The Great Jedi War

The following speech was delivered hours ago by Dark Jedi Master Sarin to the members of Clan Plagueis. It has been recorded for historical purposes and the retransmission or broadcast of it is prohibited by law.

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"Members of Plagueis, I come before you in this dark hour to discuss the fear and terror that has gripped the Dark Brotherhood. Great injustices have been carried out against us by the Clans of Arcona and Naga Sadow. Their actions are those of blind rage, bitterness of of soul, and jealousy of our success. They act not from reason, but from a desire to destroy that which they cannot control. Their blind rage has been carried out because they are unable to grasp the facts before them. They close their eyes to reason and they seek to cause greater and yet greater injustices upon us.

It is our duty as as the right and the just to inflict our wrath upon them for their actions. We would do a disservice to them and to ourselves by allowing them to believe these injustices can be carried out without swift retribution. It is in our wrath and in our anger that we will punish them. You are justified to feel anger, to breath in the clean air of justice and to disribute it without mercy.

The Power of Wrath is the strength to attack the repugnant; the power of anger is the power of resistance in the soul. It is our task to distrubute Wrath to those who do an injustice against our cause. We will hand down our retribution with wrath, and anger will minister at her side.

We have reason and purpose on our side. Their actions are without reason and they will burn out their source of power because they have no conviction in purpose. Our actions will be guided by the desire for just retribution. This knowledge will sustain us and grant us unlimited potential in the Dark Side.

I now unleash you and hell upon the Dark Brotherhood. Be swift in your execution, decisvie in your actions, and merciless in your judgement!"

"Transmission complete, Lord," the Tech Sergeant informed the solemn Consul.

Dark Jedi Master Aristan "Sarin" Dantes stepped off the holo-grid in the Dark Tower's War Room. Technicians moved dutifully from console to console among the throng of blinking machines that dimly lit the otherwise shadow-enshrouded chamber. Massive computers churned data ceaselessly providing the Plagueian Summit with the electronic provisions of war.

Walking over to the room's main strategic display, Sarin regarded the command staff assembled there: Battlelord Salth Khan-Proconsul and loyal friend, Battlemasters Daniel Stephens and Aabsdu Dupar al'Tor-capable and willing, and finally, Priest Scorpious-cunning Krath Quaestor. All were present save one: Prelate Venquis Arcanum-gravely ill, the Obelisk would be sorely missed in the times ahead. Quietly sending the Ketoan healing ripples of energy through the Force, Sarin wished his friend well and turned to the task at hand.

Eyes cast downward in reverence, the leaders formed a half-moon around the Elder. The five magnates of dark power would each be a finger in the mailed fist that would strike out from the Jusadih system to purify the audacious Plagueian adversaries. The Arconans believed Plagueis responsible for the destruction of one of their sector patrols. This was, of course, true, but Sarin wished to keep them off-balance until clearer battle lines had been drawn.

"Gentlemen," Sarin began, lifting his palms in a gesture for the others to meet him at eye-level. "Your thoughts?"

The al'Tor family had gathered in a spacious room on their asteroid fortress, all except Aabsdu who was busy with preparations for the newly initiated war. Sunflash, Gaidal, Drodik, Galaphile all communicated silently through the Force. War was never beneficial for any party, except perhaps the bureaucrats, depending on which side they ended up. Sarin's message had been clear and crisp as usual, but something was still missing. However, all four Dark Jedi knew they would be informed soon enough as to what was to come. Sunflash reached over and activated the tiny holocron sitting between the three Dark Jedi, Aabsdu would need to hear this.

"Where are we to strike first?"

Sunflash would waste no time, he wanted to get started as soon as possible with plans. The quicker he outlined the future the quicker he could work out the fine points, and fine points were always the determining factor in war.

Drodik looked to the Krath and nodded. "As Sarin spoke of, we need to strike with a vengeance. So what target would bring down the enemy's moral the quickest?"

"A lack of medical supplies usually causes panic more than just simple military strikes; along with limiting our opponent's regenerative capabilities, it would also break the backbone of their simple work force."

Intense concentration was working its way across Dante Armand's face. Their first target could not be overly ambitious but it would have to send a message that Clan Plagueis could not be taken lightly. "Simple guerrilla assaults would be efficient, but where will we attack?"

Gaidal smiled grimly and nodded. "Yes, our first target will be the hardest decision we made. Once a landslide has started it can not be stopped..."

"Perhaps we should await a message from Aabsdu? He will know what would benefit us the most."

"Thank you Galaphile. I think we are losing sight of things. Sarin will communicate to Aabsdu what needs to be done and we shall pick a target from that. We will know soon enough."

Sunflash removed his lightsaber from his robes and activated the arcane weapon. The purple blade immediately illuminated the dark room, a cue for blue and red to join in its glory.

"We only await word from our esteemed brother. The Brotherhood shall feel the wrath of al'Tor and Plagueis. None shall stand in our way and all shall fall before our brilliance. In time we will be victorious and shall bring more honor to the al'Tor name."

Each Dark Jedi looked into the others' eyes. The weight of death was upon them and it would never be taken lightly. Only time would tell who would survive the upcoming onslaught or terror. Sunflash smiled as he tried to relax. He would need to save all of his strength for the next few weeks if not months. He would not receive another rest period like this. However, war is power and time is patience, if only he had more of each...

The Falleen Knight awoke from his dormitory on Aerun, in the Diadem Fortress. Galaphile thought of a plan to lay siege upon the Naga Shadow medical supply routes. The plan was to cripple there Forces and attack them while they were weak. But a problem erupted from that plan; he was going to plan this with the rest of the al'Tors to do this their way but that was not to say what the battleams under the command of Consul and Proconsul were planning to do.

He knew the al'Tors were not even close enough to rival the power of what Naga Shadow wielded. They would use the Plagueis forces for something they could use. But for now they awaited Aabsdu response on what he had to say.

Another problem posed a threat as well. Dark Jedi Master Sarin, was a brilliant fighter, especially in the heat of combat. There was no telling if he knew of the al'Tors on vendetta. So whatever information that was given to the Battlemaster could be false, or ways to manipulatr the al'Tors into doing what he wanted.

There was no exact way to tell at the moment but he would hear what Aabsdu said before he jumped to conclusions. But he was getting eager to shed blood. The Falleen dressed himself in his formal Jedi Knight robes and opened a holonet-screen towards Aabsdu office. There was no one there to answer.

Probably getting false information from the Consul.l He said to himself.

He sat there meditating and awaited further orders.

Aabsdu stood silent, listening closely to what Dark Jedi Master Sarin had to say. The two were talking over a hologram, as both were nearly half a solar system away from each other. The battlemaster had listened to the recordings of the al'Tor meeting, and agreed that he should see what Sarin had to say. The boy faced a very difficult decision, however, for he could help his brothers and family do as they want, or be a pawn of the Dark Summit. Personally, he felt he had a better chance of living if he sided with the summit, but he couldn't tell right now.

His powers had limits, but his ties to his family name were strong. He was a well-respected member of the al'Tor family, mainly for being the strongest link between the family and the inner workings of the summit, but also because of his deep relations to Gaidal Dupar al'Tor. His best bet would to hope that Sarin would agree with the al'Tor's plan, but one never knew this early on.

Sarin had mainly been giving the battlemaster an overview of what was happening in the brotherhood, and what would probably happen in the nearby future. Finally, he moved on as to what he wanted the Aedile and acting Quaestor to do with his house right now, and the decisive moment came. The next few sentences spoken from the master would decide where Aabs' allegiance would lie for the duration of this war.

"Aabs," Sarin said as he almost also spoke to the man by his first name, "I sense something is wrong. Do tell"

For a moment, both stood in silence as Aabsdu fought over rather to tell him or not. This was a test, and one he wasn't too sure if he was going to pass. Finally, he made up his mind, and spoke calmly, "The al'Tors recently held a private meeting to discuss how the family would handle the war. I wasn't there, but I did listen to a recording of the session."

Sarin listened intently as Aabs continued, "They discussed striking at Naga Sadow's medical supply routes to try and weaken the clan slightly. Nothing large-scale, but a small volley of guerilla attacks on some of their ships. I must say this seems like a good idea at this stage of the war. It would slow down the clan's healing of troops, and weaken its work force. I will abide by your orders, sir, but I am formally requesting permission to take a small band of jedi, possibly only the al'Tors, to strike at their medical supplies. I also wish to keep this plan off the record, and secret from everyone except those involved in it."

Sarin nodded and remarked, "You understand what will happen if you fail or are discovered?"

Aabsdu nodded again, "Yes sire that is why I wish to keep this off the record. If we fail I personally take full responsibility and declare that I went upon the mission on my own free will without your knowing."

Sarin stood silent for a moment as he spoke, and then finally said, "Very well. Nothing big, and this is in no way connected to Clan Plagueis. It is a family matter. I will expect you all back within two weeks, especially you Aedile. Now go on your way, and try not to get killed."

Aabsdu bowed, and started to turn off the transmission but was interrupted as Sarin spoke one last time, "I suggest you turn towards one of their smaller trade routes. Pick one that our spies picked up during the clan feud. You don't want to go anywhere where there might be a lot of security. We're only trying to cripple them and show them we're not going to be pushed around so easily."

Both persons bowed, and then Aabsdu turned and left the room to contact the rest of the al'Tor family, and send out an emergency transmission to the rest of the house.

"I WANT HIM DEAD!" bellowed the Loremaster of Clan Plagueis, punctuating the last word with a mighty bang as his fist dented with the stone walls of the Council chamber. "Vile traitor! I shall drink his Luck and life blood and smear it across the walls! His head shall decorate a pike outside this office! First, he betrays his family, and now he betrays PLAGUEIS?"

The Anzat Dark Adept bellowed his fury, lifted up his solid stone chair of office, and hurled it effortlessly through the air to smash into the opposite wall. Slamming an open hand down on the meeting table, waves of pure rage and hatred flowed from him in the most intense of waves. He curled his fingers, and his sharp claws stratched the surface of the table as he breathed heavily, not from exertion, but from restraint. The other Councilmen were more sedate, though no less furious, in their appearances.

"Khan is mobilising the armada," said Corran, looking from Jonaleth to Vessicant, "Naga Sadow and Arcona shall be eliminated on sight."

Vessicant nodded, "The forces of Jusidah are readied to fortify the system. And I understand that Sarin has ordered the Houses to mobilise for war."

"Yes, though we must consider the al'Tors, also."

"What?" barked Jonaleth.

"The young and impetuous fools will attempt to strik against Naga Sadow's bacta supply lines."

"Idiots!" said Vessicant, "A blockade would be more effective. Then we could claim the bacta for ourselves and stop supply to the other Clans. A rash attack will barely scratch them."

The Loremaster growled, a sound like an angry lion's roar, "Have they no wits?" He thumped his fist on the table, causing yet another dent. Then he seemed to cool a little, and some of his normal composure returned. "I suggest we advise the Consul and Proconsul now. A blockade must be put in place and the al'Tors dealt with - we cannot afford loose canons at this time. You gentlemen are more familiar with war than I - I shall bow to your wisdom in what else to do. But Braecen is mine. He has insulted my family and besmirched my Clan. I, as the last true Kunar, shall make him pay."

The Councilmen nodded, and an accord was reached.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

The psychic bellow that echoed throughout the Jusidah system was so forceful and rage-filled that it was agony to hear, ~Virulence! Ashura! Cipher! To me AT ONCE!~

It was less than an hour before the Plagueis Isradia's answered their Master's call, and found him waiting for them on the battlements of the Dark Tower, overlooking the war-droid preparations. His face was a rictous of fury, and even they, the powerful members of his family and feared killers in their own rights, hesitated and shrunk back as they approached.

Jonaleth did not look at them as he surveyed the scene. "I want him dead, children. I want him humiliated, destroyed, undone and ruined. Bring him to me, alive. Do not harm him until he is in my sight. I shall take his Luck before the eyes of every Child of Plageuis. I shall bathe in his blood and eat of his flesh, I shall mutilate him and force him to watch and be awake as I do so. And then, when he dies, his soul shall be mine for eternity, and I shall send his re-animated corpse back as a weapon of destruction. All shall know the penalty for crossing Plagueis, and all shall witness the Wrath of the Master Isradia."

Wordlessly, they left. These three, his most trusted killers, would take on this task for him. And as they made their way down through the hall, they saw and heard the announcements playing over the general Clan communications channel, "Braecen, formerly Isradia, false-Kunar, member of Clan Scholae Palatinae, is hereby declared anathema of Clan Plagueis. The reward for his live return to Kapsina and the hands of Dark Adept Isradia shall be not less than three million credits."

Sweat dripped off his well built body in the holo-training room. The Clawdite had be practicing his shapeshifting for the war ahead as well with hissaber tactics against the Holo rooms computer enemys. Hours have passed since he heard the holo transmission from his CON and he had finally choose to stop practicing and hit hay.

Silents quarters
0230 am


"Sir target in site, weapons locked!"

"Fire now!"

Ships exploding everywhere in the big galactic battle.

"Master Sarin incoming fire!"

"All hands brace for impact!"

The shot hits it mark shutting down the ship for a mear few seconds. sarin got up after being knocked down and ask for a report

"What hit us pilot?"

"Whatever it was it was big he have a big hole on the side and shutting down decks 15-18"

"Sir they are coming around again!"

"Send out our fighters now!"

With a flash off light infront of Silents eyes

"Master Sarin we are going down"

"Evac the ship now, Silent get the lower ranks and take ground side!"

Another flash off light

"Sarin we cant hold the ground for long and from what we shall that blockade isnt going to hold!"

"Stay calm Silent we are not alone!"

A blaster shot came from no where knocking Silent to the ground bleeding from his chest

Silent awoke from his dream holding his chest knowing it was just a dream he got dressed and headed out to one of the mediatation chambers where he found his CON sitting, he approched his CON and sat in front of him.

"Master i have had a dream."

"A dream of the blockage my Prelate?"

"Yes my master rumors fly fast around here."

"Indeed, but what did the dream intake?"

"Death of clan members, destruction of alot of our ships, and my own death"

"I see but your dream can be your future, or you can change it, but it is the actions you take now that will make the outcome different."

"But master if we go with the blockade we shall still be attacked, lifes will still be lost"

"But a shame it is, it is a war lifes will be taken even if my own it only makes the clan stronger to see the heros of the clan become ledgends"

"Then all we can do is to do the best we can"

Sarin nods

"Thank you my master, my doubts have subsided and i await the day we fight together in battle"

Silent bows to his Master has he returns to his quarters for rest.

Using the Force to blow open the then closed doors to the now packed auditorium holding most of the House membership. He was rightously angry at this moment, having just recieved the latest news of one of his captured members of the House by Clan Arcona. They had flayed him alive and sent the House a gift of the Knights skin! Stepping up to the Platform holding the mic, as well as seats for the House Summit. Stepping up to the mic, he began his address, as well as the orders for the House.

"Brothers and sisters in Darkness, I come to you today with dire news. Our House ambassidor to Clan Arcona has been killed and we are now under Battle Stations. At this time Clan Plagueis has denied alliance with any others, so at this moment you are to kill all other no bearing out Clan insignia on sight, allow them no quarter." announced the newly placed Quaestor.

"As for the battle plan we expect to be ordered to Kapsina soon, so pack up only your treasured belongings they will be shipped to the planet soon. As for you all you are to stand by, for orders from your Team Leaders! You are all dismissed, Leaders meet me in teh Quaestors office." Stephens announced.

Watching the mass of Dark Jedi move out to various places amongst the House headquarters he moved quickly to his newly appointed offices where his Battle Team Leader awaited. Opening the door to his office and noticing his Leaders all sit down he moved behind his desk picking up his orders. "Ok guys, this isnt going to be easy, may be a bit of fun but not easy." "Yor orders are dependant upon which order your team is currently representing. So two of you will be teamed up." "Rannik you will lead Ketos Vengaence along with Destavol in command of Aleemas Grace for hit and fade attacks on an Clan you desire at this moment, with particular vengaence towards Arcona." "Dest I am placing your teams orders with KV at this time because they are in need of flight training at this time and also you are one of our senior members and youve seen war before, your experience will be needed. As for Kirlitas Way you are to launch ground raids against the various planets under other clan banners, If needed check with Intel for the abondoned ones, you can use them for supplies and such. You will be backed by Satal Victus, they will fly cover for you and at times will be joining you on the battlefield, you will need to check in with BubbaX for this."

"You are cleared to leave at any time guys, I am at this time going to remain here and oversee House functions are normal until the evacuation order is given. Caesar has been given clearence to join any of your BTs at any time, so be prepared. You are dismissed."

A deep sigh echoed through the corridor as Sunflash raised his hand to knock on Dark Side Adept Jonaleth Isradia's door. He had been informed that the elder Dark Jedi had stated a problem with the Krath Priest's family's plan for retribution, however small as it might have been. Sunflash normally would have just ignored what others thought. However, Jonaleth held a piece Sunflash's respect, not just because of his skill as a Jedi, but also because of his immense knowledge of history. And so he found himself standing outside the door, calling upon the Dark Side to strengthen his resolve and help him explain exactly what he intended to do.

No matter the Dark Adept's knowledge of the Dark Side, he did not know everything and he did not know the extent of the al'Tor's plans. Also, if Naga Sadow was able to concentrate all of their forces towards one point and goal it would be simple to crush Plagueis's forces. Sunflash and his family would be another annoyance to the pitiful Sadow's and another place they would have to focus their forces. The Krath Priest had also been infromed that some were concerned about the destruction of bacta and other supplies. This thought made him chuckle more than actually be concerned. He had no intention of ever destroying the vital supplies. In fact it was quite the opposite. He was intending to capture the ships and escort them back to Plagueis space where they would be taken off of the al'Tor hands. No, Sunflash had thought this out and whereas these strikes would continue throughout the war, they would not take the family away from their duties from the clan as much as possible.

Sunflash once again raised his hand to knock upon the sturdy door, sometime while thinking he had let it drop again. However, before he could knock this time the door slid open and there Jonaleth sat, a slight look of amusement mixed with anger crossing his face. Immediately the Krath Priest bowed before the Adept.

"Master Isradia..."

"Priest al'Tor."

"I have come before you to try and expl..."

However, before Sunflash could finish his sentence he was cut off by the Dark Adept.

"I know why you have come to disturb me. Your thoughts were clear as you stood outside my door debating with yourself as to what you should say. You nervousness betrayed you. As to you explaining it to me I do not understand. Sarin gave you the go ahead and you must do as you see fit."

"Yes sir, but I also want you to understand that every war needs its rogue groups. It needs the people willing to do what others are not 'allowed' to do. The al'Tor's are willing to go and do anything. However, we will not be pawns of anyone, thus we have made decisions."

With this Sunflash made a final bow and turned to leave the Dark Adept's quarters. Several hours later he found himself in the cockpit of a TIE Defender and the rest of his family in their own preferred ships. He knew what they had to do and what he expected of himself - success.

Rannik nodded agreement to his Quaestor and left the office with Destavol. "Gather your troops Dest, meet me in the Briefiing Room." Destavol grunted and headed down the opposite corridor and Rannik headed towards the Briefing Room t call upon his Troops and get them ready to go to war.

Rannik leand forward to speak into a microphone. "Attention, will all member of Battle Team keto's Vengeance report to the Briefing Room, I repeat, will all members of Battle Team Keto's Vengeance report to the Briefing Room and bring all your supplies as in your weapons and anything else that you will need on a Mission."

Five minutes later the Teams XO walked into the Room.

"Rannik, whats going on," Sakh asked with a surprised look on his face.

"I just came out of a meeting with all the Leaders and Stephens, he wants us and Aleema's Grace to attack Clan Arcona, more specificly us to attack Arcona. We will have them helping us since we need more practice at flying. Dax will be our Squadron leader. The Team will leave as soon as the rest get here, but right now we must wait for the others to arrive."

Rannik and Sakh sat down and waited for the others to showup...

Traggisk had heard some of the plans his clanmates had to destroy their enemies, but all the information that the clan had was speculation so far, they needed actual facts before they committed some foolish errors. He sped through his chambers grabbing his robes, lightsaber, and concussion rifle. As he got ready to leave, he sent a signal out to R5 to start the Shadow and a message to his Consul.

"Master Sarin, I am taking a short trip, when I return I'll have a Knight from Naga Sadow for you to interrogate. Dark Jedi Knight Traggisk, signing off."

As he sent it off he sealed his room behind him and headed for his waiting ship. As he reached the top of the ramp it rose automatically and by the time he reached the cockpit his ship was ready for launch.

"R5, open comm and activate the tracer." the Knight said quickly before speaking into the comm. "YT-2000 Death's Shadow requesting clearance to launch."

"Clearance granted, be careful out there Knight, we're at war." the controller responded after a minute.

"Duly noted and thanks for the clearance." Traggisk said as he cut the comm.

Watch out Pug, I'm coming for you. he thought to himself as the Shadow launched into space.

Aabsdu sat, though not in his office this time, but in the cockpit of a rebuilt Eta-2 starfighter. Unlike the starfighter used by the jedi during the Clone Wars, this one was faster, stronger, and hyperdrive capable. Exactly what a battlemaster and Aedile needed. It was painted black with white outlines, his favorite colors, and was prepped for take-off. The only problem was rather or not he wanted to take off. He knew he had to be loyal to his family name and their plan to try and help the war, but there was a great chance this mission would result in him losing his job. Then again, he'd probably lose his family name if he didn't go along with the others. He sat in the cockpit, head rested against his hand as he sat and thought.

The others seemed to sense his troubles because Sunflash came over the speakers and remarked, "We need you, Aabs. You're the highest rank here, not to mention you're probably a better flyer than any of us. I know you're having second thoughts, but we need you."

Aabsdu frowned and thought again, more quickly this time. If he was going to go with them, they had to leave now, or not go at all. He sighed, and made up his decision.

"I'm sorry guys, but without Scorpius here I'm the only one holding this house together. If Exar Kun is going to do anything, I have to be there to supervise. I'll send you the coordinates I have for one of the smaller space routes used by Naga Sadow, but you're o your own."

The others didn't speak, rather they were understanding or mad wasn't clear. Aabsdu switched off all the systems on his fighter, sent Sunflash the coordinates he's promised, and got out of the fighter. He left the hangar and made his way to his office, only looking back to see the four fighters rise into the air and soar through the atmosphere.

"Just don't get yourselves killed," he muttered as he started running down the hallway.

Dax Corran came running into the briefing room.

“What’s happening?” he asked frantically. “Are we about to start battle?”

“Not just yet,” Rannik replied. “We are joining up with Aleema’s Grace. Destavol will aid some of us in flying. You will be the Squadron Leader. When we go in, listen up for orders from me. Sakh shall lead our troopers on ground. At the next chance I go down and Sakh comes up. We can do that continuously. That way we get the best of both.”

A few minutes later, the rest of the two Battle Teams showed up and Rannik informed them of the plan immediately.

“So what do you think?” Rannik finished. The room murmured in agreement, they seemed to like it.

“So how many decent flyers have we got?” Sakh asked.

“We have Dax, Destavol, I can fly a bit, but not well, and what about you guys?” Rannik asked the others.

“I can fly,” Sakh said. “Just not too well. I’m a Krath not Sith.”

“It doesn’t matter what order you are, it’s what you can do,” Destavol replied.

“Here’s an idea,” Dax suddenly said. “All of us shall fly, with just a couple of troopers going down to fight. At the best chance you get to go down, Rannik will land with Sakh and lead the troops.”

“Now that’s an idea…” Sakh muttered.

“So it’s settled then,” Rannik said standing up. “Let’s go”

Galaphile al'Tor sat in his cockpit and looked as the Battlemaster left the hangar bay. What the Equite said was starting to dawn upon his mind. To him its seemed that Aabsdu could lose his job doing this, that would mean that going through this would be pointless. But he thought what would the rest of his family react to this. Now thinking of it this little raids on the supply route did not seem all that effective. More like ways to express there names upon the armies of Plagueis.

A feeble attempt for power and fame. But that began to fade as the realism started to take affect. The Falleen Knight scales turned a shade of darkest green meaning he was ashamed. Through there Force-bond Galaphile could feel the rest of the al'Tors to thinking of the sense of the mission. Attacking the supply routes was not a bad idea.

On the contrary, it was excellent way to to stop the rightfully needed supply routes needed for the Naga Shadow Jedi to go through war. "You know we should go to Master Sarin," Galaphile finally spoke.

The Templar Zabrak spoke, "Whats the since in making these raids when its not going to do any real damage. We need go ask the Consul for a blockade and we'll provide the escorts, and patrol the area."

"We don't have to do this alone people, even though we have our doubts about taking orders in this war; we don't really think that we can take them all by ourselves. Not like this." Battlemaster Aabsdu said who seemed that he hadn't really left but waited by the door for the rest of them to come to their senses. "This is exactly how some wars are lost, because of the distrust of their own comrads."

"We stick together and like you've heard hundred times we could destroy those filthy bantha fodders who call themselves heirs of the empire. We have to think, which is an invaluable asset to all of us. So lets use it. I will see if the Consul would send a blockade force while we provide cover. There are other ways of getting our name known. Lets just not ruin it out of rash decisions."

The al'Tors bowed to the Battlemaster with a new goal on their minds. They would follow their Clan but they would also let everyone else feel proud that they lived in a time that the al'Tors reigned.

Silent breezed through the endless abyss in his Tartan patrol cruiser doing drills incase the Clan headquarters was ever attacked. He had picked up this ship from an old Junk shop and has spent the last few years increasing the speed, weapons and defense on the ship. With the orginal 20 laser cannons on it he had stripped all but 10 off and added 2 Quad lasers to the side. a new engine that was a Incom 4L4 Fusial Thrust Engine and a After Burner. Now due to the old laser making his ship shields weak he added a new system the Light Iratone Armor making it almost impossible to take down but the prelate didnt stop there if needed he knew he would use this ship to save a few important peoples life so he added a Shield Generator SL IV and a Power Charger. Now that he had this nice personal ship of his securtiy was the key so he added a few knicks to keep the lower ranks out using Fingerprint Hatch Lock and a Voice ID Hatch Lock. If that wasnt enough he had locks placed on shields, engines, weapons, and self destruct. for the just in case he added a 5 person escape pod that ejects out of the bottom of the ship after all its a patrol ship not know how many people would be on it.

It was a nice ship indeed even had a small med center with a bacta tank for anyone needing it. Now with all this power need he added a nice Ionisation Reactor and backup battery. His sensor was a normal Long Range Sensors with a missle and and sensor jammer added for free. Now stealth was a biggy for this ship including if its used for transport of his CON and PCON if needed so the Prelate added a Semi-Cloak. His computers need to be upgraded with something new so a Computer SL III and NavComp SL III and a targetcomp.

The inside was a bit spaces even with the small med room he had set up and the engine room so Silent figured what the hell and added a Prisoner holding area enough maybe for 10 people a Droid unit for repair driods, a cargo bay and a secert cargo bay hidden only to him in the cargo bays he had Mechanical Pads and Magnetic Pads added to keep his stuff down and ofcourse a small docking prot for smaller ships or escape pods. Ship cams where added over the ship to keep track of anyone on board. A small cafe to eat and a extra 2 months supply of food, water, and air.

Of course with everyship you have to have the little things like a/c and heating, window washers, rotating seats, retractable turrent mounts, microwave, trash cans and of course fuzzy dice. But really its main attraction was the hyperdrive being able to hit up to x.20 and an engine upgrad 3. It was an all around great ship that has taken a feww great years, some good deals on parts and alot of creds that somehow made it into his pocket. But now it was ready and just in time for the Great Jedi war. Hopefully the CON and PCON will approve of his personal project in use his ship when/if the time was needed for any reason, but even with this great ship Silent still pondered why he was on the clan ship with his CON...he knew his 400 meter ship origanly 600 but shaved down would fight into the clan ship so maybe it would be used for other things but none the less his flight test had passed and he had docked his ship and headed for some food.

A dark and shady figure entered the Diadem Fortress on the planet Aerun. He wore a large, dilapidated cloak of a strange fabric and hid his face in his hood. Although there was some distant contact with the rest of his “family”, it had been a while since this Force user spent some time in the House of Exar Kun. None had seen him in months and not even his family members had seen him fully during their recent conversation concerning the plans to attack their enemies. Even during the holographic projection he stayed in the darkness. The man always kept a low profile and followed his own path. He was a marked man, but still a few members held him in high regard and kept his chambers in order.

While he got rid of the dirt on his cloak, the Sith studied his environment. He did not see any life nearby, although he felt more than one disturbance in the Force. The Sith Warrior grinned a bit when he sensed the agitated Force signature of “good-old” Jonaleth Isradia. He was furious that Braecen betrayed him as his Master and his family. Still, the Dark Jedi decided to hide his Force signature. He did not want to drawn any attention. He was the “black sheep” of the al’Tor family. The one that followed the Force and whom was guided by the Force. The man simply did not care what the others thought about him and his movements. He was not the only one with a hidden agenda.

So the shady character decided to stay in the shadows of the several pillars and corners of the fortress. He realized that this was not the kind of ‘warm welcome’ he expected and the sarcastic remark made him giggle. He wanted to get to his chambers and contact a few of his trusted friends and allies in the House. This war between Dark Jedi was not like his last experience, the ‘Pact War’. Since the latest confrontation with a twisted relative, the man needed some time for himself. He wanted to be alone for a while, without the responsibilities of being Quaestor. Most of his fellow members thought of themselves as gods and refused any contact with ‘ordinary, common’ people. With that attitude they simply forgot they could die as easily as a common man or woman. Perhaps even by the hands of such a person. That important lesson kept whirling through his brain and so the took some time off to study it closer.

He finally arrived at his chambers, avoiding almost all the light and light sources in the fortress. Everyone was probably in the war room, on other planets in the Jusidah system or in the air with their fighters. There were several flaws in the plan of Sunflash. He agreed with it, but that did not say much. He did agree with the plans of his pater familias several times in the past, and then decided to do something else on his own. Gaidal Dupar al’Tor was that kind of person; someone who worked on his own, following the path of the Force and neglecting or ignoring all social restrictions. He often even forgot to introduce himself with his second family name, because it did not have that high priority. In the end, agreeing with a plan was something completely different compared to actually execute such a plan. Gaidal was as stubborn as he was vague.

Walking through the three rooms, the Sith realized that Aabsdu really tried to keep the realm of his former Master in the state he left it. Although the young fellow succeeded his master with pride there was still a bond between them based on deep respect. It probably explained why Aabsdu still addressed him as “Master”. It filled Gaidal with pride to see that his former pupil was so successful as Aedile. Despite his age, the kid had a lot of talent and was trying to keep some of the legacy, if there was even any, intact. He turned on his communication device and started recording the following holographic message for his friend and brother in arms:

~My dearest Aabdsu, as you can see; I’ve returned to our House. I don’t know for how long, but I’m here now and for a while. Like the old Jedi Master Jon Antilles, I’m following the path of the Force these days. I just wait and see where it takes me. With great grief I’ve to ask you to trust me concerning this war and my future actions. Just remember, I’m not a traitor and you just do what you’ve to do. Don’t question me and my motives, simply rely on me as a trustworthy outsider. In the end everything will work out just fine and we’ll meet again!~

Gaidal sat back on his chair for a brief moment and then started recording and sending messages to Virulence, Sarin and even cranky Jonaleth. The needed to know and had a right to know. Without their knowledge about his sudden arrival and upcoming movements, the situation could easily get out of control. He opened a bottle of Corellian wine and enjoyed it like he had not been drinking for months. In less than a day he would go on his own mission, neglecting the plans of his family. It mad him grin and the three scars on his face made it look like the scariest grin possible. Eventually, the strangest sensation flew though his body. He felt at home. Finally, another lost son had returned to his roots.

After the meeting with Aleema's Grace and the rest of Keto's Vengeance, Rannik, Sakh, and Dax walked ahead of all the others.

"Dax, I want you and Sakh to go and get the Hanger Bay ready, ill be there with the others after awhile." Rannik said.

"What do you want us to do when you and the others get there," Sakh asked with a hesitated voice.

"I'll tell you both when we arrive, but right now, i want you to go and get the Hanger Bay ready..."

Rannik nodded to Sakh and Dax and headed off to join the others....

Battlemaster Aabsdu had been sitting at his desk writing out an announcement to the house when a message came to him marked only A Friend. He hesitated opening it at first, for during times of war, booby traps were not uncommon, but an all too familiar marking on the underside of the device caught his attention, and immediately he knew who it was. With a smile, he watched the hologram talk, then watched it again, and again, until he had watched it four times total. He leaned back in his specially made chair and thought for a moment about a great many things. How to handle the house in these times of war, how to handle the slightly rebellious al'Tors, and most of all how to handle his brother and greatest friend Gaidal.

Gaidal Dupar al'Tor was not only Aabsdu's master, but also his closest ally and friend. He was probably the only one in the entire clan that Aabs truly trusted with his life, so he was very glad to see that he had returned to the temple. Despite what the message had said, he knew the two would have to meet, but when and where was another question.

After thinking for a few more moments, he finally rose to his feet and walked out of his office into the corridors of Diadem Fortress. There was chaos everywhere. Dark Jedi were hurrying about carrying numerous boxes of who knows what. Younglings were scurrying after their masters, or in a few cases just walking around looking confused. Everyone was doing exactly what Sarin had told them to do, prepare for war.

Off in the distance, Aabsdu felt a slight disturbance in the force, and looked around to see two younglings no greater than Acolyte status fighting over who knows what. The Aedile walked over to the small group, and with his hands raised into the air, lifted the men into the air. They floated their for a second, dazed at the fact that their were flying, but then their gaze fell upon Aabs and their immediately looked at the floor.

"If you want to fight," Aabs said with a grin, "Take it to one of the training rooms. I will not have you causing a riot in my halls, though. Also, please make sure neither of you dies for I need every man I can get."

The two younglings looked at each other for a moment, almost as if they had expected to be punished. Then, they frowned when they say their Aedile smile, and with a flick of his wrists, he sent them flying down the hallway to come crashing into a wall.

After that he turned, and walked around the corner to a part of the building where none but the summit were allowed. Once he was sure he was alone, he let the force take over his body and soul, and with all the power he possessed he searched the fortress for his brother Gaidal. Finally, he found him in his room, and as he made his way there, he contacted the warrior through the force.

My brother, nice to see you've returned

Bah, and here I thought I was hiding myself pretty well!

It was the smell of alcohol that gave it away

By now, he had made it to Gaidal's door, and with a loud knock, he waited. For a second nothing happened, and Aabs wondered if he had misplaced the man, but then there was a sound behind the durasteel door, and it slid openly without a sound.

Thirty minutes later the two friends were sitting at a table drinking Corellian Ale while discussing recent events. Aabsdu filled his friend in on some of the events that had been occurring in the house, though not everything, and Gaidal talked of his adventures in the Pact War.

"Ah," Aabs said as he finished his glass, "I should really like to hear more of it. Sounds fascinating, though I am a little jealous that you got to have all the fun."

"I wouldn't be," Gaidal replied as he sipped his drink, "War is not a fun thing. Especially when you're the one everyone wants to kill"

"Well," Aabs continued as he poured himself another glass of ale, "It was fun enough for you to come back here when we're at war. That is why you've returned isn't it? Well, that and to see me"

There was no answer to this question, and Aabsdu knew better then to push for one. There was a moment of silence between the two, neither drinking their drink nor uttering a word. Thankfully, Aabsdu's comlink buzzed to life, and Vasily appeared in tiny hologram form.

"Master Dupar," he said, "You're needed in the summit hall"

Gaidal looked up and uttered, "Go on. You have your duties, I have mine"

With that, Aabs put down his drink, stood up, bowed, and walked out of the room not knowing if he would ever see his brother and friend again.

Four thousand years ago a great Jedi war raged across the plains of Kapsina. Armies of light and darkness battled in what would come to be known as the War of Sorrow. Jedi Master Azazel Blackstone led his Jedi forces to victory after victory against his dark side opponents; however, his numbers and supplies soon dwindled in the face of overwhelming odds. Unable to accept defeat through attrition, Blackstone's pride soon began to take control of his actions. Devising one last plan of attack, the great Jedi Master chose to use his loyal Jedi forces as bait in a trap that would destroy both armies.

It is unknown what happened during the last battle in the War of Sorrow, but it is known that no one survived. The land upon which the battle took place remained barren and desolate for thousands of years until a Dark Jedi Master claimed it in honor of his master. Enslaving the local population the Dark Jedi Master created a massive complex of five equal towers built in the architecture styles of Ziost and Korriban. The finished structured was named Dark Tower.

The Dark Tower, like those who inhabit it, resonates with the Dark Side of the Force. Jedi Master Blackstone's great act of evil, whatever it was, bonded a lingering dark and cold existence to this location forever. It is for this very reason that the fortress of Clan Plagueis was built here.

Kneeling in the center tower of the Dark Tower, the Consul of Plagueis shivered in the presence of the Avatar that brought him to this location one year earlier. The ghostly manifestation spoke words, inaudible, but directly into the mind of his servant.

"You fail me in your attempts of honor," the manipulative spirit said coldly, "A child could see through the plot of this so called Great Jedi War."

The Avatar moved forward from the throne, leaning down to the ear of his apprentice.

"Do you so easily forget that what I have taught you," The shadow said. "Every secret that you have paid so dearly for. Every sacrifice you have given for your strength." A cold breath touched the Consul's ear. "Perhaps you need a new lesson?"

The Consul's face smashed into the floor, white hot pains shooting through his neck. His mind emptying of all conscious thought save for the agony of pain. Only the impossibly strong presence of his master in his mind told him that he was still alive.

"It is your greatest failure that you must be taught through pain of this nature. It is only here that you truly listen to what I say. You are destroying that which I have commanded you to build. Your enemy is here, within this very fortress. You have allowed chaos to control since your philosophical tirade against the other Clans. Rather than leading, you have allowed your underlings to move under their own desires. You must lead, control, dictate."

The cold breath of the dark side spirit withdrew, the words "The enemy is within," echoing in the Consul's mind. Rising from the floor, the Dark Jedi Master moved to the vacated throne and lowered his blood soaked body into it. With a flick of his wrist, four holographic images appeared. The Proconsul of Plagueis, the QUA of House Satal Keto, the QUA of House Exar Kun, and the Envoy of Clan Plagueis all appeared bowing. In turn, each of the holographic images dropped to the floor gripping at their throats as the unseen hand of a Dark Jedi Master strangled the life from each of them.

"The pain you are now in is merely a taste of what I will do if my orders are not carried out exactly as I describe them. Each of you is responsible for the actions of those below you, and thus will be held accountable if my orders are not carried out."

Thousands of years of hate and evil poured from the very grounds that the Plagueis Council sat upon, granting him powers that allowed his assault on the clan leaders to intensify and build with each word he spoke.

"You will recall all of your forces immediately. House Satal Keto will rendezvous with their Fleet, designated Operational Group C and assume defensive positions in the Jusadih system under the command of Sith Battlelord Stephens. Battle Team's Satal's Victus and Keto's Vengeance under the command of Jedi Hunter Raken will take two squadrons of Tie Defenders and begin reconnaissance operations in the Dajorra System, home of Clan Arcona. Kirleta's Way and Aleema's Grace under the command of Dark Jedi Knight Ky Terrak will immediately begin sensor sweeps of the Empress Teta System. House Exar Kun will rendezvous in Kapsina's space with Operational Group B under the command of Priest Scorpius. Operational Group B will begin preparations for movement to Orian VIII in the Clan Naga Sadow System. There you will remain until you are given further notice. You are to remain hidden at all costs. This planet is far removed from the rest of the system and sustains no life forms. Do not fail me."

"Sith Battlelord Khan and Krath Priest Orzon, you will assume control of Headquarters and Operational Group A. Your objective will be a diplomatic mission to Yridia and Clan Tarentum. I have obtained safe passage into the system for your forces. You are to meet with the Envoys of Clan Tarentum and agree upon terms that will allow Clan Plagueis direct access through the Shroud. I want the ability to move on Antei if the need arises. You will obtain this for me."

"All of you do as I have commanded."

Releasing his grip upon the throats of the combined Clan Leaders, Dark Jedi Master Sarin flicked his finger at the holographic transmitter shutting it down. Flicking his finger once more, a new image appeared before him in the form of the Clan Plagueis Loremaster.

"I have spoken with our Master and he has cleared the confusion that surrounds our current situation. I need you to come to me at the Dark Tower; I have a task that will rely solely on your talents."

The Anzati Dark Adept bowed his head in consent. "As you wish," he said. His image fading as soon as the words left his mouth.

...With lessons taught, punishments delivered, and assignments given, Clan Plagueis set out to destroy the Enemy within.

Dropping to the floor as the connection was cut the Sith Battle Master felt life flood back into him. It was the first time he had ever angered a Dark Master, and it would be the last if he could help it. Picking himself up off the floor he felt a thin line of blood trickle down his lip from his nose. "Damn I must have busted it when I hit the floor." he thought to himself.

Moving to the refresher he quickly cleaned himself up, he needed to make this message quickly. He hated having to backtrack himself on orders, but a mistake had been made and he would quickly rectify it. Not because of the injuries he had just sustained, but for the simple fact that he could admit to himself he was wrong.

Moving quickly behind his desk he activated his holo to his Battleteam leaders. Upon seeing all 4 come into view he began.

"I have just recieved word that all Satal Keto forces are to withdraw immediatly from their current targets, as you all have new orders from Clan High Command." the BattleMaster said.

Hearing the beginnings of protest and groans from his leaders he quickly shouted to stop them. "SILENCE!! I have paid for my mistake in my commands to you all, and I do not want you to pay the same price!"

Down the line he began, "Jedi Hunter Raken at this time you will return to Clan headquarters and retrieve two full squadrons of TIE Defenders. After which you will take command of both Satal Victus and Keto's Vengance teams. I want to make sure you understand that Protector Narius is still in command of his team, but he will report directly to you at this time. Your mission is to take both teams and begin reconnaissance operations in the Dajorra System. This is the home of Clan Arcona, and they are not taking our presence to kindly at this time, so you are to run silent as much as possible. Make sure if you are detected to destroy them before they get a message out. Do you copy that Hunter?"

"Yes master", the young Ketoan said.
"Do you understand your role as well Protector Narius?" Stephens asked.
"Yes Battlemaster" Warhammer said.

"Good. Now as for Kirleta's Way and Aleema's Grace you are to all fall under the command of Knight Terrak, you are to return to the Clan base as well and reequip yourselves for sensor sweeps of the Empress Teta system. I do not care how you equip yourselves, as long as the equipment matches the mission objective. Do you understand your orders Knight Terrak and Archpriest Destavol?" the Sith asked.

"Yes, Quaestor" both replied.

"Good. Me and the other members of the House not grouped with a team will rendezvous with the House Fleet for defensive duty within the Jusadih system. If you have any priority messages you can send them to me their. We will be Operational Group C." Daniel said.

"Also I have just learned that we have just allied with Clan Tarentum, you are to help them as they will help you. However do not trust them as they are Dark Jedi same as you, and will only serve their own ends. Unless you have any other questions, you are all dismissed. Do not fail me, or I swear by the Force that you all will not live to see the end I will suffer!" he stated.

"Yes Battlemaster." they all said.

Closing the link down he picked up his in-House comlink. Sending a message to the Fleet Commander to anticipate his as well as the remaining Dark Jedi of the House boarding, he thought to himself. "Who is this enemy within?"

Hutt space. The icy blackness between the stars suddenly expelled two squadrons of deadly TIE Defenders. Decanting into real-space, Raken took in the myriad telemetric data provided through his ship’s advanced sensor suite. Having bribed the Hutts to allow Raken’s war party to pass through unimpeded, the two squadrons known as Satal Victus and Keto’s Vengeance now prowled the invisible boundaries of the Dajorra system awaiting the taciturn Elomin’s order.

His claw-tipped fingers raced over the tactical computer as his sub-commanders maneuvered their ships into a defensive delta. At the center of his reconnaissance group, the Hunter began to disseminate spatial coordinates to his Flight Leaders. Receiving their release orders, the two squadrons split into three elements. The first consisted of Raken and a wingman from Satal Victus who remained behind as Command and Control for the recon. The remaining Defenders followed their tactical displays flying a loose “cloverleaf” pattern carefully probing the entire circumference of Arconan space for weak points.

Rannik had been ordered to swing wide of The Maw so that if his flight were discovered they would not be caught with their backs up against the titanic gravitational anomalies clustered there. Though himself a Squadron Commander, Rannik had balked at the Hunter’s operational command authority granted him from the Dark Summit over the mission and the invidious Gen’Dai. That silent fool knows no better than me how to see the will of Sarin done, Rannik seethed to himself.

“Ketoan hunters, on me,” Rannik commanded from the cramped cockpit of his advanced TIE Defender.

“Rann, this is not our show,” the Executive Officer of Keto’s Vengeance, Sakh nhem informed his friend. “I don’t advise taking this into your own hands. You heard Master Sarin.”

Rannik closed the comm. channel knowing his friend and squadron would follow despite their misgivings. He would show the Summit just what he was capable of.



On the far side of the Arconan home sector, Eton Jade dutifully conducted his reconnoiter noting patterns of commercial traffic and military patrols.

“This is a good spot for a stealth beacon. Releasing,” Kal Vorrac transmitted to the XO.

The sensor-invisible orb detached from its mooring on the Defender’s dorsal wing pylon and eased into a position from which to gather and relay data. Relatively free of rogue radiation, the region would provide exceptionally accurate sensor sweeps for later interpolation between the other buoys now being secreted throughout the system.

Jade preferred the feel of a blaster in his grip over that of a flight stick, but for now there was no choice. Noting the relative emptiness of this sector, he was fully confident he would see no action…again.

The jungle canopy began to glow a fiery orange, as the sun slowly started to sink below the horizon on the continent of Decaria, home of House Exar Kun. As the temperature began to drop, a stiff wind came down from the north, causing the dense jungle to sway in chaotic patterns. Suddenly the sky let forth a deafening boom and the tops of the trees seemed to part, as two starfighters entered the atmosphere at incredible speed, and went racing towards the heart of the death infested jungle.

“Diedem Control, this is EK-4782 requesting permission to land.” Ashura transmitted from his modified P-38 as he pulled out in front and veered slightly left, effectively cutting off the Miy’til starfighter racing beside him.

“Diedem Control, this is EK-5023 requesting permission to land” Virulence rasped as he pulled up on the controls and hit the accelerator, bringing his Miy'til up and over the P-38, and the pair resumed their neck and neck pace until a voice came back over the com.

“This is Diedem Control, permission granted, welcome back gentlemen.”

Along with Cipher, they had been preparing to hunt down the traitorous scum known as Braecen when Master Isradia contacted them, cancelling his previous orders and instructing them to report back to Exar Kun immediately. Ashura and Virulence departed at once, however Cipher was reluctant to leave her Master’s side as usual, and they were not sure if she was planning to follow them back or not. They were not worried though, the Priestess was wise, and was fully capable of taking care of herself.

The pair of starfighters reduced their speed as Diedem Fortress came into view, nestled in a small clearing deep within the Decarian jungle, and Ashura pulled into the lead as they circled the mighty Fortress, built to resemble Lord Kun’s temples on Yavin IV. The ships descended gently onto each side of the landing pad, each pilot powering down to stand-by, as they knew they’d most likely be leaving shortly.

Virulence opened the transparisteel canopy of the Virus, and instructed the R2 unit to keep the ship ready. The Priest leapt out of the cockpit, and swiftly moved across the launchpad, wrapping his thick black outer robes around him and pulling his hood up and over his jagged features, as his Tusken “brother” fell into step beside him. The Isradias marched straight through the hangar bay, and entered the Fortress, moving silently across the black marble floor, emblazoned with the crests of both Exar Kun and Plagueis, as their brethren moved chaotically around them, preparing for the move to Orian VIII.

They turned right, heading quickly down the hall leading to Diedem’s War Room, where they had a feeling they could find their House Summit. As they reached the War Room, the doors opened before they could even knock, and Battlemaster Aabsdu Dupar al’Tor stepped out with Sith Commander Vasily following closely beside him. They both looked up and stopped, almost running into the pair of Isradias standing before them. Ashura and Virulence bowed simultaneously before their Aedile, at the end of which Ashura smiled and spoke.

“Reporting in Sir, what’s our orders?”

There were only two meetings left, two final meetings before he could take off and leave Diadem Fortress behind once more. He needed to find his old friend Virulence. If Gaidal was right, he should have received the recorded holographic message by now. It was an absolute necessity for the near future to discuss this matter with the Barabel, otherwise there was a chance that their friendship annex alliance would be disturbed. This was an one-man mission and probably one-way as well.

The Sith hid himself carefully in the ravelled cloak and it seemed like he floated through the hangar bay of House Exar Kun. Gaidal avoided all the fumes coming from the stalled ships and the floor and stood behind an old Corellian freighter. He saw Virulence standing in front of his former Apprentice Aabsdu, who was assisted by the current Battle Team Leader Vasily. Next to Virulence stood Ashura, the Tusken raider. They probably returned from a reconnaissance mission around the planet. Everyone within Clan Plagueis was on full alert these days.

Aabsdu was in on his mission, or at least knew some details of it. He wondered if he would hint ‘Vir’ about the sudden return of his long-lost friend. If Gaidal understood and heard it correctly, the Barabel went on a voyage after the ‘Pact War’ and explored the planet of Aerun. He had heard rumours that his friend was looking for him on that journey, that it was his main goal. It was a shame he had to keep the Krath in the dark about his movements and whereabouts.

Suddenly, the meeting was over and everyone went his own way. Virulence and Ashura started to check their vessels and so Gaidal lurked a bit closer in the shadows. He saw the back of the Barabel and ‘Ash’ was a bit more far off. They both seemed concentrated on their checklists. The Sith coughed a bit and started whispering towards the reptilian:
“Good day, my dearest friend. How have you been during my absence?”
Virulence looked up and sort of said to himself so Ashura could not hear him:
“This can’t be, Gaidal. You’re dead, missing in action or simply dematerialized, but you aren’t here!”
The Kyandrian turned his head a bit and giggled shortly:
“Well, you shouldn’t believe all the things people say. I’m here, but you shouldn’t look at me. Even worse, all other members shouldn’t see us talk. Why? I explain afterwards, but you’ll have to trust me right now. I’ve seen that there is a lot of tension and disturbance between the Isradia family and the al’Tor family. This will most likely lead to a climax, an outburst of violence. You wonder how I know this? Well, I’ll probably be responsible for some extra difficulties between our families. It’ll probably make me a marked man, but remember: I’ll always remain your friend and ally, no matter what happens.”
“That’s some disturbing news, old friend, and you ask a lot of favours and trust of me. Is there any proof of what you’re implying? Any way I can be certain that you are truly ‘you’?”
Gaidal kept quiet for a brief moment and then threw his Chatka on the floor. It left a loud echoe and the Sith said:
“Here is your proof and what I’m about to say is for your ears only. I already informed Master Isradia about my upcoming movements and confirmed that I’ll probably make some vague decisions in the near future, but that those shouldn’t jeopardize the relationship between our families. Despite the fact that the al’Tors are a bit overzealous and progressive. I’ll not be part of their plans, although I confirmed and agreed with them earlier. I follow the path of the Force these days and let it guide me to where I should go. Bye for now, old friend!”

The Kyandrian warrior raised his body again and easily jumped from scaffolding to scaffolding and under while he laughed his nearly demonic laugh as he usually did in the good-old days. It was heard by both Virulence and Ashura, so the droids probably heard it too, although they would never report this due to their protocols. Ashura walked towards the Barabel and asked:
“That sounded like someone I haven’t seen in months. Could it be that Gaidal returned home?”
Virulence carefully held the Chatka behind his back and mumbled:
“Who knows? People returned from the dead before…”

***

One last meeting, before he would leave his House again. He rapidly returned to his chambers again and made none saw him. He enlarged his efforts to hide his Force signature, because his talent became a bit rusty during the last months. One moment of lack of concentration made it possible for Aabsdu to find him and that was not what he wanted. He walked over to his computer and opened a communications channel with someone of the Summit. A holographic projection emerged from out of the blue and Gaidal grinned a bit. It was the projection of a man he knew all too well.

“Hello Consul Sarin, how have you been?”

The man looked at him and responded:
“If it isn’t Gaidal Dupar al’Tor. Under which rock did you crawl this time? I could ask you the same thing by the way. We haven’t seen you since the devastation of the ‘Pact War’. Afterwards you resigned as Quaestor and left with unknown destination.”

The Sith Warrior looked at his Consul and grinned more:
“It was time to meditate. Call it reflections of the mind. Unfortunately enough I don’t have much time right now, because there is another war going on. I assume you received my message earlier. I talked with Aabsdu already and informed Jonaleth Isradia. I’m about to find the one responsible for the fact we were drawn into this war.”

Sarin frowned a moment and then stated:
“So you’re going after Braecen Kunar? In that case I deny your request, the Isradia’s can and will take care of him…”

“Sarin, there are two kind of traitors. The ones that are obvious, such as Braecen, and the ones that actually surprise. Most of the time the latter makes sure someone else is a suspect. On has to keep his eyes open with such traitors, because they hide themselves. Braecen isn’t an issue, or at least not my issue.”

“Who are you talking about then, Gaidal? Speak up!”

“I have my suspicions, Consul. I need to clarify a few things and need to be absolutely certain, otherwise I’ll destroy someone’s career. Just give me a clearance to investigate this on my own and let me infiltrate behind enemy lines, on hostile territory. Please?”

Sarin started walking in circles and was obviously thinking about the things the Kyandrian had said. Sometimes he looked at the Sith for a brief moment and then continued his circling again. Gaidal felt his heart pounding in his throat and he could only hope that Sarin would approve his investigation.

Silent sat quitely in his personal transport ship since it was good for patroling the clan area, do senors sweeps and still be a good fighter ship he found no reason to keep this ship grounded and stay in a cramped Tie Fighter. His student Shonen stayed at the command seat getting in good practice.

"Seems like forever."

"excuse me Master?"

"Space, life in the universe, senors sweeps"

*Shonen chuclked"

"But master it is our job to protect the clan summit...a honor none the less right?"

"yeah a honor for ranks like your self, for me i am old i should be in the battle, 1 last battle to die."

"What do you mean?"

"I feel my death coming though not the hands that deliver it, but its force running to me, its strong and i dont know if i can fight it."

"Master such talk will surely be the end of you, think of your lesson taught."

"Ha ha so now my student has become my master! Stick to your sweeps and keep the stealth up"

"Yes master."

Just then a small R2 unit came upon the 2 and handed the Prelate a data pad

"Whats the report master?"

"Well according to this, all systems are go, all droids are in working order including my translater droid, and dinner is served!"

"Ha ha then shall we master?

"yes we shall, put it on auto and lets grab a quick bite."

"aye aye sir!"

Scorpius cleared his throat once the image of the Consul vanished. He let out a sigh, glancing at the holomonitors around his office. Around him, images of the Diadem Fortress appeared, its inhabitants moving about frantically as they prepared for War. He closed his silver eyes, allowing himself a few brief moments of deep thought. Master Isradia had placed a bounty on Braecen, the Krath Priest's former--and decidingly treacherous--master. This war was growing personal among many... However, the Quaestor of House Exar Kun had different things to worry about. The Dark Jedi Master Sarin's orders were clear. While Scorpius would have much rather been in charge of defenses--Diadem Fortress, designed by the Quaestor, was one of the safest buildings in the Jusadih System-- he knew he could not argue against the will of the Consul.

Scorpius stood from his desk and exited his office, immediately heading off towards the War Room. Journeymen, seeing the intent and obviously annoyed look in the Equite's face, scurried out of his way. He openned the doors and stepped in, seeing Aabsdu and Vasily sitting at a table, looking as if they had just finished a meeting.

"Hey, Scorps," said the Aedile. "We just--"

"Recall all of House Exar Kun's fleet and members. All Kunian forces are to return to Diadem Fortress immediately," said the Quaestor, walking to the center console in the War Room.

"Why, Master?" asked Vasily, the Quaestor's former apprentice. "I mean, we just--"

"Don't ask questions; just do it. These are direct orders from the Consul," hissed Scorpius. "All Exar Kun forces shall return to Diadem Fortress at once. We will gather Operational Group B and rendezvous above Kapsina."

Battle Team Commander Schisca and Envoy Jaysen Erdon walked in at this point, obviously feeling the call of the Quaestor. They bowed to Scorpius and Aabsdu before taking seats, listening to what their leader was saying.

"From Kapsina we shall make our way to Orian VIII in the system of Clan Naga Sadow. We are to remain hidden at all costs; I want all of our strongest Dark Jedi to work at keeping us undetected. This planet contains no life forms and is on the very edge of the system-- a strategic place for our war," said the Prodigy of Plagueis. "We will wait there in hiding until we receive further orders from the Consul. Gather our forces and prepare them. Do not fail me."

Scorpius avoided wincing over what would happen to him--let alone is underlings--should this mission be ruined. He turned to a communications terminal, obviously finished with the House Summit and expecting them to immediately get to work. He sent out a message to the House commanding that everyone return to Diadem.

Jonaleths temper had finally cooled. Secluded in his private rooms leading off the Council chamber, he sought sollace in the darkness and its cold. His room had been specially created to his designs; the windows were high and narrow, admitting very little light, and were draped in heavy curtains. The room was fashioned of smooth but unpolished granite, and no heating had been installed, giving it the frosty chill of a tomb, causing warm breath to mist in the air. Illuminated by faint, blue-white lanterns hanging from the ceiling on creaking chains, the walls were decorated with old, fading tapestries of great value, and along two walls, bookshelves some fifteen feet high were filled with all manner of volumes.

Another door led away towards the Dark Adepts medical chamber, where he conducted his research and experiments, indulging in his penchant for biological and chemical studies, one reason why he was counted as a master doctor, and besides it was a ritual room for the arcane aspects of the Force, and in particular necromancy, an off-shoot and extension of the Loremasters medical studies. The only other furniture was a heavy desk with chair, and a table with a few more chairs. There was no bed, for when Jonaleth slept, he moved to the last ajoining room and slumbered upon a bier draped in muslin.

Sitting at his desk, he watched and listened to Sarin's orders, and heeded the Jedi Masters request that he attend. Already inside the Dark Tower, he had felt the rapture as Sarin called up their Masters' spirit and Plagueis touched him again, and smiled a dark smile as he saw the summits taken to task. Yet he wondered, with the bounty he had placed on Braecen, his traitorous former student, every hunter in the galaxy would be seeking him, and Jonaleth was no war leader - why would Sarin seek him?

The Dark Adept was a formidable warrior, which is where he would be of most use as a shock troop and devestating Force user, but this battle had not yet reached ground invasion, so what is it Sarin would want him to do...? He pondered this as he rose and left his rooms and the Council tower, walking through the halls of the Dark Tower towards where he could feel Sarin awaiting him. Intermittent chirps of his communicator told him the House was mobilising as ordered, and throughout the system, the Krath could feel the ebb and sway of the Clans emotions. On the back of his right hand, the silver dragon tattoo glowed.

~You cannot come with me where I go, Cipher. He said through the Force, to the presence always in his mind, ~This time, I must go alone. You are my Chosen, my daughter and companion. But now I think it is time you stepped from my shadow and remembered who you are. I will be waiting when you return, Dark Empress, for our fates are intertwined, and we shall both grow stronger in the seperation.~

The only answer was a silent feeling of acceptance. Jonaleth paused outside the central chamber of the Dark Tower as his communicator leapt to life again. Pulling out the small holoprojector, a face he had not seen for many moons, but was nonetheless familiar, greeted him. Gaidal Dupar. The Dark Adept listened in silence to his message before putting the device away again. And now, within the room, he felt the presence of that same man in company with Sarin. It took but a moment for the Krath to extend his senses and listen to the conversation. At the last, Jonaleth shook his head and waited for Dupar to be given his answer before meeting with Sarin.

The Enemy Within, he thought privately, behind his mental barriers and walls, None of these younglings seem to appreciate the Wisdom of Plagueis. Why can they not see that the enemy is within all of us? Unity keeps up alive, yet they never understand that we must fight each other so that we do not destroy ourselves. The Balance requires growth and death to remain; conflict, the balance of law of chaos, the circle of existence. Without it, there is stagnation, and a slow, rotting death. Hah! The Clan of Life and Death, and they do not appreciate that? These divisions of purpose must be closed; that is the first enemy within that we must beat. The other enemies will follow after.

Aabsdu listened to what Scorpius said, and then stood up and bowed when he had finished. After nodding to Schisca, the commander left the war room with Scorpius is step with him. The two were most likely doing to same thing Aabsdu and Vasily were doing. Even though the Quaestor and Aedile were not together right now, and had not directly spoken of what they planned on doing, looks told everything. Besides, there would surely be a meeting some time soon.

He motioned to his student, Erdon, and spoke quietly to him for a moment, "Wait here while I talk with Vas. When I return, I expect you to be here, and the room still standing"

His apprentice bowed, and took his seat once again as he looked through various tactical holograms stored in the tactical computer/table around which they all sat. Aabsdu, however, turned and started to walk out of the room with Vasily at his side. They spoke of the latest happenings in Exar's Shadow as they reached the door, but when Aabs pushed open the door with the force and saw the familiar faces of Virulence and Ashura standing in his midst they abruptly came to a stop. The two Isradias bowed, and then the Tusken Raider asked for their assignments.

"Well," Aabsdu started as he thought of something to keep them busy, "We'll be moving to a remote planet in Naga Sadow territory soon. You'd best get ready because once we leave we won't return until asked by the Consul. However, before you do that, run down to the bar and fetch me a drink, something strong."

The two looked at each other for a moment before bowing again and running off. Aabsdu only grinned and continued to walk with Vasily as they approached his office.

"How goes finding recruits for the team," he asked the Sith Commander.

Vasily frowned, "Not as good as I thought. Though I feel the sudden rush of recruits into the house may be a sign of god news."

"Let's hope so because the battle teams will be a major part once we reach our destination. Don't fail us," Aabsdu sternly finished.

Vasily nodded, bowed, and walked off down another hallway. Meanwhile, Aabsdu walked into his office and sat down in his chair. Grinning, he picked up the drink now sitting on his desk and sipped it. Not bad, not bad at all.

He sighed, leaned back, and closed his eyes as he let the force control his body for a moment. He allowed it to flow through him, into and out of him, and he allowed it to BE him. He listened to what it had to say for a moment before simply relaxing and releasing all his inner emotions. When he returned to reality, he reached forward and picked up his communicator, and contacted Scorpius. A meeting was needed; for it was time the future of Exar Kun was discussed and decided upon.

"Releasing last stealth sensor. Standby." Kal said, the last of the small, sensor-invisible probes detaching from his wing. Now, so long as no one flew into one of the damn things again, they should be fine. Kal had heard many things in this war already, from Sarin being grumpy to something about the Isradias and the al'Tors, and Braecen being death-marked to something about another traitor. He didn't really know about any of these things, nor did he care to know. He just followed orders. It was as he was contemplating this that the two small blips appeared on his radar.

"Eton, I'm picking up two Arconan fighters in sector seven. Sensors pick up... Z-95 headhunters. Probably just scouts." Kal waited a moment, anticipating Eton's response. "Try to keep out of their range. We're supposed to be quiet about this." Vorrac, however, knew that wouldn't be possible.

"Eton, they're flying directly at us. If they haven't seen us, their sensors will soon pick us up. Besides," Kal said, eager to provoke the flight leader, " I thought you wanted to blow something up." The static of inactivity buzzed over the comm, followed shortly by Eton's response. "Green light to engage, Vorrac. Let's draw some blood.

The two headhunters flew through space, slowly following their mundane patrols when the pair of TIE Defenders came rushing at them. Immediately, they flew left and right, eager to escape. Eton Jade's flying skills were shown as he rushed up behind the hunter that flew to the left, releasing a volley of green laser fire. The blasts soon destroyed the older model fighter, it's pilot's corpse quick-freezing in the vacuum, accompanied by the glowing embers of his ship.

On the right, Kal pursued the second Headhunter. He fired a shot now and then, but this fighter had talent. He would quickly strafe to the left or right immediately before a shot was fired, and eventually came around to fly directly behind the young Guardian. This pilot was talented, both in the Force and as a pilot. Kal, however, was more than a little crazy. Turning his ship upside-down, Kal raised his altitude and reduced his speed, the other pilot flying directly under him. The upper wing of the TIE scraped along the hull of the Z-95, leaving a scratch in it's mundane paint scheme. Kal then uprighted the craft, firing his guns directly into the engines of the headhunter, sending a violently bright plume of flame and the remains of the fighter. Kal the rejoined formation.

"Now that," Kal said enthusiastically, blood pumping, "was fun!" He heard Eton's exhilarated laugh of agreement.

"OK everyone, let’s get back to the mission," Raken commanded after the outburst of violence. Suddenly, Rannik flew forwards, so he was ahead of the group.

"Rannik? Rannik!" Sakh was shouting his Battle Team Leader’s name over the comm. link. “Raken, I think something’s wrong, he’s not responding."


"What the hell does he think he’s doing?" Raken said furiously.

Sakh shot forward so he was alongside Rannik, and indicated for him to activate his comm. link. The Protector turned and looked lividly at him.

"What are you doing?" he demanded.

"I was about to ask you the same question," Sakh said.

"I’m proving so the Summit what I’m capable of doing!" Rannik snapped.

"You’re proving your ability to disobey direct orders, putting yourself and other in danger and possibly placing the clan in serious trouble!"

"It’s not like that!" Rannik shouted.

"Rannik, you’re going to have to pull back," Sakh said calmly.

"No!" Rannik refused.

"Rannik," Sakh warned his friend.

"I’m going to turn off the comm. link in a minute."

"Rannik pull back!"

Sakh cursed to himself as Rannik cut of his communications. He slowed down so he was flying next to Raken.

"Sorry, Raken," Sakh said slowly. "No luck. Now what do we do?"

"Give him a couple of warning shots," Raken replied.

Sakh fired way of target a couple of meters above Rannik’s TIE Defender. But Rannik seemed to take this as an attack. He aggressively spun his Defender around and opened fire on the squadron.

"PULL UP!" Sakh screamed. The squadron didn’t hesitate to do so. With Sakh and Raken being in the direct firing line, they only just got out of the way in time.

"What the-" Raken didn’t have time to finish what he was about to say as Rannik started bombarding him and Sakh with constant attacks.

"Raken, what the hell do we do now?" Sakh shouted down the comm. link. But before Raken could answer, Rannik hit Raken’s left wing. His communications went offline.

"Battlemaster Stephens, Jedi Hunter Julius Caesar reporting in Sir."

"Aye. Why have you come here?"

"Sir, I fear for Rannik, and Keto's Vengeance. Protector Narius isn't one to just give up command. I fear that he will do something that will cause his team harm."

"Yes, I fear too. Go to Clan Headquarters and get yourself a TIE Interceptor. You will then go and join Keto's Vengeance, under command of Raken. You will report into him. When you reach Keto's Vengeance you will try to calm Rannik down."

"Yes sir."


Jedi Hunter Caesar left for Clan Headquarters immediatly. He knew something was happening with Protector Narius. One of his best friends was indanger of ruining his entire career, and possibly his life.

*********

"Jedi Hunter Raken.... Do you read me?"

"Aye, this is Hunter Raken. Identify yourself."

"Hunter Caesar, reporting in. I feared something has happened to Rannik. Where is he?"

"Something has gotten into him. He just snapped, telling Sakh that he was going to prove to the Summits that he was worthy. He started disobeying my orders. I ordered Sakh to fire a few warning shots, and thats when he lost it. He starting attacking us."

"Where is he now?!"

"We dont know. We havent seen him in a few minutes."

"Damn. I felt a disturbance, but I couldnt pinpoint it. Anyway. I am here to join you."

"Very well Hunter Caesar."

Julius Caesar closed his eyes briefly. He saw the young Protector, a furius rage had gotten into him. Caesar opened his eyes, and forgot about the Ketoan, worrying only about his mission now.

As Rannik was out of range for any of his team members to see or have a lock-on him, he turned his Comm back on. Just in time to hear what Raken and Caesar had to say. Rannik quickly turned the comm back off and said, "So, they think they can just come and try to calm me down, eh? I'll so them, i'll so them all, I will NOT give up command of the Battle Team!!!"

Rannik seen two Arconan Fighters to his left, he steered his modified TIE Defender the way he seen the Fighters. He opened fire, they didnt even see him coming, he wasnt much of a flier either. It was just luck he wasnt seen. The lasers he shot at the enemies hit one on their left wing and the other on the right. They swerved as if they were drunken idiots driveing a Speeder. They ran right into each other.

Rannik laughed at the two Arconans. He thought to himself, How am I going to finish proving myself to the Summits, am I going to turn my back on the Brotherhood, am I going to try and wipeout the Jedi after the War? Or am I going to try other things to try and prove myself?"

Rannik shook his head and laughed, "Im going to plan the perfect attack, they wont even see what hit them...."

Rannik started laughing and growling at whoever thought they could stand in his way....
-----------------------------------------------------
*Figured I would just try to fit in with the story line.*

Achilles, sitting in his cockpit directly behind Dax, one of his teammates, still didn't know how to fly his fighter very well at all. But now he had other problems, such as his current boss snapping and attacking the team, and the pounding, searing headache he'd had for the past few days. That headache almost got him killed.

"NOW what the hell am I going to do? Rannik's ditched us, correction: turned on us, Raken's ship is dinged up a treat, and we're still in the middle of a war, flying high over Clan Arcona space. Things are looking pretty grim..." thought Achilles to himself. In a moment of personal weakness, he bowed his head, and let a few tears run down his face. He had heard rumours of some kind of "enemy within", but didn't expect it to be an actual person. He thought it was in reference to sin!

Suddenly, his comms device squawked with the voice of someone Achilles didn't recognize, "Protector Achilles Theophilus Timotheus! Pull yourself together! We still have a mission to complete, with Rannik or without him! So cut the crying, be a man, and let's get on with it! OUT!" The voice didn't identify itself, so Achilles assumed it to be a private channel. He still had no idea who it was, but that wasn't important. The message it had was more important than who it belonged to. Achilles blinked back the last of the tears, composed himself, remembered his mission, and switched his comms panel back to the squadron's channel.

Achilles asked, "Guys, Rannik can fend for himself. If we just leave him to his own devices, we'll be fine. Beyond that, shall we carry on with the mission?"

Silent and his app. Shonen sat in the cockpit of the patrol ship Galactica listing to the comms of his fellow clansmen once heared that Rannik should be left alone to fend for him self he opened up a comm link to his QUA.

"Stephens, have been hearing it all?"

"Yes silent but there is nothing we can do about it."

"Nothing? We have lost a Jedi rather he betrayed us, maybe being controled by someone or just plain stupid he needs to be brought in!"

"What are you requesting?"

"That i go in tractor his ship, contain him and return to Clan HQ for his question."

"Silent i can not allow that requeat, orders by Sarin has been made, disobeying them will cause more harm then good, stay in orbit and continue your mission."

"Transmission recieved"

"may the Darkness of the force be with you Silent"

"May the Darkness of the force be with you DS"

*silent cut the transmission*

Silent took a brief moment to pounder what has been going on and then looked at his student.

"Shonen lock in the coordnets we are going after Rannik."

"Master we will be disobeying a direct order that may very well cost our lifes."

"If you want to leave the escape pods are in bay 2, but i will not let rannik get away."

With an uncertain look Shonen obeyed

"Locking in now Master."

"Engage!"

The Galactica jumps to Hyperdrive.

Galaphile al'Tor stood on the grounds of the Diadem Fortress. His Dark Jedi cloak bellowing in the wind. Ever since the war began his confusion never stopped growing. Yet his hunger for fame and powererupted clearly to anyone he met. It would have to be controlled, for it may lead to stupid and rash decisions like the one he made with his family.

But at the moment he would be waiting like everyone else called back to Fortress, for the time to move to Kaspina. He was not much for space combat so at times tried to avoid it. But on the ground that was a different story. He could as easily be killed like the next man, but in combat it was quite harder.

The Falleen strolled into the Fortess and waited for Quaestor Scorpius to give orders for land combat.

Dark Adept Jonaleth Isradia pressed the entry code to the central room of the Dark Tower, and with a faint hiss, the door slid open to allow him entry. Bowing his head to Sarin, who acknowledge him in return, the Anzat regarded Gaidal for a moment before saying, "The lost boy comes home."

Gaidal said nothing as he waited for Sarin's answer. The Consul, however, had a more pressing concern; the reason the Loremaster had joined him here in the first place. "Gaidal," he said sternly, meeting the younger Jedi's eyes, "I have business with the Dark Adept. I will advise you my decision when that is over. Wait outside." Dupar bowed, gathered himself and left the two Elders, and as the door slid shut, Jonaleth sealed it behind him, and erected a barrier of the Force with a moments thought, so that their words could remain private.

"I have a job for you, my friend." The imperial admiral finally said, turning towards the large control panel at the edge of the room below a large holographic display. Isradia joined him, arms crossed within his robes, and listened. Dantes severe expression and cool tone of voice said nothing about his feeling in this matter as he called up a series of images before them. "I have become aware of certain... activities... in the Dajorra system which I need you to attend to. Here, on Sukhur, there have been unusually strong radiation spikes inconsistent with the natural ones. Sukhur, as you know, is only sparsely manned as a back-up should Arconae Primus and Secundus fall.

"I thought nothing of this, since the Arconans could simply be building up their garrison, until I compared the radiation wavelength and amplitude to this." A large missile appeared on screen, which promptly expanded into a blow-apart of the image. It was a Sun Crusher. "The emission, though only once, and very faint, perfectly matches the warm-up and steady state of this. The Clan of Shadows has always had a special relationship with Byss; I surmise that now we know why."

Heat was rising in Jonaleths face as he turned to the Consul, "They would dare break the Covenant and research this?" He asked, anger and a fragile lacing of fear in his voice.

"We are at war, Master Isradia. Even now the Covenant is shaking and collapsing around our ears. We can use this to our advantage, however."

"Yes. Is it possible the other Clans know about this?"

"Undoubtably. The spike was strong enough for our agents to find it; others will have, too."

Jonaleth laughed, a dark and menacing chuckle that bounced off the walls, "But we shall act first. They will wish to possess the weapon, so will try to recover it. They will never forsee what we accomplish. Those forces in Primus and Secondus will shield me to complete my mission. It shall be perfect."

"See that it is."

Jonaleth turned to Sarin, and bowed once before turning and exiting the chamber, leaving the Consul to his command, at least partially comforted that at least Jonaleth would not fail him.

Half an hour later, a comandeered TIE Phantom took off from Kapsina's Dark Tower, a Krath Elder at its helm. For a moment, it hung in space gracefully, then it seemed to stretch and blurr, and with a flash of light, was gone...

In the Dajorra system, two battle teams from Satal Keto were forced to swerve dramatically as a TIE Phantom appeared dramatically amongst them. The pilot listened to comm chatter for a few moments, before opening his own channel, "This is Dark Adept Isradia. What the hell do you think you are doing?"

Julius Caesar sat back in his seat, trying to forget about his friend. He could not. Caesar and Narius had grew a bond, that if possible to be broken, would be very hard. They had worked together for three months as Tetrarch and Executive Officer.

"Guys, I can't forget about Rannik. I'm sorry Hunter Raken, but me and him have been through a lot. I can't just leave him out there, even if he did commit treason." he said quietly over his comm link.

"JC, we've all been through alot, but just forget about him!" replied Sakh.

"Caesar, I can't let you, we need you along with the absence of your buddy Rannik."

"I know. But just let me go for a few minutes, see if I can find him. Please, I beg you. I can bring him back to us. Just 20 minutes. I will rejoin you guys if I see no sign of him."

Caesar heard Raken's comm link turn off.

"I guess that was a yes?" said Caesar to Sakh and the others.

"JC, just be careful!" came Raken's voice suddenly.

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

Caesar flew off to his left, knowing somehow, that Rannik was that way. He sped up in his TIE Interceptor.

He reached out with the Force, trying to find Rannik. He was getting closer.

"Rannik, where are you buddy?"

Rannik was shocked to hear his former Tetrarch on the comm.

"JC! What are you doing here?" came his voice.

"Look, Rannik. What you did was wrong. They told me all about it. You don't need to be jealous, believe me. You have nothing to prove to the Summits. With what you just did, you can face charges from the Justicar!"

"Caesar, I do have something to prove! I need-"

"You need to prove one thing. That you are capable of completing this mission! Come back with me, and appologize!"

"JC, I cant let him just come in and take my team!"

"He didnt just take it from you! After this mission, and if you prove yourself worthy, you will be still be in control. But that stunt you pulled back there, probably ruined half of your chance!"

"Why did Sakh fire at me?! See, Raken is taking over the team!"

"No, Sakh was following orders from a Jedi Hunter. You are to follow orders from Raken as well!"

"JC, he's taking my team from me, they won't listen anymore!"

"Rannik, come to your freaking senses!"

"No Caesar! You come to your senses, hes stealing my god damned team! Cant you open your eyes to see that?! You never listened to me on anything!"

"Protector Narius, I'm not going to tell you again, come back and appologize to the teams, or I will be forced to shoot you down."

"I told you Caesar, I'm not going back."

"You leave me no choice, I will force you to come back"

Caesar closed his eyes for a second, and put his hand over his eyes. He opened them, and grasped the control stick with his hand. He took aim over Rannik's Defender, and squeezed the trigger. He saw Rannik swerve off, as the smoke started coming from his Defender.

"The only thing I ever asked of you was to follow orders!"

He fired again. Rannik's Defender was just about finished. It was coming down. The gravitational pull of the nearby planet, which was 'unknown' according to Caesars system.

"Rannik. Land on this planet, and get out. You are coming back with me."

The Protector obeyed this time. He took his Defender and landed it onto the desolate planet. He got out of his Defender, with his Gen`Dai Killing Blade in hand.

Caesar landed his Interceptor. Exiting his ship, he saw the Gen 'Dai standing with his weapon. He exited, keeping his Flame Sword close to his side.

"Rannik. Don't do this. Not here, not now. You're better than this!"

"Caesar, you have become just like them!" he screamed.

Protector Narius leapt at Caesar, blade at shoulder height.

Caesar unleashed his Flame Sword, and pushed a little red button on the hilt, engulfing the blade in fire. He countered Rannik's attack, throwing him onto the ground behind him. He stepped towards the Protector, as he jumped up.

"Rannik, please, stop this madness!"

Narius ran at Caesar once more, blade at shoulder height once more. This time, Caesar took his own blade, and pointed it at the face of the Protector. The Gen 'Dai took a jump, over the Jedi Hunter, and kicking him in the nose. Blood trickled from Caesar's nose.

The Krath turned around, tossing his blade at Rannik. The blade slashed the Gen 'Dai's left arm, trowing Rannik to the ground. He walked over, slowly. Pointing his Flame Sword at Rannik.

"Now, agree to go back, or die. Your choice!"

"Ok... I will go. Just dont kill me. I am sorry!"

Caesar pulled back his blade, placing it on his side. He walked back to his Interceptor.

"Get up, your coming back with me. We will rejoin the team, and you will appologize."

The Gen 'Dai rose, grabbing his Killing Blade from the ground, and walked over to Caesar. He hopped into the ship, and sat down.

The two took off, and headed back towards the rest of the team.

"Jedi Hunter Raken, do you hear me? I have captured the 'Enemy Within'!" he said after a few minutes of traveling.

"Out of hyper drive in 3.....2.......1"

The strays of lights finally became stars again as the entered normal space receving the end of JC's comm message.

"master JC ships will be in range in just a moment"

"Open a channel"

"JC this is Prelate Silent of the Galactica we recevied your last comm and need to know if anyone needs medical treatment?"

A brief moment pasted

"I say again does anyone need medical attention?"

Just then a sound that seemed for a cry of help came over the channel and then the side JCs ship TIE Intercepter blew

"Tractor that ship Shonen and keep your saber ready I am going down to the hangar bay"

"yes master"

"Lock this door behind me your moment to fight in this war just might come pre-maturely"

"As you wish my master"

Silent rushed through his ship quickly making to the hangar bay, as he entered he saw the Gen` dai holding JC by his neck. With a quick movement of his hands Silent called his saber to his hand and actavated his saber allowing a silver blue blade to come forth, the hum caught Ranniks attetion and he dropped JC. The driods aboard Silent ship rushed forward putting out the fires from the TIE Interceptor, but Rannik paid no attention to them only his former master.

"I can feel it unlike JC over there, your not the Rannik this clan knows"

"Your powers of the Dark side preseed you Prelate i am but another Dark Jedi who has taken over this awful creature, but i wont tell you who because that would ruin the fun when our time comes to destory your Home planet!"

"Then i guess we shall fight it out!"

The Gen`dai called his saber forth and the 2 engaged seeing eye to chest Silent pushed Rannik back and threw himself forward landing another attack slashing the gen's left arm off then backing off. Silent watched as the arm grew back to place and Rannik laugh. The 2 continued to fight back and forth until the Gen`dai got a lucky push and knocked the Prelate down taking this chance he slashed down as Silent rolled out of the way but not fast enough for his right hand was taken in that brief moment. Silent shurged it off controling his pain as once taught by his formal Masters.

Silent looked at Rannik and then used the force to increas his speed as he ran around the room. Going in and out cutting up the Gen`dai, he was finding this fight to last longer then needed so he knew only 1 thing left to do he jumped into Rannik and conatrated as hard as he could and with his ablilties as a Clawdite turned himself into a acklay causing the Gen`dai to splatter about in the room. With little time to spare and transformed back and the Prelate deactavted his saber and sat down into a medatating position and called forth on the force. time seemed to slow down for the Prelate as Rannik pulled himself together, he focused on the Gen`dais mind and muscles and allowing himself to trap the Gen`dai inside his own mind where he thought he was still fighting but in reality he was unable to move because the Clawdite had shut down his body. Silent thought harder as he called his student.

"Dont talk back we have little time, i am holding Rannik inplace for as long as i can i want you to take us back to the Clan headqarters and take JC to the med bay after that. I will hold him as long as i can using what ever energy i have left then i will draw on Ranniks, JC, and yourself we will all be weak by the time we make it back but atleast we wont be dead now set the coords and do as i asked"

"As you wish my master."

Sweat contiued to trickle down the Prelates head as he held strong agaisnt this creature being control by another Jedi, Someone strong in the force. Silent felt the ship hit hyper drive.

The TIEs commanded by Satal Victus and Keto's Vengeance flew through the blackness of space, continuing their mission. All were heavy-hearted, and none spoke. The silence was bothering Kal, who felt very angered.

"Why didn't we just blow him to hell? He shot at us!"

He heard a few mumbles over the comm, some agreeing, some disagreeing. Finally, Raken put a stop to it all, speaking harshly,

"Rannik Narius is in charge of Keto's Vengeance, as well as a loyal, trustworthy.."

"He tried to kill you, Raken. Now, Caesar's been hurt, Rannik's possessed, or something, and Arcona has probably noticed all of this activity by now!"

"Guardian Vorrac, restrain yourself. Anger is not going to accomplish the mission."

Kal felt seething anger fleet through his veins, but nontheless held back. His mission didn't entail getting angry at his boss, and he knew that, unlike Rannik, if he did anything rash they would blow him to hell. All of these thoughts were interrupted as he saw something large on his radar. He then saw it with his eyes.

"Looks like they know we're here. Reading three squadrons of TIE fighters, two squadrons of TIE hunters, and a Star Destroyer, all Arconan. Oh, and in case your eyes have stopped working, they're about two hundred yards away and closing fast."

The hyperspace transmission read simply: Four to RTB ASAP. Splash two. Traitor in custody. Mission Complete.

Kapsina acknowledged without retort.

Dim crimson light bathed the Elomin's crown of wicked horns in sanguineous hues. The canopy glass fogged in pulses from his powerful breath as the carbon-dioxide scrubbers worked to recycle the air. The cockpit smelled of sweat and anger. The fool of a Gen'Dai had only been saved by the intervention of the Hunter Julius. A moment more and Raken would have tractored and burned Rannik's Defender from the vacuum.

As it stood now, Raken was down three Defenders and the Prelate's vessel. He would lose no more. Whether the rogue Protector had been duped or not mattered not. The next wingman that twitched without order would burn.

The Defender's sensors registered the Phantom's reversion to real-space. The TIE's computers identified FRIEND, but Raken stretched out with slithery feelers of energy to ascertain the pilot's identity. The Adept. The Plagueian relic had obviously begged the Consul for a task. And now here he was.

Raken relayed the information to the rest of his squadrons. Spread throughout and around the system expediting the remainder of the reconnoiter, the Force-users focused on the mundane tasks to take their minds off the madness perpetrated by their comrade. The Hunter ordered them to begin withdrawal to the release point. The buoys that now laced the system would provide the clan with eyes and ears of all that moved through Arconan space as was the Summit's mandate.

"This is Dark Adept Isradia. What the hell do you think you are doing?"

Raken was vaguely surprised the Anzat used only one title to introduce himself to the system. Fond of his own lineage, Jonaleth had a penchant for apprising others of just who and what he was ad nauseum. The Hunter declined to respond to the transmission as it had no tactical bearing on the present situation. He returned his attention to the incoming check-ins from his remaining pilots. All would soon rendezvous and await the guidance of the Summit.

It had been 3 hours, sweat rolled off the Prelates fore head and into a small pool of sweat that now surrounded him. He has been drained of every last bit of energy he had and that he in which he had taken from his own student, rannik, and JC. He knew if he didnt reach the headquarters soon the jedi on this ship will be dead. Silent could feel his ship come out of Hyper drive, Not much longer now Silent thought to himself. Silent could feel the last bit of energy leave his body as he fell forward, I did my best Sarin he is back with the clan Silent thought but he didnt expect a reply

"We are boarding the ship hang on." Sarin said

Silent passed out

Silent awoke several hours later in the medical bay of his Clans HQ seeing his student jump up from his side handing him a glass of water. Silent turned to his student and nodded then took a sip.

"Master you did it, Rannik is now in custody of the Clan I do not know what they do of him. But as well they gave you a new hand and this data pad to give you."

"Thank you Shonen"

Silent read over the data pad

"May i ask what it is in title to Master?"

"They made me AED of HSK for my heroic efforts in bring in Rannik and all my hard work over the years."

"Many Congrats Master a Leadership position well earned."

"They also wanted me to see them."

Shonen handed Silent his saber

"I shall return to the ship and finish the senors sweeps my Master and nothing more I will await your calling."

"You are a strong minded Dark Jedi Shonen, dont let me down and keep up the good work."

Silent rose up and headed to the Dark Tower.

-------------
Dark Tower
-------------

Silent entered the Dark tower to his amazement he saw Rannik in the middle of the room on a restraning Pad the very same that once Count Dooku used on Obi wan during the clone wars. It was surrounded by 2 ysalimir but far away enough that it would not effect Sarin and the others by the throne. Silent approced the throne and went down to his knees.

"Yes my master?"

The Quaestor of House Exar Kun sat in his special chair in the Diadem Fortress War Room, observing via viewscreen the various parts of House Exar Kun moving together back to the Fortress. He had hired some mercenaries and ordered several Dark Jedi to remain behind in order to keep the local government of Aerun in check whilst the House was away at war.

Closing his eyes, Scorpius reached out through the Force, trying to search for any disturbances. The Krath Priest felt one-- he saw flashes of a reportedly rogue member of House Satal Keto flying, then being captured... Then being held prisoner in the Dark Tower.... He saw images of Antei, various representatives of the Clans and the Dark Council bursting out in argument.... He saw forces around the Brotherhood moving....

The former Vice-Admiral of the Imperial Starfleet openned his silver eyes. They had to move fast. Satisfied that things were going according to plan, Scorpius got up and left the war room.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Scorpius returned to his office to finish some small paperwork before giving the order for the House Exar Kun fleet to move to Kapsina after it had gathered. As he was going over some promotion requests submitted by the House Envoy, the image of Aabsdu appeared on his desk. The Quaestor knew what the Aedile wanted, but asked his question anyways.

"Yes, Battlemaster? What is it you need?"

"We need to talk," returned Aabsdu.

"Very well," said Scorpius. "Come to my office."

"Yes, sir," said Aabsdu, bowing as his image vanished from the Quaestor's desk.

Aabsdu sat in a rather uncomfortable chair in front of Scorpius' desk as the two discussed matters concerning the house. The Quaestor had been out of contact on a mission as of late, and although Aabs had sent daily reports to the Priest, he was still trying to catch up on recent events. Now they sat and discussed what was best to do until Sarin gave them the signal to move. Aabsdu had already taken the chance to contact Envoy Erdon and bring him to the meeting, so the two simply talked while they waited for the Jedi Hunter.

They spoke of a many things. Some concerning the house as a whole, some concerning individual members, and some concerning random things that the two friends spoke of during their leisure time. Right now, Aabsdu had directed the conversation to his good friend and brother, Gaidal Dupar al'Tor.

"He has returned, yes," Aabsdu told Scorpius, "Unexpected I might add, but I'm very happy to have him back in Diadem."

"He will be a great help to our cause," Scorps commented, but when Aabsdu made no response he stared down at his Aedile, "He is here to help us, is he not?"

"Well," Aabs thought, "I hope so, but there is something in him that's changed since I last saw him. I sense he has alternative motives, and that he plans on leaving once again... soon."

The conversation would have continued, but there was a knock from outside, and soon House Envoy and Rollmaster Jaysen Erdon was standing in the doorway. The discussion was not meant for the Hunter's ears, so the two abruptly ended the topic and looked to the young man. He bowed to his Quaestor, and then turned and bowed to his Aedile and master before taking a seat next to Aabsdu. Now the three quickly turned to conversation on the war.

"We await Sarin's signal before we move," Scorpius started.

"I am getting all the younglings together," Erdon added in, "But I do not think I can control them all. It would help if some of them were handed over to battle teams, so as Vasily and Schisca could deal with them"

Aabs and Scorps nodded to this suggestion, though the battlemaster was the one who spoke first, "I will see about getting some of them connected with the teams, but for now simply report any mishaps to me. It's been a while since I snapped someone's neck"

"What of our plans once we do receive the signal," Erdon asked.

Scorpius answered this question, "We will figure that out once we are told to leave. Until then I want everyone to be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. I want every person in this fortress to be ready by dawn"

Jaysen Erdon stood up, bowed, and left the room to leave Aabs and Scorpius to their secret discussion again.

"Well...," Aabsdu remarked.

There was no answer to Jonaleths hail. The ignorance of it angered him, not for its stupidity and lack of basic manners, but for its lack of respect. He would have words with Stephens about his commanders' stupidity later, however, for his own mission was far more pressing than teaching the canon-fodder proper behaviour. Cooling his emotion, he ran through the instinctive mental exercise to channel it, and as the Phantom slipped into invisibility, so too did its pilots Force signature. Seconds later, there was only empty, featureless space, and the TIE moved down to Sukhur in silence.

Inside the TIE, smoothly but inexpertly, the Krath Adept soared over the forests of the world below, passive sensors probing for the tell-tale signs of a hidden complex as his own Force powered senses search for life. When he finally found his goal, Isradia circled it once, then headed away to a clearing where he could land un-detected. He set the ship down, pulled off his helmet and flight suit, and jumped down to the forest floor with a muffled thud. Checking the lightsaber at his side, he held up his cloak of non detection, and as he moved into the forest, shadows lept from the floor to obsure his presence.

Half way to his destination, Jonaleth leapt into the branches overhead, and bounded through them as silently as a ghost, the cloak of blackness and Force inhibition pulled tightly and carefully about him like a second skin, and eventually reached the obscured forest complex. Ahead, he sensed life; soldiers on patrol, and from the regimented yet creative feel of their minds, Stormtroopers no less.

Looking down from the canopy, he could see through the leaves and scrub a squat, barracks like building ajoined to what was clearly a small power plant and a communicatons array. Troopers moved in teams of three around the perimeters at regular intervals, with three pairs manning anti-infantry guns. Two heavy turbolasers were clearly anti-mech and air defenses. Isradia reached out with the Force, and felt below more soldiers, and the minds of others; scientists, intent on their work, and a few Dark Jedi among them. This base was hidden well; it appeared on the surface to be simply a secure outpost, and was fitted as such. Be proud of your enemy, and enjoy his victories, Jonaleth thought. The Arconans had been clever; no-one would suspect that such a lightly guarded place would hold a weapon as powerful as it did.

Clad all in black, with the blackness hiding him, the Anzat blended into the trees, and steadied his breathing. Calling upon his races natural instincts, he let the mind of the hunter and predator fill him and guide his actions. His eyes opened as the crunch of a breaking twig and fallen leaves alerted him to a trooper patrol passing beneath, and tensing his muscles, he dropped silently from the trees.

The Force answered his call, and for but a moment, the three mens minds were filled with confusion. Isradia lept from his landing crouch, and grabbed the first around the neck with his right hand; curling his arm around, he brought the man close to his, Jonaleths, body and twisted, snapping his spine even as his left hand lashed out and tore the throat from the second with a snap of his black claws. This gave the final one a chance, but as he lifted his rifle, the vampire was on him, sinking his teeth into his neck. The trooper didnt even have a chance to screen as proboscii sank into his throat, draining him of his precious life-blood.

The two stood in a frozen tableau for a few moments, the trooper occasionally gurgling and convulsing as his life was drained away, until Isradia dropped him to the ground. Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, Isradia licked the flecks of blood from his mouth and tore the helmet from the last man. His eyes were wide with fear and pain; the Dark Adept leaned down, and grasped the man by the tunic, lifting him like a rag doll, "Tell me what I wish to know..." he growled, his voice re-verberating as the Dark Side came to him.

"An-anything..." the dying man gasped.

Jonaleth laughed, a deep, reverberating rumble, "I do not wish you to speak it!" He snarled. Proboscii rattled with his mouth, and Isradia brought the soldier closer, smiling, and the last thing the trooper knew was the agony as the Anzat's suckers drained his luck, and his brain, from his body.

While doing his exercises and performing his Kyandrian battle movements, Gaidal kept thinking of the entire situation referring to the Great Jedi War. The dilemma was evident and so were the justified decisions. Still, only a few seemed to see the true issue here. Likewise, the solutions were not visible for such short-minded people. Too bad, the Sith thought, in that case I should move on my own and follow my own path. It would probably lead him straight into the eye of the storm, but he saw no other alternative. His planned action had nothing to do with any heroism or a trip to boost ones ego. It just had to do with having the right information concerning the right person.

Gaidal had hoped for a certain sympathy and trust from the Clan Summit, but perhaps he should have reconsidered his options when there was still time. He probably had been away for too long to claim any trust from anyone. Consul Sarin saw other, more pressing matters than following an unidentified mole only one man could identify. Even worse, the man who could identify the traitor was still gathering his evidence, which led to the assumption that there was a mere suspect instead of a perpetrator. Not exactly a strong case for that matter. No, Gaidal did not present his case properly. Still, he had to follow this path and only this path. It meant becoming disobedient for a while and maintaining a very low profile within the ranks of Clan Plagueis. Most leaders simply do not appreciate when on of their members operates solo and tries to hunt down, what appears to be in their eyes, a `ghost´.

After finishing up his personal training and taking a cold shower, there was still no message from the Consul. It looked like the man was going to stay by his answer. Gaidal grabbed his ravelled, black cloak and held it in his hands. While studying it briefly, he remembered that this was the cloak damaged by small magma sparks back then on Mustafar. It reminded him of a long lost battle with his former archenemy Jaymz. The Protector who was still missing in action since a strange cloning incident with a body double. The cloak became a trophy after the battle and the Kyandrian only wore it occasionally.

He missed his favorite red cloak, but did not have the courage to order a new one. He considered its loss as another wound from the ´Pact War´, not only scars, lost friends but also a missing cloak. Wars did such things to the people in it; they always had an impact. It was the kind of war none should ever forget, although it was over in a couple of weeks. It was all about the intensity of it all. Many people, personnel and low-ranked journeymen, died by a hostile rifle or in the series of implosions from the red giant in the Accarr system. The echoes in the Force were whirling around the gigantic black hole. The whispers in the Force and the black hole reminded of what once was. Still, it seemed like none of Clan Plagueis ever thought of it again. Like they had a motto such as “We won, so why would we even care?” Strange and foolish, since there was at least one major aftershock since the main battle. If he was correct it had something to do with a former lieutenant of the infamous Captain Crimson breaking out of prison and trying to launch an attack on House Exar Kun. So Gaidal wondered what the entire Clan would do nowadays, since they were in a tight spot again. Many Clans held some negative thoughts towards Clan Plagueis. It made him wonderwhere the Consul’s right-hand was? The Sith had not heard anything from the Proconsul since his sudden return, almost like Khan was not with them anymore.

When everything was in place, the Sith knew it was time to depart once more. He left a small holo-projector in his chambers, which would only activate when his former pupil would enter his chambers. Aabsdu was the only one who had legitimate access to his room. The projector had a specific scanner and would only be triggered by Aabsdu´s specific heat signature. Gaidal recorded a message that explained what he was about to do. It only explained partially the true intentions of the former Master. No, the real, actual truth he kept within. His mission was simple as it was delicate, although it would make him like the enemy within. Unity through obedience was a principle to a strong leadership, but not everyone fits the profile. One can be different compared to others, but that does not make one a threat to others. Still, leaders often tends to judge based on prejudices and mark one as a target, since they have a grunge against such a person. Being disobedient or different is not exactly a crime, although this would make the job as leader a lot easier.

By staying in the shadows Gaidal managed to reach the hangar bay of Diadem Fortress. He walked passed his old and former Imperial shuttle `Dark Phoenix´ and realized it had been several months since he last flew it. It was collecting dust around here, since the Sith did not return with his personal vessel. He knew Aabsdu took care of its safe return to the new home of the House even when his former Master was missing. The current Aedile even honoured him by letting the old wounds of the shuttle intact. So it was still battered and black due to too many battle experiences in the past. All and all Gaidal would not fly his vessel today. It would simply give too much attraction and he feared that the Consul and perhaps even the Dark Adept would monitor him. It reminded him that there was still an old Correllian freighter somewhere around here. After a short search he found the golden freighter in a corner of the hangar bay. `Golden Nova´ was once fully painted with a shiny gold enamel and listened to the name `Golden Girlie´, but a new fortress also meant a new appearance for this ship. Perhaps it had something with claims from former owners.

The Sith raised himself in one of the two chairs in the cockpit and began thinking of one of the old transport docking codes. He remembered one, which he typed on his keyboard. He immediately ignited the main engines and began floating with the slow freighter. As soon as he was getting closer to the hangar bay doors, a voice came through the intercom. Gaidal turned it off and continued his flight. Red alarms went off and a horn sounded. It did not matter and to make certain this was a misunderstanding he opened a channel with ground control and sent through the codes. There was no response for a while and finally he received a green light and immediately left the compound. Sometimes it was necessary to test all elements within a security perimeter and spread sand in everyone’s eyes. To make sure that they see nothing, or that they do not want they are looking at. The truth has a habit of being right under one’s nose, making it virtually impossible to be detected by the person searching for it. He hoped that Aabsdu would understand what he was trying to and almost prayed that the Summit leaders would be merciful. Since Gaidal had no good relationship with any god, he decided to let the praying for the less independent souls.

***

Aabsdu heard the alarms while he was still discussing the matters concerning his former Master with the Quaestor of Exar Kun. Scorpius immediately contacted ground control and the person on the other end of the channel explained:
“Well sir, someone tried to leave the hangar bay without telling us. No communication and no codes at first, but suddenly the man responded and gave his codes. They were approved and matched…”
The Quaestor raised an eyebrow and knew what was coming:
“But?”
“But the codes don’t end up”, the control room attendant responded, “these were old codes. They’re correct, but we don’t use those anymore…”
Aabsdu rose from his chair and immediately asked:
“Since when? Since when do we no longer use such codes?”
“Since we left the Accarr-system months ago. I don’t know how this is possible, but with all changes and such it might be possible someone did not know. And not to mention…”
“Thank you for your co-operation control room” Scorpius ended the conversation and closed the channel.

The Aedile stood up and began walking in circles while thinking out loud.
“Quaestor, I think this means our “friend” left the building and is on his journey already. Wherever that might be! What did he say again? ‘Whereto the Force guides me.’ Interesting thought, but we have a problem on our hands here since we have no actual clue what he’s up to.”
“What can do from here?” Scorpius asked, “will Dupar cause any trouble or harm for our Clan and House?”
Aabsdu stopped and shook his head:
“I don’t know, like I said before: he changed since I last saw him. He’s no longer the man we once knew and experienced as Aedile, Quaestor and friend. He’s a war veteran now and lives by his own principles. We need to contact the Clan Summit and need to discuss this since there is a slight possibility that Gaidal Dupar al’Tor went rogue and turned against us. I’ll investigate his chambers in case he left any clues about his whereabouts.”
The Quaestor nodded and said:
“Excellent idea, my Aedile. I’ll contact Sarin and you do a full sweep of Dupar’s room. If there is anything left in there, I want you to find it. There is no place for any lost sympathy or former loyalty towards this man. He might be the mole everyone thought Braecen to be. It would at least explain his long absence.”
The Sith stood there for a while and was worried sick. Could it be? Could his former brother-in-arms Gaidal be the traitor? Could he be the mole, while he learned so much from him while he served as his Apprentice?
“I’ll do what you ask and will find the truth, Scorpius. I sincerely hope that you’re wrong with your assumptions. Such assumptions easily lead to accusations and when that happens he’s a marked man, free as a bird. Everyone will hunt him down and I wouldn’t prefer such bloodshed. I’ll check his chambers and will let you know if I find anything.”
“No Aabsdu” the Quaestor corrected him, “when you find anything.”

A dagger of pearl white seemed to flow motionless before them. That was before is spewed beams of destruction through the near-empty space between it and the two squadrons of Plagueis fighters. Emerald slices darted past the fighters before most could react. The first to react was Eton Jade, a veteran of countless campaigns under the Emperor’s Hammer banner. His fighter rolled quickly to port, and dived in the direction of galactic ‘down’.

“May day, May day. This is Satal Victus calling any and all Plagueis vessels. We are under attack by Arconae ships. Please assist” he called over the hypercomm, which was a new addition to his fighter. He slipped under the Imperial Star Destroyer, and rolled away from smaller bolts of energy, emitted by the Arconae fighters, which had dropped in on his tail.

The communications system flared up with bursts of transmissions. Some were death cries as the pilots were taken by surprise, and removed from the Force by the Arconae aggressors. Others were orders flying between flight leaders, and their flights. One stray message was from a Plagueis outpost not too far away from the battle.

“Satal Victus, this is Farron’s Deep. We read, and have dispatched fighters; they will be there shortly. We have notified Plagueis command.”

Eton nodded, as the lasers, which had so far silhouetted him, were now burning into his rear shields. Dialling a few spare points of energy to reinforce that sphere of his defences, he slipped into a series of manoeuvres which sent him in a roller coaster ride across the battlefield, one side slip nearly sending him into a turbolaser battery.

Finally some cohesion began to develop in the Plagueis squadrons; ragged flights pulling together, and fighting off the Arconae. Eton had been flying solo for the majority of the battle, having lost his wingman to the first turbolaser barrage.

“Raken, how’s the squadron?” commed Eton to his commander. Having gotten rid of his pursuers through a chicken tactic with the help of Vexer, Eton finally had a chance to take a breath. His heart pounded deep in his gut, his pulse reverberating through his body. His right hand still gripped the flight yoke with almost enough force to damage its clean metal surfaces.

“Lost… three, Jade. You look a little toasted yourself,” replied Raken. He was the new commander of the Satal Victus Squadron, a part of the Plagueis house of Satal Keto. The squadron was one of the newest, but had already shown its mettle time and time again.

“A little, but I’m ok. Wanna see if we can scare away this Star Destroyer?”

“Sounds like fun. What’s the strongest ordinance we have?”

“All of Keto’s Vengeance has Heavy Rockets.” Keto’s Vengeance was the other Plagueis squadron in the area, operating side by side with Satal Victus. They were new, as well, and as yet unproven in combat. Eton let out a whistle. Twelve TIE Defenders with heavy rockets could make a large dent in the side of an Imperial Star Destroyer, if not worse.

“Keto’s Vengeance, form on me if you wanna get out of this alive” said Eton, smiling coldly

Aabsdu stood outside Gaidal's room, and thought. He had been the one to suggest investigating his brother's room, but now it didn't seem like that good of a plan. Finally, he took a deep breath a punched in an activation code on the control panel. It buzzed for a second before an electronic voice boomed out of the speaker.

Name please?

"Aedile Aabsdu Dupar," he replied

Access denied

Aabsdu was taken back by this, and frowned at the arrogant machine. He finally looked at it and said, "Override Clearance A7-H1"

Override denied

Aabsdu raised his eyebrow, and tried two more times to the same result. He cursed and ignited his silver lightsaber blade, quickly slicing it through the durasteel door. When he walked in, he found nothing, absolutely nothing. The shelves were cleaned off, cabinets emptied, and closet wiped clean. The only things left in the room were the sheets on the bed. This was a bad thing because it meant that Gaidal hadn't been planning to come back.

Still, he did a quick search throughout the room, and as he'd expected, found nothing save for an empty bottle of rum. He fell down on the bed and sighed, mentally kicking himself for failing in his job. He just sat there and stared at the floor while he thought of ways to try to redeem himse... wait... what was that?

There, hidden under the mattress, and tiny corner of something was sticking out just slightly. Aabsdu reached down and pulled out a comlink, inside of which were a number of files, pictures, and other documents. There were pictures of the other clan's bases, tactical readouts of numerous facilities on Antei, and various forged ID documents. He searched through all the files he could get access to, and found everything from time schedules to meal plans. Everyone one would need for an assault... or reconnaissance.

One file caught his eye. Something titled The Enemy Within. He tried to work his way into it, but found himself at a password screen. Aabs had dealt with these things before, and knew that sometimes they were set to erase everything if the wrong code was entered. Instead, he shut off the device and placed it in his tunic. He wasn't sure if this had been Gaidal's dumbest mistake ever, or a clue as to what Aabsdu was meant to do. If it was the latter, it might be better if Scorpius didn't find out about it... yes... maybe that would be good... for now.

He quickly got up and left the room, and made his way towards his quarters to do a more in-depth analysis of the comlink and the files contained on it.

Since Aabsdu had left the office to go search the room of Gaidal, Scorpius had been pacing in front of his black marble desk in deep though. The Quaestor of House Exar Kun often did this when he needed to think or dwell on things but did not have the time to meditate properly. Gaidal's freak departure would cause certain problems for him....

"Quaestor, Battlemaster Aabsdu is leaving Dupar's quarters," came a voice from the Krath Priest's computer console. Scorpius winced at the overly-soft, femine, mother-like tone of the voice. He had been attempting to change the damn thing, but his archaic and reportedly 'crazy' personal droid had seen fit to change it back to the sickening voice.

"Inform me when he is at the door," grumbled Scorpius.

"Well, sir, he is actually not heading towards here. He is about to enter his own quarters."

"What?" hissed the Krath.

"As I said, sir, he i-"

"I know what you said, you bloody twit. Silence," ordered Scorpius, walking towards his desk and looking at one of his holoscreens. He pressed a view buttons and the image changed from that of the entrance of Diadem Fortress to the hall that led to the quarters of the various House leaders. Indeed, the Aedile had just slipped into his room, holding something in his hands, but Scorpius couldn't make it out. The Krath closed his eyes, feeling out through the Force.... Yes... Aabsdu was indeed hiding something.

Sighing, Scorpius flicked the screen off. He would wait to see if the Aedile would approach him with anything he found. Until then, Aabsdu's concealment had only proven one thing to the Quaestor-- Gaidal Dupar al'Tor was now a liability to House Exar Kun and Clan Plagueis.... And it was the Quaestor who would have to tell the Consul of this. Immediately.



Scorpius stood on the holoplatform and contacted the Dark Tower. Moments later, an image of the kneeling Quaestor appeared in the office of the Consul. "My Lord Sarin, I am afraid I have a bit of bad news," began the former Imperial Vice-Admiral. "It seems that a one Gaidal Dupar al'Tor has disobeyed my direct orders, stolen a ship, and left the system. I-"

The Chandrilan's voice cut off when his supply of air was cut off as well. Dark Jedi Master Sarin's image appeared before the Quaestor, a hand lifted accusingly at Scorpius, Force-chokin him at the same time. "I said not to fail me, Priest," hissed Sarin. "If Dupar does become a liability, it will be your head, Quaestor. Continue with your preparations and get to Kapsina; make sure this rogue does not cause problems, and that no more appear."

Sarin released Scorpius who, gasping for breath, bowed once more before the transmission was halted. Scorpius stepped off of the holoplatform, still panting slightly as he walked back over to his desk. Gaidal had betrayed Exar Kun and Plagueis for some personal vendetta or mission, it appeared. He would have to issue a bounty on the man's head. Scorpius began logging the information into the Exar Kun HoloNet, placing a price to return Dupar alive at 15,000 credits.

This War was beginning to vex the Quaestor considerably.

---------- Dark Tower ----------

Rannik awoke eight hours after Silent and him had the fight, he found himself on some type of restraining Pad in the middle of a room in the Dark Tower. His vision was still blurred, but he could make out two figures about twenty feet in front of him. He heard one of the figures say, “Look, Rannik awoke.”

From what Narius could tell, it was Silent that said that. His vision cleared up and noticed who the other person was. It was Aristan "Sarin" Dantes, the CON of Plagueis himself. Rannik looked to his left and seen a Ysalimir, and another to his right.

“Well, I see Silent kept me long enough for you to come and bring me here. I bet you send him to do all the dirty work, don’t you? Haha ha ha, I bet so...” Rannik said with a very sarcastic tone.

“SILENCE,” a deep, aggravated voice echoed through the room.

Rannik tried to break free, but it was useless. Whatever he was being restrained with was strong enough to with stand a struggling Gen`Dai. He listened for a moment, he heard Silent and Sarin talking about something, but he couldn’t make it out.

“Hey, what are you two talking about? Me? I love being the talk of a party, ha ha ha... So, I’m bored.” Rannik stated with a deep toned voice, “Sarin, come ‘ere, let me know when im getting annoying. Ah, you wont do anything about that. He he he....”

Rannik moved his head back and forth, a loud snap, crackle, pop, echoed through the room. He looked towards Silent and laughed....

Virulence walked out of the mess hall after grabbing what may be the last hot meal he would receive in quite a while. There’s no time for luxuries in war, and having finished his preparations for the move to Naga Sadow space, he seized the opportunity to refuel his body while awaiting the order to move. He walked out into the main entrance hall of the fortress, his footsteps upon the black marble floor lost in the commotion of Kunians shuffling about in all directions, as he made his way out the main entrance’s mammoth black doors, and out onto the stone cobbled pathway leading up to the Fortress.

Closing his eyes, the Priest inhaled deeply, taking in the bittersweet aromas of the surrounding jungle. After clearing his mind, he reopened his eyes, squinting slightly as the jungle canopy refracted rays of sunlight into his black, scaled face. He turned his head to the right, and looked up at the visage of Chi Long, the last Consul of Clan Exar Kun, and grinned a bit, thinking of what the Grand Master emeritus would be doing right now, if he was still around. He’d be yelling at someone most likely. The Krath sneered as his gaze shifted to the smaller bust beside that of Chi, in the likeness of Braecen the betrayer. Virulence wanted to hunt down the false Kunar so bad he could taste it, however orders were orders, and the Priest knew he would have his chance sooner or later.

“You ready to move?” the voice of Ashura came from beside the Barabel.

Turning his head around, Virulence eyed the Tusken for a moment, and then nodded, “I am, I wish we would get the order already, the suspense is killing me.”

“Then this might help you take your mind off it for a while; Scorpius has just put a bounty on Gaidal’s head.” Ashura said coldly, staring off into the darkness of the Decarian jungle.

“Dammit,” the reptile hissed, shaking his head and rolling his fiery eyes, “that’s not what we need to be worrying about right now, I don’t know what the hell has been going on with Gaidal lately, but if he doesn’t end up getting himself killed, he better have a good explanation for his actions or the Summit will finish him off themselves.” Sighing heavily, the Priest turned on his heels and began to head back into Diedem. “This is going to be a bad day.”

While steering the old freighter, Gaidal received a message through the holonet. It seemed like Scorpius, Quaestor of House Exar Kun, placed a bounty on his head. It was the most logical decision, since it would appear that the former Aedile and Quaestor betrayed his own House and Clan. They did not know and could not have known what exactly was going on. It made him grin to see it was a bounty of 15.000 credits when he would still be alive. The Sith thought he would be more valuable than that. On the other hand, the bounty would be raised after approximately twenty-four hours, if they still had not caught him. After that being alive was no longer a priority.

The Kyandrian wondered if Aabsu already found the hidden information from his room. The Aedile would probably wonder why he left this clue. It would appear that he lost his mind or got sloppy. Especially since the Sith made sure that Aabsdu had to break in. They all did what they had to do, what they needed to do. Otherwise, his carefully prepared plan would fail. He felt sorry for the fact he had to keep his friends in the dark and that he had had to use them for his own purposes. The less they would know, the better chance for success.

Gaidal set the co-ordinates for his final destination and jumped into hyperspace. The planned meeting was supposed to take place on neutral ground for both sides. No planet of any Clan would suffice, since all defence systems would be armed and ready for any intruders from other Clans. He knew that Clan Plagueis did not have many friends these days. This Jedi War made sure everyone lived on the edge. Still, this meeting was as important as it was delicate. The Kyandrian needed to know what the other party involved was doing and why. Although he probably already had an answer to the latter question. Acts of treason mostly came forward from being betrayed yourself, or wanting revenge for a bad experience in the past.

He turned on the autopilot and walked towards the back of the ship. There was a small computer room and Gaidal started working on his strategy there. He did some scans of the space around Aerun and it seemed quiet for now. This was becoming an explosive situation right now, so two or more ships could easily be send after him. But only if they knew where to go. Still, there was no sign of such activity. He continued to work things out until he fell asleep.

The Sith suddenly awoke when the ‘Golden Nova’ jumped out of hyperspace. He immediately ran towards the cockpit and saw he reached his destination. The vessel slowly went into orbit and Gaidal looked at the planet. It was somewhat of a 'warm' welcome. He had not been on this gigantic dust bowl in months, but it was still something that was close to a home. So he welcomed his homeworld, the planet of Kyandria. This was where the secret meeting would take place. Fortunately, none knew about this, but not for long. That was so exactly planned by him...

***

Aabsdu sat back behind his desk and still looked at the device he took from Gaidal’s chambers. He continuously wondered what the man was up to. His motives remained a mystery, although the files suggested he was working on something very secret and concerning the safety of House Exar Kun in particular. It was a plan, a strategy or a trap perhaps, but for who or what exactly? He did not know and out of frustration the Aedile threw the device away, which hit the ground. Small sparks came out of the exterior and it looked definitely broken.

Aabsdu turned away and looked on several datapads, which were lieing in front of him, until he heard a strange beeping sound. He looked around his office and saw a red flickering dot coming from the little machine on the floor. Suddenly, it came to life and it began a transmission or playing a recording of some sort: “Specimen identified. Aabsdu Dupar al’Tor. Welcome.”

The young Sith got curious and came closer to the ground. What was this and why did this thing started playing anything? Then a holographic image of his former Master emerged from the device and started talking:
“Good day, Aabsdu. As you probably noticed, I left with unknown destination. Well, to most of us it’s unknown, but not for you. If you know me well enough, you would know where I’d go. Anyway, I need you to do me two favours… like I mentioned before in my previous message. At first, do whatever you must, since you’re Aedile. You have certain responsibilities and obligations, fulfil them at any cost. Secondly, and this condition conflicts with the first; trust me at all times. There is no need for panic, any panic at all. Simply trust me and do your job. I understand that you might have a few questions, so I programmed this message to give some answers…”

The Force user got on his feet and walked a few times through his room. Then he stopped and came up with a question: “Ok Gaidal, where are you going?”
The image nodded and responded immediately: “To the one place I’d call home. Look between the stars until you find the most desolate place you could think of. The place that reminds you of lost lives, shattered dreams, abused ideals and a destroyed environment. That is what I’d call home…”
“Is it Tatooine? Or Geonosis?”
“Unable to comply, Aabsdu.”

Aabsdu thought a few moments about this answer and realized it had to be Kyandria. Although he had never been there in his whole life, he remembered his former Master talking about it. It was a chaotic, dusty world torn apart after centuries of war: Just one war after another. The New Republic ordered a small restoration project probably year ago. The project was necessary in order to make it possible for most refugees to return home, while they tried to make certain that the newly installed Kyandrian authorities would become a member of the Republic afterwards. Naturally, such deals were being discussed behind closed curtains.

Gaidal once said it was a ‘war world’, while ‘the Kyandrians could have been conquerors or pioneers throughout the galaxy, like the Mandalorians were once, but instead they chose to fight one another. None ever cared about expansion to other worlds, since it seemed without any value if another Clan would have an advantage on the Kyandrian homeworld’. So Aabsdu had to go there as soon as possible and without having troubles with Scorpius. He decided to think of some more questions, while preparing himself for a little journey.

Walking down one of the lower aft corridors near his personal quarters the Battlemaster felt a shudder beneath his feet and a moment later felt his ears pop to equalize pressure in his head. What the hell?! he thought. The only thing that can cause the pressure to drop in the cruiser would have been decompression. Reaching for his personal comlink he messaged the ships Captain. "Captain what is the gorram problem?" he asked.
"Sir, we have had our hull breached by an unknown raiding party, they have entered the ship near the aft sir! Should I send marines to the site to repel them?" the captain asked.
Closing his eyes and feeling for foreign prescenses in the Force, he soon found his unwelcomed guests. "No Captain, they are Force users and I do not want to send those men to their slaughter." Closing the connection out the Sith moved quickly to his quarters where his battlearmor was. He didnt know exactly how well armed they were and was taking no chance. Slipping into his old, but modified Obelisk battlearmor, he grabbed his trusty DL-44 sidearm and holster and strapped it to his right thigh in a low slung position, and grabbed his saber and hooked it onto his belt.

Running out of his room and down the corridor he opened himself up to the Force. Feeling its warm glow, he felt of where the intrudors would be. Down a little further and up a deck. He thought. This was both a saving grace and an irritation at the same time. He hated standing guard over the Clans system, it was boring work. Especially when he kept recieving reports of one of his Battleteam Leaders going damn crazy. He knew Rannik was planetside, but he was under strict orders to not bother the Protector at this time, and he would follow them. He didnt want to face the wrath of Sarin again, he still bore the bruises on his neck.

Moving quickly up the ladderwell and through one of the doors placed in the bulkhead he came to a stop just feet from the awaiting intrudors. It was two of them, an Obelisk Hunter, and a Krath Knight. Well this tells me what they are here for. Guess their Leadership figures if they take out the Home Fleet Commander, then they will have a better chance of invasion since the fleet will be without its command for a time. the veteran Sith thought. Noticing that the Hunter had a saber drawn but not the Knight he knew that they were waiting for him, and the Krath planned on using the Hunter for Fodder, and just laying back as a supportive role.

"Hah, they younglings nowadays, they think theyre all that because they built a saber." Looking over to the Knight, "And you, you think your so called Krath knowledge of the Force will help you in this fight? Well we will see!" Knowing that in these cramped corridors he could well use his blaster to take at least one out, he still decided against it. The hunter could get VERY lucky with that saber and deflect it and...well that wouldnt be a good day at all. At least they would have to come at him one-on-one in the corridors. Drawing his saber off his belt, igniting his deep blue blade, and setting himself in his Mastered Makashi style of training, he taunted them. "Come let me show you pain and humiliation!"

Letting them come to him, he set himself up fully within the Force, drawing on his darker emotions at this time. He didnt need his lightside focus at this time, he wanted to put these tresspassers down quickly. Thinking back a few weeks ago when he was brought low by the wrath of his Dark Jedi Master Consul he summoned up the dark feelings of anger, and resentment at the situation. When he emerged from his focus time seemed to have slowed, it had been much easier lately to focus, it had always been one of his weaknesses. The Hunter was coming at him at a rush with the saber held two handed high over his head. Evidently this boys master hadnt shown him much on saber skills, time to play.

When the Journeyman was within striking distance the Battlemaster raised his saber in a two handed strike overhead to block the hasty attack. Pushing back he threw the Obelisk off balance, making him back up a few feet. The Obelisk swung then swung with one hand in an upwards movement designed to split the Sith from crotch to crown, moving to the side Stephens brought his saber down through the intruders robes, skin, and bone of his arm severing the hand from the limb. As the boy fell Daniel quickly deactivated his saber and butted him on the head with the hilt knocking him unconscious.

"Well it seems I have removed your bodyguard from the battle, now do you wish to do battle with me? Or are you as undertrained in the arts of the saber as you likely are in the arts of your craft, Krath?" Feeling small eminations of the Force from behind him he suddenly felt something small but hard collide with his head, and heard it drop to the floor. Without looking he knew what had hit him, the unconcious Hunters severed hand. Angered beyond all thought Daniel moved ahead quickly drawing on the force for enhanced speed. Igniting his saber he swung at the Krath Knight hitting his newly drawn saber. Throwing all his strength into his blows he began to batter away at the Knights defenses, rarely allowing the junior darksider a chance for offense and only when it would prove beneficial for the Sith. Slowly the Knight relented and dropped his saber and dropped to his knees. And the Battlemaster stopped his saber just shy of the foes throat.

"I will spare you and your partners life, but I will tell you this. If you value your pathetic existance you will not return here ever, neither should you return to your Clans holdings as they will not likely tolerate failure and will kill you upon hearing your missions results." Stephens informed him. Bending over to pick the Knights saber off the ground he removed the focusing crystal and handed him his saber back. "You can keep this, you may need it in the Unknowns. Now pick your Hunter up and get out of my ship."

Knowing he spoke truths the Knight took his saber and quickly hurried over to his fallen clanmate and picked him up and carried him to their ship. Moving from the aft corridor to the cruisers bridge Daniel made sure of their vector before relaxing. Moving over to the Command Chair in the middle of the bridge he sat looking at various orders going out among the fleet when the klaxons started sounding. Looking at his command console he noticed a request for immediate assistance from one of his Battleteams. Pulling up his communications system he sent a tight beam message to the BTL stating:

"At this time we are unable to send any reinforcements, you are to cause as much damage to the offending ship as possible and withdraw immediatly to the outer system where you will find sutable planet to set down at. You are not to engage in any combat while planetside at this time. Take an R&R for 3 days this will give enough time to drop persuit, after then you are cleared for take off for recon once again. Once your recon duties are over you can start Hit and Fade strikes. Good luck Commander and may the Force be with you."

Sitting back in his chair and turning the Klaxons off he sat back and could only wonder if he made the right decision......

Aabs had asked his share of questions, and gotten all the answers he probably could out of the holo-recording. With a simple command, it shut off and... well... exploded. He spent the next few minutes cleaning up the shrapnel, but when he was finally finished and had packed all his bags he quickly left his room and proceeding towards the hangar bay. He would go on a short journey to try his best to bring Gaidal back, if he failed, he would not pursue the warrior, but let him go on his own. Now, rather the bounty hunters looking for him are so kind was yet to be determined.

On the way there, he managed to write out a small message and had a passing youngling take it straight to Scorpius' office. The Krath Priest would probably be mad at him for what he was doing, but he would only be gone a week tops. If, in a week, Aabsdu had failed in bringing Gaidal back then he would leave and not return. An hour later, he was settled into a small TIE Interceptor, and relaxed as the blackness of space around him dissolved away...

*****

Back in Scorpius' office, the Krath grimly opened the letter and read it to himself...

Dear Scorps,

I am very sorry about this, but I must take an unexpected leave to go on a personal mission. This will only take a week, if that long, so I will most likely meet up with you at the Dark Tower. I promise on my mother's deathbed that if I have not done what I wish to do in a week I will turn and walk away

Aabs

There was only silence, grim, angered silence...

Silent sat at his desk in his AED office, his eyes closed looking into the force seeing the people in the HQ. he tuned in more to the force hearing the voices of the young Jedi talking and debating and some even fighting over the news of 2 GM's. The Clawdite did not know why the DC would release such info, the clans would be at each others throat at who is the real Jac, which has already began. It was bad enough the Clans were against each other but to have Clanmates against each other would make the fight longer and harder.

The Prelate got up from his seat and entered the hall way he could hear voices down the hall and he went there. When he turned the corner he saw 2 young PRTs fighting with each other over the 2 Jac's, Silent quickly drew his saber and ignited it slashing down between the 2. The 2 younglings rushed back to the hall walls as he deactivated his saber.

"The war is between the clans not between the people in them, return to your studies or be in a black bag."

Silent continued on to DS office and entered.

"Your thoughts are clouded with confusion."

"What has happened so far in the war, Rannik turning against us, the Loremaster, a AED with a bounty, and 2 GM's.... This war, something is going on behind the curtains. You can hear the fights of the younglings, you can sense the confusion in the rest of the summit and the Iron tight grip that Sarin is holding around our necks."

"Yes you are right, but what does it mean?"

"It means someone or somthing is causing this war, it has started our fights, it has changed our DC, There are those who believe that RED is right then they are the others who believe in the BLUE, We must keep from our Clan from dividing if anything our Summit leaders must stay neutral if any order is to be brought to the clan, if not this clan will fall and more lifes will be lost."

"I am sorry Silent but i have chosen a side, the clans may be against each other but my people will not fight each other i will keep order."

"You can not keep order by choosing a side!"

"If i didnt know any better Silent it sounds like you are swaying the words of munity in my face"

DS stood up and called the lightsaber laying upon his desk to his hands

"I wave no such thing in your face but if you activate that saber then you are prepaired to die by my hands"

Silent reached toward his saber as DS activates his, and then activates his own just in time to block the attack. The 2 met in a saber lock eye to eye.

"Dying here would prove nothing in this war DS, we the leaders of this house can not do this we must stay netural to keep the clan from dividing!"

A blue glare came over the eyes of DS, Silent looked in amazement

"You are a weak leader Silent, that is why you will never lead this house by the title of QUA, nor AED your death is here and now!"

The 2 Dark Jedi removed 1 hand of the saber and then pushed that hand at each other casing a Force push standing, both were eaqually matched in the force and managed to push each other back into opposing walls. As the 2 got up they were stopped in their tracks each grabbing for their throats and then a Holo image appeared of Sarin.

"The fight is over and the 2 of you will be disarmed and sent to the Dark Tower!"

After the image dissappeared several DJK's entered the rooms and put resitraning cuffs on the 2 Jedi and took their sabers and lead them to the Dark Tower. Silent did not know what the blue glare ment in the eyes of DS or if anyone else has had it happen...could it be by the 2 Jacs, or was it something more powerful hiding in the shadows planning his next move on the board.

Scorpius stood in his office for a moment in silence, gloved fists clenched tightly. Then an uncommon burst of anger erupted from him, using the Force to tear the paper to shreds and fling the Journeyman who brought it to him outside of the room.

Turning, the Quaestor of House Exar Kun began pacing once more. These personal vendettas were jeapordizing the fate of the House AND the Clan. Now his second-in-command had left during such a vital time of preparation, and Sarin was already getting tempramental with the Krath Priest over Gaidal's disappearance. He started contemplating over whether or not the best choice would be to tell Sarin or not to tell Sarin. This fuming comtemplating was, alas, interrupted by a more pressing matter.

"Quaestor," cried a Dark Jedi Knight, running into the office. "Sir! There's fighting in the hallways. There are TWO Grand Masters!"

Scorpius silver eyes darted to his computer screen. He had heard of the chaos on the Dark Council; most of the Summits had. He was not aware that the news had reached the lower members yet, though. Sure enough, on his screen, there was fighting in the hallways. He glowered at his computer.

"You stupid machine. Why didn't you alert me of this?"

"You told me to be quiet, sir," hummed that annoying little voice.

There was a flash of a lightsaber, and Scorpius needed a new computer shortly thereafter. He moved past the Knight in his doorway and into the hallways of Diadem Fortress; his eyes saw a variety of Dark Jedi squabbling over who the Grand Master was. Aabsdu had to pick NOW to leave, thought Scorpius, walking to the main area of the Fortress.

Lightsaber in hand, the Quaestor used the Force to amplify his voice. "Silence," boomed the Krath, his voice echoing throughout the halls of the Fortress. "I will execute anyone who continues this!"

A Jedi Hunter decided to ignore the warning and leapt onto a stage, beginning to preach about why HIS Grand Master was the best. Scorpius launched his saber at the Hunter, placing a hole through his chest, before summoning the weapon back to himself; the hilt touched his hand just as the journeyman touched the floor. He had acquired the attention of the Kunians.

"You will all continue preparations for our arrival at Kapsina. If anyone causes problems they will answer to me," glared the Quaestor. "And if anyone also deserts Exar Kun at this time, they will be branded as traitors and hunted down."

The Quaestor stepped off of his pedestal and used the Force to summon Ashura, Vasily, Drodik, Erdon, Virulence, Cipher, and Lucien to his office. "During our preparations, I want all of you to make sure that people stay in order," he commanded. "If you see anyone attempting to leave, stop them."


Scorpius turned his chair around and looked out his large office window, obviously finished with the group. Things were getting worse and worse by the minute. All that needed to happen now was an attack and things would be horrible.

Jonaleth made not a sound as he moved through the forest skirting the Arcona base, clinging to shadows. The mind of his prey had given him a start on the information he needed, and having dragged the bodies into the undergrowth, he had drawn on the Force, and scattered the matter of their beings into a fine dust that floated away on the air. Now, still shrouded in the supernatural blackness and obscured in the Force, he closed on his next prey.

Some might argue that it would be easier and smarter for the Dark Adept to keep his presence as quiet as possible, using pure stealth to obtain his target and complete his mission; indeed, this was probably what Sarin had expected and was a wiser course of action, but the Loremaster had extra objectives now that he had concocted on the journey, and if he was successful, would prove an even greater boon to the Clan. Sarin had chosen Isradia for this mission for the mans experience, power and intelligence, and to curb the failures Plagueis was enduring. The Dark Adept would not fail.

Reaching the other side of the complex, Jonaleth crouched in the woods and looked out towards the heavy turrets adjacent to him. Calling on the Force, it answered his will with a familiar thrill, the feel of oil sliding over the skin and molten steel in the veins, and the Krath extended his will into the clearing. Two lives were ended at his touch, Stormtrooper bodies falling like puppets with their strings cut as he snuffed out their life forces.

Turning his attention to the second patrol, the Anzat slunk backwards as they neared, and fingered his lightsaber. Moving around behind a tree as they passed, Isradia advanced on them from the rear, calming his mind for the style of Trakkata, and then, he lashed out, his arm coming up with his sapphire and silver saber in hand. As it reached final extension, the blade sprang forth, purest blue like midnight, impaling the middle trooper before he could blink. The blade shrank away, and Jonaleth ducked a back handed strike from the left man, kneeling to bring his arm up again, and impaling this one like the first. He rolled with his strike, and missed the stamping foot of the last, and as he rotated back to his feet, for the last time, his blade sprang to life, and severed the head of the last Stormtrooper.

This day, the outpost would be devastated. This day, Arconans would die by the score for the glory of Plagueis. Fear would keep order.

Sheathing his weapon, Isradia stalked silently into the camp. He feasted on the Arconan Jedi manning first and second anti-infantry position, rising up like a vengeful spirit in their midst, but the third caused more problems. This Jedi was a Dark Knight, by his robes and adornments, and the Force was with him. A split second before the Dark Adepts proboscii sank into his flesh to drink his blood, the man dodged to the side and spun around, igniting his own yellow-bladed lightsaber. Jonaleth smiled at him in appreciation, “Very good.”

The Knights eyes darted to his commlink, and Isradia shook his head, “That will not help you. You have impressed me. Lay down your weapon, and I shall make it quick and painless.” He said, for all the strangeness of the scene, an un-armed man threatening a lightsaber armed foe. But the man was smarter. He knew that someone who could catch him unawares like that was no ordinary foe. “I will not lie down to die. If I am to fall, let it be in battle.”

The Anzat nodded, “I applaud your courage. So be it, then.” Jonaleth reached out with the Force, and silenced the world around them, so as not to reveal his carefully crafted, stealthy massacre, and unclipped his lightsaber. Relaxing his stance, he put his right foot forwards, aiming his blade towards the Arconan and down. “Come then, and face your enemy.”

The Knight sprang forwards in a wide over-arm slash from the left, which Jonaleth sidestepped, kicking him in the back to propel him forwards and onto the ground, and lunging forwards. The Arconan rolled to the side, the blade grazing his ribs, and jumped to his feet, swinging his blade in his hand, and made a powerful down-strike, which Isradia met with his blade in a block. Sparks flew as the blades clashed and railed against each other, and the Adept pushed the lock aside. The Arconan once again brought his blade up and began a fast flurry of attacks, each met with a simple riposte and parry to push the attack aside. Each combatant moved around the other, neither gaining an advantage, and Jonaleth employed his Mastery of Dun Moch to its fullest to draw his opponent into making a fatal mistake.

At last it came: the Knight darted forwards, forgetting to guard his chest and over-extending his strike just a fraction. Isradia smiled savagely, parried the strike, and whipping his sword around, cleaved the man in two as his blade slid off the Arconans, right towards his body and through his stomach. Deactivating his blade, he nodded to a skilled if ultimately doomed adversary, and left.

Approaching the door to the underground complex, the black-robed Adept turned to look over his shoulder at the death he had wrought, knowing bodies lay hidden all throughout the clearing, and fished a small detonator from his pocket. Pressing the button once, it flashed briefly in warning, and the confiscated Taldryan blasters obtained from Kapsina’s war-spoils reached overload, obliterating the turrets and transmitter in a ball of fire thirty feet high.

Those beneath would feel the explosion, and know now that something was amiss, but it no longer mattered; Death was within the walls now, for all their sentries had failed to raise the alarm, falling like chaff beneath the skill of the Dark Adept’s blade. It had been fast – not enough time for anyone to miss a check-in, which was why he had left the final patrol for last.

Soon though, Arconae Primus would want a status report from the outpost, and when they failed to get a response, they would send troops to investigate. The Dark Adept’s time was now finite.

The Star Destroyer was massive in his viewscreen. The wedge-shaped colossus pressed in filling Raken's field of vision as it offered no quarter mercilessly hammering the flickering shields of his Defender. Unwilling to martyr his men, Raken signaled the two squadrons coordinates for a nearby uninhabited planet to seek refuge.

Bursts of light flashed throughout the swarms of fighters. Like fireflies winking in and out of existence, the next world opened its dark bosom to them in welcome. Twisted into a frenzy of death he watched as his ships prepared to disengage themselves and strike into hyperspace. Jinking in closer to the behemoth ahead, the newly mantled Knight offered the Battleteam's their chance.

Amid a barrage of turbo laser fire and searching tractors, the Elomin Commander rolled and banked his TIE at the dark behest of the whispers that plagued him. Rocketing in along the Destroyer's beam he unleashed two pair of concussion missiles that rode blue fire toward the ship's bridge deck. In a flash of titanic energy, the Arconan dreadnought was temporarily blinded. In the Force Raken could feel his pilots' elation and surging adrenaline as their fighters clawed free of the maelstrom and elongated in the surreal optical illusion of faster-than-light travel.

Yanking away from the reeling Star Destroyer, Raken's hyperwave transceiver panel began to vie for as much attention as had his tactical displays moments ago. Watching the inexorable numeric countdown on his HUD, Raken would simply have to attend to the messages once he jumped.

...3
...2
...1

Stars hardened to razor-slits of light as the Knight sank deeply into his gravity couch and all around him became tangled vermiform clouds of muted lightning.

Dark Jedi Knight Galaphile al'Tor sighed as he packed the last of his supplies needed on the journey to Kaspina. As if the war wasn't difficult enough, there was execution yesterday due to a foolish Jedi Hunter ranting about the two Grand Masters. The Clans were already divided, but now houses are fighting amongst themselves tryingt to prove one another that there Grand Master is the real one while the other is an imposter.

Well the Falleen Knight knew who was the true Grand Master. But that would further the seperation of the houses if he were to walk amongst them and argue. Galalphile had better things to worry about, the war obviously. He would report to to his Quaestor Scorpius, now that he could not confide in his Aedile 'brother' who was now unreachable threw the holonet.

Clipping his lightsaber to his black sash, he began his decent towards the hangar bay on Diadem Fortress. He would also would have to be alert with his fellow comrads, incase they decided that he was an imposter for choosing the red Grand Master. But he would have to see how it worked oout in all due time.

Slowly the hatch opened and the wind tried to infiltrate the Corellian freighter with as much dust as possible. Gaidal raised the hood of his cloak and tried to hide himself in that same cloak. The wind almost became a natural enemy after the ‘Seventh Clan War’ and was tormenting everyone who tried to walk through it. He got out of his vessel and saw his homeworld once again. It seemed like the strangest reunion one could possibly have. Kyandria was her unchanged self and different since they last met, like an old lover one sees after she got married with children and such. Some of such surprises end up pretty unsettling.

He walked down the hatch and studied his environment. According to his memories and the scanners this was the city once named Kalessa, the main capitol of the Tenkai territory. While dust and sand tried to get a grip on the lost city, the city itself was a melting pot. The strangest mixture of old and new, the past and the future. On his left hand were the old ruins of Kalessa, like the ivory coloured city walls and the black palace of the last Tenkai doijmi, while on his right were laborers extremely busy with rebuilding the city hall and there were also new houses being built.

It seemed like the New Republic actually tried to make the best of Kyandria. He saw one of the biggest space stations he ever saw in his life and also noticed that there were quite a few republic soldiers on the surface. Not like there was a trooper on every corner of a street, but still enough to maintain a certain assumption of peace and order. It seemed like the Republic was very persuasive and altruistic towards the Kyandrian authorities. Gaidal wondered if this kind of restoration efforts were also elsewhere on the planet. He looked around for a bit and decided to go to the city hall under construction.

Many Kyandrians appeared to be returning home everyday, since there was a continues flow of transportation vessels going towards the space port of Kalessa. Due to the enormous traffic around and on the planet and because he wanted to keep a low profile, Gaidal landed on a remote hill close to the city. Once these hills were covered with the greenest grass, but not nowadays. Fortunately, none would notice his vessel since there was a lot of debris of old war machinery on these hills. The Kyandrian son identified a 2F-Razor Tank as well as a Kyandrian Hauler Glider, which seemed to have crashed horribly here. He concluded that there was still a lot of work left to be done.

After a walk of aat least one hour he reached the ivory walls of Kalessa. They were more battered than he could see from his earlier position on top of a hill. Gaidal imagined that at least one of the 2F-Razor Tanks he saw, must have been responsible for a series of gigantic holes in that wall. That tanks was equipped with a powerful rocket launcher that could easily launch eight to ten rockets in ten seconds. It was a horrible tool of destruction, but also highly effective. So he kept walking and passed the former main gate of the city. Immediately behind the walls were on both ends of the walls four large cannons. There were long-range artillery guns that confirmed the theory that ‘Kyandrians always liked big guns. The bigger, the better: especially if they had humongous firepower.’

He finally reached the desolate and empty plaza near city hall and was about to walk passed it when two strange characters came from an alley between two buildings and noticed Gaidal. One wore his ceremonial Zaigi armour, while they other appeared much taller in his heavily armed BT-Mobillius armour. The latter armour was extremely tough and made it look like that the one in it was a robot. It was slow, but steady and powerful. One looked like a ‘mobile tank’ in such armour. Zaigi Clan was one of the Clans that formed an alliance with thee other Clans that wanted to win elections by fraud. The Tenkai Clan, which were Gaidal’s clan, were in the other alliance. The conflict eventually led to the devastating Clan War. Since the beginning of that war, Zaigi and Tenkai remained enemies.

The man in the ceremonial armour got close towards the Sith and noticed something familiar about him.
“Well, well” the man said, while he spread a distasteful smell of too much alcohol, “I believe another Tenkai child returned home. Always nice to see another hill wolf such as you!”
“Whether or not I’m of Tenkai Clan is not your concern, warrior” Gaidal said coldly, “But I do wonder how two Zaigi swamp cats ended up here…”
“Did you hear that, Maiko? The young one addressed me as ‘warrior’, so he does know the traditions and culture of the Clans. That probably means you’re not a warrior yourself, am I right… civilian?” the drunken warrior continued, while the other man continued to look at Gaidal. After the bad humoristic of the first man, a metallic laugh came from within the BT-armour and rumbled:
“We, Leox and I, are here because of the Republic. They don’t have enough soldiers to uphold the order and that is where we get in. Otherwise a Zaigi member would never set foot on Tenkai territory!”
“You don’t have to be here” Gaidal whispered, “you can always leave. Why don’t you two leave right now?”
“So this civilian has a sharp tongue”, rattled the alcoholic Zaigi warrior, “perhaps you need a lesson of obedience, don’t you think Maiko?”
“Ok, try me Zaigi!” the Sith said out loud, while he took a defensive stance.

Then everything happened quickly. Leox grabbed his ceremonial blade, the Chatka. Gaidal was familiar with it, but knew he had to be quick. The man extended the blade and rapidly began with a flurry attack. Gaidal decided to evade his attacks by jumping and ducking. Force users were marked as pariah’s on Kyandria, so he tried to avoid using his lightsaber. Maiko continued to watch (and probably scan) the Force user, while he kept one of the laser guns locked onto Gaidal’s heart. If the battle would get out of hand, he would simply end it.

Gaidal noticed that, despite his drunken state he was in, Leox was an excellent duellist and well-trained. He simply intensified his attacks and got into the winning mood, while the Sith saw he was losing territory to his opponent. Suddenly he felt the wall of a ruin in his back. There was not much time left. Leox approached his opponent quickly and raised his Chatka and meanwhile Gaidal duck and rolled to the left and ignited his lightsaber. The red blade emerged from the hilt and held the Chatka back. Leox seemed to be surprised by this sudden chance and immediately walked passed him while throwing his blade into the air. As soon as he caught it with his right-hand, he pierced through the armour while standing back to back. The Kyandrian warrior was still surprised what happened, while blood dripped out of the corner of his mouth. He fell on his knees and died in those moments of weakness. The Sith turned around and looked right into the gun of Maiko.

“Bye-bye darn Force-user, you made a big mistake” the giant said, but before he could fire a laser beam he too fell on the ground. He had a burning hole on the back and smoke circled into the sky. Someone took him out without making a sound. Gaidal embraced the Force and studied the ruins and saw a brief flickering of something in the sun. Like it was all he needed, two shots were fired from a small, dark balcony. One hit the ground while the other was being dodged by his lightsaber. Bounty hunters! It had to be the work of bounty hunters! The Sith started to retreat immediately, while defending himself against the firing from long distance. When he was behind a safe wall, he looked around and saw he was sitting next to the city hall. Darn, he thought, that was close, very close.

While he entered the almost completely restored city hall, he kept thinking about what just happened. He now knew he was a marked man, a traitor. Every man or woman from Clan Plagueis would hunt him down if they had the chance. They would probably have great pleasure over his death and none would care whether or not he needed to be brought back alive. Some people simply liked the hunt too much and bounty hunters were the least of his problems. So he hoped Aabsdu would follow him, at least for a while. His plan would fail without him. He walked over a marvel floor. The interior was mostly covered with dust and many people seemed to be working here. While the plaza was without a living soul, all people appeared to be gathered here.

A man left a room at the end of the main lobby and walked towards a primitive desk. He saw the man in dark robes and cloak and raised an eyebrow. Gaidal got closer and asked the question he so needed to ask:
“Where can I find the ruins of Fort Nagan? I need to investigate it since I'm an archeologist.”
“The ruins of Fort Nagan aren’t exactly a tourist attraction. It’s highly dangerous and you can only go their by foot and proper authorisation from the Kyandrian authorities…” the man behind the desk slowly explained.
“Well, I think I can have the necessary documents” Gaidal mumbled and the other man got in some kind of trance and repeated: “You can have the necessary documents.”
“You will take care of it immediately…”
“I will take care of immediately…”
After that the man left his desk once more and entered another room.

Gaidal kept thinking of what he would find exactly in Fort Nagan. It was the only message he got from the other party. It was not much, but the Sith knew where it came from. It was the only proof of and link to the mole. The traitor remained hidden and was carefully planning his tactics and strategy. Still, he did not know whether or not Braecen was a decoy or not. In theory there could still be two traitors, or perhaps even more than two. All and all, Gaidal would have a clean shot at this particular mole as long he was able to avoid any more bounty hunters and former brothers and sisters in arms. It was a long-shot but worth the while. A name kept going through his mind until he said it out loud: Doruno Kog.

The old starfighter made his exit point few thousands clicks from the orbital point of Sigil 2. Unprepared of his arrival, a small squadrom of fighters set course to intercept the new treat to Exar Kun’s security. He took a glance at the three TIE Phamtoms with a smile. He remember when he took a few of them for his Clan few years back.

He was flying on his old starfighter, an ETA-2 Actis he has been using since the Clone Wars soo many years ago. It was been updated in the years with some of the recent technology and now it was able to jump to hyperspace without the need of a docking ring as well as new shield deflectors.

“Unidentified fighter, this is Blade of Kun 3-1, you entered our space unauthorized. State your business quick or be ready to be star dust.”

“Hmm CoFo is that you ? This is Khan, brother, since when you can fly ?”

The Dark Jedi Master was entertained by this turn of events. “Yes Khan, it’s me and I have always been able to fly a starfighter, I just didn’t bothered to inform you heh” CoFo paused for a second to force himself not to laugh “ What are you doing around here Khan ? “

“I’m returning home.” Was his only answer.

“Good, I’ll inform the base of your arrival. Follow the course I’m sending you and you’ll be fine. Go talk with your new Quaestor when you land, he’ll be glad to know you are with us now.”

“Very well brother, I’ll meet you later in the common room.” Khan turned off his comm and set course as instructed by his old friend. Few minutes later he was waiting outside the Quaestor’s chamber waiting for a meeting.

All stealth was now abandoned. Opening a direct conduit to the Dark Side, Jonaleth strode down the corridor towards the stairs whilst harnessing his special gift with Warp Matter. A Necromancers training was in life as well as death, how to twist and bend, to control and harness that fine line that seperated them. Flesh, spirit and bone all answered to a Necromancer, and Isradia used that now. He shed his outer robe, cloak and shirt as he walked. His black nails lengthened and curved into talons, and beneath his skin, muscle could be seen rippling and bulging like clay on a wheel.

The Dark Adepts spine began to curve with a stomach churning crack, and his canine incisors lengthened even as his face distorted into something more resembling a muzzle. Jonaleths sapphire eyes flooded red as if coated in blood, and he hunched forwards to walk like a demonic ape down the stairs. What exited at the bottom was more monster than man.

It roared like a lion, flecks of spit flying from its mouth as it threw its arms wide in challenge, and a supernatural wave of fear raidated from it.

"Close the blast doors!" Bellowed a stormtrooper commander as the beast galloped forwards on all fours. Immediately, heavy metal shield doors slammed home, and the small company inside sagged. Their relief was only momentary, however, as a sudden fist-shaped dent rose from the door, followed in succession by two more.

"Its breaking through!" shouted another trooper, backing away towards the door leading further inside.

"Hold your ground soldier." The commander ordered as he signalled others to get into position. The blast door lasted another ten seconds before exploding inwards, ripped from the wall on its hinges, crushing a trooper opposite. Amidst a cloud of dust and yells, the ravenous monster burst in. The second casualty died when the creature snapped his neck, and the third when the body was used to club him into the wall. Screaming hatred and anger, the beast shrugged off the rain of blaster fire bombarding it and leapt over a guard rail towards the commander. Grabbing him in one huge hand, it crushed his neck and tossed him away.

Three Stormtroopers charged, and the beast spun towards them, slicing its talon across their stomachs, cutting through armour and flesh, spilling their insides across the floor. An onlooker wretched, and then died as the monster lifted him and bit clean through his throat. The remaining troopers started to flee, and the thing bounded after them. Landing after on the back of the first, the Isradia thing grasped his head and pulled it from his body, then lept into chase again as its prey neared another sealed door.

On the other side, three Arconan Jedi turned as they heard the blood curdling screams and thumps, then back away reflexively as the beasts fear-aura slammed into them as its fist struck the door. One more strike destroyed this barrier too, and as the attacker entered, the scientists with the Jedi yelled in terror and paniced, fleeing in all directions.

The Dark Siders were more controlled. They held their nerve through years of gruelling training and discipline, and ignited their lightsabers. The creature was now dripping in blood and ichor, framed in the grisley scene of violent deaths, and regarded them for only a moment before attacking. The first to die raised his blade to cut off the downward coming closed fist of the beast, and failed to see its open hand come in low. It burst through his chest and back and turned to the next.

The once Dark Adept leapt again, and was pushed aside as blast from the Force hurled him backwards. His attacker jumped to make a coup-de-grace, and was met with a skull striking him in the face, breaking his nose and cheek then batting him aside like a toy. The creature turned to the last, and gave a croaking, rasping sound. The Arconan realised that it was laughing. Before his eyes, the beast shrunk and faded, slimming and reducing until Jonaleth Isradia stood before him, laughing resonantly.

The sound bounced off the walls, laced with the Dark Side, and the barechested Loremaster raised his arms, alight with blue-white fire. Glacing at them for a moment, he played with the sparks in his hands, then cast his gaze on the remaining foe. All around, the scientists either cowered or were going berserk from fear. Laughing like a madman, Isradia unleashed the lightning on his enemy, causing the Arconans robes to erupt in flame, and swept the room with its cleansing power. Man after man died, but even when all had fallen, charred and burning, Jonaleth did not relent, wantanly destroying eveything within sight, until at last, the battle rage subsided.

Dark Adept Jonaleth Isradia looked around at his work and said only, "All shall fear Plagueis." Surveying the damage, he found the console he was looking for. Pressing a few quick controls, another door slid open, and he entered a silo containing a huge missile. On the other side was a flashing console, and as he approached, Jonaleth could see that the weapon had been armed. The co-ordinates had been set for the homeworld of Clan Scholae Palatinae. The Arconans must have realised that they had been detected, and were already planning to deploy the Sun Crusher before the other Clans could act. Too late, however.

It took only a moment to Isradia to enter the new target; Clan Naga Sadow, and intitate the final launch sequence. Wasting no time, he smashed the console to prevent further tampering, and swept from the silo, through the charnal house he had left in his wake, and collected his robes. Outside, he waited, and was rewarded with the scream of motors pulling the silo doors open, and the warning rumble of rockets firing. The Dark Adept walked back to his Phantom, and boarded as the missile took the heavens and sped off on its course. Arcona had just declared war on Naga Sadow, and thanks to the blasters Jon had brought, Taldryan would recieve the blame from Arcona for causing it. With the Phantom concealing his identity, and the Force Supression Jonaleth had been utilising through his mission, none would know he had been here.

Then finally, when the three Clans ceased their fighting, Plagueis could destroy the weakened remnants. As Jonaleth fled into hyperspace once again, he knew they would never suspect the true enemy within.

"Senator, if you are unable to control them, then I will," sneered the Quaestor of House Exar Kun. On the screen was one of the highest-ranking senators in the Aerunian Senate, looking rather nervous. He had just informed Scorpius that the looming threat of civil war on Aerun was growing. "My yacht will be arriving in Koni City soon. Have the Senate assembled to meet me."

"Y-yes, sir," bowed the senator as his image disappeared from the screen. As soon as that happened, the new computer Scorpius had installed in his office came to life, a much more droid-like voice speaking.

"Quaestor, Dark Adept Khan is outside the door to greet you," said the voice.

Scorpius rolled his eyes; the stupid computer must have been broken. The only thing that looked like Khan around Diadem Fortress was a statue of him in the front, where all the statues of the Consuls and Proconsuls of former Clan Exar Kun rested. Perhaps someone was playing a joke again; in the Chambers of Diadem, where the statues of the Quaestors of House Exar Kun were kept, someone had stolen a statue of Godo once and placed it in Scorpius' office.

However, as the Prodigy of Plagueis stood, he reached out through the Force, and sure enough felt the presence of the Dark Adept outside of his office door. Scorpius walked towards the entrance and opened it, looking upon Khan. He smiled slightly.

"Welcome, Excellency... This is an unexpected surprise," said the Quaestor. "It is my honor to meet you. I am Priest Scorpius, the Quaestor of House Exar Kun."

"And I am Dark Adept Khan, founder of Clan Exar Kun and former Master At Arms of the Brotherhood," returned the powerful Sith before him. "I have decided to return to Exar Kun."

"Fantastic news," said Scorpius, grinning. "I am taking a quick trip to the planetary capital--Koni--to deal with some Aerunian political problems. You are more than welcome to accompany me on my yacht; it will only be a brief trip, and I could use the time to inform you of our present situation."

"Very well," nodded Khan.


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Moments later, the two were aboard the Pacifica, a pleasure yacht provided to the Quaestor by the Clan. Scorpius was sitting opposite Khan, informing the Dark Adept of the current state of affairs of the House and Clan. Scorpius also briefly touched on the similar history of the two; having been a Jedi before the fall of the Old Republic, the Krath had, too, come into contact with Lord Sidious and served as a member of his Secret Society, spying on Imperial Admirals to make sure they did not rebel against the Emperor's authority. However, he did not stay on these topics too long; there were more pressing issues. He brought up the disappearances of Gaidal and Aabsdu, in the hopes that the forefather of Exar Kun might offer some guidance. However, before he could be given any advice, both of the Kunians felt a strong disturbance in the Force.

Scorpius leapt up and looked out the window; the two TIEs escorting the yacht were each shot down by three Z-95 Headhunters pulling in behind the ship. "Damn it," hissed Scorpius, walking to the cockpit and looking at the pilots. "Ready the blaster turrets; we have company."

Khan's eyes narrowed. Using the Force, he motioned his hands towards one of the enemy starfighters and managed to crash it into one of the others; two ships were destroyed, but the third remained. However, the Heir of Exar Kun realized that the disturbance was not external, but internal.

There's a bomb on the ship.

Scorpius sensed the explosion just before it took place; the cockpit was torn apart. Khan managed to use the Force to stop the Quaestor from getting blasted from the ship, instead getting hit towards the back of the yacht where he was. Another explosions sounded from below; the landing mechanisms were gone. Moments later, so were the back thrusters. The ship went crashing down towards the Decarian Jungles.

Scorpius, groaning from the blast, managed to open his eyes just as the ship crashed into the ground, again causing him to blackout.


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At the same time the assassination attempt on the Quaestor was being carried out, explosions sounded around the walls of Diadem Fortress. Alarms sounded throughout the castle; Dark Jedi moved to their posts, but most were relatively undisturbed the sounds. After all, who could breach the awesome security of their fortress? It was probably the safest building in the entire Jusadih System; when Scorpius designed it, he had emphasized on strong defenses, almost as if anticipating an attack.

What the current Quaestor did not anticipate when he designed Diadem Fortress, however, was an enemy within the walls of the fortress.

Someone cut off the power and generators to the outer defenses; the shields, cameras, and turrets that protected the perimeter of Diadem Fortress were shut off, as were the anti-air turrets. Moments later, groups of Aerunian raiders breached the walls, blasters and other weapons in hand. An Equite used his lightsaber to kill an Aeruinian charging at him, and frowned; he knew that there had always been a threat of civil war on Aerun, but who would in their right minds assault House Exar Kun? And where would these revolutionaries manage to get such blasters?

He was confused even more when several Z-95 Headhunters and three transports appeared in the sky, one of the starfighters shooting him. As the equite lay dying, he managed to see inside the cockpit of one of the landing transports; the emblem of Clan Naga Sadow was in it. The devils had turned several of the radical factions on Aerun against the Dark Jedi and were supplying them with weapons!!

Before he could share this with anyone, though, he died.

With contact with Scorpius being mysteriously lost, the Aedile having vanished, and the defenses of Diadem Fortress lowered from within its own walls, the Dark Jedi of House Exar Kun were in a very precarious position. They knew they needed to fight off these invaders at all costs.

Galaphile al'Tor was walking down towards the Quaestors office when he felt blaster tear at the Diadem Fortress defenses. "What the hell," he muttered as he Force-ran towards the explosion. There he saw a small group of Aerunian shooting at a company of Jedi Hunters who were hiding behind pillars and shooting back, with Force-enhanced aim. He ignited his red saber and was about to help them when two Dark Jedi wearing the emblem of Naga Shadow jumped over the Aerunians and started towards Hunters.

Galaphile Force-leaped in front of them and went into Makashi form. The Aerunians stopped firing and so did the Jedi Hunters, now watching the Dark Jedi confronting. Galaphile may be a master at the art of Makashi, but the form focused on one person, not two. He would sureley be killed. They ignited their single sabers, both green, but at that moment Battle Team Leader Vasily ran up behind Galaphile his curved lightsaber in hand, emitting light-blue light. "Need a little help," he said grinning but staring at the Naga Shadow Knights.

The Falleen didn't get to answer for one of the Jedi was upon him in seconds and was sending fierce strikes at him, in the form of Shii-Cho. Galaphile grinned, this was going to be an easy kill. But parried attacks and started to back away. As he kicked the Jedi away after a jump attack on his forearm he glanced at the Sith Warrior. The Sith Commander was dominating his foe, with spectacular attacks. Galaphile did not worry about him at all. But continued on the assult on the Naga Shadow Dark Jedi.

The Jedi was getting desperate Galaphile and started using wild techniques now abandoning the Shii-Cho form. The battle was now in Galaphile's favor; using his agilty he parried an attack towards his face to the ground and brought his saber in a arc towards the Knights neck. The humans head fell to the ground with a disgusting thump. The Falleen Knight looked over at the Warrior who had severed the Knights body in half. But before they could say a thing the Aerunians fired upon them. With the help of the Jedi Hunters they dispatched them in an instant.

"It looks like this was not planned on," Galaphile said finishing the last of the group of Aerunians rebels with a jab with his saber.

"Looks not, we have to rally with the rest before the pick us off one by one." Vasily barked, angered by the attack on one of the most secure defenses in the Judsiath system.

We have to evacuate from Decaria, we will be overun within hours if we do not leave. But if the Equites nad Elders came then we might stand a chance.

Galaphile thought as he followed Vasily through the hallways filled with bodies of comrads and enemies.

As Dark Jedi of various ranks ran through the dim hallways of Diedem Fortress to engage the Naga Sadow-supported Aerunian Rebels which were already infiltrating the mighty home of House of Exar Kun, Virulence moved swiftly away from the fighting, down the long hallway containing the Summit offices, and the House’s war room, with the hood of his cloak down, and a look of pure hate on his jagged face. Grabbing the robes of a passing Protector, he hissed “Follow me” to the young, dark haired Human, before stopping in the doorway to the maintenance room, and yelling at the maintenance crew cowering in the corner “Get up, grab your gear, and come with me!” The trio of general repair personnel reluctantly left their poor excuse for a hiding place, and grabbed their tools, hurrying after the Priest and the Protector, as they approached the small door at the end of the hall.

Virulence went to reach for the small control panel to the right of the steel door, but stopped, realizing the controls had been smashed. The Barabel bared his razor sharp teeth, and his blazing red eyes narrowed in anger, as sparks shot sporadically from the small panel. The Priest snatched his saber off his belt, igniting the emerald blade as the protector and maintenance crew took several steps back, and shoving the searing blade straight through the door. Starting at the top left corner, Virulence slowly sliced around the edge of the door, as molten steel dripped from around the blade’s piercing green glow. Bringing the blade back around to his starting point, the Barabel deactivated his saber, and kicked the middle of the door inwards, sending the large chunk of steel flying over the railing beyond.

The maintenance crew exchanged nervous glances as the pair of Dark Siders walked through the large hole in the door, and then followed, staying close to the force users as they all descended the stairs into the Fortress’ power room. As they reached the power room, Virulence rasped to the maintenance crew “I want power back up now!”, and quickly surveyed the colossal generators which supplied Diedem’s power, as the repair technicians hurried over to check the systems. There didn’t seem to be any major damage, although the reptile could have been looking straight at the problem and wouldn’t know it, and after a moment, he asked the maintenance crew “Can you fix it?” with an overwhelming sense of urgency in his deep and dry voice.

“Yes, the generators are fine, someone cut all the power lines running into the distribution grid.” One of the crew replied.

Moving over to the crew’s position, the reptile surveyed the cut lines, and hissed angrily under his breath. They had obviously been cut with a lightsaber, but the cuts weren’t as clean as they should have been, the lines looked as though they had been hacked repeatedly, pointing towards the use of a lower-powered training saber. “How long until we have power?”

“Five minutes, we just need to patch the lines.” The repair technician replied, moving as fast as he could to repair the damage.

Suddenly, the Krath sensed something move behind him, and in a flash spun 180 degrees on his heel, his saber springing to life milliseconds before three blaster bolts came sailing out from behind several stacks of crates in the dark corner of the power room. The Priest bounced two back into the corner with his blade, as the third hit the Protector in the left side of his head, causing the right side to blow outwards, spraying the wall with blood and chunks of tissue, as the Human’s lifeless body hit the floor.

Virulence let out a piercing wail at the sight of the dead Kunian, and shot his clawed hand outwards, and then to the right, telekinetically sending the crates in the corner flying to the side. What remained was a young Zabrak, a Jedi Hunter by the look of his robes, however Virulence had never seen this Hunter in Diedem before. Before the wide-eyed Zabrak could get another shot off, Virulence slipped a locust knife out of the pouch strapped to his left wrist, and sent the small razor flying into the Hunter’s trigger hand. Screaming in pain, the Zabrak dropped his E-11 rifle, and grabbed his injured hand, dropping to one knee. Virulence began to move towards the Hunter, however before he took two steps, the Zabrak reached down with his good hand and pulled out a Merr-Sonn J1 blaster, put the small barrel into his mouth, and blew the horn-encircled top of his own head into the corner behind him.

“Dammit!” Virulence hissed, chastising himself for not moving faster. The Priest turned, and clipped his now deactivated saber onto his belt, moving back over to the maintenance crew. “Keep working, I want this fixed now!”

“Yes Sir.” One of them replied, as the Barabel leapt up the stairs and out of the power room.

"Son of a Sith Harlott," Galaphile cried as he struck another Aerunian with his red saber. The fight was not tunring in their favor, rather the oppposite, if the Kunians were to fight Naga Shadow Warrior alone they could hold them off till reinforments arrived and drove them off, but with the help of Aerunians this was proving even more difficult. The Sith Warrior Vasily and Dark Jedi Knight Galaphile had been running through hallways helping anyone they could but it proved useless, they just kept coming. Then they noticed something, their were no returning fire towards the starfighters and frigates in the sky.

"The power is out," Vasily said what was dawning on the company of Jedi. "We have to fix it before its to late, we have to go down ther and protect it before they inflict anymore damage."

The Jedi nodded and ran towards the generators. There they came before a door that had been obiviously cut by saber, the edges still fresh with heat. Alarm crossed their faces as they thought that Naga Shadow Knights were down there tearing apart the place. They ran, using the Force to enhance their movements. As they rounded a corner they saw a small group sitting there doing something to some power lines.

Galaphile was about yell at them but realized that they were technician and mechanics who worked at Diadem Fortress. And strange relief took over him as he saw Virluence standing over there, his menacing Barabel eyes glaring at their arrival. "You guys know whats happening," he barked clearly angry.

He now could see why, a battle a just took place probably moments before they came. A Protector, by the looks of his robes was dead lying next to Virluences feet, blood splattered all over the place. "The Aerunians and the Naga Shadow bastards have teamed up together and are trying to demolish us," Galaphile replied. "I saw the insignia on one of the Jedi me and Vas were fighting."

Virluence growled fiercely, sending a chill of fear through Galaphiles spine. "We see you have things under controlled here, we'll return to the hallway and try to stop anyone from entering. Its too crowded for all of us to stand here, and we'll be easy prey to a grenade," Sith Warrior Vasily said deactivating his saber.

The Krath Priest nodded, and shouted, "Go before they come back, we can't afford to lose the cannons at this time."

The company of Dark Jedi nodded and returned two the hallway and stood guard. But as soon as they entered the walkway two of the Jedi Hunters that were behind him were killed instantly by a red saber. The owner called it back to his hands. The rest of the Jedi looked at the Naga Shadow Jedi before them. By looking at his robes and order color, they could tell he was a Sith Battle Lord. Bantha Fodder. How in the hell are we supposed to defeat him. Galaphile thought as he and the Sith Commander ignited their sabers.

He came at them forcively using his saber as some sort of barrier in front of himself, leaving no room for an attack to come. The Jedi Hunters watched angrily as the Battle Lord attacked the saber-weilders, knowing that if they fired upon them then it would put the Knight and the Warrior at risk of getting shot. With Makashi at his hands Galaphile thought himself invincible in the style of combat, but the Battle Lord was fighting them as if he were blind, elegantly executing the Vaapad style powerfully.

Then the Battle Lord decided the battle was over, and kicked Vasily in the forehead, which snapped back with a crack. But before he could impale the Warrior who had fallen to the ground, Galaphile jabbed viscously at him, who easily dodged it. This attack left Galaphile temporarily defenseless, and the Battle Lord saw it as well. The Naga Shadow Jedi brought his boot up to Galaphile's stomach who let out a bloodcurtling roar. But he wasn't finished yet, giving the him another kick to the chest, the Battle Lord sent a powerful Force push towards Galaphile who was thrown against the durasteel wall.

The Battle Lord left him and the Warrior alive and went down the passage that they had just came from. Oh no, he's going to kill the crew and Virluence. He tried painfully to get back up, surpressing the pain with the Force, and walked over to the Warrior who had now straightened himself up. He rotated his neck twice, using an Equite technique to try and heal his neck and also surpressing the pain with the Force.

"We have to get down there and help Virluence, the Barabel is strong but is not match for the kriffing Battle Lord," Galaphile yelled at them all his claws extending with rage.

The Falleen looked up to see that the Jedi Hunters had fled, seeing that they to would be destroyed if they stayed any longer. The Sith Commander hissed angrily as he saw that the Jedi Hunters had left in fear of certain death. They would deal with them later. They didn't say a word but continued down the passageway to help Krath Priest Virluence out, before he succumbed to death by the Battle Lord.

The shuttle was demolished, part for the impact and and part for the bombs that went off on the ship. Both the jedi survived the impact, even tho Scorpius was unconscious, and they had to get out the wreckage they were into.
Khan looked at the hull near where he left his Quaestor to recover from his injuries and took one of his lightsabers. Reaching the metal surface of the ship’s current sides he looked for the best part to cut thru and free themselves. His red blade come to life and he started to open a passage thru the slides of metal that were between them and freedom.
Moment later the air of the jungle surrounding Diadem filled the shuttle freeing some of the smoke.
Khan looked at his Quaestor still unconscious and went out for a inspection of the surrounding area looking for enemies. He knew one of the Z-95 wasn’t gone and the pilot could be as well around here looking to complete his mission.
He didn’t had to wait long for his new “friend” to show himself as the was welcomed by a small burst of blaster fire coming from a cover position behind a tree. Khan training in Soresu took good care of the blots while a simple gesture and the help of the Force took care of the weapon itself.
Loosing his advantage with the ranged weapon, the knight wearing the marking of Naga Sadow charged with his purple bladed lightsaber in is hands. Khan knew that stance, he developed it decades ago with his, back then, friend Master Windu, a Vaapad stance. The young knight was brave and could have gone far with some training, hadn’t he meet the Dark Adept in time of war. The lifeless body of the fallen knight lay down motionless a moment later.

“Now that went well” said Scorpius coming out of the wreckage of the ship. “ I knew you were good with the lightsaber and I’m even more glad I brought you with me”.

“He tried to attack me with a technique I helped to develop, Quaestor. Beside, the gap between us was too great and here in the real world there are no techniques to fill the difference with rituals.” Said Khan looking at the dead body laying on the ground.

“Well, at last we have a [Expletive Deleted] to get back to Diadem, I feel something wrong’s going on” Scorpius started looking at the trail of their attacker to find the location of his landing. “This way, I hope it’s not far from here”.


The Force helped the two Dark Jedi to cover the brief distance from where they crashed and the Naga Sadowian landed in few moments. The Z-95 was there ready to take off. “The pilot must have tought we were dead already” suggested the Krath Priest “ too bad this is a one person only starfighter “

“I’m a Shi’Ido, I can can change my shape and become something much smaller, this way we can both get back to Diadem with this fighter.”

“Well, how do you know I can fly this thing ?” said Scorpius with curiosity.

“You told me you were Mundi’s padawan, and I’m sure as such you received the same training with basic flying as any other Jedi in the days of the Old Republic.” Khan said looking the Priest in the eyes. “Now if you excuse me I need to take some steps before changing form” He handed Scorpius his lightsaber now linked to form a lightstaff, took few steps back and toke the shape of an Ewok “It might be uncomfortable for the both of us but there should be anough space now inside this starfighter” he paused looking at the expression on Scorpius face “and one word on my current shape and you’ll have a terrible accident on the way home, Quaestor” said Khan in a dark tone.

Few minutes later they were above Diadem.

The broken land speeder made him realize he should never had bought the darn thing. Although it only cost him 150 credits, he desired quality over quantity. Gaidal cursed on himself for being so greedy and cheap. The engine failed after a few miles so he had to continue by walking towards the destroyed fortress by foot. The idea of walking through the dust and sand was not an ideal perspective, especially since there was also a burning sun to deal with. It had been a long, hot walk and it made him grin a bit when he finally reached the entrance of Nagan.

The fortress was a relic and built after the 'Sixth Clan War'. It was already old-fashioned and out of date when the 'Seventh Clan War' started. Still, the Tenkai Clan were convinced that they had to use it. Even when it no longer had any strategical purpose at all, they should honour their fallen leader by maintaining it. It was the famous doijmi Nagan of Tenkai, who built it after the Sixth War to prevent another war would occur on such enormous scale. His plan was both idealistic and progressive, but never realistic. Nagan was a war hero and had the ability to change patterns, but he underestimated the stubbornness of the average Kyandrian warrior. They were almost bred for war and lived for the kill. Following the path of peace was never a true option.

Fort Nagan took some serious hits during the first few days of the last war. The Zaigi Clan was convinced it was the central headquarters of the Tenkai Clan. They launched a major attack with two fully equipped and armed battalions of 2F-Razor Tanks. According to the history logs, Fort Nagan was only one of many fortresses in the defensive line of the Federalists alliance. Eventually, it fell and the artillery fire buried the entire chidden ompound, which was located under the surface. There was a huge chance that there were still corpses left in the underground structure, as well as all kinds of forgotten weaponry. None ever bothered to take a look. Some things seemed to stay underground and forgotten.

The terrain within the walls was mutilated by heavy bombardments according to the large craters on the sandy patio. Every building, no matter whether they were small or large, was touched by the effect of war. They all had holes in the roofs for example. Gaidal studied a building that once was a control room and imagined warriors walking by with new transmissions coming from the front. It was almost like he could smell it, feel it or touch it. With the strangest sensation of pride he walked outside. By raising his hands into the air it appeared that he was trying to embrace the sun. He felt good and remembered his roots by opening himself for the past of his people.

It also had a unusual side-effect, because he also fell several disturbances rippling through the Force like small vibrations. Something was wrong, something was very wrong! He felt the chaos and knew that Clan Plagueis in need. Darn! This would ruin his plans. Aabsdu would be forced to return home in order to defend House Exar Kun, while he himself had to continue in order to identify the traitor amongst them. Doruno Kog. And just as he suddenly felt the chaos, it was gone. Like a warm blanket enclosed him and he felt nothing. This was getting stranger by the minute. It appeared some successfully cut him off the Force, so he could not feel a thing.

While he continued to walk over the patio of the fortress, he suddenly saw a small Devaronian male coming out of the shadows from an alley between two buildings. He wore the robes of a Dark Jedi and suddenly Gaidal saw the emblem of Clan Naga Sadow. It was the right Clan, but not the person he expected. The Devaronian smiled a bit and grabbed the hilt of his lightsaber without igniting it. The Kyandrian turned his head a bit and said:
“Don’t tell me that you’re 'Doruno Kog'. I’ll not buy that trick since I know who to expect and it isn’t you!”
According to the robes and hilt Gaidal was dealing with a Dark Jedi Knight, but he did not have the time to respond. The Knight decided to waste no time at all and charged while rapidly activating his lightsaber. A yellow blade appeared from the hilt. The Sith decided to jump backwards in order to grab his own saber.

The fight was devious and Gaidal blamed himself for being sloppy with earning promotions. He should have been a Battle Master by now, because he would probably be able to deal with this opponent more easily. The skills of a Battle Master would not be wasted by him, but instead of earning such promotions he followed the path of the Force. It was the first time he regretted a choice from the past and especially this decision. He jumped back and forth while blocking as much as he could and realized his space to freely move was restricted by his cloak. He grabbed it with his left-hand, pulled it from his shoulders and threw it into the face of the Devaronian.

It was all the time he needed and the tides were turning. His movements were still a bit rusty, but Gaidal started reading the battle once more. He studied every movement of his opponent and was looking for a gap in his defence or flaw in his technique. The Devaronian Knight was a muscular type with a dreadful walk and who used his strength with every move he made. The style was average and sober, while he put a lot of power in his blows. Besides that, the man was also quite fast. Gaidal had a little bit less strength, probably the same speed, but was more athletic and had a better developed style of fighting. In the end he was a trained duellist.

Then Gaidal noticed the gap in the attacks of his opponent. Every time the man wanted to come up with another strike, he waited for a few seconds. After that he charged once more, but that was exactly what he had been looking and waiting for. The Sith kept defending himself blow after blow until the right moment. The Devaronian waited for one brief moment and Gaidal rolled to the right. His opponent was surprised and tried to turn around to face his enemy once more, but the Sith was faster and used his advantage by piercing through the left side of his opponents’ body. The Knight growled and sank a bit through his knees and let his saber fall from his right-hand. Gaidal pulled his saber back and pierce through the head of his defenceless opponent. The man fell on his back and blood spread around his lifeless body. The Kyandrian checked the robes of the man, but did not find a clue.

He raised himself on his feet again and heard several strange clicking sounds. The Force gave him no warning, but he knew he was surrounded. Four heavily armed Kyandrians in BT-Mobillius armour decloaked out of the blue and had their large blasters pointing at him. Where did they come from, he wondered. From behind a large wall a man appeared. He had an all too familiar face. It was that exceptional goatee and the fact he had a glass of wine in his left hand. He drank the last drop of wine and threw the glass on the ground. After that he started applauding for the man in front of him, who was still surrounded by the Kyandrian warriors. It seemed like this man was entertaining himself by watching the previous duel. So typical him and his strange sense of humour, Gaidal thought. He blinked with his eyes a few times if he was trying to convince himself this was not the man he expected. It was the truth, although he did not like it for one bit.

“Well, if it isn’t 'Doruno Kog'” the Sith declared, “or should I say… Hello Godo Nurok!”

***

Aabsdu saw himself being confronted with a treacherous dilemma. On the one hand he sensed all the destruction and chaos through the Force coming from the Jusidah system. Due to the fact he was Aedile of House Exar Kun, he had some extra responsibilities there. When Clan Naga Sadow attacked like this, he should be on Aerun. He should be defending his House and assisting his Quaestor. At least a real Aedile would do that.

There was also the case of the compromised Master. This issue was personal, since Gaidal was once his mentor and close friend. They were even brothers through the al’Tor line. Due to the Kyandrian Aabsdu was being adopted by Lord Sunflash and Drodik and became a family member. He had an obligation to find his former Master. At least a real friend would do that.

He lost the Force signature of Gaidal only a few minutes ago and it was almost like he vanished from the surface. He did not use his hiding trick since he got on Kyandria, so why would he do it now? He suspected that something else happened to his Master, but he no longer had the necessary time to check on his whereabouts. He was running out of time if he continued to wonder like this. He had to choose, one way or another!

Aabsdu slapped himself in the face and came back to the land of the living. There was no time for daydreaming, there were decisions to be made. His House and Clan needed his desperate help since they were being attacked by a ruthless opponent. Aabsdu made up his mind and prepared his vessel to leave the space port of Kalessa once more. Gaidal was just another casualty of war, or would at least be treated like one. If he returned to Aerun, and it happened before, Aabsdu would see what he would do then. Despite the fact he did not like it, one could easily expect that Gaidal Dupar al'Tor was a traitor then, a pariah. Perhaps he was even the traitor who turned against his own Clan by giving away its secrets. Whatever happened after today, his former Master was on his own now. If Aabsdu had the chance he would try and find his old friend after the war. If he even survived the war, but that was the same case with Gaidal. He could already be dead by now...

The TIE Phantom dropped out of hyperspace above Kapsina with a startling lurch, and Jonaleth momentarily cursed all starships for their idiocy as he opened a communication channel, "Jusidah control, this is Dark Adept Isradia requesting approach to the Dark Tower, over."

He waited several minutes, but no response was forthcoming, "Jusidah control, repeat, this is Dark Adept Isradia. Please respond, over." No answer. The Loremaster seethed. Yet again, they were ignoring him. The punishment for this would be drawn out and brutal. Unwilling to attempt the landing on the fortified grounds of the Tower without the guidance of a controller, he pushed his throttle again and micro-jumped into Aerun orbit to seek a landing ground there, being sick to the teeth of flying himself around.

Sending out the comm signal again, there was still no answer. But this silence wasnt the quite of mere disrespectful ignorance, it was a static crackling lack of receipt. Frowning, Jonaleth dropped the ship into the atmosphere, and began approach to Diadem. He had never expected to see smoke rising from the fortress, nor a small but substantial rag-tag army invading through the wide open doors. The Dark Adept swept his mind out through the scene as he circled, touching the presences of the House, and feeling a familiar presence he had not sensed in long time. Spitting in disgust, he finally landed the TIE, settling to an unsteady halt in the service yard of the fortress.

There was the sound of blaster fire and fighting, muted, all around. A battle was clearly being waged within, and Isradia wondered for a moment why the guided defenses were not answering, until he saw that the fortress had no lights whatsoever. He tried the doors, but they refused to open. "Goddess teeth!" He swore, looking for a way inside. True, he could force himself in easily, but he was loathe to harm the fortress any further and provide another point of ingress for the attackers. Then his eyes alighted on a grille.

Moving swiftly over, the Dark Adept tore up the cover and leapt down into the darkness, landing with a heavy thump in a gas and water maintence circulation room. The room was pitch black and silent, but this was no object for the Adept, his senses guiding him to the door, which he pulled aside with one hand, and found himself looking down from a gangway into the bowels of Diadems machinery. Huge pipes for gas and water led from the room he had left into this one, along the ceiling and down towards the reactor, which was even now still beating steadily. Yet there was no power in the fortress - a line must have been cut somewhere.

Jonaleth circled the gangway close to the roof, and then at last saw a group a men hunkered over a panel in the floor, another standing over them, his dark robes and clawed hands pleasingly familiar. The Loremaster was about to call out when another man entered, this one unfamiliar, but dressed as a Battlelord, pursued by Vasily and Galaphile. Virulence was ready, however, and his green blade hissed to life as the Sith charged. Galaphile and Vasily quickly joined the melee, but the Vapaad form employed by their enemy threatened to overwhelm them all.

"For Naga Sad..." the Battlelord began, though his words were cut off as a shockwave of lightning struck him in the back, pushing him through the air and slamming him into the wall. Jonaleth held his attack as he stepped over the rail and fell to the floor thirty feet below. Force Lightning cascaded from his outstretched arms, his fingers spread as if grasping the Battlelord, who writhed in agony, "I think not." he barked, and the lightning surged with a brilliant flash travelling along the beam. The Naga Sadow jedi erupted in fire, then fell to the floor, smoking.

"Your timing is excellent, my Master." Virulence greeted him, bowing.

"My thanks, Master Isradia." said Galaphile, duplicating the bow.

The Loremaster nodded to all three, "I suggest we get the power back on, gentlemen. Virulence, please ensure that it is not terminated again. Galaphile, Vasily, we will go to the front and stop this petty rebellion. The people of Aerun shall learn not to defy the will of Plagueis."

The most comforting and most scariest feeling overtook Galaphiles senses, the sight of Virluence and Master Isradia. His scales rippled repedeatly, as he saw Dark Adept kill the Battle Lord with one attack. There were saved, but they didn't know how many Jedi or Aerunians were coming but they had Jonaleth with them, a ruthless Anzat Adept, who would kill without pause, the same with Viluence.

Who would dare go against them, unless the Naga Shadow Jedi sensed Jonaleths presense then they would not send any Elders into the Fortress, but who knew at this point. The war was proving unpredictable by the minute from Jedi Knights to Battle Lords there seemed know end to the Jedi. Galaphile hoped to god that there was no Elder coming their way, even with his saber he was not sure he was skilled enough to block a lightning attack of such velocity and force like Master Jonaleth.

"Ok at least fifteen more minutes and we'll have this all patched up," cried one of the maintenance crew, who was now scared beyond belief. Galaphile couldn't blame him, he had just seen the Adpet unleashe a terrifying amount of electricty into the Battle Lords back, setting the Dark Jedi aflame.

"Good after they are done it would be good to protect this place incase they come back again," Jonaleth said.

They Jedi company nodded and turned their attention towards passageway. The Aerunians would be flocking in by the hundreds to take down the defense system and keep it that way. Not counting the Naga Shadow Jedi, which Galaphile hoped they wouldn't encounter while standing guard. But as his thoughts were clouding his mind he heard heavy footsteps coming towards them. A Dark Jedi Knight ran around the corners yelling somethying, but Galaphile could not catch what he was saying.

Finally the Knight came within hearing distance shouting, "There coming, hordes of them run for-." The Knight was caught short as a laser caught him in the back of the head killing him instantly. Sniper. Galaphile thought angrily. Jedi Aerunian warriors and now trained snipers, what else can happen. But at that moment as the Knight said hordes of Aerunians came streaming through the passageway. Galaphile did not even let out a sigh of relief. He was not trained in the art of Soresu, and would not last long if they sent a barriage of fire at them.

If the Equites and the Elder Isradia didn't protect him. He was going to die.

With two Jacs running around, younglings were constantly getting into fights over which one was real. They all failed to stop and think about what may really be happening around their very feet. While they fought over leaders, an enemy within had all too easily cut the power lines to all the Diadem Fortress' defenses, and not the house was engulfed in a medium-scale battle involving Naga Sadow jedi and Aerun Rebels. Meanwhile, deep within the outer rim towards the edge of the known region of the galaxy, the house Aedile searches for an answer that would live with him forever. Finally, he made up his mind that for now, his house was more important, and that his loyalty lied with Exar Kun. As quickly as possible, the battlemaster raced to the small TIE he had flown here, and reentered hyperspace as he made his way back to Aerun.

He only hoped that he wouldn't get there too later...

*****

Diadem Fortress: HQ of House Exar Kun and currently involved in a battle between Kunian Warriors, Naga Sadow Jedi, and Aerunian Rebels

Another blast echoed throughout the fortress as the transports once again fired upon the building. Three hundred Aerun Rebels ran through the large hole in the wall that the first impact had created, and began firing upon the jedi defending their home. A small squad of Naga Sadow warriors ran through the hole, and assisted their new allies in beating back the Plaguians. Meanwhile, unknown to anyone inside the fortress, and small squad of five knights placed small bombs on various walls all around the fortress, and set the timer for thirty minutes. As soon as they had finished their job, the three transports and fighters would take back to the sky, leaving those still fighting to die. They were only a distraction after all, in a much bigger plan.

In the generator room, a tiny Bothan mechanic yelled in triumphed as she finished her job, "The north side turrents are back online," she spoke to the knight standing guard. The young boy nodded, and the mechanic thankfully ran ahead, probably heading towards the nearest shelter. Yet, as the remaining workers finished bringing up the rest of the defenses, Exar Kun took one step closer towards pushing back the invaders.

At the front of the fortress, two large cannons buzzed to life and spun around to fire upon the transports. One was hit immediately, and as the engine exploded in a ball of fire, the rest of the ship fell to the ground. Shortly taken back by the sudden turn in events, and remaining two transports starting flying around erratically while the cannons took aim upon the squad of Z-95 Headhunters. In a matter of minutes, they too were destroyed.

Forgetting all orders, the two remaining transports turned and started to evacuate. Despite the cannons efforts, they evaded the attacks and disappeared in the upper atmosphere. Meanwhile, back on the side of the fortress, a young Obelisk knight placed the last detonator and grinned. The five turned and ran back around the fortress to join the rest of their comrades in the Main Hall.

Back in that hall, the battle raged on as every loyal member of Exar Kun fought against the attackers. Many were fighting with lightsabers, and a few more simply used whatever weapon they could lay their hands upon. Some of the younger ones ran away in fear, only to be force-thrown against a wall by Corran Force. In the passageway, Galaphile, Virulence, Vasily, and Jonaleth fought against the attackers streaming through the hallway, but whenever they killed one group two more would appear. They all knew that eventually the invaders would run out of forces, but even with the Dark Adept at their side, it was beginning to wear Gala out.

Then, a rumble resounded throughout Diadem Fortress and the entire structure shook for a moment. A bomb had exploded, and there were only more to come...

Dark Jedi Master Aristan Dantes stood in the center of the Dark Tower Command center, his hands clasped within the confines of his robes. The Dark Side of the Force filled him with a sharp and clear perception of the possible strings and outcomes of the future. To his right a holographic image indicated the return of shields to Exar Kun's Diadem Fortress. A communications officer moved forward, his voice trembling with fear. "My Lord, Master Scorpius reports Diadem has been regained. He has indicated that the fortress will be fully operational within the hour. At present his ground forces are mopping up the local uprising and hunter/killer teams led by the Isradias are tracking down any remaining Naga Sadow Jedi."

Sarin turned to the communications officer. "Excellent, inform Quaestor Scorpius that I will have additional orders for his house tonight."

=====

Protector Rannik Narius laughed with glee associated with only those who have reached insanity. His laugh intensified until a gauntleted fist gripped his face. Suddenly his connection to the force returned, but his mind blurred and burned with fire. Standing above him, Sith Battlelord Salth Khan sent wave upon wave of force energy through his mind. Salth intensified the energy arcing from his body into that of the Gen'dai, "The Consul has grown tired with your idiocy and has sent me to remind you what happens to those who fail in Clan Plagueis."

After and endless time of agony, Rannik opened his eyes. His mind, strangely feeling more his own than in several days perceived the medical staff hovering around him. Sighing with relief that mercy was granted to him, he slipped into blackness eagerly awaiting his chance to repay his Clan.

=====

A small holographic image of Krath Priest Orzon buzzed to life in the cockpit canopy of Dark Jedi Knight Raken. "Lord Dantes orders your forces to return to Jusadih immediately. You will have orders upon your arrival."

=====

Protector Silas crept silently across the glass domed roof of the Dark Tower. Within his hand he held the Banner of the Chameleon, a rich Corellian silk flag bordered in brilliant gold and platinum threads. This Banner, enchanted by the Oracle offered a power well suited for times of war. Once hoisted into position it would offer a cloak of invisibility making the Dark Tower all but undetectable to those outside of Clan Plagueis. Satisfied his job was complete, Silas returned to his Master for his next task.

=====

Steel blast doors slid open with a hiss of released gas as Dark Adept Jonaleth Isradia and Dark Adept Khan entered the chambers of Dark Jedi Master Aristan Dantes. The Dark Adepts lowered their heads slightly in a nod of respect to the Consul of Plagueis and then took the two seats placed before them. Centered on a table between the Adepts, two intricately carved boxes opened. The Plagueis Consul motioned to the boxes, "I have foreseen a great battle the future, in this battle I saw clear images of the two of you wielding the instruments of destruction before you. Khan, as an expert in Juyo, I bestow the Blade of Exar Kun to you. Loremaster, as a Sorcerer without equal in Plagueis, I bestow the Gauntlets of Exar Kun upon you. Go now, and prepare for the battle to come."

=====

An encrypted message appeared on the Data pads of the Isradia family. The message simply read "Hunt and kill the traitor.".

=====

The Quaestor's of House Exar Kun and Satal Keto knelt before the Iron Throne. Summoned hours earlier the two now waited for the orders that would set the tone for their Houses over the course of the next month. Their Consul spoke with the calm and power of one who is absolutely sure of his decision. "I have summoned you because our Reconnaissance and Defense patrols have identified a pattern in the recent attacks in Jusadih. It is time that we no longer watch and defend, but finally unleash the hell that is Plagueis upon our enemies. Your missions have been delivered to your fleets. You are to immediately set forth towards.....

Rannik awoke in the medical bay some time after Salth returned his Force connection. Rannik opened his eyes and looked around the room, finding that he was surrounded by the medical staff...

"What happened?" Rannik asked showing he was deeply confused.

"You went insane or something, " said Sakh Nhem as he walked in the medical bay door, "Raken told me to fire acouple of warning shots at you, and you turned around and started firing back at us. But I cant say anything more, You'll have to talke to Sarin and Salth, along with Silent..."

Rannik stood up from sitting on the medical bay table. "Fine, just take me back to HSK, I cant feel my left leg." Rannik said with a grunt...

The Falleen floated concious in the bacta tank, badly injured. After his battle with the Aerun rebels and Naga Sadow Jedi left him near death. Most painful was the laser shoot wound near his shoulder; he was lucky it grazed him or it would have been possibly even more fatal. He was tired from the surprise attack but also unnaturaly angry. How dare they attack us, after we spared their lives. Galaphile thought angrily as he moved a little bit in his tank.

Those bastards will pay if we get proper authorization from Quaestor Scorpius. I will take my revenge upon thme when they least expect it.

Galaphile kept this entertaining thought withinh his mind for the next several minutes. Then his mind turned on the Naga Sadow. The Falleen al'Tor knew that everybody wanted to take their revenge upon the Sadows for attacking their most secure Fotress on Judsiah. Knowing Dark Jedi Master Sarin and the rest of the Elders, it would be something of utter most horror. He smiled.

Not normally for one for unhumain torture, but this attack changed his mind on a lot of things concerning his personality. Until orders came from the Aedile or Quaestor, he would have to sit there and daydream about more terrifying ways to exact his revenge on Naga Sadow.

The medical bay doors slid open with a soft hiss to admit Jonaleth Isradia. He was once again clean, having wiped away the grime of his mission on Sukhur, and fed from the slaughter he had left behind, and had dressed in his Violator robes and cloak, timmed in purple and silver. The small gold medallions once again hung on their chain over his left breast, signifying his offices; Loremaster, Necromancer, Grand Duke, Dark Adept, and his lightsaber was clipped to his belt, the silver and gold cylinder hanging from a simple clip at his waist.

He looked around at the infirmary, staffed with a handful of retainers of the Clan, and seemed to assure himself of something. Along with the vaults and the Council chamber, this was where the Anzat spent most of his time in the Dark Tower. For the same reason he was Loremaster, he was also the most skilled Doctor available in the Clan; the study of Necromancy was inextricably linked to medicine.

Approaching the bacta tank where Galaphile floated in the healing fluid, he picked up the orderly's report and examined it for a few moments before looking in at the Faleen Jedi Knight. The Dark Adepts hands were dark, being covered by ornate leather gauntlets re-enforced with gold plates covered in intricate scrollwork and etching. "I am suitably impressed, young Jedi," he said, meeting the Sith's gaze equally, "You fought well, and with honour. You have behaved in a manner which has earned my respect, and you assisted in the defence of my family."

Glancing down at the report again, he placed it on the control console before looking up to Galaphile, "It is hard to earn my friendship; only my family, Sarin and Salth have done so so far. You are on your way however. Now though, accounts must be settled - you have done me a service, and so I shall do one for you." Jonaleth looked to the controls, and began adjusting them. He moved with confidence and familiarity, a clairty of purpose that spoke of experience. Around the tank, the machinery slowly began to hum into life, and the bacta fluid warmed as its properties were accelerated.

An orderly approached the Dark Adept, and held a brief conversation before walking away. Isradia signalled to another, who came to monitor the controls in his place, and stepped before the Dark Knight again, the glass of the bacta tank all that seperated them. Placing both hands on the glass, the Loremaster stretched out his mind and powers to merge with the healing fluid, infusing it with his will and purpose, and Galaphile felt the gentle brush of the Dark Adepts mind as it came into contact with his. Despite what he had thought, this feeling was one of comfort, although it was a strange kind of comfort.

It was not a feeling of warmth or love, as one might have expected. Instead it was a feeling of solidarity, a compulsion of protection and security, laced and shot through with feelings of fellowship and duty; it was cold, the frigid cold of steel armour and unwavering strength of purpose. The Dark Jedi Knight knew then what Jonaleth's mind was truly like as he touched it.

The reaction in the tank became more vigorous, so that the fluid bubbled, and a prickly, burning sensation ran through the Faleen's skin. Isradia's eyes were closed as he worked his sorcerous arts, and as Galaphile watched, he felt his flesh heal. Bones began to knit, muscle to regrow. Blood pumped anew through freshly repaired veins and capilaries, and flesh drew together and closed before his eyes. It seemed to take only moments, and suddenly, he was whole again. Yet Jonaleth had not stopped.

The young Knight began to feel a change within, and looked down suddenly to the Loremaster, whose eyes had snapped open, their sapphire glow staring into his soul. "I have not had the time to study your race completely," he began, "but the I can provide a small token of gratitude. Necromancy is the mastery of life and death, flesh and spirit, young Knight, and that is the true path to power. You have grown in Spirit - in the Force - and now your flesh shall catch up with you. Keep your flesh and spirit in harmony, neglect neither, and you will greater than any Jedi whom has ever lived."

A pump started, and the Dark Adept removed his hands from the glass as the bacta was drained from the tank. Jonaleth waited, and signalled for robes, food and drink to brought forth as he let Galaphile come to terms with the new strength he had been granted.

As the medical droids and human doctors tended to his need, he paid no attention to them. His mind now stuck on what the Adept spoke to him. He did feel much stronger than before, probably more mentally then physically but stronger. This new type of feeling was better than standing in the presense of the Loremasters aura. With this extra power given to him by Necromancer, he could effectively help destroy the Naga Sadowians. He would pledge his life to Elder Anzat for this newfound strength.

No matter what he said or did, Galaphile al'Tors life was now his to control. Even though the Elder already did have complete control over the Falleen. The Falleen now wanted to, put his life in his hands, rather than by force. The words of true wisdom still rang from the Anzat's mouth even though Aedpt had stopped speaking. Even having touched the wonderous and engrossing mind of Jonaleth Isradia, the al'Tor had not succumbed to insanity, but rather made him realize the more important things in life.

His devotion to his clan was the same path as following the Force at the moment. But after the War, he did not know what was going to happen, but he waas going to follow the Anzats orders even if it was suicidal.

Keep your flesh and spirit in harmony, neglect neither, and you will greater than any Jedi whom has ever lived. Jonaleths voice flashed through his mind again.

"I will master Isradia," Galaphile muttered to himself as he put his robes back on. "I will."

As numerous droids and younglings swept throughout Diadem Fortress cleaning up the mess caused by the invasion that had caught them off guard that morning, a small TIE Interceptor glided through the air to land in a secret hangar on the topmost floor of the building. This hangar was for summit members and esteemed guests only, and as such, Sith Battlemaster Aabsdu Dupar al'Tor was the one to walk out of the fighter and run across the hangar. He immediately made his way to the entrance, where droids were picking up the rock in front of the rather large hold where there use to be huge gold doors. It would take a few days to rebuild the doors, which meant that now that the shields were operational again that hole was the fortress’ only weak spot. He looked around at everyone as they piled bodies onto a cart that were hover into the forest once it was full. The rebels would be given to the local beats to eat, while the Kunians who had died would be burned, as was tradition. As for the Naga Sadow jedi, their heads would be returned to Korras as a reply to the clan's obvious attack against House Exar Kun and Clan Plagueis.

He stopped a passing Novice and asked, "Where is Scorpius?"

"In the war room, Master Dupar"

Aabs grinned and returned him to his duties, and then turned and made his way up to the war room. Inside he found Scorpius sitting at the head of the table, while Warrior Vasily, Schisca, and Jedi Hunter Erdon sat in front of him. The three latter stood and bowed to the battlemaster, while Scorps only nodded and motioned to the chair on his right.

“We were just discussing how to handle the recent attack on our house,” Scorpius remarked

Aabs replied with as he took his seat, “Yes, I heard over the comm. channels. It seems they did a little too much damage. Might I ask how they managed to actually make it past our shields?”

“A Jedi Hunter managed to get inside and cut off all our defenses,” Vasily answered.

“I suggest our top priority be fixing that hole in the wall,” Aabsdu said, “Meanwhile, Vasily, why don’t you take a few of your people and place them in protection of that hole. It is our only weakness right now, so as such we most guard it until it is fixed.”

Scorpius nodded, and Vasily stood, bowed, and turned and left the room. This time, Scorpius spoke to Schisca, “Warrior, take your people and have them run some practice runs in the air. Your team will be one of our greatest air squads, so I want you to be ready. Understood?”

Schisca nodded, and left the room. This left only Aabsdu, Scorpius, and Erdon sitting around the table as they studied the hologram in the middle of the table. It showed the main hall of Diadem as everyone worked to get everything cleaned up. The house would recover from the attack quick enough, but not that did not solve the problem that Naga Sadow had attacked them, and that they had used Aerunians as allies.

“Erdon,” Aabsdu said, “Take all your younglings and have them start tuning their flying skills”

“We want anyone without a lightsaber in the air,” Scorpius finished before dismissing the Jedi Hunter. Now the Quaestor and Aedile turned their attention to more important matters, “The Rebels must be dealt with. I fear that this is only the beginning of what could turn into a rebellion if we’re not careful. The fact that they actually sided with our enemies shows they are not with us all the way”

“I agree,” Aabsdu responded, “However, I feel they are not our biggest problem right now. We must deal with Naga Sadow, and make sure they understand Exar Kun is not to be messed without so easily.”

“Aye,” Scorpius called out in agreement, “Sarin has sent the orders to attack without mercy against Naga Sadow and Arcona. Our choice which one we choose”

“Well, we certainly deserve some payback against Naga Sadow,” Aabsdu remarked, “But there are rumors going around the summits that a Sun Crusher is heading towards Sadow controlled planets. Personally, I would rather not risk our house against something of that capacity. Jonaleth seems to have done his job well because Naga Sadow and Arcona are both blaming each other for recent attacks neither of them committed. They are both weak right now, so if we are to attack we must do so without hast. I do, however, strongly feel we would have a better chance of getting away from a strike against Arcona alive. Even if we don’t do superior amounts of damage, though we should, we’d never get out in time to escape the blast radius of a SC missile. I feel Satal Keto and Daniel would agree”

Aabsdu waits for Scorps’ answer, and they sit in silent as the Krath Priest thinks things over. Now, was the time to attack. Now, was the time to show the true power of the house. Now, was the time to show the Glory of Kun!

The remaining members of the battered squadrons of Satal Victus and Keto's Vengeance gathered in the mournful glow of the fire. They had occupied the unknown rock of a world for several days waiting for new orders. Morale was low with the news of the sacking of Diadem. Though many griped and were still uneasy over Rannik's sudden madness and the mayhem that had ensued, soldiers were used to such things. Pain, uncertainty, hurrying to wait, all were things fighting men grappled with daily, in addition to the enemy.

The TIEs sat on hardstands dispersed among the gravel plain. Camoflauged with rust-colored netting, the ships were all but invisible to the sky. Within one such weathered fighter sat the Dark Knight Raken. The Elomin brooded heavily upon the course of the war. Things were not what they seemed. The enemy did not appear to be who he had thought. It was becoming obvious to him that this war would be won in the shadows, rather than the fire.

The hyperspace transceiver finally blinked in the affirmative. Now suspicious of every comminque, Raken had requested confirmation of his orders to return home to Jusadih with his beleaguered Defenders. So the war was to be carried to the enemy now? Raken's jaw worked in anticipation as he prepped his ship.

The low whine of twin ion engines brought the squadrons out of their stupor. Looking up in puzzlement, they quickly realized that the taciturn Knight had received orders and that they would need to follow his lead. Rushing to their ships, they made ready for the journey ahead.

The lead Defender rose into the air like a specter. Raken pushed up the planet's well for open space shadowed by his squadrons. Eagerly the men of Satal Victus and Keto's Vengeance watched their displays as the Commander forwarded the message from Priest Orzon.

"Jusadih," Caesar said in relief over the comm.

Dax smiled. "And home."

Staring at the tactical display in the middle of the room in disbelief the Battlemaster thought aloud, "How the hell did they get one of those?" " I thought the last one was destroyed by the Jedi!"

Aabsdu turning and looked at the Ketoan Quastor, "we dont know, but it has been confirmed, Arcona has a Sun Crusher missile and have fired it back into Naga Sadow space." "Since then, their leadership have been scrambling for assistance, and only Plagueis has confirmed help. Kind of funny considering they were just attacking us, dont you say?"

"Very, but here is my only concern. These missiles are supposed to be moving near lightspeed velocity, so how are we to hit it? Im sorry Im a good pilot and a better gunner and even with the Force I would be hard pressed to shoot it down. On top of that it is really nothing but energy, so how would a missile or even our own lasers effect it?" Daniel asked Aabs.

"Well first I want to combine the efforts of our houses on this, One house will attempt to destroy the device, while the other leads a brazen attack on Arcona. We have intel that the majority of House Oriens members have left the Clan in protest of the happenings within. Of those only a handful are above Journeyman ranks" Aabsdu said.

"Well if possible I would like Keto to lead the assualt on the Dajorra System, We have been doing fade attacks as of late and Im afraid my crew is a mite trigger happy."

"That sounds fine to me as well, good luck friend, and my the Dark Side guide you." with that Aabs turned off the holo and Daniel walked out the complex and towards his personal craft back to his House headquarters.

Arriving back an hour later he grabbed his Leaders and relayed the instructions to them, as well as where they could find the pertenant information on their targets.

Gaidal did not seem to be the only changed by the madness of the ‘Pact War’. Godo left with unknown destination shortly after the final battle. Former Master and Apprentice both went on their own journey. They lost all contact with each other, but they both understood that it could only be temporarily. Eventually one of the duo would start searching for the other. That was probably how it was meant to be. The Sith Warrior anticipated that Godo manipulated the outcome of all this. The former Quaestor was a master in plotting and almost always knew how to turn the tide.

Godo appeared to be more serious than before, although he tried to hide it behind a continuous smile from ear to ear. What was this man up to, Gaidal thought and it certainly was not the first time this question popped up in his mind. The had been walking for at least one half hour through the underground complex of Fort Nagan and the Kyandrians still kept the lost Tenkai son within their midst. So he made this long journey only to become some kind of prisoner. The underground complex was fully intact, none ever reached for it after the war. He saw many corpses of former Tenkai warriors. They probably suffocated after the collapse of the entrance and none bothered.

Suddenly the former Master stopped and turned around towards his long lost pupil. They were in a large store room of Kyandrian weaponry. There were at least six fully intact and armed 2F-Razor Tanks. The elder Sith coughed and explained: “Well, I believe it has been a while since we last met, old friend. It seems like time did you no good, Gaidal. You changed after the last battle with your friendly cousin during the final days of the ‘Pact War’, only question is: Did you evolve or were you torn apart? It does make me wonder…”
Gaidal kept silent for a brief moment and tried to reach out for the Force. There was nothing, only complete emptiness and thin air. So Godo treated him like an old friend, but did not trust him completely. The younger Sith narrowed his eyes and looked at the man in front of him: “I simply changed after the war, nothing more and nothing less. Just like happened so many others: A natural side-effect of a war. By the way, how did you get in here and why did you want to meet here?”
“You’re still straight to the point, so you didn’t change that much” the former Quaestor laughed out loud, “As you can see we dug ourselves a way to the entrance. The blast doors were a bit of a problem since they were sealed and locked down from the inside. It did not help the poor and condemned souls; none ever tried to help them after the war. I must say I became intrigued by the history of your people, Gaidal. You always wanted to return 'home' wherever that was, so why not here on Kyandria”
“So you blasted yourself a way through the doors, right? Or you blew them up? Still, what have you been up to lately? It was easy to fill in the puzzle, since you left the pieces. Godo, why have you been betraying our Clan? Our House?”
“Aah, the delicacy of betrayal. Mister Dupar, I consider treason on such scale an art. Most people betray others based on certain standard motives. Negligence, when a woman feels her husbands’ best friends ‘treats’ her better than him. Revenge, when the husband finds out he has been betrayed by his own wife. Loss, when someone does not get the job or promotional opportunities he thinks he deserves. All typical motives which feed the act of treason.”
“So you betrayed the Clan, because you should be promoted or something like that?”
“No Gaidal, it was not the broken career, the consequent lack of respect or the war memories carved on my soul. There is a reason, only one and it’s quite simple. I betrayed the Clan, because I could…”
“Because you could?” the Kyandrian responded surprised, “So what about the charade and you leaving obvious clues pointing into your direction. You were lucky I found them first, otherwise you would have entire Plagueis breathing in your neck. Besides, I seriously believe ‘Doruno Kog’ isn’t the perfect pseudonym you could pick.”
“You’re obviously forgetting something, young one. I wanted you to find me, needed you to find me. You’re the exception on my rules, they only one I would be willing to save from the massacre. I anticipated on your every move. I left clues on purpose and made sure that you were the only one to see them. None else has a clue of what is going on. I made sure that it would seem that you’re the traitor, since you got the encrypted messages and files on your datapad. Everything points in your direction.”
“What about Aabsdu? He’s getting closer to find out the truth” Gaidal tried to parry the attack with words, “He has been following ever since I left Aerun and…”
"You’re once more mistaken, old friend. He returned home. As an Aedile he has certain obligations and one is to defend his House against its enemies. Unlike you, who has been a very naughty Sith by disobeying the orders of the almighty Consul.”
“I think you’re overplaying your hand, Godo” the Kyandrian warrior grinned, “I’d have known if Aabsdu returned home...”

After a few seconds of complete silence, Gaidal could suddenly embrace the Force again. The blanket was gone and he felt the strong pulses within the Force. Godo had not been lying to him! Aerun was under attack and Aabsdu returned home to help his House to defend itself. It was a cruel conclusion, but the Battlemaster of Naga Sadow outsmarted him in a way near the impossible. Gaidal felt himself incredibly stupid and saw all the ways back to his Clan were being blocked. He did exactly what Godo wanted, making himself a marked man, a target. None would believe him any longer. He made himself the traitor, despite the fact that he was not. What had he done? He helped his old Master with betraying his own good name! Gaidal sank onto his knees and saw a broken career and a poisoned honour in front of him.

Godo walked towards him and laid a hand on his right shoulder. He looked at his former talented student and whispered: “But there is still hope, not everything is lost. I’m still no god, although I’m close to becoming a divine being, but I can help you. You have no options, no wild cards and no chances of returning to Plagueis. You’re nothing right now and your life means nothing. I can ensure that your life will have value again, and a goal. Follow in my footsteps and you’ll have the sensation of coming home again. You were destined for great things and it’s time to exploit your equalities. Show yourself to the galaxy and make an old Master proud.”
Gaidal waited before answering. He thought of all available escape plans, but saw no other alternatives. He was trapped in one of the most devious traps he could possibly be in. He decided to play along and would try to make the best out of it. So he raised himself on his feet again and said: “Yes, I’ll follow you once more, Master…”
It felt like he made a deal with the devil and Gaidal knew Godo could be compared with a diabolical demon. This pact was another scratch on his soul and he disliked it with every fibre of his body and mind, but had no choice. While Godo guided him to another room, he tried to convince himself he had no options left and this was for the best. Betrayal was not that easy of obvious, it was like poisoning thyself voluntarily.

***

While Aabsdu was preparing to leave for the Dajorra system he suddenly felt a strange echo in the Force. He focussed on it and realized its terrible but unavoidable consequence. He sensed that his former Master was failing him. The Sith was about to make a terrible mistake and would almost certainly betray Clan Plagueis. How was this possible? Who could be responsible for it? Aabsdu continued with his preparations, but felt very uncomfortable with the idea of his brother turning against him.

***

Godo and Gaidal entered the war room and the four Kyandrian warriors positioned themselves in the four corners of the room. Master Nurok walked to the holographic table and activated it by pressing a few buttons. A holographic image of the Jusidah system emerged from the table.
“As you can see, Gaidal, the attack from Clan Naga Sadow on the Jusidah system was quite a success, despite the fact Naga Sadow lost. Still, the Summit most likely anticipated on the outcome. Due to a small catastrophe on a small Arcona outpost by Jonaleth, Clan Arcona and Naga Sadow are on the edge of war right now. If my reports are correct, Clan Arcona is sending in a sun crusher into the Naga Sadow system.”
“A sun crusher? By all the Sith” the Kyandrian said, “the consequences will be enormous.”
“Exactly” Godo continued, “but that isn’t all. Clan Plagueis is preparing itself to attack the Dajorra sytem, home to Clan Arcona. While they’re fighting against Naga Sadow, Plagueis will try to use the opportunity for their own advantage. We can’t have that situation unravelling itself like that and that’s where you come in.”
“I once promised to myself never to get drawn into a war again, but that seems a bit hollow right now. What do you want me to do, Godo?”
“Well, you and your four ‘brothers’ will go with five 2F-Razor tanks to the Dajorra system and will cause as much mayhem as possible. This operation is very subtle, so I’ll point out the details. You and your four brothers will fight under the flag of Naga Sadow. The tanks will have the Naga Sadow emblem and you will all wear clothes of the Clan. What we want is that Clan Arcona believes that Naga Sadow and Plagueis allied with each other after Arcona sent in the sun crusher. As soon as they think this, they will probably respond by launching an attack on the Jusidah system. That’s what I… I mean… we want. I’ll explain everything later. So start preparing yourselves as soon as possible. You’ll have a war to fight!”

***

Gaidal nodded towards Godo one last time and after that the hatch closed. He was standing in a large transportation vessel that had also been stored in the complex. The Colossus-carrier was a large transportation that could easily carry six tanks. They were on their way to the Dajorra system for their own little private war and the Sith felt sick of himself. He was about to make the worst mistake of his life. He would attack a small outpost on a remote planet in the Dajorra system, so none from Clan Plagueis would even know he was there. He started to hide his Force signature again. He did not want to get too much attention from other Force-users. The Kyandrian was a mere mercenary right now, who was going to pick a fight.

Still, not everything ended up and he did not simply trust Godo Nurok. Too much had happened since they last saw each other. They both were touched by war and changed. In the end it was Godo who made sure that evident, but still small conflicts transformed into battles. Since there was already so much tension between all Clans it was quite easy to cause a little war here and there. Gaidal thought of it and came to the hypothesis that his former Master felt betrayed by his former Clan and paid them back in blood and betrayal. It was the only logical explanation why he would betray Clan Plagueis, despite the things he said and his boring monologue about the art of betrayal. In the end, he was successful in turning on the Plagueis’ sons into the enemy within… Gaidal Dupar al’Tor. What could he do?

***

The Battlemaster was sitting in his chair and enjoying another glass of wine. He kept thinking of the surprised face of his former student. Gaidal had an adequately working mind, but his was better. He felt a little bit sorry for betraying him, pressing him into betrayal and sending him on a mission that was just another “charade”. The Kyandrian was just a very useful tool and if Godo had the opportunity he would reward him for his services. Otherwise he was just another casualty of war, just like so many others. Even though he was once his student did not make any diference to that remark. In the end only Godo would succeed since he was close to being a god and that thought filled him with joy. He gave himself another glass of wine and looked at the Jusidah system again in front of him.

The Jusidah system was the most welcome sight Kal had ever seen as the damaged Defenders came in for a landing. If it weren't for his unique flying, it would have been more than his ship that got a little crispy. Now, he was under the understanding that they were actually supposed to attack.

Once out of the cockpit, Kal joined the other survivors, walking towards the regained fortress with impatience. A couple of his buddies had been fried up there, and now he was getting new orders. As the two teams approached the briefing room, Kal decided to break the silence. "So, Raken, who's bossing us around today?" "We have been ordered to.." Kal interrupted, "I know why we're here, boss. I wanna know whose orders we're following." Raken held in his indignation at being cut off, saying "Lord Dantes himself is reassigning us."

As they entered the briefing room, the two battleteams saw the Consul and the other leaders standing, obviously wanting news. "Commander Raken, you will be pleased to hear of Protector Narius' recovery." Raken bowed to the Consul, the others following suit. "Thank you, my Lord. Now, may I ask, what are our orders?"

Aabsdu walked throughout the hangar bay of Diadem Fortress, watching everyone run back and forth as they prepared for the attack on Clan Arcona. Satal Keto Quaestor Daniel Stephens had suggested that Exar Kun go forth and try to destroy the Sun Crusher before it reached Naga Sadow space. Personally, Aabs hated this idea, and for all he cared the missile could destroy every single one of those dirty jedi. Not only had they turned the locals against them and attacked Diadem Fortress, but also they had pushed forward what could turn out to be a rebellion on the Arunians part. For now, however, everything was calmer than usual on Aerun. While the local task force Last Hope had done well in damaging the fortress, there efforts were wasted as they were pushed back, and ended up losing a good two hundred soldiers. Now, though, Exar Kun was expected to save the very clan that had attacked them. Yeah right!

The battlemaster had been thinking of a plan, though. Scorpius had already left to go scout out Arcona space, and would then make his way bacl towards the main fleet. Despite not seeing each other, the two had devised a plan and knew it was the only option. Aabs must have misheard what Daniel had said, neither of them was stupid enough to try and stop the crusher. Besides, Arcona would never actually destroy all of Clan Naga Sadow, seeing as how that would turn the entire brotherhood against them. Many suspected it was more or less some type of distraction, though for what purpose was still unknown.

Satal Keto was unaware that Exar Kun was heading towards Arcona, though, so at first they would have to be quiet and undetected. Eventually, though, Silent would have to get over it and expect the fact that their sister house wanted to help. Every member of Exar Kun knew what was happening, well, they knew there were going to war against Clan Arcona. For now, though, Aabsdu would let everyone finish packing their assortments of guns, bombs, and numerous other belongings as they all loaded into the Vengeance that Salth had lent the house for the mission. They also brought along a squad of TIE Fighters, Blades of Kun Squadron (made up of three Phantoms and four Avengers), a few personal vessels, and the famed Hell's Iris. That would be Aabsdu's main command ship, while Scorps help primary control over the Vengeance.

He looked down at his datapad and entered in a number of commands that would correspond to all Kunians. It placed a 200,000 thousand-credit bounty on the heads of Oriens Obscurum House Summit Smoke and Starrett. He thought about it for a moment, but finally marked it Dead or Alive, seeing as how they could be used for better reasons. This would probably be the biggest problem, as both houses were planning to attack the short-manned complex. They would just have to let events play out, for now, and deal with problems when they arose. They would do everything they could to cause as much damage as possible to Arcona, for it was war now...

...and Exar Kun loves war.

*** OOC: Just so you all know. There was a slight mistake in DS' post. He misunderstood the purpose of the missile. Thus, both houses are going to attack Arcona, together or not, and the Sun Crusher will be left along for now***

Galaphile grinned slightly. He had been doing this often since his...improvement. His increased strength and agility given to him by the esteemed Loremaster, could even rival that of half a Battlemaster. He was hoping that no one noticed this, but hoped that they would find out on the attack on Acrona. The grin slipped away as quick as it had came. He just then thought of the Sun Cruiser that the Acronans possessed. The superweapon was a flying death machine. Having as much destructivity as the Death Star productions.

The Death Star, having the extraordinary ability to destroy planets. The Sun Crusher did as exactly as the name suggested, it destroyed Sun's. This meant that when it fired upon the sun it would go supernova, which would eventually destroy the system. Having that much power was staggering and discomforting. This weapon possessing the power to obliterate billions of people could tempt any Dark Jedi with signs of gaining power.

But how they came to possess the weapon was unknown. He thought that the superweapon was destroyed by the Jedi. Who cares, we have to kill them before they kill us. He thought, putting his robes on. But the thought of Naga Sadow being destroyed still left a smug of humor on his mind. He strapped his boots on with metal tips on the end and made his way towards the Diadem Hangar bay.

The Plagueians would be attacking the Dajjora system, in all due time. It was time that they attack rather than defend. He slid his hands to his lightsaber. They were doing this secretively, and hoped that they didn't get discovered. He then wondered about his war hardened 'brother' Gaidal Dupar. I will have to see to him after this attack. For now he would see to where the Loremaster left to.

Silent sat as bridge controls of his ship the Galactica checking all systems.

"Shonen you done restocking supplies?"

"Yes master the ship will be well prepaired for our assualt, infact the entire clan can be put on board."

"Funny but no, only half the house, which teams is up to DS, but we will have TIE fighters put on board for those members, and we can get in close and then send out the troops when the time comes."

"Its a sound plan"

"Yes but fighting with the other house, it concerns me, we dont know what they will do once we hit the Dajjora system but i have no choice but to trust them for they are family and we fight, kill, and die for one another."

"I understand master"

"Anyways I want you to tune up the hyperdrive and after that I want you to practice your saber."

"Understood Master."

Silent headed off to his Office.

Arcadian sat beside his friend Kal Vorrac as the Consul relayed there orders to the battleteams of Satal Victus and Keto's Vengance, they were to fly to the Dajjora System to attack Clan Arcona. Arcadian was annoyed by this news as he had hoped to stay home for at least a few weeks before heading back out, but this was war and he had no choice in the matter.
As the battleteams walked out of the Consul Chamber the Protector caught up to Raken and began to speak to him "Raken" he said "Raken!" The Dark Jedi Knight whirled around "What!" he shouted his horns flaring out and turning rock hard, Arcadian was suprised for he had never seen Raken this angry before
" I just want to talk to you" the Protector said,
Raken calmed down a little and his anger lessened
"Sorry for snapping" said Raken " I've been very tense since Rannik's betrayal."
"Actually" said Arcadian "that's sort of what I wanted to talk to you about,"
Raken smiled "only sort of?"
"Well it's just that I've noticed since that happened you've kinda began to stop trusting the members of both battleteams" commented the Protector
"I trusted Rannik" said Raken in a bitter tone "and look what happened there"
"Just because one thing happened doesn't mean you have to stop trusting all of us" Arcadian noted
"and why the hell not!" shouted Raken his anger returning.
Equally angry now Arcadian shouted back "Just because one person betrayed you doesn't mean we all will!!"
Raken's anger flared and he was so angry now his fist flew out, Arcadian caught the fist before it struck him.
"Not now Raken" he whispered " if you wish to fight we can fight later, although I respect you and do not wish to fight you."
"Get some rest" Raken said quietly "we leave tommorow" and with that Raken walked off.
Kal Vorrac walked up to Arcadian "what the hell was that about" he asked
"I'll tell you later" murrmered Arcadian, and with that he went off to sleep.

Rannik was walking up the hall and saw Arcadian walk off. Rannik walked on up the hall some more and seen Kal Vorrak standing there looking with an amazed look on his face towards Rannik...

"When did they let you out," Kal asked.

"Acouple of days ago, i've been in the med bay out cold," Rannik replied, "Whats been going on with the Teams?"

Kal shook his head, "Thats not what you should worry about at the moment, you should be worrying about what happen and what you're going to tell the teams!"

"I dont know what happend, I just went blank and the last thing I remember is waking up in the Med Bay...."Rannik said with a sigh, "Wheres the rest of Keto's Vengeance, and Raken?"

"I think they're all resting, from what I heard we're all supposed to be leaving sometime tomorrow," Kal said.

"OK, i'll go look for Raken," Rannik said leaving to go look for Raken....

A lone Lambda-class shuttle settled to the deck of the Modified Strike Cruiser Atrum Pars, and moments later a tall robed figure strode down the ramp and across the hangar deck. Those that witnessed the event immediately knew who had arrived and went hastily back to their various tasks. Minutes later the figure arrived on the bridge of the cruiser, where he quickly approached the ships captain, who promptly bowed his head in respect to the being now standing before him.

"Report!", was all the stranger said as he lowered the cowl of his outer robes, revealing Battlelord Salth Khan, Proconsul of Clan Plagueis.

"Sire, Fleet A is ready for action per the Consul's orders. All systems are at 100% efficiency, and the recent modifications that you requested to the shield systems have been completed and tested."

"Excellent, they will come in most handy during this operation. Prepare the fleet for departure. I will confer with the Consul and once I am done I expect that we shall soon be given the go-ahead to proceed with the mission." The Proconsul turned and departed the bridge, arriving minutes later two decks below at his personal quarters and offices. The Consul had designated the Atrum Pars to be the flagship of the Proconsul, and shortly thereafter the second-in-command of the Clan had some minor alterations made to the systems of the ship. The newest modification was an enhancement to the shield systems that prevented Force-users from attempting to use mind control on the crew. It was an experimental system, and if it proved effective in combat then the Proconsul planned to push for its adaptation to all of the Clan's other capital ships.

He shrugged off his outer robes and stepped onto the dias in the center of his private office. His image instantly appearing before the Consul of Clan Plagueis, Dark Jedi Master Aristan "Sarin" Dantes. "Dark greetings Master Sarin."

"To you as well, Battlelord. What is the status of your mission?", the Consul asked.

"Completed, My Lord. Gaidal reached the location and met his contact there. You were correct in your suspicions, he is indeed behind these recent attacks. But I don't believe he's operating alone, he doesn't have the resources and allies to pull off something of this scale. He's getting help from somewhere, and my instincts tell me that its someone from House Exar Kun's past, someone they failed to eliminate and has come back to exact revenge during this all-out war in the Brotherhood. If I learn more I'll pass the information along, but for now I'm just working on a gut instinct and hunch.", the Battlelord stated.

"Your instincts have always proven correct in the past my old friend. I have no trouble in believing that you are correct once again. Keep me appraised of anything new you learn, and I shall re-task our intelligence agents. Now that Gaidal has met Godo, there is little more to know on that account. We shall seek out this other source and as a Clan put an end to it as well. In the meantime, prepare for departure to the Dajjora System. As soon as all of our forces are ready I'll send out the command to launch."

"Understood, My Lord. I am already onboard the Atrum Pars and the ship is ready for action. The new shield enhancements we spoke of before my recent departure have also been completed. We shall test them during the combat operations to determine their worthiness. I shall report back on that matter at a later time once the final tests have been concluded.", Khan replied with confidence.

"I'm looking forward to reading over the results. If they work then we shall indeed look into equipping our other ships with this new technology. It will definitely give us an advantage over the other Clans in the future", Sarin replied.

"Master, what of the attack on the Diadem Fortress? How severe was the damage?"

"Minor at most. Exar Kun lost some younglings and a few senior Journeymen in the attack, but the majority of the damage was restrained to some outer walls and repairs are under way at this time. Jonaleth was a major factor in the outcome, he arrived just in time to turn the tide. Apparently he took out some aggression on an enemy Battlelord, which seemed to have the desired effect on the troops.", Sarin replied with a hint of a laugh in his voice.

Salth for his part shuddered, thinking of the raw and supernatural powers that the Dark Adept held. He pitied the falled Battlelord, but only for a moment. The pain and anguish that the Dark Jedi must have endured at the hands of the Anzat must have been excruciating. He was glad once again for being on the right side of the Elder Isradia. One day he might like to be accepted into the Isradia Clan, but for now he was content just to have the honor of fighting alongside the mysterious being, as he had on countless other battlefields. Like Jonaleth, Salth was a man of action on the ground. His flight skills were well-known, but his fighting abilities in hand-to-hand and saber dueling were even more known. From the way this war was shaping up, it looked like he, Sarin and Jonaleth might very well have the chance to fight by each others sides one more time. Collecting his thoughts, he replied to the Consul after a few moments.

"Good to hear. Sarin, all is going as planned. While I am optimistic of our chances in winning this war, I am still aware of our chances of failure. However minor that might be, we should carefully watch over everything in the next few weeks if Plagueis is to be assured absolute victory."

"Agreed, and I have increased my iron hold over the Clan, the Summits are even more fearful of failing. I believe all is about ready for the next chapter of this war. See to the final preparations of the Plagueis Fleet. I shall send word when we are ready to depart. It won't be much longer my old friend." the Dark Jedi Master concluded. Salth bowed as the image of Sarin disappeared from his office. He exited his office through an adjoining door to his private apartments. There he quickly changed into his new battle robes. The armor would wait, there was still plenty of time before they arrived in the Dajjora System. The time was coming, and before long the deadly iron fist of Clan Plagueis would exact justice and punishment on all those that had offended the youngest of the Brotherhood's Clans. A painful lesson was about to be delivered to those that had been found treasonous to the Clan, and that lesson would have a lasting effect on future generations. There was no doubt left in the mind of the Battlelord.

Walking across the heavly worn floors of House Satal Ketos hanger bay the Battlemaster stopped at the nose of a X-wing that had been newly painted black as the night itself, with red pinning down the side. He had wanted to keep its original paint scheme but it seemed much more fitting to match his current alignment. Running his gloved hand down the nose of the ship that housed his sensor and communications arrays he admired the beauty that was his fighter. Having taken it from CorSec when he left, he had kept it in storage during his time in the EH, as well as the times in the Brotherhood when he was mandated to fly a certain craft.



Looking over at the flight mechanic closing his storage bay on the belly of the fighter he asked, "Has she been fitted with a full rack of torpedos, and fueled up?"



"Yes Quastor, she is ready to go and claim some kills, good luck sir." the mechanic replied. Looking around the flight bay he sent out a telepathic summons to his fellow Jedi who were following himself into combat. As the group of Dark Jedi formed around him, he noticed quite a few missing, several from different battleteams. Nonetheless they would succeed and those who were missing would be dealt with accordingly. Motioning for the others to take a knee on the floor, he started.



"Ketoans, as you know it is now the time to take the fight to the Arconians. I care not where you are to attack within the Dajorra system, just that you take as many of those damned Arconians with you as possible. Your route of attack will be determined by your Team Leaders. As for Silent, Raken and myself, we will attempt to destroy the Asteroid Mining Headquarters on Gethsamane and once we are done with that we will harass the Training Facility on Arconae Secundus. You will not attack these targets as you will have others to try and take. Excepting Raken and Silent you are all dismissed, may the Force guide you."



Watching as his House members walked away he knew with a pang of sadness that many would not return. He may have a darkened soul but he did not like spending the beings in his control lightly. Sensing his discomfort Silent reached out to his friends shoulder stating "They will be fine, barring they have another fight concerning this whole 2 Jac deal, same with us!" he noted in humor.



"Agreed" Raken stated. Knowing his Rollmaster wasnt one for words, and definantly not on foolish words he turned and faced them. "Guys Im going to be honest this will be a hard mission for us three, and as you can see I am using my personal fighter and as such I am asking you do the same, as most of the House equipment is not well kept. Also if this turns to a ground fight Silent you will be in charge as I would trust your ground skills as an Obelisk much more than I would my skills. Is that understood?"

"Yep" Silent replied.


"Also Silent, I know you had the Galactica loaded with fighters, but Ive put if for a manifest for the Fighters to be unloaded from the craft and fitted with hyperdrives. I appologize for the change in plans, but I would like to have their forces scrambling as they are hit from everywhere."


Grunting and nodding his head at the new plans the Aedile accepted.


"Alright guys get your craft ready we leave out in 2 hours." the battlemaster said.

Watching his friends walk away he smiled and felt a sense of pride come over him. He knew he couldnt find a better pair of beings help him with this group. Turning to his own fighter he knew he would enjoy this engagement, it had been too long since he felt the rush of one on one space combat. He just hoped on the return no one would joke at him for his decision to wear his decidedly rebel orange flight suit....

Kal sat in the cockpit of the TIE Interceptor, waiting to come out of hyperspace with the rest of the fleet. Hyperspace made his head hurt, the bright tunnel built of shades of blue. Finally, a beeping on his controls told him that they were coming out of hyperspace. The fleet exited hyperspace, the planets of Arcona coming into view. A voice crackled over the comm, "Attention, Ketoans. This is Quaestor Stephens. We're beginning our attacks, choose your targets wisely." Kal grinned, ready to cause some damage.

Kal, along wih several other fighters, descended on Selen, the watery surface rushing beneath them, the tiny pinpricks of islands closing fast. "Okay, boys, let's hit that citadel." He heard a few whoops and cries of excitement, grinning sadly. Sad. The fools don't realize that we're all probably gonna die, Kal thought, preparing as they came close to the Citadel.

Turbolasers began to fire, catching a pair of unwary pilots, their screams echoing over the comm. "Watch that turbolaser fire, boys. Try to take 'em out!" Kal shouted. He may not have held a position, but he was still good at the whole leadership thing. The many different fighters opened up on the batteries, tearing them apart or being torn apart. Fighters began to spew from the Citadel's hangar bay, the last of the turbolasers destroyed. "This'll be fun!" Kal shouted, hearing other such battlecries. He raced at the fighters, spiralling dead-on at one of them. The fighter didn't have time to turn as Kal opened up his guns, the pilot behind the glass of the cockpit fried as his ship exploded. He then turned, gunning down a pair of greener Arconans.

The fight was on...

Before Silent left the Hanger bay he told his new student Niman to have the docking crew put his customized Jedi starfighter on the Galactica. Niman nodded and waved for the crew to come to him as Silent left to his office. Once Silent reached his office he quickly grabbed a spare lightsaber, a few thermal dets, some computer spikes, and his own worm virus he has been working on for years. The Clawdite knew this would be useful to destory the mining headquarters, then he headed over to his locker and pulled out his personal Krayt dragon skin armor, it was personally made by Silent himself taken him over a year seraching old nest of the dragons to their shedding skin causing him to almost lose his life on several accounts.

*Silents Comm link turns on*

"Master your ship has been put on the Galactica, and i must add it is a pleasure to be working with you."

*Silent called up DS as well*

"Niman, DS since you wont let me keep the fighters i have a idea, Niman will take command of my ship the Galactica and use it has a repair hub for our clan fighters, Niman will round up crew members from our planet and board them for the fight, also i am having your and rakens ship put on the Galactica we can leave ths ship before the fighters make their destanation. Niman you will keep the shields up during the fight and do hit and runs until we start to hurt on fighters who need to land and repair or need medic help. Understood?"

"Yes master"

"Silent dont put a dent in my ship while loading it."

"Ofcourse DS"

Silent shut his comm link off after sending a quick message to Raken about his ship being put on his then Silent returned to his ship to do some last minute checks and mediatate.

The Atrum Pars slipped from hyperspace, and Captain Slyder contacted the Proconsul to inform him that Satal Keto had already started their attack on the Arconan Citadel and other various targets.

"Very well, inform the Satal Keto Summit to proceed as planned. Notify the Exar Kun Summit that they are to begin operations immediately as well. We can't leave HSK hanging in the wind alone. Launch our fighters, and prepare the fleet for immediate combat operations. We'll shall destroy the Arcona Proconsul's pet project on Boral without further haste. That'll send a clear message that we intend to bring them to their knees, before Sarin shows them the quickest path to their deaths. Commence the attack, NOW! Target the spaceport, and then feel free to fire freely on any other structures that you deem an appropriate target.", Battlelord Salth Khan commanded.

The Modified Strike Cruiser Atrum Pars rotated on her axis and turned towards the slow moving orbital moon of the planet Selen. The rest of the Clan's Operation A fleet was directed towards support operations to help backup the forces of HEK and HSK as needed. The Atrum Pars was more than sufficient for this mission, given its greatly modified and enhanced systems, and fighter complement. As the ship neared its target, several flights of TIE Interceptors launched from the hangar bay, taking up a patrol and defensive position around the Proconsul's flagship. "Sir, we're now in range of the spaceport.", Captain Slyder reported.

"Fire!" commanded the Proconsul. Instantly a number of missiles launched from the forward firing tubes, locked on and steady on course to their intended target. Seconds later everyone on the bridge of the Atrum Pars bore witness to the annihilation of the Bolar spaceport. Then the quadlaser and heavy turbolaser batteries opened fire, crippling a number of outlying structures.

"Master Khan! We're intercepting an alert broadcast from the barracks located in the northern quadrant. Their reporting our attack to the forces on Selen." the ships Communications Officer reported.

"Relax Commander, this was expected. I want the Arconian forces on Selen to know of our attack on their remote base. Trust me, this will only cause their Proconsul to act out of desperation to save his pet project, not for the safety of those down below. Continue the assault, and ready the Widowmaker to intercept any incoming transport craft that launch from Selen. Tell our patrol fighters to stand ready for possible action." The Proconsul turned back to some tactical displays. On one he readily identified the sensor readout for the Marauder-class Corvette Widowmaker, a prize from the 5th Great Jedi War, and unquestionably powerful after its modifications. Any transports or assault craft launched from the surface of Selen would be instantly dealt with by the Widowmaker. If any did manage to slip through, then the Atrum Pars was more than capable of dealing with them as well.

One thing was assured today, Pontifex Strategos Thanatos Entar Arconae would soon be informed that his prized project on the surface of Boral had been destroyed. Emotionally this would imbalance one half of the Arcona Clan Summit, allowing the next phase of the operation by the Consul to commence. This one would seek out to undermine the confidence and leadership of the Arcona Consul himself, Dark Jedi Master Halcyon Rokir Arconae. Today the Arconan's would taste blood, and if they were fortunate, a few would live to tell the tale to their future generations.

Arcadian smiled to himself as the battle on Selen raged, the thought of his own friends and team mates dieing didn’t make him happy, his was just always this way in the heat of a good battle. Most of the soldiers had landed by now, or ejected as their space craft exploded, but he, Kal Vorrac, and a few others remained in the air. Arcadian dodged a rocket from one of the warriors on the ground, and took out another soldier with his Tie Interceptor.

Arcadian was beginning to think this was too easy when suddenly he heard Kal’s voice. “Arcadian, look out!” Arcadian tried to dodge the rocket racing towards him but it hit his wing sending him spiraling out of control, he saw the ground rushing up to meet him, and slammed his fist onto the eject button, suddenly he was flying through the air as he saw his craft slam into the ground and explode. The Protector hit the ground hard rolling to avoid too much damage to himself. He pulled out the energy sword always by his side, and rushed into the fray to join his comrades.

Kal saw Arc eject, cursing to himself. He swerved in mid-flight, vaporizing the fighter that fired the rocket. He then turned, targeting the hangar. "Come on boys, let's kill off their ship supply." He opened up with his lasers, firing the warhead launcher simultaneously. The other Ketoan ships that had followed him did the same, and soon the hanger was a pile of rubble.

"Okay, boys, let's take that base! Concentratre fire on the important parts, and any Obelisks come with me. We're taking the ground!" Kal landed his Interceptor, getting out of the cockpit, Krath war blade in hand as he led the charge toward the citadel.

Galaphile hopped into the TIE Defenders cockpit. It was time to shed blood on the Selen warriors. While the Ketoians where probably taking down the planetary defense systems, the Exar Kun warriors would probably be there in time to mop any air Forces. But a question popped in his head. Where was the Sun Crusher? The Sun Crushers seemed as if it could destroy their whole fleet with its armor hull and manuverability. But it probably wasn;t was even there at time, it would have been reported. With Hells Iris taking flight already and all the other fighters making their way to space, Galaphile fired up his Defenders enginges and took off from the planet Aerun.

Soon he set a course for the planet Selen then went into hyperspace mode and would be in Dajjora system in a hour or two at the most and there he would rendezvous with Hells Iris and the rest of the Kun fleet. Then they would descend on the Satal Keto fighters and help them. The al'Tor Knight was still blank on where was the location of the Loremaster, but he had an obligation to his clan, and the location of the Master Isradias whereabouts was not his goal.

There was one really good thing he did like about the attack on Selen. One thing he knew he should have dismissed the day he met the person. Jedi Hunter Devani Maharet was on Selen, a person he had grown an unatural sort of hatred for, during their time on Antei. But he hoped that the Ketoians had not taken out the planetary defense system right away and landed.

Because he wanted to kill the Huntress himself, a slow and painful death at the hands of his lightsaber. When reports came back the Proconsul was near the Selen moon with the Atrum Pars. With the help of the Strike Cruiser they would surely take over the planet. Unless they had something else planned that they didn't know about. He doubted it. Finally the TIE Defender pulled out of hypersapce after an hour had gone by, and the Defenders sensors picked up where the Atrum Pars was. He then set up a link to the ship.

Lost in thought Vessicant was slow to acknowledge the senior officer’s report. Many of his Clansmen seemed to think that defeating Arcona would be a walkover, how wrong they were. It was now apparent that their swift progress was a ruse to draw them in, thereby committing Plagueis’ main strength to reinforce the forces already on Selen. They had intentionally withheld the bulk of their forces, inviting an invasion of their headquarters, and waiting for the opposition to reveal its strategy before reacting. Halcyon Rokir wasn’t stupid, even though this feigned weakness was a gamble, and he certainly wasn’t blind. The reports of his earlier patrols coming so callously under attack were probably enough proof of Plagueis’ lack of subtlety in its planning.

“Inform the Consul that their main fleet has closed the net on us.” The Sith opened his eyes at last, catching a fleeting glimpse of the Strike Cruiser and a Carrack entering hyperspace. Were they going to squash the incursion on Secundus, or to attack the lone ship above the strategically less important Boral? The Warlord grunted softly to himself, registering the growing distance between himself and a familiar Arconan presence. “If I were you, Quejo, I’d go after Khan,” the Warlord whispered, “to try to take out a large chunk of our combat strength.”

“Sir?”

“Forget about it, Captain. If those two are going where I think they are, there’s no time to warn the Proconsul about it.” Another grunt, this time at the two capital ships that had entered at a distance to the Medusa’s portside, and directed at the Carrier in particular. “Tell those Gallofrees and their escorts to hurry the hell up and make planetfall, we’re going to lose a lot of troops to the void and on the ground if the Arconans can form up a proper blockade. We have to reinforce Keto.” The Vengeance shuddered as the Nighthawk’s forwardmost battery scored a lucky hit from afar after a single miss, bringing an instant scowl to the Equite’s face. “Targetting control, concentrate fire on that one when we’re in range, I sense…unnatural cohesion among its gunners. Communications, get an update from our forces at Secundus, I have a feeling they’ll be getting company very soon; Arcona’s other ships have to go somewhere."

Silent had already recieved word from his PCON about the fight that was going on. He sat in the cockpit of the Galactica getting word from Raken and DS that they were onboard and ready to go.

"Niman, took us up and out of here and to the mining headquarters, i want a lightyear between us so they dont see us coming"

"Yes master"

The Ship flew out of the Hangar bay and into space.

"Hyperdrive up and going in 5.....4.......3......2.....1.....Drive!"

The Galactica jumpped into Hyperdrive.

"ETA 1 hour or less Master."

"Let me know if any problems arise or right before we jump out Niman"

"Yes master."

Silent headed to the Hangar bay of the Galactica where DS and Raken did some last minute checks on their ships.

"How did a Arconian get on board"

As Raken and DS drew their sabers.

"Easy my friends this is our easy way onto the the mining HQ"

"Silent is that you?"

"Yes Raken"

Silent changed back to himself

"So being a Cladite has its advantages Silent."

"Yes DS why not use what you got"

"So whats the plan guys?" Raken asked

"Getting inside the HQ wont be a problem, posing as the Arcona's CON will and should buy us enough time to get on the HQ and me taking out security in the Hanger bay from there i will be to tried to keep shifting and we will be fighting till the mission is done." Silent said

"Well that should get us enough time to do some damage, the way i see it is that we hit the reactors, there being 3 small ones those being taken out will cause the place to go down but all 3 have to go down at the same time if not back up power comes on and we have to take out the Main reactor int he middle of the complex which is protecting by Dark jedi knights...or so says the Intel we have reiceved on the place." DS said

"So we are spliting up." Raken said

"Yup, all dets should be placed inside the cockpit of our ships placed by my student, timers are set to 10 mintues with a 3 recount over ride system placed inside a remote that we will all have this is a just in case device if one of us cant make it out we all it will only take one of use to reset all timers to 3 minutes. I am hoping not to use that. On top of that a extra det has been placed in the ships incase the 3 reactors dont go as planned this is only a 1 mintue timer so there should be no making it out of that alive, but who knows we are Dark Jedi anything is possible."

"We Silent i hop we dont have to use that one, seeing how it is a good mile from the main reactor to the hanger bay." DS said

"So wait if we are so close to the main reactor why dont we hit that." Raken said

"Good question...bad answer, the 3 other reacotrs keep a shield up on the main reactor forcing us to have to hit those 3 and knocking it down at the same time a evil back up plan since we cant hit hte main reactor with out taking 3 of the smaller ones out at the same time because if we dont the main use a back up generator that will keep the main safe. Arcona good thing there are 3 of us." Silent said

"True true." Raken said

"Alright i havent eaten all day so i am heading over to the defac and getting some food, we got 45 minutes til we drop." Silent said

"Good idea" DS said

There was a soft hiss as the door of the lift to the bridge of the Atrum Pars slid open, admitting a figure all in black, wearing Violator-style robes of purple edged in silver. Two sapphire eyes shone within a shadowed hood as the man walked purposefully towards the Proconsul. When the Battlelord sensed the newcomer, he turned, and bowed slightly, "I was not aware you were aboard, Master Isradia."

Jonaleth returned the bow and came to stand beside the other man, "I did not wish to advertise my presence, just yet, and I had a small matter to attend to." Khan nodded. He had seen the incredible bounty the Elder had placed on Braecen, his former son and heir, and knew of Sarin's orders to the Isradia family that the man should be executed. Clearly Isradia had been re-issuing the orders for the hunt for the traitor to be resumed. The Proconsul pitied Braecen for the fate that would await him when he was returned to Kapsina.

The Strike Cruiser rocked sharply, forcing the Dark Adept to fling out a hand to stabilise himself. "How goes it?" he asked, a serious question, though asked dryly.

"Over enthusiasm seems to have landed us in a pincer." Salth said, gesturing to the display.

The Elder Isradia studied the readout for a few moments, "I am not a military commander, Master Proconsul. Im afraid my advice in this matter cannot be trusted, however, I shall do what I can."

The Sith nodded, and Jonaleth left the readout to look out through the observation windows into the stars and battle waging all around. He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes, reaching out through the Force, letting his mind flow on silent, whispering waves into the solar system. In his minds eye, yellow and purple pinpoints ignited in the darkness, the minds and presences of the combatants, swirling in a delicate but deadly ballet.

One by one, the Dark Adept touched each yellow light, each mind of a Child of Plagueis. His breath came steadily as his consciousness broke free of its body and a small portion infiltrated each person, unifying them through his own power and soul in the Elders Battle Meditation, and across the void, his deep, rich speech could be heard in the minds of the warriors of Plagueis, "Children of Plagueis, do not waver, for I am with you... Be not afraid, for I am beside you... My strength is yours, my power is yours, my knowledge is yours... We are one, and I stand with you... Fight for glory, fight for wrath, fight for honour, spread the blackness of Plagueis with your deeds, and together, we shall make this a day of days..."

And even as he spoke, each and every Plageuian knew, as they felt his power join with theirs to lend new strength and skill, as their unity and teamwork increased tenfold, he spoke the truth...

In the hangar, the operation for the landing party were proceeding fast. Journaymen and equites were checking their ship they will have to use to cover the landing party on the assault transports on their way to the planet. In a cornet a tall figure dressed with a violator robe with trim of crimson red of the Sith order was working on his starfighter, an old ETA-2 he has used for decades. An ancient lightsaber, one of the most treasured artifacts of the clan was securely pinned at his belt, the very lightsaber of his Master, Exar Kun. As elder of the Clan he was given the task by his Consul to lead in battle the ground forces and with the help of this lightsaber it whould have took Jac or Firefox to stop him.

The preparation was almost compleate when he felt Jonaleth's power hovering over all the clan members "good" he tought "the jedi is doing something useful for once"
Khan knew the Dark Adept help will be important if he bothered enough to join the ground forces, something not totaly granted in Khan's eyes, and he was glad he was using his power to help the pilots in this difficoult task.
He didn't shared the optimistic view of his clanmates on this mission, Clan Arconae was once of the most powerful clan in the brotherhood and with one of the best fleet, second only to Taldryan. If they were to have any chance of success they'll have to hit and run away before one of Arcona strike forces scrambled to intercept their assault.
He was a seasoned general, in his two hundred years Khan lead army in the clone wars, in the war agaist the rebellion during the empire and took part in quite a few Great Jedi War. For some of his brethen this was the first time on a real battlefield and that was something to be taken in great consideration.

It was quite a long journey from Kyandria to the Dajorra system of Clan Arcona. And it took too long, according to an agitated Sith Warrior named Gaidal Dupar. He had been sitting in his chambers onboard the Colossus-carrier named ‘Inflexible’. None would know how appropriate it was under the current circumstances. Gaidal still felt disgusted by himself due to his recent crimes and the ones he was about to commit.

He was in a deep trance and tried to meditate for himself. It had been a while since the last time and there was not any better occasion or reason than this. He flew through the dark emptiness of his mind and after a few minutes he saw something. It was the Force, that appeared like a small, glowing sphere for his eyes. He felt the pulse coming from the sphere and also the slight disturbances touching the Force. They were like little wrinkles in a dark pond.

Before he realized it a loud, echoing voice spoke to him through the Force. The echoes were close to giving him an headache. The voice was familiar, too familiar. It seemed like Jonaleth was able to reach for him and touched his mind. It was unusual display of a pep talk, something the Dark Adept normally would not do. Strange, the Kyandrian, why would he do that now? Still, Gaidal was following his own path and so the Adept’s words were quite wasted on him. He doubled his efforts in order to trace the origin of the wrinkles and an unsettling feeling came upon him. Something was wrong in the Dajorra system, very wrong.

Suddenly, the doors slid open en one of the Kyandrian warriors entered his room. It was the second-in-command, lieutenant Shoban. Although Gaidal still had his eyes closed, he sensed his presence. After a small couch of the officer, the Sith opened his eyes.
“Why did you enter my chambers without knocking, lieutenant?” Gaidal declared.
“Commander, sir” Shoban stated, “we received a message from Master Nurok and it’s meant for your eyes only, sir. You can watch it in the computer room near your quarters, sir.”
Commander? The Sith Warrior raised an eyebrow and got on his feet. Could it be he was a commander in charge now? It would be, once again, very typical of Godo to pull such a trick. He followed the Kyandrian officer, while the man kept talking: “Sir, I also needed to tell that we’re getting closer to the Dajorra system. In less than an hour we’ll jump out of hyperspace and will go to the designated target. Colonel Marin wanted me to tell you this.”
What exactly was the target? Gaidal did not know, but kept thinking of it. So he said: “Well, thank the colonel for me, lieutenant Shoban.”

Then they reached the computer room and Shoban immediately left. The Sith walked through the room and picked one of the ten computers. He grabbed a chair and started pushing a few buttons on the keyboard. The incoming message was being displayed through a holographic device, so a miniature of Godo emerged on the ground.
“Good day to you, my former Apprentice. I hope that you’re feeling a bit more comfortable with your upcoming mission. I sent this message in order to give you your specific target. You’re heading towards the Dajorra system as you know, but your designated target is the small moon Boreal. Boreal is circling around Selen and is quite inhabitable. There is an important structure and/or facility on its surface and related to the Arcona Clan. I want you to destroy it. As you probably already noticed, your fellow Kyandrians address you as ‘commander’. Well, they’re right. You’re their commander and they will follow you into battle. If necessary, and I don’t think I’ve to remind you, they’re expendable. Just make sure that you reach the target and destroy it, so use the 2F-Razor tanks wisely, old friend. As soon as you’ve accomplished your mission, I’ll contact you again. Good luck and may the Force guide you…”
The image vanished and left a thinking Gaidal behind. There was something very suspicious about this mission, like some things did not end up. The Sith was not able to tell what exactly was wrong, only that there was something. He kept thinking for a while and then fell asleep.

***

The ship slowed down when it dropped out of hyperspace. After that the alarms immediately went off and red flashing lights warned its crew they were approaching a threatening situation. Gaidal woke up and knew something was wrong. He started running towards the cockpit and felt heavy vibrations every now and then. It was almost like he could hear explosions coming from the silence of space. He finally reached his destination and saw his crew trying to control the huge vessel.

Gaidal sat back on a passengers’ chair and looked around for a few moments. Colonel Marin turned his head around and said: “We’re in a tight spot, sir. It seems like there is a large space battle going on around Selen. Any idea who’s attacking who right now?”
“Well colonel, there is only one way to find out. Scan the larger vessels and try to identify one.”
“Very well, commander. Let me see… I found a large ship, which is a Modified Strike Cruiser named ‘Atrum Pars’.”
“In that case, Clan Plagueis, my clan, is attacking Clan Arcona” the Force-user declared, “we need to set a course for the moon around Selen, Boreal. Our target is there. Could you scan the planet for a nice landing zone, colonel. Also try and find unusual compounds and/or structures on the surface.”
“Yes sir” the colonel said and he adjusted his course at the same time. Everyone in the cockpit kept quiet and was waiting for what was about to happen. Meanwhile they got closer towards the fighting.

“Sir, do you have a moment?” the colonel apparently after scanning Boreal, “I’ve found ourselves a nice spot to land, but I’ll not do us any good.”
Gaidal raised a brow and wondered what Marin meant: “What kind of answer is that, colonel?”
“Well, I scanned the surface, but I found no structures or compounds. Not even underground. There is nothing there, only a ruin…”
“What? A ruin?” the Sith spitted, “scan the ruin immediately. How old is it?”
“According to my scans it was a building recently destroyed, sir” colonel Marin responded.
Gaidal stood up and started walking in circles. His brain was making extra hours here and he knew something was wrong. Someone within the ranks of Clan Plagueis probably knew what he was about to do. Someone knew of his mission and defection! But who? He needed to get out of here, while he still could. The longer he waited, the bigger the chance he would get caught and would face trial. Naturally, his ‘trial’ would lead to inevitable execution since he was marked as a traitor among Plagueians.
“Ok, change of plans colonel. Turn the ‘Inflexible’ around, we’re going home. We’ve been betrayed by an unknown enemy” the Kyandrian commander explained.
“I think that’s a bit too late, sir. Several fighters are turning around and aiming for us.”
“How many, colonel?” the Sith asked.
“I believe over twenty fast ships such as TIE-fighters. Also, the ‘Atrum Pars’ is coming around and seems to be waiting until we enter its firing range.”
“In that case we have no other alternative. Fly directly towards Selen and use the shortest route. We’ll land there as safely as possible. Meanwhile I need your men to man the exterior cannons of the ‘Inflexible’. We’re going to fight ourselves a way through the frontline…”

The orders were given, but it never became a true fight. The Colossus-carrier was gigantic, but also quite slow and undermanned with only five persons onboard. It had over twenty powerful guns, but only ten were automated. Several fighters from the Battle Teams of Clan Plagueis managed to damage the vessel. Smoke seemed to come out of the entire exterior, while electric sparks burst out of the hull. The ‘Inflexible’ was old and old-fashioned and as soon as the ‘Atrum Pars’ started firing, the true resistance was over despite the continous firing of its cannons. The colonel managed to break through the frontline and maintained his course, while the rear end and especially the engines were being torn apart by the Modified Strike Cruiser. The firing continued and the engines were failing, while flames crawled out of the same engines.

The Colossus-carrier shifted and turned around. The engines were down and the vessel was being pulled towards the planet by its atmosphere. The manned guns kept firing towards all enemies until the ship went through the entire atmosphere. After that the ship immediately started falling and was on a course to crash. It transformed due to the pressure within the atmosphere into a large fireball and it seemed like an enormous falling star was aiming for the planet’s surface. There was no panic among the crew onboard, because there was simply to time for that. All they wanted and needed to do, was to reach the surface safely. Although Gaidal was still no believer, he started praying like he had never done before...

***

Onboard the ‘Atrum Pars’ Pronconsul Khan and Dark Adept Isradia looked towards each other, but only Khan smiled. Their attack was progressing quite while and they even shot one unidentified and unfamiliar vessel, which was now crashing on Selen. Although the vessel was of a kind they had never seen before, they both sensed a small peak within the Force when the ship started falling into the atmosphere.
“I believe one of our 'lost sons' just went by” Khan laughed out loud.
“I assume you’re referring to the deeply fallen Gaidal Dupar. A traitorous Sith, even amongst Sith” Jonaleth answered, “such compromised individuals should be ‘pacified’ by the proper authorities. Still, it’s remarkable that Mister Dupar betrayed our Clan. There has to be a very solid and reasonable explanation for his defection, don't you think? Perhaps you can enlighten me, Proconsul?”
Khan looked a bit puzzled by the sharp remark of the Adept and wondered what he knew about the fall of the Sith Warrior.
“I might enlighten you in the near future, Master Isradia. All I know for now is that Gaidal is in more trouble than he could ever imagine. He’s stranded on a hostile planet filled with armed forces, while we’re threatening it from above. Whatever happens, our ‘friend’ can’t escape. It’s even possible that he died within the crash.”
“I’d not be so sure, Khan. While Dupar is no friend of mine, I’ve to admit I admire his ability to survive. He survived most unsettling battles and events before and managed to escape such situations miraculously. That Sith isn’t dead until I see his corpse.”

Aabsdu di Plagia Dupar al'Tor stood on the observation deck of the Vengeance as it soared through hyperspace towards the Dajjora System. They'd been traveling for a good two hours now, and would arrive at their destination soon. For the first good hour, the Prodigy of Plagueis had put forth his attention to anything that needed to be done. However, along the way he had received the fragment of a message that reportedly came from Scorpius. The Priest had been scouting the projected path of the Sun Crusher missile as it made its way towards the Naga Sadow System. He was expected back with the house fleet when they arrived at Dajjora, where most of the rest of the clan already was, although this message said otherwise. They could only make out a few words here and there, but the urgency in his voice said enough. The worst part of it all, however, was that Scorps sounded afraid...

Partial Transmission Intercepted by the Vengeance

Hello? Hello! *static* they came out of *static* I do *static* Somebody hel * static* HURRY! *static*

End of Transmission

Aabsdu had immediately contacted the Consul and ProConsul, who informed him that the house needed a Quaestor in this desperate time. Due to that, the battlemaster had been named Exar Kun's newest Quaestor. Ever since that moment he had cut himself off from the rest of the world, standing on the deck with his eyes, ears, and mind closed to everything happening around him. He focused only on the force, and how it could help him in this time of need. He could sense Scorpius off in the distance, though only a tiny fragment was left. The Krath appeared to be alive, but not in the best of conditions. He thought of everything else as well, from what the house was to do now to numerous other subjects. There was just too much to think about!

A slight jump in the ship brought him back to reality, and he looked out into the seemingly calm, quiet abyss they called space. Off in the distance a large sun could be seen, as well as three planets and moons. What he couldn't see, however, was the battle that was suppose to be taking place.

This thought changed when the Vengeance turn downward, and the galactic battle soared into view. Salth's capital ship, the Atrum Pars, could be seen firing upon the small moon of Boral while off in the distance the fleet of House Satal Keto could be seen fighting a small army above the planet of Selen. He looked around at the battle, fires erupting through the area as fighter after fighter erupted, and then disappeared forever. He turned to the various men stationed around the control room, as he thought about what to do next. It seemed as if Salth could handle himself for now, yet from the looks of it Satal Keto wasn't having the easiest time invading Selen.

"Commander Gar," he shouted to the uniformed officer standing below him, "Turn this ship towards Selen. We are to assist our sister house in taking the planet," he nodded, "Also, tell all of our forces to make their way to the fighters. If they plan on flying, I want them ready in ten minutes"

"Yes sir!"

As the young man turned to fulfill his duties, Aabsdu searched throughout the force to look for anything possibly that he could find. He wasn't looking for anything specific, but knew that if there was something worth finding the force would bring it to his attention. There seemed to be nothing, however, that should be worth his...

... wait. That signature... he knew it all too well. He had been guided by it throughout his career, and called it his brother and greatest friend, but how could it be here? When he'd last left Warrior Gaidal Dupar the man had been on his home world for unknown reasons. What could he possibly want with Arcona, or worse... Plagueis?. He couldn't let his mind wander, however, for now he had to focus on the battle at hand. Somehow, the man's fate had once again become entangled with Plagueis' affairs, but for what reason was unknown. There were bigger fish to fry right now, though, or Arconians should I say.

He turned his attention back to the battle at hand, and saw they were now in range of the battle above Selen. He turned back to Commander Gar and said, "Tell our forces to attack. I want every man who can fly in a fighter, and I expect all our fighters to be in the air within the next ten minutes!"

Again, he saluted and went to work. When Aabsdu turned back to the view port, he saw thirty fighters of various types flying out from under the ship and heading towards the action. Among he sensed at least ten dark jedi, if not more. Again, he turned, though this time to walk down the stairs and continue towards the door at the back of the room. As he opened it, however, he was stopped by Commander Gar who saluted before reporting, "Every fighter with a pilot if in the air, sir. At least forty, if I'm correct."

Aabsdu nodded, and continued to walk forward, causing Gar to turn and run up beside him, "Sir, what do you wish us to do with the Iris? I'm suspecting you to stay here, so who is to command the vessel?"

"That is my decision," the Quaestor replied as he turned and stared into the commander's eyes, "And it is out of your place to question me."

Gar gulped and took one step back, clearly afraid of the anger that had just burst from his commanding officer. He brightened up, however, when Aabsdu grinned and continued, "I too, though, feel that we need someone to man the vessel. Is Warrior Vasily still onboard?"

"Yes sir, though I think he's preparing to leave now."

"Go tell him that I have another vessel for him to fly today. One much bigger and better armed."

Virulence moved swiftly across the expanse of Diedem’s hangar bay, now empty except for a few personal fighters and small transports, his thick black cloak trailing behind him, as he made his way towards the outer landing platform. As the reptile passed through the small doorway adjacent to the mammoth blast doors, and stepped out onto the platform, he spotted the ship he was looking for. As the Barabel approached the twenty meter long Aggressor Assault fighter, he sensed the ship’s owner was already onboard, and the Kuat Galaxy-15 ion engine came online, powering up with a familiar whine in a slow crescendo. Bounding up the lowered entry ramp, Virulence entered the Trilon ship, moving through the small medbay, past the prisoner hold, and into the small maintenance area just behind the pilot’s station, where Archpriest Ethran Sayre Isradia sat, preparing to take off.

“Was Mune able to provide any assistance?” Ethran asked his reptilian comrade as he threw a small switch above his head, raising the entry ramp.

“Indeed, he has sent the Betrayer on a solo reconnaissance mission, here are the coordinates.” Virulence hissed, handing a small datapad to the Archpriest. “He has all but handed him to us on a silver platter; Braecen’s arrogance in seeking refuge in Mune’s house will be his undoing.”

Ethran grinned slightly as he read the coordinates and entered them into the ship’s navicomputer. “Strap yourself in, we’re ready to go.”

The Barabel sat down in a relatively tiny and quite uncomfortable seat in the maintenance area, and strapped himself in with a low grumble, as Ethran brought the repulsorlift online and the ship rose gently off the landing platform. The pair of Isradias knew this was going to be no easy task, they had known Braecen for many years, and knew they could not let their mutual hatred for the false Kunar blind them to the Correlian’s cunning intelligence. As the Aggressor shot forward and veered sharply upwards, heading out of the Decarian Jungle and into Aerun’s upper atmosphere, the Krath prepared themselves for the hunt.

Once free of the gravity pull from the planet, Ethran looked over the detailed readout before him and nodded. He waited for a moment then let a deep sigh emerge from within him. The ships hyperdrive was malfunctioning again, so it wouldn’t start up. Shaking his head and rising to his feet, Ethran went to the back of the ship, past the two holding cells in the small cargo area, and started a diagnostic on the ships hyperdrive. Soon enough, he realized that the hyperdrive motivator wasn’t connected right.

“Damn that would have been bad...” Ethran said as he reconnected the motivator.

“What’s going on?” Virulence tossed back.

“The motivator wasn’t connected right, so even if we were able to hyperjump, the ship wouldn’t be able to calculate anything afterwards. We would have most likely slammed into a mass shadow and our hunt would be over before it started.” Ethran shook his head.

Once he had the motivator set, the Archpriest made his way back through the cargo hold and sat down in the pilots chair again. He placed the coordinates back into the navi computer and soon enough, the modified class 1 hyperdrive calculated a 100% jump and set off.

“We don’t have much time to apprehend him, you know this, right?” Virulence stated the obvious.

Ethran only nodded, wishing that he could have the opportunity to kill Braecen himself, but he knew that Jonaleth wanted the blood of the traitor himself. With another sigh, Ethran closed his eyes in order to meditate on what the two Isradias were going to do once they arrived at the coordinates provided by Mune. He didn’t know what they were going to encounter, so he hoped to gain a glimpse of what was to come as he meditated. They had to be ready…and Ethran was as ready as he could possibly get.

Galaphiel flew by the Vengeance in his TIE Defender trying to reach his 'brother' through the Force for his orders. But he instead felt a jolt of surprise come from the Battlemaster. His Force powers not even fully developed, could tell his human Quaestor's Force Signature anywhere, especially since Dark Side Adept Jonaleth Isradia di Plagia created a massive battle-meld that mostly everyone entered. The Battlemaster must have sensed the Falleen al'Tor trying to contact him because, the next thing Galaphile knew, he heard a whisper.

Not so much of an actual whisper, but a Force whisper, directed only to him. It was faint, but clear enough for the Falleen to interpret. Gaidal on Selen. Come. Galaphile almost flew into the Strik Cruiser. Gaidal is here in the Dajjora system, but...why. The Knight thought to himself. Galaphile could understand why his 'brother' contacted him through the Force. Doing it over link would have alerted other offcials and they would probably kill Gaidal on sight.

The Falleen speculated about his 'brothers' sudden betrayal, he would have to go to the Exar Kun Quaestor and see if he knew anything about this, whole thing. He knew something was wrong and he and the rest of family was going to find out. He swerved his Defender and headed for the Vengeance hangar.

He would find out very soon. Sooner than he thought.

Caesar had awaken days later in the same medical bay that Rannik had been in. He lifted his head, looking around for something, or someone. He caught the attention of a human nurse in the room.

"Excuse me, miss. Could you tell me where everyone is?"

"They are out fighting Arcona, you are to stay at bed rest until they return for you."

"Nonsense, I'm a part of this Clan, so I will be there when the battle rages on."

"Hunter Caesar, you were almost killed! You need to rest!"

Caesar stood up, and started putting on his inner robes. He found his weapon right by him on the ground, and picked it up when he finished changing. He left the room with a sense of urgency, looking for the TIE Interceptor that he had been flying. It was there, with a note on it.

Welcome Back Hunter Caesar

He hopped in, not wasting any time, heading off towards Clan Arcona's base, hoping to find the rest of the Clan there.

Rannik heard that Julius woke up and left to the Arcona Base. Rannik was suprised that he hasnt already left himself, but hes been too busy in the previous things that had happend. Rannik figured he would go and try to catch up with his old pal. He started to walk towards the Hanger Bay to jukp in a TIE Interceptor. Once there, he got in one and left to try and catch up to Tolter.

Rannik turned his comm on and asked if anyone was there, more specificly Julius.

"General, our forces have begun the attack and are pushing the enemy back towards the surface of the planet"

"Wonderful, continue the attack until this battle in no longer in the air, but on the ground," Quaestor Aabsdu smiled. Sure, he was a sith, and while he didn't mind flying, he much rather preferred to advance the attack while on the ground. Besides, there was no permanent damage that could be dealt while they were stuck in space wasting their time. After all, House Exar Kun and Satal Keto's primary target was Arcona Citadel, or at least that's what Aabs gathered. To be truthful, he wasn't sure exactly why Daniel had taken to attacking Selen. It seemed as if it would have been much more sensible to attack one of the smaller planets, as ProConsul Salth was doing with Boral.

He turned around as he felt a familiar signature walk up behind him, and he saw Knight Galaphile al'Tor bowing behind him.

"Master, I was..."

He was cut short, however, and Aabsdu sneered and raised his hand. The young Fallen was instantly thrown backwards off the observation deck, and landed on the ground below. Several of the men working looked down at him with a scared impression, but quickly went back to work after a glare for Aabs. Gala looked up at his Quaestor from the floor and gulped.

"Why are you not in space assisting your brothers and sisters," Aabsdu demanded as he walked off the deck to stand in front of the boy, "Why are you hiding here when you should be giving your life in the name of Plagueis and Exar Kun out there!?"

"Please, sir, I was only wondering," but again he was cut off as Aabsdu threw him across the length of the room into the back wall. He landed with a thud and slide down the wall into a slump on the floor.

"You don't wonder about anything right now except keeping yourself alive out there!"

"But Gaidal, master!"

Aabsdu raised his hand again as if to throw the fallen once more, but stopped at the mention of his brother and friend's name. He shouldn't have been surprised, but nonetheless he was.

"Do not worry about Gaidal right now," he commanded in the same menacing tone, "Focus completely on the battle and what's ahead. Understood?"

Galaphile nodded, and Aabsdu simultaneously opened the door while throwing Galaphile back out into the hallway. Only when the doors had closed did he turn and smile, letting out a soft chuckle as he watching Gala's TIE zoom past the observation window.

*****

The Battlemaster looked out of the observation window as he observed the occurring battle. He had all but stayed in this spot since they had exited hyperspace, controlling the battle from the safety of the Vengeance. It's not that he was too much of a coward to go into battle himself, but the house couldn't do much if their Quaestor would to be blown up. That's why he was waiting until they landed on the planet to start the real attack.

He watched as the Nighthawk came up beside Satal Keto's flagship, and the two ships started firing upon each other. A large flash filled Aabs' vision for a second, and some major component on Arcona's capital ship exploded after a critical hit. He was about to order his commander to go assist their sister clan, but a large ship to the right caught his eye.

He turned and yelled down at the various people working in the control room, "That ship over there, what it is?"

One of the men looked at his console before answering, "That would be the Eye of the Abyss, sir"

The certain Eye of the Abyss, just happened to be making its way towards the Vengeance, and Aabs could already tell it was coming up along side them for an attack. He turned around again and barked orders to the men as they prepared to attack, and the two ships pulled along side each other as the battle brewed. A blast filled the air as one of the turbo lasers on the Abyss fired, and the ship shook as it was hit. The Quaestor gave the command to fire, and the two ships broke out into all out war.

As each ship continued to fire upon each other, they both shook as their hits met their targets. The sound of laser fire filled the air, and Aabsdu grinned. Chances are neither of the vessel's shields would give away to the attack, and each ship would come out of it undamaged for the most part. His grin ended, however, as he saw one of the cannons turn its aim towards the view window of the control room, and the human turned and started to back away down the stairs.

It was a moment too late, however, as the shot fired and landed right on the observation window. The entire window shattered and part of the wall exploded, throwing Aabsdu and several crewmembers flying into the back wall. Five more men were sucked into the abyss of space as the air in the room was pulled out through the hole, and Aabsdu grabbed hold of a console as his legs lifted off the ground. The emergency blast windows quickly closed around the room, however, and in a moment of seconds, it was over.

He picked himself up off the ground and dusted off his robes before turning to one of the men and shouting, "How much damage was done?"

"A good bit, sir, but we're still flyable"

"Excellent, prepare the Pacifica for launch. I don't care how much damage hasn't' been repaired I'm using it nonetheless. I want to take this battle to the surface of Selen. I'm tired of this fighting in space; I need to spill some blood."

The 3 Dark Jedi fly into the Mining HQ Hangar bay.

"Greetings CON your escort will be here any moment"

"Belay that solider i requrie no Escort now leave the hanger bay at once, and take everyone with you." Silent said

"Yes.......Sir!"

The Hanger bay cleared quickly and the 3 hoped out of their ships.

"I cant believe that worked Silent" Raken said

"Yeah alright we dont have much time guys i will head up to the main controls and overrid all the doors you guys head to your targets i will stall as much as i can while staying in form so lets make this quick." Silent said

"Right lets go guys"

Silent headed up to the main controls and unlocked the securtiy doors as the other 2 left. When Silent finished a group of soliders and Jedi came forth.

"I order you to all stay behind."

"But Master it is an honor to protect you we must stay by you when you are here"

"Fine take me to the genrator 3, i have had reports of failure and want to check it out." Silent said

"As you wish master"

Silent and the group headed for the generator.

The old death of this place was palpable. Though the primary sensory evidence was gone, the reverberations remained adamant in the metaphysical currents of energy. Raken could almost reach out and touch each one with his finger as if to point to a life destroyed. The spirits that dwelt in these caves implored him. He walked the tunnels as if strolling through a museum of macabre history. Pain was on display; exquisite, repleat with anguish, and unending. As he knew the pain of the ghosts of this place, so too did they know his.

Welcome, they seemed to say.

The generator intoned a steady hum which he followed. As his fellow Ketoans sought their own objectives, Raken moved swiftly to confront his. Following the sound he encountered a large chamber, a natural maw in the cavern studded with stone teeth floor and ceiling. In the center thrummed the secondary generator. It was a massive power plant drawing its fusion reaction from the endothermic cycle of the planetary core.

Voices whispered to him. Not the usual utterances of madness that accompanied him, but the hushed tones of the slaves who had built this place...and died here. A warning they had for the Ketoan Knight, or a prophecy. Raken could glean nothing from his black tendrils of energy scouting the chamber for him. He was alone, save for the tortured souls whose eyes had beheld these cold stone walls as their last mortal sight.

Rocks cascaded down from a high place to the stone floor. Raken turned to assess the disturbance, tendrils of ebony raced to the scene to offer their spectral guidance. From the shadow beyond, they told him of blood and anger. Rage, dementia, lust, hunger, all assaulted the Plagueian infiltrator. Then out came the spider from its hole.

The battle was raging on Selen, blood staining the ground. Everywhere, swords, sabers, and blasters were ripping through both sides. Kal, fighting wildly, thought of the situation. The Arconans had led them into a trap. Just as the hangar had crumbled and the Ketoans had landed, a massive force of reinforcement ships dropped through the atmosphere, ripping up the forces of Plagueis. Kal was just about to be murdered when he felt Isradia's Battle Meditation spread across the field, linking all of the minds. Kal leapt, a spiralling motion aimed directly at his foes. e brought his sword in a wide arc, slicing their feet from under them. His war blade was stained with the blood of many, and he stabbed through another foe, drawing the blade from his innards in time to remove the arm of a careless foe, whom wielded a lightsaber. Kal reached out with the Force, drawing the crimson blade to his hand in time to put it through another foe's head. He then pulled the saber loose, using his sword and the blade of his enemy like arms. Soon, many more bodies were lying at his feet. Feeling a twinge in the Force, Kal leapt backwards as the flaming wreck of an enemy fighter came flaming down on approacking foes.

"What the hell?" Kal said in surprise, looking to the sky.

Exar Kun fighters poured into the atmosphere, ripping up the ranks of Arcona. From the sky, Kal could see the engagement of their space forces. He let out a cheer, turning to cut through another enemy with the Arconan lightsaber. Deciding that the war blade he carried would slow him down, the guardian threw it into the chest of an enemy before running off to help Arcadian. The young Protector was skilled, but overwhelmed. Kal, on the other hand, had an advantage, for he didn't care if he died. He brought the bloodshine blade of the lightsaber through the Arconans attacking Arc, a flurry of bright spins accompanied by tiny flecks of blood as the near-cauterized flesh burned.

"Where did you get that?!" Arc shouted, seeing the lightsaber.

"I didn't think he needed it anymore," Kal said, motioning to the maimed corpse of the dead Knight.

"Forget it, I think we're gonna need it," Arc said, as the two plagueians continued to rip apart the foes.

Sweat dripped from Arcadian’s face as his Energy Sword ripped through Arconan’s, side by side with his friend Kal the two soldiers worked together ass if they shared one brain. Kal parried for Arcadian and Arc for Kal, amazingly Kal had found a lightsaber and it seemed he wasn’t half bad with it, the warriors battled with all there being but it the Arconan’s seemed endless and before long they were surrounded.

"Great" Arcadian said "now what"
"well" Kal said cheerily "I think we can take them" when suddnely another batch of soldiers arrived
"I hate you, so much right now" Arcadian said.

The two warriors prepared to fight to the death, when all of a sudden a large group of Plagueisian soldiers broke away from the main group to help them "Yeah!" Arcadian cried out enthusiasticly "it's go time."

The Plagueis soldiers joined Kal and Arcadian and the battle witht the Arconan soldiers began anew, Kal and Arc headed the assult blade and lightsaber whipping through the air slicing through Arconan after Arconan. But Arcadian got caught off guard, his back turned as an Arconan blade flew through the air towards him "Arc!" Kal shouted "look out!" The Protector whirled around and saw the blade hurtling towards him knowing he only had one chance, Arcadian's metal arm whipped out from under his cloak and grabbed the blade in mid air, his arm barley held the blade without being cut through so Arcadian took advantage of the soldier's suprise and stabbed him through the chest, as the Protector released the blade he stumbled backwards as a liquid leaked out of his mechanical arm, he ripped his shirt and covered the wound as Kal rushed over to him.

"You ok" Kal asked as Arcadian examined his mechanical arm
"Yeah" Arc replied "just give me a minute and i'll be fine"
"ok" Kal said as he rushed off to rejoin the battle
"I hope my arm will last, that liquid....." Arcadian didn't finish as he moved towards the battle.

The Battle of Selen was moving towards its climax. All of Satal Keto and Exar Kun's forces had made it to the planet's surface, and all that remained of the battle in space was wreckage from ships. Salth's forces were stilling performing the assault on Boral, or at least he was when Aabsdu had last contacted him. That had been right before he had landed on the surface. Since then he'd had no contact with anyone except those fighting alongside him.

And that's what they were doing. Satal Keto and Exar Kun had, against the better judgment of some members, teamed up for the moment. They were currently pushing their way towards the Arconae Citadel, and seemed to be making considerable progress. While it was slow, they were nonetheless making their way towards the hangar bay entrance at the base of the temple. It was better protected then expected, consisting of numerous torrents and a few battle droids. Combined with practically every Arcona member on planet at the time, the battle was proving to be very fun.

Aabsdu looked around him as he pulled his silver lightsaber out of the chest of a droid. It was hard to tell what exactly was happening, but from the looks of it, the Plagueis forces had formed a large line of fighters that were pushing their way through any resistance that stepped in front of them. Whenever someone fell, the line would just fill in the gap. It wasn't exactly the best of plans, but not bad when it had been created in the middle of fighting. The Battlemaster turned back to look in front of him, and set all of his attention on the battle at hand. He cleared his mind of death, or any other impediments he had, and focused completely on killing those in his way in the name of Clan Plagueis, House Exar Kun, and the Red Jac!

He moved his lightsaber in front of him, taking up the form he'd partially trained himself in, Makashi. Originally used by Jedi such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, its main purpose was for protection. Aabs was no master at it, but combined with his knowledge of the force and his overall strength he was sure that he could make something of it. A droid turned its attention towards the Quaestor, and started firing its blaster rifle. Shot after shot pinged against his blade, but not one hit him. He turned his lightsaber slightly, giving it a better angle, and sure enough the next five shots bounced back and hit the droid first in the arm, then the chest, and finally in the head. He took a step forward.

A group of droids moved itself in front of the group, so Aabsdu stepped forward and started to cut down metal body after metal body. Finally, after taking down four, he took another step forward.

A young Acolyte aimed his blaster towards Aabs, but the sith only frowned and raised his hand until the boy started to choke. When he finally fell limp, the Dupar flew his body into a group of three droids, and took another step forward.

He continued to take step after step forward until he was but two hundred yards from the entrance. He cut down droid after droid, and even managed to deflect one of the torrent's fire back at the weapon, destroying it into oblivion. He stopped, however, when Starrett stepped in front of him and pulled out his bowcaster. The two men stood there for a second, the battle around them continuing without a second notice.

"Don't I know you," Aabsdu asked with a mock like tone and a grin. Starrett had no reply, but instead aimed his bowcaster and sent off three shots towards his old clan mate. He easily deflected the strikes, and quickly reached out with the force and threw the weapon out of range of them both. The Archpriest replied only by bringing his lightsaber to his hand and igniting the purple blade. They jumped at each other, engaging in a duel. Starrett sent three strikes to his right, but Aabsdu easily blocked them and sent his own blade down upon his leg, causing a small wound. The boy's experience in nothing but Balantha was his downfall, and as he yelped in pain, Aabsdu raised his hand and sent him flying backwards into the stonewalls of the citadel. Upon landing, he let out a small oomph before falling to the ground unconscious. Aabsdu only turned and continued his approach towards the citadel with the rest of his clan mates.

*****

A few miles away, Gaidal Dupar al'Tor slowly emerged from within the vessel that had been shot down by Salth. The craft had made a rather bumpy emergency landing, and from the looks of it, the pilot had not survived. Rather or not he did, though, was not of Gaidal's concern. He could sense the turmoil in the air, and could just make out the sounds of blaster fire a few miles away. Oh how he knew that sound, a little too well by his account. He looked one last time at the vessel before walking towards the seemingly ongoing battle. What he would find there was unknown, but anything was better then sitting around doing nothing. Besides, he knew that Clan Plagueis was here, so for all he knew he might just meet up with one of two of his so-called "friends"...

*****

Aabsdu continued his advance on the citadel, making progress ever so slowly. He was about to strike down a young Novice when something caught his attention. A presence he was familiar with, but unexpected here at this time and place. What was that? The Novice took advantage of his attacker's distraction, and brought the butt of his blaster down upon Aabs' foot. The Battlemaster only looked down at him with a sneer, and as the youngling let out a small gasp found his head rolling along the ground. Now Aabs turned his attention back to the signature, letting the battle continue without him for a moment. What was that, if only he could place his finger on it, then he would be able to...

No, it wasn't possible. There he was standing there at the edge of the battle, looking around as if he was searching for something, but how could he be here, now? Surely Aabsdu was imagining things; he had done it before after all. Then, though, his brother looked at him, and Aabsdu and Gaidal shared the same quizzical expressions as they stared at each other, wondering what to do.

Suddenly, an explosion blinded Aabs from the rest of the world, and he found himself flying backwards as his robes caught fire from some source of extreme heat. He landed with a thud on the ground, and for a moment saw only darkness...

*****

Gaidal looked upon his brother and friend, not sure of what exactly he was suppose to do. Usually he was a very thought out person, but now he couldn't seem to find an answer. Here, in the middle of a heated battle between two clans, the two men had once against reunited. The only problem was that Gaidal was sure he was no longer welcome in Clan Plagueis; he could sense it in Aabs.

An explosion obscured his brother from view for a moment, and when the smoke cleared, Gaidal saw the battlemaster lying on the ground... dead. No, he can't be dead. How could he die! The Warrior ignited his red lightsaber in his hand, and let out a war cry as he prepared to jump forth and avenge his brother's death. He never got the chance, though, as an explosion ignited not three inches from him. His lightsaber hilt exploded for some reason, and part of Gaidal's right hand was blown apart. The entire front of his body caught fire, and he was thrown backwards fifty meters where he landed against a tree trunk and fell to the ground. Then, nothing.

*****

Aabsdu opened his eyes to see bright sunlight, and he slowly picked himself up from the ground. He threw off his cloak after noticing it was on fire, and dusted off the front of his tunic as he searched the field for Gaidal. Nowhere could he see his brother, but more so terrifying was the fact that nowhere could he sense him. He was completely cut off from the world, oblivious to everything. There was only one explanation, that Gaidal was dead. No, that couldn't be true. He must have escaped somewhere, knowing what would happen to him if he returned now.

That was what happened, Aabs made himself believe it. He looked around until he found his lightsaber hilt on the ground, and after bringing it back to his hand rushed forward and rejoined the battle, pushing the thought of Gaidal from his mind and focusing only on the victory that lay ahead.

Galaphile brought his saber down on the battle droid shooting at his comrads. The droid fell into two, adding to the mess and destruction already placed on the ground on Selen. The battle was now turning to the Plagueis warriors favor. The Satal Keto and Exar Kun fighters were taking down the Selen defenses and the Selenians were starting to notice their inevitable defeat. Galaphile withdrew his lightsaber from the heart of an Acolyte and at that moment he noticed a brown mane of hair whip through the air. The image was familiar to him, causing him to reminense about his defeat to the Huntress when he was a Jedi Hunter.

Devani Maharet Xyler ripped her light blue saber out of an unsuspecting Novice. She kicked the body aside and looked for her next victim. Galaphile was surprised to see that the Acronian was now a Dark Jedi Knight. It didn't matter, her death by his hands was unchangable. He grinned as he Force-leaped in front of her. "Well, well, well Devani," he murmured. "Seems as if you have earned the right to carry a saber."

"Ahh Galaphile, coming back for another shameful defeat at the hands of a female," she replied going into Makashi Form.

Galaphile growled and barked, "Times have changed Maharet, I've become much stronger since we last encountered."

"Is that right; show me then."

Galaphile charged at her, calling upon the Force to enhance his legs and arms, to a certain extent. He swung at her and caught her saber causing her to stumble back. She was surprised at his speed and strength but did not falter. Since his 'improvement' he would have found this duel a hard one with low chances of survival. But now he found this as a way to test his abilities without dangerous falt. Their duel raged past the blast fire from both sides of the battle.

But they did not pay attention to them, except when the occasional laser found its way to their fray. He then saw Battlemaster Aabsdu come from nowhere and enter the melee. He decided to join him, but he was still in battle with the Arcona Knight. Time to end this. He thought. Devani, master of the Makashi Form, pointed her attacks at his legs, arms and head, leaving the body alone. Galaphile to perfected the art, but was much faster than the Knight.

Parrying an attack away from his right shoulder to the ground he did a feint as if he were trying to stab her abdomen, she fell for it and went to parry the attack. Galaphile grinned, as he switched his attack to a downward arc towards her forearm. Her saber arm fell to the ground, and she gave a heart-curdling scream as she knelt to the ground and clutching her stump of a arm. Galaphile laughed meniaclly, true madness and cruelness starting to take over his heart and mind.

He jabbed effortlessly towards Xyler, the red saber piercing her vital organs. But she screamed out loudly throwing her good hand to ground to keep herself from falling to the ground, but not dying yet. Galaphile smirked, madness within his eyes spiraling forward, after touching the mind of the Dark Side Adept Jonaleth his mind had not fell to the madness of what the Loremaster had experienced. But after testing out his new abilities, he went partially insane with his newfound abilities.

He extended his claws and started to mutulate Devani's body; clawing every where he could reach on her. After ripping her apart with his bare hands, he looked up hungrily out at the other Arcona Dark Jedi, with the insanity dancing within his eyes.

Must kill. Must kill. MUST KILL. He Force-leaped into the fray of battle looking for his next victim.

Battlelord Salth Khan and Darkside Adept Jonaleth Isradia di Plagia looked over the scanning consoles. Both seemed in agreement with what the readings were indicating.

"It would seem that this installation is indeed destroyed", the ancient warrior stated matter of factly to the Proconsul.

"Indeed. That should give Strategos a reason to throw a fit within the halls of the Arcona Citadel. With his pet project now destroyed, this should put a real kink in Clan Arcona's plans for terra-forming other planets and expanding their power base within the Dark Brotherhood. Now lets get on to Selen, we have a battle to finish there before moving on to more prized targets." Jonaleth nodded, he also was ready to join the fray, there were many a fresh kill to be had this day. The Proconsul turned towards the ships captain, "Captain Slyder, proceed at best speed towards Selen. Once in orbit we shall depart for the surface."

The captain issued the orders and the ship sped around the circumference of the Bolar moon. Along the way debris from the now nearly completed space battle floated throughout the gravity well that existed between Selen and its orbiting moon. Occasionally a stray Arcona fighter would fly by, but would be quickly extinquished by the still active weapons of the Atrum Pars. Thanks to its enhanced speed, the Modified Strike Cruiser arrived into the orbit of Selen within minutes. Once there Captain Slyder informed the two Dark Masters that stood silently before the bridge viewports.

"Excellent, captain. Inform the flight officer to prepare my fighter for immediate departure." The Battlelord and Darkside Adept swiftly left the bridge, their long robes flowing behind them as they quickly walked towards the ships hangar bay. The flight crews rapidly prepared the Proconsul's V-38 TIE Phantom for a quick launch, and as the two Dark Jedi boarded the craft, the crew disengaged the lines that provided power and fuel to the mighty fighter. As soon as the flight crew had cleared the surrouding area Khan activated the systems and the fighter launched from Proconsul's flagship. Jonaleth tuned in to the current battle net frequency and quickly detailed to the Proconsul where the ground forces presently stood in taking the Citadel.

"They're nearly there, but meeting heavy resistance", the ancient Isradia reported after listening to several combat communications. "Perhaps we can help tilt the odds a little more in favor of our brothers and sisters?"

"I was just thinking the same thing. Engage the cloaking device, we're heading in." Salth manuevered the stealthy fighter towards the Citadel, using a homing beacon located on the armor of one of the Clan's ground commanders as a bearing marker. The sound of the fighter within the atmosphere was unmistakable to anyone on the ground, since the engine suppressors didn't function as well in an air-filled space. But the fact that it couldn't be seen flying overhead was certain to cause some confusion and fear in the hearts of those below. "Darkrider 1 to all Plagueis troops, clear the area ahead, I'm clearing a path!", the Proconsul stated over the Clan's designated combat frequency. Instantly the warriors and soldiers of Plagueis that were leading the charge towards the Citadel turned and headed back the way they had come. Sadly the battle droids of Arcona miscalculated this sudden change of events and formed ranks to pursue the now fleeing Plagueians. Their mistake was the Proconsul's opportunity, and when he was within 2 klicks of the target, Jonaleth disengaged the fighters cloaking device. As the fighter began to emerge from its cloak, it spat our quad-lasers of death, instantly blowing two-thirds of the battle droids to pieces. The exploding body parts of the droids impacted like a rain of shrapnel on the surrounding droids that hadn't been hit by laser fire, and they fell to pieces, some internally exploding as a result of the sudden impact of various body parts from their fallen comrades.

The Plagueis troops turned back instantly, reformed their lines and made great haste back towards the entrances to the Citadel. Only a small company of battle droids and troops remained for them to fight off, and within moments these too were dealt with in true Plagueis form. Salth landed the V-38 near the entrance to the now vulnerable hangar and the two Dark Jedi hastily departed. Battlemaster Aabsdu was the first to reach them, and was momentarily shocked to see both the Proconsul and the Loremaster exit the fighter. He instantly bowed his head to both, and then gave a quick report on the ground situation.

"Then by all means Battlemaster, lets continue this battle. It would be a shame to leave the Arconans a Citadel after all this trouble", the Proconsul responded. "Master Isradia, would you mind leading the rest of the ground assault into the Citadel? I have a matter to attend to first, but I'll meet up with you shortly in the command center." Jonaleth nodded his understanding and led Aabsdu away just as the Battlemaster's face began to show signs of confusion. Before he had a chance to put voice to his thoughts though, the Darkside Adept immediately began giving orders and sending the Plagueis forces off to secure specific targets in and around the Citadel. Once he was alone, the Battlelord closed his eyes and reached out through the Force to locate his objective. It took a few moments, but eventually he was able to find his target, the life force of the individual was weak, nearly non-existent. He was greatly injured, nearing death. Salth immediately ran in the direction of the fallen warrior, and soon found him lying in a twisted heap several dozen meters from a large blast crater.

"Well, you've sure made a mess of things, haven't you?" the Proconsul whispered as he bent down to the fallen form. "But it is time for you to come home, your mission is now done." Sith Warrior Gaidal Dupar al'Tor tried to open his eyes, but was only able to partially open one, and his vision was too blurry to see who it was that hovered over him.

"Whe...re...is....Aabs..?" Gaidal managed to whisper, clearly in immense pain.

"He's fighting with the rest of the Clan. No doubt he believes you are dead. If we don't hurry, that will unfortunately be your destiny. Now be still, its time to go." The Proconsul removed his outer robes and carefully wrapped the fallen Sith Warrior within it. He then lifted Gaidal, who was now quite limp and once again unconcious from the pain he was enduring. No worries, soon you will be whole again, at least physically, the Sith Battlemaster thought to hiimself as he carried the badly wounded Dark Jedi back to the waiting V-38. Once inside he secured Gaidal to a stretcher in the back of the fighter, and then lifted off, heading back to the Atrum Pars.

"Darkrider 1 to Plagueis 2, respond."

This is Plagueis 2, Darkrider. What's your status?, responded the Atrum Pars.

"Prepare the medical bay for an emergency case, life support and immediate treatment will be needed. Subject is near death at this time. Have a medic and team standing by in the hangar bay for my arrival", the Proconsul responded.

Understood my Lord, we will be standing by for your arrival. Also, I have a message from JH Caesar and PRT Narius, they are enroute to our location at this time. They are requesting instructions on where to join with you upon their arrival.

"Well its about time. Inform my Apprentices to join me on the ship upon their arrival to the system. They can wait for me in my office once they arrive." The Battlemaster signed-off and returned his full attention to the controls. Moments later the TIE Phantom closed on the hangar bay of the Atrum Pars. He entered faster than the safety protocols allowed for, but no one was about to complain about the rapid deceleration and landing since it was the Proconsul doing it himself. No sooner had the ship settled on its landing gear than the rear hatch lowered to the deck. "Get this man to the medical bay immediately! I want updates every 10 minutes on his condition. Is that understood?" the Proconsul barked to the nearby medic. The medic nodded and ran in with the other medical personnel to retrieve the injured body inside. As they strapped the wounded body into the anti-grav gurney, a lone TIE Defender landed in the hangar bay. JH Julius Caesar and PRT Rannik Narius departed the fighter and immediately walked towards their Master, standing nearby his fighter. They were within a dozen feet when they stopped at the sight of a medical team bringing the body of an unknown person out of the TIE Phantom. Julius was the first to recognize the blood covered face of the person on the gurney, and he instantly looked to his Master. Salth walked over to them and without hesitation told them to go to his office and he'd be along shortly. He could tell from the look on Caesar's that he had questions, not the least of which was why there was a traitor on the ship, let alone why was he being cared for so well. But he kept himself in check as he responded to his Master and pulled his younger companion with him to do as they were ordered.

Salth closed his eyes and sighed inwardly for a moment before he was interrupted by the ships Flight Officer relaying a report from the bridge. Things were moving along as planned on Selen, so now it was time to prepare the next phase of the assault on Clan Arcona. But first, the Proconsul needed to contact the Consul of Plagueis with this new development, and receive his new orders.

Caesar and Narius walked down the corridor until they approached the PCON's door. The door slid open, and the two Journeymen walked in, taking up the two seats infront of the desk in the room.

Julius nor Rannik had forgotten what had happened with the two of them, but they had put that behind them for now, for the good of Clan Plagueis, and the War. They sat next to eachother, looking around the room, somewhat oddly, as if they had never been inside their Master's office. They were waiting patiently for the PCON.

"So why are we here?" Rannik asked, breaking the awkward silence between the two.

"I want to ask permission from Master to go on a scouting mission. I'm glad to see him still alive though." he replied. "Speaking of alive, Gaidal was barely hanging on, I could sense the life in him, but he looked badly hurt."

"Yes, he was badly hurt." came a startling voice from behind Caesar and Narius. It was Salth. "He's lucky Master Isradia and myself showed up."

Caesar stood up quickly and bowed to his Master, Rannik did the same.

Salth returned the bows, and sat at his desk. "So what can I do for you?"

"Master, we came to ask to go on a scouting mission, to scout out where some important enemies are. We want to make up for our previous actions." replied Julius.

"You, have nothing to make up to me for, Caesar. But you, Rannik, I believe you owe your team an apology, especially Raken." boomed Salth.

Rannik sat with looking down. He was afraid his previous actions would get him banished from the Clan, and possibly killed by Raken.

Caesar waited for Salth's response to his proposal. "Aye, you two may go, but you will not go now. You will depart from here in 72 hours, prepare yourselves, physically and mentally. I don't want my Apprentices winding up like Warrior Gaidal..."

The two Journeymen rose, and bowed as they walked out of the office back to their dorms.

Not one, but hundreds covered the cavern walls and floor now alive with the chitinous tic-tac of arachnid legs. Darkly mottled, the spiders' legs easily splayed to a meter or more. Busy mandibles worked absently in anticipation of the meal. Raken's form was frozen in the gleam of myriad obsidian eyes that saw nothing but prey. They did not know fear. For the spiders there was craving and sate.

Things were equally simple for Raken. The Ketoan knew fear as intimately as he knew pain. It was fear that kept his heart pumping the will to act through his veins when others did nothing. Fear ablated weakness to indecision. It solved the timidity of the neocortex and left the dark and quick choices to the old brain. Where fear was his salvation, strength was his blade. The strength to act. The strength to interpret the fleeting whispers of fear that told him when to act, but not how. The how was the last choice. Fear and strength by themselves were not enough to avoid the selection of death's hand. Conviction was needed to complete the cycle. Conviction to do what must be done.

Raken's blade of cold, merciless energy filled the chamber with a hint of ozone as the spiders came on unafraid.

***

Silent and Daniel Stephens raced through the twisting tunnels of the complex. Detonation timers inexorably counted down in their wake. The one they knew only as 'Raken' had not yet emplaced his charge. The pair had eight minutes to find out why.

***

The Ketoan Knight was among them. They swarmed, retreated, wheeled and advanced again. They fell at him from the cavern's ceiling, gnashed fangs dripping with venom, spun silk to bind him, but everywhere was the red fire that seperated leg from abdomen, head from thorax. The extent of their intellect told them to avoid the blinding pain, and kill the rest. But the 'rest' was difficult to catch. There was no understanding of how their prey moved with such speed on only two legs.

Silent raced through the halls with his saber still activated. He had slaughtered his tour guides right before his change back to normal form and set his charge. So far the alarms have yet to go off but after one finds the dead bodies left behind it would sound.

"Raken whats your ETA."

The low voice echoed into rakens ear

"I am almost set to set the charges"

"Raken mine and S are set and the timer reads 6 minutes, i hope you can run fast."

"You know thats why i hit the gym every day"

A slight chuckle came out of Silent

"Roger that we are heading out to the ships and leaving into orbit move quickly."

"Roger."

Silent continued to run down the halls and into the Hangar bay, when the doors opened 2 Dark Jedi's stood, the QUA and AED for Clan Arcona House Galares.

"Master i shall take out this weak AED myself" Devani said

"As you wish but DS is mine, your death ofcourse will be your own." Quejo said

"I should say the same for you Master" Devani said

"Then lets do this!" Silent said

The 2 AED's rushed forth toward each other.......

The siege on the Arconae Citadel was going well. Exar Kun and Satal Keto were proving to work together much more easily then most people had expected, as they had immediately formed a plan as soon as they had breached the outer wall and made their way into the actual castle. Members of Satal Keto were making their way through the building places detonators on strategic locations, so that when each of them blew the entire base of the citadel should collapse, thus sending the rest of the temple falling. At first, they had wanted all the charges to blow at the same time in order to keep the enemy from realizing what was happening and stop them from placing all the charges. However, due to numerous problems that had arisen, the plan had been altered a bit, and now the Ketoans were simply placing their charges and blowing them as soon as they were at a safe distance.

All around the temple the Arcona members stationed there were panicking. Some were frantically fighting the Exar Kun members who had been given the job of simply killing anyone who got in the way. Others were running around trying to figure out what to do as they heard the temple slowly crumble around them. Aabsdu watched with a slight grin as a large piece of the ceiling fell on top of two apprentices who thought they were strong enough to take on Vasily and Galaphile. The Quaestor nodded to his two battle team commanders, and they continued to take there teams in a straight line through the citadel killing all in their path. All and all it was a very well played tactic, Ketoans blow stuff up will the Kunians killed stuff, perfectly worded and executed.

Aabsdu pushed his hand forward, causing a wave of invisible energy to throw a Protector right in the path of a tumbling column. He turned around and swung his silver lightsaber blade up to deflect a knight's attack, and quickly spun completely around the women until he was standing directly behind her. He gave her time to turn, just so he could see her shocked face, and then relieved her of her head.

The battlemaster wasn't sure what was taking Silent, Daniel, and Raken so long setting their charges, but they were late, and he wanted to get our of here as fast as possible. He jumped backwards into the air, landing in the middle of a group of cowering younglings and ended their misery once and for all. He looked around the main hall at all the damage and debris, not that it would matter once the temple fell. It seemed as if everyone was started to split up down the different hallways, slowly picking off someone here and there. He could care less, just as long as they didn't die and were back at the rendezvous point in time.

He turned and ran out of the citadel back into the darkness of the outdoors. The battle had been going on for a good nine hours, and by now it was well into the night on Selen. He listened for a second, trying to make out the calls of nocturnal creatures, but could only hear the screams, explosions, and battles raging inside the castle behind him. He ran across the clearing they had made when they had landed, and started to make his way towards Salth's command ship. His warriors were safe for now; he had other things to deal with. He stopped at the small personnel loading ramp, noticing it was already down, and hesitated a second before climbing into the massive capital ship.

*****

Silent jumped forward, immediately engaging Devani in a duel. The Prelate sent four quick strikes to the Aedile's head as he flew through the air, and then landed with a spinning back kick that send the man falling backwards a few steps. Quejo quickly recovered, however, and the two Aediles began their assault on one another.

Meanwhile, not thirty feet away, Quejo and Daniel slowly circled each other, both with their lightsabers ignited and in hand. They only waited to see who would attack first, or perhaps they simply wished to see their Aedile's claw at each other...

Arcadian wandered slowly through the Citadel; despite direct orders from Satal Vitus's Commander Kaliidrad "Kal" Vorrac he had detached himself from the Battleteam. Arcadian's mechanical right arm still leaked the liquid that was vital if the Guardian wanted to have the arm much longer, but he didn't care, carrying his energy sword in his left hand now he wandered aimlessly through the Citadel voices from his past walking in and out of his mind reminding him of the times when his family had been complete. Arcadian sat down as the world around him blurred and his mechanical arm nearly fell to the ground, the Guardian panted as the world seemed to slow until it almost seemed as if nothing moved anymore. In his mind's eye Arcadian's father appeared and spoke words none but the Guardian will ever know or hear, and as energy began to surge back into his body the Guardian stood slowly and began to walk slowly down a long hallway to his left, half blind and with the world silent to him Arcadian managed to make out a shape setting a charge that he guessed was one of his Ketoan brothers. Arcadian continued walking in front of the charge when the Ketoan soldier in front of him set it off, Arcadian went flying slamming into the side of a wall and landing hard and in a moment the world went black.

*****
Kaliidrad placed another charge and continued moving forward his other Flight Leader and one other Satal Victus member with him, he had told the rest of the ground to split up to cover more ground, as he continued walking forward Kal's mind wandered to Arc, Arc did not usually wander off on his own, and never disobeyed a direct order before. Kal thought that there must be something about his arm and the injury he had sustained that had...changed him? Kal wasn't really sure. The Guardian set off the charge a safe distance away and heard three more explosions timed by Satal Victus members. As Kal and the two warriors continued walking along he hoped that Arc would turn up soon for he wasn't sure how long this Citadel might last

*****
Arcadian opened his eyes slightly his ears ringing and the Ketoan Soldier he had seen earlier standing over him, he groaned as he sat up and watched the Ketoan's lips moving, unable to hear he tried to read the soldiers lips but with no luck. Arcadian felt better now though like the blast from the explosion had jarred his senses back into place; within a few minutes he was able to hear the Ketoan soldier again.
"What were you thinking!" the soldier shouted at him "you could have died, walking in front of a charge like that"
"I don't know" Arcadian replied quietly” but we should probably move before the Arconan's get here."
The two Ketoan warriors wandered through the halls both were silent, finally they found themselves in a large chamber, empty, save for a few statues and yet Arcadian found the place to be... familiar somehow. The chamber branched off into three other directions besides the one they came in from and was tall, dark colored, and seemed to radiate the energy of former Arconan Lords. As the two soldiers moved into the center of the chamber Arcadian noticed movement on his left and saw three Arconan soldiers moving towards them at quick speeds, an Apprentice, a Novice, and a Protector that Arcadian somehow recognized as Dergiuss.

The warriors rushed into the chamber and formed a triangle around the two soldiers "I'll take the Protector" the other warrior said to Arc, he just nodded. The Apprentice and the Novice drew their blades and approached Arcadian, despite having to use his left hand, Arc was a master with a sword and his blade ran through the Apprentice in two seconds, pulling his blade out he spun and parried a weak blow from the Novice before taking off the Novice's sword arm, the Novice lay on the ground bleeding, his misery was ended with a swift blow from Arcadian. As Arcadian turned around he saw the other Ketoan warrior fall to the ground and Protector Dergiuss advance on him slowly, "you think you can defeat me" Arc asked quietly, Dergiuss did not reply and stabbed with his sword towards Arcadian, the Guardian sidestepped and swung his blade downwards towards the Protector who parried it and took a step back "not bad" Arc said, an evil smile begining to form on his lips "but not good.” Arcadian began to move more quickly swinging his blade and moving at a speed so that Dergiuss could barley block the moves much less attack himself. Within twenty second Arcadian had sliced off Dergiuss's legs and stripped him of his blade....a Sith Sword none the less, the Guardian's sword rested on the Protector's neck and quietly with a slightly mad look in his eyes Arcadian said "you though you could defeat me?" With that he slit Dergiuss's throat. As he stood up Arcadian looked towards the center hallway and saw...Kal? That's what he though anyways, so strapping the Sith Sword to his side he raced down the hallway to catch up with his commander.

As Arc ran toward his "Commander", he felt a slight shiver in the Force. Before he could turn around, "Kal" turned around and revealed himself to be an Arconan soldier. Zhaboka in hand, the soldier attacked Arc, a flurry of deadly attacks that would have been fatal had the Ketoan not been there. The foe was skilled, defeating the Ketoan and tripping Arc, ready to remove his head. It was at that point that the shimmering red blade pushed through his chest, killing the Arconan. As it was drawn back, Arc saw the real Kal before him, Eton Jade and Vexer close by.

"You okay, Arc?" Kal asked, withdrawing the blade of the commandeered lightsaber and attaching it to his belt.

"Yeah, just a little sore," He replied, getting up and brushing himself off.

Kal looked to his comrades, saying, "Vex, check if that Ketoan's alright. We need all the help we can get. Eton, how many target sites are there in this area?"

Eton checked a datapad, saying, " Ten, sir. We're nearly there." Kal nodded, ready to continue.

"He seems to be alright, sir." Vexer said, helping the Ketoan up. "Just a little shaken."

As the five continued down the corridor, Kal heard a sort of mechanical whirring. He looked to the darkness, just activating the lightsaber before the barrage of blaster bolts came flying at him.

"Get down!" He shouted, the others running ahead for cover.

As they ran, another barrage of bolts came flying from the darkness, ripping into the Ketoan. As his scorched body fell, Arc, Eton, and Vexer hid behind one of the huge stone pillars. They heard a
shout of pain from down the corridor, followed by a loud boom. Afterward, Kal ran into the path of the new turret, deflecting it's bolts.

"Did anyone think to bring a grenade?" Vorrac shouted, the small, mechanical ball flying over his head as the saber was knocked from his hand and he leapt back behind the pillar.

The blast vaporized the turret, as well as a small portion of the floor. Kal looked out when it ended, seeing the devastation and hearing another boom down the corridor. Shaking his head, Kal looked to Vexer.

"I know I asked for a grenade, but a thermal detonator was a bit much. You took out the turret after that one with the shrapnel."

"Sorry, sir." Vexer said, a grin on his face.

"That blast torched the saber. Anyone got an extra sword?"

Arc handed Kal the Sith sword, taking up his energy blade as the four continued toward the next blast site, praying for no more turrets.

As the companions walked down the corridor, they were surprised by a shady figure. This turned out to be another member of plagueis, it was ACO Kai Dozer. This was quite a surprise since Kai was supposed to be fighting alongside Exar Kun.

Kal Then said, "good to see a friendly face for once, but your not very skilled with that katana of yours.

Kai mumbled back, "I'll try to improve".

"I split off from the rest of Exar Kun so that i could help you guys, and by the looks of it your in alot of trouble."

Arc said, "It's a good thing you showed up Kai, we are a little short on resources."

After the talking stopped, the group kept ventruing tword there goal, the they ran into another problem, The hall was blocked by ruble. So Kal said "i think if all of us helped out we could move this ruble. With another rumble, the roof behind them collapsed. Ground then started to rumble.

Arc yelled out, "If were going to do this, we have to move now. The battle must be right over us know, So lets move this ruble before the entire roof collapes.

The Dark Knight strode through the dead carapaces of the spider horde. The angry red fire of his blade finally gone dark with the spasmed clicking of the last cleaved spider's legs. Sensing urgent undercurrents in the swirling eddies of energy about him, Raken set his charge and fled the chamber now a mausoleum for the arachnid dead. Venom coursed in his veins from the battle. He set the blackness threatening his sight back with silent incantations that purchased him precious minutes. Between the abbreviated countdown of his demolition charge and the neurotoxin seeking to shut down his nervous system, a minute may as well have been an eternity.

Moving with unnatural speed, the Ketoan slowed at the sound of thrumming sabers ahead. In the hangar bay, two Plagueians were entwined in luminous threads trailing from the feverishly working blades of two Arconan counterparts.

His face basked in the glow of his enemy's blade, Daniel felt the crimson-skinned Elomin enter the bay. "If you don't mind," he grimaced through a saber-lock indicating his foe.

Raken's blade came to life as the Shii-Cho Master prepared to engage Daniel's opponent. Before he took a step, all three charges blew and literally brought the house down around them.

Forced into a saber lock as the surrounding hangar bay was coming. The Clawdite peered deep into the eyes of his enemy, stretching out with the force to go into the AED's mind giving the AED a image of great fear that would feel his body. The AED pushed off the saber lock grabbing the sides of his head screaming in pain shouting "get the spiders out of my eyes....GET THEM OUT!". Silent reached in deeper telling him to use his bare hands to claw them out, Silent deactivated his saber and ran forth to his ship not being able to watch the AED rip his own eyes out and then cut his own head off. The prelate jumpped into the ship and started up his engine looking outward.


"When you guys are ready i will meet you at Selen, Niman will meet us at the half way point to get us the rest of the way." Silent said

Silent took off into space heading to his ship hoping that his QUA and RM get out before the hanger bay shields go down and knock them out into space.

Aabsdu walked through the large hallways on this Atrum Pars, constantly aware of where he was. He could tell that Salth was still onboard, as was vice versa, but he couldn't quite put his finger on just where the Battlelord was hiding. He wondered through the halls, looking through the vast ship at the same time as he searched for the ProConsul. He walked down a dimly lit hallway, obviously the medical bay, and slowly made his way past each door. Inside the rooms were various supplies used to repair the injured, as well as medical droids and bacta tanks. He looked inside one to see two empty bacta tanks, the gooey liquid inside them slowly bubbling in the tube.

He turned to continue on his way, but stopped, as a presence he'd become all too familiar with recently alerted his senses. He ran into the room with the tanks, and searched the back wall until he found a third tank where, surprisingly, Gaidal Dupar was floating unconscious in nothing but shorts. He quickly ran forward and looked at the small data screen that displayed his vitals. He was alive, but just barely. Apparently, his entire right hand was all but blown off, and most of his upper body was burned beyond recognizable. He'd need a lot of surgery, and probably a few prosthetic limbs, but he was alive.

Aabs almost wanted to cry, but didn't. His friend and brother was alive, after all he'd seen, after being blasted into oblivion, he was right here floating before his very eyes. Impossible!

"You're alive," Aabsdu whispered to the unaware body.

"Just barely," came a voice from the other side of the room. The Quaestor immediately recognized it as that of Salth Khan, "He'll need a lot of work done, but he should survive. We need to get him back to the clan head quarters soon, though, so we can properly take care of him."

The man walked out of the shadows and came to stand beside his friend as they both stared at Gaidal in silence. After several minutes, Aabsdu remember why he'd come there in the first place, and quickly turned and bowed to his superior.

"The attack goes well," he reported, "All of the charges are being set, and the temple should be down within the hour. Our forces have attacked the remaining defenders, and are beginning to retreat back to the tree line."

"Good, let us go and help our clan as victory finally comes to Clan Plagueis," he responded as he started to make his way towards the door, "The end of the war is near..."

Kal reached within his soul, feeling the edges of the Force within him. He focused on this, drawing the power through him like a conduit.

"Alright, I'm gonna try something," he said, looking to the others.

"I need you all to concentrate with me. Focus all of your power within the Force, use it to lift this rubble. Ignore everything else. If we all try, we can lift this pile."

He then reached his arms to the stones, shuddering with effort. The rubble began to shiver slightly, some of it lifting off of the floor. Arc, Vexer, Eton, and Kai all focused on it. The rubble lifted, rising out of the path. Focusing the last of his energy, Kal sent a blast of telekinetic energy, sending the debris flying. He then collapsed, Arcadian lifting him onto his back and running, the others doing the same. Peices of the citadel fell all around them, just missing them. As they ran, another pile of rubble fell before them.

"Damn!" Arcadian shouted, infuriated. "What'll we do now?"

Kai, who had been quiet for ages, drew from his boot a DX-2 Disruptor Pistol. Pointing it at a nearby wall, he fired off several shots, leaving a gaping hole in the walls between them and the exit.

"Nice thinking, Acolyte," Arc said, running through the hole.

The companions exited the hole, just getting out as a deluge of debris came down behind them, shooting dust and rocks from the hole like the blowhole of a whale.

"Arc..." Kal said, just reawakening, "Put... put..."

Arc looked at him, saying, "Put what?"

"Put... me down... before I... feed.... you my... sword"

Arc dropped him on the ground, and he quickly got up.

"Alright, we're out, though a little off course. We need to go, quick, the citadel's dead."

The five Plagueians looked around, seeing a Journeyman running toward a Lambda-class shuttle, obviously meant for quick escapes. Lifting the pistol, Kai let off a shot, burning a round hole in the Journeyman's chest. The five ran to the shuttle, taking off as the citadel plunged into itself.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Kal sat in the copilot's seat of the shuttle, typing furiously on the control board. He was entering the signal for contacting the Atrum Pars. He waited, the voice of Salth Khan coming on the comm unit.

"Shuttle, how did you get this frequency?"

"Proconsul, it's Kal. We just got out of the citadel."

"Very good, Kal. We're preparing to send down a task force to round up the last of the Arconans in the treeline."

"Proconsul, I think I have a better idea."

"What is it?"

"Bombardment. Call our boys back, and let loose on the treeline from orbit."

Hunter Caesar stood before his PCON along with his Battle Team Leader, to relay the information on where they will be scouting out. He saw a look on Salth's face that wondered him.

"Master. We have decided to scout out Arconeae Secundus. We have been informed that there are many Training Facilities on the planet. We also have reason to believe that there are many spare Fighters and ships there that are unused, but perfectly usable."

"Very well Hunter Caesar. But there is one thing before you go." Replied the Battle Lord.

"After heavy discussion, with the Clan Envoy, and the Consul, you have passed your trials. You are now a Dark Jedi Knight." Salth reaced for his drawer, and pulled out a saber. "You have earned this weapon Knight Ceasar." Caesar went down on one knee. "I hereby do promote you to the rank of Dark Jedi Knight." He ignited the saber, and moved with it from shoulder to shoulder. "Now prove yourself even more. Go with Protector Narius here and scout out that Training Facility."

"Very well Master. We will leave immediatly. We will take two TIE Interceptors, and will relay information back to you when we find out what is going on." The new Knight and the Protector both bowed before their master as they prepared to leave.

------

"Dark Jedi Knight Caesar... Has a certain ring to it doesn't it" joked Caesar.

"Blah Blah Blah. Lets just get on with the mission." replied the somewhat jeleous Sith.

The two just entered the Dajorra System. They were now in enemy territory, although they new the majority of Arcona's forces were still at the Citadel on Selen fighting Plagueis's mighty forces.


"See that black planet over there to your right? Thats Arconeae Secundus. We will land there, and sneak around a few of the training facilities to gather information. So prepare yourself now."


The two flew at the cloudy planet.

As the two came into the planets atmosphere, they notice a small signal coming from the eastern half of the planet. It was big whatever it was. As they approached the signal, it became more and more clear it was some type of green and red flashing lights on a Modified Corellian Corvette.

"Looks like an Arconae cruiser, Rannik." JC stated.

"Yea, well, lets take a look around on the inside shall we." Rannik mutured.

They circled around to the other side and noticed the force field for the hanger bay was still active. They went in to dock in the hanger, as they landed, they got out and looked around. It was deserted form the looks of it. But who would want to abandon such a ship?

"It looks like no ones been here for awhile now, JC," Rannik stated.

Julius shook his head in an agreeable manner. As they walked on into the ship, Rannik heard a scratching noise, he turned around to acknowledge it.

"You hear that? Rannik asked.

"Hear what? It was probably just your imagineation acting up again, Rannik"

"Again? What do you mean... Again?" Rannik hissed.

Julius coughed and didn't reply. Rannik shruged and continued on along side JC...

Arcadian sat in pilot’s seat of the shuttle as they flew towards the Atrum Pars. He could barley feel his mechanical arm anymore and needed to get to the capital ship as soon as possible. Asking Kal to take his place Arcadian went to the back of the ship to rest for a moment. Closing his eyes Arcadian assumed the Dark Jedi Meditation position he had not quite mastered yet. Arc was tired, but he knew the battle on Selen was finally over and that he would not have to go back. Suddenly he heard a rustle, opening his eyes he looked around the room and saw…..nothing; still not certain Arcadian went further back in the large ship and continued exploring. Within moments the Guardian felt a disturbance in the Force and whipped around just in time to see an energy blade whipping towards his head flipping backwards to avoid the blade Arcadian landed, drew his own energy blade, and examined his opponent. His opponent was an Arconan soldier who most likely had already been on board the ship when Arc and the others had boarded. The Arconan soldier swung his blade forcing Arcadian to sidestep and return with a swipe of his own, his opponent blocked the blow and sent his elbow into Arcadian’s face forcing him to step backwards. Before Arcadian could react his opponent’s blade had gone through his chest, he gasped as the blade tore through his skin and fell to the ground as the blade slowly left him, the Guardian lay on the ground as blood leaked from his chest, the Arconan stood over him, his blade raised to kill, when suddenly a hole appeared in his chest. The Arconan fell over dead, as Kaidoz rushed into the room, his blaster in hand.
“You ok?” Kaidoz asked
“what the hell do you think” Arcadian said hoarsely
“right” Kaidoz said “I’ll get Kal” Arcadian just groaned and then the world went black.

*****
Now aboard the Atrum Pars Kal wandered through its large hallways. He was slightly amazed at what had happened to Arc because he knew Arc was decent enough fighter and couldn’t figure out how he had been nearly killed. Arcadian was in the medical bay now, getting his arm fixed, and having the wound in his chest mended. Kal wandered into the medical bay and saw his friend lying there. “Well” Kal thought to himself “looks like not all of us made it out of this one ok.” “He will be ok” said a voice behind Kal, whipping around the Guardian saw Proconsul Salth Khan standing before him “hello Proconsul” Kal said, Salth nodded as he walked towards Kal and the motionless figure before him “give him a few days and he’ll be fine” “are you sure?” Kal asked, the Battle Lord eyed him for a moment before confirming what he had said. Slightly happier that before Kal proceded to leave the medical bay and retreat to his quarters. Salth stood there for another moment before saying “congratulations Rollmaster Arcadian” and with that turned and left.

Pain....

A flash of light....

"Ahhh!"

Silver eyes shot open in a single instant, staring out into a fiery field of debris in the darkness of space. Krath Priest Scorpius groaned, shaking his head as he slowly came to. Breathing heavily, he reached forward a gloved hand and pressed a button on his control console. Readings showed that his personal starfighter, the Scorpion, was heavily damaged.

What happened?

The Chandrilan closed his eyes and thought. He tried to remember.... He was scouting. Control over House Exar Kun had been transferred over to Aedile Aabsdu, as the former Quaestor Scorpius had volunteered to head on the particularly dangerous mission of scouting the trail of the Sun Crusher and alerting Plagueis before anything happened--- all the while trying to avoid detection by the other clans of the Brotherhood. He had followed the missile from Arconan Space to Sadown space.He had also been trying to track down information on the whereabouts of the traitor, Gaidal Dupar, and sending whatever information he received back to Plagueis Intelligence. Indeed, the Krath Priest had been one of the best candidates for the mission, and the Consul approved his relinquishing of his title for this mission should anything go wrong. In the event that something did happen, Aabsdu would immediately become Quaestor.

And something had gone horribly wrong.

He remembered sending an emergency transmission through to Aabdsu on the Vengeance. Scorpius, whose will was almost never shaken, was scared...He remembered it, that fear. But what caused it? What made the former Imperial Vice-Admiral tremble in fear and scramle to warn his confederates of something?

"Emperor's black bones," whispered Scorpius to himself as he remember.

The Sun Crusher's missile.... He had successfully traced its target-- it was going to eliminate a very important military sector of Naga Sadow. He had been rather happy about it; this would strike a major blow to Naga Sadow and would force the Sadowans and Arconans into a greater fight, allowing Plagueis to easily defeat both opponents.

But something went wrong.

Not too far away from its target, an attack happened. Scorpius had been trailing the missile, carefully avoiding protection, but the Great Jedi War had, apparently, decided that the Krath Priest could not be excluded from the fighting. A Scholae Palatinae fleet had arrived out of no where, emerging from hyperspace. Clan Naga Sadow, having been preparing forces for a large strike against either Plagueis or Arcona-- Scorpius knew not which --was instantly alerted at the approaching doomsday weapon, as well as the arrival of a Palatinae fleet.

Scorpius' eyes widened in fear. He cared not how Palatinae knew that a Sun Crusher was about to greatly devastate Naga Sadow, nor did he care that Scholae Palatinae had plans to attempt to capture the weapon to use it against their enemies. He did not even really care much about the CSP ships that had found him and were assaulting his ship. No, what he cared about was the fact that the Sadowans were going to stop the Sun Crusher before it reached its target star, willingly destroying half of their fleet in order to save the rest and damage the Palatinae invaders.

He needed to tell Aabsdu immediately. There was no way even his ship--one of the fastest fighter types in the galaxy--could escape, and that his mission was over. Likewise, if Scholae Palatinae or Naga Sadow emerged victorious from the looming debacle, either one would easily be in a position to strike either the Jusadih System or combat the Plagueis Fleet throughout Arconan space.

Hello? Hello! This is Scorpius of Plagueis. My mission is in jeopardy....Scholae Palatinae...they came out of no where. I do believe they are after the Sun Crusher. Sun Crusher missile is about to be detonated away from target; I am sustaining heavy fire and am in danger of being caught in the missile's blast. Somebody help! ........I'm hit!.... By the Force... They've done it. HURRY! The mi-

His transmission was cut off by a blast that knocked him unconscious and killed thousands aboard various ships and planets throughout the system. Alas, less than half of the transmission would reach Plagueis, being lost in static.


Shaking his head, Scorpius again opened his eyes. Those memories... He tried to run a scan of the system to possibly check how much damage Naga Sadow and Scholae Palatinae sustained, but his scanner was busted. He gazed out his viewport; debris littered the space around him. He had been on the very outer rim of the crusher's blast radius. From the looks of it, both CNS and CSP had been hit hard. But the facts that the Arconan missile did not hit its target completely and that fleets of Scholae Palatinae were floating about were worrisome, and he needed to alert Sarin.

But how did CSP know the Sun Crusher was heading this way?

And then it him. Not literally, but through the Force. He felt it. He sensed it... Scholae had sent someone off on a mission like him to track down the missile's path. That agent was still alive, and his ship was on a nearby, small asteroid that had been relatively unaffected by the blast. It was Scorpius' former teacher and ally, whom the Isradia Family was currently hunting down.
Braecen.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Braecen had been given a mission by his clan to track down this rumored missile. The ProConsul, branded a traitor by Clan Plagueis and Family Isradia, had foolishly stopped by Mune's house, letting two Isradia family members--Virulence and Ethran--pick up his trail. But, they had not yet reached this devastated system.

And thus Scorpius, with no working communications, a greatly damaged ship, and a host of injuries that probably needed bacta treatment, decided he would confront his former master himself. He piloted the Scorpion towards the asteroid and, by the Force, managed to land successfully.

Archpriest Braecen Kunar smiled cooly as he watched Scorpius limp off of the ship, silver eyes glaring towards the ProConsul. Each had their hands cautiously placed on their lightsabers.

"Well, well, my old apprentice," spoke Braecen. "It has been some time."

The hums of Silents ship engines lowering to a slow hault, Niman meet him in the hangar bay of Silents personal ship the Galactica.

"Reports are in Master Raken and DS are on there way here and the Mining HQ is gone."

"ETS on Raken and DS"

"2 minutes."

"Great lay in the route to Selen we are not done yet, and engage once Raken and DS have landed"

"Right away master"

Niman ran off to do the wishes of his master and the Clawdite walked over to his 1st aide kit hanging from one of the Hanger bay walls. "Your moves are sloppy, more practice is needed, this wound is a sign of your failure remember your failure so that you can never witness this again" Silent thought to himself, He wrapped a bandge around his left arm from the small burn he got from the fight; knowing he could heal it with the force would not change his sloppy moves he knew only to prefect himself that wound most stay there. Just then as the Prelate was finishing up Raken and DS landed into the Hangar bay, Silent reached for his comm.

"Niman hit it."

Arcadian awoke; he wasn’t sure how long it had been he just knew he was no longer unconscious. He sat up in the med bay bed and winced, looking down he saw a large bandage wrapped around his chest and remember what happened aboard the shuttle on the way back to the Atrum Pars. Arcadian stepped out of the bed and examined his mechanical right arm…good as new. Throwing on his robes and his shoes Arcadian made to leave the medical bay, a nurse stopped him saying “you aren’t going anywhere” to which Arcadian simply said “bite me.” Arcadian began to walk down the halls of the Atrum Pars greeting the few people he met but not really paying attention, as he made his way to the dorms Arcadian though about the battle on Selen and the soldier on the shuttle. How had the soldier gotten on the shuttle in the first place? Why hadn’t he already taken off? As these questions raced through his mind Arcadian reached the place he had been looking for, he knocked. The doors opened and Arcadian greeted his friend Kal Vorrac.
“Good to see you up and about Arc” said Kal
“glad to be up and about” replied Arc “anyways what’s going on commander?”
“Not commander anymore Arc” said Kal
“what?” asked Arc
“yeah” Kal said “your rollmaster now.” Surprised at this turn of events Arcadian sat down “that’s… a surprise” Arc said. Kal just smiled; then of course Salth Khan walked in “Proconsul” said Arcadian
“not anymore” replied Salth
“wow” said Arc “how much did I miss” Salth laughed and said “you may address me as Nightmaster now”
“erm…ok Nightmaster” said Arc
“well” said Salth “I suggest you ready yourself Arcadian you master will be arriving on Selen not to long from now.” “My Master?” though Arc to himself “Silent.” Arcadian smiled as he left the room to head to the hangar bay.

"Indeed it has," replied the Apprentice to the Master. "It looks like you're in a bit of trouble, Braecen.

"I was going to say the same thing about you, Scorps," smirked the Archpriest, nodding in reference to the greatly-damaged Scorpion. "I knew they'd probably put you in charge of this mission. Pity what happened... The Sun Crusher would have been most useful to the clan's cause."

As Braecen spoke, Scorpius clicked on a communicator beacon beneath the folds of his cloak, hoping someone in Plagueis would pick it up. His silver eyes narrowed again on the Proconsul.

"The Lord Isradia has quite a hefty bounty on your head, Braecen. Indeed, enough to repair my poor ship and still leave me a small fortune left over," said Scorpius, his hand gently gripping his lightsaber hilt.

"Ah, but I know well that you have no need for money," smiled Braecen cooly. "Which would lead to the obvious question of what exactly you plan on doing."

"You betrayed your family, the great House Isradia. You betrayed your brothers and stole their title, the grand House Exar Kun. And you betrayed your clan, the great Clan Plagueis. You abandoned us," hissed Scorpius, flicking the internal Force-activated switch in his lightsaber and igniting the green blade. "You know, Braecen, Diadem Fortress was assaulted recently. The defenses totally dismantled as myself and the great Kunian, Khan, were nearly killed aboard my personal yacht. The designs I drew for Diadem's defenses were granted to very few individuals... The Elders, the House Leaders, and the Clan Summit."

The Chandrilan native's silver gaze became even crueler as he stared at the former ProConsul of Clan Plagueis.

"The only way the Journeyman traitor could have difused the defenses of Diadem would be with in-depth knowledge of their controls. Coincidental that at approximately the same time you are deemed a full-fledged traitor and a bounty is placed on your head that House Exar Kun's defenses are torn down for rebellious natives and others to attack us, no?"

"I see then that you have been blinded then, too, by the vile forces in charge of Plagueis, my apprentice," returned Braecen, igniting his own blade.

"I am no longer your apprentice, Braecen. I am a Krath Priest, a Prodigy of Plagueis, and an Exalted Lord of Exar Kun. I am loyal to House and Clan, and do not betray those who command respect," said Scorpius, his voice rising in anger. "You have beaten me once in battle, my former master, before I earned the rank of Second Knight of Plagueis. You know full well what I am capable of. You will not defeat me again."

"So be it, then, Scorpius," said Braecen, rising his lightsaber. "You are weakened by your adventure and blinded by the false passions promised by Plagueis. I am sorry."

At that, Master and Apprentice locked blades.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey, Virulence, come look at this," said Ethran Sayre Isradia, motioning to a monitor before him. "We're picking up a signal from near the coordinates that Mune provided us with."

"Yes... So what?" asked the Barabel, walking over.

"The beacon is assigned to Scorpius," said Ethran.

"What would he be doing there?" hissed Virulence in a raptuous tone. "You don't think that Scorpius is still in league with the Traitor, do you?"

"I hope not," replied the Left Hand of Isradia. "If he is, this will be harder than expected."

They would find out in a few minutes, when their vessel exited hyperspace....


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The humming and clashing of lightsabers sounded on the rocky surface that the two Krath fought on. Sparks flew everywhere as they moved furiously against each other. Scorpius, a master of Makashi, fought a swift and eloquent fight against Braecen, a Royal Guard Captain and Antei Combat Center Gladiator, with average skill in Makashi, Ataru, and Soresu. Despite the tide being turned in his favor, Braecen knew not to underestimate his former apprentice, who he had trained himself. Scorpius was a master of classic one-on-one lightsaber dueling, and had once, prior to an unfortunate death and resurrection, had the masterfull training of the experts from the Old Jedi Order and those in Palpatine's New Order. Combined with the Krath Priest's obvious anger-fueled power, and Braecen was not going to have as easy a time as usual.

But, he would be victorious nonetheless-- of this he was sure.

Alas, he did not predict the fact that, as the weakened Krath Priest and straded Archpriest battled, two Equites of the Isradia family would emerge from hyperspace into the exceedingly damaged star system and observe the aforementioned duo engaging in fatalistic combat aboard the rocky remnant of some moon or something of the sort. As far as Scorpius was concerned, he did not know of this revelation either, but was much more pleased by it than his former master.

Ethran and Virulence emerged from hyperspace aboard their ship, following Scorpius' signal, and saw the blades clashing. Landing on the rocky surface, the quickly emerged from their vessel to come to the aid of Scorpius against the Traitor. Now in battle against one Archpriest and two Priests, the tides began to turn against Braecen.

"Well.. Esca, Virulence, nice to see you," said Braecen as the fighting ceased momentarily, panting slightly from his battle with Scorpius.

As Virulence quickly did a check on the ever-weakening Scorpius, Ethran narrowed his gaze at Braecen. "You've made some very large mistakes, Braecen, and our Lord is very, very angry," said the Archpriest menacingly. "You are coming with us, defiler of Kunar and traitor to family bond and Clan. You will answer directly to Jonaleth."

After Virulence had deduced the poor--but temporarily stable--medical condition of Scorpius, he stood beside Ethran. His lizard-like tongue licked his lips before he snarled toothily at Braecen. In a flash, the two Isradias were upon the ProConsul, dueling furiously against the Royal Guard Captain.

Scorpius took the brief moment to recuperate, watching the duel commence. After catching his breath for a short while, his hand delved into his cloak to remove a rather small blaster pistol that he usually carried with him at all times. He changed the settings to stun and slowly raised it, carefully taking aim at the trio as they fought. His eyes narrowed slightly, he rapidly pulled the trigger two times.

Braecen fell to the floor, wincing slightly as Scorpius walked over. It looked as though the former Master was going to say something to his pupil, but Scorpius fired twice more into his chest, silencing him. Then he dropped the blaster pistol, and turned around to Ethran and Virulence.

"You almost shot me!" complained Ethran, glaring at Scorpius.

"Stop whining. I missed you," said Scorpius, rolling his eyes. "Let me see your communicator."


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Message Intercepted on the vessel of the ProConsul of Clan Plagueis

"This is Krath Priest Scorpius, reporting. Yes, I am still alive, but in rather critical condition. I managed to trace down the Sun Crusher's path, but must report that gaining control over the superweapon is now impossible. I will include what happened in my mission report.
Please inform Dark Adept Jonaleth Isradia di Plagia that I have captured the traitor, Braecen Kunar, and he is currently in the custody of myself and Ehtran Sayre Isradia and Virulence Bezatyne Isradia.
Please send an escort to recover us and our prisoner. Follow the siganl of Virulence's ship.
For the Glory of Plagueis, Scorpius out."