Star Wars Endgame: Episode V, Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

    The turbolift completed its ascension through the Imperial Citadel and the Senator's party stepped out into the main conference chamber. The eight Moffs and their leader, Grand Moff Rolan Verradun, were seated facing forward at a long table, which was placed on a high pedestal. Jaden refrained from rolling his eyes; to this day, Imperials continued to carry an air of superiority with them.

    Once Senator Y'arn's party had been brought to a stop by Captain Zelmer and his men, Verradun smiled and leaned forward in his seat. "To whom do we owe this visit?"

    "I am Senator Keala Y'arn," the Bith diplomat said. "I am here on behalf of the Galactic Alliance to address a concern of ours."

    "My unjust arrest, perhaps?" Moff Lecersen said pointedly.

    "That was a mere misunderstanding on our part," Y'arn said, a bit too hastily for Jaden's liking. "But it's not that. About a week ago, an ancient Sith dreadnaught appeared in the Unknown Regions. Do you have any knowledge on that?"

    Several of the Moffs glanced at a Chiss member of theirs. During the Glorian War, the isolated Chiss Ascendancy took part in the conflict and became well acquainted with the Imperial Remnant. Jaden assumed that one of their member was appointed to the Moff Council either to monitor the Unknown Regions for the Imperials, or the Imperials themselves for the Ascendancy.

    The Chiss' glowing red eyes met Y'arn's black ones as he said, "Yes, my fleet came across it while running an errand for the Chiss Ascendancy. They immediately destroyed it to prevent it from leading to another conflict with Sith."

    "It is rather convenient, isn't it?" Jaden asked. "They happened to be at the right place at the right time in an uncharted system."

    The Chiss gave him a cold look. "Convenient, yes, but coincidental. Are you trying to insinuate something, Master Jedi?"

    "Not at all. Just seeking clarification on the matter."

    "And yet you came all this way to Bastion, with two other Jedi, a senator, and four Alliance guards, all for 'clarification.'" The bald human Moff sitting to Verradun's left sounded wryly amused. "Curious."

    "Let us not jump to any conclusions, Moff Teron," Verradun said sternly. "After our horrific war against the Glorians, their concern is justified."

    He turned to the Chiss Moff. "Sorik, why don't you take them to meet with Admiral Borgas, the commander of your fleet? I'm sure they'll get their clarification from him."

    Moff Sorik seemed reluctant about this prospect, but a barely-noticeable nod from Lecersen prompted him to rise from his seat.

    "Follow me," the Chiss said coldly as he walked past Y'arn group to the turbolift. After a brief moment of hesitation, they followed.

*  *  *

    The feelings of shock and surprise rippled across the Sith Master, rousing her from her meditation. Quickly rising to her feet, Olaris Rhea moved swiftly out of her quarters and down the main corridor.  All of the halls were empty, though she could sense the students were outside.

    She stepped out of the Sith Temple and found several of the students on their knees, bowing as if in prayer. Her own apprentice, Vestara Khai, was one of the few not in such a position. Olaris stormed up to her.

    "What is the meaning of this?" Olaris demanded.

    Vestara looked up at her with wide eyes. "Taral is here."

    Olaris' heart skipped a beat. "The Protector?"

    She turned to follow the bowed students' gaze and sure enough, a golden sphere was beginning to emerge over the edge of the mountains, gleaming like a second sun. It hovered over the gathered Sith for a moment before touching ground. A hatch in its southern hemisphere opened and a young man, clad in the robes of a Sith, climbed out.

    "Greetings, fellow Sith," he said. "I am Varon Krul. I come in peace."

    She regarded him skeptically. "I am Lady Olaris Rhea, Sith Master and member of the Circle of Lords. I do not recognize you as a member of the tribe."

    Varon Krul smirked. "Perhaps because I am not one. I hail from... a different Sith order, from another world."

    Olaris took in a sharp intake of breath while her students broke into murmurs. "Outsiders are... unheard of here."

    "Then it pleases me to be the first," Varon said. "Who is your Dark Lord?"

    "Dark Lord?" The Sith Master shook her head. "That title means nothing here. We follow the Grand Lord, Darish Vol."

    Varon smiled. "Of course. May I speak with the Grand Lord?"

    Olaris scrutinized him, searching for a hint of deception. When she found none, she hesitantly said, "Yes, but only if you don't object to being escorted by several Sith Sabers."

    "Not at all. Please, proceed."

*  *  *

    So far, so good, Varon thought as Olaris Rhea and a cache of Sith warriors led him and Taral away from the temple and down the mountains. I am grateful to have you at my side, Taral.

    A true Sith is never grateful, the sentient sphere responded telepathically. Regardless, I do not require your gratitude. Both of us shall benefit from this.

    Varon raised an eyebrow, even though he did not face the sphere. What's in it for you?

    Despite my isolation on Ziost, I understand the gist of what has transpired since Lord Naga Sadow's fall. Ever since the empire of Darth Sidious collapsed, the Sith have lost their glory. Darth Vorath's attempts to reclaim it failed; this is our opportunity to succeed.

    Varon slowly nodded. Indeed it is. In fact, this is the opportunity I have been waiting for, which my masters have refused to claim.

    Your masters are not true Sith then. They are fools.

    That they are. Varon smiled to himself. That they are.