Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

-Years ago-

   "Surreal, isn't it?" Atha Prime said, clearly amused by the shock on Toah's face. "To have your own visage staring back at you... without it being your reflection."

   "I don't understand," Toah murmured, trying to pull his gaze away from the vat and failing. "Is that... a clone of me?"

   "Of you? No." The armored man began to pace around the tank as if admiring it. "You have spent all this time learning of you and your family's history... and yet, at the same time, you have still learned nothing."

   "What are you talking about?" Toah demanded. "Can't you give me a straight answer?"

   Atha let out a mirthless laugh. "Why didn't you ask?"

   He gestured to the floating clone Toah. "That right there- I suppose we can call him your 'brother'. I created you and him both using genetic material retrieved from Revan or one of his descendants. I'm not sure which; it was simply left behind by my predecessor."

   "And for what purpose?" Toah asked.

   "Have you heard of the Star Forge?"

   Toah nodded. "My... 'father' destroyed it long ago."

   "Precisely. Anyway, I've discovered this faction in the Unknown Regions. They call themselves Glorians... and they wish to rebuild the Star Forge. 

   "Upon this discovery, I sought a way to stop the creation of such thing. I then found out about the Jedi Civil War and Revan's heroic act. Thus, I decided to make use of my predecessor's material and create a 'new' Revan."

   "Why? So I could destroy the Star Forge?"

   "No." Atha leaned forwards, staring into Toah's eyes. "I wanted you to take control of it, so I could use it to take over the galaxy."

   He turned away, his head lowered as if saddened. "But no. You ended up using your implemented memories to save the galaxy, instead of doing my bidding."

   "Implemented memories?" Toah repeated. "Wait, before the Battle of Coruscant, I ended up in this 'netherworld'. There, my 'father' showed me moments of my past. Does that have anything to do with...?"

   "Partly," Atha Prime said. "I can not say for sure, but I suppose the 'Revan' in your vision was fabricated by the false memories I had implemented. But bear in mind, I have no idea how the Netherworld of the Force operates."

   Toah rubbed his right temple, still trying to comprehend what was going on. "So this other clone...." 

   "Shall do what you did not." Atha walked up to the cloning tank and pressed a panel on its side, causing the water inside it to drain. "He shall be the Toah Jarsan you were not. He shall be the Darth Revan that should have been."

   From behind his back, he brought out a staff-sized vibro-ax. He turned to face Toah again, malice gleaming in his eyes. "I have no further use for you."

   Almost reflexively, Toah activated his lightsaber, raising it in a defensive position. However, it was not Atha who attacked first.

   The tank shattered and the clone-Toah leaped out, hands crackling with lightning....

-Present-

   The trip from Coruscant to Dromund Kaas had been a short one, thanks to the spy's more technologically advanced starship, and he now hid in the shadows of the Dark Jedi Temple's ceiling rafters. From above, he listened in on Grand Master Xanus Baran and the Revanchist's conversation, which had something to do with the Jedi Toah Jarsan.

   He did not care about what they were talking about. He had come to rid the galaxy of both of them and he was going to do it as smoothly and cleanly as possible.

   It was only a matter of the right moment....

-Years ago-

   Toah laid on the floor, pained by Force lightning. He had been no match for his clone duplicate, who was practically powered by the dark side. Atha Prime stood over his weakened self while Raj and the others looked on in terror.

   "Pathetic," the genetics master muttered. "Is this the same Jedi who defeated Darth Vorath and save the galaxy? Or was he even more weak than you?"

   Toah struggled to rise but was forced back down by another blast of lightning. Atha Prime then knelt down besides his pained body and Toah stared into his merciless eyes.

   "Just... finish it," Toah panted. "Just... kill me."

   A cruel smile lit Atha's eyes. "Ah, but your punishment is not yet finished."

   The crimson armored being rose to his feet and gestured to the Toah clone. "How much would it pain you to watch yourself kill your companions?"

   Toah stared at him, emotion burning his eyes. "You wouldn't...."

   "I am fully capable of doing so."

   With a mere gesture, the Toah clone lunged towards Raj and his group. Their blasters could do nothing to stop him....

-Present-

   "Stop it there." Toah Jarsan leaned forward in his chair and put his head in his hands. "I can't bear to be reminded of that moment."

   Jaden Korr frowned and glared at Atha Prime. "So, then what? Why did you let Toah live?"

   Atha's red eyes flickered. "I see that I left out a detail. You see, the name 'Atha Prime' has never belonged to one single person."

   "You mean there are others out there?"

   "Currently? Not as far as I know. Anyway, the alias was created by a Prophet of the Dark Side named Cronal, who also went under the names 'Blackhole' and 'Lord Shadowspawn.'"

   "There was an Imperial warlord named Shadowspawn who was defeated thirty years ago on Mindor," Jaden said.

   "That would've been Cronal," Atha Prime said. "The next known individual was the former Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum. As you should know, he met his own fate on Coruscant."

   "And the one in this tale?"

   "Ah," Atha said, chuckling slightly. "That's where it gets interesting."

-Years ago-

   This time, Toah did not try to get up. He could not bear to see the dead bodies of Raj and Cera Braven, Neelo, and Vima-Da-Boda, as well as the dismantled parts of their droid, MB-RA-7. 

   "Why?" he croaked, choked by tears of despair. "Why are you doing this?"

   "Not everything has a reason," Atha Prime said coldly. "Death is a natural part of life."

   "But why did you have to kill them?"

   The genetics master let out a cruel cackle. "Well, I couldn't let them live to tell anyone of what happened here, could I?"

   Toah glared at him, anger beginning to boil away his pain. "You're no man. You're nothing but a monster...."

   "I did indeed cease being a mere man long ago," Atha said, seeming to admire his armored hand. "I have become much more since then."

   "Who are you even?"

   Once again, a smile shone through his eyes. "My name is Atha Prime. But you might know me better as... Aron Jarsan."

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

   "Thank you for choosing Trek's Taxi Service," the talking Jawa said as his Gotal companion brought the landspeeder to a stop before a secluded building located on the outskirts of Anchorhead, which Anakin assumed was the Snatchers' base to which the Bosph had fled.

   "Many thanks, Trek," Donhran Remker said as he and Anakin climbed out of the vehicle. The two Jedi then rushed towards the building, stopping before a window-shaped gap in the wall. Quietly, Remker then slowly raised up to peer through it.

   After a minute, Anakin whispered, "What do you see?"

   "There's a Barabel and a Wookiee guarding a door," Remker replied. "No sign of our bug-eyed friend."

   "He must've gone into the other room. How do we get past them?"

   The Zabrak Jedi flashed him a grin. "The old-fashioned way, of course."

*  *  *

   Ragath stifled a yawn as he leaned against the wall next to the door which he guarded. He used to despise such duties with a passion, much preferring to go out on the hunt instead. But he soon found hunting more enjoyable when he had a lot more rage and anticipation built up. Thus, standing guard was now more like sitting in a waiting room to him.

   He glanced at his Wookiee partner, Snoova, who detested guard duties as much as he did, and said, "This one wonders what they're talking about in there."

   Snoova growled in response, portraying indifference.

   Ragath sighed. He knew that Snoova had different reasons for disliking guard duties. The Wookiee was rather paranoid and preferred working alone. If it weren't for the Boss' charismatic manners, he probably would not have joined the Snatchers in the first place.

   Ragath was about to speak again when something caught his eye. He wasn't sure what it was, but when he turned to look at it, it was gone.

   "Did you see that?" he asked Snoova.

   The Wookiee grunted as if to say, "No."

   "This one could have sworn-"

   A loud clunk cut him off and this time Snoova clearly did hear it, for he looked in the direction the sound had come from.

   "What the kark was that?" Ragath wondered aloud.

   Before either of them could investigate, a humanoid figure moved from the shadows and knocked Ragath out cold.

*  *  *

   "Wow," Anakin said under his breath, staring at the Barabel and Wookiee, both who Remker just knocked out unconscious. Turning his gaze to the Zabrak Jedi, he said, "Why hasn't Master Baran made you a Jedi Master yet?"

   Remker smiled. "He has offered to make me one. But between you and me, I don't believe I can handle that kind of responsibility."

   He then turned his attention to the door which the two Snatchers had been guarding and planted his ear next to it. Anakin did so as well, but all he could hear was mumbling.

   "Stand back," Remker whispered. Using the Force, he caused the door to slide open an inch- barely a two- enough so that he and Anakin could at least hear what the people on the other side were saying.

   "Are you sure that is what they're after?" said a gravelly voice, which sounded like it was coming from a hologram.

   "Quite certain, Boss," said a second, buzzing voice, which Anakin assumed was the Bosph. "Why else would they land in Anchorhead and ask the locals about it?"

   "Have they found its location?"

   "I'm not sure. They found a Jawa who did, but I'm pretty sure I killed him with my gas bomb."

   "'Pretty sure' is not good enough," the Boss growled. "If they find the Star Map, our contractors will punish us severely. And you, of course, will take the worst of it."

   "I...understand, Boss," the Bosph murmured.

   "I do hope so. Now then, what do you suppose we do about this?"

   "Um, kill them?" said a gruff-sounding voice, prompting laughter from others in the room.

   The Boss did not sound amused. "That would be the easy way, wouldn't it, Vejo? What say you, Viper?"

   "Perhaps we could try relocating the Star Map," said a raspy feminine voice. "The Glorians told us that it must stay on Tatooine, but they never said where on Tatooine."

   "Ah, very true. An excellent idea, I must say. No wonder I made you my new deputy. Oversee the transfer, then. Boss, out."

   Anakin heard the hologram fizzle out and glanced at Remker. "So the Snatchers are working with the Glorians."

   "Sure sounds like it," Remker said.

   "So, what do we do?"

   The Zabrak Jedi grinned. "We do things my way."

*  *  *

   "Will he be all right?"

   Zaylii looked up from the wounded Jast whom she was healing to see Commander Jokar standing before her.

   "I don't know," she said sadly. "I've never really dealt with something like this before. If Master Cilghal was here, he'd be as healthy as a gualaar by now."

   "Do what you can," Jokar said. "In the worst case scenario, Tesara's got a medpac that can pass him by until we can find more help. I'm not going to let someone die on my accord."

   Zaylii sighed. "You may have to deal with that someday...."

   Jokar opened his mouth to reply but was cut off by the sudden arrival of a landspeeder. He turned around to see the other three Jedi and stormtroopers of his team return.

   "Any luck?" he asked his Kaleesh lieutenant, Par Je'mak.

   "Well, there's good news and bad news," Je'mak said. "Which do you want first?"

   Jokar took in a deep breath and exhaled it. "Which did you find out first?"

   "The good news, then. We found a Twi'lek who is associated with someone who knows something about the Star Map."

   The commander steeled himself. "And the bad news?"

   "His associate is a brain in a jar who can only speak droid languages."

   "Lovely," Jokar muttered. "Where's he at?"

   "An abandoned droid shop not far from here. Shall we go?"

   "I suppose so," Jokar grunted.

   In his mind, he added, Though I'm not sure I have the stomach to see a live brain.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

   "So," the Revanchist said as he sat across from Master Baran. "Where would you like me to start?"

   "I suppose," the Grand Master said, "you could start by recounting everything you did after leaving Ossus ten years ago."

   The Dark Jedi leader let out a sharp laugh. "Everything, Master Baran? So shall I recount every time I have eaten breakfast, used the restroom, and so forth?"

   Baran glared at him. "I see you haven't lost your sense of humor. I meant everything important."

   "That does narrow it down a bit, but not by much." The man once known as Toah Jarsan leaned back and clasped his hands over his midriff. "Alas, my tale is a long one, but I shall tell it. I will tell you this, though...."

   The Revanchist tilted his head and Baran could see the outline of his dark eyes behind his mask's visor. "The things I have seen...are unnatural to even those who use the Force."

-Ten years ago-

   The dark side's tendrils seemed to wrap around the Vulture as the YT-2400 light freighter approached Dromund Kaas. Toah Jarsan sat in the ship's passenger seat, watching as the ancient Sith world came closer into view.

   "Are you sure about returning here?" asked the Vulture's pilot, Raj Braven. "The place kind of gave me the creeps last time."

   Toah nodded. "I am sure. Trust me."

   Raj shrugged. "Don't have much of a choice, do I?"

   Moving into the planet's atmosphere, going through its murky clouds, the ship soon made its way to the ruined city where Darth Vorath's Sith Order once dwell. Once the Vulture had landed, Toah got up from his seat and headed for the boarding ramp, with Raj and his crew behind him.

   Once Toah had stepped down from the ship, Vima-Da-Boda, an elderly Jedi whom Raj's team had found on Nar Shaddaa, immediately came up behind him.

   "Bad," she croaked. "Bad place is this. Vima does not like it. Vima thinks we should leave."

   "You are welcome to do so," Toah replied. "But I'm not going anywhere. I must know why my father turned to the dark side."

   Vima hung her head, concern creasing her already wrinkled face. "Only darkness will you find, young one."

   Toah took no heed of her words and instead made his way towards the palace at the far end of the street....

-Present-

   Jaden and Toah Jarsan rode out of Deraln's Central Plaza in the former's rented landspeeder and, under Toah's direction, drove out of the city for the residence of Atha Prime. Jaden was tempted to ask who this Atha Prime was, or, at the very least, how Toah met him, but he figured that he would soon find out.

   The landspeeder eventually came to a stop before a simple, one-story, silver-colored building built on the outskirts of Deraln. It looked very plain and, if he didn't know better, Jaden would've thought it was simply a large metal box.

   The two men climbed out of the speeder and walked up to the front door. Toah knocked on it and the door instantly slid open in response.

   "Is he expecting us?" Jaden asked warily.

   "Kind of," Toah replied. "I'm pretty much the only visitor he's ever gotten."

   "Enter," a raspy voice came from the shadows.

   Jaden and Toah stepped through the door and into a dark room, which was then illuminated by a rather dim light. Standing before the two men was a humanoid figure encased in crimson armor, with a maroon robe wrapped around it. A pair of glowing eyes stared at them from the visor of a helmet which concealed the wearer's face. The being's overall appearance struck Jaden as familiar.

   "Why...have you returned, Toah?" the armored man asked. "Haven't I...told you of everything I know?"

   "I have a friend who I would like you to meet, Atha." Toah gestured at Jaden. "His name is Jaden Korr."

   Atha Prime's gaze moved to Jaden and his eyes brightened. "Jaden...Korr."

   Jaden nodded, growing more wary about this visit. "You sound as if you know me."

   "Not...personally." Atha's gaze returned to Toah. "Does he know about...?"

   Toah shook his head. "No. That's why we're here."

   "I see." The armored man turned around and slowly walked towards a desk, from which he brought out a small cylindrical object.

   "Jaden Korr," he then said. "Do you wish to know the truth of Toah Jarsan's origins?"

   Jaden blinked, slightly taken aback by this odd question. "Is there any reason why I wouldn't?"

   "Plenty," Atha Prime said darkly. "Please, take a seat."

-Ten years ago-

   "I have a bad feeling about this," said Raj's Rodian partner, Neelo, as he and the rest of Toah's group walked through the abandoned Sith temple.

   "Zip it," Raj hissed. "That phrase always jinxes people."

   "There is no such thing," Vima-Da-Boda whispered back. "The Force decides our fate, good or bad, and brings us there."

   Toah brought the group to a halt. They had reached what appeared to be the main chamber. He recognized it as the same throne room where Darth Vorath had "officially" revealed himself, though the decorative red drapes were absent, as was, quite strangely, the throne itself. In its place was a large, vaguely cylindrical-shaped object, hidden by a black veil. 

   "What the heck is that?" Neelo asked.

   "Well, we won't know unless we find out, right?" Toah replied.

   Just as he was about to move towards the object and remove the cloth, a cold voice suddenly called out from the shadows.

   "I wondered how long it would take you to come here."

   Raj, his wife Cera, and Neelo all aimed their blasters in the direction the voice had come from.

   "Who's there?" Raj called out.

   "Lower your weapons," the voice said, "before someone gets hurt."

   "Do as it says," Toah told the others.

   Raj gave him an incredulous look. "Are you serious? Why do you trust a disembodied voice?"

   "Who says I do?" To the voice, Toah said, "Would you please show yourself?"

   "With pleasure." Emerging from the shadows was a vaguely humanoid-shaped being, clad in crimson armor and a maroon cloak.

   Reluctantly lowering his weapon, Raj eyed the newcomer with suspicion. "Who are you?" he asked.

   "They call me Atha Prime." the stranger said. "Who 'they' are varies on occasion."

   "Mind explaining to us why you're here?" Toah said.

   "I think the better question is: why are you here?" Atha Prime splayed out his hands. "I do believe I owe an introduction from you as well."

   "My name is Toah Jarsan. I am here to find out why my father, Aron Jarsan, fell to the dark side."

   Atha Prime tapped the "chin" of his helmet. "Aron Jarsan..." he murmured, as if he recognized the name. "Would he be better known as Darth Revan?"

   "To some, yes."

   The crimson man chuckled. "That's what I thought. It's good to see that the memory I had forged was convincing."

   Toah gave the armored being a bemused look. "I beg your pardon?"

   "You are indeed correct when you say that Darth Revan is your father," Atha Prime said as he move past Toah and the others and approached the cloaked cylinder. As he put his hand on the black veil, he turned his head to Toah, who saw a strange gleam in his eyes.

   "From a certain point of view."

   In a graceful manner, Atha Prime removed the cloth and Toah Jarsan gazed in horror at the water-filled tank that was underneath it.

   Hovering in animated suspension, staring back at him, was himself.

  

*

Author's note: Yeah, I'll be retconning Toah's backstory, let's just leave it at that.  

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

   After landing on Tatooine, the Forge Seeker's crew had divided into four separate teams, two of them, consisting of the six Dark Jedi and six Alliance troopers, had traveled to the planetary capital, Bestine, to find intel. Meanwhile, the other Jedi and stormtroopers, along with Jast, Lumpy, and Cyclops, went to Anchorhead to find any knowledge on the Star Map, splitting up upon arrival.

   Much to Anakin Solo's disappointment, Commander Jokar, the leader of the team he was part of, led them to a local cantina. The stormtrooper commander had explained that such places were the best to find information.

   Anakin thought they were the best to find trouble.

   Upon entering, the team of three stormtroopers, three Jedi, and Jast immediately encountered an obviously drunk Gotal.

   "'Scuse me," the horned alien said. "Got any credz fer the podrace in Mos Espa?"

   "No," said the Zabrak Jedi Donhran Remker, waving his hand slightly. "It would be best if you went home and sobered up."

   "Yeh, I think it be best I went home and sobered up," the Gotal murmured as he waddled out the door.

   Once he had left, the team took their seats, with Jokar sitting at the bar between a Jawa and a Bith, while Anakin and the others sat at separate booths.

   "I doubt that we'll find anything here," murmured the female Verpine Jedi Zaylii. Her large red eyes seemed to scan the room for anything out of the ordinary. Verpine had naturally keen eyesight, which, along with their radio wave-sensitive antennae, made them an ideal addition to the team.

   "Why do you say that?" the stormtrooper Vex Laedo asked.

   "The Star Maps would have become obsolete when the original Star Forge was destroyed," Zaylii said. "Even if someone did know something about them, they probably wouldn't care to remember-"

   "Shh!" Jast suddenly said.

   "What's wrong?" Anakin asked.

   The smuggler did not respond. Anakin followed his wide-eyed gaze and saw two beings- a Klatooinian and a Bosph- sitting on the opposite side of the bar Jokar was at. The Klatooinian seemed to be minding its own business, but the short Bosph's multi-lensed eyes were staring at the booth Anakin and the others were sitting in.

   "Snatchers," Jast said under his breath.

   "Great," Vex muttered. "Does Commander Jokar want to get away from us again?"

   "If he does, he's going to have to bear with you," Zaylii said as she rose from her seat. "Wait here."

   Anakin watched as the Verpine Jedi walked over to where Jokar sat. At the same time, the two Snatchers tensed and he noticed the Klatooinian's mouth curve into a scowl.

   "Commander," he heard Zaylii said to Jokar. "I believe we can leave now. I might have found something about the you-know-what."

   "So have I," Jokar replied. "This Jawa happens to know of a place outside of Anchorhead that might serve our interests."

   "Great. So, shall we-"

   Before the rest of her sentence could leave her mouth, Zaylii's lightsaber was instantly in action, its teal blade shooting out from the handle's emitter as it deflected six plasma bolts from the two Snatchers' blasters. 

   The Klatooinian got up from his seat and leaped over the bar, inciting a frightened scream from its female tender. The burly Snatcher then brought out a large blaster carbine and began firing rounds at the Jedi, Jokar, and the others.

   Ducking under the table, Anakin activated his own lightsaber and dashed towards the bar, plunging the azure blade into the counter which the brutish alien stood behind. On the other side of the counter, the blade barely grazed the Klatooinian's stomach, but it was enough to distract him so that Zaylii could slice his weapon in half and then Force-push him into the far side of the room, knocking him out cold.

   With the Klatooinian down for the count, Anakin searched the cantina for the Bosph and caught the four-armed alien trying to sneak out the door. Before he could try to stop him, the bug-eyed mercenary brought out a spherical object which he threw to the ground.

   "Gas grenade!" Donhran Remker cried. Without warning, the Zabrak Jedi Knight used all of his might with the Force to push Anakin and anyone near him out the door. 

   As he landed onto the sandy ground outside, Anakin saw Kalvin Sivel fire a rocket launcher into the wall, creating a hole large enough for everyone else to escape. Once all of the patrons and cantina staff had evacuated, he saw the rest of his team arise from the smoke, carrying a coughing Jast.

   "He caught the worst of it," Zaylii said. "I believe the grenade was filled with some kind of toxin. If it's not cured soon...."

   "Can you heal him?" Anakin asked.

   "I...will do my best." The Verpine Jedi bowed her head slightly. "I never did finish my healing lessons with Master Cilghal."

   "Do what you can," Anakin said. "I'm going after the Bosph."

   "You mean we," Jokar said. "If that guy's packing more of those bombs, you're not going after him alone."

   "Well, commander," Remker said, "you did catch some of the toxin and thus may have your health deteriorating if you were exposed to more. Anakin and I, however, can protect ourselves from such poisons. We shall both go after the Bosph."

   Jokar nodded stiffly. "Very well. I'm not one to argue with a Jedi."

   He glanced at the sound of an engine humming. "And I wouldn't do so with taxi drivers, either."

   Anakin and Remker turned to see a landspeeder drive up to them, controlled by the same drunk Gotal they had encountered earlier, though he appeared to be sober now, and with Jokar's Jawa accomplice in the passenger seat.

   An amused look seemed to glimmer in the Jawa's yellow eyes as it spoke. In perfect Basic.

   "Anyone in need of a lift?"

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

   The Woostoid led Master Baran to a small room, which was dimly lit by lanterns. Its sole occupant was a man clad in a dark robe, crimson armor, and a striking familiar mask, sitting in a meditative position. 

   "Master," the old Woostoid said quietly to the man. "You have a visitor."

   "One which I've been expecting," the Revanchist said. "Leave us."

   Baran stepped into the room and the Woostoid closed the door behind. A long silence lasted between the two men, each one waiting for the other to speak first. After it had dragged on for too long, Baran took a deep breath and spoke.

   "Hello, Toah Jarsan."

   "I do not respond to that name."

   "You might have to, since from what I've heard, there are four other Revanchists out there."

   "I had a feeling you would find out sooner or later." The Revanchist stood up and turned to face the Jedi Grand Master. "Why have you come here?"

   "I am here for answers," Baran said. "For pretty much everything."

   He could sense a smile being concealed by the mask. "Just what I was expecting."

   "Are you prepared to give me those answers?"

   The Revanchist dipped his head. "Certainly." He gestured to two seats at a nearby table. "Why don't you sit down?"

*  *  *

   He's here.

   As soon as Jaden had lamented on how difficult it would be trying to find Toah Jarsan, his Force senses perked up and he could immediately feel Toah's presence somewhere in the vicinity. 

   Moving down the street, going door to door, Jaden probed for Toah's Force signature. He could tell he was drawing nearer, for with each house he passed, the presence grew stronger. By the time he had turned the corner and had reached as house designated 113, he was now certain that this was Toah's residence.

   Jaden walked carefully up the pathway leading to the silver durasteel door. Upon reaching it, he rang the doorbell, though he wasn't expecting an immediate answer. He rung it a second time, adding a loud knock on the door at the end. When still no response came, he spoke, projecting loudly.

   "Toah, I know you're there. I can feel you through the Force. Please, open up."

   Still no response. Not surprised by this, Jaden reached out with his mind and willed the control panel on the other side of the door to unlock the door and open it. He stepped inside, making sure to close the door only halfway in case he needed to make a getaway, and observed the room before him.

   It was a rather simple one, with only a few pieces of furniture and accomplices. What caught his eye, though, was the miniature holographic replica of a planet, placed on a fireplace mantle. Jaden could not tell which one it was, but before he could dwell on it, his eyes drifted to a metal plaque adorning the wall above the hologram. Inscribed crudely on the plate was the name Atha Prime.

   Something in his memory jostled. Almost subconsciously, he walked up to the plaque, examining it. For whatever reason, the name felt familiar.

   Tentatively, he reached out with his hand and touched it. Closing his eyes, he imagined the time-stream as a river, just as Seer Ph'ban had taught him. In his mind, he stepped into the river and went downstream....

*  *  *

   The memory is vague. Moments and days are spliced and patched together. Nothing is complete about it.

   In one scene, a group of black-robed beings, with masks resembling skeletal visages concealing their faces, stand united in a circle, surrounding a child as they chant an oath of some sort.

   "Only power is real, and the only real power is the power to destroy. Existence is fleeting. Destruction is eternal."

   They raise their hands up to the heavens, as if beckoning something.

   "This is the one truth. This is the way of the Dark."

   A black fog envelopes the scene and then parts to reveal a new one. A lone man is standing in a lab of some sort, tinkering with tools while being surrounded by vats of what appears to be genetic material.

   "Existence is fleeting," the man murmurs as he works. "Destruction is eternal."

   A wicked grin crosses his face as he holds up a small container. 

   "Creation...has no limits."

*  *  *

   A light tap on the shoulder snapped Jaden from the vision. He whirled around, igniting his lightsaber, to face the person now standing before him.

   That person was Toah Jarsan.

   Though he looked several decades older, Jaden could not mistake the face. Calming down, he deactivated his lightsaber and stared into the other man's strangely sunken eyes.

   "Hello, Toah."

   "Jaden," Toah muttered, nodding curtly to his fellow Jedi. "What brings you here to Deralia?"

   "You, of course," Jaden replied. "Where have you been these past ten years?"

   "Here, there." Toah gestured with his arms. "Every where."

   He nodded to the plaque. "What did it show you?"

   "Not much," Jaden said tersely. "Now answer my question, but be more specific."

   Toah smiled tiredly. "It is difficult to recount everything. I have been to many places, seen so many things...words can not do them justice."

   "Whatever," Jaden said, scowling. He grabbed Toah's arm, intending to drag him out of this strange room. "You're coming with me back to Ossus."

   "I'm not going anywhere."

   Jaden stared at him bemusedly. "What are you talking about?"

   The wizened Jedi let out a hoarse laugh. "What drive do I have to go anywhere but here? I am happy here. Here, I am away from chaos and discord."

   "Yeah, well, soon the chaos and discord is going to come here," Jaden snapped. "Come on, Toah. We need you."

   The former Jedi stared at him, his eyes suddenly devoid of emotion. "Needed? What possible assistance could I give you? If you brought me back home, your chances against the Glorian Empire would not change."

   With surprising strength, Toah wrenched his arm free from Jaden's grip. "No," the former murmured. "All I can give you...for whatever it's worth...is to tell you what I have discovered."

   "But you just said so yourself that mere words could not do that justice."

   Toah smiled. "My words, perhaps." He inclined his head to the plaque. "But perhaps someone else's would suffice. 

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

   There were very few words that could fit Dromund Kaas better than 'dark'.

   In his mind, the planet seemed to bleed of dark side energy. It seemed like a bottomless well of intangible things like anger, fear, hate, and other such negative emotions. It sickened him, making him regret that he ever came here. But he had to....

   Landing his shuttle in Kaas City, a few feet away from the Dark Jedi Temple (at least the Dark Jedi had been courteous enough to provide directions), Master Xanus Baran disembarked from the ship and made his way towards the temple.

   Upon reaching it, the doors instantly opened and an old Woostoid woman appeared behind them, her black, orb-like eyes wide with surprise.

   "Grand Master," she croaked. "This is a rather...unexpected visit."

   "I wish to speak with your leader," Baran said. "The Revanchist. Now."

   The Woostoid tilted her head. "Our leader does not normally accept requests such as this."

   "Then he'll have to make an exception. I wish to speak with him now...and just the two of us."

   The Woostoid eyed him carefully, her face devoid of emotion. Finally, she said, "Very well. Follow me."

   Baran was slightly surprised by this response, but hid it, instead following the Woostoid into the temple. It wasn't until after he entered that the dark side felt stronger inside than out there....

*  *  *

   Sol Paun observed the gathered people in the Forge Seeker's main conference room. The ship's primary team consisted of six Jedi Knights, six Alliance troopers, six Dark Jedi, and six Imperial stormtroopers, as well as the smuggler Jast Kyjar, his Wookiee partner Lumpy, and that annoying Rybet. The two Rodian technicians were also present, but Paun wished to keep an eye on them while on the ship.

   It was quite a large and diverse team, making Paun wonder if this was such a good idea after all.

   "Right then," he began. "Tatooine. Considered to be the galaxy's sweaty armpit. And yet, here we are."

   "Yeah, mind explaining that one?" Jast said bitterly.

   Paun gave him an annoyed look. "I was getting to that. See, before we can locate the Star Forge, we need five artifacts, called Star Maps, which, put together, will provide us the Star Forge's exact location."

   Sev Nep raised an eyebrow. "And we weren't told this earlier because...?"

   "Because we didn't want any potential spies listening in and following us," Paun replied. "There are other reasons, I think, but that was what I was told."

   "Right, so we find this Star Map, gather what ever info it has, and then leave," said Ronn Jokar, commander of his stormtrooper squad once again. "Sounds simple enough."

   Paun smirked wryly. "Don't believe everything you hear."

*  *  *

   The Far Wanderer slowly landed at a docking bay within Deralia's capital city, Deraln Spaceport. Leaving R6 to keep an eye on the ship, Jaden Korr disembarked from the hangar and went off in search of Toah Jarsan.

   It struck him as odd, to have a vision with Toah Jarsan- the one who defeated Darth Vorath and help end the Imperial-Sith War- and to have the name of a planet attached to him not more than ten years after his disappearance. It was too strange of a coincidence to him....

   Deralia itself was not too impressive of a planet. It was a world of grasslands and rivers, not unlike Toah's homeworld, Dantooine. It did not seem to rely too much on technology, with landspeeders and small starships being the most technologically advance things he had seen so far.

   Jaden soon figured that the most likely place he would find out Toah's location was at Deraln's information center. Go figure, Jaden, he thought.

   After asking nearby locals for where the center was, he strode into the rather simple-looking building and found a female Wroonian working behind a desk, reviewing info on her datapad while wearing violet-tinted spectacles. Her actual eyesight likely worked find without the use of eye-wear, but Wroonians often like to wear ornate and unique clothing, just to prove their wealth.

   Glancing up at Jaden as he approached her desk, the Wroonian said, "Can I help you, sir?"

   "I'm looking for someone named Toah Jarsan," Jaden said. "I believe he arrived here ten years or so ago. Do you happen to have any travel logs on him?"

   The blue-skinned woman stared at him for a few seconds before opening up a drawer of data files, sighed as if this were a waste of her time. After a moment, she said, "Well, someone under the surname Jarsan did move into a residence near the Central Plaza. I can't guarantee if they're still there, though."

   Jaden nodded. "All right, thanks."

   Walking out of the building, he asked for directions to the Central Plaza and then rented a landspeeder from a local man to make it there quickly. He soon reached the busied place and made his way through traffic to the residential area. It was there and then that he realized a small difficulty that he had overlooked.

   He had no idea which of the several dozen houses Toah Jarsan lived in.

   "Nice job, Jaden," he muttered to himself. "Real smart."

*  *  *

   As he moved through the crowded streets of Coruscant, destined for his cloaked ship parked near a spaceport, the spy activated his comlink and spoke with his fellow agent, who was stationed on the Trucemaker.

   "Is everything ready?" the spy asked.

   "Yes, it should set off when the Forge Seeker lands on Tatooine."

   "Excellent. Do you know the statuses of the others?"

   "I haven't managed to contact Shadow yet. Umbra and the others are ready, though."

   "What about Violet? I heard she tried to interfere with Shadow's mission on Taris."

   "As far as I know, she is...no longer an active agent."

   "Ah, how unfortunate. I suppose she'll have to miss out on this grand event."

   "Are you nearly done on Coruscant?"

   "Quite," the spy said. "Cal Omas has been removed, or rather, will be. Admiral Sovv's strategies are bringing the Alliance few victories, and so should be replaced soon. That leaves only the two Jedi leaders, who will be dealt with soon, and Grand Moff Verradun."

   "Good. So once you're done with them, we should commence the final stage of the plan."

   "Indeed." The spy grinned as he ended the connection. "That day draws nearer and nearer."

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

   Come home.

   The voice is faint, as if far in the distance.

   Come back...my child.

   He awakes on icy ground, his body numb. He tries to make himself move, but it feels like he is pinned to the ground...or his body just does not want to move.

   Get up, my child. Come to me...

   An invisible force pulls him up, as if he is a marionette on strings. The voice calls to him again, louder than before.

   Come home, my child. Come back...to Mother.

*  *  *

   Jaden Korr woke with a start. He was still in his Z-95 Headhunter, the Far Wanderer, resting in his pilot seat as his R6-series astromech droid flew the ship through hyperspace.

   It was one of those dreams again, the ones he had been having ever since he had become an agent of the Watcher. He wasn't exactly sure what that title actually meant, or why he was chosen, but he and the Dark Jedi Starkiller were given little choice. Since then, Jaden had been acting as the Watcher's 'eyes and ears' by exploring other Force philosophies.

   R6-O3 beeped, indicating that they were reaching their destination. Jaden brought the Far Wanderer out of hyperspace and the planet Deralia came into view.

   He wasn't exactly sure what had brought him here, other than another strange dream which showed him the Outer Rim world itself, as well as a person's name, a name which compelled him to follow it.

   Toah Jarsan.

*  *  *

   "You two sure do like playing games."

   Sev Nep spared a glance from the dejarik game he was playing with Jast Kyjar and Lumpy to look at Anakin Solo. The four of them, along with the assigned Alliance, Imperial, Jedi, and Dark Jedi teams, were sitting in the Forge Seeker's lobby room, awaiting orders from the Trucemaker via Captain Jaon.

   The Sullustan trooper smiled. "Hey, whatever passes the time, right?"

   "Right." Anakin glanced at the dejarik table and smirked. "Your Kintan Strider seems to be in dire straits."

   Sev turned in time to see Jast's holographic Mantellian Savrip piece strangle his Kintan Strider one. Scowling, the Sullustan crossed his arms.

   "If Walking Carpet here hadn't taken down my k'lor'slug, you would've regretted that move."

   Jast smiled smugly. "Wookiees don't take names like that kindly."

   Sev glance at Lumpy, who merely growled in response. "Sorry," the trooper murmured.

   At that moment, Captain Jaon's voice spoke through the room's intercom. "Hate to ruin whatever fun you guys are having, but we've just arrived at our first stop: Tatooine."

   Both Sev and Jast's faces visibly fell.

   "Tatooine?" the latter said. "Why are we going back there? I thought we were going straight to the Lehon system."

   Anakin shrugged. "Guess not."

   "Meet Security Chief Sol Paun in the conference room," Jaon went on. "He will fill you in on your mission."

   Jast let out a sigh as he got up from his seat. "Things just keep getting better and better."

*  *  *

   The Chief of State's office was occupied by four beings: the Chief of State himself, Cal Omas; Senator Triebakk of Kashyyyk; Senator Dumed of Kaal; and a Bith member of the Jedi Order. Considering the 'status' of the planets that the two senators represented, and that both the Bith species and the Jedi Order valued peace, it was clear to the spy that hid in the room's ventilation shafts what was going on.

   "I understand your impatience," Chief Omas was saying to the two senators. "But you must understand that it isn't exactly easy trying to find two systems that are no longer in their respective sectors."

   "We understand," said Senator Dumed. "We are mainly concerned about what the public thinks. People are quite...outspoken of their disappointment over your lack of action."

   Omas sighed, the creases of stress making him look older than he already was. "Do you think I don't watch the HoloNet? You think I haven't seen the throngs of angered civilians who demand for a new election?"

   The white-haired man got up from his desk and sadly stared out the wide window which oversaw the busy streets of Galactic City. This prompted a disdainful sneer from the spy; if the Chief of State was trying to prompt sympathy by acting slightly melodramatic, he was doing a terribly bad job.

   "I had promised myself to do what I could to ensure peace to the galaxy." Omas hung his head. "And look where that's gotten us."

   "Do not blame yourself, Chief Omas," said the Bith Jedi. "Nothing could have prevented this war; not even the Force."

   Omas smiled, though it had little mirth. "I appreciate your wisdom and support, Master Jedi, but it will do me little good."

   Pausing for a moment as he gazed out the window, he then said, "I am considering about resigning from my position as Chief of State."

   This evoked a grin from the spy. Perhaps he wouldn't have to perform his duty. It would be quite messy anyway.

   "You needn't do that, Chief," Dumed said. "Like Master Ahar said, you are not responsible for any of this."

   Senator Triebakk growled his agreement, folding his large, furry arms over his chest.

   "Again, I appreciate your support," Omas said. "But this is something I can no longer handle."

   Turning his back to the window, he said, "We shall hold an election tonight. Within a week, a new Chief of State shall be chosen."

   "Are you sure about this?" Dumed asked.

   "More so than I could ever be."

   Smiling gleefully, the spy crawled back down the shaft, plotting his next objective.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

   "Fascinating, isn't it?"

   Jacen Solo glanced at Jaden Korr's Z-95 Headhunter as it flew alongside his own X-wing fighter as they both left M'haeli.

   "I suppose," Jacen replied. "You seem to be more interested in it than I am."

   Jaden chuckled. "I guess you're right. It's just that...I feel like there's more to my past than I remember."

   Jacen raised an eyebrow at the sound of this. "What do you mean?"

   "Well, the earliest memory I have is being a small kid- no younger than three, I think- living with my uncle and building my first lightsaber. I never knew my parents...they died in a speeder accident when I was very young."

   "But what makes you think there's more to you than just that?" Jacen asked.

   There was a moment's pause before Jaden replied. "When I spoke with the Dark Jedi on Dromund Kaas, after my mission to Taris...when they were trying to sway me to their side, they made it sound like I had a greater destiny than I knew."

   "They always use that approach," Jacen said. "You don't believe them, do you?"

   "I don't know," Jaden murmured. "I feel like the Force is telling me that there's a puzzle piece missing...and that I have to find it."

   "Well, if that's what the Force is telling you, then no one can stop you. I can handle my journey solo."

   Jaden chuckled again. "Did you intend to make that pun?"

   "What pun?"

   "Never mind. May the Force be with you, Jace."

   "Likewise. And don't call me 'Jace.'"

   Jaden's laugh was the last thing he heard before the Headhunter jumped into hyperspace. Now alone in space, Jacen viewed his navigation board and set a course for his next destination.

-Several years ago-

   "How is everything going, Zerev?" the General asks.

   The Glorian scientist looks up from his work to see his superior enter the room.

   "Er, quite well, sir," Zerev replies. "I have devised another strategy for your forces."

   "It better be an improvement over your last one," the general mutters. "You were lucky that I was in a good enough mood to let you off."

   Zerev refrains from gulping. "I'm sure it will be to your satisfaction."

   He hands the written-out plan to the General, who begins to review it, his expression never changing as he reads.

   Finally, he says, "This is quite impressive."

   Zerev gives a humble nod. "Thank you, sir."

   "Too impressive."

   His expression turns into a confused one. "What do you mean...?"

   The General stares at him and his emerald eyes seem to have a hint of sorrow.

   "You are a brilliant mind, Zerev. Sometimes too much for your own good."

   Zerev begins to stutter. "I...don't understand."

   The General gestures to the room's entrance and Zerev stares wide-eyed as he watches what steps in.

   "I am sorry," the General says, "but you must understand why the Emperor established the system we have followed for so long...."

   Zerev watches in terror as the syren slowly enters.

   "No one can outsmart him, out of fear that he will be overthrown."

   The syren closes in on him, leaning for the fatal kiss.

   "And we all know that there is no other command but his own."

-Present- 

   "Hey, wanna be roommates?"

   Zerev broke his gaze away from the viewport he had been looking out of to see the Sullustan trooper named Sev Nep, whom he and the other Exiles had met on Mortis.

   "I beg your pardon?" Zerev asked.

   "I need a roommate," Sev said. "Everyone else has found theirs, except that annoying Rybet. So what do you say?"

   "I'm afraid not," the Siniteen replied. "I am already sharing a room with my fellow Exiles."

   Sev's face fell. "Oh. All right, then. I'll go ask someone else."

   "I'm surprised that you would even consider sharing a room with me," Zerev said as the Sullustan was about to leave. "Back on Mortis, you seemed...bored by my...babble."

   The trooper smiled. "Nah, that was mostly Jast. Besides, anyone's better than that...Cyclops person."

   Zerev chuckled. "Well, at least someone appreciates my presence."

   Sev raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"

   The Siniteen waved a dismissive hand. "It's nothing. There I go again...babbling as always."

   He returned his attention back to the hallway viewport. "Always babbling...."

*  *  *

   "The Imperial fleets are coming out of hyperspace," the captain of the Trucemaker informed Admiral Gavin Darklighter. "We should be reading to jump soon."

   Gavin nodded. "Have you set a course for the Tatooine system?"

   The captain nodded. "Second Fleet will be heading for Manaan and Third for Dantooine. Then we'll regroup at the boarder."

   "Very good. Let's hope the three maps will give us what we need."

   "That's all we can do, sir. Hope for the best."

   Gavin snorted out a laugh. "You sound like a Jedi. And we've got plenty of those on board."

   Activating a comm panel at the bridge's controls, he said, "Are you ready to move, Obtrexta Fleet?"

   "Certainly, Admiral Darklighter."

   "Then let's make the jump."

*  *  *

   Observant eyes watched through a telescope as the fleets left the Coruscant system. If his calculations were correct, his agent would have laid the trap by now. Those on board the Trucemaker would not suspect a thing until they left Tatooine, and by then it would be too late.

   He had overheard that the Grand Master was heading for Dromund Kaas to speak with the Revanchist in person. His mouth watered at the idea of two very important people being together at the same place. They would be taken care of easily.

   He took a glance at his wrist-mounted chronometer. He had other business to attend to, but he would eventually get to the two Jedi leaders.

   The Watcher's plan required it.

Star Wars Invasion: Episode VIII, Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

   General Hawk watched as all of the people pivotal to the Galactic Alliance's plan entered the command center on Coruscant. Comprised of beings of various species and roles, he could tell right off the bat that it wasn't going to start off well.

   Perhaps it was the mysterious group that called themselves the Exiles, led by the shape-shifter Animus, that set him off. Maybe it was the large group of Jedi and Dark Jedi that had been recruited. Or maybe it was the even larger group of assorted Alliance and Imperial troopers. Whatever it was, he just knew that some of them were not going to get along well.

   Once everyone was gathered at the large table in the command center's briefing room, Admiral Sien Sovv, who stood to Hawk's right, began to speak.

   "I'm glad all of you could make it," he said. "As I'm sure you can tell by my presence, this is going to be a very important mission that you will be undertaking."

   He pressed a panel underneath the table, conjuring up a huge holographic space map, depicting almost the entire galaxy.

   "Thanks to information from our new allies, the Exiles," Sovv went on, "we finally have enough to go by to devise a plan that will help us defeat the Glorians."

   He gestured to one of the Exiles, a male Siniteen dressed in a lab coat. "Zerev here shall explain."

   With a nod, the Siniteen stepped up to the hologram and gestured at it with a baton. "To put it simply," he said, "we believe the Glorians are trying to rebuild the Star Forge, an ancient space station created by the Rakatan Infinite Empire and destroyed by the ancient Republic at the end of the Jedi Civil War."

   He glanced at his audience and Hawk followed his gaze. Pretty much everyone except the other Exiles, Jedi Anakin Solo, and some of the troopers seemed to have no idea what he was talking about.

   After a brief pause, Zerev went on. "From what we know of the original Star Forge, it was created in the Lehon system, which is located in the Unknown Regions. It was built to harness energy from Lehon's star, which was then used to build starships, even entire fleets."

   His expression turned grim. "Imagine that sort of resource in the Glorians' hands. We could be facing Armageddon."

   "So what do we do?" asked a Kaleesh stormtrooper in the crowd.

   Admiral Sovv stepped up. "We will be sending three fleets to the Lehon system, using a secret trade route the Exiles have told us about. Each fleet will be comprised of both Alliance and Imperial ships and there will be equal command over any of the ships."

   Hawk took his cue to speak. "The plan will be that, once you reach the Outer Rim-Wild Space boarder, the primary flagship, commanded by Admiral Gavin Darklighter, will dispatch a Corellian corvette and a few fighters to scout ahead and locate the Star Forge. Once the coast is clear, the fleets jump out of hyperspace and attack."

   "And if the coast isn't clear?" asked a skeptical-sounding Sullustan trooper.

   Hawk grimaced. "Then you will have to improvise."

   He allowed the crowd to mull over his words before continuing. "So what do you say? Are we ready to go on a hunt?"

   The crowd nodded assent, some more eager than others.

   He smiled. "Then what are we waiting for?"

*  *  *

   Sol Paun stood on the boarding ramp of the Forge Seeker, the CR90 corvette which would be serving as the ship sent out to scout the Lehon system. Since the corvette as well as the three flagships and other frigates would require large, diverse crews, Paun was one of the several Coruscant Security officers hired to serve as a security chief, him specifically for the Forge Seeker.

   So far, he had checked off the two trooper squads and the two groups of Jedi which would be serving on board. He was a bit wary of the Dark Jedi group, but was then convinced by the 'light' Jedi that they would be all right.

   It was with the volunteers that he had his field day.

   Paun stared skeptically at the two Rodian brothers standing before him. "Weren't you two the same guys I arrested near the museum two years ago?"

   Both of them rubbed the back of their necks awkwardly. "Er, yeah, I guess so," the taller one said. "But we've learned our lessons since then!"

   Paun narrowed his eyes. "Why should I let you on board?"

   "We're really good with computers!" the other one said. "We can break even the toughest of codes!"

   He scowled at them. "Yeah, I should know. You're the ones who hacked into Senator Nek's social networking site."

   The Rodians' expressions fell but Paun wasn't going to gall for their 'guilt ploy'; he had seen them pull it before.

   Nonetheless, however, he sighed. "Fine. You can go. We need skilled technicians anyways."

   Their faces lightened up. "Really?"

   "Sure, but don't do anything that'll make me regret it." He glowered. "Or strangle you."

   The Rodians exchanged panicked looks before hurrying onto the ship.

   After waving off a shady-looking Phindian and allowing a smuggler and his Wookiee partner on board, whom he had been told took part in the Battle of Rhen Var and helped win it, he raised his gaze to a short Rybet with green skin, wide eyes, and an even wider grin.

   "Oh, for the love of...." Paun sighed heavily as he glared at the frog-like being. "Hello, Cyclops...."

   "Hey, how's it goin'?" the Rybet said loudly. "I hear there's an adventure going on!"

   "No, there isn't," Paun said, averting his gaze back to his datapad. "Go away."

   "Are you sure? I heard you were accepting volunteers to help on the ship!"

   "Okay, there is an adventure, but it's incredibly boring. You wouldn't want to go on it."

   "Yes, I would! Every adventure has to have some sort of excitement!"

   "Death will probably be the only excitement you'll get," Paun muttered.

   "Fine by me!" Cyclops exclaimed.

   Paun gritted his teeth. "All right, get on board and make yourself useful."

   Grinning widely, the Rybet hobbled up the boarding ramp, much to the clear disdain of the other volunteers waiting in line.

   "Next!"

*  *  *

   General Hawk watched as the Alliance ships prepared to take off. Once out of system, they would be joined by Imperial ships from Bastion at a rendezvous. From where, they would make their for the Unknown Regions.

   Eventually.

   "Did you tell the admirals about the Star Maps?" Jedi Master Xanus Baran asked as he walked up to stand beside him.

   "Yes, I did." Hawk glanced at the Grand Master. "Why didn't you have Zerev tell them at the meeting?"

   Baran sighed. "Because I first heard of them from the Revanchist leader when I spoke with him over comm after Tasen Denon's visit, shortly before Anakin and the others returned from Rhen Var."

   "And you don't trust him?"

   Baran shrugged, thought it could barely be seen. "He avoided all of my more pressing questions, saying that this war was more important than either him or his motives."

   "Did your 'missing' Jedi have any answers when they returned from Dromund Kaas?"

   Baran shook his head. "They said that they were never told anything, only that they were given the offer of joining the Dark Jedi."

   Hawk bit his lip, nervous of the answer to his next question. "Are you going to speak with the Revanchist...in person?"

   "You mean, go to Dromund Kaas?"

   Hawk nodded.

   "Then yes."

   The general sighed. "I suppose I can't stop you, then. May the Force be with you, Grand Master."

   "As always, my friend," Baran said as he began to leave. "As always."