Beyond - Legends Dark Currents: AU, OC's, 400 ABY Now at Chapter 28 - COMPLETED

Title: Dark Currents
Author: Darth_Furio
Timeframe: 380 ABY to 400 ABY
Characters: All OC’s with mention of Saga and EU characters
Genre: Alternate Universe. Jedi vs. Sith

Hi everyone. This is my second attempt at Fan Fiction and I just wanted to tell a bunch of different stories but they all seemed good together and this was the result. The landscape is much different in the galaxy and Force users are under incredible scrutiny and pressure. I have much more but I figured I'd put chapter one up and see how it goes. Thanks for the views, and comment if you'd like.

Dramatis Personae

Marcus Dal Colle / Darth Nephros - Human Male - Dark Lord of the Sith

Vikka Gratua - Human Female - Jedi Knight

Trip Vrand - Human Male - Jedi Knight

Joy Trenor - Human Female - Jedi Grand Master

Cyrax - Human Male - Dark Lord of the Sith

Darius Baron - Human Male - Jedi Master

Lorn Nyeb - Human Male - Dark Jedi

Taric Raywood - Human Male - Admiral, Imperial Navy

Brun Sarro - Human Male - Jedi Master

Darth Erebus - Human Female - Sith Academy Leader

Keytar - Wookiee Male - Jedi Knight

Fleet Admiral Dalporte - Human Male - Imperial Military Commander

Foreword

When the darkness takes a person it rarely gives him back to the light, when the Force is involved the seduction that comes with the darkness is even greater to resist. Yet in all darkness any small amount of light can shine through…

Star Wars: Dark Currents Part One: Origins

Chapter One: Space above Mandalore 380 ABY

Veteran Jedi Master Lorn Nyeb scanned the cockpit watching as his former Bothan Padawan now turned Jedi Knight Vonar Ktrame listened to a distress beacon that was coming from a tiny village several thousands of kilometres south of Keldabe, the Mandalorian capital. The continuing raider strikes for food including uncontaminated water supplies against the peoples had reached a fever pitch since the outbreak of a virus the Emperor had imposed against the Mandalorians for their part in yet another coup attempt on his rule. The beacon was a distress signal from a virtual intelligence so there was no real person speaking, which made the distress call unreliable at best. Regardless of what he thought, as a Jedi Master, Nyeb had an obligation to investigate what was happening planet side.

There was no real government on Mandalore since the Emperor, along with unleashing a virus there, executed the last Mandalore. The Mandalore’s plan was to try to seize power on Coruscant by assassinating the Emperor during a supposed summit on arms dealing. The plan was thwarted by the Emperor’s personal guards who received intelligence from a Coruscanti Security Force agent. The guards killed the Mandalore’s entourage but spared the leader for a public execution. No government meant that there would not be any security or police presence to protect the remaining populace that survived the initial outbreak of the virus. Most of the planet was now barren and dry. Small population pockets were left and those places were targeted by the raiders that took their food and water by force. The raiders were met by some resistance within the villages but they were too few good beings to repel the raiders.

Lorn Nyeb and Vonar Ktrame were deployed on orders from the Jedi Council to update them on the status of the planet but were not to interfere with what was going on there. As peacekeepers this made little sense to the Jedi Council but the Emperor was adamant that the Jedi were not to meddle in Imperial matters where punishments were levied. The peace between the Jedi Council and the Imperial Senate was fragile at best, since the fall of Darth Krayt’s Empire. The subsequent years were not kind to Force users as they were rounded up, especially those that practiced with the Dark Side of the Force, and were killed immediately. The remaining few Jedi led by Master K’Kruhk were seen as useful servants to the new Empress Marasiah Fel who retained her Imperial Knights to protect her and her family.

Decades later Marasiah Fel relinquished her rule and left a power vacuum that was later filled by a string of new emperors. One of those emperors after wrote and campaigned on the Jedi-Imperial Act. It was agreed upon with the Imperial Senate and the Jedi as it was seen beneficial to the entire galaxy. Force users were few but any that wanted to follow the path of the Light Side were accepted into the Jedi Order to be trained as Jedi Knights following the traditional ways of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi from centuries before. If a Force user did not want to follow the Jedi path then they, by law were not to practice in the ways of the Force at all. If the Force sensitive being did use their abilities they would be investigated, arrested, possibly executed under the Jedi-Imperial Act if their actions were deemed to be ‘dark.’ The Jedi only agreed to this because the long reaching eyes of the Imperial’s network of spies kept a close watch on those that wished to use the Dark Side of the Force. If anyone was caught using the Dark Side they were executed immediately after being caught with the assistance of the Jedi.

There had not been a Dark Lord of the Sith in centuries, as the final death of Darth Krayt seemed to be the end of the lineage. The many Dark Side users that followed him were executed as soon as they were found. The Jedi were legislated to help in the search. The irony was not lost on them as they were helping destroy a part of their own culture even though it was actually evil. This kept the peace with the Jedi Council and the Imperial government for almost two centuries, as the relationship seemed mutually beneficial. The galaxy had suffered through so many wars because of the Jedi versus Sith conflicts; all non Force sensitive beings had finally had enough of it. The Emperor line was maintained on platforms where they promised that they would bring the Force users in check and under the control of the Empire. They appeased all those that were for and against Force users when the Jedi were kept attached to the Imperial Senate with the Jedi Imperial Act. More importantly though, was outlawing the use of the Dark Side of the Force totally.

Even though Nyeb knew his duty he was never one to follow the rules nor did he have to either. During his training he showed that he was a tremendously capable Force user with a streak of aggression that many Masters saw as an issue. He was also considered a great manipulator of being’s emotions. Nyeb’s former Padawan, Vonar Ktrame had such an attachment to his master that it bordered on obsession in the opinion of many Jedi at their enclave on Dantooine. Vonar had become uncomfortably dependent on Nyeb, but it seemed that is the way that the master had wanted it. It was preferred that a Padawan never questioned their master during training but most young Padawans sometimes had a question or two about their master’s orders. It seemed that there was an element of fear in the Padawan that Nyeb had instilled. Vonar was a model Jedi Knight but his road to it seemed filled with questions.

It was this commanding presence and aggressive streak that the current Emperor took notice of. It led him to take Nyeb aside to ask him to be his personal operative in secret. In essence the Emperor had made Nyeb an Imperial Knight like those of Roan Fel. These operations were everything from assassinations, political rigging, to secret negotiations on other worlds. Mysteriously the Jedi Council never knew what Nyeb was doing for the Emperor so Nyeb would take full advantage of that. Nyeb positioned himself into the Jedi enclave on Dantooine where he could still do what the Council needed him to do but be available to the Emperor whenever he had a mission for him. When it was possible, Nyeb would double up missions from the Jedi Council with assignments that the Emperor had given him. Vonar as his faithful apprentice would accompany Lorn on many of those missions. The Bothan never betrayed the hold that his Master had on him to the Council, nor did he know who gave Nyeb his marching orders.

The Jedi themselves had become splintered throughout the galaxy. There were now two main Jedi Enclaves in various parts of the galaxy. The main temple was on Coruscant and the other was the main training facility on Dantooine where Nyeb was stationed. The two temples had various different functions but all trained Jedi Knights. The mantle of Grand Master fell to a woman after the death of the previous Grand Master who was a Barabel male He died at a ripe old age with a tenure that had little conflict and peace. The new Grand Master was a capable politician as well as the most powerful Force user in the Order. With a respectful, yet strained relationship with the Emperor, she continued to guide the Jedi through political witch hunts carried out by senators trying to make their name; yet she continued the legacy of peace in the galaxy. Her dealings even kept the Dark Side in check as she agreed with the punishment for those that used it. Grand Master Joy Tenor was everything to the Jedi, a strong leader, powerful Force user, with a massive heart.

Vonar Ktrame looked over at his former master asking, “Master, the hails from the planet are inconclusive at best. It might be a trick by the raiders.”

Nyeb looked at the Bothan then spoke softly. “Vonar, the Council has instructed us not to interfere, but the Force should be your guide as to what your course of action should be.” Nyeb paused, took a deep breath, as he reached out with the Force trying to get a sense of what was happening. He was surprised to feel a strong presence in the Force screaming out for help, the presence was powerful but raw, untrained. Nyeb started to contemplate a plan saying in a commanding tone “Vonar set course for the planet, keep descending to where I tell you.”

“Yes Master,” replied the Bothan.
“There is something that must be investigated.” Nyeb said contemplatively.

The landing zone that Nyeb had chosen was outside a village that was ablaze in the distance. The two Jedi descended the landing ramp with the hoods on their robes covering their heads. As they approached the village the heat from the flames rushed onto their faces showing them that the beacon distress call was legitimate. Nyeb surveyed the damage but it was not the mutilated bodies that he was looking at, or the dead children, it was the presence he felt from space he was looking for. Only a few of the make shift shelters from the village were not consumed by flames, it was those dwellings that Nyeb was looking into. The presence was growing closer and finally he had found it. He sent Vonar away into the other direction to look for survivors while he approached the hut with the Force signature.

A little girl was knelling between the bodies of a man and a woman who had multiple blade wounds from sword like weapon slashes on their bodies. The child had blood on her face, tears in her eyes, with a frown that screamed of great sadness. Nyeb looked at the girl with his cold hazel eyes sweeping the room to see another man dead in tribal dress on the floor with what seemed to be a broken neck. There was a blood splatter on the wall behind the dead raider which indicated that the man had been slammed into the wall. Nyeb guessed that the Force sensitive child in her panic of seeing her parents murdered before her eyes used an uncontrolled blast of the Force to protect herself from the unsuspecting raider crushed into the wall.

The child was obviously powerful as Nyeb immediately formed a plan that involved the child’s future. She would be his sword, she would bend to his will, and he would dominate her in mind, body, and spirit. Her untapped Force potential would be his to harness anyway he pleased. Nyeb decided he would take her on as an apprentice, his Padawan learner. Of course there was one loose end to attend to as Nyeb never left anything to chance. “Vonar,” he called out. Knight Ktrame entered the room from looking for other survivors and he immediately looked at the child, then to his Master. Before he could say anything the snap hiss sound of a lightsabre filled the room along with a violet light. Knight Ktrame looked down at his chest seeing that the blade was lodged into it. He looked back up at his former master with desperation in his eyes as he felt death beginning to take him.

Lorn Nyeb looked at the little girl who had cowered into a corner after seeing that he murdered Knight Ktrame in cold blood for no particular reason. Nyeb picked up Ktrame’s body moving it out with the Force as he followed it. Nyeb quickly dumped the body into the flames of a burning hut watching the burning body for a moment then turning back into the hut. He extended a hand towards the girl saying, “I did that for you child, and you will come with me now to be my right hand.” The girl looked up at him seemingly having stopped crying but was still wary of the strange man. She looked at her parent’s bodies moving towards them then falling on her knees to hold their hands. She started to cry again but would not look up at Nyeb. He knew such weakness would need to be purged from the girl in order for her to become his protégé. Nyeb thought that the girl would need to use this tragedy to strengthen her resolve as to become a powerful Force user, but above all his apprentice.

In a desperate attempt to awaken them she pushed on her mother’s shoulders, hit her father’s chest but they did not respond to her pleads in Mando’a. Nyeb tried to speak to her again, “Do you know what a Jedi is? Jeti?” He said with the Mandalorian word for Jedi while pointing to himself hoping to get a response from her. The girl nodded watching as Nyeb pointed to himself saying “Jeti.” Nyeb pointed at her saying “Jeti” again. After a few seconds she finally nodded back at him so Nyeb extended his hand so she could take it. The girl looked at his hand with what Nyeb sensed as scepticism so he tried giving her a warmer look along with positive feelings in the Force so she would trust him. Nyeb started to lead her outside but she stopped short of the door looking back at the bodies of her parents. She shed more tears but finally responded to Nyeb’s tug on her arm to follow him out.

As they both left the hut they walked past the burning remains of Vonar Ktrame’s body, the burning huts, and the fallen bodies all around them. Nyeb led her up the loading ramp of his freighter leading the girl to a seat in the cockpit of the ship; he went to get her food rations offering them to her to see if she would eat something. She ate them quickly all the while looking up at him. They spent the next few hours trying the understand each other, building a verbal code of sorts that combined galactic basic with words from Mando’a. By the time their trip in hyperspace had ended, their journey to the Jedi enclave on Dantooine had concluded as well. The girl had not revealed any sort of name so Nyeb did not give her one while they were on their trip back; instead he only called her Vikka which meant “black” in Mando’a.

As soon as they descended the ramp Nyeb was confronted by Jedi Master Bail Exas. Bail looked over Nyeb and Vikka asking the most obvious question first. “Master Lorn where is Knight Ktrame?” Master Exas was the exact opposite of Lorn in that Master Exas was a very honourable, valiant Jedi throughout his career. Master Exas had trained numerous Padawans on Dantooine, even producing some Jedi Masters that made the two Jedi Councils. He was the head of the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine and a mentor to the Jedi Knights and Padawan alike. Master Exas’ one criticism is that he cared too much about all the Jedi under him which might blind him towards what was going on around him. The greatest example of this was Lorn Nyeb; he was one of the few beings in the galaxy that could fool Master Exas.

“Master Exas,” Nyeb said with as much false sorrow as he could. “Vonar and I were ambushed by raiders on the planet. This young one’s Force signature was so great that it called out to me. I had to investigate.” Nyeb put his head down as if he felt shame, then looking back up at Master Exas. “When we landed we entered the burning village, then the raiders emerged in numbers attacking us. We both fought to exhaustion until another wave attacked us, it was that group that killed Knight Ktrame. I am so sorry I could not do anymore for him.”

Master Exas studied Lorn Nyeb but did not betray what he was thinking to Nyeb or the girl, who would be the subject of his next queries soon. “Master Nyeb, I am sorry for the loss of your former Padawan. Did you bring back Knight Ktrame’s remains for a proper burial?” Master Exas asked the question more to see Nyeb’s reaction to it. Nyeb’s demeanour did not change or suggest that anything about what he told Master Exas was improper or false.

“Master Exas, when Vonar fell, the raiders left the body in ruined huts that were engulfed in flames.” Nyeb looked down again faking shame, “I am sorry.”

The Jedi Head Master looked at Nyeb then rubbed his chin resigning himself to the fact that this was the only explanation he was going to get about Knight Ktrame. He now turned his attention to the young girl that had accompanied Nyeb back. Master Exas could feel that the Force was strong with the young girl once he reached out trying to study her. He sensed a great sadness, a need of belonging in the young one’s aura. Through the Force Master Exas could not sense any fear which was odd considering her age. Master Exas could see that she had the potential to be a powerful Jedi. He now turned to Nyeb asking him, “Master Lorn could you please introduce me to this young one?”

Nyeb quickly stepped behind the young girl squeezing her shoulders enough that the girl gave out a small but unnoticeable whimper. “Of course Master Exas,” Nyeb replied. “She has refused to give me her name but she still communicates a little, I have been calling her Vikka.”

The older Jedi Master looked at both of them from head to toe for some reason was slightly bothered by the name. “You have named her after the Mandalorian word for black? Master Lorn, was there any reason for this? I’m sure you could have thought of something a little more appropriate.”

Lorn Nyeb did not let the fact that he was annoyed stay hidden in the Force but he did reply with calm in his voice. “Well Master, I felt that the name was appropriate because when I found her she was kneeling in between the bodies of her parents. When I entered she had an angry expression on her face nor did she speak to me. The expression was also grim enough that I felt almost a faithless presence.” Nyeb lied, “That was why I felt the name was appropriate.”

Head Master Exas could not argue with the logic in Lorn Nyeb’s account of the events on Mandalore because that was the only account he had to go on. Master Exas looked at both of them again preparing to accept Nyeb’s new arrival, but not before she was tested by the training council there at the enclave. “Very well Master Lorn, she will be tested to see what we have here.”

Vikka stood in the middle of a small circular room looking around at the four beings surrounding her. She recognized Master Exas from before but now there was a large male Twi’lek, a Zeltron female, and an Iktotchi male. They all examined her closely with eyes that started to bother Vikka. Finally Master Exas spoke asking her in Mandalorian if she was comfortable. Vikka looked around the room for Lorn Nyeb who was not there so she began to realize that he would not be there to help her during this. She nodded her head in acknowledgment to answer the question. Vikka rubbed her arms telling the Jedi Masters that she felt a bit cold but she was comfortable with them. She asked about where Lorn was so Master Exas told her she would see him soon but not before they were done with her.

Vikka excelled at the random tests that the Jedi Masters threw at her bringing them to the conclusion that her skills were worthy of the Jedi Order. Her connection to the Force was strong enough that they could build on her skill set. Vikka’s connection to Master Lorn was a bit of a concern but the Masters felt it was a natural reaction because he had found her during the raid on her village. They considered assigning her to train with another Jedi Knight but realized that she may expand her skills even further with someone of Lorn Nyeb’s calibre. Albeit her future was concealed in the Force, they still believed that Vikka would be an asset to the Order whenever she became a fully trained Jedi Knight.

The Masters summoned Master Nyeb back into their chambers waiting for him to stand with Vikka before them. Nyeb looked at each Master directly in the eye stopping at Master Exas. He knew that Master Exas would have the final word in allowing him to take Vikka as his Padawan learner. While rising, Master Exas motioned to the rest of the masters to rise as well to give their judgement to Master Nyeb about Vikka’s training. “Master Lorn,” he started to say. “We grant you Vikka as your Padawan learner as we know that you will guide her through her apprenticeship with care. I trust both of you will learn much together about the Force and all it’s mysteries on your journey together. May the Force be with you both.”

Nyeb bowed in acceptance saying to Master Exas, “Thank you Masters, I will not fail you or Padawan Vikka in this partnership that you have blessed. May the Force be with us all. I will take Vikka to her quarters and get her properly dressed, her lessons start tomorrow.” Nyeb took Vikka by the shoulders motioning to her to follow him out of the room. When they had cleared the hallway he looked back at the doors of the council chamber and then into Vikka’s eyes and said, “Your life is mine young one, you will become an instrument of my will.”

In the following months Vikka took to her Padawan training quickly she became a prize pupil of all her teachers. Even her skills in speaking Galactic Basic vastly improved to point where she was speaking it fluently in a few short months. Vikka’s best asset was her evolution in understanding the living Force at such a young age. Vikka’s prowess in understanding life and how the Force works within it, was impressive to her masters. She had developed skills in healing with the Force, something that would only improve with practice and age. Even her rudimentary lightsabre skills were developing past most of her fellow younglings. Her Mando’a heritage showed with her incorporation of Vibro-Shivs. The small blades were taken from her initially but Master Nyeb forged new ones that he gave her to practice with but not to let her instructors know about them. Nyeb was the battlemaster of the academy so he personally sparred with Vikka for hours on end. He was impressed with her talents, speed, and quick learning ability. Vikka mastered new concepts with ease.

***

With his new Padawan in place Lorn Nyeb could concentrate on his next assignment for the Emperor. Since Vikka was too young Nyeb decided that he would not bring her along just yet. The Emperor had tasked Nyeb with locating a group of Mandalorian warriors that had escaped the planet before the Imperial military had contaminated the planet with their virus. These rogue warriors had defied the Mandalore because they believed he had erred in trying to assassinate the Emperor. Now the Emperor had called on Nyeb so he could enlist these men into his own personal guards. Having such experts in warfare at his side would make anyone that tried to assassinate him think twice. Nyeb could not be his personal bodyguard as he was committed to the Jedi Order, so this was the next best thing.

The Emperor’s Imperial Intelligence Bureau was re-made after those that served Darth Krayt were fired or in some cases executed. It was not known exactly how many operatives survived the regime change but it was understood those that had the most damning information on high level Imperial members kept their lives as well as their employment. It was these beings that laid the foundation for keeping all the Emperors abreast of everything they needed to know to keep the Empire safe and more importantly keep tabs on those that they did not trust. The former leadership had been totally wiped out after numerous Moffs were used and then disposed of when they were found to be untrustworthy. The Moff Council was disbanded long ago and so the position was rendered useless by the first Emperor after Krayt. He splintered the largest power groups to maintain the control for himself. The position of Regional Governor was remade becoming the representative of the Empire and the local leadership for the system on planet. This structure was the foundation for the Empire’s rule for almost two centuries.

Business associates of the Empire were especially watched over the decades because they were the factions that would profit the most from the Empire’s dealings, good or bad. The intelligence groups in the beginning kept a close watch on Force users until the implementation of the Jedi-Imperial Act, but since then they concentrated mostly on the business affairs of the Empire with the Jedi in line to take care of Force user related issues. The Jedi would use peaceful tactics in anyway possible to resolve any conflicts but with Nyeb, the Emperor had a personal enforcer for more delicate situations that required a harder approach. This Emperor did not tolerate defection or insubordination. Any beings that did paid with their lives publicly or secretly with Nyeb dealing the Emperor’s justice.

The Imperial Intelligence revealed that the Mandalorians had gone to Nal Hutta’s moon Nar Shaddaa to see about employment with a Hutt named Targo. He dealt in all manners of vices making millions in credits along with absolute control of the city of New Vertica. Targo had established a criminal network that had no rival throughout the galaxy, so competition was minimal on that part of the moon. Nyeb would not have a difficult time there as he had many connections in New Vertica that he could ask for information. Mandalorians were all around the moon, new comers always stood out more than usual until they acclimatized with their new surroundings.

When Nyeb arrived at a public space port he paid his docking fee without issue because he did not want to bring notice to the fact that a Jedi was there. To blend in Nyeb wore everyday clothing along with hiding his lightsabre in a pack that was strapped to his chest. He rented a speeder so he could get to New Vertica’s Dark District where his contacts resided. When Nyeb got there he was informed that the Mandalorians he was looking for had decided to test out the casino in the area first before they went to see Targo. Nyeb wasted little time in making his way to the casino. He was not certain what lay in store for him as these Mandalorians were an unknown to him. Even thought they did not support the attempt on the Emperor’s life it did not mean they would gladly join the Empire. Four commandos could probably kill a Jedi Knight if they wanted to, but Lorn Nyeb was no mere Jedi Knight.

The casino exterior was a sight to behold as it was a mass of lights. The signage was blinding if someone looked directly at it. This building could be seen for miles, probably from space Nyeb thought to himself. Upon entering Nyeb was greeted by Human and Twi’lek hostesses that spoke a variety of languages to make sure they chose his own. He paid little attention to them as he immediately started to scan the area for the Mandalorians. Nyeb had studied the dossiers extensively so he knew what these men looked like. All he could see was the throng of beings that made it difficult to make out faces in the crowds. Finally near the high stakes pazaak tables Nyeb recognized one of his commandos from a scar on his face. He was playing with a Falleen female hanging off his arm and judging by his chip stack the Mandalorian was not doing well. Nyeb made eye contact hoping to get his attention but the Mandalorian never looked up.

Nyeb got closer to the table but when he stuck out his hand to touch the Mandalorian on his shoulder he felt through the Force that danger was imminent. Nyeb turned around catching the hand of a female human as she was about to stab him in the lower back with a poisoned needle. He stared right into her eyes looking for an explanation as he squeezed her arm. Nyeb used the Force to enhance his grip but just as he felt the human’s bones start to give way. The Mandalorian that was sitting down at the pazaak table was now in his face. “Can I help you Jeti?” He said.

Nyeb quickly realized that he would be outnumbered soon but he refused to show any weakness. “Tell your bodyguard to stand down or I will crush her forearm into pieces.”

The Mandalorian looked into Nyeb’s eyes and decided that he was serious. With a quick nod of his head to the woman she relaxed her arm in acknowledgment. Nyeb let her arm go watching as she rubbed it. Three more men walked up to the group putting their hands close to their chests where Nyeb assumed they had weapons hiding. To calm the situation Nyeb raised his hands and quickly said “Let me buy you all a drink.”

The woman scoffed at the suggestion but the pazaak player held Nyeb’s stare. “Very well Jeti, lead the way.”

When the group reached the bar Nyeb started to buy a round for everyone except the female that tried to kill him. He thought better of it if he wanted to complete his mission and recruit these Mandalorians for the Emperor. When they all had their beverages Nyeb started the sales pitch. “I have a proposition for you all.” He watched them all begin to get intrigued. “The Emperor has requested your assistance; he is requesting you become his personal guard.”

“Why would the man that is poisoning our planet want Mandalorian help?” One of the warriors said.
“We didn’t want the Mandalore to try his assassination plans, but that doesn’t mean I want to protect the Emperor Jedi.” The Mandalorian leader said.
Nyeb considered his options and decided to go straight to their compensation. “A million credits Mandalorian. Each.”

The rumbling among the group went silent as they all looked at Nyeb. “What if we say no to your Emperor Jedi?”
Nyeb made a slight smile. “Then the Imperial garrison I have at my command outside this casino will make sure you never leave here.”
When the Mandalorians all looked at each other Nyeb expected them to all pull out weapons on him. Only the leader spoke. “Tell your Emperor that we will take the deal Jedi.”
Nyeb nodded and said, “He is expecting you at his Senate office. I will advise him about your decision.”

Lorn Nyeb turned around making his way to his speeder so he could get back on his ship as quickly as possible as he knew there was no Imperial garrison with him. If the Mandalorians figured that out they might very well try to shoot him in the back. Nyeb was relieved that he made the deal and flew off to the spaceport. He boarded his ship going to the cockpit and activating the comm. A holo image of the Emperor appeared with the Falleen dressed in regal dress with his sunken eyes staring at Nyeb. “What is it Master Lorn? Have you brought the Mandalorians into our ranks?”

“Yes your Grace. They will be joining you in a few standard days.” Nyeb answered with his head down.
“Very good Master Lorn, you have done well again. Expect the same payment into the appropriate accounts soon my friend.” The Emperor explained.
“Your Grace I have a new apprentice.” Nyeb said before the Emperor switched off his comm.
“Oh? Very good, who is he?” The Emperor replied with curiosity. “Can you trust him?”
“Yes your Grace, she is just a young girl. She is very powerful in the Force and I intend to bring her along on some of our missions. I wanted to notify you.”
“Consider me notified Master Lorn. Now if there is nothing else I have another engagement.”
Nyeb was a little disturbed by the dismissal of his news but decided to say nothing else. “Very well your Grace, good day.”

Nyeb closed the comm and started the take off procedures to make his way back to Dantooine.

***

Vikka would accompany Nyeb on Jedi sanctioned missions that he deemed would not be too dangerous for her over the next few years. Nyeb did not want to push Vikka too much in her younger years even though she had anticipated it because he kept on mentioning plans for her future. That future had arrived as the Emperor had given Nyeb an assignment of going to Corellia for an assassination mission that Lorn believed a fifteen year old Vikka could execute with no difficulty. The target was the president of a Corellian ship building company that did not like doing business with the Empire. The Twi’lek even informed the Empire’s Navy representative that was offering him the contract that he did not trust them. There was also the fact that the Empire low balled him on a contract offer that was agreed on in principle but then they changed it when it came time to pay. So the Twi’lek decided to not fulfil the contract telling the Imperial Navy to take him to the courts. Naturally the Emperor did not like this deciding to settle the matter with an out of court settlement.

This was where Lorn Nyeb was brought in to settle such matters for the Empire. The fact that the mission was on Corellia was convenient because Nyeb could use the excuse that he was taking Vikka to see the impressive Corellian Engineering Corporation shipyards which he would classify as a treat but there was never such a thing. Vikka was not told about the true nature of their trip until they were on their way to Corellia. Nyeb never told Vikka who gave them their orders either, he felt that the less she knew about the politics behind their missions, the better. He needed Vikka to do his bidding without question or hesitation because he knew growing up these past years among Jedi would forge a conscience within her. Some of the missions that they would need to carry out would force Vikka to make decisions that she would not otherwise make as a Jedi Knight. On these missions’ conscience had to be put aside for the good of the Empire in Nyeb’s opinion.

Nyeb put their ship into hyperspace for the short trip to Corellia from Dantooine. He came to Vikka’s bunk founding the girl examining her lightsabre which Nyeb quickly slapped the blade away but Vikka caught it with the Force and summoned it back to herself. Lorn in anger slapped the girl in face quickly saying. “If I do something you will never question it or undo it. You will always obey.” He slapped her again. “I am your Master.”

Suddenly Vikka felt her throat tighten seeing the anger in her Master’s eyes. Vikka grabbed for her throat but found nothing physically squeezing it, yet she continued struggling to breathe. Vikka knew such powers were of the Dark Side of the Force and the fact that her Master was using it on her made Vikka feel afraid. As if Lorn knew what she was thinking he released her watching as Vikka fell to the ground gasping to catch her breath. He bent over her slightly making an imposing figure above her saying, “You are never to feel pain again. You are never to feel fear again. You will always do what I command of you.”

Vikka looked up at him with disdain in her eyes as if she wanted to destroy her Master. Nyeb had a small smirk on his face as if he was proud of her. Vikka started to wonder if her Master used the Dark Side of the Force all the time, but she knew there were many examples of him using the Light Side. They would resolve conflicts with words most times rather than use violence on their other assignments of fighting pirates, raiders, and slavers. Lorn Nyeb saved countless beings during his missions for the Jedi Council so Vikka could not believe he was an instrument of the Dark Side of the Force. She had become even more confused by her master’s action

“Vikka, I see you are angry.” Nyeb started saying. “You must not use this anger to influence your powers in the Force. It is a path to the Dark Side.” Vikka looked lost now instead of angry. “I sense your confusion Padawan but what I am teaching you is beyond the Jedi, the Sith, good, and evil. The Force should bend to the user not the user to it, there should be no darkness, no light, just your mind and the Force in harmony. Do you understand?”
Vikka thought about her response before saying anything to her Master, she believed that she did understand what Nyeb said because it made sense to her. “Yes Master, I understand but…”
Nyeb quickly struck back with “No buts, only understanding Vikka! The Force is for you to control, to maintain a balance between Light and Dark. No side is stronger than the other when you can control both.” He watched as he saw understanding in Vikka’s eyes.
“Yes Master.” She answered.
“Now we must discuss your mission. You must destroy this Twi’lek.” Lorn handed her a datapad with graphics of the Twi’lek along with details of the apartment that he lived in. “He is a weapons dealer to terrorist groups and he must be stopped. This is a secret operation that only the highest levels of the Council know we are doing it.” Nyeb lied. ”There will be a storm tomorrow night which will be perfect for you to strike. You will make this look like an accident or a suicide. If he says anything to you, ignore it, they are all lies. Say nothing and go about your mission Vikka. There must be no trace that you were there. Do you understand?”

Vikka quickly nodded without hesitation to show she agreed with her Master as to not be punished again. Nyeb finally left her alone so Vikka took out her lightsabre again so she could polish the hilt while she contemplated things about her master. Knowing she could never ask him about why she had to kill this Twi’lek she guessed that the being must be a villain of some sort that needed dealing with. The Jedi protected the galaxy; Vikka never doubted that even though her Master’s ways of doing so were questionable, he had her believe that what they were doing was noble. Vikka picked up the datapad again looking over the files on the Twi’lek that detailed the apartment building he was living in. She needed to find a discreet entrance where she could get in unnoticed by anyone. Vikka considered a maintenance entrance or perhaps an air duct used for air conditioning. Not seeing anything jump out at her right away she resigned herself to the fact that an opportunity would present itself while she was there.

Lorn Nyeb landed his ship in a public docking bay with false identity codes for himself, Vikka, and the ship. The night sky was full of clouds that foretold about the impending storm on the horizon. Nyeb rented a small speeder that they used to go to CoronetCity’s financial sector where the Twi’lek’s apartment building was. They parked in a public parking pad close to the building and Nyeb promptly exited the ship putting his hood over his head. He turned to Vikka looking directly into her eyes. “Vikka, if you fail me I will request another Master for you to complete your training. This evil being must be stopped because if we fail millions, if not billions of lives will be destroyed.” Vikka was not surprised by his threats of leaving her as she felt a feeling of disrespect in the Force. She was determined to prove him wrong, gain his trust, by stopping the Twi’lek weapons dealer.

“I will not fail you Master.” Vikka replied.
“See that you don’t” Nyeb responded quickly. “You will not enjoy the consequences of failure.”

Nyeb knew that his lies would lead Vikka down the path he envisioned for her. Her abilities would make her a formidable assassin, but for now he would make her believe she was doing these deeds for the greater good of the galaxy. It was the only way to get Vikka started in the life and more importantly not to question him or his motives. Nyeb walked towards the entrance of the next building greeting two security guards that he quickly dispatched with a simple mind trick making them leave the building altogether. He found the lifts to get to the roof of the building for a perfect viewpoint to see what Vikka was going to do. This way if the situation went badly Lorn could rectify it quickly to get the outcome he desired.

Vikka put her black hood up walking in the opposite direction of her Master towards the apartment building. She went over a mental checklist of all her equipment making sure she had everything she needed. Vikka felt the weight of the lightsabre hanging off her belt ready to go at a moments notice. Vikka knew that she could not use her blade because a lightsabre strike would leave no doubt that a Force user was the likely assassin. She thought about kidnapping him and disposing of him at a different location all together but decided against it. Vikka also thought about making it look like a petty crime gone badly, most likely a theft. She decided that to make the deception look like reality she’d have to create it so that there would be no doubt that a break-in of the apartment had occurred.

Vikka entered the apartment building’s main lobby where she found the concierge who was a young Rodian male who obviously worked many evening shifts because he was distracted by a datapad with explicit images of nude Twi’lek dancers. When he finally did notice Vikka he looked down at the young girl not knowing what to make of her. The Rodian asked her, “May I help you little girl?”

Vikka did not say or do anything but look up at him with a blank stare that the Rodian was puzzled by. With a quick thought she used the Force to knock the Rodian unconscious by smashing the datapad into the back of his head. It made her feel good to hurt the Rodian as she was disgusted with his choice of entertainment.

Vikka looked for the control panel for all security recording devices behind the Rodian’s desk so she could turn them all off including their back ups. Now she would deal with the Rodian’s body which was now dead weight. She moved it with the assistance of the Force to the lifts that were only a few paces past the lobby. Vikka sent the lift to the penthouse floor of the building, when the doors slide open they revealed a small room that had a stylish table in the middle of it with a plant and a pair of very comfortable looking chairs. The setting was very lavish which was common in the financial district. There was a door on the far side of the room which Vikka believed to be the entrance to the weapons dealer’s apartment. With the Force she moved the Rodian’s body in front of the door and lightly knocked on it. To get the dealer to answer Vikka called out “Room Maintenance.”

The Twi’lek answered the door immediately seeing the Rodian’s limp body lying on his door step. He looked up to see a hooded figure standing before him with their face covered up. The Twi’lek focused his eyes on the intruder seeing it was a young girl. When he was just about to ask the girl what she was doing there Vikka struck out with the Force sending him crashing through glass furniture behind him that shattered on impact. The Twi’lek shook his head trying to focus his eyesight on Vikka so he could ask the girl why she was doing this. Before he could get the question out his body was raised off the ground again as if by an invisible hand. He was thrown up against a glass pane that over looked the CoronetCity’s skyline showing the rain that had come along with cracks of lightning.

When the Twi’lek rose to his knees he looked up past Vikka looking beyond her towards the other end of the apartment. When Vikka noticed it she looked over her shoulder seeing a little Twi’lek girl. Master Lorn said nothing of a child being in the apartment which changed the parameters of the mission completely. Thunder boomed outside just as the lightning lit the girl’s face showing streams of tears. Vikka did not know what to do deciding not to worry about the young one at that moment. Vikka walked over to the weapons dealer picking him up with the Force again looking directly into his eyes. The Twi’lek pleaded with Vikka, “Please leave my daughter alone.” Vikka without thinking twice smashed him against the pane of glass two more times. The blows rendered the man unconscious with a third hit breaking the glass. Without thinking Vikka finished the arms dealer by sending him out of the window.

The little girl cried out after her father was thrown out of the apartment, she ran towards the window becoming instantly soaked. The wind blew the rain into the apartment as the little Twi’lek girl stood on the newly made ledge. Vikka approached her from behind remembering her Master’s words about not leaving a trace of her being there. Was murdering this little Twi’lek something her Master would do? Vikka kept thinking that doing so was not the way of the Jedi, it was wrong. No, she would not kill a child in cold blood. Vikka started to walk away until she sensed a danger; she turned around seeing the Twi’lek child holding a piece of glass in her hand. Before Vikka could say anything the Twi’lek used her little arm to whip it at her with her. Vikka effortlessly stopped the glass with the Force, and then the little Twi’lek threw herself at Vikka but she was caught in mid air. Vikka held her there for a moment looking into her tear filled eyes. Vikka could feel that the little one was filled with rage yet she knew there was nothing she could do to make the child’s pain go away.

“I am sorry little one.” Vikka said. “Your father was a bad man.”
“You didn’t know him, why did you hurt him?” The Twi’lek cried out.
“I was doing what I was told.” Vikka said in a defeated tone lowering her head in shame. Some how she knew what she had done was wrong. “I am truly sorry.”

When Vikka raised her head the little Twi’lek girl was suddenly standing in front of her with a blaster pointed at her. In moments Vikka played back the whole ordeal trying to remember if the Twi’lek weapons dealer was wearing a blaster. She did not notice the little one picking it up and now Vikka had to make a hard decision. The little Twi’lek shot a round off that Vikka deflected with a quick twist of her lightsabre, the blast was bounced upward by her green blade. She couldn’t tell but after Vikka adjusted her eyes on the Twi’lek girl she noticed that the child was paralyzed in place with her eyes wide open and a tiny fume of smoke rising from her chest.

“No!” Vikka screamed out “No! What have I done!?” Vikka rushed over to the girl laying her down knocking the blaster away. “Please little one, don’t die, stay with me.” The little Twi’lek girl looked up at Vikka with a blank expression not breathing at all. Vikka started to cry burying her head into the Twi’lek girl’s chest. She had murdered two people in cold blood, one of them a child. She did not care whether it was a good thing for the galaxy, whether the weapons dealer was an evil person or not, she hated herself at that moment. Vikka felt something was terribly wrong, she felt disgusting in own skin.

Vikka heard rustling behind her; she then turned around to see the Rodian had woken up. He started to scan the scene with a look of confusion on his face while he was rubbing his head where Vikka had hit him. He stopped at Vikka with the little Twi’lek girl in her lap staring at them. His gaze stopped at the child, “Is that…is that Dora? What have you done?” The Rodian started to walk towards them but Vikka quickly struck out with a closed fist knocking the Rodian out again. As he fell Vikka saw Master Nyeb standing in the doorway with his hood up, cloaked in darkness. She could not see his face to perceive whether he was disappointed with the outcome or whether she had done enough. Vikka thought the former but with Master Nyeb, who knew what he was thinking.

Master Nyeb walked up to Vikka who was in the middle of the bodies of the deceased Twi’lek girl and the unconscious Rodian. He could not help but smile internally at the fact that this was almost the same scene as when he had found Vikka the first time in that small village on Mandalore. “Rise” he said to Vikka with no emotion in his voice as he took the Rodian with the Force and dropped him a few meters away. “Give me the blaster Vikka.” He did not say anything as Vikka took the Twi’lek’s body in her arms again holding it close to her chest. Lorn was losing patience now saying in an angry tone, “Get up and give me the blaster now.” Vikka recognized this tone as she gently placed the little one’s head onto the floor. She rose to her feet and went to get the blaster for her master.

Nyeb kneeled beside the Rodian placing his hand on his head and closed his own eyes. Vikka could see he was in deep concentration as he was most likely doing something to the Rodian’s mind. After a few minutes Nyeb opened his eyes looking right at Vikka and then down at the blaster in her hands. Lorn took it, dropped it on the floor rising to his feet again. He took out an orb looking device that at first looked like a thermal detonator. Nyeb clicked the top of it setting it in motion. They watched the device go around the room emitting a red light intermittently. Nyeb turned to Vikka saying, “It’s a device I took from a Cor Sec agent many years ago. It scans the room for our DNA and destroys it. You understand that we cannot leave any trace of our presence here.”

Vikka could not wait any longer. She had to ask Master Nyeb. “Master, the youngling surprised me. I killed her, it was an accident. I did as you said and she showed up from no where. Her existence was not in the dossier.”

“I know Vikka, but you must realize that missions like this never go as planned. You must always be able to improvise in these cases.” Master Nyeb put his hand on her shoulder. “I knew you would not kill the child in cold blood, you were only defending yourself from the blaster bolt. However the child’s death was necessary so we can never be implicated in this matter. You have to understand that Vikka before we can move forward with the rest of our assignments.”

Vikka lifted her head and met her Master’s eyes. “How did you know it was an accident with the blaster? You weren’t even there!” Then the realization hit Vikka like a slap in the face. “You deflected the bolt into the girl, I remember it went upward. You killed an innocent life.”

Master Nyeb’s face grew serious; Vikka could see he was losing patience with her. “No one is innocent! The Force is all that matters; balance in the galaxy is all that matters. People like this must be destroyed to preserve that balance. She was collateral damage, a necessary death unfortunately. This will be the last time we discuss this. Do you understand? You kill who I tell you to.” Nyeb closed the distance between him bringing his imposing figure over her. “You have done well here Vikka Gratua. Do not pursue this further. The weapon’s dealer is dead; the Rodian will remember nothing. He will be blamed for both these deaths so we have completed our mission, which matters above all else.”

Vikka processed all that Master Nyeb said, when she finally realized, “Vikka Gratua?”
“Yes Black Vengeance in Mando’a. Do you approve?” Nyeb said softly.
“Yes Master, I approve.” Vikka said with acceptance.

Thunder rumbled outside again along with the lightning that illuminated everything else. Vikka followed Master Nyeb out the window jumping out into their waiting speeder that was hovering outside. It took them back to their ship at the spaceport. Nyeb lowered the ramp heading towards the cockpit. Vikka sat in contemplation of the events that had just unfolded especially the name Master Nyeb had given her. She liked it because it was her own; she finally had something that belonged to her. No one could take that away from her now, nor would she let them. Vikka had Master Nyeb to thank for an identity, for a name that she wanted to be worthy of, to live up to. She felt that this was reason enough to trust what he had to say by not questioning everything he commanded of her, even if she felt those commands were morally wrong. He was the master, she the apprentice, the hand of vengeance.

She reflected on her Master’s words and came to the realization that he had a point. Evil had to be abolished; sometimes the consequences of defeating that evil were high prices to pay. Vikka remembered from her studies of history that innocents died in wars all the time, it was a painful truth. Vikka started to feel that she needed to grow up faster in this life that she was now in, a certain maturity was needed, and she was not a child any longer. Master Nyeb demanded a great deal from her, she not only wanted to meet the expectations of her master, she wanted to exceed them. Vikka could still see the Twi’lek youngling’s face in her mind’s eye. It killed her that the little one had to die the way she did. Master Nyeb though, made her see that it had to be done to preserve their identities. If it was known that Jedi carried out assassinations then the fragile pact between the Jedi and the Empire would crumble. The Imperial military would carry out another extermination of Force users.

When they finally arrived at the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine Master Nyeb instructed Vikka to go to her quarters. He also said that he would contact her later on with details for another assignment. Vikka went to her quarters where she took a sani-steam, changed her clothes, and fell asleep for a few hours. She did not sleep much as she kept on having visions of the Twi’lek youngling dying in front of her eyes. Vikka understood why Master Nyeb did what he did to the child but there was still something within Vikka that said that it was the wrong thing to do. Why would the beings that commissioned the mission condone such extreme actions? Was it actually the Jedi that told Master Nyeb to do these things? Vikka wondered whether her master gone insane because showing such cruelty was disturbing to her. Vikka resigned herself to the fact that Nyeb was her master and there was nothing she could do but obey him.

Vikka could not fall back asleep so she decided to tire herself in the lightsabre training room. She practiced her Ataru form four technique with training droids which she dispatched of quickly. Vikka increased the difficulty to get a good work out. The high tempo sparing felt good as she attacked harder than most times. Vikka’s aggressiveness came at a cost as she was struck on her leg courtesy of one of the droids. She calmed herself again with some deep breaths as she fought off another flurry from the two droids. Vikka destroyed them with ease afterwards when she let go of here aggression. The Force guided her movements in either case but when she felt centered, she fought at her best. Vikka was still curious as to how she would fare when she let the aggression take control, most times though she was afraid to release herself to it totally. Master Nyeb would tell her there was no shame in it because in some battles keeping calm would be difficult, if not impossible. Being on the edge of the aggression was where she needed to be according to her master. It was always about balance.

Vikka unexpectedly heard a voice from behind her. “You got great form, aggressive. Your defences need work but you can work on that.”

A young human male walked out of the corner with an extinguished lightsabre in his right hand. He was about her height, slightly taller, long hair in a pony tail, with traditional light brown Jedi robes. It was a drastic contrast from her black robes with brown trimmings. He had what Vikka considered a goofy smile on his face but she could sense he was kind person with a good heart just from his aura in the Force. She knew he was probably reaching out for her signature in the Force, she wondered how he’d find it. His sarcastic tone was welcome as she did not have too many friends within the Order. Vikka knew she could be very confrontational with most, but that was because she felt she could not learn anything from them. So Vikka could not help but be a little dry with him in return. “I suppose you think you can teach me something?”

“Well it just so happens that’s exactly what I got up at this ridiculous hour for.” The young man said dripping with sarcasm.
Vikka got into an Ataru stance while saying in her own sarcastic tone with a smirk, “Then by all means try and teach me something.”

The young man raised his simple looking hilt and ignited his lightsabre which produced a green blade. He leaped into an attack which Vikka repelled easily with a solid overhead parry. She in turn fought back with a series of quick short strikes that the young man defended easily enough. He then tried his own series of strikes that were of a mixed variety of high and low blows designed to get his opponent off balance. This did not work with Vikka as she beat them all back waiting for him to finish his sequence where she dropped executing a sweeping leg kick that tripped the young man on his backside. She quickly took the point of her blade and placed it under his chin, thus calling an end to their dual. “I think we’re done here she said with a smile.”

“I was just getting warmed up.” He replied. “Besides, I was letting you win because you got touched up by a droid. You should be ashamed of yourself. By the way what’s your name?”
“My name is Vikka Gratua.” She answered extremely pleased with herself. “Next time I might singe those little whiskers on your face when I beat you again. What are those anyway, a sorry excuse for a beard?” Vikka asked while extinguishing her lightsabre.
“Vikka Gratua? What language is that?” The losing combatant said.
“It’s Mando’a, now what’s your name sir?” Vikka asked
“Trip, Trip Vrand.” He said proudly.
“Well Trip,” Vikka said emphasising the T and R in his name. “It seems your name was appropriate tonight since I beat you with a trip.” She joked.
“Not a very Jedi like move Vikka, I could have hurt myself.” Trip said smiling as he rubbed his back side.
“You’ll find I like fighting dirty. Surprising your opponent keeps them off balance, keeping them off their feet works even better.” Vikka explained. “So what are you doing here, couldn’t sleep?”
“I never sleep at night, too much going on in my head. What about you?”
“Same. Have you been knighted?” She asked genuinely curious.
“No not yet. Master Exas thinks I need more seasoning before I take the trials.” Trip said as he put up his fingers to make quotations when he said seasoning. “Besides, didn’t you see my Padawan braid?”
“It’s covered up by that mop on your head,” Vikka said chuckling. “When are you going to cut that?”
Trip laughed himself. “Well you’re just full of compliment Vikka Gratua. You must have got excited when you cheated. You probably thought you beat a Knight.”
“I actually got worried about the calibre of Knights we have around here if you were the standard. Thankfully that’s not the case.” Vikka started to walk away. “I’m done for tonight, see you here tomorrow night?”
“Oh yeah,” Trip said instantaneously. “I’ll be here.”
“Good. See you then.” Vikka said over her shoulder.

“Definitely Vikka. Most definitely.” Trip Vrand was in love.

 

Interesting start

 

Thank You sir and to The_Zeltron for the like. New Chapter up tonight hopefully

 

Haha, sorry, I usually don't have a lot of time in the mornings. Just enough to read and like.

 

I thank you for it anyway.

 

Thank you for looking in earlybird-obi-wan and The_Zeltron

Chapter Two: CoronetCity, Corellia 370 ABY

Vant Dal Colle could not get his speeder to move fast enough on his way to the Coronet City Medical Centre. His wife Rena had called him on the comm saying that her water had broken and that she was ready to give birth to their son. He was concerned for his wife as she was feeling ill during the final weeks of the pregnancy. Her symptoms were everything from intense indigestion, vomiting, and headaches to being exhausted even when she did not do much of anything. She did not complain much but Vant knew that she was suffering but she did not want to worry him. Rena would always assure him that everything was fine and that she could handle whatever it was she was feeling at the time. Even her doctors could not find anything abnormal with her, but yet Rena still suffered.

Vant caught a break in the traffic catching a fast lane that was reserved for commercial vehicles. He took it illegally but if he was stopped at least he had a good enough excuse for the sky lanes patrol. When he finally arrived after surviving a few death defying moves he parked the speeder in the port at the Medical Centre and ran inside without even paying the docking fee. When he reached the reception area they directed him towards Rena’s room and he hurried to the appropriate lifts to find her room. When Vant arrived he was surprised to see that two medical droids were just entering the room and closing the doors behind them. Vant approached the room but the glass faded into a mirror and suddenly he was looking at a reflection of himself. He banged on the glass crying out for answers but none came until an Iktotchi doctor came up to him. “Mr. Dal Colle I assume?” he said.

“Yes I am. What’s happening with my wife?” Vant asked in a desperate tone.
“There has been complications sir. Your wife is very weak right now and having the labour is taking a great toll on her.” The doctor explained. “We are trying to stabilize her and remove the child while she is unconscious so we do not lose them both.”
Vant shook his head from side to side and could not believe this was happening to him. “Is she going to be alright? She’ll be fine won’t she?”
“At this point it is hard to say Mr Dal Colle, we are doing all we can for them, there is you son to consider as well sir.”

Vant didn’t want to hear it as he walked away and started to pace back and forth. He was frustrated, annoyed, and scared. He finally sat down trying to collect himself and think positively for Rena along with their unborn child. It was difficult though because Vant had all these ideas of being in the room with his wife, watching the birth of their son, and now all his dreams were crashing down around him. As he remembered what the Iktotchi doctor told him he started to feel guilty because he did not seem to be too concerned with the health of his son. Then Vant’s mind slipped into thinking about what he would do if Rena died. How would he raise their boy alone? The boy needs his mother; he needs to be around the gentleness and kindness that she would show at any moment, for anyone.

Vant knew that he would never have the time to take care of a child with his work schedule. He worked shifts at a Nerf processing plant at all hours of the day with no time for much of anything; the only constant in Vant’s life was his Rena. Their lives had always been a struggle to make ends meet because Vant made just enough credits that Rena did not have to work as she was always frail of body, but never weak of mind. Their parents struggled so they were destined to struggle as they were the little people of CoronetCity, the regular workers that the rich politicians made their fortunes off of. ‘Lives of Misery’ Vant’s father used to say. It was a bleak outlook on life and Rena was the only thing that made Vant’s life worth living. If he lost his wife Vant would be destined to his own life of misery like his father had predicted.

Vant raised his head seeing the droids exiting his wife’s room rolling away and all he could think was why didn’t they have any emotions so he could read what they were thinking? He walked towards the room and to his delight he heard the cry of a child but still could not see inside the room. The Iktotchi doctor walked out with a bundle of blankets which held the child while saying to Vant, “Meet your son, his name is Marcus.”

Vant for a moment felt joy and happiness as he took the baby from the doctor’s hands, then the realization hit him. “How is my wife, can I see her now?”
The Iktotchi lowered his head slightly and then looked Vant right in the eye. “I am sorry Mr. Dal Colle; she did not survive the delivery. The last thing she said was the child’s name.”
Vant’s knees almost buckled under him as he processed what the doctor had just told him. “How did this happen?” He asked himself out loud. “Why? What did we do to deserve this?”
“I am truly sorry Mr. Dal Colle.” The Iktotchi said seemingly trying to find the words to say to make Vant feel better. The doctor knew from experience that there was nothing he could say to make this situation any better. “Take heart in the fact that you have a beautiful and healthy boy that will need his father.”
“He needs his mother and we lost her today.” Vant took a look at the child and for the first time in his life, he had no idea what to do.

Over the next few months Vant had to hire a care giver for Marcus as the boy needed someone that could take care of him around the crono. Vant himself did not spend a lot of time with his son even when they were both home alone. Marcus grew like a normal baby should and had no health issues. The caregiver would often remark to Vant that the child was oddly quiet and that it frightened her that this child did not have the light in its eyes that most children did. Vant was of the opinion that as long as Marcus was provided for and he had everything he needed, that he was doing his duty for the boy. Vant’s sadness it seemed was passing along to his infant son and he did not seem to see that, and if he did he unfortunately did not seem to care.

As the infant grew to a toddler that phase of Marcus’s life was much the same as his infancy was. Marcus was not close to his caregiver or anyone for that matter including his father, who did not take an interest in his son’s life. Again, Marcus the toddler was active with a healthy appetite for everything except talking and interacting with others, he was truly becoming his father’s son. Vant continued to work in the Nerf processing plant to make ends meet for his family. Unfortunately for all of them he started to heavily drink Corellian. Empty bottles of it could be seen all around their small apartment as Vant drowned himself in it most nights while thinking about Rena and the potential life they could have shared together.

Marcus grew in a solitary life that he had made for himself gladly as he took his cues from his father. He continued to understand things more and more as he would see that that his father was not like the fathers of his peers. Marcus’ father never engaged him in conversation, never taking an interest in what he did. Marcus had begun to like sports and physical activities, something his father never joined him in. Marcus then thought that maybe if he took an interest in his father’s activities that they would grow closer to him. Marcus thus begged his father to take him to work with him. Vant would deny the boy at first but later he would submit and allowed the boy to come to stop him from nagging. Marcus did not like the nerf plant but at least he was spending time with his father who would usually let the boy roam around the plant unattended. Marcus would spend an occasional day there but the relationship between him and his father did not blossom at all. Marcus always seemed to know what his father was feeling by concentrating on his father’s body language. As a young boy he could not understand the non interest in him but Marcus came to understand that was what his father was like.

In his teens Marcus did not take to going to school for higher education, as he was expelled from numerous schools quickly because of his short temper. His teachers were always frustrated with him because he showed that his mind was very powerful as he learned concepts and their applications quicker than all of his classmates, but Marcus would just not apply himself to anything in particular, except his body. He worked on his strength and conditioning daily, and this made him bolder because he would have the upper hand on everyone physically in his age group. Marcus would fight often; beating his peers, even taking on older male beings. He could challenge any race, any body type, as long as they presented a challenge. He seemed to have an endless amount of stamina and strength to go along with the talent to predict his opponent’s nest move. Marcus knew he was special somehow, different from all the rest of the beings that he knew.

Marcus was not afraid of anything; he had no friends to speak of as he completely isolated himself from anyone in his school. Finally Marcus was expelled from school because of the intimidation he spread among his classmates. The only teacher that took any interest in Marcus was his history teacher Mr. Baleon. Baleon liked the boy because Marcus took an interest in his history classes, especially war and tactics from the multiple conflicts that the galaxy had faced during the past centuries. The boy applied himself to the point that he took over the class discussions and argued with everyone on the mistakes he felt the leaders had made. Yet Mr. Baleon could never get Marcus to apply himself in any other class besides his own and physical activities. Baleon had a track record of caring for boys like Marcus by helping them along in their studies and in their lives. Marcus was the only one Baleon could never get through too; the boy was too jaded, stuck into his own way of thinking. After Marcus’s expulsion Baleon kept in contact with the boy somewhat as Marcus became even more of a recluse. Baleon knew the truth though. The boy’s gifts were traits if the Force, he had seen it in other children that eventually went off to the Jedi or they did not know it and let their gift remain dormant.

Conversely Vant never did get himself involved in Marcus’s life since the boy became a teenager like Baleon did. One particular evening became a special case as Vant got incredibly intoxicated on the very night that the school contacted him to let him know that his son had been expelled from his school. That night Vant finally tried to help his son by offering him a job at the nerf processing plant where he worked. His reasoning was that if Marcus did not want an education he would have to work to pay for his room. Vant knew that they were looking for beings to work the kill floor at the plant. It was an intensive manual labour job that beings tried to get out of as soon as they got there. The hours were long, the work was hard, the smells were brutal, but Marcus ended up loving it. The one time his father did anything for him, it turned out to be something he wound up liking. Mr Baleon would disagree with Marcus’s choice of work because he hoped Marcus would continue his studies instead of settling. There was also the chance that Marcus’ abilities would be exposed which would be a problem because his temperament would bring out the worst in those abilities.

Marcus’s colleagues started to see that the boy was enjoying the work, the killing especially, perhaps too much in the eyes of some. He worked the long hours happily, taking overtime anytime he could get it. With the extra credits Marcus bought himself a speeder, clothes, paid his rent, he even followed in his father’s footsteps by starting to drink a lot of Corellian ale. The destructive life that Marcus fell deeper into went unnoticed by Vant other than beings complaining about him. Mr. Baleon was not getting through to Marcus either despite his best efforts. Marcus started getting into fights at the plant because of the short temper that he was becoming famous for. Vant never defended the boy feeling that maybe the boy would learn his lesson as the other men ganged up on his son when they had finally had enough of Marcus’ attitude and actions. They beat Marcus badly numerous times yet the boy would always fight back and it came to a point where Marcus would fight them off more often than not, even when he was under the influence of the bottle.

The teenager would become even bolder, angrier, with every passing month that he worked there. The physical labour along with his own self employed training regime made him a physical specimen at an early age. Marcus mastered butchering techniques quickly, becoming extremely efficient with blades and motorized saws. Marcus eventually made everyone afraid of his physicality, his temper, and unpredictable nature. Vant continued to neglect his son despite the protests of his coworkers to rein the boy in, get control of him before he eventually killed one of the few beings that could stand up to him. Vant simply disregarded the warnings saying that the boy was impossible to reach and therefore he would not even bother to try and restrain the boy. Going to the management was out of the question as those who wanted to go forward were afraid of the repercussions they would face.

Marcus frequented cantinas and establishments that few beings other than gang members and criminals went to. He had obtained false identification that got him into these places with no issues. Marcus was rarely questioned about his age as his physical stature was in most cases greater than that of the establishment’s bouncers. His callous attitude one night caught the attention of a Twi’lek gang member named Arka; the encounter would change his life. The Twi’lek was large like Marcus and carried dual short swords that did not have the same sheen on them as regular steel. Arka had a simple blaster on his utility belt with ammunition clips and a couple of devices that Marcus could not make out when the Twi’lek unexpectedly approached him.

“You carry yourself like you don’t have a care in the world human, I’m sure that isn’t the case.” The Twi’lek said as he looked over Marcus.

Marcus looked the Twi’lek over now with disgusted look in his face he said, “That isn’t your business friend, leave me alone and let me finish my drink, or you might regret it you came over here.”

Arka nodded his head up and down saying, “Very well human, it is time for a lesson in humility. You humans are far too arrogant for your own good.”

Very quickly Arka grabbed Marcus by the wrist trying to pull him towards himself but Arka underestimated the young human’s strength. Marcus quickly used his free hand to grab Arka head butting the Twi’lek square on the nose causing blood to spill out of it. This made it hard for Arka to breath from the blood that was accumulating in his nasal cavity. Arka was forced back crashing into many of the patrons behind him causing them to fall back as well. The crowd formed a circle around Marcus and Arka awaiting the next part of the bout. Marcus put up his hands ready to square off again but suddenly he saw two Weequay barging their way through the crowd trying to aid their friend by getting to him. Marcus looked at Arka on the floor recovering and realized that he had precious few seconds to think of something to even the odds. He took a barstool, broke it on the floor, and made two batons with ragged edges at the tips from the ends that he broke off. Marcus then turned to face the approaching Weequays banging the batons together a couple of times to announce their presence to his attackers.

“No!” Arka boomed out while coming back to his feet. “The human is mine.”

The Weequays stopped their advance while watching as Arka reached behind his back producing one of his blades in his right hand. He swung it around in anticipation showing skill with the weapon that made Marcus weary of the Twi’lek. “I never make the same mistake twice human, it is my turn”

“Great, I hate waiting.” Marcus snapped back.

They rushed at each other in a burst with Arka sliding on his knees under a wild attack swing by Marcus. Arka quickly got his feet, turned, making two precision swings at Marcus’ forearms while he turned around to face Arka again. The gashes bled forcing Marcus to drop his makeshift weapons causing him to get even more infuriated. Marcus felt it was the adrenaline alone driving him forward but in the back of his mind he knew his rage was feeding something else, something he could not explain. With the emotional rage fuelling Marcus, he charged forward with coordinated physical attacks from punches to kicks, but Arka avoided them easily fighting back with his own hand to hand attack that included the butt end of his blade’s hilt into Marcus’ eye. Arka moved back giving the boy a chance to regain his composure.

“You have physical gifts human,” Arka started saying. “Yet you lack training, you are undisciplined, therefore making you weak.”

Marcus did not like being mocked feeling his rage grew further within, as he pictured driving the Twi’lek’s head into the wall and smashing his skull into pieces. In the next moment after his thought, as if hit by an invisible hand, Arka was thrown back into the wall. The Weequays had seen enough as they both rushed Marcus, one with a stun baton, the other with blaster. The one with the baton swiped at Marcus just missing him but the one with the blaster fired two shots that grazed Marcus on the side of his shoulder causing him to cry out. The Weequay with the stun baton attacked again connecting with a thrust that lightly touched Marcus to electrocute him enough to slow his movements so that they both could beat on him. Marcus had to curl into a ball to absorb the punishment. All Marcus could think about was survival while they beat down on him. He wanted to break free; he wanted to throw these fools off of himself somehow. In the next instant both Weequays flew back away from him as if blown away by a powerful wind. Marcus realized that something had happened from within himself. He felt the exertion that led to force that pushed his enemies away but he could not explain it. Rising to his feet, Marcus looked around seeing them all sitting on the floor in piles of debris.

Arka got up facing Marcus with a defiant stare; he started to circle the young man, prowling around him like he was going to strike at any time. Arka closed his eyes slightly and questioned Marcus with, “There seems to be more to you boy, what else are you hiding? You are an untrained Force user which makes you vulnerable. The bounties on you would make me rich.” Arka had now taken out both of his short swords and put on a display of skill with them to the point that Marcus had to be impressed. He had to be alert to the fact that Arka could probably deal a killing stroke with them at any moment.

“You would fight an unarmed man?” Marcus replied. “I have no weapons, only my hands.”
“You have the Force human, in the wrong hands that can lead down a very dark path. I have seen it before. You boy, you seem to be well on your way with all that rage within you. That’s why I will bring you in. Your head will make me a small fortune while performing a public service.”
Marcus smirked. “I can’t see you as a public servant Twi’lek; you’d probably work for a corrupt government official.”
Arka laughed. “No, no human, I work for another organization that has interests everywhere in the core, mid, and outer rims. Now you can resist or come quietly, either way you’re coming with me.”

Marcus could not take anymore talking so he charged at Arka with another piece of the wrecked tables he picked off the floor. Arka smartly moved aside letting Marcus blow by, he then was about to strike a death blow to the boy with his blades until sirens blared from outside the cantina along with flood lights pouring into everyone’s eyes. Marcus cleared some blood from his eyes trying to focus on the lights coming in from outside. He could only make out the shadows flashing in front of him. Finally when Marcus’s vision returned he was welcomed with the sight of suited men in riot gear. A soldier stood over Marcus hitting him with a stun baton to his abdomen suddenly making the world go dark.

Marcus opened his eyes still woozy from the stun baton strike. He rubbed the back of his neck starting to survey where he ended up. He was sitting alone in a small cell with laser bars all around him. The layout was familiar as he had been there before but that time it was a winning fight he had started. This time the Twi’lek had gotten the better of him which made Marcus angry. He thought about what the Twi’lek had said about his affinity with the Force. It would explain many things that he couldn’t at the time. Increased stress, anxiety, during any situation brought out more concentration on his part. This resulted in things becoming much clearer, increasing Marcus’s overall awareness. It even amplified his physical abilities when he focused hard enough. Marcus realized he was a Force sensitive; he had to hide it he thought to himself, or learn how to control it. He made a promise to himself that he would try to nurture this ability so he could use it to his advantage.

A guard called out Marcus’s name while another guard came to collect him from his cell for a visitor. The laser bars came down the guard took a strong hold of Marcus’s arm as to let him know that he was in charge by putting stun cuffs on him. Marcus could have easily taken the guard down before he put the cuffs on but he figured that would not make much sense in that instance. He followed the guard to a booking desk where Marcus was mildly surprised that Mr. Baleon stood on the other side of it. Mr Baleon always had a look that was non judgemental, even reassuring to anyone in any situation. It was a face that Marcus was embarrassed to see yet again. “Mr Baleon, what brings you here?” Marcus asked.

“Lucky I guess.” Mr. Baleon said in a sarcastic voice. “The desk clerk is a friend of mine. I asked him to let me know if you were ever booked here. Considering what part of the sector this is, it was a good bet you’d turn up eventually.”

The guard took off Marcus’s stun cuffs “You didn’t have to Mr. Baleon; in fact you shouldn’t do it anymore.” Marcus turned away from the older gentleman. “Leave me alone, you have done enough for me, too much.”

“Marcus, I do this because I care about you and what you do with your future.” Mr. Baleon tried to move closer only to have Marcus pull farther away. “I know you don’t believe it now but there will be individuals in your life that care about you. Come to my apartment tonight, you can clean up; we’ll cook some nerf steaks for dinner. Afterwards we can talk.”

Marcus thought about it for a few seconds until his stomach reminded him that he was hungry with the thought of a steak, he also did not feel like seeing his father tonight either. If he did not go with Baleon, Marcus knew he would go back to a cantina which would result in him being inebriated along with his father, probably resulting in disaster. Marcus even considered sharing his revelation about his Force sensitivity to Mr Baleon to see what he thought or what he should do about it. “Fine, let’s go.”

“Great, my speeder is outside” Mr Baleon led the way.

At Mr. Baleon’s apartment Marcus took a hot sani steam then dressed in a clean outfit his old mentor let him borrow. He noticed that Mr Baleon was still working on the meal so he toured the apartment a little. Marcus found holo images of Baleon with his boys; he even found one with himself during his time in combat tactics competitions. The next holo beside was of Mr Baleon posing with Marcus after he won that competition. Marcus realized this was a good man who deserved his respect, deserved to be listened to. He went to the table seeing the spread of food, cold Corellian ale, which made Marcus’s stomach rumble even more. He sat down to just enjoy the smell of the food, something that he hadn’t enjoyed in a while. Mr. Baleon finally sat down urging Marcus to start eating. Marcus wasted little time by first grabbing a steak and then filling his glass with ale. Mr Baleon was not a small man by any means as he enjoyed his food as well.

They remained mostly in silence during the initial onslaught of the food until Mr. Baleon broke the silence with the question that Marcus was hoping he would ask but did not know how to answer, “So what happened in there son?”
Marcus finished the bite in his mouth, he replied with, “I got into a fight with a Twi’lek from a gang, three of them attacked me. What was I supposed to do?”
“You know the answer to that Marcus; you were supposed to walk away.” Mr Baleon replied with severity in his voice. “Conflicts don’t always have to end in violence. I fear one day you’ll meet the one being that you aren’t stronger, or faster than.”
It was Marcus’s own cockiness that replied with, “Not likely. I’ll always have an edge.” He said passively referring to his new found abilities.
“Seriously Marcus, you always want to be the best. From what I saw you weren’t the best tonight.” Mr. Baleon replied with some annoyance in his voice now.

Marcus couldn’t hold it in any longer, “Mr. Baleon I’ve found out something about myself that came out tonight. It will be the equalizer to all of my problems. I can feel the Force. The Twi’lek wanted to sell me for a bounty; he said I’m worth millions.”

Mr. Baleon sat back, took a gulp of his Corellian ale then placed the cup back on the table. “I knew it a long time ago son. I’ve been watching you for a long time hoping, even praying you would never find out about it.”
Marcus looked confused, “Why? Why wouldn’t you want me know about this gift? This power will make me a force to be reckoned with. No one would come after me again!”

Mr. Baleon shook his head at the response because he knew that was what Marcus was going to say. “That is exactly why I never wanted you to know.” Mr. Baleon adjusted himself in his seat. “Look at the Force users of our time, they are all Jedi that are sworn to defend the galaxy, they use their powers only for the benefit of the populace. With the way your life has gone thus far, your track record to date, the Jedi would never take you in. The government would arrest you under the Jedi-Imperial Act Marcus.” Baleon waited for a few seconds before he said what he feared most. “I fear you’d be seduced by the Dark Side of the Force. You see the Force as a weapon for revenge, for power, not a tool for good.”

Marcus grew angry at the implication, “How can you even say that?! You can’t predict the future. You can’t predict what I would do, what I would become.” He slammed his fist into the table rattling everything on it. “You can’t”

Mr. Baleon could have sworn he saw Marcus’s eyes turn dark red momentarily in his fit of rage. “Look at your reactions Marcus, think about this. I think you have an alternative though. Something that would give you an outlet for your thirst for action and adventure, but at the same time helps the galaxy.”

It was Marcus’s turn to shake his head now, “And what the kriff is that?”

“Join Cor Sec. Become involved in law enforcement, use your talents for good.” Mr. Baleon said almost pleading. “They would improve your skills professionally which is exactly what you need. They will teach you discipline, patience, who knows, you may even become a director or something.”
“What about my Force abilities? You don’t think the Jedi would train me when they see how powerful I am?” Marcus tried again to state his case.

Mr. Baleon breathed out heavily, composed himself, softly saying. “You have a past filled with pain, suffering, violence, and death Marcus. Never mind the fact that you are way too old to start training by Jedi standards. When they reject you they would have to report you to the authorities because you would be taken in as a potential threat.” Mr. Baleon put his hands on Marcus’s massive shoulders. “Bury these Force powers boy, Cor Sec may be the only place for you. They would pass off your abilities as above average, hopefully not presuming you had sensitivity to the Force. Please Marcus, for your own sake; this is a chance at a new life, a productive life.”

Marcus now had something else to consider because of Mr Baleon but he did not say another word that night. They finished their meals in silence; they had cleaned up together, Marcus then left his mentor’s home with only a nod. He did not want to commit to anything yet because Baleon was right. It was late; Marcus walked Coronet City’s streets on his way home wondering what he should do. The Jedi-Imperial Act is clear about those that used the Dark Side the Force, even those that were only suspected of using the Force could be considered a danger to society. Mr. Baleon was right about that; the Jedi would reject him, turn him in, thus ruining his life. Perhaps Cor Sec would be the right choice for him; the training alone would be invaluable. Maybe one day he would become an officer or a high ranking official within Cor Sec, but not before he saw a lot of action in other sectors of the galaxy he hoped.

When Marcus arrived home that night Vant was there waiting for him, seemingly waiting to pick a fight for no particular reason. As soon as Marcus came through the door he smelled the alcohol in the air, the air was also stale. Marcus figured that Vant had been sitting there for hours without moving, just drinking, wallowing in self pity. Vant launched the bottle right at Marcus’s head but it was as if he knew it or felt it coming, he caught the bottle millimetres from his face. Marcus placed the bottle on the table, looked at his father sitting in the dark, alone, drunk, with bloodshot eyes that were tearing up. He was illuminated by the faint lights of the outside world coming through the windows. “What’s your problem old man?” Marcus said as he walked past without even looking at his father. He also said it with no emotion because of everything else he was thinking about, his father was not a priority at that moment.

“I saw you on the Holo Net, you’re an evil boy. Fighting, drinking, that’s all you’re good at.” Vant declared.
This made Marcus turn his attention to Vant causing him to stare down his father. “How would you even know what I’m good at? You never cared!” He snarled. “Now because of a drunken courage you attack me? I’ll kill you in an instant if you keep this up.”

Marcus turned away but Vant continued, “See? Fight, fight, and fight, that’s what you are. Only evil children act like you do. Thank goodness your mother died so she didn’t have to see what you have become.” Anger erupted in Marcus; he turned headed right up to his father, picking him up from the collar of his dirty jacket that he wore in the plant. Vant’s breath was sour with alcohol; with drool running from the corners of his mouth. His eyes did not focus on anything in particular at first but then they seemed to lock on Marcus’s eyes. “Kill me boy, get it over with, and prove me right. You’re a worthless piece of excrement; you should have died that damned day, not her, not my Rena.”

Marcus roared with rage, he squeezed his hands tight; suddenly he started to hear bones breaking. The screams of pain from his father were like a sweet song to him, he wanted to hear more. Marcus was dropping into a dark place; he threw his father’s body on the floor focusing his thoughts on the drunken man’s body again. He clenched his teeth so hard that he felt blood trickle into his mouth. The coppery tang of his blood seemed to fuel his rage further. Vant’s body came off the floor on its own, then Marcus pinned Vant against the wall with the Force. Vant opened his eyes and saw his son breathing like a feral animal. Marcus’s blood red eyes glared at him with hate. Vant saw Marcus clench his fist hard, a few seconds later his throat started to tighten, he could not breathe, Vant even thought he heard Marcus say “Die.” It was as if there was an invisible hand squeezing harder and harder until it was impossible to say anything except, “Evil boy.” The world around Vant went black, silent, until finally Marcus granted him his final wish.

Vant’s body dropped to the floor while Marcus stood over it staring at the final expression on his father’s face. He did not feel badly at all for what he had done, oddly, Marcus felt relieved to be rid of his father. He remembered that for years he cared so much about what his father thought about him, now he couldn’t stand the sight of him. All he could remember in that moment was the smell of stale alcohol on his father. Marcus spat in his father’s face for the final insult to the man that forged Marcus’ demeanour and attitude. He thought for a split second that perhaps he should thank Vant for treating him the way he did, or else Marcus may have become a normal citizen, with a normal life. Now though, with the Force behind him, Marcus would carve out his own destiny. Now Marcus would become the man he wanted to be.

That very night Marcus took his father’s body to the Nerf plant. There were waste bins behind the plant that were picked up daily early in the mornings which Marcus took advantage of this by disposing of Vant’s body in one of them. During the evenings the security droids would patrol the premises but were more involved with on the inside of the plant, which meant that the waste bins were almost never guarded. Marcus dropped the body into bin T56-B and casually flew away as if he was dropping of his apartment waste basket. With any luck Marcus thought to himself, the drunk’s body would be processed into something else and be washed away into a sewer somewhere. As he flew off Marcus realized how much of a weight Vant had been. To be rid of that was liberating. Now Marcus could concentrate on a new direction, a new destiny, a great destiny. He had finally found freedom, and Marcus Dal Colle would not waste it.

The next morning Marcus got up to an empty apartment which was a pleasant change from the norm. He had decided that he would apply to Cor Sec later that day. Marcus prepared himself some food to break his fast with a roasted nerf steak. He finished his caf making his way out to his parked speeder. Marcus felt a massive weight was taken off of his back and he moved more freely. There was one more stop he had to make before he went to the Cor Sec offices to enlist.

The outskirts of Coronet City had some grass lands which had large estates that belonged to well off individuals that owned the land. The idea was to create escapes from their busy lives in Coronet City. There was also a cemetery where Rena Dal Colle had been laid to rest. Marcus arrived landing the speeder outside the grounds listening to the eerie silence. The smell of grass actually caught him off guard as Marcus was so used to the odour of Coronet City and everything that came with it. He slowly made his way past the thousands of graves noticing the many stone markers from every type of religion. Marcus for some reason enjoyed the silence of the cemetery. He felt an energy here that he could not explain before but now with his revelation on the Force, he suspected that was the reason why he felt the currents of the dead.

Marcus arrived at his mother’s grave looking at the simple stone marker that had her name, the date of her birth and of course the day she died, his birth date. Marcus visualized his own grave marker beside that of his mother. That was the way he wanted it, alone with her, without Vant. From what his caregiver had told him, Marcus’ mother was an amazing person who was kind, gentle, and full of love. Vant was not a bad person from what he understood but after the death of his love, Vant had no love left for his son. Marcus hated Vant for it, hated him for making Marcus so angry. He was just a boy then that needed his father. Now he was a man and a powerful man at that. Marcus felt the Force, he hoped that in his future he would be able to nurture that power, develop it into a raging inferno that he could unleash on his enemies. He did not know who those enemies would be but Marcus knew he would destroy them all.

“Mother, I have come to say goodbye.” Marcus began saying. “This will be the last time we see each other. I have no idea what the future holds but it will be great.” Marcus felt that he was obligated to explain Vant’s death. Father may have joined you but I doubt his evil soul would compare to the grace of yours. I ended his life because he never loved me like a son and only saw me as a burden. I have relieved him of it. You deserved an explanation and I’ve given it to you. Goodbye.”

Marcus looked one more time at Rena’s grave marker. He took in his surroundings to get a mental image he thought would stick with him. Marcus had a feeling come over him that he was being watched. As he turned around Marcus was surprised by a hooded figure standing before him. The stranger’s face was covered in darkness making Marcus weary of him. When he did not say anything immediately Marcus decided to speak first. “Who are you, why are you here at this grave?”

The stranger then raised his head enough that Marcus could see his brown eyes. He noticed that he was an older man that looked like he had seen his share of battles. Finally the old man spoke. “I heard you speaking to your mother. You lost her early in your life didn’t you?”

Marcus was surprised because he did see anyone around when he had first arrived at his mother’s grave. He was even more surprised that this stranger knew it was his mother he was visiting. Marcus studied the man a little more before saying anything looking him up and down for any sign that he knew this person. “Who are you old man? How do you know who I am and this is my mother’s grave?”

“I have knowledge about a great many things Marcus.” The man explained. “I have taken a great interest in you and your abilities.”
“My abilities, how could you possibly know about what I am capable of?” Marcus questioned the stranger.
“Someone that radiates the Force like you do is easy to find for those that know how to look.” The man said. “Your power is raw, unfocused, and could change the balance of the Force.”

Marcus did not understand what the man meant, how could he? What did the ‘balance of the Force’ mean? So many questions that Marcus needed answered because he knew somehow that this man had answers for him. He believed the Force was telling him so, that this man had something to offer him. “What do you know of me sir?” Marcus asked.

The man smirked like he knew a secret that he was not letting Marcus on, “Your destiny is clouded Marcus, the images are dark. You are capable of great feats, and terrible acts of evil. It is all up to you young one.”

Marcus felt validated listening to the stranger because he knew he was destined for greatness. The one thing that Marcus disagreed with was if his destiny was good or evil. Marcus thought he could decide for that for himself, there was no certainty in life and his future was still in constant motion. Anger inexplicably grew inside Marcus, rage tore through his thoughts and then calm. He knew it was the Force somehow manifesting itself in him, in its own way. It was telling him that his life was tied to it whether it was dark or light. Marcus had never had this range of emotions before. He knew it had to be related to the old man. This man may be powerful, or he may have been wrong about Marcus, but the connection to the Force was undeniable. Marcus knew it, felt it, and wanted to exploit it.

“Can you teach me the ways of the Force old man?” Marcus asked.
“I am the Archivist, and yes I can.” The Archivist responded.
“Then teach me!” Marcus cried out.

Before the Archivist could say anything both men were distracted by a disturbance. They turned their heads seeing a group of beings on swoops and speeders coming towards them. Marcus recognized Arka leading the group with his sights set directly on him. When he turned to warn his new acquaintance the Archivist had vanished. Marcus took a quick look from one side to the other and when he did not see the old man he decided to make his own way. He made a break towards a mausoleum for some cover as blaster bolts had started to fly his way. Marcus peaked around the corner seeing that Arka had three accomplices that had dismounted and made their way towards him. He watched as one of Arka’s men had chosen a path closer to where Marcus was hiding. The intruder stayed close to wall unsuspecting that Marcus was waiting. When the mercenary’s blaster rifle’s tip just past the edge of the wall Marcus pulled the rifle and elbowed the human in the throat. As the mercenary fell Marcus took the blaster and quickly fired two shots into his chest.

Marcus looked for the inevitable the response as he knew Arka and his men would have heard the shots. As they approached Marcus fell back behind another of the mausoleums setting him self for another shot. He could feel the heartbeats as he concentrated on his pursuers. The unknown of what happened to their comrade creeping into their minds, young Marcus was enjoying it. From behind his new spot Marcus had a new target and lined up his kill shot. A tingle on the back of his neck warned him of another attacker coming from behind. When Marcus turned the mercenary’s vibro sword had already gone for his neck. Marcus did all he could to avoid the swipe but his shoulder was still in the way and he was cut making Marcus drop the blaster rifle. When the other mercenary got to their position he pointed his rifle at Marcus. With the vibro sword at his neck; Marcus was trapped.

Arka approached them with a smile of content on his face. “Well human, I told you I would beat you and gain my fortune. I’m here to collect.”

Marcus looked up with rage at his captor and then spat in Arka’s face. Arka cleaned the spit and then kicked Marcus in the stomach. “Let me go Twi’lek, see if you get that clean a chance again.”

Arka laughed at the comment. “Not with those Force abilities, besides, no one ever said that you had to be in one piece when I give you back to the Emperor’s men. We can soften you up before we get our bounty.”

Marcus knew lashing out with an uncontrolled attack with the Force might leave him open to a fatal counter attack. Arka punched Marcus twice more in his face with as much strength as possible. Marcus took the next blows in the mouth which filled up with blood he spat out on Arka’s boots. Arka took out his vibro sword, “I want a token from you before I give you back.”

When Marcus looked up at the human with the blaster and saw a red dot on his chest. The dot blew up with blood splattering in everyone’s faces. Marcus quickly took Arka’s vibro sword with his hand and put it into the Gran’s mid section. Arka was surprised at first by Marcus taking his blade but quickly hit him in the face again. Marcus in turn tackled Arka to the ground landing on top of him. He quickly started to land blows at Arka’s face over and over again without stopping. In that moment Marcus had no idea who pulled him off of Arka. When he turned to see who it was Marcus was surprised to see Mr. Baleon. “What are you doing here?” Marcus said. “Why did you stop me?”

“You have to stop this Marcus. Why are you killing this man? He’s harmless now.” Baleon pleaded.

Marcus looked at the unconscious Arka whose face was beaten badly and bleeding. He started to think that perhaps he had gone too far. Then suddenly his anger peaked again but not at Arka but at Baleon because he made Marcus doubt himself. “This slug tried to kill me twice; I’m going to finish him once and for all. Stay away from this, stay away from me.” Marcus yelled.

“I’m not going to let you do this to your life. You might not regret it now but you’ll regret it later. Don’t give in to your rage.”

Marcus used his foot to cave in Arka’s chest causing blood to come out from his mouth. He concentrated on Arka’s throat like he did with his father and crushed the Twi’lek’s wind pipe. “It’s too late Mr. Baleon. I killed my father last night, now this scum. This is who I am; this is what I’ve become.”
“No Marcus you have a choice to be better than that.” Baleon implored him. “You can do better, be better…”

Baleon’s speech trailed off as he suddenly realized that he could not speak anymore. His throat tightened, it was being crushed by an invisible force. Horror would set in when he realized that Marcus was doing this to him. “Enough Baleon; I’ve made my choice. You’ve seen too much. I could always count on you to listen. I trusted you to be there for me, but now I can see you’re holding me back. I have a destiny to fulfil.” Marcus squeezed the rest of his old friend’s life out of his body. “It begins now.”


Marcus dropped the body of his mentor and looked over the carnage he had left. Marcus got into his speeder, started it up and looked one more time for the Archivist. Marcus did not see him but on a hill that over looked the cemetery not too far away, the Archivist watched everything that had transpired. The evolution of Marcus’ fury was beautiful to him; his anger was pure but it was an instrument that needed to be fine tuned. Marcus could be the dark balance against the Jedi, now he just needed the training. From the outside the Archivist would help direct Marcus into that destiny. Marcus meanwhile had made his way to Cor Sec to sign up. His future was just beginning.

 

And so a new Sith is born

 

Thank You The_Zeltron and earlybird-obi-wan

Chapter 3 will be up today.

 

Chapter Three: OridinCity, Fondor 375 ABY

In an apartment high rise in the well to do section of Oridin City Claude Baron looked over numerous datapads meticulously like he always did. He was the head of a large manufacturing conglomerate that produced parts for the massive shipyards of Fondor. Claude had secured several contracts from the Fondorian government and their representatives from the Empire. Even though the Imperial Navy had shipyards on Corellia and Kuat, which were for large Star Destroyer class ships, Fondor produced small fighters and short range class ships. Claude made parts for these ships that were used in the Fondorian shipyards. He became very wealthy in the process, but more importantly he continued preserving the legacy his family had made for decades. Claude’s plan was to pass his business along to his son just as his father had passed it along to him.

Darius at age sixteen was not as interested in business as his father would have liked. In actual fact he was more interested in what his uncle Rolf Baron did. Rolf was the exact opposite of his brother Claude. Rolf was a humanitarian in every sense of the word. Wherever there was suffering in the galaxy that he could get a ship to, he would help with aid and supplies. Rolf would bring teams of beings that had an array of skills to help any planet that was experiencing hardship. Rolf used the extensive resources that he had inherited from his family to fund these missions and set up foundations that his brother would contribute to only because it helped with tax write offs for his corporation. The two brothers would argue over Darius’ direction in life as much as they fought over the funds their father had given them.

Darius liked to help the beings of the galaxy because he liked the way it made him feel. His childhood was different than most children as Darius was born into an extremely wealthy family. They were considered industry leaders on their planet that had a tremendous amount of political influence as well. What made Darius even more different was that he was identified as having a strong connection with the Force. Claude did not want Darius to have anything to do with the Jedi because he thought Darius was his heir and the continuation of his legacy. So Darius’ power was hidden from everyone except his parents. Darius’ mother Katia was not the type of woman to argue with her husband and so she supported the decision to keep Darius away from the Jedi. She did have her own selfish reason as well; she wanted to keep her son with her. If the Jedi had been made aware of the boy’s affinity to the Force they would have taken him away from her.

As Darius grew up he was not made aware of his sensitivity to the Force. Any time his abilities came out explanations were made, and beings were paid to forget. By the time the boy had reached his teenage years his connection had been dulled because of his lack of comprehension, and use of the Force. Darius’ personality evolved into one of caring like his uncle Rolf. When Claude realized that his son was less interested in the family business and more interested in the family charities with Rolf, he started to distance himself from his son. Darius’ mother eventually saw the same thing and supported Darius to the dismay of her husband. Katia caring softened the effect of Claude’s ignoring of their son with Darius. Katia would actually join Rolf and Darius on some of the less dangerous missions. Darius was not permitted to go on all of the missions either, even though he had grown to be a physical specimen in his own right.

Tragedy had struck the Baron family as Katia suddenly died of an untreatable illness. This left Darius without a buffer between him and his father, who grew even more distant. Darius would spend most of his time alone when Rolf was away on a mission that his uncle deemed to dangerous. Darius would fill his time with his studies, history books, and working out his body. When Rolf did bring him on missions, Darius was at his happiest and most productive. His dormant Force powers rarely showed themselves. Darius was never made aware of them by his father or uncle but every now and then, when his emotions were high, Darius could feel that there was something more within him. He could hear faint whispers on the wind of voices he could not make out. Darius could feel currents of life, the emotions and fears of those around him. When he witnessed beings in extreme hardship, those were the most difficult to see, but at the same time the most clear to hear. Darius did not know what it all meant, what it could be, but he never pursued an explanation as it was always down played by his family.

The Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk had been experiencing an unnaturally dry and hot year. The weather was a direct cause of some forest fires that for the most part were contained, but one had gone on for a long period and there was no end in sight. Villages that were close to major cities were not rebuilt as fast as those cities, so Rolf saw a perfect opportunity for he and his teams to assist the Wookiees of those smaller, less fortunate villages. Since Darius had not been on a mission in some time, the fires in the region were out; Rolf thought it a good idea to bring him along. Darius was thrilled with the opportunity to help and he could not get off of Fondor fast enough. Claude did not protest at all as per usual, so there was nothing to stop Darius from going with Rolf to Kashyyyk.

The first village that was burned to the ground because of the forest fires was just outside of Chenachochan. Geographically it was not close to a body of water which made it difficult to control the fires. Even water dispersing vehicles had a hard time getting into the village; in the end all these factors had sealed the village’s fate. Rolf’s team had brought construction materials and building supplies for rebuilding the village. One village at a time was the plan but the scope was larger than Rolf had first anticipated. He would need more resources and more credits from his foundation. Darius had his own trust fund that his father had set up for him and he would have gladly given it over to Rolf’s foundation but he was not allowed to touch it until he had reached the age of twenty five.

During these missions Rolf and Darius would usually get into philosophical conversations about Claude’s views of what the family finances should be invested in. Claude of course supported the Imperial war machine which made him maximum profits in the process. Rolf’s views always concentrated around peace keeping and disaster relief for those that needed it. Darius would always throw his support behind his uncle rather than his father. Rolf appreciated it but he always tried to remind Darius that his father loved him no matter his life choices. Darius disagreed because his uncle did not see how his father treated him when he was not around. The silence when they were together would only be broken by a request to pass something across the table at a supper they shared two to three times a month. Other than that Claude never contacted the boy for anything, it felt like Claude had no son to Darius.

Rolf realized that the strained relationship between Darius and Claude was the one thing that the boy truly felt strongly about other than helping those in need. They were two totally different things with two totally different emotional responses. Bringing up Claude made Darius angry and almost hateful, while the peace keeping brought out compassion and caring. Yet Rolf tried to be somewhat of a father figure to his nephew since Claude was not helping, and Darius’ main emotional anchor, his mother Katia, had died much too soon. Even talking about his mother brought Darius great pain and sadness which would always turn into a conversation about how his father hated him. Rolf would tread lightly when talking about it as the boy was irrational about the subject of his parents.

Darius’ frustrations stemmed from his thoughts that he was a good person. He had never done anything wrong; it should have been enough for his father to love him. The thought that his father was not proud of the accomplishments he had already achieved with his uncle’s humanitarian missions was unbearable. Coming from a family of such wealth and not being a stuck up fool like many of his peers in school was in Darius’ eyes an accomplishment unto itself. The fact that his father had seen this as a weakness was frustrating. According to Darius, his father’s obsession with credits and family legacy was a conceded attitude that a galaxy in that much trouble could do without from one of its most prominent members. Even though Darius disagreed with his father philosophically, he was still a son that wanted to make his father proud. Rolf eventually had become the father that Darius wanted, and his approval was all that he needed.

Construction at the village was slow as new foundations had to be rebuilt for the walkways and homes high above in the branches of the massive wroshyr trees. Kashyyyk was full of natural resources but Rolf’s plans needed to be put into action quickly and the supply stores of Chenachochan would be difficult to access with the current state of the area. To add to Rolf’s team’s issues was sporadic attacks by kinrath on their work stations. The kinrath were literally being smoked out of their own habitats so they roamed farther for food which led them to the Wookiee encampments and numerous rebuilding projects of the region. Two of Rolf’s men were seriously heart in one attack and had to be taken to the city for treatment. Darius himself had to help fend off attacks. He had gained the respect of many of Rolf’s team with his swordplay and blaster skills. Darius had fought off and killed a viper kinrath which were the larger, more dangerous beasts than the regular kinrath.

As the construction progressed the village started taking a new shape. Rumours of raiders and poachers started to circulate amongst the villages though. The numerous species that lived on Kashyyyk attracted these types of groups and now that local law enforcement in the region was busy dealing with the forest fires the poachers had almost a free reign. This information concerned Rolf because it endangered his mission and more importantly Darius along with his teams. They had many capable Wookiees with them helping build the village. Their numbers were not insignificant but could most likely repel an attack by a small band of raiders or poachers. Rolf’s men were armed with small weapons but nothing too sophisticated. The Wookiees had their bow casters; Rolf’s team had blaster rifles, pistols, and blade weapons. Rolf also brought surveillance equipment and short range scanners knowing that the gear could always come in handy. Rolf would always be very careful to make sure their perimeter was clear so that the construction could continue with little interference. He kept a close eye on Darius as well because he knew he would not be able to live with himself if anything happened to the boy.

The teams were working on the top structures now as the supports and foundation structures had been rebuilt along with some of the existing ones repaired. Homes and storage facility buildings rose everyday helping the small village forge a new identity. This always made Rolf beam with pride and satisfaction on his face. The Wookiees of the village were especially appreciative of Rolf’s organization’s efforts. The meals in the evenings were feasts and most nights Rolf’s teams ate so well that getting up for work the next day had been difficult. Darius thought it was fantastic to see multiple species putting aside differences and helping one another. “If only the Imperial Senate could work as efficiently.” Rolf would say in jest. Darius on the other hand didn’t think it was funny feeling that his uncle had a point. In his history studies Darius saw too many examples of systems waging wars because their ancestors waged the same ones before them. Military tyrants, beings with too much power, especially those with Force abilities, made it easy to take control of systems and their governments. They would try to bend the galaxy the way they wanted it to be, to their own wills.

Dark Side of the Force users were the greatest examples of beings that tried to shape things they way they wanted them to be. Darth Sidious fooled the galaxy for decades engineering a galactic civil war that ultimately destroyed the Jedi and gave him the power to create yet another Galactic Empire. Jacen Solo, a descendent of Luke Skywalker, turned to the Dark Side becoming Darth Caedus. Jacen Solo fell to the Dark Side on his own to make the galaxy a safer place for his daughter Allana. In the meantime he destroyed the surface of the very planet Darius was from, Fondor, because the shipyards of the time would not supply him with ships. Darth Caedus also punished Kashyyyk because the Wookiees would not support his war effort either, so he rained down fire from the atmosphere with his fleet burning down a significant portion of the planet’s surface. Darth Krayt carried out genocide on the Mon Calamari by executing ten percent of the population on their home planet of Dac; the rest of the population was forced into work camps. He killed their High Council on the Holo-net to bring fear to the galaxy and show the consequences of defying his rule. There had been too much conflict in the galaxy because of those that wanted to change things.

The current Galactic Empire was a soft interpretation of previous violent regimes. The main difference was that there was no Dark Side Force user was bending events to their will. Darius’ father was of the opinion that the Force users, including Jedi, were trouble. Claude was happy that a “normal” being was the Emperor and running the galaxy. Although Claude also other issues with politicians. There was no iron fist, no sword hanging over the galaxy to punish it with. There was a chance for peace which made Rolf happy. Darius agreed with this notion because the galaxy ran smoothly when there was peace. No chaos to unbalance the peace was better for everyone. Darius also agreed with Rolf who believed that the Jedi still had a place in the galaxy. The Jedi for the most part, were examples to the common folk of how a being should conduct them self.

Darius cared little for the politics of the galaxy as long as there was peace. Politics were the one thing Darius and his father agreed upon. They both believed most politicians were self serving parasites that cared little for the common citizens of their systems. Unfortunately that was where the commonality ended for Darius. Claude used the politicians, bought them and sold them to gain the right contracts for his corporation with their influence. In the end though Claude knew that these beings lived for credits and not much else. Darius on the other hand saw most of them as complete and utter failures at their jobs. When beings needed them most the politicians backed out of their promises covering their own hides.

Construction ended for the day and the sun began to set on the village. Darius and Rolf began to store their equipment in their huts when they heard an explosion at the far end of the village. It seemed like the sound came from the newly constructed area. Rolf began to fear that a fuel container had exploded. Rolf and Darius ran over to investigate seeing that it was not the fuel containers at all. Rolf’s worst fears had been realized as he saw the area full of the raiders they had been told about. Trying to assess the situation as quickly as possible he told Darius to hide in the Forest. “Darius, take cover in the woods. Stay there and wait for me to call you.”

“But uncle, I can help you. I’m not afraid!” Darius replied with urgency in his voice.
“No! You will listen, young one. Hide in the forest.”

Darius realized that this was not an argument he was going to win. He left his uncle and went into the woods. As he ran, Darius had an uneasy feeling that danger laid ahead of him anyway. There was something waiting for him in the woods. He remembered that he would have odd feelings; he would see things before they happened, and that when he was in intense situations things moved slower for him. When he mentioned this to his family he was told it was nothing, to forget about it. Darius did not like this current feeling but as he went deeper it got worse. He found some large boulders and decided that this was where he would stay. He fell to the ground, closed his eyes, and pressed his back against the boulder trying to catch his breath. Darius felt helpless and confused. He wanted to go back and help his uncle fight off the bandits raiding their construction site. They had all worked so hard to rebuild the village. Now all that they had accomplished could be undone by these lowlifes. When he opened his eyes again Darius was not shocked to see a man in a dark grey hooded robe standing in front of him, this was the presence that he felt coming into the woods.

***

Rolf rushed to the scene after he had finally convinced Darius to hide in the woods. To his horror Rolf had found all his team’s hard work in flames. The new upper level was burning with many of their attackers running around the area causing chaos, setting fires. What he found most distressing was that Rolf did not see many of his team members. He hoped that they had found a place to hide while the raiders ransacked the construction site. That notion was quickly decimated as Rolf saw three of the village’s native Wookiees lying on the ground motionless, shot dead. Rolf rubbed his eyes, paused a moment, as he was thinking on what to do next. He hated violence but he had some military training from when he was in the Fondorian peace core. Rolf Baron took his hand blaster from its holster, put it to full charge, and ascended the ladder that went to the higher levels somehow knowing that this would be his last stand.

When Rolf got up the ladder two Weequays were guarding the top. As soon as they saw Rolf the two sentries rose up their blaster rifles but were quickly put down by Rolf who had already drawn his blaster. Rolf holstered his weapon and picked up a blaster rifle from one of his fallen opponents along with three frag grenades. He proceeded against the walls trying to hide whenever possible. Rolf approached a building he knew had supplies and tools stored within it. He hoped that he would find some of his team members in that hut hiding but all he found was bodies. Three of his own men, men that had wives, children, and lives back home on Fondor, killed in cold blood. Rolf prayed to the Force they found peace as he laid their bodies in respectful way with their arms crossed on their chests. Not surprisingly the room was stripped of equipment that had any kind of value. When Rolf turned to exit the room a bi pedal security droid was standing at the entrance of the hut. “Halt, stop what you’re doing. Identify yourself.” The droid said in a cold robotic voice.

Rolf quickly fired off two shots at the droids mid section setting it on fire. Even with what seemed to be a mortal wound the droid drilled a fist at Rolf’s chin with a right cross sending him to floor knocking his rifle away in the process. Rolf curled into the fetal position with the hit, facing away from the droid. He felt the droids foot steps approaching him while he grabbed his hand blaster slowly. Rolf waited for the droid to get as close as possible, when he thought the time was right Rolf turned and unleashed three quick shots trying to hit the same spot he shot at before. One of the three shots hit causing the droid to pause but it still got off a kick into Rolf’s stomach. Rolf manages to squeeze off another two shots that finally sent the droid down falling backwards. Rolf took a few deep breaths trying to compose him self while getting back onto his feet and dusting himself off. He collected his rifle and continued outside.

The path seemed clear as Rolf moved along staying careful while looking for enemies. Coming across more of his slain men angered him to no end. He tried not to get careless but was confronted again by a group of Grans led by a large Devaronian. This time there were too many to confront head on and so Rolf hid behind a stack of plasteel crates. He took out two of the frag grenades he had taken from the Wee Quay guards he had encountered first. He armed one and threw it in the middle of the group while he dropped back into cover. The blast was followed by the expected cries from the raiders caught in the blast. Rolf quickly armed a second grenade, rolled it into the smoke filled area hoping to finish off the rest of the group. He decided to move just in case the raiders saw where the grenades were coming from. Rolf tried to go back where he came from staying low and finally turning a corner behind a hut. As Rolf rushed around the corner he was met by the Devaronian that was covered in his own blood because of multiple facial lacerations. The raider’s left arm was hanging limp, but his right had a blaster in it. In the next moment Rolf’s world went black.

***

Darius could not see the grey hooded man’s face as it sat in the dark shadows created by the forest. Neither of them said anything at first but Darius could feel he was being examined by the other man knowing he was in danger. There was something evil about this man; he exuded something dark and sinister. What caught Darius by surprise was that the stranger extended a hand saying, “Let me help you up boy.” Darius looked at the hand with caution trying to find the man’s eyes again but couldn’t as they were still covered in darkness. Darius looked into man’s hood swearing the stranger’s eyes were yellow or orange.

“I don’t need help.” Darius said summoning his courage to make the statement.
“You seem troubled young one, what seems to be the matter?”
Darius started to become frustrated. “What do mean? Don’t you hear the fighting in the distance? My uncle is fighting raiders over in the village, he’s in danger.”
The man started to take off his hood revealing a narrow face with dark blonde hair, a narrow nose, sunken eyes, and a small smile that looked all wrong to Darius. “Why didn’t you do anything boy?” the man said.
Darius became emotional, “My uncle told me to hide in the woods. He told me to come in here so I would be safe.”

The man tilted his head to the right narrowing his eyes to slits. “You could save him yourself young one. Why don’t you use your power, I could feel it as soon as you made the planet’s surface.” The stranger knew the boy was confused now. He was surprised to see just how much the boy did not know about his own abilities.

“Power, what powers? I don’t have any power.” Darius paused as he began to think about the feelings he noticed again and again lately; especially when he entered the forest. “I mean, sometimes I see things, feel things. I actually sensed you; it was not a good feeling.”
“Yes, that is exactly the power I am talking about. I can not believe the Jedi did not recruit you already. The Force is strong with you, very powerful. How was all this kept from you, why would anyone hide your true nature?”

The Force? Jedi? What was this man talking about? The Jedi were powerful warriors that defended the galaxy, he did not have those abilities. Darius remembered how his father would always say the Jedi were meddlers that interfered in the Empire’s politics. Claude never understood why the Emperor allowed the Jedi to exist because of the way the Emperor dealt with the users of the Dark Side of the Force. Claude would say that they were all the same. Rolf on the other hand admired the Jedi, their discipline, their passion, and the good deeds they did. Rolf also said he felt sorry for them because they sacrificed too much of their lives to an unappreciative galaxy. In searching for a balance in the Force, they did not balance themselves his uncle would say. Rolf also mentioned that one day the galaxy would need the Jedi. Darius’ uncle was convinced that the Dark Side of the Force would always exist and that it would always tempt those looking for an easier path.

Still, Darius had to consider the question posed by the stranger. He thought back on how his parents and uncle always telling him to forget those feelings, and thoughts. They told him not to concentrate on them and above all else, not to tell anyone about them. After his mother died, Darius’ father did not seem to care anymore about his questions on the subject. His uncle though maintained the objections and so Darius listened because he trusted his uncle. What this stranger was saying made sense to Darius in terms of his uncle’s beliefs on the Jedi. Rolf did not want Darius to sacrifice his life to become a Jedi; Darius’ mother had conversations with his father and would say similar things in that she wanted her son to remain with her rather than fight someone else’s wars. All the memories came rushing into Darius’ mind. It was making feel him ill and light headed. His family made him forget the fact that he had a connection to the Force.

“They wanted to protect me from going to war with the Jedi; they wanted me to stay with them.” Darius finally replied with a little bit of anger. “They lied to me.”

“In turn they made you weak, stunted your growth young one. Your connection to the Force is great and can still be nurtured if you wish. You can still become a powerful being, one that will demand respect, destroy his enemies, and grow in the Force.” The man’s eyes turned the yellow colour that had made Darius cringe before. It scared him. “Do not fear me boy, I will be your mentor. From now on you will call me Master.”

A sudden realization had hit Darius, the yellow eyes, the dark robes, the lust for power, and just the man’s aura that he radiated. This man used the Dark Side of the Force. “I wouldn’t use the Dark Side; I would use my powers for good.” Darius said defiantly.

“Of course, I am no Sith. I use both sides of the Force. There is no dark, no light, just the Force and all it can give me. I use it for my purposes, to keep me alive, to defeat those that would persecute me. I will make using the Force part of the norm, not something that makes those that have the gift persecuted and hated.”

“I’ve read the Jedi use their powers for good, for the mutual benefit of beings in the galaxy.” Darius retorted. “What you’re describing is exactly what users of the Dark Side tried to do a number of times. Beings fear this exact thing, hence the Empire’s Jedi-Imperial Act.”

“They don’t fear me, not yet boy.” The stranger said in a low voice that Darius could not hear. “The reality is that something was taken from you and I can give it back to you. The power to save your uncle, become something greater. This is what your father wants; you can give it to him. Make him understand.”

Darius could not comprehend how this stranger knew about his father. Was it the Force? Darius had convinced himself he had nothing to prove to his father and his uncle would reinforce that to him numerous times. The fact remained that Darius had convinced himself that he did not care what his father thought about him anymore. At least that was what he said to anyone who would listen. In his private moments though, Darius did care. It killed him that his father had lost interest in him after his mother had died. Claude had resigned himself to the fact that Darius liked what his activities were with his uncle Rolf. Darius only wanted his father to accept that he did not like the family businesses and that his interests laid elsewhere. A father should accept his son, no matter their different interests.

In the distance Darius and the stranger could hear more blaster shots. Soon after that they heard two louder explosions close together. Darius looked off in that direction and for a moment got lost in his thoughts. A heat came over him that set off alarms in his head, he had a sudden feeling that his uncle was in danger. “Can you help my uncle? He is danger, I can feel it.”

The stranger felt the distress radiating off of Darius through the Force. He knew that his chance to turn the boy was coming soon. He needed to get Darius to a point of desperation where he would have no choice but to join him to save the ones he loved. The stranger knew that Darius needed to feed the need to prove himself and his abilities to others. “Of course Darius, let us go. My name is Cyrax.”

Darius broke into a sprint in the direction of the village without looking if Cyrax was behind him. He wasn’t sure but he noticed that he was running faster than he had ever run before. When he arrived at the base camp he put that all aside when he came upon bodies that were lying around. The smells of scorched earth, flesh, and burning wood engulfed his nose. Darius climbed up the steps that led to the upper level. To his surprise Cyrax was already up there. “You must move quicker if you want to save your uncle Darius, the Force would have helped you in this.” It almost seemed like Cyrax was taunting him instead of helping. Darius had a hand blaster which he drew when he came across two Weequay bodies. There was still no sign of his uncle in the immediate area. Cyrax walked behind him with his hands in his robe as if he was worried about nothing at all. “I sense your uncle is close Darius, many beings are with him.” Cyrax said confidently.

Darius continued on recognizing the storage hut that Rolf’s team used during construction. Inside it he found it had been ransacked, plus there was a destroyed droid on the floor. He went back out and noticed that Cyrax was gone which made Darius nervous. He tried to be as discreet as possible staying close to the buildings and staying low. He stopped for a moment to catch his breath realizing that he could hear voices in the distance. Darius tried to control his emotions, as fear had started to take him. Then when he thought it was alright to open his eyes Darius saw a blaster in his face held by a Nikto male and three Grans standing behind him with blaster rifles drawn. The Nikto slapped Darius across the face with his blaster sending him backwards. The Nikto then proceed to kick Darius in the ribs making him gasp for air. While trying to process what was going on, Darius started to remember what Cyrax had said to him about extreme emotions controlling the Force. There was never a more extreme situation for Darius then this one as his life was on the line, his uncle’s life was on the line Darius’ anger started to take over.

***

Concealed in the shadows Cyrax stood watching the boy move in and out of cover trying to avoid being seen. He sensed multiple presences in the Force approaching the boy from the other side of the structure. He was very interested in seeing how the boy would react to being caught by the raiders. Cyrax knew that under extreme conditions a being that had the ability to use the Force but did not early in their lives, usually were able to summon it at that time of peril. That was the way he had discovered the true nature of his own dark powers. The Jedi preached that an individual had to work with the Force for the mutual benefit of all. Cyrax smirked as he recalled young Darius saying those exact words to him not long ago. The Sith Lords practiced that the Force was an instrument to be controlled for the benefit of the user above all else. Cyrax was forced to learn these lessons well from a very young age.

Cyrax was born on a farm on Dantooine to a woman who he considered a whore. She was raped and beaten repeatedly by the human owners. While being raised on this farm his mother hated him because Cyrax reminded her of the abuse. He would grow up working on the farm during the day. In the evenings Cyrax was thrown into fighting off poachers and animals trying to take livestock and crops. It was during these fights that he realized he had a gift, a power, something that would destine him to a different life. The farm owner appreciated the boy’s abilities so much so that he gave Cyrax the hardest tasks. The owner still gave Cyrax regular beatings to remind him of who was in charge. The worst act inflicted on Cyrax had not even been carried out on him physically but to someone dear to him.

Cyrax had a great love affair with a girl named Maria that was two years his senior and a slave like he was. Her family had suffered a tragic fate as the farm owner had raided Maria’s family’s farm killing her parents in front of her. Maria was well educated as her parents were well off enough that they could send her to school. She was spared the constant beatings like the other slaves, but the farm owner did take her into his bed when he wanted. Maria and Cyrax would comfort each other to cope with their stations in life. She would teach Cyrax to read, write, and fight. Maria’s father was an ex-military pilot who taught his daughter everything he knew. They shared a bond together that made Maria miss her father greatly. Maria was the one thing Cyrax had ever cared enough to love. He cherished the time they spent together but he did not know how she had suffered with the farm owner. Maria never told him because she knew that Cyrax would try to defend her and she feared he would end up dead.

Together they also learned about the Force with one another as well. The farm owner had an interest in the history of the Jedi and Sith Lords. He had numerous volumes of datapads that chronicled galactic events that dealt with Force users. The two would sneak into the farm owner’s library and read the stories of the Light and Dark Sides of the Force. Maria quickly loved the stories of the valiant Jedi while Cyrax enjoyed the tales of the Sith Lords. This was when Cyrax realized that he must have been a Force sensitive because some of his abilities resembled the more basic abilities of the Jedi and Sith. Cyrax wanted more power for himself so he could punish his fat master for everything he had done to him and Maria. Above all he wanted to free Maria, take her away to better place where they could be together.

On a chilly evening the farm owner wanted to take Maria for one of his evening flings with her. On this occasion the farmer was far more drunk than usual. When the he showed up to Maria’s cabin he found her in bed sleeping with Cyrax. The farmer became enraged summoning two of his farm hands two punish Cyrax. They beat him to within an inch of his life and left him a bloody mess while their master took his prize. Maria fought the farmer off as best as she could but she was overpowered and knocked out. When Cyrax awoke he was told by another of the female slaves that Maria was killed in a struggle with the fat farmer after he had taken her. Cyrax was inconsolable; the words had driven him mad. The woman that told Cyrax about Maria was his first kill as he choked the life out of her with his bare hands. In the barn Cyrax found a scythe which he used to kill any person that came close to him. He did not discriminate as he murdered other slaves and the farmers own personal workers that had abused him on previous occasions.

Cyrax remembered how he could feel the darkness coming over him, how he had revelled in it. The uncontrollable rage made him feel indestructible. Cyrax’s anger took him directly to the farm owner’s home and when he got there the man was counting his credits. The farmer had not seen him coming. Cyrax sliced a gash in the larger man’s back and then watched as the farmer fell to the ground in a panic. Cyrax turned the fat man around with a stomp on his lower back. Cyrax then grabbed him from the neck and suddenly a surge of strength came over him. He raised the larger man high off the ground with one hand. The farmer began to plead for his life but Cyrax was not even listening as it seemed like the anger was screaming in his ears, deafening him. Cyrax squeezed while the farmer’s pleas turned into gurgles as the life was being chocked out of him. Cyrax dropped his prey and stood over the farmer as he gasped for air. “You’ve ruined my life a hundred times over. You deserve that much time worth of pain and suffering. Fortunately for you I do not have that much patience.”

“No please, I’ll give you the farm, my credits, anything! Please.”
Cyrax swung the scythe downwards the fat man’s neck decapitating him. “I’ll take it all anyway.”

Cyrax burned every corpse included his beloved Maria that night. He took over the farm but did not run the business any longer. In the following years Cyrax expanded his knowledge of the Force anyway he could by reading everything the farmer had and researching anything he could find on the holonet. In the process Cyrax discovered that there was a Jedi Training Facility on Dantooine where he went to beg to be trained by the Jedi even though he did not believe in their code. The Jedi numbers were low right after the implementation of the Jedi-Imperial Act and so they accepted Cyrax because of his strong connection the Force. He was assigned a Kel Dor master named Zaa Pana.

During his time at the training temple Cyrax had hid his past and never once felt a part of the Jedi Order. Cyrax would catch up on the current events of the galaxy as soon as he arrived at the temple. When he realized what was going on in the galaxy he was disgusted that to find that Force users were being executed if they did not align themselves with the Jedi. It was genocide in his opinion and this persecution of Force users had to be stopped. Cyrax grew angry with the Jedi as they showed great weakness in letting the Jedi-Imperial Act be allowed to pass. He swore to himself that he would find a way to counter the law by destroying the Emperor and the Jedi that allowed them selves to be discriminated like that.

He took to the training easily becoming a skilled warrior and Force wielder. He learned as many new techniques as he could with his masters. Zaa Pana would soon see that Cyrax had become extremely brutal and violent, yet he had it under control. Zaa Pana would compare Cyrax to another Knight at the academy Lorn Nyeb. Nyeb was already a young knight so their paths did not cross in training. Zaa Pana knew that could be a dangerous combination if they had ever met. Cyrax’s abilities carried him through the Jedi Trails, into his graduation, thus becoming a Jedi Knight. Cyrax had become very good at hiding his true nature as he still did as much research as possible in secret on the Dark Side of the Force whenever he could. He knew that he was destined to make a difference in the galaxy with the Dark Side in his control.

Soon after his Knighthood, Cyrax and Zaa Pana were sent on a mission to Kashyyyk to investigate the murder of a locally placed Jedi Knight. The two Jedi Knights led a group of Wookiee guides into the Shadow Lands looking for the murderer. On the expedition the search party found a place that was tainted with the Dark Side of the Force. Zaa Pana would pull away as he could feel the taint come over him. Cyrax would embrace it feeling empowered by the area, inspired by it. Cyrax had finally decided the deception was over. He would reveal his true nature, finishing his decent into the darkness. Cyrax would now follow the path of the Sith Lords; the power of Dark Side was his for taking. Cyrax turned on his master killing Zaa Pana in a brutal lightsabre dual. The Jedi Master put up a valiant fight even though he was attacked by surprise. Cyrax had also killed the Wookiee escort with little effort.

Cyrax would remain on Kashyyyk because of the Dark Side presence he felt there. After months of scouting the Shadow Lands Cyrax found a cache of Dark Side artefacts including a damaged holocron, black robes, and a red bladed lightsabre. The holocron was damaged by time but it was not terminal. Cyrax never discovered the identity of the Sith Lord that built it, but only that she had been a member of the Brotherhood of Darkness during the New Sith Wars. Most of the Sith Lord’s secrets were revealed to him and Cyrax learned his lessons well. It seemed this Sith Lord was somewhat of a chemist as her holocron revealed a rare and poisonous plant only found in the Shadow Lands that held the key component for a deadly poisonous gas that the Brotherhood was going to unleash against the Jedi. Suddenly Cyrax had found his weapon to exact his revenge on the galaxy. No one would be safe. He wanted to bring this Emperor to his knees and take revenge for all the Force users that the Jedi-Imperial Act had destroyed. Cyrax saw the Sith resurgent and he would be at their head, all he needed now was time, training, and eventually an apprentice.

From his home base on Kashyyyk, Cyrax would use Zaa Pana’s ship searching for artefacts, tomes, holo discs, anything that had any information on the Sith from the past. Certain histories could be found in the larger libraries of the galaxy, for example on Corellia and Coruscant. Cyrax would stand outside the Jedi temple and imagine it in ruins, but it would be a shame to lose all the knowledge that was inside there. In the small things Cyrax could find in his studies he read about the Sith Lords from the past. One in particular stood out to him, that was Darth Bane, the Sith’ari. Cyrax agreed with the Darth Bane’s greatest gift to the Sith, that was the Rule of Two. “Two there should be; no more, no less. One to embody the power; the other to crave it.” Darius Baron had come at the perfect time.

***

Darius rolled to his knees quickly realizing the danger he was in as the Nikto closed in to finish him off. His heart raced in those few seconds footstep by footstep and Darius’ survival instinct had started to assert itself. The only thing Darius could remember Cyrax saying to him about his Force abilities manifesting themselves is if he was in an extreme situation. Darius believed this was one of those extreme situations and so he tried to release that energy just as Cyrax had described. He concentrated on the incoming Nikto and started to ground his teeth together to make something happen, anything. Darius pictured the Nikto being thrown backwards into his Gran henchmen. Just when the Nikto seemed to be getting a read as to where he was going to kick Darius’ face with his boot, he was thrown back with a powerful thrust. Darius tried so hard that tears were running down his face.

The three pursuers were suddenly on the floor together looking at one another trying to understand what had happened. They had a brief conversation in Huttese and they made their way to attack Darius. Just when the boy thought he was about to die, a flash of black swooped by the three of them like a wraith. The snap hiss noise of something being activated could be heard, and all of a sudden when Darius looked up to see what had happened he saw their throats were slit open. Simultaneously they all grabbed for their throats with each one trying hopelessly to keep the seeping liquid inside their bodies. They all fell to their knees and Darius looked around seeing Cyrax standing in the corner with what Darius believed was a lightsabre. The silver hilt had a red beam of energy protruding from it. The weapon seemed to hum as Cyrax moved it slightly to extinguish it.

“Do you wish to have such power Darius? You could have the ability to destroy your enemies with a single thought and the slight flick of a lightsabre.” Cyrax started to walk towards Darius, “Did you see how they all trembled just because of a Force push from you? You can multiply that by a thousand with training only I could provide for you Darius.” Cyrax now extended his hand to the boy. “Come Darius, let us see about your uncle and then we can talk further about your great future.”

“Ok” Darius said quietly.

Cyrax knew he had the boy interested in the Force by just the mere fact that he used it to defend himself. Darius was close to seeing that the Force would be his only escape from the shackles of his life. The two unlikely companions continued on passing bodies scattered through the area until finally they arrived at the largest building in the village. Cyrax immediately felt multiple presences inside including a very faint one on the verge of dying. Darius on the other hand felt a rush of panic as he approached and he was afraid for his uncle who he had not seen as of yet. They came upon the building as screams could be heard from inside. Darius recognized his uncle’s laments and without thinking rushed into the room. When he arrived inside he saw his uncle on his knees, his arms being restrained by a Twi’lek and an Aqualish, with a human pointing a blaster pistol at Rolf’s face. Darius could see that Rolf had been tortured as his face was bloodied and bruised. He couldn’t make out what the human was screaming to his uncle in Huttese and he didn’t care all he cared about was getting Rolf out of there.

Darius was angry with these raiders who had no regard for life or those that were innocent. He could not understand why something like this could happen to his uncle. Rolf’s mission in life was to ease the suffering of those less fortunate than him. Darius grew angry with himself because he knew he wasn’t strong enough to save his uncle, wasn’t strong enough to use his Force abilities, just not strong enough. Anger started to take over from the fear and he wanted to make these raiders pay for what they did, he hated them. Tears started to roll down Darius’ face because the despair of the whole situation started to dawn on him, Darius felt helpless and his uncle was going to die because of it.

“Despair boy?” Cyrax said with disgust. “You have the gifts to become a god amongst these beings and you waste it like this? Crying alone in the dark?! Use the anger inside you, turn it into rage, and feed it to the Force. That will make you powerful; unleash it on these fools with your feelings of hate and make them suffer for what they have done to you and your family!”

The raiders were surprised by the conversation that had just started behind them. Some of them pulled their blasters out and pointed them at Cyrax who looked more imposing than the crying boy.

“I don’t know how Cyrax, I don’t have the same abilities as you do.” Darius pleaded. “Please help him and I promise I will learn these powers, I will follow you.”

Cyrax knew an opportunity when he saw it and he wasted no time in taking it. “Remain back Darius.” Darius left the room to look for cover leaving Cyrax alone to fight the raiders. Cyrax’s presence took the room as the group started to speak amongst themselves. There were three guards watching Cyrax plus a Twi’lek and an Aqualish that were torturing of the boy’s uncle along with the human. They first group charged at Cyrax who in the blink of an eye ignited his lightsabre and decapitated the henchmen with a single broad stroke. Cyrax quickly used the Force pulling the blaster out of the human’s hand. He took it into his own hand and shot Rolf Baron in the heart. Cyrax dropped the blaster and Force pushed the three remaining raiders against the wall. He killed the aqualish with his lightsabre and Force chocked the twi’lek to death. Cyrax had left the human because this fool would be Darius’ gatekeeper to the Dark Side of the Force.

“Darius, come here boy.” Cyrax called out watching as Darius re-entered the room. The young man surveyed the horror of it all. Darius stopped at his uncle’s lifeless body recognizing the blaster shot in his chest. “I was too late son, I am truly sorry but I have the one responsible for your uncle’s death right here.” The human turned his head to Cyrax in surprise and then back at Darius. Cyrax’s prisoner started to blurt out words in Huttese in protest but Cyrax used the Force to choke the man, closing his throat. “Silence murderer. You will be punished for your crimes here today.”

Darius was not even listening to Cyrax because all he could think about was his poor uncle and how he had died fighting the senseless barbarism of these heartless raiders. On some level Darius knew what Cyrax was doing and at that moment he did not care. He stepped towards the human who was suddenly not saying anything at all. Darius looked him straight in the eye seeing great fear in his prey. Yes it was fear; the human was scared of him and his power. Darius glanced at Cyrax who had a small knowing smile on his face.

Cyrax then said to him “Kill him son, take revenge for your uncle. Right this wrong with your power Darius and do the galaxy a service by ridding it of this vermin.”

Darius thought about his uncle who would never be able to help anyone anymore. Rolf’s life had been cut way too short because of the evil in this man’s heart. “How Master, how do I get justice for my uncle? Justice for all the beings he helped; would have helped, if this monster had not killed him before his time.” Darius watched as the man shook his head violently from side to side, pleading for his life.

“Concentrate Darius,” Cyrax started to say in an instructive tone. “Concentrate on his throat and imagine squeezing the life out of it by closing it with your mind. See your revenge in your thoughts and seize it, breathe the Force into it, and realize it.”

Darius did as his master had instructed staring at the man’s throat. Darius closed his eyes visualizing it, he saw his uncle’s murderer in his mind’s eye grasping at his neck at an invisible force choking the life out of him. The human grabbed at the air in front of his throat hoping to stop Darius. When the boy opened his eyes he saw the man struggling to breath and he then looked at Cyrax who seemed to nod in approval of what he was doing.

“Harder boy, use your anger, release your hate, and bring him to his knees.” Darius did so and suddenly he was overwhelmed with a rush of heat that he surprisingly enjoyed. The man was desperately trying to touch something at his throat but there was nothing there. Within seconds loud snaps of bone could be heard from the man’s mouth. In the end the murderer dropped to the floor gasping for air until he finally died.

Darius went to his uncle’s body kneeling beside it cradling Rolf’s head. “I’m sorry uncle, I’m sorry it ended this way. I know you tried to protect me from the Force, but I will embrace it and continue your work, I promise.” Darius stood up and went to Cyrax who put his hand on Darius’ shoulder.

“Welcome Darius Baron. May the Force be with us.”

@earlybird-obi-wan
@The_Zeltron

 

interesting developments

 

Thank You earlybird-obi-wan

and The_Zeltron

Chapter 4 is coming up this week.

 

Chapter Four: JediTrainingAcademy, Dantooine 398 ABY

The quiet in the meditation room made Vikka wince as the silence was uncomfortable. She would randomly recall certain events from her past when she did not keep her mind busy. She had begun to live two lives these past years at the Jedi Temple as she was a model Jedi Padawan and then graduating to a full fledged Jedi Knight. Her other life consisted of doing her master’s bidding. Nyeb carried out the Emperor’s wishes by conducting political assassinations, over throwing small governments, and basically everything he could not order the Imperial Military to do. Of course Nyeb was more than happy to comply with the Emperor’s requests as he was making a substantial amount of credits. Vikka started to see the dead in her dreams when she slept and she saw them in her meditations when she needed a moment’s peace. The ghosts would not let her be. She began to realize that there was no peace when one was fighting the evils of the galaxy as they were.

As the missions had become more and more difficult Vikka’s powers grew as well. She had learned to walk the fine line between the Light and Dark Sides of the Force like her master did. Vikka was a practitioner of the Light Side but when it came to eliminating her marks she could feel a faint darkness creep into her mind. She would consciously tap into that feeling when it was necessary to drop into such a state of mind. The issue now was that it became increasingly difficult to stop using it. It was like an addictive drug that most of the time she felt wrong using but it was necessary, at least this was what Master Nyeb had told her. Master Exas had always told Vikka that Jedi always kept a balance in their lives but more often then not she struggled with the balance. She became a recluse soon after starting Master Lorn’s missions, but even that started to change when Trip Rand forced his way into Vikka’s life.

Trip Rand was an unremarkable Jedi Padawan but he, like most Jedi of the time had been recognized as Force sensitive when he was very young. Trip’s powers did develop to the point where Master Exas himself had taken notice and made Trip his Padawan learner as the boy was prone to be too light hearted and naïve. Master Exas did not want the boy to fall into traps of deception where he could be taken advantage of. Trip was quick to trust and was truly one of those beings that would look for any kind of goodness in someone before writing them off. Trip was a Soresu form three practitioner and he also incorporated Ataru form four in his arsenal. He was a good fighter but would rather settle disputes quickly and without much damage to either party.

Since the day they met Trip and Vikka started a friendship that fed off each other. Where Trip lacked an assertive streak, Vikka provided. Where she was cold and distant, Trip was caring and thoughtful. It started out as a lightsabre duelling relationship where they pushed each other to become better and better. They would spend time together doing their Padawan exercises in practice and class rooms to the point where they would become inseparable on certain days. Other days when Master Nyeb needed Vikka for an assignment she would leave and not say anything about where she was going or what she was doing. Trip would give everything of himself to her but Vikka would hold back some as she never wanted Trip to know about her double life. When she returned from missions days or weeks later Trip would only ask once about where she had gone and always gave Vikka her space when she denied him an answer. Trip’s non judgmental attitude of her was one of the reasons she cared about him so much.

Vikka read some time ago that the Force usually brings beings together for a reason and she was convinced that the Force had brought her Trip to help balance her double life. Their special bond was not just made from their interactions at the temple, it was forged and solidified on a day they were sent by Master Exas to recover a lost group of Padawan younglings and their master that had gone on a field trip to a crystal cave. It was an experience that Vikka recalled clearly whenever she sat in the meditation room. The terror on the youngling’s faces would flash in Vikka’s mind for the rest of her days and if not for Trip the depression would have been much more severe.

Vikka and Trip went off into the Dantooine plains with speeders looking for the missing class as instructed by Master Exas who told them that the temple had lost contact with Master Radii and her class. They were visiting a crystal cave that Master Radii had gone to numerous times with her previous classes but this time she had not checked back into the temple. Master Exas of course became concerned since she had six Padawan younglings with her. Knowing that Vikka and Trip were most likely together he sent the two of them to search for Master Radii. Lorn was off planet on business and Master Exas would usually give Vikka assignments directly when Lorn was not on planet. Vikka knew that her Master was off doing the business of the Empire whenever Nyeb's handlers contacted him.

Their speeder flew over the Dantooine plains and to a pleasant view of the surrounding grassland area. The animals grazing were a common site but all beings were told to leave the kath hounds and their cousins the horned kath hounds alone as they were violent if they were provoked. There was also the occasional kinrath crawling around who were much more unpleasant creatures than kath hounds who were rumoured to be kept as pets by some bold individuals. The kinrath on the other hand usually roamed in caves and dark places under the rule of a much larger and stronger matriarch. The eggs of a matriarch kinrath that did not hatch after a significant period of time produced pure coloured lightsabre crystals. The eggs also produced other crystals that made the lightsabre more efficient in emitting power, made the blade stronger when fighting another lightsabre, and crystals enhanced the blade when deflecting blaster bolts. The cave that Master Radii brought the younglings to was cleared of the kinrath in it numerous times.

Vikka and Trip passed an area that was rumoured to be the location of an ancient Rakatan temple that used to be there before Darth Malak had destroyed it along with most Dantooine’s surface by orbital bombardment with his fleet in the times of the OldRepublic during the Jedi Civil War. Before that event Malak and his master at that time, a famous Jedi known as Revan, led renegade Jedi Knights and Padawans to fight in the Mandalorian Wars against a powerful Mandalore named Mandalore the Ultimate. He thought he could overthrow the Republic. These rogue Jedi were called Revanchists and they defied the Jedi Council of the time because they felt the Council was waiting too long to react to the Mandalorian threat. The Council preferred to remain neutral to asses what was going on in the war with The Republic. Revan and Malak defeated the Mandalorians at a final battle on the planet of Malachor V where Revan defeated Mandalore the Ultimate and discovered the existence of an ancient Sith Emperor in deep space.

After the Mandalorian Wars Revan and Malak returned to Republic space from their journey where they looked for the Sith Empire, but they returned as Darth Revan and Darth Malak and so commenced the Jedi Civil War. Darth Revan was said to be under the influence of the Emperor but broke free of his influence and started his own Sith Empire to protect the Republic. Darth Revan and Darth Malak visited multiple Rakatan temples on various worlds, including Dantooine in search of maps that laid out the location of an ancient space station called the Star Forge. The Star Forge was a factory that produced Darth Revan’s armada including capital ships, war droids, weapons, and more importantly enhanced his Dark Side powers. These powers helped him convert thousands of Jedi Knights to his Sith Empire. Afterwards Darth Revan was betrayed by his apprentice in a power struggle that led to his capture by the Jedi who reprogrammed Revan with the Force and brought him back to the Light Side. A redeemed Revan would go on to defeat his former apprentice and restore a short peace for the OldRepublic. Revan would later disappear and the only explanation was that he went to fight the greater evil that he knew existed in deep space with the help of the Jedi Exile Meetra Surik.

Meetra Surik had also shaped events on Dantooine as she helped it recover the bombardment of Darth Malak by restoring a new settlement of Khoonda. The small settlement which had become the seat of government on Dantooine came under fire from a corporation that wanted to make Dantooine an outpost for their own operations. The Czerka Corporation hired mercenaries that worked for The Exchange, a massive criminal organization for hire to the highest bidder, to achieve their plans. Czerka needed to over throw the leader of Khoonda, a woman named Terena Adare who was an agricultural administrator before Darth Malak’s attack. She would later lead the surviving colonists to prosperity from Khoonda until Czerka arrived. Meetra Surik led Khoonda’s militia with the help of a Jedi Master named Vrook Lamar in the First Battle of Dantooine and defeated Czerka’s Exchange mercenaries to restore Terena Adare’s leadership and bring Dantooine back to the Republic.

The two Knights passed large patches of blba trees and numerous kibla greens farms which were the main food export for the planet. Vikka could feel how strong the Force was in this area of the plains as it held a long history, and there was something else, someone else that would flash in her mind every once in awhile. She ignored the feeling and looked at Trip who seemed to be concentrating on their task. “Do you have any idea where they are?” Vikka asked.

“Sure I do,” Trip said confidently. “They’re in that cave that Master Radii always goes to every year. I went with her when I was a young Padawan under Master Exas. It’s really an amazing place, the colours and formations are spectacular.”
“You don’t think that they could have veered off path? Came across raiders? You’re sure they’re in that cave?
Trip thought about it for a moment “Well, I guess anything’s possible, but I am usually right.” He finished with a smirk on his face.
Vikka rolled her eyes and said, “Yeah right. Only in your mind Trip, I have more than a few examples of how wrong you’ve been.”
“That’s only because you focus on the negative and not on how great I am. Besides, Master Radii is a Jedi Master.” Trip tried to reassure Vikka.

Vikka still felt that there was something wrong with the whole situation. It was something nagging at her in the Force. Finally they arrived at the cave and found the land transport that Master Radii and the class used to get there. Vikka and Trip exited their speeder and moved towards the cave entrance. “Stay behind me, I’ll protect you.” Trip said smiling. Before Vikka could give out an expletive laden response both of them felt tremors in the Force coming from what must have been children. They were terrified; the images were scattered and incoherent. Even more alarming was that there was no sign of Master Radii; she was not trying to communicate to them. Vikka felt that a Jedi Master like her would feel her and Trip approaching the cave, which meant that she was in serious danger.

Vikka and Trip entered the cave mouth and even before they went inside a breath of hot air hit them in their faces which instantly made them feel clammy and uncomfortable. “Do you feel that?” Vikka asked. “Those children are in trouble Trip, we have to hurry.”
“Vikka, we don’t know what’s in there; we can’t go running in blind. Master Exas says that you always need a plan of attack. Look at every variable.” Trip tried to calm Vikka down. “There could be anything in there, and whatever it is, it has to be dangerous to take out Master Radii.”
Vikka developed a scowl on her face. “So while we think they die?” She asked. “Not a chance Trip!”

Vikka went into the cave leaving Trip behind. “Wait for me.” He called back and heard no answer from Vikka. All Trip could see with the small amount of light from outside was that the cave opened to a small spot that turned into three tunnels. Trip could also see that Vikka had activated her lightsabre from the green hue farther down the lower tunnel. Trip followed along noting how dank and dark the cave was so he activated his own green bladed lightsabre which was a uniform looking one. It had a grey cylindrical hilt which had an internal switch so that only a Force sensitive could activate it, and a standard blade length. Vikka’s hilt was black with gold trim but was shorter than a standard hilt for increased agility with a standard sized blade. Trip and Vikka had built their blades together under the watchful eye of Master Radii in her advanced classes a few years before they took the Jedi Trials for their Knighthoods. They both knew Master Radii well and wanted to help her because she was considered one of the nicest of the instructors at the temple as she was easy to speak to and would always lend an ear to your issue.

Trip could feel Vikka’s familiar Force signature ahead of him and it was increasing in tension with every passing moment. Suddenly Trip felt a rush of anxiety from Vikka and when he caught up he came into another opening in the cave tunnel that had a raised mound in the middle of the opening. One the edge Trip could see that Vikka was lying on the ground face down over the edge of an opening in the cave floor that fell to a much larger cavern that had stone stalagmites rising from it. She was telling someone to clam down and Trip could guess with certainty that it had to be a youngling hanging on for their lives. As he approached Trip looked over the edge to see a little Togruta youngling holding on to a stone lip with horror in her eyes. Vikka called out to her telling the little one to calm down and grab her arm but the youngling was too afraid to let go of the rock lip she was holding on too. Trip dropped now and tried to use the Force to help the little one up but he felt danger coming behind them in the form of kinrath.

Vikka looked over at him and with frustration in her eyes and pleaded with Trip, “Take Care of those kinrath Trip, I got to save this youngling.” Trip hated leaving her but he knew it was the only way they would survive. Trip thought to himself quickly that this very situation was what probably happened to Master Radii and why she could not contact them. With his reignited lightsabre Trip made a powerful swipe horizontally to keep the beasts back with their poisonous trunks. Three of the kinrath hovered around Trip and forced him back but Trip pushed back with the Force driving the kinrath back. One remained closer to him while the other two were forced back and Trip took advantage as he swiped low and cut off a leg which forced the spider like kinrath body fall without the leg. Trip finished it off with by driving his lightsabre down like a spike into the beast’s head. The other two charged and Trip dropped into a defensive stance.

Vikka used the Force to grab the youngling but the Togruta squirmed so much that she could not get a lock on her. Vikka realized that she could not reach the girl so she took a grappling line from her belt and dropped it down to the youngling. “Grab it and I’ll pull you up, it’s the only way!”
“No I can’t” The little one screamed back. “I can’t let go, I’ll fall.”
Vikka realized that she had to calm the youngling down. “Padawan, listen to me.” Vikka said in a soft voice that was loud enough to hear above Trip’s humming lightsabre. “Concentrate on the line; use the Force to reach it. Clear your mind of doubt and just reach for it.”

The Padawan closed her eyes and was visibly trying to concentrate the way Vikka had told her. She opened her eyes and reached out for the line and it quickly came to her hand. While Vikka watched her catch the line flashes of the Twi’lek child pleading with her to not kill her father during her first mission with Master Nyeb flooded back into her mind. The guilt of that kill was now transferring itself into this situation and Vikka did not want to lose this little one. The youngling grabbed the line with both hands and looked back up at Vikka and called to her. “I got it! Pull me up please, the line is thin and I can feel it slipping.

“Hold on.” Vikka called back.

Trip had cut down the poisonous trunk of one of the two remaining kinrath and was about to step into it with a stabbing motion to finish it off. The other kinrath had stepped around Trip and came in from behind and bumped him into the wounded kinrath. They both went to strike at Trip who quickly used a Force enhanced leap to get out of danger. Somersaulting behind the wounded kinrath Trip then landed and executed that step in stab and killed it. The Force warned Trip again as a forth larger viper kinrath came in behind him and was about to strike him. Trip ducked under the strike and swung his lightsabre low and cut off two legs thus making the kinrath a non threat. His problem now was that the third kinrath that moved around him had gone after Vikka and as he looked over at her he tried to communicate with Vikka through the Force and a connection was made. Trip momentarily saw through her eyes the climbing youngling who was almost up but Vikka knew that she had to deal with the charging kinrath. Trip leaped at the Kinrath trying to cut it off before it reached Vikka.

Vikka called to the Padawan “Hold on.” She could feel a renewed sense of horror in the Youngling and Vikka used one arm to hold onto the line and with the other she pointed it at the kinrath and let out a Force push that pressed the kinrath back to Trip who killed it with two swipes of his lightsabre. To Vikka’s horror the arm that was holding the Padawan on the line flung up as the line came up empty and Vikka looked down into the cavern seeing the Padawan lying on the ground with blood pooling under her head. “No!” Vikka screamed out in terror rising to her knees where she broke down in tears.

Trip dropped his head in defeat extinguishing his lightsabre. He looked over at Vikka, walked to her, and dropped to a knee putting his hand on her shoulder. Through the Force he could see the images Vikka was playing through her mind which was disconcerting to him as he had never done that with anyone. Her guilt and anger flowed right through him giving him the exact feelings. It was there and then Trip vowed to himself and somehow through their connection to Vikka he would always be there for her.

Vikka cried quietly finally looking at Trip who had his own tear resting on his cheek. She could feel his comfort through this odd new connection and it soothed her thoughts for a bit. He looked at her now and calmly said, “I’m so sorry Vikka, but we have to find the rest of the group. I fear for Master Radii as well, it must have been these kinrath that got to her and overwhelmed her.” Trip stroked Vikka’s hair trying to be comforting. “Come on get up, the rest of the Padawan younglings will still need you.”
Vikka closed her eyes to collect her thoughts and pushed away the sight of the Togruta Padawan. “Ok Trip let’s go. I’m ready.”
“Alright, I’ll go ahead and you cover our backs. Don’t worry Vikka; we’ll get the rest of them”

Trip led them onward where unrecognizable echoes could be heard farther down into the cave. Rippling colours could be seen along the walls originating from the reflecting inner glows of the crystal formations farther down the cavern. They were approaching a massive chamber where the largest crystal formations were located. Trip remembered the cavern from his time under Master Radii, what he did not remember was the remaining auras that other Force sensitive beings had left there when they passed thorough here. Trip could tell that Vikka was still feeling guilty about what had happened before with the Togruta Padawan youngling, she was thinking on it way too much and Trip could tell that she was making it distract her from the task at hand. Trip stopped and turned to face Vikka and said, Vikka, you have to concentrate on this moment…”
Trip was interrupted by Vikka’s eyes looking beyond him into the cave. He turned to see what she was looking at and Trip saw a gang of viper kinrath running towards them. “I’ll be fine Trip, let’s just find Master Radii and the younglings.”
“Yes Master.” Trip teased.
“Don’t call me that Trip; I’m not in the mood.” Vikka snapped back.

They both raised their lightsabres and ignited them to face their incoming attackers. Vikka became angry while looking at the kinrath with the thought of the Padawan youngling’s death in the forefront of her mind. She started to disregard Master Nyeb’s teachings about not choosing a side of the Force to follow as she wanted to let her emotions go. Vikka hacked at the first kinrath that approached and took out two of its legs and stabbed it in the fleshy part of the body. Trip had taken his own approach with a combination of Force pushes and quick strikes to finish the kinrath. He noticed how Vikka had just decapitated another and then another with hard violent swings that Trip had not seen her perform when they trained together. There were clearly things he did not know about her, and this aggressive fighting style seemed like just the beginning of her secrets.

With the two of them fighting together and Vikka’s new found aggressiveness these kinrath started to fall quickly. Trip watched as Vikka used the Force to take a kinrath by the base of its head and started to choke it. Trip knew such powers were reserved for the Dark Side users of the Force. He wanted to calm her down and tell her that all would be well, but the battle would not allow for it. Trip did not want her starting down a path that she would later live to regret. These past few years he had grown to care for her but never told her the extent of it. In truth, Trip loved her a great deal and did not want her to start down the dark path. Trip had never encountered a Dark Jedi or a Sith while training on Dantooine and only studied about a few of them as he was more concerned with Light Side champions and failures of the past that turned to the Dark Side.

Revan who fell to the Dark Side, redeeming himself, defeated Darth Malak’s Sith Empire, and fought the Emperor Vitiate to his death. Meetra Surik started a new Jedi Order by training many of her companions to save the fallen Jedi Order after the first Jedi Purge. Lord Hoth battled the Brotherhood of Darkness in the New Sith Wars against Skere Kaan. Lord Hoth sacrificed himself along with many brave Jedi Masters, Knights, and even Padawans that were old enough to fight in his Army of Light in the sixth battle of Russan. Master Yoda who saw over the greatest expansion the Order had seen in generations and a long peace in the galaxy. Unfortunately for Yoda, that all came crashing down with the Clone Wars and finally culminated in the Great Jedi Purge. Anakin and Luke Skywalker were both great Jedi heroes in their own rights with Anakin, like Revan, redeeming himself from becoming Darth Vader to defeating Darth Sidious. Luke Skywalker rebuilt the Jedi Order and led it through many conflicts saving the galaxy time and time again.

Vikka started to move ahead and Trip called to her. “Vikka wait. Are we going to talk about that Force choke, or are you going to tell me Master Nyeb taught you techniques that are banned?”

Vikka did not want to say just how right Trip was but she dared not reveal what her and Master Nyeb did for the Emperor. Trip was so idealistic; he believed so much in the Jedi Code and staying true to it. That was what she respected most about him as he was incorruptible and never faltered to temptation. He would not understand their work or why they did it the way they did. Master Lorn warned her about Jedi like him that were blinded by tired old doctrine that was out of date and incapable of saving the galaxy from the evils within it. Yet she felt that he deserved some sort of answer because he was her best friend. She always avoided this conversation with Trip because he respected her privacy about her past, but now with her slip and use of a Dark Side technique she had to say something.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said not even believing it herself. “Actually, I taught it to myself. Its not difficult, you just concentrate on a spot and squeeze.”
“Come on Vikka, I know you better than that.” Trip said accusingly. “Why would you teach yourself something that is banned, wrong even?”
“There is more to the Force Trip, much more.” Vikka said realizing that Master Nyeb had said something similar to her. “Don’t be ignorant to it.”
Trip was annoyed now with her. “Ignorance is bliss sometimes Vikka.” He said defiantly. “Let’s move.”
“Fine we’ll talk later.” Vikka replied.

The crystal cave’s largest chamber glimmered in their eyes but as beautiful as the crystals were the horror of their discovery made that magnificence irrelevant. Under the mass of a kinrath queen the bodies of the other five Padawan younglings could be seen. Their robes were stained with blood and finally Master Radii was impaled on a crystal formation with her lightsabre on the ground not far away from her lifeless hand. Trip and Vikka said nothing as there was nothing to say. Even their connection was silent and the Force was full of their grief but they had no time to rest. The kinrath queen smelled them immediately and looked over at them. Her poisonous trunk had a spike in the end of it and was obviously larger than the previous kinrath; she actually was double the size of the viper kinrath. She charged at them quickly with three smaller kinrath coming in behind her.

Vikka wasted no time and leaped right away at the kinrath queen while totally disregarding the smaller ones. Trip wanted to hold her back but there was no stopping her initial attack so he went after the smaller kinrath that had gone after Vikka. Trip fought off one of the Kinrath and quickly cut it down then going after the next one. Vikka landed in front of the beast and could not get a quick strike in as the queen adjusted her legs and closed the distance between it and Vikka. While Vikka tried to decide how to attack, the kinrath queen hit her hard with her horned trunk which pierced the top of her thigh and releasing her venom. Luckily for Vikka she realized it quickly and pulled her leg out but fell back as it was too damaged to run or even walk. The kinrath queen tried to squash the intruder with a leg but Vikka managed to roll out of the way of the leg that tried to stomp her twice.

Trip noticed the danger and with the Force picked up some rocks and debris on the cave floor and threw it at the Kinrath Queen. “Now Vikka, get out of there!” She listened and used the Force to help herself leap out of the way. The projectile rocks had their effect and gave Vikka her chance, which distracted the kinrath queen towards Trip now. Trip readied himself in his Soresu Form III stance and waited for the beast to charge as he knew it would. The kinrath queen attacked with its venomous trunk and drove the spike into the spot that Trip was just in. He had rolled to his left then came up standing and then leapt right at the kinrath queen’s leg and he chopped it down. With Force augmented speed he took down the next leg which brought the kinrath down. Trip stood over her now then walked towards where he thought the head was seeing that the kinrath queen was in pain. He wasted no time in ending her suffering with a hard strike from his lightsabre.

Trip turned to see where Vikka was and saw her kneeling in front of the bodies of the Padawan younglings. As he approached Trip heard her saying something but she was speaking to softly for him to make it out. “Vikka, are you ok?” When she didn’t respond Trip asked, “What are you saying?”

Vikka finished what she was saying and got up to her feet and started to limp towards Master Radii. She kneeled in front of the fallen Master’s body and started speaking softly again but this time Trip could make out some words that sounded like Mandalorian. When Vikka was finished she rose facing Trip and said, “I was praying that they all joined with the Manda,” Trip had no idea what that was and thankfully Vikka continued on. “It’s a collective consciousness that Mandalorians strive to join when they die, you have to have an understanding of the Mandalorian culture to achieve it but in Master Radii’s and the Padawan’s cases I hope to see them there when I finally go.

“Which will be a long time from now,” Trip shot back quickly. “Now, let’s collect the bodies and put them outside the cave. I’ll call back to the temple and arrange for a transport.”

Vikka nodded and walked towards the Padawans where she lifted the first one which was a little human boy into her arms. She looked down at the boy’s body seeing the blood that seeped through his robes at his midsection. She walked to the front of the cave and did so three more times while Trip did the same. Vikka had not forgotten about the Togruta Padawan Youngling as she went to the cavern opening where she could see the body of the youngling still laying there. Vikka used the Force to gently raise the lifeless body up towards her with all the concentration she could gather to make sure she did no further damage to it. She took the Padawan into her arms and brought her outside the cave to where the Jedi had already come with storage vehicles for the deceased. Vikka handed over the body to another Jedi Knight while fighting back tears as to not show the emotions that Jedi thought to be a weakness, a path to the Dark Side. From behind Vikka heard a voice she knew all too well, “Master Vikka, you did all you could child. Do not weep for them.”

Master Exas emerged from the transport and gave Vikka an understanding expression on his face and then he turned back to helping the other Jedi load the bodies of the fallen. Jedi Master Bail Exas had not lost many Jedi under his command because in being a Head Master of a training academy there were almost never any battles, war, or conflict at the academy. This was truly the worst tragedy that had ever befallen the academy on Dantooine while he had been there. Master Radii was a good friend as well as a member of Master Exas’ inner circle of confidants. Her loss would be felt by all the younger students as she was the first line of teaching in the academy. Master Radii’s knowledge of the living Force and her methods of explaining it were paramount to the academy’s Padawans. For Master Exas the loss of the six Padawan Younglings hurt more so because he always saw the future in the lives of his students. The light in a learning Padawan’s eyes gave him a satisfying feeling every day. The fact that a scouting mistake was made by such an experienced Master was difficult to understand and Master Exas would have to answer to the Jedi Council on Coruscant.

This would not be the first time that Master Exas would have issues with the Jedi Council as many years ago when he was a young man and a newly minted Jedi Knight he was very outspoken about the Jedi Imperial Act. Exas did not agree with the bill and he would tell anyone who would listen to him. Exas’ old Master was still on the Council at that time and he told Exas to control his emotions; that the way to battle this type of persecution was with patience and resolve. The Force would guide them and the Force was telling him that the Jedi would survive this too. Exas refused to believe that this type of law would maintain peace for long. He knew the evidence was overwhelmingly stacked against him since there had been two centuries of peace, but Exas still had sensed that there would be some kind of blow back from a group or even one Force user.

The young Exas would eventually listen to his master and held his tongue for the most part while performing his Jedi duties on Coruscant. The Jedi had been resigned to aiding the Coruscant Security Force with mostly gang land activities, political escorts, and protection. Exas’ most significant accomplishment was the bringing down of a crime syndicate that specialized in a slave ring that extended as far out to systems in the outer rim. They were also well known for smuggling spice and death sticks. His investigations led him into Coruscant’s under cities where these organizations had a free reign. Exas developed a network of contacts that helped with his investigation and gave him an edge with information because the gang land violence against the public was an epidemic that the Jedi were mandated to focus on and Exas was the point man on it.

Eventually after Exas’ investigations and arrests he went back to preaching about his vision of a Force user rebellion. The Council and the Grand Master’s main concern was a peaceful situation between the politicians against Force users and the Jedi. Exas did not agree with the politics of Coruscant and the Jedi Council so he requested that he be moved to the training academy on Dantooine. He believed that he would help the newer generations of Jedi recruits to understand what was waiting for them in the galaxy, to be prepared for the future that lay ahead of them. The Council was more than happy to grant Exas his transfer to Dantooine but they knew they were losing an astute investigator and powerful Force user.

The existence of the Jedi Imperial Act bothered him to no end and instead of continuing the fight with his colleagues he decided to walk away. Force users did not deserve to be discriminated like this. The ramifications of imprisoning anyone because there was a chance they’d use the Dark Side of the Force was wrong in Exas’ opinion. A being should use the Force for advancement and the greater good of the galaxy. A government that punishes anyone who could look at all aspects of the Force, including the Dark Side, but could also stay away from it, was not the kind of government that Exas wanted to serve. Until he was finally granted his transfer Exas fought the whole notion of the act. When he made it to Dantooine he changed his focus onto the Padawans and made sure they were prepared in every way possible to be capable and productive Jedi Knights. He came to care about all his Padawans and the current tragedy almost brought him to tears. “I will debrief you and Master Trip back at the Enclave, go.” Master Exas ordered.

Vikka watched Master Exas help with the bodies and felt an overwhelming desire to talk to the Head Master who would more than likely understand her pain. Then she thought on it a little more and decided that she would not say anything at all, it was better to suffer alone then let others think she was weak. Vikka knew Trip would ask her to talk about what had happened when they returned to the enclave and she did not want to talk about it to him either because she knew that it might lead to a conversation about her past and then maybe into her current activities with Master Nyeb. Vikka was warned not to reveal anything about what she and Nyeb did or else she would face stern consequences.

The land speeder ride back to the enclave was a quiet between Vikka and Trip. He had so much he wanted to ask her but Trip could see that Vikka was not saying much of anything. He wanted to ask her about the communication that they experienced in the Force, comfort her after witnessing the tragic deaths of the Padawan’s and the fit of rage that took her when she jumped up ahead of him while they were battling the kinrath queen. Trip knew the answers would be hard to pull out of her but he was determined to try.

“I hope you feel like talking about what happened in the cave Vikka.” Trip insisted.
“I would like that Trip, you’re right we have a lot to discuss.” Vikka replied.
“Good.” Trip said surprised as he expected a hostile response from her.

They arrived at the enclave parking their speeder in the garage and waited for the transport that was carrying the bodies. Trip reached out with the Force and tried to sense Vikka like he had before. He sensed feelings and emotions at first but then Vikka spoke out, “What are you looking for Trip? I can feel you lurking in my mind like a wild bantha.”

Trip turned towards her quickly and said out loud. “What is that Vikka? How did we do that?”

Vikka looked down and closed her eyes and then raised her head and looked over at Trip. “I’ve read about something like this before, it’s like a Force bond.” She explained. “We can read each other’s thoughts and feelings even if we are far away from each other physically. The clear conversations we have are new to me though. I’ve never read or heard of anything like this.”

Trip shock his head. “Neither have I. Are you ok with it; I mean can we shut it off? Vikka turned to Trip and gave him a dark glare feeling a bit rejected for a moment. Trip started speaking again. “I don’t, well, I don’t mind it Vikka, and I actually like the idea.” Trip's cheeks started to turn different shades of red while he lowered his head. “I care about you, a lot.” Trip declared raising his head again and looking directly into her eyes.

Vikka at first did not know what to say so over the bond she told him. “I care for you too Trip. I’m not sure I can give you what you want though.”
“How do you know what I want?” Trip replied dryly. “Listen Vikka, I don’t know what happened to you in the past, or what is going on now, but you can trust me. I won’t push it, you can talk to me whenever you’d like, about anything you’d like.”
Vikka’s com link buzzed on her belt. She looked at it and then back at Trip with a small smile, “I know Trip, some day I will tell you everything. Not today I’m afraid.”
Vikka started to walk away and Trip called after her. “Where are you going? We have to be debriefed by Master Exas.”

Over the bond Vikka replied, “I’ll see you when I get back.” Vikka closed down the bond knowing one day she would pay for all the lies she told to Trip. Rainbow Knight Star earlybird-obi-wan The_Zeltron Shira A'dola

 

Love Trip and how he handles things with Vikka
Action packed chapter

 

Thank You EOW and The_Zeltron

Their relationship is interesting to write about. I had a place that they were heading for in mind, but I think I might make things a little different.

 

How about a comment The_Zeltron

 

But why? Lurking is so much more fun.

 

well at least we know where your priorities are.

 

Hey! I have time to read, press like, and then go to work.

 

Well at least you're reading it.

 

Exactly. Now when's the next chapter gonna be up?

 

We've had a death in the family. Might be a bit.

 

I'm sorry to hear it.

 

Thanks Mae. You're the best.

 

earlybird-obi-wan The_Zeltron Rainbow Knight Star

Thanks for reading

Chapter Five: CoronetCity, Corellia 385 ABY

After Marcus had joined Cor-Sec there was little time to process what had happened that fateful day when he met the Archivist and killed Mr Baleon. Marcus had tried to bury his feelings about all of it, but in his quiet moments he felt angry that he never heard from the Archivist again. There was so much Marcus wanted to ask him but now he would never get the opportunity. Marcus felt that his chance to expand his knowledge of the Force was stolen from him. He was teased with the thought of what could have been. Before Marcus had gone to Cor-Sec he researched what he could on anyone called The Archivist but he turned up nothing. This led Marcus to delve into other Force users but he found little on anything or anyone that was not a Jedi. The reason for the severe lack of information was the Jedi-Imperial Act. There was no information about the Sith or any Dark Jedi. With the lack of resources Marcus decided that he would abandon his search for answers about the Force. He would concentrate on joining Cor-Sec and becoming someone within it.

Cor-Sec was an organization that was renowned across the galaxy because it produced powerful soldiers, bred leaders, but Marcus seemed to be back where he started, in school. His aggressive nature was a positive in many classes but sometimes it was a detriment because occasionally he could not control it. The live missions were his favourite, as he could actually fight someone with his mind, hands, and weapons. Instructors all said that Marcus’s tactics were brutal, violent, but effective. They were not based on finesse, just bull headed power. Most cases worked out for Marcus but others that needed a more delicate touch, were beyond him. Marcus tried to hide his Force sensitivity but he used it to get every advantage he could over his peers. He came to understand that his anger and aggressiveness fed his power and used it to his advantage. His team just thought Marcus was extremely gifted but hot headed. As it stood he rose to second in command of an elite squad of operatives that carried out small but critical missions.

Marcus’s unit worked on the death stick and sand rings that ran enormous amounts of the drugs across the galaxy. Coruscant was the final destination for many of the shipments but Corellia was an expressway. The smuggling was rampant in the years of the new Imperial regime, and Corellia had many beings that were willing to make more credits. Even legitimate businesses had gotten into the act. An organization, which was called the Blood Rocks, paid assembly line workers at a freighter plant to hide and store large amounts of drugs in new ships. These ships were then sent to Coruscant full of the smuggled drugs. The organization then had another team of workers at the freighter’s dealerships to off load the drugs and move them to the dealers. This was but one of the numerous schemes that they used to move drugs from system to system. The Blood Rocks had an intricate network that Marcus’s group had been ordered to infiltrate and destroy.

The operation had gone on for months with the team using conventional methods of stopping the smugglers. Breaching their communications, surveillance, and threats to small time dealers went without success. Marcus’s team had finally decided that putting an inside man within the operation was absolutely necessary. Bringing the Blood Rocks down from the inside would be the best way to understand, observe, and assess just how large the infrastructure of their network was. The plan to get Marcus in was easy enough. The life he had led before joining Cor-Sec had given him a reputation in certain sectors near his father’s home. He could use this reputation to get noticed and hopefully a standing that could get him inside the group. The only snag in that plan was that Marcus had suddenly left the area to join Cor-Sec so his reputation had lost its lustre. The best thing to remedy this was to return to the cantina that he and Arka had fought in to remind them all what he was.

The rain drenched CoronetCity and Marcus Dal Colle was caught in the storm. He knew as he walked in his old neighbourhood that not even this amount of water could cleanse the stains of crime and depression. When he approached the cantina a body guard looked him over and said nothing as Marcus walked by him with an evil glare. He returned with little fanfare which did not suit his mission as Marcus was hoping that someone would confront him; he was hoping that members of the Blood Rocks would be there. Marcus sat at the bar and ordered ale while he looked at the beings that populated the cantina he felt were lowlifes. At the end of the bar two near humans females looked at him but Marcus just glared and turned away.

Through the doors two Weequays came in and Marcus noticed that they were wearing Blood Rocks armour. Marcus needed to seize this opportunity to get his mission started. They ordered drinks and finally noticed Marcus purposely staring at them. One of them said to him, “What you look at human?”

“Easy, I only wanted to talk.” Marcus said from across the bar after wiping his mouth with his hand.
“We have nothing to say to you, now look away before we make you look away.” The other said in surprisingly good galactic basic.
Marcus walked up to them and smiled before saying, “If you try to fight me I’ll kill you both. What I have is a proposition. Where is your boss?”
The Weequays looked at each other then the one that spoke well replied, “We don’t have a boss, if you want something you can go through us.”

Marcus had suddenly hatched a new plan for entry into the Blood Rocks, a much easier way, bloodier, but easier. “Let’s go in the ally behind the cantina; I need to speak to you two privately.” The three of them left for the rear of the cantina where Marcus turned quickly and kicked one of the Weequays in the stomach. The impact sent him stumbling backwards and Marcus then grabbed the other Weequay, who was looking at his fallen partner, by the neck and snapped it with a violent twist. The gangster’s body went limp, fell to the ground, and Marcus quickly went after the Weequay he had kicked. He grabbed him by the throat. “Now, where is your hideout?” The Weequay was in shock not saying anything at first. “Do you want to end up like your partner?” Marcus threatened. “Tell me!”

“It’s in the Blue Sector, behind the abandoned plasteel factory.” The Weequay finally replied meekly while still looking at his fallen partner.

“Thank You.” Marcus replied with eyes that now looked liked burning suns. He closed his fist around the now flailing Weequay and choked the poor fool until he stopped breathing. Marcus dropped the body and then took out a comm link to call in what Cor-Sec called a “clean up” team. A group of unremarkable beings came in a small transport which landed close by. They unloaded a few crates full of supplies and within minutes the scene was cleared of the bodies and any evidence that they or Marcus was ever there. While in the transport Marcus gave his commander, a human male named Vidor Dalporte, a rundown of what he had discovered. Vidor listened and agreed with Marcus’s plan of going to the Blood Rock’s base on his own to make an impression on them to gain entry or at the very least be considered.

Vidor Dalporte was a hard man who always played things out to the letter. Cor-Sec was an organization that was not viewed upon fondly by the Empire, but Corellia’s influence in ship building and infrastructure for the Imperial Navy let the Corellians keep certain things untouched. One of those things was their planetary security force Cor-Sec, which operated outside of most Imperial protocols. Dalporte never lost sight of his belief that the Empire was in charge and the Corellians were fortunate that Cor-Sec was allowed to operate as they did. Dalporte was a native of Coruscant which rubbed many members of Cor-Sec the wrong way. A non Corellian in a position of power was blasphemy to some of the hardcore Corellian patriots within Cor-Sec. Dalporte knew this, but cared little for it as he believed as long as he was getting the job done he should demand the respect of those that were ordered to follow him.

Dalporte worked his way up through the Coruscanti Police services and into the narcotics unit. From there he worked in a joint program between the Coruscanti Police and Cor Sec that broke a few small smuggling rings which got him noticed to the Cor Sec leaders who needed a replacement for a retiring commander. They offered Dalporte the position and he accepted it thinking it would be a career advancing move. A decade had past since that time and Dalporte had seemingly stalled his own career because Cor Sec would not advance a Coruscanti. His attempts to return to Coruscant had been blocked for various reasons, one of which was because he left the Coruscanti Police for Cor Sec. It left him bitter but he had to accept it, but Dalporte always made sure he always did his job to the best of his ability.

Although he understood Marcus’s motivation for killing the two Weequays, Dalporte did not like it. Dalporte and his second in command, Marcus, disagreed on the use of violence but the Commander could not argue with the young man’s results. Dalporte’s opinion of Marcus was mixed because he admired Marcus’ ferocity and skills but he knew his temper could sometimes be uncontrollable. Dalporte could not understand how on one hand, Marcus lacked discipline, and on the other hand, he could see situations develop before they happened, predict enemy movements. Despite all that, Dalporte would use Marcus as his first option operative whenever a dangerous mission would arise. This operation was no exception. Marcus’s knowledge on the underworld of the sector and his brute force attitude made him perfect for the assignment.

Before getting out Marcus took a kit from the storage unit that had a spray can which coloured his hair auburn, he used a fake scar under his eye, and used contact lenses that changed his eye color from brown to grey. Changing his appearance was a security measure that could save his life if the Blood Rocks did background checks on him. Dalporte gave Marcus a datapad that contained a new identity which if he was checked out, the Blood Rocks would find out that Marcus was an orphaned boy that grew up on Talus, and worked for an excursion company based out of Dearic. He was arrested for transporting spice for a gang that worked in Talus’ spaceport. With a solid back story the only thing left was to gain entry into the Blood Rocks.

The transport dropped Marcus off a few kilometres away from the Blood Rock base. He walked up to the abandoned warehouse the Weequay described. It was a common looking facility that was a great place to hide the organization’s operations. Marcus entered the building seeing old machinery that had not been used in decades, debris, and litter was scattered all over the area. The air was dank, humid, and on inhaling it into his nose, the smell of old chemicals was also prevalent. Marcus walked in cautiously and suddenly he saw two or three red dots on his body from scoped weapons. He immediately put up his hands waiting for someone to say something.

When nothing came Marcus finally called out, “I’m here for work.” He waited a little more and watched how the little dots were still there but no one spoke back. “I was told this was a good place to find work.”

“Who told you that?” A voice grumbled back in galactic basic with a Huttese accent.
“Does it matter?” Marcus shot back, “I know the Blood Rocks run all the spaceports here and I used to work in one on Talus.”

There was no response but a door could be heard sliding open not far from where Marcus was standing. Two Nikto armed with scoped long range blaster rifles emerged from the shadows and Marcus stopped in his tracks trying to give them the sense that they intimidated him.

“Get out!” Someone else yelled back from the darkness in Huttese.
“Look, I’m just looking for work.” Marcus said with some urgency in his voice. “Can I speak to someone?”

One Nikto said nothing, while the other looked like he was sniffing Marcus for something identifiable. In the distance the first voice called out in Huttese again to bring Marcus to them. He and the Nikto walked towards the voice and finally a Zabrak male appeared before them. Marcus already knew him as a high ranking Blood Rock lieutenant named Tak from his research files. He ran operations in this sector with an iron fist. Tak was intelligent, cunning, and above all ruthless. Marcus knew his mission had just become much trickier because fooling this Zabrak would be difficult because Tak was well connected and a friend to the leadership of the gang’s Corellian operations. It was a major coup for Cor-Sec that Tak was involved here because now they could really push to take down the unknown leader of the Blood Rocks on Corellia.

“Do you realize where you are human?” The Zabrak said. “This isn’t a recruiting station that you can walk up to. Where did you hear about us?”
Marcus cleared his throat. “On Talus, from some smugglers I helped out. They moved some spice and told me if I ever I needed work this would be the place.”
“Who were they?” Tak said while one of the Nikto pushed Marcus from behind.
“They never told me their names. It’s not exactly a business that you advertise yourself in, you know that.” Marcus responded with a little more steel in his voice.
“Of course not” The Zabrak replied. “Still, you have some guts coming here alone kid. I’ll make you a deal.” The Blood Rock lieutenant started to walk back and forth in front of Marcus. “If you can survive a beating from my two associates here, I’ll give you a job.”

The three soon to be combatants looked at each other quickly and one Nikto dropped the rifle and produced a hand blaster while the other took out a vibro sword. Marcus had come unarmed as a sign of good faith but wasted little time and kicking down the Nikto with the blaster with a roundhouse kick. The gang member fired two rounds into the air missing both times but Marcus connected with his foot dropping the Nikto. He collected the now fallen blaster firing two rounds into the Nikto’s chest and quickly brought the blaster up to fire on the other gang member with the vibro sword. The remaining Nikto charged taking two swings that Marcus avoided but one of the blades caught the blaster forcing him to drop it. Then the Nikto took a third vertical swing that was aimed at Marcus’ shoulder that he sidestepped. Marcus then took the Nikto’s blade with his right hand and then he drove his left elbow into the Nikto’s face. Marcus took the vibro sword for himself quickly decapitating the Nikto with his own blade.

When the head rolled on the floor towards Tak, Marcus threw the sword aside and looked at him asking, “Well?”
“I didn’t like those guys anyway.” The Zabrak said, “Follow me kid we’ll find you a spot.”
“Thanks,” answered Marcus.

Tak led Marcus through the hidden sliding door and into another large space where there were many beings stacking small containers onto pallets. On the other side of the room they had tables set up where there were two women going over numerous datapads. In another room that was encased in glass, there were many masked beings packaging a red sand-like substance into capsules. Marcus tried to take note of all the faces to see if there was anyone that he recognized from previous case files. The muscle the Blood Rocks used was common mercenaries that could be bought and sold anywhere in the galaxy. Marcus’ dealings with the Blood Rocks already showed that they had lieutenants such as Tak that were full time members that controlled smaller cells throughout the galaxy. Those leaders probably had smaller circles of trusted subordinates and then came the hired help.

As they walked through the operations room, Marcus was surprised that he was being shown so much this quickly. He thought he would have had to suffer some initiation but that was not the case. Tak escorted Marcus into a smaller room and the Zabrak had three henchmen follow them in. When Marcus led the group in he was quickly turned around by the Tak who had underestimated his guest’s strength because Marcus instinctively took Tak’s arm with the intention of snapping it in half. Marcus then noticed the three blaster rifles pointed at his face so he quickly let go of the arm and put his hands up in surrender.

“What is this?” Marcus asked. “I thought…”
“You thought what?” The Zabrak said with a louder voice. “You thought I would let you into our group without any kind of background check? I’ve had face recognition programs working on you since we walked in.”
“I told you who I was, my name is Marcus Dacron.” Marcus responded with anger growing in his voice.
The Lieutenant smiled. “Actually you didn’t tell me your name; you only told me where you worked. We have people that work on Talus that can confirm your story Marcus. If you have something to say I’d do it now.”

Under any other circumstances Marcus would have been concerned but he knew that the communications coming out of the building were being intercepted by his team. Tak would get a report from Marcus’ commanding officer Dalporte. The report would have everything he needed to be put at ease about who Marcus said he was. The Blood Rock’s encryption was better than any other groups Marcus’ team had encountered, but Cor-Sec invested heavily in breaking their codes in case this precise situation arose. After a few tense minutes the Zabrak’s datapad chimed telling him he had received a message. Marcus watched as Tak studied the new message knowing that the information would most likely set him free. The Blood Rock lieutenant waved his hand to the men behind him to lower their weapons. Marcus breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
Tak looked at Marcus from toe to head stopping at his eyes. “You check out kid. So you’re in for now only because I can use more big guys like you around me.”
“Thanks, I’ll do whatever you need.” Marcus replied.
Tak turned quickly sending away the three guards that were in the room leaving him alone with Marcus. “Listen, I know why you’re so good at what you do. It’s the same reason that I’m so good at what I do.”
Marcus gave him a genuinely confused look. “Sorry, how’s that?”
“You’re a Force sensitive, I can sense it because I am one too.” Tak said quietly.

Marcus was shocked he encountered someone else who was a Force sensitive. He was under the impression that there were not many left at all, not including the Jedi. Suddenly Marcus was not sure that he could trust Tak but he was suddenly overwhelmed with the idea of sharing his powers with someone else who knew exactly what he was going through.

“I am,” Marcus admitted. “I’ve known for a long time, but I haven’t told anyone, so I don’t really talk about it.”
“It isn’t something you can turn off and on like a comm switch,” Tak explained. “I haven’t had formal training either but I learned to listen to it. I don’t know how many times the Force has saved my life but I know it’s the reason I’m in this position.
Marcus thought on the Zabrak’s reflections knowing that his experiences with the Force were different from Tak’s. “My anger drives it,” Marcus replied with an edge in his voice. “It gives my ability focus, I love it.”
Tak gave Marcus a pensive look before saying, “You’re one of those then?”
“Those?” Marcus answered quickly.
“The Imperials are executing the Force users that do not report their abilities to them and you’re admitting that you use the Dark Side of the Force?” Tak questioned. “Kid, you have to control your anger or they will find you. Worse, it could be one of our own looking to make credits with the bounty.”
Marcus made a small smile because he couldn't help boasting about killing the Twi’lek Arka. “One of your people already tried. He was a Twi’lek; I think his name was Arka.”
“You,” Tak said shocked. “You killed Arka? I found out that Cor-Sec found his mangled body with almost every bone broken. How did you manage that kid?”
Marcus did not know how to answer him so he told him the truth. “I got angry, lashed out. I pictured what I wanted to do to him in my mind and it happened. He wanted to turn me in for the bounty, I had to stop him. I’m sorry if he was a friend of yours.”
Tak laughed, “No, not a friend, just one of my better fighters. It makes sense you would be the one that is going to replace him on my team.”
Marcus was confused, “That happened two years ago, you’re just replacing him now?”
“He was a good soldier. Don’t make me regret bringing you on Marcus, Force or not, this is a life commitment and I won’t tolerate any treachery.” Tak warned him. “There are worse beings than me in the Rocks. They will not hesitate to destroy you.”
“I’ll take that under advisement Tak. Thanks.”

***

Marcus was now apart of the Blood Rocks but was not seeing the action he thought he would in the first few months. Tak had Marcus following him around, watching his back, and basically making him a personal bodyguard. Marcus had hoped to be involved in the actual deliveries of product to dealers so he could see who the major players were. On the dealing side of operations there was always a high turnover rate because of arrests and violence between the gangs. An updated list of dealers and who was controlling them was apart of Marcus’ mission. Unfortunately the revelation that Marcus was a Force user had become a hindrance because Tak wanted to have his abilities used for his own protection detail. Tak was paranoid that those under him could at anytime hatch a plot against him. He felt Marcus and his abilities were the best insurance against this. Tak would never betray Marcus’ secret because he could easily do the same to him and it was the best way to watch him.

Marcus would report in weekly to Dalporte updating him with his progress or in his opinion lack there of. Dalporte encouraged Marcus to be patient, to believe in the process, and that the information that they were gathering would lead to a major seizure that would land a blow to the Blood Rock’s operation on Corellia. One issue that Dalporte had taken seriously was the knowledge of Tak’s Force sensitivity. Dalporte did not like the idea of having to deal with a Force user because they were unpredictable, especially those that were not Jedi. He believed in the Emperor’s implementation of the Jedi-Imperial Act, that Force users needed to be controlled. Dalporte had to admit that having a Jedi Knight would be the best way to deal with an unpredictable Force user. He put in a request with the Jedi to have a Knight help them on their operation against the Blood Rocks. Marcus did not like the idea because he knew if someone that was not formally trained like Tak could sense his abilities; a fully trained Jedi Knight could discover them even more easily.

Marcus arrived at the operation centre for his mission to give an update on the week’s events to Dalporte. There was nothing to report except that he and Tak had taken a shipment of credits to a Muun that was part of InterGalatic Banking Clan or IGBC. The Muun took the funds and laundered them through various businesses for the Rocks based on Corellia. Marcus had noted the Muun for future reference so they could arrest the group and all their involved associates. Marcus stopped just short of Dalporte’s office entrance as he was surprised to see a human woman with brown robes sitting across from him. She had black hair, blue eyes, and was of a median height. She was beautiful but Marcus knew she was the Jedi Knight sent from Coruscant that could be his undoing.

Marcus quickly indicated that he would come back later but Dalporte called him back in. Reluctantly Marcus agreed to come in as he tried to steady his breathing as to not give the impression that he was nervous. He sat down beside the Jedi Knight and noticed the lightsabre hanging from her belt. Marcus had always loved the power of the lightsabre; it was nearly unstoppable, elegant, and mythical. While he nodded at the Jedi, Marcus saluted Dalporte, “Commander.”
“Agent Dal Colle, this is Jedi Knight Arianna Dern. She is the Jedi representative here on Corellia. She is also here to assist in our investigation of the Blood Rock’s organization.” Dalporte then said to Knight Dern, “Master Jedi, this is Marcus Dal Colle. He is the operative working undercover that discovered the Force user with the Blood Rocks.”
Marcus spoke up first. “Hello Master Jedi, it’s an honour to meet you. I’ve never met a Jedi Knight before.”
The Jedi bowed her head to Marcus, “The honour is mine Marcus, unfortunately meeting a Jedi is becoming a very rare occurrence these days. Thank You for your service in this matter. Please tell me about this Zabrak, how do you know he has the ability to use the Force?”
Marcus was confused by the question for a moment because right away he was concerned about revealing his own Force ability. He wondered whether a Jedi Knight could tell if a being was lying. “Well Master Jedi, he told me after he made me kill two of his men to prove myself during some twisted initiation.”

Knight Dern was surprised by Marcus’ admission of having to kill in order to gain entry in the Blood Rocks. “I believe there is more to that story Marcus but for now that will suffice. If this Zabrak’s Force abilities are attuned, then he would have used them to scan you for any dishonesty. His quick trust in you either means that his abilities are weak, he is lying, or that you can hide your intentions well enough that even a Force sensitive being cannot detect your true purpose.”
Marcus listened to the Jedi’s analysis of their situation trying not to reveal anything about his own fears. The Jedi was direct in pointing out that he may have been lying but she did not press him. Marcus tried to answer Knight Dern’s questions
“Well I don’t know anything about Tak lying or his befriending habits, but I can assure you he trusts me now.” Marcus said trying to calm the Jedi’s doubts.

A knock at Dalporte’s door interrupted their conversation as a Bith walked in carrying a datapad that he handed to the commander. Dalporte read over the message not letting his face give away any emotion as to what it could be about. As he was about to set it down Marcus’ comm-link buzzed letting him know of an incoming message. Marcus looked at it then back at Dalporte who might have known himself what the message was from the datapad he had just received. Marcus saw the message was from Tak. He had launched an attack against a rival gang and wanted to know where Marcus was so he could join the fight. Tak had mentioned the Blood Rocks would attack the smaller gangs to bolster their own numbers and eliminate even more of the competition.

Dalporte broke the silence in the room by saying, “Well Marcus? It seems you’re needed by your other boss. It seems command wants a deployment to that very area to limit civilian casualties.”
Marcus wasted no time getting up and saluting his commander. He nodded to Knight Dern who bowed her head slightly in response. Before he left the office Marcus said, “I’ll be with Tak most likely in reserve, I don’t see him being on the front lines. That’s where I can separate from him and hopefully limit the violence. Give me time to assess and proceed. I‘ll comm you when I want our men to intervene.”
“That’s a sound plan. Just be careful that he doesn’t take an interest in your disappearances.” Dalporte replied. “Master Jedi,” he now turned to Knight Dern. “Will you accompany us on this raid?”
“Of course Commander, I would happy to assist.” Knight Dern said.

Marcus heard the Jedi reply as he went towards the hanger bay to his speeder. While walking down the hall way Knight Dern called after Marcus.

“Marcus,” she began. “May I have a word with you please?”
He knew what was coming. “Of course Master Jedi, what can I do for you?”
“I can sense you know what I’m about to say Marcus. How long have you kept your own abilities a secret from Cor-Sec?” Knight Dern said bluntly.
There was no hiding anymore, not from a Jedi Knight. “No one knows except for Tak. That’s the way I want it to stay too.” Marcus demanded.
“You have great connection to the Force Marcus.” The Jedi said. “Your presence screams with power, but it is full of anger. That is concerning my friend. You have to control those emotions or your rage will consume you.”

Marcus had heard this speech before from Mr. Baleon. It did not work then and it was not working now. Letting his rage take over was the best method for Marcus to activate his abilities, it was the fastest and easiest way. Now someone else was telling him he was wrong, that he needed to control himself. He would not be told what to do, not again, not ever. Yet, he saw an opportunity through the Jedi. If he could make her believe that he would follow her advice, Knight Dern could be the key to helping him unlock his own potential.

“I know. I’ve heard this tale before Master Jedi.” Marcus said. “I try not to unleash it, or use my abilities at all because I’m worried about being reported.”
The Jedi looked down for a second as if ashamed. She then studied Marcus for a few more seconds. He could feel a slight heat, she was scanning his thoughts. “I understand your concern Marcus. The politics of this regime are complicated at best. I will evaluate you during this investigation. If what you say is true then I will allow you keep your secret hidden, if not then I will be forced to report you to the Jedi.”
Marcus’ anger rose because he did not like being probed like that, but he realized the anger would get him into trouble. “I will abide by your judgement Master Jedi but don’t ever enter my mind like that again.”
“I did not get far Marcus; your mind is difficult to enter because your connection to the Force is impressive as I said before.” The Jedi Knight conceded. “Very well, I will respect your privacy. May the Force be with you.”
Marcus was confused by the expression; he had never heard it before. He said the first response that came to his mind. “And with you Master Jedi.”

Marcus climbed into his speeder and made his way to the coordinates that Tak gave him in his comm message. He started to think about the Jedi’s warning and what it could mean for him in the future. If she deemed him violent or too aggressive the Jedi could easily build a case for reporting him to the authorities. Marcus considered his options but thought that he was doing well in controlling his anger. He had manipulated Tak into bringing him into the fold, and then he had let the Jedi give him more time because she could see that he could handle it. Odd, but perhaps she wanted to see him in a combat scenario where aggression and emotions run higher than usual. Whatever Knight Dern’s motivations were, Marcus had to control his anger and hope he did not use the Force recklessly.

Marcus arrived at the scene of the battle ground which was a series of alleys in an industrial section of CoronetCity. He brought up a holo layout of the area looking for all the potential ambush spots knowing that Tak would use as a strategy. Marcus enjoyed looking at something and memorizing it instantaneously, no doubt a bi-product of his Force abilities. He found a secluded place to land his speeder and took to the streets. Marcus drew his hand blaster and followed the sounds of battle. He purposely came into an alley that was just off to the side of the battle. Marcus could see blaster bolts flying across his live of vision. He concentrated hard trying to locate Tak in the area. He sensed Tak to the left of him and tried to make his way over to his location unseen by sticking to cover.

Tak was standing over a mobile holo table that had a three dimensional reconstruction of the area. Tak was calling manoeuvres to his troops through various comm links with urgency in his voice. Marcus approached seeing that Tak’s men were about to converge and most likely wipe out a small gang that moved death sticks in a small territory that Tak did not care about. When they made the fatal mistake of moving into a Blood Rocks controlled area Tak took exception and wanted to make an example of the intruders. He took every attack on his territory seriously and according to some too seriously when it came to small time dealers coming onto Blood Rock controlled sectors. Marcus tried to think of something to avoid the slaughter but events were already set in motion.

Marcus quickly tapped a small button on his comm link that was linked to Commander Dalporte’s comm. The message had been sent, now he had to hope his Cor-Sec team would arrive in time to save some lives. The initial attack was a landslide in favour of the Blood Rocks as they destroyed the unsuspecting rival gang. The death toll was rising quickly and a surge of energy passed through Marcus as he could sense the despair of those that feared for their lives. Marcus squeezed his fist as he felt power surging through him. He suddenly remembered though Knight Dern’s warnings about letting the Dark Side rule him. Yet he wanted to know how he could channel it, use it in the form of a Force technique.

Marcus then noticed that Tak was staring at him and wincing at the same time. He was sure as he watched Tak that the Zabrak could feel his power and he was afraid of it. Marcus could only give off a small smirk that Tak noticeably did not like.
“Come here. Marcus!” Tak demanded while leading them into a secluded area. “Are you trying to intimidate me, boy?”
Marcus’ emotions took over as he realized that he had intimidated his superior officer. “You reek of fear Tak, I can sense it. There is a current of power that I can only guess is the Dark Side speaking to us. While you’re afraid of it, I will revel in it.”
“I told you…” Tak began to say before he was cut off.
“You told me?! You told me what?” Marcus shot back. “I have agreed to follow and protect you. Don’t assume I will lie down and be ridiculed by you because you feel threatened.”
“I’m not threatened by you boy, I can have your life at any moment with just a touch of a button on my comm link. My men will annihilate you within seconds.” Tak threatened.

Marcus believed he had two choices in this situation. The most obvious one was kill the Zabrak where he stood and feed his recently awakened Dark Side desires or continue to manipulate him for the sake of his Cor-Sec mission. If he gave into these feelings now he would jeopardize everything and expose to Knight Dern that he was giving in to the temptation of the Dark Side. He did not want to let his team down. They had become important to him as they had fought and bled together over the years. Dalporte was a man of structure that Marcus had come to respect. Failing this mission would be mean failing his men.

Marcus decided on the latter choice but not before he gave a knowing smile to Tak and said, “I’m here to make some credits and make a stake within the organization. Fighting you won’t accomplish that for me. I will try to control the urge, but I’m beginning to understand that it is something that is not meant to be controlled Tak.”
“Marcus, you must understand our abilities must be kept in line for our own safety.” Marcus wanted to laugh as Tak compared his own abilities to Marcus’. More importantly though, he saw that Tak had taken the bait and had forgiven his outburst. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll help you control it. For now let’s focus on the battle.”
“Agreed,” Marcus said. “I’d like to…”

Marcus was interrupted by the sound of powerful blaster cannons in the distance. As he walked towards the area with Tak in tow, Marcus knew it was his Cor-Sec team that had answered his call. To his surprise he could feel the presence of Knight Dern approaching the area. Marcus was still getting used to this kind of awareness where he could sense the presence and emotions of other beings. He found that Force users such as Knight Dern and Tak were the ones he could sense more clearly. For Marcus, he wanted the opposite. He did not want anyone sensing his presence. The less they knew about his abilities the better it was. So much hung in the balance as the Jedi Knight could ruin him if she reported his darker tendencies.

***

Jedi Knight Arianna Dern had leapt from the speeder that Dalporte was piloting not waiting for him to land. She had immediately ignited her lightsabre which produced two blue coloured blades from both ends of the hilt. Immediately she was under fire from the Blood Rock ground troops who had unleashed a barrage of blaster fire. Dern twirled her lightsabre creating a blue wall in front of her that deflected all the shots fired at her and sent them back at members of the Rocks. Marcus watched in awe as the Jedi Knight had already taken down three of her enemies. Dern got into position to take out two more enemies with a powerful blast of the Force that pushed two Weequays into a wall behind them knocking them out. The ease in which she carried out those moves fascinated Marcus. He wanted to be able to do that, he needed to; he realized that the Jedi Knight would be the key to that.

Marcus ran into the fray pulling out his heavy blaster and firing at nothing in particular. He had left Tak behind to tend to the men and pull them back. The chances of them taking out the Jedi Knight were slim to none. Marcus arrived at the front line noticing along the way the dead bodies of the rival gang members. His men had done their jobs well against normal beings, but against Knight Dern they were only fooling themselves if they thought they could kill her. Marcus recalled Tak’s battle plans and knew that a pocket of men would be stationed just ahead of his location. Sure enough there they were engaged with Knight Dern who had a couple of Marcus’ Cor-Sec squad mates. He must have surprised them with his being there because they all did a double take when they saw him.

Marcus sought out the team leader asking, “Are you men alright?”
“We were good before the Jedi showed up.” The human male started to explain. “We eliminated the last pocket of pretenders as ordered by Tak. We were about to make our way back but Cor-Sec showed up with a Jedi. If it wasn’t for our two heavy repeating blasters that have them pinned we would have been finished.”
Marcus needed to get these men out of here. “Very well, I’ll provide cover and you get the men out of here.”
The human gave Marcus a curious look. “I’ve never seen brass on the frontlines before. Are you sure?”
Marcus smirked. “That’s because you have never seen me before. Leave me one of those repeaters and get out of here.”
“Thank You sir. Good Luck to you.” The team leader replied.

Marcus watched as the Blood Rock troops made their way out of the area while he fired the weapon they left behind for him. He tried to sense that they were gone but the numerous beings in the area made that difficult. Marcus relied on his eyes to see them off. When he was convinced that there were no Rocks around he stopped firing and put his hands up in the air. Knight Dern noticed Marcus right away and told the Cor-Sec team to stop firing. Marcus went towards Knight Dern who was walking towards him while closing down her lightsabre. He saw her battle attire was a black form fitting suit that showed off her athletic physique. She was very attractive but Marcus caught himself staring and readjusted his eyes onto Knight Dern’s.

“I don’t have much time.” Marcus started to say. “Did you get any of the other gang members out alive? A number of their corpses are behind these buildings.”
“Yes Marcus we did. We arrested about twenty of them.” Knight Dern answered. “What about you, are you alright? I sense a great amount of confusion in you.”
“I’m fine.” Marcus replied quietly as to not let the others behind them hear. “I’ve discovered Tak isn’t as powerful as I first imagined.”
“How do know that?” Knight Dern asked.
“It’s actually tied to the confusion you sensed earlier Master Jedi. When I arrived here I sensed the deaths of all the gang members. The only way I can describe it is that it was like a wave of heat came over me.” Marcus explained. “It was like a wave of energy that reenergized me, made me hungry for battle.”
“Marcus you must fight these feelings.” Knight Dern warned. “You anger may make you strong but in the long run rage will only destroy you.”

Marcus considered the Jedi’s words “I understand that it’s a path to the Dark Side but it is exactly what Tak feared. I sensed his trepidation, his fear about losing the psychological edge he had over me.”

Knight Dern listened to Marcus explain but she always came to the same conclusions in her mind. She knew the path to darkness was a treacherous one and she did not want Marcus to travel down it. His presence in the Force was as dominating as she had ever felt in any other being. Not even the many Jedi masters she trained under gave off such a presence of power. Dern knew that bringing him in to the Jedi would ruin his life. They would never allow him to be trained because of his tendencies to follow the darker path. His aggression and curiosity in the Dark Side made him dangerous. The Jedi would see only that and not the determined and passionate warrior Marcus could become with the right training. She felt he was very brave as he was taking a massive risk in going undercover. So many things could go wrong, yet he did not care, the mission was all that mattered. Dern did not know whether she could train him or perhaps pass him on to another more knowledgeable Master. She was sure Marcus could be an asset to the Jedi Order if he was trained properly.

“Marcus, do not sacrifice your values for a quick and easy path.” Dern implored him. “You can be so much more. The Jedi could…”

Dern was interrupted by Marcus’ comm-link. Marcus looked into Dern’s eyes and saw a different look then her usual ‘Say no to the Dark Side look.’ “Don’t worry Master Jedi, I’ll report in and we can discuss this later.”
“Very well Marcus. Should we follow you so we can make arrests?” Knight Dern asked.
“Not yet Master Jedi. The team didn’t actually see anyone specifically. Laying charges and making them stick would be difficult. I’ll see you all later.” Marcus explained.
“May the Force be with you Marcus.” Knight Dern said.
Marcus bowed his head slightly and said, “And with you Master Jedi.”

Marcus turned and went back to Tak’s bunker. The call on his comm-link was from Tak asking where he was and whether he was all right. The report also indicated that the men that Marcus had sent back had all made it back safely to the bunker. When he arrived the Blood Rocks had already started taking down the mobile command centre with Tak over seeing things. Marcus debated whether to talk about the Jedi Knight that joined the Cor-Sec agents. He felt Tak may wonder how he had made it back when he forced all his men to retreat because of her. As soon as Tak saw Marcus he made his way directly at him. Marcus couldn’t tell what Tak was going to say but as always he kept his guard up just in case.

“Cor-Sec needs Jedi now?” Tak began. “That makes no sense, why would they bring one in? We’ve never attracted such attention before.”
Marcus needed to say something quickly to make sense of the situation for Tak. “You must realize that we’ve expanded out territory, destroyed the competition, and raised our profile considerably these past few months. It was only a matter of time before the Jedi got involved in stopping us.”
Marcus could see Tak considering it. “Well I suppose we should take it as a compliment that we’ve caused so much trouble for Cor-Sec. Those fools would never have stopped us alone.”
Marcus wanted to punch Tak in the mouth but quickly held back the feelings as to not give his emotions away. “We should get back to the warehouse. The next shipments need to be prepared for the drop in a few weeks.”
“Always thinking ahead, that’s my boy.” Tak began saying. “Let’s move everything out.”

***

The months past while Marcus prepared the Blood Rocks next shipments of death sticks for pick up. Tak had backed off from asking questions about his disappearances which made it easier to keep in contact with Dalporte and his team. Marcus had also kept in contact with Knight Dern who began showing him some basic concepts in the Force and how to keep his presence in it ‘small.’ Marcus had caught on quickly and was thirsty for more training from the Jedi. Even though she taught him to quiet his mind when using the Force, Marcus would try that, but found when he used his emotions, that his abilities were amplified. Dern disagreed with his methods but could not argue with the results. Marcus and Knight Dern would debate often about the merits of the two sides of the Force. There was a never a clear winner but they started to understand each other’s philosophies a little bit more.

On the eve of the Blood Rock shipment Knight Dern combed over datapads of information on their targets, Cor-Sec, and Marcus Dal Colle. She was impressed with Marcus’ service record. His short time with Cor-Sec was so eventful and his rapid ascension into the higher ranks had to be attributed to his Force abilities. Dern began to admire him and the work ethic he displayed in the past months while they were training. Dalporte walked into the room and sat at the other end of the table from Dern. He handed her yet another datapad with information outlining their plan of attack on the death stick deal. Marcus had been the source of the tip and of more importance, Tak would not be there. Marcus went on to describe that Tak was still concerned with the revelation of the Jedi’s involvement in the Blood Rock’s affairs on Corellia. Suddenly Dern felt a pang of guilt because she felt she may have been compromising the investigation. The last thing she wanted to do was put anyone in danger, especially Marcus who was risking his life by going undercover.

***

Marcus flew through the CoronetCity sky lanes with speed on his way back to his Cor-Sec team’s safe house. He had told Tak that he was going to scout ahead the location of where their deal was going to take place. When Marcus arrived he went directly to Dalporte’s office to report in but didn’t find him there. Marcus went to the conference room where he found Dalporte and Knight Dern speaking together. Marcus felt a slight hint of jealousy towards Commander Dalporte who was spending a significant amount of time with Knight Dern while they planned their strategies. He tried to put that in the back of his mind as he approached them. He noticed many datapads all over the table, especially the one that his picture was on. Marcus was not going to ask as he knew from looking at the datapad that Knight Dern was researching him. He didn’t need the Force to see the awkwardness in her face when she noticed he saw it.

“Do you see anything interesting Master Jedi?” Marcus said in a sly tone.
“Actually, yes Marcus. The Blood Rocks network is vaster than I thought it was.” Knight Dern said trying to recover her dignity.
“You’re right and tomorrow we can shut down a third of Tak’s cell.” Marcus started to explain. “He isn’t sending any of his inner circle but these hired mercenaries need to be taken down. It would compromise future missions and Force Tak to participate himself.”
Dalporte came into the conversation. “Agreed, what kind of resistance are we looking at Marcus?”
“Bring the whole squad Commander. A Hutt named Targo from Nar Shaddaa is sending his own goons for the exchange and I don’t have exact numbers on how many of them will be there for the drop.” Marcus answered.
“May I accompany the team Commander?” Knight Dern asked to both men’s surprise.
“I’ll need you. I mean, they’ll need you Master Jedi.” Marcus said before Dalporte could speak.
“Of course Master Jedi, Marcus is right.” Dalporte said while glaring at Marcus. “Your services will be most appreciated.” He finished by bowing his head slightly. “Marcus you should get back to Tak and see if there is anything else that can help us. You’re dismissed.”

Dalporte motioned Marcus out the door. He stared at his commander for a second longer than usual because he felt belittled and marginalized. Marcus hated that feeling of being left out and being put aside like a child. The situation reminded him of Vant, and Marcus hated Vant. When he was about to lash out at Dalporte a touch of calm came over him. Marcus couldn’t explain it as it did not originate from him but he thought better of talking back to his superior officer. He went to the hanger bay leaving Dalporte and Knight Dern alone to make their plans. Marcus sat in his speeder still angry about how he was treated by Dalporte, but the calming influence kept him level headed. He activated the speeder and flew off back to the Blood Rock’s base. Marcus’ comm-link buzzed expecting it to be a message from Tak.

Marcus answered the call and was surprised that the voice of Knight Dern came over the comm.

“Marcus, can we meet before you go back?” She asked.
Marcus was pleased with the invitation but he was suddenly confused about where they should meet. He decided to use one of his favourite past times. “Master Jedi, do you like caf?”
Dern chuckled and agreed with the idea. Marcus sent her the coordinates and made his way there.

The CoronetCity entertainment district had very few establishments that did not sell alcoholic beverages. This caf house was a favourite of Marcus’. It was a place that he often went to after going to one of the other cantinas in the area. He arrived there first and ordered two of his favourite drinks thinking that Knight Dern would appreciate the gesture. He wasn’t sure what she was going to say but he could not shake the feeling that he wanted to be around her. She had proved herself in battle, cared enough to agree to keep his secret and helped train him in basic Force techniques. Marcus thought that this meeting was about how he had reacted to Dalporte’s sending him out. Either way, he was happy that he was about to see her again. Knight Dern finally walked in without her traditional Jedi hooded robes. She was wearing a more traditional and inconspicuous dark brown cape. Marcus could not see her lightsabre but he knew it had to be hidden somewhere as the Jedi usually do not go anywhere without it.

Marcus motioned with his hand to attract Knight Dern’s attention. She saw him quickly and sat down across from him. “Is that for me?” the Jedi said referring to the mug of caf sitting in front of her.
“It’s a favourite of mine. Enjoy.” Marcus replied. “Is everything alright Master Jedi, what can I do for you?”
“Marcus, I came to speak with you about what happened earlier tonight. I sensed your anger with Commander Dalporte.” Dern explained.
“What of it?” Marcus said feeling annoyed by the conversation. “Wouldn’t you be upset if you were belittled by someone you assumed was a friend? I realize he’s my superior officer but a little professional courtesy would be nice.” Marcus began to realize that she had created that calming aura around him. “That was you, wasn’t it? It was you creating those feelings of calm.”
“Yes. I needed to calm you down.” Dern started to say. “You can have a great future if you can control your anger Marcus.”
Marcus did not want to control his anger now. The thought of being controlled by another being’s mind made him furious. “I can’t believe you tried to control my mind. To take another being’s very existence is totally uncalled for and wrong!”
“Marcus, I understand your anger, but I felt it was for your own good. You would have ruined everything you have worked for.” The Jedi tried to explain.
Marcus was still fuming. “I know I asked for your help in controlling the Force but I certainly did not want to be controlled like some remote controlled droid. I control my life, no one else.”

Marcus slapped his cup of caf away and stood over Knight Dern with rage filled eyes. Knight Dern noticed Marcus’ eyes turn a shade of yellow that showed her that he was letting the Dark Side take over. She had seen this picture before in a vision of Marcus’ future and now it was beginning to come true. She sensed just how massive his presence in the Force was when he was fuelled by rage. Dern felt responsible for this latest episode of his anger. She could not allow him to bully her just because he was upset. Dern rose to her feet and they were eye to eye with a few beings watching the whole scene play out. Marcus did not know what to do in that moment so he walked out of the shop with the intention of going to his speeder. Dern followed him out calling after him but Marcus did not respond to anything she tried to say.

“Marcus, again, I understand your anger. I’ve allowed others to dictate to me what I should do all my life as well.” Dern tried to reason with Marcus. “I’m a product of a failed Jedi legacy I know pain as well. Whatever it is you’ve dealt with, trust me when I say I know pain as well.”

Marcus stopped and turned back to face Knight Dern again. “What do you know of pain Master Jedi? Has the Jedi Order mistreated you? Did your parents send you away to the Jedi against your will? My father beat and ignored me to his heart’s delight. I’ve lived through so many beatings and fights that I’ve lost count.”

Knight Dern’s face grew serious enough that Marcus took notice. “My ancestors worked for Darth Krayt’s Sith. The only thing they did for me was leave a legacy ruined by treachery. I joined the Jedi to make sure they didn’t lock me away forever. Being a Force sensitive descendent to agents of the Sith is not exactly something you can use to further your life.” Dern’s voice lowered with less of an edge in it now. “I had to prove myself over and over again to my Jedi Masters. I had to listen to all their criticisms, deal with their suspicious looks, and make them understand that my heart was true. I showed that I followed the path of the righteous, that I followed the Light Side of the Force and that I believed in the Jedi Code.”
Marcus processed the information for a moment and started to see that Knight Dern was someone that could understand him. His anger subsided making him say, “I’m sorry Master Jedi, I did not know.”
“Please Marcus, call me Arianna. I only wanted to make you see that there is a life of virtue if you can look past your anger.” Dern said with calm now. “Your powers would be a great asset to the Jedi Order. You should come with me after you’ve done everything you need to with Cor-Sec.”
“Will you train me Master Jed…I mean, Arianna?” Marcus asked.
“I don’t know Marcus. Probably not,” Arianna admitted. “Someone with your power and advanced age would require a seasoned Master.”
“I won’t do it unless it’s with you.” Marcus said softly as he admitted his feelings for her. He took her hands into his and he was certain that through the Force he could feel the conflict within her.
Arianna pulled her hands away and said, “We can’t. I can’t let those kinds of emotions get the better of me, for both our sakes.”
“Why not,” Marcus challenged her. “The Jedi are not forbidden from relationships. Why are you fighting me on this?”
“Marcus, I can’t fail you like that. I won’t.”
“You won’t fail me. You can train me and I will fulfill whatever destiny you think is laid out for me.” Marcus said trying to get her hand back.
“Marcus I had a vision of your future. It was filled with death, destruction, and you were dressed in black robes. Your eyes had all the signs of Dark Side corruption, you had fallen and it was because of me.” Arianna admitted lowering her head. “You cannot make that decision just based on the feelings you have for me.”
“That could never happen if you were by my side Arianna.” Marcus said while raising her chin up and bringing her face level with his. “For the first time in my life I know I could feel something more than anger, more than rage, vengeance, and fear. I could feel love. Love for you, if you let me.”
Arianna thought for moment but turned away from him. “No Marcus, emotions would compromise you and whatever you’re feeling now will only lead you down the Dark Path. You are too important to everything else, no matter what I feel for you.”
“Then I want nothing to do with the Jedi or the Force. I will live as a Cor-Sec agent and nothing else.” Marcus walked away and said over his shoulder, “Don’t be late tomorrow, we need these arrests to bring down the rest of Tak’s operation.” He continued walking into the distance with Arianna watching and then she lost him in the crowds. She lost him visually but through the Force she could feel his fury.

***

Marcus had volunteered to lead the mission and Tak agreed with the suggestion. With him there, Marcus could help the Cor-Sec team take down the mercenaries with minimal violence. He knew that Arianna would be there but since their conversation the night before, Marcus had tried to keep her out of his mind. Then he thought about the previous weeks of training with Arianna and the multiple conversations they had. It had all resulted into Marcus becoming taken with her. He wanted to be with her all the time. She made him feel like he could accomplish anything with the Force. In just a few weeks Arianna had expanded his knowledge of his abilities more than all his other research material had in years of reading. She was special to him and he knew she felt the same, but Arianna Dern rejected him, and that was the way Marcus had to leave it.

In the warehouse Marcus prepared crates of death sticks one on top of the other with many of Tak’s mercenaries. Unfortunately these men were not the heavily armoured soldiers that he was expecting. The Hutt’s mercenaries from Nar Shaddaa were rumoured to be everything from seven foot tall Trandoshans to Mandalorian commandos. The news of the Jedi with Cor-Sec had made Tak nervous enough that he felt he needed to take extra security measures, so he hired even more hands that Marcus was unfamiliar with. Marcus thought it may have been overkill for one Jedi Knight but Arianna was a formidable warrior. He still wanted to protect her from whatever Tak was going to throw at Cor-Sec.

After the final load had been put aboard the transports the convoy was ready to make its way to the drop off location. A neutral site had been chosen to calm everyone’s nerves about an ambush. Marcus had scouted the location after meeting with Arianna last night and he was sure the Hutts had done the same. Marcus could feel the tension amongst his men as they took their seats in the transports. This was a larger load than usual and with Cor-Sec tracking their last assignment with the rival gang, the danger of this mission was greater. Tak’s reinforcements had not showed up yet either which made the feeling of uneasiness worse. If it was on purpose or if it was a ploy to bolster the men’s resolve it did not work.

Marcus took the lead transport with a two Biths coming along with him. They were two brothers that were usually hired for quiet assassinations but any gun was of value this time. They checked their weapons while Marcus flew the transport which led to no interaction between the three men. Marcus’ comm went off with an encrypted audio message from Tak coming through. Marcus played the message from the comm to an earpiece so the Biths could not hear it. Tak had said to Marcus that the reinforcements were already on site but would not reveal themselves unless they were needed. He wished them luck and hoped to see them later with the credits. The idea of not knowing where Tak’s reinforcements were hidden made Marcus uneasy. The Cor-Sec team would have to watch out for these Mercenaries as well as the ones already at the deal.

The transport had arrived at the location which was an abandoned local transit port that was no longer used in this ‘rougher’ part of CoronetCity. Marcus needed to separate himself from the group to inform the incoming Cor-Sec team about the possibility of an ambush. He looked around the area for a suitable place with multiple sightlines to make the exchange. Marcus saw with the transactions happening out in the open there would only be a few places for anyone to hide. The outdoor docking bays were perfect for this. Marcus told the two Biths that he was taking a look around the area as the Hutt’s mercenaries had not arrived yet. He took out his comm and tried to contact Commander Dalporte over an encrypted channel. Finally Dalporte opened his comm. “What’s the problem Marcus?”

“Sir, Tak has extra men that won’t be on the ground for the exchange.” Marcus started to explain. “They’ll be watching form afar, used only if needed.”
“Understood Marcus, we have snipers set-up on surrounding buildings already. We have the location of Tak’s men already. They’re in a blown out transport to the west of your location. It’s a junk yard of destroyed and obsolete transports.” Dalporte responded to Marcus’ surprise.
“Copy that Commander, that’s a relief. Can they be neutralized if our team takes the two main groups conducting the deal?” Marcus asked curiously.
“Knight Dern is ready to intercept them with two other men.” Dalporte reported.
“That’s all? Is that enough sir?” Marcus said catching himself from getting angry at Dalporte again.
“It will suffice Marcus. She’s a Jedi Knight. Why are you all of sudden questioning my orders?”
“Sir, what the kriff does that mean?” Marcus said with annoyance.
“She’ll be fine. We’ll discuss this the next time you report in. The plan doesn’t change Marcus. When you give the go ahead we will descend on the deal makers and when Tak’s men come in to engage us, Knight Dern will deal with them. Be careful, Dalporte out.” The commander said closing the channel.

There was little Marcus could say to that as he knew that Arianna could take care of herself. He wanted to contact her next but knew that she would not break comm silence. Marcus then realized that he was taking too long and made his way back to the group. His men had followed orders and brought the transports together in a tight formation that became cover for them if they came under fire. Marcus looked off in the distance for the burnt out transport in the junk yard that Dalporte was talking about. The only thing he could see was the silhouettes of the large junk piles. Marcus looked hard in that direction and tried to reach out with the Force to see if he could feel Arianna. There was no danger of someone knowing what he was doing as there weren’t any Force sensitive beings with him. Sure enough he felt Arianna’s presence which was calm and soothing. She had reached back and gave Marcus warm thoughts. The Force was amazing to Marcus. He wondered how sensing another being’s feelings and thoughts could be so easy. Marcus was grateful for her reassurance and he could not help but feel good with the thought of her trying to help him. He realized he cared for her very much, despite how they had left each other the night before.

Marcus made his way through his men calming down anyone who was nervous. Finally multiple speeders were making their way to the transit port. They landed close by and Marcus was not surprised by the amount of them, nor that they were a group of Trandoshans as one rumour had suggested. From his research Marcus had identified them as members of a slaving ring that used death sticks to keep their slaves drugged and obedient. Marcus was expecting Targo’s mercenaries, not this group. One of the Trandoshans came forward and Marcus did the same as he assumed this was the leader. Marcus could feel the negative energy coming from these beings through the Force. He guessed they were uneasy about the arrangements and judging by the way the back up guards were armed they were expecting trouble.

“I am Doran.” The leader revealed. “We will inspect the cargo now.”
Marcus had to keep his demeanour hard as well. “I am Marcus, show us the credits first before you put your hands on the merchandise.”

“A human with a spine, I will enjoy conducting business with you.” Doran hissed back at Marcus. He motioned with his hand and two of his men brought a plasteel crate from their speeder. They dropped it in between the two negotiators and opened it exposing the credits. “That is enough?”
Marcus was annoyed at the primitive way they were doing business. “A transferable credit chit would have been much easier, and lighter. It looks like it’s enough. Go ahead and check the transports”

Marcus watched as the Trandoshan sent two men to the transports. Now was the time to make the call to Dalporte. He discreetly pressed his comm three times signalling his Cor-Sec team. Within minutes armoured transports descended upon the transit port. Dalporte’s men fired their blaster cannons strategically at the Trandoshan’s vehicles giving Marcus time to find cover. While Marcus made his way to the cover of his transports Doran followed him. Marcus yelled back at him, “What did you bring on us, Cor-Sec? You didn’t see them following you?”
“We were not followed. This is your fault.” Doran fired back.
“Fire back and we will sort out whose fault it is later.”

***

Knight Dern sat in silence watching and waiting for her prey as they waited for anything to go wrong with the exchange. She counted ten beings that were a mix of species that were all heavily armed. She hoped nothing would happen to Marcus who had already reached out to her earlier. Arianna knew he was in his element and that he could take care of himself. Their training sessions had always been intense to the point where she would have to stop and calm Marcus down, especially after exercises where he used the Force to physically attack her. He had become proficient in only a few weeks of training. Marcus’ determination and will were infectious onto others. The only thing that made Arianna worry was when he dropped into that dark place where it was the sole thing driving him. He did not let the Force guide him; he wanted to bend it to his will. These were all traits of the Dark Side, but he kept them in check and was getting better at doing so. Whether it had to do with her, she was not sure but Arianna was thankful that Marcus was on their side.

Arianna’s comm-link buzzed with the signal that Dalporte and his men were on the move. This meant that the mercenaries she was watching would want to enter the battle at the exchange location. As expected the mercenaries saw the battle commence when Dalporte’s armoured transports attacked the scene. Arianna quickly took action by leaping in front of the leader of the mercenaries and igniting her lightsabre. With Force enhanced speed she took a swing and took off a Wee Quay’s forearm. The men behind their fallen leader were bottle necked into the exit of the transport. They began firing at the Jedi who started deflecting shots back to where they came from. Arianna had setup her backup Cor-Sec agents at sniper points on top of other junk piles across from the burnt out transport the mercenaries were hiding in. The snipers took advantage of their spots with quick shots that dropped the next four more mercenaries in the entrance. In her next volley of manoeuvres, Arianna blocked a few more blaster bolts and with quick strikes from her lightsabre took down two more humans leaving a Twi’lek and a Selkath. They were both taken care of by the snipers thus finishing off Tak’s reinforcements.

Arianna commed her snipers to move ahead to the battle and then commed Dalporte to say that she had dealt with the reinforcements. She knew she wouldn’t get a response so Arianna followed their plan and found her speeder to help Dalporte and Marcus in the battle. She hoped Marcus was fine in the middle of the fire fight as she started to realize just how much she cared for him. Arianna knew she could not act on these feelings, she was afraid of what could result from a relationship with Marcus. All she could hope for was that he heeded her advice and followed her to the JediTemple on Coruscant to train under an experienced Jedi Master. She felt Marcus’ refusal to do so because he wanted her to train him was short sided. It concerned Arianna that he was not going to change his mind.

***

Marcus could not get away from the Trandoshan who probably thought Marcus knew a way out of the battle. Marcus wanted to take out all of Doran’s accomplices and arrest him for the Cor-Sec team. Doran could link the Blood Rocks to Targo the Hutt on Nar Shaddaa and deal a critical blow to their operations. Dalporte was not making it easy for Marcus to move. His commander’s attack had Marcus pinned with the asset and unable to help anyone. Marcus decided to create his own space. When Doran was not looking Marcus used the Force to push the Trandoshan away from him. He used another blast of energy into the ground kicking up a dust cloud that Doran could think was created by an errant cannon shot. Marcus was free of Doran so he went behind the second transport in the line. Marcus found Blood Rock mercenaries and two of the Trandoshans that worked for Doran. Marcus ordered his men to take position behind the third and forth transports. When his men had left, Marcus took out his vibro sword and from behind sliced the throat of one of the Trandoshans. When the other turned Marcus’ blade was already in his stomach.

When Marcus went behind the next transport his men were pinned there fighting back at Cor-Sec. He was impressed to see that his men had recovered the plasteel crate of credits, so Marcus ordered this small group of his men to take the transport, load the credits, and take off with the death sticks. Marcus reasoned that only a small group of Tak’s mercenaries would get away, and none of the death sticks would get dealt. A large portion of the drugs would be confiscated when Dalporte finished up with the remaining mercenaries. It was a favourable situation for Marcus and the Cor-Sec team. When his men had loaded up and departed Marcus ran behind the third transport to find Doran leading two of his men.

The three of them closed in on Marcus with Doran hissing, “You killed two of my men, and you will pay for all of this human.”
“You’re all going to die Doran.” Marcus threatened back getting his sword up to take the three Trandoshans on.

Suddenly the now familiar snap hiss of a lightsabre could be heard followed by Arianna dropping from seemingly nowhere in between Marcus and the Trandoshans. She Force pushed Marcus hard dropping him back and knocking him into the Transport. Arianna turned to face the mercenaries and was quickly on the defensive as she had to deflect away incoming blaster bolts. Doran had produced a double bladed sword with tips that were made of a dark metal that could only be cortosis. The two mercenaries not including their leader moved for cover as Arianna had sent their shots back at them. Doran fearlessly engaged her with a quick swipe to her head with one end of his sword and then an attack at her legs with the other end. Arianna parried each blow with her lightsabre surprised at the Trandoshan’s strength. Doran went offensive again with attacks from the right and left sides. Arianna had no trouble parrying them and then through the Force she felt Doran’s men about to re-engage her. Arianna also felt Marcus’ darkness close by and suddenly the presences of the two mercenaries were not there anymore. Marcus was good at killing she thought to herself.

Arianna had had enough of Doran so she Force pushed him into the transport knocking his sword out of his hands. She advanced on him with her lightsabre’s tip pointed at his neck. “Yield sir. You are under arrest.”
“No prison can hold me Jedi. I will be out in days. You are meddling with the wrong organization woman. I will hunt you…” Arianna took the butt end of her lightsabre’s hilt and hit the Trandoshan hard in the head rendering him unconscious.
“You can come out now Marcus; there’s no one close to us.” Arianna said aloud.
“You certainly don’t like small talk do you Arianna?” Marcus said as he walked towards her. “Well done separating me from the battle. Next time if you can soften my landing that would be much appreciated.”
“Your hard head would never crack from such a weak impact.” Arianna teased. “Seriously though, are you alright?” Arianna knew he was fine physically but it was about his mental state she was concerned about. He was powerful, charismatic, and she was attracted to him. She knew this would be difficult.
“I’m fine. Just some bumps and bruises from the battle.” Marcus reported. “I’ll check in with Dalporte and let him know we have Doran. Hopefully he rounded up most of my men.”
“Marcus about last night,” Arianna started to say trying to convince her self. “I’m sorry I hurt you but you must understand it is for the best.”
Marcus looked down into the ground for an answer but could not find one. He looked up and into Arianna’s blue eyes and walked towards her. Marcus stopped in front of her and took her hand softly realizing that she was not fighting him. He kissed her for a few seconds and pulled back long enough to say, “You were saying?”

“Oh, to hell with it.” Arianna said pulling him back towards her lips.

 

I like Marcus and Arianna as a couple. They should stay both in the light side of the Force