Star Wars Invasion: Episode VI, Prologue

   A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

PROLOGUE

--25,793 BBY--

   The grounds of Akar Kesh were silent, as they usually were at night. The two moons of Tython- Ashla and Bogan- stood out in the black sky like gleaming eyes, gazing at the beings who walked upon the earth. 

   A cold breeze passed over Ror Fer's shoulder, though the Cathar Je'daii Master's fur coat prevented him from feeling it. Nonetheless, he shuddered, though it was not the coldness in the air that chilled him.

   "A storm is approaching," he said to Ketu, the Temple Master of Akar Kesh. "I can feel it in the air."

   "As do I," Ketu said, still sitting on the ground in a cross-legged position, his eyes closed. "We should get word out to the other temples so they can find shelter in time."

   Ror nodded. "You don't think it's an ordinary storm?"

   Ketu shook his head, opening his brown eyes. "No. It feels like...a violent clash between light and dark...between both sides of the Force."

   Ror turned to face him, his emerald eyes wide. "You mean...a Force storm?"

   "No, definitely not," the Temple Master said. "But it is still a dangerous storm, that is for certain."

   "Shall I send Ranger Tag Mat to carry out the warning?"

   "Yes, I believe the young Je'daii would be fast enough."

   As the Cathar Je'daii Master left to find his apprentice, Ketu sighed as he got up to his feet, staring at the two shimmering moons.

   This is definitely no ordinary storm, he thought. No, this...is far, far worse...

*  *  *

   Zhi-Hu opened his eyes. Something was not right.

   Clearing his face of the more obtrusive flakes of snow, the Dai Bendu monk gazed at the setting sun from his simple residence located withing the Andobi Mountains. Something was wrong with the Force. He could not tell what it was, but it did not feel...right.

   His robe fluttered against the harsh winds. Weather such as this was not unusual for Ando Prime, which was often suspect to blizzards and the like. But something in the wind didn't seem normal to Zhi-Hu. Something seemed... off.

   A strange noise broke through the loud winds. It was time for the Gathering.

   Zhi-Hu took his walking stick and began walking towards the Dai Bendu Temple. Perhaps it was merely his imagination acting up. Perhaps there was nothing wrong at all...

*  *  *

   Sal'kar was an impassive Predor of the Infinite Empire. One of the most prestigious Rakata, nothing could disturb him from his calm and collected manner even when he led his forces out on the battlefield.

   Today, something did disturb him. 

   He was on Dathomir, scouring the murky swamps for Kwa rebels and potential slaves, when it happened. He froze where he stood, staring out into the empty space before him. The Rakatan soldiers at his side paused, glancing at him worryingly.

   At first, nothing happened; everything was still and silent. Then, quite silently, Sal'kar dropped to his knees, clutching his cone-shaped head in pain. His Force Hound servant, a female human designated Shen, rushed to his side, though she was quickly waved aside.

   Regathering his strength, Sal'kar growled at the throbbing pain in his head. "Who are you?"

   Who and what I am is something that you would not be able to comprehend, a voice said in his mind.

   The Rakata slowly and carefully rose to his feet. What do you want? he asked, telepathically this time.

   I am here to give you a warning. Not to give out the chance to prepare yourselves for the inevitable, but to simply inform you what it is that will happen.

   And that would be...?

   The voice grew colder. Your empire is going to fall. The galaxy will be thrown into chaos. The Force will be put off balance.

   Sal'kar gulped. For some reason, he was disturbed by these prospects, even though he had never shown any love for the galaxy or the people in it. Why?

   The voice responded with a mirthless chuckle. Because the Powers that Be demand it.

   All went silent again and Sal'kar was left standing mesmerized for a very long time...

STAR WARS: INVASION

EPISODE VI

CHANGE OF TIDE

   Note: this story takes place in an alternate post-ROTJ universe, set approx. 36 years after the Battle of Yavin and mere days after Invasion: Episode V.