Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Temple Halls.
Yoda PoV
I was sensing in the force as we moved, trying to decipher it's meaning as we continued around the temple. Behind I could feel the presence of the woman, the one steeped in darkness, while the... beast of the dark side and the beacon of light chatted quietly ahead.
I thought to listen to their conversation after we had left the archives, but they had been isolating their words through the force. It was a small but powerful application of the force that I hadn't seen used in years. This was mainly because of how hard it was to consistently keep up such an ability. But to those two I guess it made sense that they had no trouble with such a feat.
The concerning aspect of our small walk was two fold though.
Even now as we walked, I could feel the darkness that radiated out from the small hover trolly that quietly followed the woman, on its metal surface were some of the darkest artifacts the order had ever obtained.
Though the Sith had not taken every dark artifact, what they had taken was knowledge that was never supposed to be view again, safely guarded by the order for eternity. Though I felt this darkness as we walked the corridor what was concerning was that no one else did.
Though I was getting older and did not concern myself with the running of the temple much, preferring to teach the younglings that were brought in with each batch and having Master Windu handle such matters; I knew it was unusual that we had not run into any of the temple guards.
They were tasked with monitoring the temple and regularly performed walking inspections to make sure everything was fine. At the same time, I also knew that there were others that wandered the temple at night, though they did so quietly.
This would include Masters, Knights and Padawans that were seeking knowledge or hoping to clear their mind.
With both these factors, it was.... unusual that we had not run into anyone as we walked. I quietly reached out into the force once more to figure out what was happening, though I already had an inkling of what was going on.
Reaching out I sensed presences in the force roaming the temple as I knew they would; what was disheartening was how well the Sith navigated through these presences. I hadn't noticed it because my mind had been preoccupied, but now that I focused, I could see our winding path was, easily avoiding any that came close and worse, when that wasn't possible the presences would seem to hesitate for a moment before going in a different direction.
It was an ingenious and rather terrifying use of the force that I didn't think was possible, not in the heart of the temple with so many attuned to the force. Something that made it even more terrifying was that while the Sith was doing this, he was also concealing the dark taint of himself, the woman and the artifacts behind.
My steps slowed for a second as I concentrated harder, I had to figure out how he was doing this through the force! It was paramount that we didn't let the Sith use such tricks once again.
It took me a few minutes and nearly all my concentration to finally find a small quiver in the force that was shielding us from the rest of the temple. If I hadn't been looking for it, I would not have found it.
I also realised at the same time, that if I wanted to reveal our movements to the temple I could, but once again a warning in the force stopped such fool hardy actions. But now, with this experience I could spot such use of the force in the future, better yet I could help some of the masters also discern such tricks.
I felt a small amount a glee come forth as I understood the Sith's trick until a small nudge from the force once again tempered and cooled my emotions.
Yes.
Even now the force aids one.
In my glee I had overlooked the fact that had I not been needed to avoid a tragedy tonight in the archives, the force would not have brought me forth for the Sith's objective. Had I not given them access, a lot more lives would have been lost tonight. I should not lose my perspective and gravity of the situation.
But... it was also trying to tell me something else, there was a small nudge that was making me focus my attention between both the Sith, the Beast and the woman. It was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't...
The soft echo of boots broke me from my reflection as we rounded a temple corridor. Quickly re-orientating myself to where we were in the temple, I noted that we were almost at the meditation gardens.
For some reason when I realised this fact, I also noted that I couldn't feel anything from the force when my perception reached towards the gardens. It was like it was barricade off from my senses.
But my mind had wandered once more, the sound of boots had stopped, and I belatedly recognized that we had also stopped moving. Looking up from my cane I froze as the hint from the force revealed its meaning.
There before us stood... another Sith.
It was a woman, Torgruta, in combat attire, like the rest of the Sith. Like them, her gear was warlike in countenance, heavy armour placed over her chest, arms and legs to protect oneself. Over that there was a black robe one synonymous with the Sith. Strapped to her belt were two lightsabers, one which radiated a light that drew my attention if only for a second.
Stopping in front of our group she gave a small bow and the dreaded words came from her lips.
"Master."
She said no other words and the beast didn't reply, his helmet still faced towards the doors to the mediation garden. My mind whirled into action as a greater dread than any I had felt tonight appeared.
From her appearance I could tell that the Torgruta before us was the one Master Voss and Knight Secura had encountered on Tatooine, the aspects of their report had slipped my mind when I had locked eyes on the Sith tonight, but as it came back to me, I gripped tighter to my cane to keep me steady.
The Sith had identified herself as a Darth Zavros when meeting the Master and Padawan, so it was assumed that when another Sith appeared, the Beast on Naboo, we had identified the Master and apprentice.
That was clearly a wrong assumption, or rather it was right but... we had gotten it the wrong way around.
Who would ever suspect that the 'Darth' was not the master but.... the apprentice. But that just pointed to the bigger fact, the greater realisation... one that I never wanted to consider.
I was now in the presence of three Sith.
All of which radiated power in the force. Enough power that they could rival those on the council, or even greater.
With the 'Darth' now an apprentice, likely former, the Woman an unknown and the beast.... the master. I could not lie to myself any longer. The greatest fear of the Jedi order had come to pass.
It was not the fall of a Jedi.
The Return of the Sith.
Or the fall of the order.
No.
After a millennia....
The Rule of Two had been broken.
There is always a master and an apprentice.
The Implications should have sent shock waves through the force... wait, hadn't it.
Hadn't the force shook and trembled before their appearance. Was it a sign of such great danger?
The horror stories of the past filtered through my mind quickly. So many tales of Sith wreaking wanton havoc throughout the galaxy; their power struggles nearly wiping it out completely.
It's empire that threatened the republic on numerous occasion. The Jedi had finally won, finally pushed them back, then at some point the rule of two began and there was always a Master and apprentice. Though they had thought they had destroyed the Sith hundreds of years ago, when they appeared again there was a small solace in the fact that there were only now two of them.
Now....
Now, who knew their numbers, or the destruction they could cause. The Sith threat had been magnified to an impossible scope.
They might even start a new Empire...
No.
I shook my head in denial of such grave thoughts, it took years, manpower, technology and a lot of resources, not to mention numerous planets and assembly to create a force that could threaten the republic. It was more productive to focus on the here and now rather than dwell in such dark thoughts.
Just the three Sith here would be able to have an apprentice each and that was a huge threat.
I could think of the repercussion at a later date when I can calmly meditate on what needs to be done.
Surfacing from my thoughts I followed quietly as we entered the meditation gardens, my mind quickly latching onto the two presences that were fighting inside.
Outside the doors I could sense nothing of the battle, but once inside I could clearly feel the struggle, the raw emotions and darkness that lingered as it fought a light presence that I quicky identified.
Master T'ra saa.
An old Master, one that I had known for many years.
One of the best duelists in the order and a dear friend. But at the same time there was something else, another presence in the force I had never felt before. Like the force ghost that radiated light, this one also had such a bearing.
Though slightly weaker, it was like a beacon in the force that drew one in. Making our way closer I could tell that Master T'ra Saa and this beacon of light seemed to have combined and were facing the darkness that raged against them.
The darkness was strong... uncontrolled, but ferocious in nature. It was tainting the meditation gardens in the dark side as it tried to destroy everything. It only seemed to become stronger and stronger as I finally caught sight of both parties.
One was my dear friend, the other like the rest of the sith was decked out in armour, though this time she was covered in a white robe. She was young but strong in the force, likely one of the apprentices. Her strength in the force was deteriorating as she slashed back and forth, the darkness creeping inside and slowly but surely contaminating her mind and body.
I had seen many Jedi fall over the years, much the same way.
Had she used to be a Jedi?
Though her power was strong, worryingly enough, nearly at the same level of a master, her rage and darkness could do nothing to Master T'ra Saa and the beacon of light. I do not know what they did to achieve such a combination of their powers, but it was an impregnable force of light that could not be felled by her darkness.
I gave a small smile as I watched master T'ra Saa disarm and subdue the young Sith, going out of her way to restrain and hopefully reform the lost woman.
To save one from such darkness was a huge task, but one any Jedi would happily fulfill if it helped one that had fallen so far.
It seemed that the Sith were not so unbeatable. Their power could and would be fought; and the Jedi would prevail! It was this newfound solace against an almost insurmountable new threat that made me speak up.
"Lost herself she has. Led to her downfall, her reliance on the darkness."
I was more cutting than usual, but after so many revelations, it was good to have one win for the night.
Two of the Sith did not reply to my words, still starring at the scene before them. From their faces I could see apathy. There was no care about the young Sith's failure, there was no surprise, anger or even an inkling that they might save or help their fallen comrade.
That was more surprising than anything else. Just as my brows furrowed at such callousness the beast spoke. His voice deep and meaningful, his eyes still locked on the finished battle.
"Her reliance on the darkness has led to her downfall..."
He was agreeing with me?
"...But, it is when one is pushed to their limit... broken down... beaten... desperate... That one understands what is holding them back."
His tone suddenly changed; his voice one of anticipation... happiness.
"It is only then; that they can breakthrough and become a true Sith."
What...?
*****************
Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Meditation Gardens
Nadia PoV
I was shackled, bound to the ground.... powerless.
How many times in the past had I been like this?
I had honestly lost count.
The first time was when the Sith sent an assassin to kill my father.
I was useless.
Weak
Then I wasn't there for my people.... my planet.
Pitiful
Now here I was, locked into pace by the one person I fully trusted.
Betrayal.
How did it turn out like this?
Why wouldn't he accept me?
Love me for who I am?
Why can't I be more powerful?
Why did I have to be chained here?!
What was the point of all my training?!!!
Where was my strength!!!
The force wouldn't respond, it restricted me. Kal was making sure that I couldn't move.
He wanted me to change!
I couldn't! Why couldn't he understand that!!! I was getting stronger for him!!! For uS!!!!
Why would I have to?! He was the reason I had to change!!! He wasn't there for ME!!!!
HE LEFT ME!
….ah....
…..
… he left me....
I finally stopped trying to escape.
I understood why I was weak... why I couldn't break free.... why I had lost.
I just choked in a sob as it became clear.
Did he plan for this from the start!?
No... I controlled that spike of anger, that was the dark side.
With clarity I could finally see it... feel it trying to wrap it's claws around me.... no....
The claws were retracting. Having lost their grip, Kal could tell. He was trying to save me... in his own pathetic way.
I almost wanted to laugh.
It wanted me to get angry... to loose myself.... to draw upon 'it's power.
To let the beast out!
So, it's claws could dig deeper.
So, it could hold on tighter.
Like it just had...
'His' soft voice floated from above, calming.... soothing...useless now that I knew.
And....
"There is no emotion, There is Peace."
As Kal's voice flowed, I heard 'his' voice.
"Peace is a lie, There is only Passion."
Master?
Did he know this would happen?
"There is no ignorance, There is Knowledge."
"Through passion, I gain Strength."
Was this a crossroads? A moment to finally move on?
"There is no passion, There is serenity."
"Through Strength, I gain power."
Is that why he told me, when we came here?
"There is no Chaos, There is harmony."
"Through Power, I Gain victory."
They were both different in how they taught.
Both were my master but... the feelings weren't the same.
"There is no Death, There is the force."
"Through victory my chains are broken."
I love Kal, I became stronger for him. He is my light, but.... 'He' pushed me to improve, taught me to become stronger for myself, for MY revenge.
Helped me to obtain REAL power.
And I can see it... how that can now help me escape the trap I have imposed on myself.
The shackle that I couldn't even see.
Unlike what the Jedi believe Love isn't a shackle, it isn't something that will hold you back. It is the passion that I used to become strong... to push myself forward.
But what I had done.... I had twisted it into a chain.
… Kal never loved me.... because... he never saw me that way.
I was only a padawan...
And I shackled myself one sidedly.
How Pathetic.
To because strong....
To become myself.....
I only have one thing to do...
'His' final words rang in my ear as I understood the TRUE Sith code.
"The Force shall free me."
I reached out into the force and took what I needed to make it happen.
Not from the dark... nor the light.
Just what was.
What I needed.
What I could take with my meager strength.
I finally looked up.... looked at the physical manifestation of what was holding me back as I felt the power gather and crack the shackles keeping me down.
"No... you are my chain."
I would break free!
*****************
Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Meditation Gardens
3rd Person PoV
"No…" Nadia's voice only came out as a whisper as her head tilted up her eyes a clear blue. Those clear eyes starred at Master T'ra Saa... past her. The blue of Nadia's pupils reflected the form of her former master… the person she loves…
"You are my chain."
Her voice fell, a crystal acceptance spreading through her body as her eyes blazed red, power gushing forth, ripped from the force around them to serve her purpose. Her eyes gained a steady glint of steel as she commanded the force to action, her lightsaber springing to her hand and the force suppression on her body breaking.
*Snapp Hiss*
"Peace is a lie!"
The words came screaming out of her mouth, her body enhanced by the force to spring forward in a devastating upwards slash. Master T'ra Saa only had milliseconds to respond as she focused all her attention back to her risen opponent.
But even then, the blow was heavy, heavier than any throughout their previous fight. Green and orange blades clashed in a shower of sparks as the Jedi master was forced back.
The Barsen'thor of the order widened his eyes in horror and surprise as he quickly rushed to re-intergrate with the master, providing her the power needed to keep pace. They didn't have much time as Nadia continued her attack.
"There is only Passion!"
Jumping slightly to add leverage Nadia grabbed her hilt with both hands as she came down with an overhead swing shouting her conviction. She knew what she had to do, but even so she couldn't help but reminisce on her own memories as the blow landed.
The image of her; Kal and the rest of her past crew filtered through her mind. She remembered how excited she was when she first came aboard accompanying her father. Her awe and excitement at all the galaxy had to offer. Meeting Qyzen and Tharan for the first time, not to mention the quirky hologram AI, Holiday.
'Those were good days.'
After being saved by Kal the first time they met, Nadia couldn't wait to see him again, she idolized him... and now it had led to this. She took more from the force as she forced those memories to fuel her emotions, to make her STRONGER.
"Through Passion I Gain strength!"
T'ra Saa knees buckled slightly as she met the blow head on. Even with the force wrapped around her she found it tough to push Nadia back. Thanks to the empowerment from Kal though she stood her own as she locked blades with Nadia.
Her calm but determined eyes starred back into blazing red as she once more utilized a form of battle meditation to improve her combat effectiveness as well as force precognition that all Jedi learn. At her peak combat state Nadia moved once more.
"Through strength!"
Nadia wouldn't let the master dictate the battle like she had before. With her newfound strength she ripped more of the force in their surroundings for her use. T'ra Saa's eyes widened as her control of the force was almost cut from the surroundings, her precognition and battle meditation failing.
"I gain Power!"
Using the force to empower herself more, Nadia disengaged from their lock and swept towards her legs. T'ra Saa responded and stepped back before lunging forward. But Nadia was waiting for this and used her momentum to spin out of the way, coming back with a powerful side slash, imbuing her lightsaber with a force push.
"Through power!"
Unbalanced, T'ra Saa only just brought her saber up to parry the blow, but the force behind it flung her into the air.
Nadia was close on her tail as she sped to catch up, reaching her hand towards her opponent. Gripping the force around her, she yanked back hard as the Jedi master tried to re-balance herself, but it was no use.
The master was yanked back like a yo-yo, the whiplash almost breaking her bones had they not been protected by the force. Her body came flying back towards Nadia upside down and disorientated but T'ra Saa was not a master for nothing, even in such a situation with the blade of her opponent closing in to decapitate her, she was able to bring her saber up in defense once more.
Green and orange sparked again as they clashed, though this time Nadia's blade slid down towards the Neti master's hilt. Noticing the danger T'ra Saa quickly let go before she lost a hand, though in the process her lightsaber was destroyed.
Though she had lost her blade the Netti master wanted to use this instance to gather her bearings and hopefully reverse the situation.
Nadia wouldn't give her that chance.
Recognising that she wouldn't be able to swing her blade around in time to finish her off as she flew past; after destroying the blade Nadia lashed out with her off hand, reaching for the master's leg. Gripping it with strength, she stopped her body mid-flight, before kicking off the ground and rotating.
The pull brought the master back towards her as she flipped her body over and delivered a somersault kick, landing on her midsection with devastating force. The air was driven from T'ra Saa's body as she felt her bark break and her organs suffer.
"I gain victory!!!!!"
Her eyes were stained a vivid red as if permanent, the orange of her blade illuminating the downed master. As she stared down at her defeated foe, said master kept a calm and stoic face as she stared down her own demise. Time seemed to stop as those red eyes met the sorrowful ones of the Barsen'thor.
His form inhabited the Neti master's body, still trying to empower her with the strength needed to stop her... to shackle her. His voice floated out weakly... desperate.
"Don't do this Nadia…"
But it was too late. Her hand didn't waver, her voice didn't shake.
"Through Victory!"
Her blade drew back, her eyes never once leaving his as they gleamed red.
"Noooooo! Don't…"
T'ra Saa closed her eyes at peace with the force, her only lament not being able to help this misguided woman before her.
"MY CHAINS ARE BROKEN!!!"
The saber carved an arc through the air right through the master of the order, but not only that, it seemed to cleave through the ghost right behind. One's face was sorrowful but peaceful, the other distraught and regretful as they both faded into the force.
Nadia took ragged breaths in an out as she straightened up, her eyes staying fixed on where Kal used to reside. She stayed that way for a full minute before finally relaxing.
The red in her eyes dimmed, her breath steadied.
The last words almost a whisper as she finally looked away.
"The force shall free me.... goodbye Kal."
Turning around a new presence appeared, cloaked as if not to disturb her moment. Draped in darkness, a small hint of pleasure hidden within at what had just transpired, Mace had a small smile hidden behind his helm as he looked upon Nadia.
Still in an almost fight or flight mentality Nadia reacted on instinct bringing her blade up to face another foe, but stopping as the form of her current master appeared before her. Quick to deactivate her weapon she took no notice of those around as she quickly knelled before him.
"Master!"
He was quiet as he looked down at her, through the force he could feel and even see the darkness that had been tamed through her emotions, how she had grappled a part of the force and made it her own, finally using that new found strength to break the shackles of the Barsen'thor.
There was a difference between drawing from the dark side and taking from the force, something he found paramount in the teachings of the dark side, an ideology that he upheld with his apprentices and in the future his own empire and order. Though no one could see it, his smile grew wider as he spoke.
"Rise Lord Grell, you have proven yourself worthy to be given the title, Lord of the Sith."
Shock radiated out from Nadia as his words fell, a feeling of accomplishment, happiness, resolve and determination bubbled up inside as Nadia clenched her fists. Now that she wasn't chained down by Kal, she could move on and become stronger.
For Herself.
For her own future.
Raising her head, she responded.
"Thank you Master, I won't fail you."
*****************
Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Temple Steps
3rd Person PoV
Yoda walked slowly out of the temple, trailing behind the intruders of their orders sacred ground. Sadness radiated off his being as he mourned the passing of one of the oldest Jedi masters of the Order. He wanted to, but could do nothing as he watched his old friend be slain in the mediation gardens.
Already he could feel the stirring presences inside the temple. The passing of one so attuned to the force, and so connect to most of the masters was easily felt.
He contemplated in his mind again, for a scant few seconds, the idea of delaying the Sith and forcing a confrontation, but the Force's, prior and still current warning through its echo was all he needed to know that would only end in bloodshed.
Although he was nearly 900 years old, he would have to admit that the occurrences over the last few hours had aged him both physically and mentally. It was in the way he leaned just that bit heavier on his cane, his mind lost in the past.
Never in his life did he expect to see the rise of a Sith Lord in his own temple.
But it had occurred. His gaze slowly filtered over the gathering of sith as they walked ahead, his only solace the beacon of light that was the force ghost that still accompanied them, though it did not seem to want to fight these dark beings.
As he had already confirmed before, and now with the crowing of another dark lord, the rule of two that had been set millennia ago had been broken. There were already 4 sith before him and the idea did not bode well for the future.
As they finally walked down the steps and arrived at the front of the temple, Yoda once again felt a pang of sadness as he looked upon the two Jedi guards that had been mercilessly slain at the front. There was already a small cargo transporter ready to go.
Reaching out into the force Yoda tried to sense the presence inside, but was shocked to discover that he felt nothing. Thinking on it for a few seconds he chalked it up to a droid being used, though there was a small doubt in the back of his mind that he couldn't quite place.
He thought for just a second he could feel a presence, though weak, that was familiar, or something he had felt before.
As the grand master of the order tried to sense any presence inside the transport, Ayillh smiled to herself in the driver seat, feeling the force wash over, trying to locate her presence. Yoda's mind was side tracked and his cane almost fell from his hand as he sensed what was kept inside the truck.
From it he could feel a dense presence of the dark side, one just as strong if not stronger that the one that was produced from the artifacts that were taken from the master vault.
"Haha."
The chuckle from Mace was what broke Yoda from his disbelief. The small master turned to look at the beast of the dark side as the two matched gazes for a brief moment. That was quickly broken as Mace looked away in disinterest, gesturing for the rest to go ahead.
With both Nadia and Ashara loading up the artifacts and Vaylin hoping inside, it was now only Satele, Mace and Yoda left outside the temple.
All three looked at the horizon as the Sun finally began to rise.
Seeing the first rays of the sun, feeling the air around and seeing the hope in the universe that was always there a new bout of calm and peace swells within Yoda and he is the first to speak.
"Dark day for the republic and Jedi, it may be. A new day will always come. Never prevail the darkness shall, for Jedi will always stop the Sith."
Mace could only let out a sigh at his words, one that was fueled as much by the annoyance that was the green master, as the breaking of such a calm silence, after a job well done.
Turning away from the sunset, Mace looked down at Yoda and shook his head in disappointment. "The Jedi truly are blind in this age. Know that my next words are not meant to help you Jedi, I just think 'he' has been having it too easy recently."
Yoda's eyes furrowed at those words but closely listened.
"It is not us you should be worrying about, as I said before, we do not care about your failed order."
Mace then turned towards Satele.
"Until, next time Master Satele."
The old force ghost could 0nly shake her head.
"I would rather hope to never see you again."
Mace shook his head in a bit of fondness.
"Well, next time when I come to collect, maybe you won't decline."
Mace tilted his head towards Yoda for a second, the message clear between them. Satele thought to her self for a few seconds, the last few millennium of wandering around imprinted on her mind, always searching for the purpose she had been left behind, not to become one with the force yet.
"Maybe.... we shall see."
There was a tactic understanding between them, one that can only be shared between enemies that one respected.
With nothing left to say and everything loaded, Mace slowly walked away from the Jedi temple.
All his objectives completed to perfection.
He didn't even break a sweat. (AN: Ok someone must have got that reference.)
***********************
Coruscant, Docking Area, Phantom.
3rd Person PoV
Mace slowly walked back onto the Phantom, Ayillh and Vaylin trailing behind him. Vaylin split from their small group and made her way back to her room as Ayillh followed Mace back over to the meeting consol.
Nadia was making sure that the loading droids got all their goods on board and ready for prep in the shortest amount of time. While Ashara had already gone into the ship ahead and was spooling up the engine. No one wanted to stay on this planet any longer than they had to.
Not to mention, the Jedi might try something before they could leave. There was no reason to expose the existence of the Phantom before they were ready. The ships cloaking drive was already prepped for take-off. The transponder codes used when coming to the dock were fake and all footage of the surrounding docks and bays had already been set to loop for the last few hours, long before they arrived.
Sitting down in one of the chair, Mace looked back to Ayillh who was still standing, almost in a salute posture.
"I take it your side of the operation ran smoothly?"
Even with her mask still on Mace could feel her smiling through the force as she responded.
"It took me a few minutes to find the right place, but though he hid it well with the force, that just made it easier to find. After that I just had to use a security spike to crack the encryption and to rewrite a few droid protocols."
Mace also gave a small smile. The haul that Ayillh had met them with at the temple rivaled the one they had obtained from the temple. All the artifacts they had found, teachings old and new would be put to good use in the establishment of the order.
Ayillh let him think to himself for a few minutes as she stood there, her own calculative mind coming up with new and fun plans to implement in the future.
"Did you leave anything behind?"
Mace finally spoke up again, his mind back on the present. They both knew what he meant when he asked that question. He wasn't talking about something as trivial and unlikely as leaving any evidence behind, or something that could be linked back to her in general.
She was too good for that.
No; what he was asking was about what surprise she might have left behind.
At this point Nadia finally made her way onto the ship, the last of their cargo having been loaded up, the droids that had been used complete scrap metal by this point. Their method of transport at the bottom of some Coruscant lower levels.
Ayillh gave a small smile as Nadia went to rest up. She was tired after the day she had just gone through.
"Ohh I just left him a little something to wake him up. He seemed a little sloppy the last time I saw him. He should really be better at hiding if he wants to pull of his little scheme."
Mace gave her a look, both their mask giving nothing away as his own smile got wider.
"I'm sure he'll appreciate your consideration."
His words were dry in delivery, but as the ship slowly started to rise and leave the city; the two, as well as most others sensitive to the dark side felt a new presence make itself known. A slip in the facade, as a vile feeling of dread and a Sith taint washed over the city they had just left. The rage its wielder was feeling unmistakable and though it was quickly covered up within 5 seconds, the slip would cost them.
At the same time Mace and Ayillh couldn't help it anymore. They both started to laugh as they knew exactly who they had just screwed over.
***********************
Coruscant, Jedi Temple, Temple Steps
3rd Person PoV
Yoda's eyes still had a faraway look in them as he stared at the Coruscant sky line that lead from the temple, his mind thinking on what happened during the night.
Already a Temple Guard had come to inform him of what happened in the Training room with Knight Secura, not to mention what one of them had found in the Meditation gardens. Of course, he already knew about that, another wave of sadness drifted over him at the loss of an old time friend, someone that had been a part of his life for many years.
It was a blessing really that Knight Secura and Youngling Ashoka were left relatively unharmed from their run in with Darth Zavros. Already the others on the high council were being called awake, it would be up to him as the grand master to guide the others in their response and what they could do heading forwards. Sadly, it would only be them, a few of the temple guards and those involved that would know what happened tonight, even he knew he couldn't let the rest of the order know.
His musings were abruptly interrupted as a spike in the dark side wafted over him, the eyes that were unfocused quickly shifting in the direction of this new force signature, he quickly concluded that it felt viler in the force that anything he had felt in years.
Even that Sith, the one who lead the others into the temple. He was dark, a beast that no living person should embodied. This, this was like a viper, vile and slick in nature.
The words the Sith Lord left rang quietly in his mind as his eyes sharpened, the presence had come from the republica 500, the rooms reserved for the representatives on the senate. A frown finally appeared on his face as he turned away from the presence.
It has only been there for a short while and had quickly dissipated, but the implications were worrying. He would have to meditate on this after the council meeting. Something that would surely go awry with what had transpired behind their own doors that night.
He only hoped no more bad news would come through for the next few days as everything settle down.
*****************
Typhon, Sith Temple, Throne Room, A few days later.
3rd Person PoV
Ayillh sat on her own throne, the one reserved for the head of imperial intelligence, as the holo vid came to an end. It was only her and Mace in the room. Because of that reason both had their masks off.
Having just finished the video, Mace's eyebrow quirked in interest, though Ayillh could tell there was also a certain glee behind his eyes.
"Are there more holo vids of such instances?"
Ayillh gave an affirmative nod as she reached for her wrist. She had come to him with this information as it was an opportunity that shouldn't be wasted, also she kind of liked the kid. She was slightly angry about how he was being treated in the temple, but could see the opportunity for what it was.
Though they knew getting Ashara to slice into the temples communication systems would be a boon going forward, Ayillh herself was still surprised about the ease with which she could infiltrate their systems remotely.
It was unthinkable back in the war, but now it was simple child's play.
After she had gotten access, and making sure that no one had noticed the intrusion, they now had a reliable backdoor into all the temples security and systems. Sadly; or rather thankfully some information in the temple, like council meetings, specific holocrons and other restricted knowledge was inaccessible, stored on an encrypted and separate system, or it would be too pitiful.
Though, Ayillh thought, given some time, she might find a way to access such information.
Ayillh knew, Ashara was already using the access to supposedly asses a future apprentice or something along those lines. She didn't really care what the woman did, as long as she didn't expose such a great advantage.
Pulling up the list of video logs, a surprisingly large list, Ayillh played a few more simultaneously, all depicting the same thing. Mace shook his head in disgust and pity, but was rather unshaken at the Jedi's apathy.
"The Jedi truly have degraded over time, no matter use it to our advantage. This should go a long way in 'her' indoctrination." His voice stopped for a second as Ayillh paused the video's and closed the holo
"Fortune is taken by the strong, show it too her now, I feel her presence with Blizz in his workshop."
Ayillh gave another nod as she placed her mask back on and started to make her way out of the room. Just as she reached the door Mace spoke for the final time.
"Find Jaesa before you do, take her along. I would like to know exactly how this shifts her allegiances, if she sways to our side, well..." His face turned predatory as he starred at her, sending a small shiver down her spine.
"... The Jedi will die even quicker."
*****************
It didn't take long for Ayillh to find Jaesa, it might have been because she keeps track of nearly all the council members, but that was besides the point. Jaesa was busy with some technique Mace had taught her a week ago and didn't want to be interrupted.
That of course change fast once she mentioned she had a mission handed down from 'him'. The speed with which she opened the door ready for combat was almost astonishing. Though she did have the help of the force to speed up her movements Ayillh supposed.
When she found out they weren't going on a mission that included blood, death and gore, Ayillh could tell she was disappointed, but she wouldn't disobey one of 'his' orders.
From there it only took a few minutes for both to slowly make their way into Blizz's workshop. It was attached near the back of the temple that had been excavated. The power, electronics and machinery had been personally gathered and set up by Blizz himself.
Ayillh was only slightly annoyed that he had to take the Phantom out 3 times to gather what he needed. That did remind her though that they really needed another ship and soon. They couldn't keep using hers.
The two waited for a short time as Blizz was working on some type of gun as they walked into the room. Not noticing the two, it was around 5 minutes later that he finally turned around. Ayillh spoke up before Jaesa could interject, she could tell she was a bit annoyed at waiting for so long.
"Blizz could we have a minute,. We need to talk to your newest assistant." Blizz looked at the two women as he hopped down from his desk talking to himself, as he scooted around the place.
"Blizz needed for Big Sith? No Blizz Apprentice Needed by Big Sith?" Tapping one holo-pad after another Ayillh's eyes zeroed in and quickly took in the information flashing past as the screen changed a few times.
"Blizz new apprentice good. Blizz Apprentice Smart. Blizz can't lose new apprentice." Schematics of newer model cruisers, ships and component parts, new weapon designs and even some type of speeder all flashed past as he did his thing, while thinking to himself.
"Blizz new apprentice come back soon?" Ayilly gave him a nod, even as Jaesa rolled her eyes at his speech. Blizz gave them both a hard look, before nodding and turning towards the back. "Blizz's good apprentice needed by Crazy Sith and Stealth Lady."
"What did he just call me?!"
Blizz and Ayillh completely ignored Jaesa as a woman slowly walked over cautiously. Although she had been rather dirty when she first arrived on typhon, she had been treated better than she had in years, and working with Blizz had been fun, if scary at times.
Her data pad was forgotten on her desk as both women looked at her. Ayillh once again spoke for them as Jaesa already knew what she was required for. It was more of a subconscious effort for her now days to see the true allegiance of a person, so just standing there and watching would complete her job.
From what she could see so far, though the woman had been with them for a few weeks now, she was just starting to come around, though she was cautious and given the chance of freedom would quickly leave. 'Probably', she thought to herself, 'because of all the years spent as a slave'.
"The emperor felt it necessary to inform you of new information that has come to our attention, as it is of a personal matter, we felt it better to set up the meeting in a different room. If you would kindly follow."
Keeping a professional demeanor both turned and motioned towards the door before starting towards it themselves.
The woman looked on in confusion and trepidation as she hesitantly followed. Though she had only been there for a short while, she already knew certain people that she should not anger. Just like the Hutts there were certain lieutenants or higher ups that could have you killed in seconds and the two women that had come to collect her were two such people if not even more powerful.
A little fear gripped her heart at what could come next, maybe she had done something to displease one of them, though working with her new master Blizz had seemed to be going good so far. Her thoughts and fears were quickly forgotten at their next words.
"It concerns your son."
With those words Shmi Skywalker left her hesitation behind and quickly followed behind the two dark council members, two sinister smiles floating across their lip's unseen by the worried mother.
*****************
Nar Shaddaa, Cantina
3rd person PoV
Nar Shaddaa, generally referred to as the 'Smugglers Moon', or better known as 'Little Courscant' situated itself as the moon of Nal Hutta, birth place of the commonly despised Hutt species and cartel.
It was currently night time on the planet as the sprawling city scape slowly descended into what it was known for, debauchery, deals and deaths. Hover cars, speeder bikes and shuttles zipped by making sure to stay out of the lanes or areas infested with known clans, bounty hunters or cartels.
Nothing was really new about the night, everything ticking along as usual as someone died in an unknown corner of the docks or sky walks, to then be tossed off, never to be seen again as their bodies dropped into the abyss.
That was why Nar Shaddaa was known as 'Little Courscant', cause like it's better known name sake, it was an endless city stacked a top itself, until the ground could no longer be seen.
Though unlike Courscant, which kept hidden its deadly deals and shunned its industrial pollution, Nar Shaddaa embraced it; quickly becoming the center of most underworld deals in the galaxy, thanks to in no small part the Hutt cartel situated below them handed out the biggest deals and bounties.
A non-descript 20ish year old human slowly made his way over a sky walk, a steady gait to his walk even as he dangled over death itself, no guard rails to stop someone from slipping to their doom. He took a deep breath and he ran one of his coarse hands through his brunet hair.
Personally he thought it was getting a bit long and he would have to cut it soon, the same could be said about the stubble that was starting to grow on his face. He knew that if he left it, it wouldn't take long before it became a full grown beard and after being discharged from the republic Navy, he was starting to think it would be a good idea to just let it go.
'Maybe it would make me look more mature?' The thought ran across his mind as he took that deep breath of pollution filled air, something he had grown used to after growing up on the planet, just him and his father.
Looking over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't being followed, something he had to regularly do on such a planet, he quickened his pace just a little as he thought he caught sight of something behind him. It could be nothing, but then he wasn't going to take any chances.
Patting his shoulder to make sure his small portable shields were still in working order, he continued on his way, hand not straying too far from the K-16 Bryar pistol that was strapped to his belt, another Phrik knife safely tucked into his brown boots.
The man had deep brown eyes and defined eyebrow that furrowed for a second as he slowly made it to where he had to go, a small cantina on one of the lower levels, the closest one to his once home.
*Hiss* Slapping the button to open the door, the familiar hiss of the mechanism making it open drew the attention of those inside. It wasn't a brightly lit bar, far from it actually it was dimmed on purpose so those in the booths that littered the walls could talk and exchange items without others knowing what it was exactly.
It also hid hands from view, meaning everyone was likely to have their hand near their pistol at all times. A few Weequay, Gand, Arcona, Quarren and of course Gran and Rodians looked over in his direction even as a Kitonak continued to play an instrument in the back ground.
A few of their eyes lingered on the human that walked into the bar even as he made his way over to the bartender, a rare Chiss, that was talking to another of the patrons. Humans weren't the norm around these parts and a few of the long-time smugglers recognized the human boy that had left a year or two back.
With their curiosity quelled, most went back to what they were doing, a drink in their hand or on their table, but there were a few that held on, their gaze lingering too long for anything good to come of it.
Though they couldn't tell, the Human was well aware of the few lingering eyes as he took a stool at the bar. His white shirt was a bit dirty and damaged from over use but still showed his muscular physique beneath, he wondered for a second, counting the pair of eyes, if he should have also brought his brown armoured jacket as well, but couldn't regret it now.
Honestly he wasn't expecting so many eyes or to be more accurate so much attention on him, he couldn't help the sigh that came from his lips as the bar keep finally finished talking to the other customer and turned to him.
A small raise of the eye was all he got before the bartender started to make a drink, spending a few well practiced seconds before placing a cup before him. Though he should well have not taken a drink from the bar, especially at such a tense time, he trusted the bar tender and knew he would need a drink before everything hit the fan.
He downed the small cup in only a few gulps before placing it back down, the burning of the liquor bringing warmth to his bones. A few seconds of quite stretched between the two men before finally he spoke up.
"Long time no see." The Chiss seemed to quirk his eyebrow again before he replied, a natural white smile on his lips. "Yeah it has, feels like yesterday you were running around saying you would be one of the best smugglers around, then you were talking about being the best bounty hunter, finally you settled on joining the republic for some forsaken reason and now you're back here."
The both shared a chuckle as he talked about his early years before the bartender continued. "So what brings you back here, still with the navy?" A small smirk started to make its way onto the man's lips as he looked up. "Nah they threw me out, said I was a bit too hot headed."
Another smile was shared between them, the Chiss not at all surprised by the revelation. "So what brings you back to this shit hole?" Though some would defend Nar Shaddaa for being not that bad, anyone that had grown up and lived there for some period of time would agree with what was just said.
The man couldn't help but let out another sigh as a look of seriousness finally appeared in his eyes. Looking at his old friend, knowing that he brokered information for the area, he knew if anyone was going to have the answers he was looking for, it would be him, especially as he and his father were close.
Taking another sip of his now refilled glass he looked around the room before posing his question. "I'm looking for information. I got a message from the old man, said he was on to something, something about a map discovery, honestly he didn't go too far into detail, he just said to meet him as soon as possible."
A serious look also appeared on the Bartenders face as he leaned forward a bit, lowering the conversation so prying ears couldn't hear exactly what they were saying as he continued. "Count me a bit surprised that when I finally make my way back, the old man's gone and our place is trashed. The whole thing looked like it had been ripped apart looking for some clue on where he is. I knew you would be the only one that could give me some type of answer."
Another look passed between the two, as the Chiss motioned him a little closer, the Man's hand also reaching for the blaster at his hip, one could never be too cautious. Red eyes darted about the room, catching a few of the people trying to listen into the conversation and knew they didn't have long.
He could give out some information but not too much, otherwise he would also be targeted in whatever was going on with his old friend. "Look I don't know many of the details, but I heard one of the Cartels directly working for a Hutt slug, raided your fathers place shortly after he disappeared 2 weeks ago."
He cast another look around the bar. "No one knows where he went or what exactly he was doing, but it looks like it was on Hutt credits and whatever it was they want payment. I might know one place where he might of stashed something that could give you a hint, but it's not a sure bet."
The man rubbed his chin for a few seconds as he slowly pulled back, contemplating the words, his eyes scanning those in his vision. Picking up his glass one more time he took a long gulp and finished it off again as he nodded, seeking the info.
A subtle nod was all he got as they both spoke quietly for another minute or two. Once their conversation was over the man didn't wait long, passing his hand through his unruly hair once more he made his way out of the cantina.
Pausing for a second before he hit the button to open the door he shrugged his shoulders in anticipation and readied his fingers, before finally walking out. *Hiss* Not a second after he walked out the door his hand hovered over his pistol and un-holstered it, making his way to his new destination. *Hiss*
At the same time, a few of the patrons of the bar stood up from their booths and started to head towards the closing door, their eyes passing over the bartender as they went. None made a move on him though as they went to grab their own weapons.
*Hiss* The hiss of the door opening and a few groups leaving was heard for the next few minutes, before pistol fire was heard further down the way a few seconds later. *Hiss* With the door shut firmly behind them, the cantina music continued to play as the Chiss slowly started to clean one of the dirtier glasses, his red eyes looking away from the door after another minute.
Just another day on Nar Shaddaa.
*****************
Notes:
Now, I had Yoda Mention the Rule of two right near the start of this chapter. I alluded to the Jedi knowing that there is always a Master and Apprentice quite a few chapters back.
Now I am not a savvy lore person by any stretch of the imagination, but I believe the Jedi knew about the Rule of two. I'm not too sure if that is what they called it, but yeah I believe they knew there was always a master and apprentice. But I'm not sure. I felt like someone might question the Jedi knowing this fact and wanted to address it here.
As this is a fanfic and AU I probably won't change this, unless I can change what he refers to it as. Would be more of a hassle to re-write the whole scene just for that.
On another note, I'm not too sure how this will go down with fans of the dark side, this whole chapter I mean. I Guess everyone looks at the dark side differently in what it means and how one uses it.
I was talking to my brother the other day about the Dark side and the Light side of the force, and the difference between the Jedi and the Sith. In the end the results of that conversation lead to most of the struggles Nadia went through in this chapter, and how it is related to Mace's idea of 'True Sith'.
In a nutshell, the philosophy is.
Jedi are conduits of the force, the listen to what it says and are basically controlled by it. They do what the force tells them to do and won't go against it. Basically Puppets.
Sith, rebel against the force and use it for themselves. They take what they want from the force, to make their lives better. They don't want any type of control hindering them.
Now Normal Sith, when dealing with the dark side become bloodthirsty, egotistical and get consumed by the power, greed, emotions ect. They usually have these sickly yellow eyes, their faces become pale ect.
Mace's idea of True sith in this novel, says that when a Sith is consumed by this power and greed they are no longer in control of their actions and instead are being controlled by the dark side of the force.
So, A true Sith then should always be in control. They can get angry and have other emotions, they can kill people or do whatever they want, if they are not being controlled by the dark side of the force when doing so. It is all them. Hallmarked by the red eyes I consistently have them show. They are not being corrupted by the dark side they are in total control of their anger/force.
I read another Star Wars novel the other day that I can't remember the name of; but they also brought up something like this and basically touted the Jedi in the movies as 'Sith' in nature, because what they are essentially doing is working for the republic and not actually listening to the force. Which is their main job.
I generally like this philosophy of the force and am using it. Like I said I know this won't match up with a lot of people's thoughts on what true Sith are, but yeah, just thought I should put this here, as it could be confusing for some people.
I would like to also point out that no, this doesn't make Mace and the rest grey Jedi, that is looking for a balance in the force and one's actions. Mace and the rest are all about personal gain, doing what they want, taking from the force to further their own goals. I think there is a major difference there.
Finally, I wonder if anyone can identify who it was at the end there, I can say it will be one of Mace's apprentices. Legends character. Also put him there a bit before his time. I definitely gave enough hints for people to figure it out.
Last Note, There is still one more part before this volume is done, mainly just wrapping things up and setting things up.
(PS. Sorry about the long notes, but I think they are required for this chapter.)