedi Murl and his Rangers. Your back was pushed against a wall. Sure in hind sight you could have abandoned your post and disobeyed your orders. On the same token, Jedi Murl could have easily backed off and waited as well...”

“Master I don't mean disrespect, but I just got a coded transmission from the Temple, a bomb went off at the Temple. There are no fatalities that they are aware of at this time but the Rangers are all over the scene investigating the bombing. A last minute warning was sent out and the targeted area within the Temple was evacuated” Preena explained.

Even as her Padawan was explaining the details, her own report hit her screen. Master Noor nodded her understanding of the events and what it meant. The Flail was on the move once more. “Thank you, Padawan” Master said as she was already linking a message to Master Visst.

********************************************************

It had been such a long day for Visst. Between following the events back on Dorin and planning a massive war, Visst had become completely drained. For the past two weeks, all that he had done was speak either to the masses or to individual commanders regarding the upcoming battle. The battle plans were pretty much left up to the Azgards and each supporting faction had given all that they were willing to spare. Still, the words of that text haunted him. *“Echoed across space deep in to the Core Worlds are the cries from dead of Azgard and its surrounding worlds. War and flames grow everywhere. Anaxes and Axum both lay in flames, lifeless the rocks that they are now. Behold I did set my gaze down upon the might of Azgard. Their sheer numbers blocked out the light of Coruscant very own sun casting a dark shadow about the world its self. Even though they were out numbered many times to one, they still came. They came for the blood of a king! Before the fleets of the Warrior Houses' lay the foolishly brave defenders. They are the defenders of the demon who would be crowned King of the Republic. With sabers in feeble hands, they tremble at the sight of their own doom. For Azgard would not be denied this day. In this very battle, the death of the King, his beloved Order, and the Republic as we knew it. Behold, my children, our destiny. This is our curse.”*

The news of Daz's conviction hit him hard. The trail was more political than a trail of justice. The Baran Do Sages made the trail in to a trail between the Jedi philosophies and their own. Daz was questioned in depth about all that he had done wrong and all that he might do wrong. Visst knew that Daz was innocent of the charges leveled against him. So there was never had a doubt in his mind that he would have been found innocent. The Sages had other plans and their plans came in to bloom as the Judges read the verdict, guilty of all charges. Visst had placed a special request to the Dorin Government for leniency. Once more, Visst was able to strike a deal and move one step closer to his own personal goals. Daz will be spared death and the Jedi will no longer actively seek Force Users from Dorin. With each passing deal, Visst felt his own life slowly slipping away.

Two days ago he got the news from Master Noor about the bombing of the Temple back on Coruscant. He hated the idea that the Flail could hit the Jedi at their home. They were becoming more bold in their actions in recent months as they continued to bomb Jedi Temples and Academies Throughout the Republic. And why not, between the Jedi working on defeating the Chaos, and the Rangers too occupied with securing the Chancellor's power base within the Republic. The Flail were able to act without fear of reprisal from the Republic. However, this latest attack brought a new omen of the future. The tribulations of the Jedi had just begun. It was an anonymous tip that saved dozens of younglings from the bombing. It didn't take the Rangers long to follow their leads back to Senator Nabrina. They were able to link her to the warning regarding the bombing and demanded to know her contact within the Flail. She refused and so they arrested her. To make matters more troubling, he has not been able to reach Master Noor or her Padawan. So he was unable to rely on Master Noor to help Senator Nabrina.

With massive fleets on the move, it was simply too late to allow any distractions to pull his focus from the coming battle. The fleet was already passing the Inner Rim and time was becoming a pressing matter. There was just no turning back at this point. Still he felt that there was something which he was missing. Something nagging in the back of his mind. The past few nights have become more and more tense as nightmares seemed to grow in to omens of things to come. Visst turned the final corner and saw the two Azgardian guards standing guard at this door. He turned over his shoulder and saw Talon behind him. And behind her walked two more guards with weapons at the ready.

He knew that sending the Warrior Ariq Heartman to trail for killing the Dorin Senator and the Kel Dor Jedi Healer would not be viewed favorably by all of the Heartmans. Still he never imagined that one would attempt to kill him on the way back from one of his many meetings. Even before he could react to the attack, Talon had sprung in to action. She risked her life battling the larger, genetically better warrior. However, in the end, she did survive and the would be killer was dispatched by Talon in true Azgardian fashion. Both Brea and Ton were outraged at the attack. Though both concluded that it was because many see Ariq as a hero and his deeds worthy of praise not punishment. Ton ordered House Heartman to ensure Visst's protection. Brea gave her word that House Heartman would not fail. Once Ton left, she confided in Visst a surprising revelation. Ariq is her grandson, and she was deeply worried because he had become a hero and then a villain at nearly the same time. She explained to Visst how such an act did not sit well with many Heartman Warriors. The concern written across her face was enough to worry Visst.

Visst looked up at Talon in her disguise. She had taken on a traditional outfit of a nomad woman from Baklid VI. Her leggings were loose fitting and nearly matched her light brown shirt in color. She wore a red knitted head piece that rapped around and covered her face. Talon's eyes looked in to Visst's. He knew that she would die for him on his command. He respected her loyalty even more than her skill as a killer. His deeper fear was that her identity would be discovered by the other Azgardians. It was a secret that he had to keep from them for sound reasons. In hind sight, it was discovered that Fiolla Heartman was a direct descendant of Warlord Raynar. He didn't know at the time, but he had found out much later while on Azgard that Fiolla was Warlord Raynar's blood granddaughter.

He also learned that once the Hammer of Heartman was recovered, only those blood related to Raynar, which had been a blood descendant of the founding Warriors of the House, could compete for the rulership of the House itself. The right of leadership was passed through the blood after a House Warlord fall in combat. Once the Hammer was soundly in a descendant hands, can anyone who wished offer up their own challenges. As it stood now, Brea was only a temporary leader of House Heartman. He felt that he should have notified Warlord Brea but he didn't feel it was the right time then. Now Visst's and her secret was in deeper risked thanks to the added guards. He nodded to her and turned as he completed the last few feet to his door. The guards reacted in true military fashions as Visst walked through the door. The doors closed right behind Talon and the lights kicked on bringing light to the simple room. As the lights came to full power they cast shadows about the room and Visst felt a shiver up his spin of some foreboding doom before him.

He paused as he took notice of a datapad on his dresser. He walked slowly over to it and looked at it carefully. He didn't sense any danger but still Visst was not stupid, he took his time going over every detail of the device. It was not their before he left this morning and he knew that there was only one logical person that could have placed it there. Knowing this piece of information he knew it was not a threat to him. He reached down to pick it up and activated it. He turned to face Talon as the image of Biggs appeared via the holoprojector. He felt the heavy weight of his destiny on his shoulders once more. Talon looked carefully at the man she pledged to die for. Even for his young age, the years of destiny's burden set heavily upon him. Talon could easily see the affects of this burden in his eyes. She shook her head sadly as she remembered the day they found him on Yavin IV. Such a scared, homeless creature. Now the fate of the galaxy rests in his hands much like the datapad he holds. Biggs' voice filled the room as the message started to play:

******************************************

(Editor's note to the reader: The following part occurs at the same time Visst is receiving his message. The parts in *Italic* are lines of Biggs message to Visst only. I hope you enjoy this part of the intermission.)

It had been only a a couple of days since the bombing at the Jedi Temple and the people of Republic City were out in force demanding more protection from those who would do them harm. While the bombing was targeted at the Jedi, everyone felt the same vulnerability that they had felt the day when ships and fire felt from the sky. The blast had echoed throughout the City and the media carried that blast wave in to the Core Worlds. Now the eyes of the people have turned to the man who's words can bring them that comfort that they desperately desired. He had become that voice that could ring loudly like thunder and carries confidence to those who listen. As the crowds continued to gather slowly the chants begin somewhere deep within the crowds, 'Quee, Quee'. This would possible be the Supreme Chancellor's last speech before going off to protect the Galaxy from the horrors that have been called the Chaos. When the rumors started to spread about warships massing in the Mid Rim, it was a fireplace style conversation that the Chancellor had with the Republic regarding the rumors.

The tone was soft and inviting as he explained that the rumors were indeed true. He took the time to explain in detail all that the Chaos were and the threat that they posed to the galaxy as a whole. He explained how brave individuals have reached across lines and brought former enemies together to face off with this threat to the galaxy as a whole. While he never personally took credit for the effort as a whole, polls taken shortly afterwards reflected that many Republic Citizens see Chancellor Quee as one of the driving forces behind the massive effort. Chancellor Quee did state that all Republic Citizen should be proud that the Republic is made up of over two thirds of the entire combined effort to stop the Chaos and that he would personally be leading Republic Forces against the Chaos.

As he walked out on the the balcony overlooking the grand mall before the Chancellor's Residence, the crowd let out a roar of cheers and applauds. He smiled as he half heartedly waved them off to silence, yet the applauds and cheers continued. Followed by his advisors and trusted allies, the sight of the most powerful beings on Coruscant gave the citizens reason to cheer. He was the prefect showman and he knew how to work the crowds. His speech today was being was being broadcast throughout the Republic live. Everyone was able to see the support and affection of the people of the Republic as the media spectacle started. Like every other media event, this one was staged to give maximum support to the Chancellor and show the Republic that their best hope rests with him.

Finally the crowds slowly died down to allow the Supreme Chancellor a chance to give his prepared speech. Meanwhile across light years, Visst stood listening to the voice of Biggs deliver his own message. *Master Visst, you have given me such remarkable generosity and seen more in me than I fear could possible be there.* The speech the Chancellor was giving was one to rally anger from the Citizens of the Republic against the horrific attack against a symbol of the Old Republic. He made sure to cast the Jedi and their Temple as a place of historical importance yet made no mention of their modern importance to the Republic. Like a master conductor, he worked the crowds to a point of anger at the attack. He leveled blame at the Flail and those who allowed the attack to take place. He hinted at corruption within the Senate without saying it by name. Even hinted without saying it directly how some Senators knew about the attack even before alerting the authorities. He questioned the crowd as to how long did they know about this latest attack before speaking up. His speech was powerful and damning of the man he placed personally responsible, a man which he named the 'Azgardian Warlord named Graff'.

To those of calmer minds watching the media event it was clear that the Chancellor was reaching the crowds on a terrifying level. As the Chancellor allowed the chants of his name to continue, carefully two cloaked individuals moved through the hordes of screaming and chanting Republic Citizens. Their presence was masked from the watchful eyes of the Rangers by the Force. *I have learned to trust very few people. However, there was Lysire to whom I trusted completely. All she asked of me, was that I believe and trust in you.* The crowds on Coruscant and across the Core Worlds and beyond ate up the lines of who were to blame for the attacks. His passionate gestures as he spoke of the Republic and its rich history gave the crowds a sense of greater common importance.

The crowds cheered for claims of a Greater Republic, a newer stronger Republic that could not be so easily attacked. The two cloaked figured continued to move through the crowds slowly and carefully as to not attract attention to themselves. *I meant it when I said that I will pledge my blades to you and serve you faithfully. I am so very grateful for your kindness and all that you have given me. By the time you receive this letter, I shall be too far away for you to stop me.* The crowds were filled with energy as the Chancellor spoke. He knew that he could never truly control the Senate. Though, he could control the people, and through them, force the Senate to do his will. Like some dark dictator forgotten and lost to history, Chancellor Quee energized the crowds with his words. Knowing that through them he will be able to achieve his greatest dream.

As the large screens showed the reactions of those on other worlds, the local crowds saw their own anger supported. Any person of true sight could see the brilliance of the plot at work if they only knew all the moves being taken up to this moment. *I fear that I must now turn my back on your kindness. I know that I have done horrible things in my pasts. Under orders and fear, I have murdered, destroyed and laid to waste. For these things I can never do enough to be truly forgive. I waited too long to turn back from my own dark path.* Working their way through the crowd, the two individuals found their mark and finally came to stop. Both took in what they saw around them, and was shocked by what they saw. This was not the Republic of a few years ago. This was something much more darker. The anger and hate was clearly seen on the faces around them. They turned to each other and nodded as their time was coming up fast as the Chancellor spoke more about a brighter future where the Republic would see peace and prosperity for a thousand years. The Crowds ate it up completely as the Rangers moved along the edges of the crowds. Did they sense the coming spoiler to their Master's plot?

Those no longer focused on the Crowds or the Chancellor could see that the Rangers were becoming more and more nervous about something. *I know what I am and who I am. The reason why I must leave your care now is because I feel driven once more. Before I felt darkness demanding my actions and calling to me. Now, it is another call on my soul that beckons me. Nearing her end, Lysire always told me to be mindful of my past but never let it control my future. I never understood that till now. Everything is so clear to me.* Some of the Rangers were moving back and forth searching the crowds for something or somebody but it was clear that they had no idea what they were searching for. Some of them started to use their comlinks as they attempted to coordinate their searches. By now, they had to have sensed something was about to happen.

The Chancellor started to speak of the honor and pride that it meant to be a member of the Republic. He spoke of how even now, some Republic Members did not see the Republic as the noble Galactic Government that it was. As the Chancellor continued to speak of these worlds with traitorous views, the pair of cloaked individuals made one more motion forward till they were less then fifty meters from where the Chancellor was speaking from. *I am a broken piece on the board leftover from the last game. Sacrificing such a lowly game piece to save the game seems like a wise move to me.* Behind them, the crowds reacted with anger at worlds that would defy the will of the Republic.

Worlds where their traditions were more important than being part of the Republic. These were the first bows being dealt in a greater plot that seemed just over the horizon. While the Chancellor never named any worlds in his speech, it was clear that one such world had to be Dorin. The Chancellor placed a personal request to the Dorin Government to transfer the criminal Daz Murl to the Republic for trail once his trails on Dorin had been concluded. The Dorin Government flatly refused. It was a blow to the Chancellor's influence and one more reason now the crowds brought mock ups of Kel Dor tied to polls and waved them above their heads. As fake Kel Dor burned from polls while the crowds chanted, the Chancellor waved them on. *I am not asking History to remember me kindly. Because of what I have done, I could only hope that History does not remember me at all.* The Rangers on guard moved about the edges of the Crowds now no longer caring if they disrupted the speech or the crowd. They started to fan out in to the crowd searching for what had triggered their fears. It was too late, the final act was about to start and they failed to stop it.

There were cheers coming from the crowds as the Chancellor gave them a chance to chant his name. He was their hero and their savor. He brought an end to the Jedi Civil War, he protected the Galaxy, and now he hinted at a future that they all could enjoy. Where the greed of cooperations and evil from those like the Azgardian Warlord Graff and the threat of the Sith would all be ended. Many historians might say that the seeds for what was to come had been planted during this one speech. The truth remains that these seeds of hate had been planted before the Jedi Civil War. This speech was only meant to harvest the yield of those seeds and it was a bountiful harvest. *Do not follow me Master. Please allow me this finally act of being the hero, I should have been from the beginning. Good bye Master Visst.*

[Akirapryde]

Discoveries (Part Two)
Core World of Darjum VI
System of Darjum
Galactic Republic

"Stay in formation Padawan and keep those turns tight!" Preena heard Master Noor bark as they entered a tight turning maneuver. Blaster fire light up the canopy of her cockpit as the Republic fighters continued to pursue the two Jedi Starfighters. Preena fought hard with her controls while trying to follow her master through the turn. Twelve hours ago, they arrived to the Darjum system in search of Quee's secret cloning facility. After searching the system from shadow to shadow, they thought they had found something worthy of reporting back. Master Noor had thought that this information once brought to light would cost Quee his position as Chancellor or at least weaken his political influence within the Republic. Neither had ever dreamed what horrors they would uncover during their investigations. It was proof that Quee had completely lost his mind and had to be stopped at all costs! However, now they were racing for their lives just to flee the system.

What they found was a nightmare waiting to be unleashed upon the Republic itself. It was not just one facility which they found, there were hundreds of them. The entire operation had spanned across the entire system. They entire native inhabitance of the system had been long whipped out and replaced with armies of, of creatures loyal only to the Quee. Using the stealth capabilities of their Jedi fighters, they landed outside of what seemed to be a large command and control complex. The pair of sleuths managed to sneak their way in to the facility and gathered some vital information about entire operation. Hacking the computer system was easy enough from the inside. They downloaded so much data that it filled all of their data disks and datapads. Preena more than proved herself as a cunning little spy as she showed off her stealth and search skills. Little did Master Noor know it was all part of her Crusade training that gave her these remarkable traits.

While moving silently through the base, they had uncovered that it was Trosia and five other core worlds that had secretly helped build this massive army for the Chancellor. They were able to overhear a conversation between who seemed to be the complex commander and a high ranking Trosian official. They learned that this force was meant to secure the Republic for the Chancellor while at the same time crush Azgards and the Crusade. Both were surprised that the Crusade had been mentioned so openly. This troubled Preena greatly as she knew she had to warn the Puppet Master of the plot. Despite Preena's urgings to leave the systems now, Master Noor wanted to investigate the shipyards before leaving. They had to find out how many ships this new force held. It would allow the Jedi a chance to gage when this force would be ready to move and strike. The risk was well worth it, they uncovered an extremely large automated shipyard that was pumping out ships. They were able to identify over four thousand ships. Master Noor noted that while the number of ships was great, it was not enough to move the entire force at once time. This gave the Order a chance to act before they could be unleashed. Just as they finished a near prefect stealthy flight of the shipyards, the two Jedi starfighters were discovered by a patrol shuttle.

While they easily lost the shuttle, the alarm had be triggered across the system. As if they had kicked a hornet's nest, within minutes Republic marked fighters swarmed the two fighters. Now as they race their way to safety, as nearly twenty Republic fighters followed in hot pursuit. While not as fast, but just as dangerous, a corvette brought up the rear. As a means to stop the warning, the Republic forces started jamming going on all communication frequencies. The only way to get the signal out was to reach the hyperspace rings and leave the system. The jamming was so heavy that the two Jedi were hardly able to talk to each other let alone warn the outside world of what they had discovered. The two Jedi Starfighters were now in a life or death race to to reach safety. They had been trying to out fly the fighters while avoiding laser fire from the hostile fighters. The idea of turning to fight them would have been suicide once that Corvette came in to firing range. The race had been set and each Jedi had push their fighters, their own experience levels and piloting skills to the limits. Safety meant exiting the system and making it to their hyerspace rings. Preena was sweating as she worked the controls once more as more fire lit up her cockpit canopy. 'This is madding' she thought as she turned the fighter once more following another set of tight turns. Their lighter fighters were twice as maneuverable as those chasing them and slightly faster. Still this was a dance that could only last for so long. Sensors were picking up more fighters racing to flank them.

Preena worked her controls as she tried to follow her Master through a series of tight turns and dodges. Still blaster fire ripped passed her fighter as she pushed her throttle forward more. "Master wouldn't be better to just make a break for it. I am only slowing you down. You can out fly them better than I can." Preena hated the idea but she felt that she was right. If Master Noor could escape the system and warn Master Visst, then the Puppet Master would find out through his other channels. It was the most sensible thing to do if she was to warn the Crusade. She had to find a way to warn them of the coming plot and if that meant sacrificing her own life. 'So be it' she thought as she nodded. "Master please consider this idea" Preena urged as she dodge more in coming fire. It wasn't the first time she suggested it and she was sure that Master Noor was going to deny it again. However, in her heart, she knew that Master Noor what Preena said was right.

Indeed, Master Noor knew her Padawan was right but Preena was her Padawan and she was not about to abandon Preena to certain death. "Padawan, you just stay in tight formation with me and we'll both get out of this.” She paused as she turned her fighter once more. “Together" Master Noor said as she did her own calculations regarding the situation. She hated admitting it but Preena was right, unless they gain some distance on the fighters they would be shot to pieces once they slowed to dock with the rings. 'who ever came up with such a stupid idea, hyperspace rings' Master Noor thought as she reflected on the simple fact that they only had one real chance of escaping this system alive.

She activated her command control system and plugged in a set of commands. She waited carefully for the system to respond as she continued to dodge more incoming fire from their pursuers. "Stix, upload the following command to my Hyperspace ring" she spoke as she led Preena in to another set of tight turns designed to ensure that the fighters couldn't get a clean shot on them. She heard her Astromech droid complain about the commands. She didn't have time to think let alone explain every detail, "don't argue back, just do it" she demanded as they entered another set of turns.

Preena tried to follow Master Noor's turn but the speed and angles were just beyond her piloting levels. She heard Master Noor open a link through the heavy static from the enemy jamming. Even being a few meters apart it was hard for them to communicate. "Padawan, you are correct. So here is what we're going to do. I am going to slid back and slow them down while you make a break for the Rings. Don't turn or slow down, just fly straight for the rings." Preena's eyes started to water up as her Master continued. "I can dog fight them and make an opening for you to escape. You must carry the warning out. Don't worry about me. Transfer all your power to your engines and get out of here. Is this clear Padawan?"

Preena lowered her head as the tears fell, "Yes Master." Master Noor was the second person to ever really see anything of value in her. The first person was the Puppet Master, to whom she owed her complete loyalty to. He was the only to not only save her, but save her family. He showed her a world filled with love and compassion. The second was Master Noor, whom she hoped one day to turn to the Crusade. Master Noor was that friend and mentor that she had always hoped for. With Master Noor working for the Crusade, they could easily stop the Chancellor. Preena felt as if she was losing a mother, mentor and friend. "I understand Master. I will not fail you Master." Preena lifted her head and pushed her throttle forward and aimed for the rings.

Master Noor nodded as she jammed her throttle back and the force of the fighter coming to a near stop slammed her against her harness. Master Noor pulled the nose of the fighter up which with the engines in reverse pulled the fighter back and down. She watched Preena's fighter dart away in to the darkness of space. She then saw the lead fighter attempting to avoid the trap before him. Master Noor pulled the trigger and lit space up with a heavy barrage of blaster fire. She didn't land any solid hits, however her fire did manage to spread them out enough to give Preena enough distance to flee. On that sight Master Noor slammed the throttle forward once more and let loss her own blasters. Her blaster fire ripped through two trialling fighters causing them both to erupt in to flames. The remaining fighters broke formation to avoid more incoming fire. Master Noor watched as a pair of Republic fighters continued to follow Preena. She smiled as she knew that as long as Preena did as she was told their heavier fighters wouldn't be able to catch the young Padawan.

Master pulled her control stick over sending her fighter in to a barrel roll as she lit up two more fighters. One got caught with light damage the other pulled away sharply while his wingman paid the price. As the other fighters were now pulling their own tight maneuvers to get behind Master Noor, she was already lining up her next kill. She knew that her daring maneuver wouldn't win this battle and she was okay with that. This was only a delaying action so that Preena could get away. She knew that their higher numbers would give them an advantage in this combat. However, she had a few more tricks left up her sleeve. Master Noor followed the fighter she had wounded as he continued his tight turn to avoid more of her fire. Her fighter was smaller and faster than his heavier fighter which allowed her to pull her turn tighter. It was only a matter of time till she had him back in her sights. His death lit up the space in a fiery blast as the smaller Jedi starfighter zipped under the fireball.

Master Noor's eyes widened as she flew around the fireball and ended up nose to nose with what had slipped her mind, the corvette. At optimal firing range and angle, it had her dead to rights and in that moment it fired. Master Noor's last act was to send a telepathic message to her Padawan, Preena, 'run!' Noor saw the first turbolaser bolt rain down at her small fighter. The bolt ripped through the nose of her fighter. Nearly at the same time a second shot narrowly missed the right side of her fighter. Even as the fires from the first hit was consuming her fighter the third massive laser hit the fighter in the cockpit. The fireball was not enough for the commander of the corvette, as he ordered to continue firing on the fire ball that was once Master Noor's fighter. Two other Republic fighters had been caught in the hail of fire. One exploded while the other had to limp back to its base. All that remained of the Master Noor's fighter had been blasted to space dust. There was still one more intruder to kill and they were not going to allow it to get away. The remaining fighters turned and sped off after Preena.

"Dats, transfer all power to the engines." She commanded as she followed the beacon to her hyerspace ring as her own astromech droid replied. "Yes all power even from life support. If we don't make it to the ring we're dead anyway."

Preena checked her scope and saw the pair of fighters coming up behind her. "They have to be pushing themselves beyond their specs. Dats what's the range to the ring?" She said as she double checked her fighter's controls. The center console changed to a range that was decreasing rapidly. "Dats range on those fighters." A second number came up and she compared the two. Her heart sank as she realized the fighters were going to catch up to her nearly a kilometer away from her ring. There wouldn't be enough time to dock with the ring. "Dats we need more power!"

She closed her eyes and focused on the force. Trying to clear her mind she thought of her piloting classes and all that she knew about her fighter. "Dats jettison the storage compartments" she could her the doors opening up behind her as her droid questioned her actions. "Yes I know weight doesn't matter in space but space junk does." She said as she watched to two fighters maneuver to avoid hitting the junk she dumped. The numbers on the screen changed. It slowed them down. Not much, but just enough to buy her time. Now they would be in firing range just as she reached her ring. Still she had to reach the ring.

As Preena reached the rings, she noticed that Master Noor's ring was out of place. "Why aren't they side by side" she question then returned to the task at hand. She slowed her craft down as she approached her ring. Behind her she saw Master Noor's ring starting to spin and bleeding off hot plasma that powered the hyperspace ring. The burning plasma became a cloak that masked Preena's fighter while she was docking. It was a clever plan that give Preena just enough time to do what she had to do. However, one pilot would not be tricked. He gunned his fighter and opened fired through the burning plasma. Even as Preena docked with the ring fire was raining in on her. It was a matter of fate now.

Preena was in no position to fight as she turned her fighter, "Dats, GO!" She yelled and her Astromech droid engaged the hyperspace ring. Laser blasts shot passed Preena's fighter as the engines engaged. A consent wave of laser fire ripped pasted her cockpit as it seemed to take a life time for the engines to engage. Preena closed her eyes and prayed for God to save her as she felt the engines spring to life. The loud explosion from her left told the story of her failure. The Jedi Fighter ripped in to Hyperspace leaving behind a massive flaming trail off the left hyperspace engine. The two fighters couldn't follow but the Corvette moved in to position and followed her in to hyperspace.

Preena's fighter exited hyperspace spinning wildly out of control as she screamed out it terror. She could hear the whinnying of the engines and the snapping of metals as she fought to regain control of the fighter. Her droid let out a horrific scream of its own as a chunk of metal ripped through its dome. Her body tossed about the cockpit like a rag doll while the fighter continued to toss and roll out of control. Had it not been for her harness, she would easily had been killed. She fought hard against the controls as smoke started to fill the cockpit. Her vision became blurred as she saw the ring around her fighter continue to break up. Another loud crash jolted the fighter as she slammed her head against the side of the cockpit sending her in to unconsciousness.

Jedi Padawan Preena's fighter continued to spin and tumble slowly out of control just under a light year from one of the most heavily traveled shipping lines in the Republic, the Corellian Trade Spine. Much of the momentum gone as the last bit of energy bleed from her dying fighter the fighter's speed slowed a bit as it tumbled. As Preena laid unconsciousness in her dying fighter, one of the most massive fleets slipped slightly along the Trade Route. Just out of reach and barely out of sight, not one of the ships paid notice to the small pieces of junk floating dead in space. The little derbies field looked nothing like a fighter anymore. No one at the sensors considered the life slowly fading or the vital information that was fading with it. The fleet made their turns and slipped back in to hyperspace as the little craft continued to drift lifelessly in space.

*********************************

Admiral Schmitt was one of the most highly skilled and respected Admirals within the Trosia Navy. These as well as his political connections were the reasons why he got this position. However today, he felt like his entire career had come to an end. He was over all in charge of Security of the system and a pair of fighters had not only slipped through but landed and did god knows what. The entire operation was now at risk. He had to notify the Chancellor of what happened. However he had to know just what had been compromised and what hadn't.

"Admiral, report from the Vixen." One of his aides said softly handing him a data pad.

The old Admiral sighed deeply, "just read it."

The aide nodded and opened the file, "we located what we believe to be the second fighter or what remains of it. We have positivity identified the right hyperspace engine, a wing section, and part of a nose section. All parts match those belonging to a jedi star fighter. We can assume that the fighter broke up in hyperspace and these are all that remains. We stopped our search two light years short Corellian Trade Spine. We dare not get any closer and risk detection. Judging by what we did find, we can safely assume that the pilot died.”

“Inform them to continue searching. We have to ensure that the pilot is dead and that what ever they found here does not reach the outside world.” Admiral Schmitt ordered as he turned and walked away. He had to inform the Chancellor of what had happened. For years that had hidden the truth from the Republic and they needed more time to prepare for what was to come. Now was not the time for war.


*******************************************************

Sacrifices
Republic City
Coruscant, The Galactic Republic

The anger in the crowds was clear for all to see. Many waved signs of protest against what they saw as threats to the Republic. Others just yelled out in favor of the Chancellor and echoed his own hate that he was speaking. Looking from the crowds, the two cloaked figures saw and heard all they needed. The hate brewing in the crowds and across the Core Worlds was maddening as the voices continued to rise while the speech continued. As they finished looking around they turned their heads to each other and nodded. There was no telling how long this has been strewing just under the surface but it was clear by this point that the heart of the hate was the Chancellor. He had to be stopped at all costs if the Republic was to survive. It was just a matter of commitment to the act. The pair moved closer to the balcony and looked up at the Chancellor one last time. Fate had sealed everyone in to the moment. And now, history was about to be made.

Great events in history are marked by moments of realizations. This was no different for everyone involved. Each could feel the moment closing in on them. Even the Chancellor felt this as he looked down from his high balcony and saw the two cloaked figures. As horror crossed his face he realized what was about to unfold. He saw the face of the man who would take his life. The cold hand of death rested on the Chancellor's shoulder as he looked in to the eyes of that man below him. The Chancellor let out a cry for his Rangers as the two cloaked figures leap up from the crowds casting off their cloaks. Aided by jump packs, they easily cleared the tall balcony and landed just off to the side of where the Chancellor stood. The crowds let out a loud gasp as they all clearly saw the flaming blade of who could only be, the Tiger Prince, Prince Biggs Saar. The Rangers on the balcony moved between Biggs and the Chancellor as a woman dressed in red wielding a pair of strange melee weapons stood behind him.

Standing behind two Rangers the Chancellor smiled as he buried his fear. "Prince Saar, I see you have a new woman. Glad she is here to see your execution." He knew that he had to buy time for the rest of his security to reach the balcony. It was only a mater of seconds that would decide this moment in history.

Biggs didn't need to look behind him as he knew Shalla Heartman had his back. "Chancellor, you have betrayed the Republic and those who you claim to serve. Step down or I shall remove you!"

The Chancellor smiled as he noticed from the corner of his eye his men rushed to his aid, "I don't think so young Prince Saar.” he said as he stepped back some and pointed at the Tiger Prince, “Seize him!" He yelled moving back from the conflict.

On the note the two Rangers before the Chancellor moved forward to engage Biggs. This was all part of Biggs' over all plan. He knew the Rangers and how they would react in this situation. Before the Jedi Civil War ended, he had worked closely with the Chancellor to help form their training protocols. Long before their was Daz, the once more Hero of the Republic again, the position of Ranger One had been offered to Biggs. Had the offer came just a few weeks before, he would have accepted. However it didn't and Biggs knew he was on a different path. He had turned it down flatly because of what he saw in them. He didn't need anyone to explain the dangers of what he helped created. He could see it plan as day. If anyone knew how to defeat Rangers in combat, it was the Tiger Prince. His moment in history had come. As the two Rangers moved forward, Biggs leaped up in to the air twisting and spinning over their heads.

As the two Rangers turned watching Biggs and readied to engage him once he landed, Shalla rushed in taking her held action. She rushed from her position behind Biggs and at the two Rangers. She ignored the other Rangers behind her as they would soon not be of concern. Using her fork like melee weapons, she hooked their weapon arms and prevented them from stopping Biggs. Her speed, strength and skills reflected her Azgardian training as both warrior and priestess. Her double grapple was prefect in execution and forced their actions. They were locked in to combat with her. Biggs landed beyond them safely and rushed to complete his date with history.

As the two Rangers were now forced to face Shalla, Biggs had a clear shot at the Chancellor and moved on it. There was nothing they could do to stop Biggs without surrendering their own lives to Shalla behind them. Her attacks on them were perfectly planned to active the goal of keeping them occupied long enough for Biggs to complete his attack. It was clear her intentions by watching how she blocked their attacks and forced their attention on her. They had to face her now, which left the Chancellor open to Biggs. Biggs activated Lysire's own lightsaber as he pulled both sabers wide and apart. Biggs was setting up for his final attack while the Chancellor realized his mistake. Before Biggs had only seconds to pull off this attack, now seconds seemed like days as all sound died away. The moment was unfolding right before everyone's eyes. The Tiger was loose on his pray and eating was going to be a feast.

With the Chancellor within striking distance, Biggs moved his arms out wide as he recalled the events of the past ten hours. When he and Shalla first landed on Coruscant, they had to get close to the Chancellor. Shalla despite being a recognized Priestess of Thor, she was also a member of the ultra secret Azgardian, Order of the Long Daggers. She was able to put Biggs in contact with a cat like creature that knew enough contacts on Coruscant to make this moment possible. Biggs had to face his past to make this moment possible. Facing her was one of the hardest things he had ever done. To learn about the son he never knew existed, was simply painful. However, he knew it was the right thing to do. He stood there and listened to what she had to say. He accepted what he had done and even offered his apology for what had happened. So much of his past he had simply wasted. Having tied up that loss end was both emotionally liberating as well as cleansing for his soul. He remembered the remarks of the cat like creature after Biggs explained the plan.

“I like it!” it said coldly, “If you succeed, the Chancellor is removed from power and you get sentenced to death. If you fail, nothing changes and you still die. Whats not to love about this plan.” The hate for Biggs was clear, but even among enemies, allies will band together to face a larger evil.

Biggs knew that facing his past was going to be much harder than he ever dreamed possible. But even before that, he had to escape Carissa and Visst. He knew that Visst would stop him once he found out what was going to happen. He needed someone close to Visst to aid in the escape. He talked with Talon and simply asked for her assistance. He was surprised how easily she went along with her part of the plan. When asked she replied with, “I think its something that even Visst would do if he had such visions.” He needed help to achieve this. But he had to make this moment possible and for that he would endure anything. Shalla and Biggs had been building a close relationship since Biggs was 'captured' by Visst and held aboard Carissa. Even with that relationship, it took allot of convincing to get her to go along with this fool's hearty mission. Biggs had explained in detail about his visions of what was unfolding and how it effected everyone in the Republic. It was clearly a suicide mission, but once she was able to realize what was at stake, she finally agreed.

All of them had agreed to help Biggs reach this single moment in his life. And now, fate had given him a chance to make the Galaxy a much better place. He embraced what was to come afterwards and focused on the moment. With a mighty scream of determination, Biggs yelled out, “You will not burn the Galaxy!” As he brought both of his lightsabers forward and across his body. With all the force and might given to him, Biggs brought the lightsabers together across the Chancellor's midsection.

This moment in time didn't only belong to the Chancellor and Biggs. It also belong to the forth runner up. Ranger Saper had always been the Chancellor's go to man for anything he needed. When the Chancellor had dirty laundry that needed taken care of, he didn't call on Biggs or Daz. He called on Ranger Saper. And for his loyalty, he was passed over not once, not twice, but three times for the lead role of the Rangers. When the Chancellor knew he couldn't get Biggs, he leveled his sight on Lysire. But Biggs ensured that the opportunity never presented its self for her to be drawn in to the Rangers. Then there was Jedi Daz. But Daz was protected by Master Visst. Master Visst had painstakingly ensured that Daz would never have a career with the Rangers. With those three out of the running for the position, the Star finally fell on to Saper. Saper loved the idea that the Chancellor trusted him with such an important role in the future Republic. Now Biggs was about to undo all that they had worked so hard for. Saper rushed forward up the stairs and drew up on the Force with all his might. He reached out and could feel the Chancellor's body in his grip. He pulled back and the Chancellor flew backwards from the attack.

The crowd let out a loud scream of panic as they saw the blades cross across the Chancellor's body. They could hear the sound of flesh burning. They watched helpless as the attack happened and as the Rangers rushed to save their Chancellor. They could see the Chancellor fly backwards as the attack was taking place. It was unclear of if the attack had landed or not. What was clear was that Saper had caught the Chancellor and passed him over to another Ranger. Saper activated his own lightsaber as he closed on Biggs. Now the balcony was filled with Rangers and the moment was lost. Saper had been waiting for this moment for the past five years. He knew that he was better then Prince Saar and now was a chance to prove it once and for all. He smiled as his other Rangers activated their lightsabers. The Chancellor was rushed off the balcony to the waiting medics. Saper nodded, “Time to die traitor!”

Biggs looked at Shalla who had subdued her two Rangers and shook his head. They did what they set out to do. He deactivated his lightsabers and tossed them off the balcony. Shalla rose and did the same with her weapons. It was part of the plan to never shed more blood than need be. The cat like creature would be waiting to receive the weapons. Saper was shocked, “NO!” he said half forgetting his place. He wanted Biggs dead, but now he couldn't just kill him before all of the media. Once he realized what was going on, he acted more like what the public expected of him. “Seize them both.” he commanded as he stepped forward and in to Biggs' face and whispered, “Don't think this is over.” The Rangers encircled the two assassins and started to place them in to custody.

Biggs just shook his head, “it was over when you dawned that Star. Saper, look at what you have become. Turn back before its too late for you.”

Saper didn't reply as he turned his back and walked away. “Take them away” he commanded as he followed the same path the Chancellor took. Just like that, a moment in history started and ended. What happened before all those witnesses was the seeds of what would ultimately be known as the first steps towards the down fall of the Republic. No one could be able to foresee what events has been triggered by this moment. Or how far these events will go to reshape the Galaxy as everyone knows it. One thing if for sure, in this moment, Biggs Saar had proven his loyalty to the light. History will not forget what he did on that balcony.


**************************************************************

The calm before the Storm
Azgardian Dreadnought Karissa
Bespin Space, Outer Rim

Visst set silently in the large briefing room alone lost in his own thoughts. With the lights dimmed as they were, it was hard even for him to make out Talon's form on the far side of the room. He knew she was there, he knew that she would always be there for him. He smiled as he thought about her. Clone or separate life form it didn't matter. The talks he managed to have with her reflected that this woman was without a doubt Fiolla Heartman. He had asked her one day why she held on to that identity. Her answer didn't surprise him, but did help him understand her better. She replied with, “it is all I know. It is who I am. How would you answer if someone asked you to stop being Visst?” At this point the idea of no longer being Visst seemed somewhat comforting. As the clock moves closer to 'H' hour, he could feel the heavy weight of Destiny's hand on his shoulder. He turned his chair as he leaned back and closed his eyes. He took a heavy breath and held it as he cleared his mind. He needed to clear his mind before the coming battle. He knew that this battle would be his last great act and wanted to be ready for it.

It wasn't the fact that he accepted that fate but he understood that the likelihood of it would be very high. For the past few weeks since they left Azgard, he had been plagued by horrific dreams and visions of his death. More than just his own death, the deaths of millions in the coming battle. Visst recalled one of the Admiral noting that, “Never before had the Galaxy ever seen such a fleet formed to oppose one enemy. Surely we can not fail with such numbers.” The Admiral was right, they had managed to summon more than half of a million ships to the Alliance. With over half of them being capital warships, defeat seemed so unlikely. Still the battle wouldn't be like anything the Admirals and Generals were planning on. There was still what the Alliance Leaders didn't understand about the Chaos ships. Visst felt that the enemy's number would far exceed what they had estimated. He thought of revealing this information to the Alliance Leaders. However he felt that the alliance was far too weak within some groups. This kind of information would only serve to fracture the fleet he and Warlord Ton had worked so hard to build. He also knew that the information would come out before the battle. He didn't want to add more issues that threatened the Alliance.

Distrust among former enemies as well as political tensions were but a few issues that threaten the alliance already. However the most recent one nearly destroyed the Alliance all together. That was the attempted assassination of the Chancellor at the hands of Prince Saar and Priestess Shalla Heartman. Visst watched in horror at the vids of the assassination plot while it unfolded. As he watched the assassination take place, Visst felt a sense of disgust come over him. However, it was something that the young prince said during it which drew Visst's attention. It was Biggs' words about the burning of the galaxy. The look in the Prince's eyes told Visst that there was something deeper at work behind this action. The Prince's next action proved what Visst had suspected. Once the attempt was over, the pair of assassins surrendered without further harm or action. Unlike what the media was casting the pair like, they were hardly mad with greed and nor power hungry. This was not a coup as the mass medias have been portraying this as. No, Visst felt that there was something else that drove Biggs to that point. He had seen Biggs in combat before in the Market place. Visst has seen the hate in Biggs' eyes before. This was different. There was no hate or anger.

Visst recalled a vision that Daz had told him about sometime ago. The vision was during what Visst called 'Daz's darker times' and seemed at the time to reflect Daz's actions. Now Visst was starting to second guess that assumption. Daz detailed the vision for Visst. Within the vision, Daz saw flames burning throughout the galaxy for as far as the eyes could see. Entire worlds caught up in the flames and burned till there were nothing left of them. Daz also talked about how he saw Jedi moving in to the Outer Rim. Visst thought a bit about that statement and why Jedi would move in to the Outer Rim. Were they rushing to join the Sith, or were they fleeing the Core Worlds. Daz also talked about a set of eyes watching over the Galaxy as it burned. Daz said he knew the eyes but couldn't identify them. Visst pondered the thought of those eyes as well as if Biggs too had had the same vision. 'What drove you, Biggs.' Visst thought as he turned his chair and looked out in to deep space. They were one jump from entering the Hothie System. 'Why couldn't you speak to me about it, Biggs? What did you fear about the Chancellor that drove you to this act?' These were but a few questions that Visst allowed occupy his mind.

Other thoughts that occupied his mind were on his friend, Daz and his all too fast of a trail. The Sages on Dorin had ensured that Daz was found guilty. A political statement against the Order and the Corruption they saw within the Republic. For this Visst was sure. They had sentenced Daz to be executed for his crimes. The statement from the sages was loud and clear for all to understand. In one swoop, they ensured that the Jedi would no longer have any hold over Dorin or Kel Dor. Daz was going to be the end of the relationship between Dorin and the Order. Visst shook his head at the thought of what was taking place on Dorin. Holding Daz as a sacrificial lamb to send a political statement was unworthy of the history of the sages. He had sent a personal message to the Sages pleading for mercy in Daz's case. They had agreed not to execute Daz but refused to address Visst's second request. Visst had wanted Daz to be part of this battle. He needed Daz, he wanted his friend back. Still, Dorin was silent of this critical issue. They had delivered an answer one way or the other to every one of his request, but this one. Visst looked down, 'there might still be hope' he thought hoping to see his friend one last time before the end. He had been trying to get a answer one way or the other for days only to not get anywhere. He was disappointing to say the least. It also was noticed by many of the other Commanders that the only Kel Dor ships were under the command of the Jedi fleet. Dorin had refused to send any of their own private navy to aid in the coming battle. Once more corruption and self interests won over the greater good. 'Such dark times for the Republic and beyond' Visst thought as he leaned forward on his chair to look at the warship next to Ka-riss-ah.

He had read in detail about the Republic of his own universe as well as the Order. Both too suffered from corruption and inaction when the Galaxy was in great need. Yet, nothing like what he has seen on the scale here in this universe. Here each world had been aloud to maintain their own militaries and disputes within the senate were settled by bribes or blackmail or a measure of both. He had been watching the vids of the Chancellor's speech before the assassination attempt took place. He could see all too clearly that the hate was being fueled. However that was only the tip of the problem. Hearing what senator Nabrina was facing actually horrified Visst. Even before she was arrested, the Republic was imploding from deep within. Visst actually considered if it was time for the Jedi to act. He though of leading the Jedi to take charge of the Republic. He knew he could gain the support of Warlord Ton. 'No' he thought as he closed his eyes while leaning back. He knew that the Jedi had no place in such dealings. They had to serve the Republic, for better or worse. However there were things he could do. Cards still left to be played. Visst opened his eyes and smiled, 'the Republic is not done yet. I still have time to save it.'

The sound of a door opening broke Visst's concentration. Visst turned to look at the door and saw Warlord Ton walking in alone. Beyond the open door, he saw his two guards standing in the hall. The look on the seasoned Azgardian leader was as always grim and determined. "Reports are back from our scouts, Master Visst." He said walking up to where Visst was sitting.

It was what Visst had expected. Nothing of what the Warlord was about to reveal would be a surprise. "Yes Warlord, what did they find" Visst said flatly as he turned in his chair to become face to face with the Warlord.

"I sent ten of our fastest scouts to Hothie and none survived this mission. Each entered the system from different angle to ensure that we got something back. On the sixth planet is a terrestrial world with vasts oceans and a population on the northern continent. The star has changed from our records. No longer the healthy vibrant star of our records. The star has somehow started to die. This is consistent with Chaos actions. The sixth world is already seemingly starting to freeze over. We found your structure on the seventh planet. Some kind of large solid structure that our sensors can not penetrate. However, the bad news is, the enemy's numbers has grown. From what we could tell, they number in the tens of thousands in not higher than that. The ratios is much lower then what we had expected. We need at least ten to one odds in favor of our capital ships judging by what your reports have shown. If we don't have those odds, we will loss this battle.”

Visst listened carefully then asked, “What are our odds at now?”

Warlord Ton took a seat next to Visst, “IF we over estimated the enemies true numbers, eight to one, but not much higher than that.”

Visst nodded, “Warlord, I must ask you to trust me. We will do fine.” Visst knew that there was still one last fleet to take their place on the battlefield. That fleet was the warships of the Crusade. He didn't trust the Puppet Master, but he knew that they would show up for this battle. He was not sure if it was the force that drove that or just his higher understanding of the human mind that gave him this feeling. “Please Warlord, all will be fine.”

Warlord Ton nodded, “Warlord Raynar trusted you, and so shall I. The battle shall begin tomorrow morning just as we had planned it.” On that note, Ton rose up from his chair and walked out sharply. The fleet was about to go to war and there was sill much to be down.


***********************************************************

Prelude: To All or Nothing
Bridge, Thor's Chariot
Bespin Space, Outer Rim

T-4 Hours, 10 Minutes.......

Warlord Ton walked along the center path of the large bridge. Thor's Chariot was one of the most advanced warships to walk the stars. It was classed as a Azgardian Dreadnought Class Carrier due to its unique capabilities. It boasted over two thousand fighters of mixed classes. Nearly double the number of any other ship close to its class. Its main weapon was specially designed to punch through any planetary shield in a matter of minutes. With a massive number of anti-ship and anti-fighter weapons laid out across the haul, by its self is a tide turning weapon system. In terms of protection, the ship is one of few warships that does not rely completely on shields for protection. Its armor is nearly five feet think in most locations. Other areas, it can be as much as twice as thick. With a set of shield generators that could put many smaller worlds to shame, protecting this massive warship was well considered. There was not a ship in the entire Galaxy that dared stand toe to toe with such an Azgardian Dreadnought Class Carrier.

When the Warlord of Azgard wanted to send a political message to its neighbors. All he needs do is park one of the three of these massive ships within system. Five times in Azgard history had close neighbors threaten local stability due to unrest. The Warlord of Azgard, deployed one of these ships and their supporting warships in to the system where the instability was an issue. Within days of arrival, the unrest vanished and local sector stability was restored. While these ships cast their shadows down on the worlds below, it was what was carried within its hauls of these massive ships is what caused many worlds to cave. Each of these Dreadnought Class Carriers carried within it five fully mechanized Azgardian Divisions. The entire support fleet could add another five divisions to those numbers. This allowed the Fleet to deploy over two hundred thousand Azgardian Warriors within a matter of hours. It was no question why having on of these Dreadnought Fleets arrive in system forced cooler heads to prevail. Since they were first launched nearly a hundred years ago, not one of these massive warships saw combat. That was till the Jedi Civil War.

It was during the Jedi Civil War where these massive Dreadnought Fleets showed what devastation they could unleash. Baklid VI was a prime example of these ships capabilities. Under the command of Warlord Raynar and his elite Black Dragons, the Thor's Chariot preformed a near prefect sweeping action that pushed the supply and support lines nearly a sector away while smashing the Rebel Forces on the world of Baklid VI. The entire operation spanned four systems within the sector and within a week apart. And while many can state that the measure of success had more to do with the elite Black Dragons rather then the capabilities of such a large ship. The Azgardian Dreadnought Class Carrier, Odin's Pride, operated by the Warrior House Heartman was able to match the success of the Black Dragons under similar ranges of battlefields. Fárbauti Strike, the last ship in this line operated by the Warrior House of Fury, managed to out shine both of her sister ships during the Jedi Civil War. Regardless of these debates, all agree that these massive warships have made their mark on history. And with luck they will make that mark again.

Warlord Ton finished his slow walk around the bridge, ending back at the command chair. He frowned as he took the seat once more. So many other Warlords before him had set here and lead Azgard to great victories. Despite this massive ship and all its wonders, he doubted that they could win against the Chaos. The math simply was not there. He ran the numbers over and over again. His best strategists had double checked every detail that he had laid out for this operation. They each agreed what ratio was needed for victory. The scouts had reported back with an estimate of the enemy's numbers. It was much higher than they had expected. He had under the advisement of Visst and against all his Walords and Admirals pleadings, sent all of their ground forces back to Azgard. Originally, they had planned boarding actions during the battle. However, the Grand Master had advised that such action would be foolish. He had given up on what strategy, he was able to bolster another. Without the huge numbers of landing craft, he was able to bring aboard a much larger number of fighters with him. The fate of the Galaxy now rested within their ability to defeat the Chaos.

Warlord Ton looked over the sensor information of the space about Thor's Chariot. Never before had so many ships ever been assembled in one area. Nearly seven hundred thousand warships from factions across the entire galaxy had come to join the fight. With well over two million fighters and support craft, this single battle would become one of the most epic battles ever to be fought in history. As a House Warlord, Ton had lead the Warriors of House Fury in to many grand battles. They had fought and died for him because he ordered to be so. However, now he lead Warriors from across the Galaxy in a battle he himself didn't have faith in. He took a deep breath as he leaned back in his chair. Closing his eyes, he remembered his late friend, Warlord Raynar. He slowly let out his breath as he lifted up his battle axe by the neck of the weapon. Once his air left his lungs he slammed the handle of the massive weapon on the deck of the bridge sending a loud echoing thud across the large bridge. “Right!” he commanded in his native language, “Communications, One M C, to fleet” He commanded.

Slowly standing up he looked at his communication's officer who nodded back to him. Warlord Ton switch his language to basic, “Brothers, Sisters from far and wide. In less than ten minutes we will be entering hyperspace and history. Many thousands of years from now, others will look back at this moment. They will see how we faced our truest test of all times. That is, if we don't fail our future. Many of you have seen the reports of what we are about to face. It is important that every last one of you understands what kind of enemy we are about to engage. The Chaos has not here to conquer us. They have not come here for peace. They have come to this galaxy to eradicate us. They feed on the very stars that give us all life. When they move through a system, all life in that system dies including its very star. They have already as far as we know destroyed all life in at least one galaxy.”

“Because of this, there can be no peace, there can be no surrender, there can be no retreat. Failure by us here today means the death of our own galaxy. This coming battle shall be a battle of annihilation. Not one of them can be allowed to survive this battle. Task Force Commanders have been assigned our most powerful gravity well ships. Once in system, the approaches and escapes will be sealed. Like I said, we can not allow even one of them to survive this battle. Before this month, many of you have fought among yourselves for a verity of reasons. Today does not mark a surrender or victory within those battle. Today each of you have come together to battle and save the galaxy as a whole. The warship next to your might have been an enemy. Tomorrow it might be again. However today, they fight along side of you to defend your home as much as their own. Today, we all fight together to protect our homes, family, worlds. Today we fight to protect Our galaxy! We can not, we must not fail. Task Force Commander have your orders. This is Warlord Ton, We shall be victorious! All fighters, all commands, the order is given. In to the battle!”

Within moments, one of the largest fleets ever assembled vanished from Bespin space. History was in the making.