Star Wars Invasion: Episode IV, Chapter Fourteen and Epilogue

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

   The moment the invading ships suddenly ceased firing, the surviving citizens of Kaal had briefly thought that a miraculous savior had come to save them.

   Until they saw their bringer of the Armageddon return.

   The monstrous behemoth descended through the barricade of ships that sealed off the planet from its sky. Its tendrils hung off of it like the fingers of a giant claw, anxious to grab the people and send them off to oblivion. Its tail hovered over them like a stinger ready to strike. Its single emerald eye gleamed with bale.

   It took a moment for Kyle Katarn to realize that it was actually a spaceship.

   The people of Kaal gathered into a crowd, watching in awe and despair as the craft slowly came to a stop over the ravaged city of Hoth's Provenance. For a while, everything was still and silent, until the behemoth spoke.

   "Citizens and visitors of Kaal, lend me your eats. I understand that you may consider our visit...unpleasant, but I assure you that we mean you no harm."

   "No harm?" a male human native cried. "You've just killed about forty percent of us, including my girlfriend! To the pits with-"

   A quick and efficient blast from the monster silenced the human, leaving nothing left of him but ashes.

   "Any harm we do bring is a result of others' insolence," the monstrous ship continued. "If you all willingly comply with us, your lives will be spared."

   "Now, hold on just a minute!" Governor Vakam moved through the crowds, stepping into clear view of the spacecraft. "What makes you think we'll follow you if we don't even know who you are?"

   The voice from the spaceship chuckled. "We are the Glorian Empire. Our mission is to bring eternal peace to the galaxy. And in order to achieve that, we must eliminate anyone who has proven to be a threat to the galaxy, which includes the Jedi, the Sith, the Imperial Remnant, the Galactic Alliance, the Mandalorians, and so on."

   "But we were at peace!" the governor retorted. "We were at peace until you arrived!"

   Again, the voice laughed. "Our master says otherwise. He has foreseen that this galaxy will fall back to chaos and strife as it always has. And why might that be, hmm?"

   Vakam opened his mouth to reply, but the voice cut him off. "Because clearly you enjoy war. You enjoy killing other people. You enjoy conquering worlds and fighting for them. Why else would you be doing these things for over a thousand generations?"

   When no response came from anyone, the voice made a disdainful snort. "Have you found yourself at a loss for words? Of course you have, because you know that I am right."

   After a moment of silence, Arek called up to the ship. "What are you going to do to us now?"

   "Ah, yes. I almost forgot." A loud rumble shook the earth. Suddenly, rising up in the distance, was a strange, claw-shaped building. The tip of its 'talons' sparked and a beam of energy shot towards the sun, opening up a portal at the same time.

   "This event may be a little frightening for you," the monstrous spacecraft said. "But don't worry, I'll make sure little harm comes to you."

*  *  *

   I should be dead now...

   Jaden Korr opened his eyes. Like, really dead.

   He rose up. He was no longer in Karness Muur's chamber but instead appeared to be on a moving starship, for the walls of a hyperspace tunnel could be seen moving past a nearby viewport. Realizing that he was sitting on a bed, he got off of it and stood on his feet. To his surprise, Lexa, Koria, Tal, Jovan, and Naia were laying on beds beside him as well, safely asleep. 

   As he wondered what they were doing here, the door to whatever room he was in opened and the two-headed Troig he had seen Violet with entered. Startled, Jaden reached for where his lightsaber should have been, only to find it gone.

   The Troig named Janusinmend chuckled lightly. "Do not worry, Jedi. Your lightsaber is in good hands."

   Jaden scowled at him. "How do I know you're not leading me into another trap?"

   The Troig shook both of his heads. "I apologize for tricking you earlier on Taris, but it was necessary for my mission."

   Jaden stared at him in bemusement. "Okay...mind giving me some explanation? It's probably the only thing that will keep me sane."

   Janusinmend chuckled. "Very well. First of all, an explanation on what exactly I am. I am a freelance agent- for whom exactly I will not say- and was stationed on Nal Hutta, acting as Raaxus the Hutt's court jester. Some time ago, the Glorians sent out their agents to undermine all of the major galactic factions. Violet, specifically, was tasked with infiltrating the Hutts.

   "While she was on Nal Hutta, she encountered me and saw me as a very intelligent individual and thus a potential ally. When she discovered via agents on Sleheyron that you were heading for Taris, she was afraid that you would find out about the Muur Talisman, which she sought to keep safe, and entrusted me in stopping you and your companions.

   "However, shortly after I met Violet, her ex-lover Shadow also met with me, asking me to both keep a watchful eye on Violet- whom he didn't trust- and to make sure that the Muur Talisman would be destroyed."

   "And that's where the Gen'Dai came in, correct?" Jaden said, trying to add all of this up in his head.

   Janusinmend's heads nodded. "Exactly. I do apologize for unleashing the Gen'Dai on you. When I received Shadow's signal, I had assumed he simply needed to defeat whoever Muur was possessing and destroy the talisman."

   "No hard feelings," Jaden said. "So, how did you save me?"

   The two heads smiled simultaneously. "I didn't. He did."

   Suddenly, a masked humanoid appeared in the doorway behind Janusinmend. The stranger wore black robes and red armor, and their face was concealed by a Mandalorian-esque mask.

   Jaden stared at the newcomer skeptically. "And just who are you?"

   "I am the Revanchist," the stranger said in a masculine voice. "I was on Taris, searching for Master Ven'sol in the Lower City as well. When I found out that I wasn't alone, I hid in the shadows and decided to follow you and Violet. I stayed in the corner of Muur's chamber, right by the door, and watched you fight the rakghouls. I saw you struggle with them, but knew Muur was just toying with you."

   "I see," Jaden said. "So, how did you save me from the Gen'dai?"

   "I defeated it," the Revanchist said casually. "I then took care of Muur and left the talisman with Shadow and Violet. I'm sure they're still arguing over what to do with it."

   Jaden's face became even more skeptical. "How were you able to do all of that so easily."

   "I can not give you the answer to that question," the Revanchist said. "Unless, of course, you wish to accompany me to Dromund Kaas."

   Jaden raised an eyebrow. "Dromund Kaas? I thought it was said that the incident at Korriban caused radiation there."

   The Revanchist nodded. "I'm glad your people fell for that. So, what do you say?"

   Jaden shook his head. "I don't think so. Why should I follow a total stranger to the former capital of a Sith Empire?"

   "Do you want to find your missing Jedi or not?"

   Jaden's eyes widened in surprise. "You know about...?"

   "Indeed I do. So, what do you say?"

   The masked man extended his hand. Jaden stared at it in consideration. Glancing at his still-sleeping companions, he said, "What about my friends?"

   "They may come along, if you like."

   Jaden continued to consider the offer. Even if the Revanchist was not a dark sider, he would still be in danger of falling to the dark side on Dromund Kaas. But if the man was also telling the truth, and that the information on the missing Jedi's whereabouts were on Dromund, then he would have to finish what he had set out to do.

   It only took a minute for him to finally decide, but in his mind, it took hours. He finally grasped the Revanchist's hand and shook it.

   "All right then," he said. "Let's go to Dromund Kaas."

EPILOGUE

   "You've all heard the news, I take it?"

   Admiral Sien Sovv, Grand Moff Rolan Verradun, and the gathered members of the GA Advisory Council and Moff Council all nodded. Cal Omas let out a deep sigh.

   "The Kaal system has vanished from the galactic map. The survivors of Admiral Maltar's fleet say that this was the doing of the Glorian invaders. But how could they have caused an entire system to vanish?"

   "The same way the Horuset and Kashyyyk systems vanishes," Senator Tian Nek of Sullust said, his voice filled with depression. "They just...made it vanish. It's hopeless...we're doomed."

   Moff Bor Teron snorted disdainfully. "Preposterous. A phenomenon like this is impossible. This must be some cruel trick!"

   "If it is, it's a very elaborate one," the elderly Duros senator Izrin Arapto muttered. "Anyway, I truly doubt that that is the case."

   "Agreed," Cal Omas said. "We must be alert. Admiral Sovv, I want you to strengthen defenses near systems important to the Alliance and Imperial Remnant."

   The Sullustan nodded. "Done."

   Grand Moff Verradun gave a grim look to the Chief of State. "It appears that we're on the brink of war, aren't we?"

   "To be honest," Omas murmured, "I think that we've long fallen off that brink..."

*  *  *

   "Summarize the battle for me."

   General Starka's holographic figure nodded. "Our first scout ship detected a Coruscanti freighter on the same hyperspace route Kaal was. Although its primary destination was Dalandae, our scouts found out that it was scheduled for a fuel stop at Kaal. Since we did not desire outside witnesses of our attack, the scouts attempted to destroy the ship. They managed to kill everyone on board...except for three Jedi, a squad of Alliance troopers, another soldier, and an assassin droid."

   The Emperor slowly nodded. "Did they prove any trouble?"

   "No, my liege. They scurried in terror just like everyone else on the planet."

   The Emperor grinned in satisfaction. "Excellent. I take it that the battle went well then?"

   "Yes, my liege. The Kaal system has been transported to the main region and is thus involved with the Rebuilding."

   A slow but genuine applause sounded the scarcely lit throne room. "You have done very good, general. You have yet to make me regret promoting you to Supreme Commander."

   The hologram bowed. "Thank you, Emperor. It seems that the Invasion is off to a good start."

   "Invasion?" The Emperor let out a sharp laugh. "Since the Alliance responded better than I expected, this is no longer a mere 'invasion'. No...you realize that this means war."

TO BE CONTINUED....

Star Wars Invasion: Episode IV, Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

   "We've lost Green Five!"

   Gorshun gritted his teeth. The Battle of Kaal hadn't even lasted five minutes and already Alliance fighters were beginning to drop like flies. When Green Squadron and Mynock Squad's freighter had exited hyperspace, they were immediately greeted by a starship so large, it obscured the planet of Kaal from view.

   When the Vindication and her fleet had arrived at the same time, Gorshun was almost certain that they would be able to bring down the ship.

   So much for that, he thought.

   Blaster fire continued to hail down on him from the titanic spacecraft, forcing him to veer and make sharp turns, at some points almost causing him to crash into another starfighter. 

   "We can't go on like this, Green Leader," said Gorshun's wingmate, the Mon Calamari Rylo. "We're either gonna all die or be forced to retreat."

   "If Admiral Maltar is in command of the fleet, that last one won't be an option." The old Duros was always defiant like that, his motto being Make the best out of any battle.

   Gorshun heard Rylo sigh through his comlink. "So we have no choice but to fight and die, is that it?"

   The leader of Green Squadron nodded to himself, his face grim. "That about sums it up..."

*  *  *

   "The planet's defense systems have been destroyed, sir," one of General Starka's advisors reported.

   Without turning to the officer, instead watching the progress of the battle with the Alliance's fleet, Starka said, "Very good. And what of the inhabitants? Are they doing anything to fight back?"

   The advisor chuckled lightly. "Those who are still alive are running in disarray."

   Starka nodded with satisfaction. "I didn't expect much resistance from a mere luxury world. Inform the fleet to cease their attack and take the flagship down there so that I may address the natives."

   The officer nodded. "And what about the Alliance fleet?"

   "Oh, them." The general waved a nonchalant hand. "Eliminate them. Force them to retreat. I don't care. They have failed to prove themselves as a challenge and are thus unworthy of my attention."

   "As you command, General Starka." Bowing, the officer turned on his heels and moved to carry out his orders.

*  *  *

   The old Duros' body stood rigid on the Vindication's bridge. His large, unblinking eyes stared out the viewport, watching the fighters of Rogue and Green Squadron fly around aimlessly, trying to evade the large Glorian ship's firepower.

   So focused was he on the one-sided battle that he barely heard Captain Marria speaking. "Admiral? Admiral!"

   Maltar turned his head sharply to her, his eyes a darker shade of red than usual. Hoarsely, the Duros asked, "Yes, Captain? What is it?"

   Marria briefly recoiled, startled by the admiral's sudden change in behavior. Hesitantly, she said, "The other captains have suggested that we should retreat. We have just lost more than half of Green Squadron, a quarter of Blade Squadron, and at least two of Rogue Squadron."

   Maltar's eyes burned- with what, Marria could not tel. "Only cowards flee, captain," the admiral growled. "Are you suggesting that we be cowards?"

   Marria did her best to not show her nervousness, squaring her shoulders. "No, sir. I'm suggesting that we should be smart and escape before we waste more lives."

   The Duros' body began to shudder with fury. "I am in command here, captain! I am the one giving out the orders here, and I say that we stay here and fight!"

   "Die, you mean," Marria muttered. She crossed her arms, adopting a defiant manner. "We are returning to Mon Cala. Now."

   Shaking uncontrollably, Maltar opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted by a Ho'Din officer crying, "Sirs, incoming!"

   Marria and Maltar were barely able to turn their heads in time to see the fired projectile before it hit the bridge.

*  *  *

   The explosion could be seen from everywhere. The inferno erupted from the missile like a blanket of flame, enveloping the Vindication like a large hand would a pebble. When the fire vanished, all that was left of the Alliance cruiser were a scarce few pieces of wreckage. And if that wasn't enough for the remaining Alliance fleet, the sight of the Glorian flagship preparing to fire another projectile should have been suffice.

   It was all the captain of the next ship in the chain of command could do to muster the word, "Retreat."

*  *  *

   "I...take it that you two know each other?" Jaden said, breaking the tense silence that had lingered between Muur's accomplice and the mysterious newcomer, whom the former had called Shadow.

   "A bit two well," Shadow muttered. "Isn't that right, Violet?"

   Jaden glanced at the purple-clad woman, who visible tensed. "Care explaining why you're here?" she asked.

   "You know why." Shadow pointed at Ven'sol, but Jaden could see that he was actually pointing at the talisman around the possessed Jedi's neck.

   "You are aware of my mission, correct?" the cloaked man said to Violet. "The Watcher requires all Sith artifacts found...and destroyed."

   Violet glowered at him. "To this day you are still blinded by the Watcher's ideals. You still fail to realize the power these Sith relics hold!"

   "And you continue to advocate their ideals," Shadow remarked. "You yourself have failed to see the disasters the Sith have brought to the galaxy."

   "What you see as disasters, I see as miracles. The galaxy thrived the strongest under Palpatine's rule."

   "The same man who used the galaxy as a dejarik board? The same man who started a civil war and became the indirect cause of another? The same man who expected the entire galactic population to follow him, and him only?"

   When Violet did not reply, Shadow chuckled. "All these many, many years and you still have yet to come up with a satisfying and convincing answer to those questions."

   "Correct me if I'm wrong," Muur's spirit suddenly said, "but are you suggesting that the Sith have been nothing but a...nuisance for the galaxy?"

   Shadow nodded. "More or less, yes."

   The ancient Sith Lord cackled. "Then you must believe that the Jedi are the 'rightful solution' to the galaxy's problems."

   "Wrong," Shadow said. "Take this into consideration: if the Jedi- or perhaps their ancestors, the Je'daii- had not been created, then neither would Ajunta Pall's Sith Empire. If Pall's empire had not been created, then, if the Daragons had still discovered Korriban, then the Sith would unlikely have had evolved to the mindset of wanting to invade the Republic. And if they didn't invade the Republic, then hardly any of the Sith Wars would have happened as a result.

   "Plus, had Pall not found the Sith, people like Naga Sadow and Marka Ragnos would not have been born, for they were the results of the hybridization of their people. And thus they would not have exist to inspire future Sith Lords like Darth Bane and Palpatine.

   "Thus, it all narrows down to the Jedi. The Jedi have been the cause for...nearly everything. Which means both they and the Sith must be eradicated to acquire peace. Starting with you, Karness Muur, as well as the Jedi Korr."

   From two sheaths on his hips, Shadow brought out two blades, both sparkling with energy. "If you don't mind," he said, "I would like this confrontation to be a little challenge."

   Muur chuckled in response. "Why not kill two mynocks with one stone and destroy the entire galaxy while you're at it?"

   Shadow said nothing, standing still as if considering this. Finally, much to Jaden's surprise, the cloaked man placed his weapons back into their sheaths.

   "A sound idea," he said. "Of course, while I am not able to do as you suggest, I have just the thing to 'kill two mynocks with one stone.'"

   Shadow gave a sharp snap of his fingers and the ground suddenly trembled. Before either Jaden or Muur could prepare themselves, a large, shape-less mass burst through the walls, bellowing loudly as its plethora of corded muscle and nerve tendrils took on the shape of massive arms.

   It was Violet who voiced the question Jaden was thinking. "What...is that thing?"

   "A Gen'Dai I encountered on Seoul Five," Shadow replied. "He calls himself Morge. But you can call him your worst nightmare."

   With a gesture from his master, the Gen'Dai lunged at Jaden, moving too fast for the Jedi Knight to activate his lightsaber...

Star Wars Invasion: Episode IV, Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE

   "We are approaching the Kaal system, sir," a male Ho'Din officer reported to Admiral Maltar. "Shall we dispatch Rogue Squadron the moment we come out of hyperspace?"

   Standing on the bridge of the Vindication, the aged Duros admiral stared out at the endless tunnel of hyperspace, his red eyes glued to the viewport. At first, the officer's words had simply passed through his ears without procession, but when the Ho'Din repeated himself, Maltar finally turned to face the lanky, light green-skinned humanoid.

   "Yes, send out Rogue Squadron once we exit. Inform the rest of the fleet to send out their squadrons as well."

   The Ho'Din nodded and set off to work. Shortly after he had left, a female human officer called from elsewhere on the bridge. "Sir, a small Alliance detachment from Abraxas is on a hyperspace route parallel to ours."

   Maltar nodded. "Let them join up with us. We may need all of the help we can get."

   The officer frowned. "But, sir...the detachment consists of Green Squadron. They're...rookie pilot at best."

   The admiral waved a dismissive hand. "They should at least have had the experience of dogfighting."

   The human officer nodded in acknowledgment, though somewhat hesitantly. As she moved to carry out her duties, the Duros admiral returned his attention to the winding down hyperspace tunnel. In short time it would be replaced by the heated chaos of battle. Whether his fleet stood a chance against these Glorians, Maltar had no idea. But if personal experience in the war against the Sith had taught him anything, it was to give any battle your all.

*  *  *

   In mere seconds, Kaal had went from being a paradisal vacation spot into a chaotic death zone. As people everywhere scrambled for safety, only to be instantly vaporized by the Glorian ships, Kyle, Arek, Taana Di, Natia, and HK-47 made a run for Hoth's Provenance's planetary defense center, which provided control to Kaal's planetary defenses. Or at least what little it had.

   Struggling to catch up with them, avoiding the devastating blasts, was Governor Vakam, his balding head trickling with sweat.

   "Master Jedi, I do believe you're wasting your time!" he called, panting at the same time. "It is in all likelihood that these invaders have destroyed the defense center!"

   "Well, I can still see it in the distance," Kyle replied, gesturing pointedly to the dome shaped structure up ahead. "Unlike pretty much everything else."

   Before the governor could respond, one of the several thousand insectoid-shaped fighters broke off from the rest of its swarm and flew over their heads, its limb-like appendages nearly brushing against them. Arek and HK-47 immediately began firing their weapons, but they showed no effect on the small fighter at all.

   Eyes widening with the horror of realization, Kyle ran faster towards the dome, particularly chasing after the fighter. Arek and the others struggled to catch up but soon gave up, knowing that their attempts would be futile. 

   It wasn't until the domed structure erupted into flames that Kyle Katarn stopped as well.

   As the craft moved to rejoin its brethren, its thrusters sounding like a mocking cackle, the Jedi Master simply stood before the raging fire that had enveloped the defense center, staring into its taunting flames. Silence reigned, save for the sounds of chaos occurring mere miles behind him and the others. 

   After a moment had passed, though it felt like an eternity, Natia slowly walked up to the brooding Jedi, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

   "Master...what are we going to do?"

   Kyle barely heard her, her soft voice blending in with the fire's tantalizing cackles. When he finally responded to her, his voice almost came out as a croak, his throat hoarse with what sounded like despair.

   "I don't know."

*  *  *

   Jaden had no idea how long he had been fighting. Perhaps two hours or maybe just one. Or possibly only minutes. But already fatigue was beginning to take over him, his body growing tired from reacting to the rakghouls' fast and unpredictable attacks.

   The fact that the possessed body of Master Ven'sol and Karness Muur's female accomplice were watching him as if this were a sporting event didn't help matters either.

   As he cut down what was perhaps the hundredth rakghoul to attack him, another one lunged at him from behind, pinning him down to the ground and knocking his lightsaber out of his hand, far from his reach. As he struggled to free himself, Jaden saw the limp body of Master Ven'sol walk up to him, moving like a lifeless puppet on strings.

   "You have so much potential," the voice of Karness Muur spoke through the Bothan's mouth. "Why would you deny an opportunity to realize that potential?"

   The rakghoul lessened its grip enough for Jaden to speak. "Because it would mean turning to the dark side and becoming a Sith. If the only other option is death, then so be it."

   Although Ven'sol's empty face did not show any emotion, his dead eyes did briefly glow with the golden glint of malice commonly worn by beings immersed in the dark side.

   "Impressive," Muur murmured. "I never expected a mere Jedi Knight to have such...defiance. A master perhaps, but never an apprentice..."

   The rakghoul suddenly moved away, but Jaden merely used this as an opportunity to move out of its reach. He did not try to run even as Ven'sol raised his arms, limp as a marionette, his fingertips crackling with dark side power.

   "Aren't you afraid?" Muur asked.

   "No," Jaden said simply. "A Jedi knows no fear."

   The ancient Sith scoffed. "Still spouting the foolish ideals of the Jedi, I see, even as death rises up on the horizon..."

   As the impending lightning on Ven'sol's fingertips began to grow into a storm, Jaden simply closed his eyes and braced himself for the attack...

   ...which never came. The crackling sound of the lightning abruptly ceased and Jaden could feel the sense of surprise running through Muur and his accomplice, the latter who even let out an audible gasp.

   "Shadow?"

   Jaden opened his eyes and turned around to see a humanoid figure standing in the chamber's doorway, clad in a black cloak that covered their entire body, save for the faint emerald glow of their eyes.

   "Hello, darling," the stranger said. "I'm home."

Star Wars Invasion: Episode IV, Chapter Eleven

CHAPTER ELEVEN

   Jaden remained silent as his captor led him deeper into the Lower City. The woman had yet to identify herself by name, but he doubt he would ever get her to. Not that he cared, of course...

   As they went further and further down the sewer-like corridors, there became fewer and fewer light sources, eventually to the point where it was so dark, Jaden could only make out the woman's silhouette. Finally, he decided to speak.

   "Are we getting any closer to this Jedi Master of yours?"

   "I thought Jedi were supposed to be patient," his captor said. "But don't fret. We are nearly there."

   Sure enough, soon after she said that, they came to a stop before a large, half-oval-shaped door, illuminated by a bright blue light. In the center of the door was a circular panel, which the woman placed her right palm on, causing the door to slowly rise up. Once the door had fully risen, a narrow hallway lit up behind it and she led Jaden down a dim row of lights.

   At the end of the hall was another door of a more rectangular shape, which the woman simply pushed aside. She then beckoned Jaden to move past her and into the room ahead. He did so and entered the chamber, which, unlike the hallway, was barely lit at all.

   As soon as he had stepped into the room, Jaden was greeted by several low growls emitting from either side. Startled at first, he managed to maintain a calm demeanor as he moved deeper into the chamber. At the far side of the room, opposite of the door, he could make out a shadowy figure, hunched over and sitting on top a metal crate. 

   He slowed his pace, approaching the figure with more caution. He was no less than ten feet away from the silhouette when it suddenly shifted its position. A weak voice spoke from the darkness.

   "State your...purpose."

   Slightly taken aback by this sudden movement, Jaden nonetheless kept any uneasiness out of his voice. "I am in search of Jedi Master Dolar Ven'sol."

   "You are...in his presence."

   "I figured that, actually," Jaden said. "Only one Jedi Master was reported to be on a mission in the Ojoster sector."

   "Good...at least some of you Jedi have common sense."

   Jaden raised an eyebrow at this statement. "You...say that as if you're not a Jedi."

   The voice let out a raspy, cackling laugh. "Ah, even better. You are wise enough to spot even the subtlest things in a person's words."

   Jaden frowned in frustration. "Enough riddles, Master Ven'sol. Explain what's going on."

   Again the voice laughed. "And yet you still don't realize the most obvious subject."  

   The silhouette rose from its seat, moving to step out of the veil of shadows that obscured it. What Jaden expected to see was the face of wisdom that the Bothan Jedi Master so often wore.

   Instead, he was greeted by the gaunt mask of death.

   Jaden stepped back, appalled by the sight and his eyes widening with the horror of realization. "What...what have you done to him?" he said to the woman.

   "Isn't it obvious?" The voice chuckled, though it was not coming from Ven'sol's mouth. "No, of course it isn't. You Jedi don't believe in death, do you? It says so in your mantra."

   Jaden managed to take his eyes off the Bothan's ghost of a face and move them to stare at the strange amulet around his neck. Looking like a small, golden scarab of sorts, the amulet had six claw-like tendrils that wrapped around Ven'sol's neck and seemed to plunge its talons through his neck. On the talisman's 'head' glowed a single blue light, gazing at Jaden like an observant eye.

   "I see that you have noticed my...trinket," the disembodied voice said. "Tell me, what do you know of the Hundred-Year Darkness?"

   "Not much, other than that it was the Second Great Schism that the Old Jedi Order face." Jaden looked above Ven'sol's head, where he though the voice was sounding from. "Why?"

   Once again, the voice let out a raspy chuckle. "I was one of the many Dark Jedi dissidents that fought in that war, as well as one of the twelve that survived the final battle at Corbos. It was then that we Exiles turned our defeat into victory. By fleeing to a nearby planet in the Esstran sector, we found the remnants of an empire and made ourselves gods!"

   Behind Ven'sol's limp body, a red, glowing specter began to take shape. 

   "It was then that I, Karness Muur, became a Lord of the Sith."

   Jaden's eyes widened with realization. "Wait a minute. You're one of the first Sith Lords."

   "Indeed I am," the specter replied. "For so long was I confined to my Jedi 'prison'...but no longer. I am now free to wreak havoc and restore the glory of the Old Sith Empire!"

   All around him, the growls Jaden had heard earlier were now louder. From either side, he could see at least a dozen- maybe even more- rakghouls slowly crawling towards him.

   "Now then," Muur said, "you do have a choice. You can either be mauled alive by my pets or join me as my apprentice."

   That old trick, eh? Jaden thought. Ignoring the approaching rakghouls, he instead focused his eyes on the specter. "I have a better idea. How about I kill all of your 'pets'?"

   Muur chuckled. "You could attempt that, if you so wish. I highly doubt you will survive, but suit yourself."

   From behind him, the woman who had led him here tossed a lightsaber in his direction. Performing a back flip, he caught the weapon as he landed and ignited its emerald blade, which illuminated the horde of rakghouls standing before him, poised to attack.

   Muur's voice let out one last laugh. "Let the games begin."

Star Wars Invasion: Episode IV, Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

   "I would like you to repeat that again, except this time, explain why a giant freighter crashed onto the beach outside my personal resort."

   Kyle Katarn crossed his arms, staring down at the plump man who served as governor of Hoth's Provenance, the capital city of Kaal and alleged birthplace of the legendary Jedi Lord Hoth. 

   "As I said, we were on a course for Dalandae until something- or someone- pulled the ship out of hyperspace and sabotaged its systems, putting us on a crash course for Kaal." The Jedi Master shrugged. "I don't see how it's difficult to understand."

   Governor Vakam huffed, walking around his desk and staring out the large window that showed the Scion of Tammuz's wreckage out on the beach.

   "If you were anymore reckless in your 'improvised' landing, you could've killed my son!"

   "Hey, don't blame us for our piloting skills!" Arek snapped. He pointed a thumb at HK-47, who stood near the door leading to the hallway outside of the governor's office. "Blame the crazy, psychotic droid who took the controls!"

   "Objection: If you wanted to die, you could have just told me," HK protested. 

   Kyle waved a hand to silence the two of them. To the governor, he said, "Again, I deeply apologize for disrupting the peace of your resort and for nearly killing your son. Next time we crash-land on a planet, we'll make sure to watch for pedestrians."

   He couldn't tell if Vakam noticed the small ounce of sarcasm in his voice, but the plump man slumped his shoulders down in apparent relief.

   "All right," the governor said. "I'll have my assistant fix you with a tourist freighter bound for the Terminus system. You can pick a ship up there and make your way back to Dalandae."

   Kyle nodded. "Sounds good to me. Thank you for your help, governor, and I once again apologize-"

   Before he could finish, the governor's office door flew open, hitting HK-47 in the head, and a young human male ran into the office, his arms almost flailing. 

   "Sir!" he cried. "Spaceport control has just detected a huge fleet entering the system!"

   Vakam's eyebrows narrowed in confusion. "An Alliance fleet? Imperial?"

   The young man shook his head, his entire body shuddering in panic. "Neither, sir. I think it would be best if you saw for yourself."

   The governor hurriedly followed him, with Kyle and the others close behind. They went down a long, almost winding hallway that led to the receptionist's area and rushed through the doors to the street outside.

   They immediately froze. Hanging overhead, covering up nearly the entire sky like a threatening storm cloud, were at least a hundred thousand- perhaps even more- large ships of a unique, frightening design Kyle was not familiar with. Insect-like appendages hung off the larger ships, each one ending with a smaller ship that replicated the design, and at least a dozen starfighter-looking crafts attached to each of the latter's legs.

   If this was a mere, simple fleet, Kyle hated to see what the entire navy looked like.

   Governor Vakam turned to him, his eyes so wide in terror, they looked like they were about to fall out of their sockets. "Master Katarn," he murmred, "please tell me you have a plan..."

   Kyle looked at him and frowned. "I wish I could tell you, governor. But honestly..."

   He stared back at the looming fleet. "This seems to be a situation even I can't handle."

*  *  *

   From the bridge of his flagship, General Starka observed the planet Kaal with baleful eyes. Out of all of the worlds essential to the Reunification, Kaal was one of the few of which Starka viewed as the least important. While worlds such as Denon and Kinyen had their values, whether it be technological or agricultural resources, Kaal was a lesser world in comparison, serving more usefully as a luxury world rather than one with resources.

   And yet, here they were. The Emperor had deployed the entire First Fleet at Kaal, poised to easily wretch it from the Galactic Alliance's hands.

   No matter, Starka thought. At least this battle will be good practice.

   To an officer on-deck, who was awaiting his orders, the general said, "Tell all ships that they have my permission to attack."

   The officer nodded. "Shall we bring your ship into orbit now, sir?"

   "Not yet," Starka said quietly, his eyes focused on the fleet. "I would like to see how the others fair without my presence."

   The officer nodded again. "As you command, sir."

   As soon as he had left, another officer approached Starka from behind. "Sir, enemy forces will be arriving soon via two different hyperspace routes."

   "And those are...?"

   "The Corellian Trade Spin and an uncharted one from Abraxas."

   "Ah, yes. I was prepared for those on Abraxas to have detected us." The general's eyes briefly moved away from the fleet. "However, I was not expecting for them to respond so quickly."

   "Well, I'm sure they've been preparing for this very moment. Especially after the incidents on the three primary worlds..."

   "Yes, quite right." Starka returned his attention to the viewport. "See to it that they are dealt with sufficiently."

   "As you command, sir."

   As the officer returned to his station, Starka smiled to himself. Perhaps this battle would be more exciting after all....

Star Wars Invasion: Episode IV, Chapter Nine

   May the Fourth be with you!

CHAPTER NINE

   "Rise and shine, Jedi!"

   A sharp blast of pain jolted Jaden awake from unconsciousness. Standing before him, cradling a force pike, was a large Devaronian, a mad grin spread out on his face.

   "He's awake," the horned humanoid said to someone Jaden could not see. "What should we do with him?"

   "Leave him to me," a woman's voice replied. "You and the others may leave. He's my responsibility now."

   With a loud, cackling laugh, the Devaronian left the chamber, along with two Klatooinian thugs and a trio of Vodrans. Once they were gone, a tall, lithe figure stepped forward from the shadows. Jaden lifted up his head, which was very painful to do for some reason, to see a human woman standing before him, dressed in a formfitting violet jumpsuit and ebony armor. Her pale-skinned face, the only thing that identified her as a human, was almost completely expressionless, save for her dark, menacing eyes.

   Jaden winced in pain as he tried to stand up, only to realized that his arms were tied behind his back. "To be honest, I was expecting to be encountered by rakghouls," he said irritably. "Unless, of course, they've recently started holding beauty contests, which I doubt has gotten any winners yet."

   The woman glared at him. "Is it normal for Jedi to start making corny wisecracks when in dire situations?"

   Jaden gave his best attempt at a shrug. "My master always taught me to make the best out of any such situation."

   "What about death?" the woman asked with a humorless smirk. "Did your master give you any advice on how to handle that?"

   "Not to my recollection," Jaden muttered. He took the chance to observe his surroundings. From what he could tell, he and the woman were alone in a scarcely lit chamber, which still reeked of the foul oders common to the Tarisian Lower City.

   "Where are my friends?" he then asked the woman. 

   She smiled without mirth. "In good hands."

   "Were you the rhyming voice we encountered?"

   She laughed. "No. That was an accomplice of mine. He is a rather unique and helpful individual. Shall I introduce you to him?"

   Before Jaden could answer, the female beckoned to someone in the shadows of the chamber. Stepping out of the veil of darkness, all four arms folded across its chest, was a two-headed Troig, dressed in a simple brown robe.

   "This is Janusinmend," the woman said. "He- or should I say they?- works for the Hutts, and is the great Raaxus Vosadii's court jester."

   Jaden eyed both the Troig and the woman carefully. "So you work for the Hutts then as well?" he said to the latter.

   She shook her head. "No, I am simply...a trustful liaison between them and the rest of the galaxy."

   "So, my capture is not on their orders?"

   "Actually, it is. You see, Raaxus wasn't so pleased when you killed his best assassins."

   He glowered at her. "They were trying to kill me. Besides, I only killed the Dashade. I only injured the two Weequays and didn't even touch the other two."

   "Actually, the Nagai and his friend were secretly working for Black Sun. They have recently reorganized themselves, you know."

   Jaden stared at her in genuine intrigue but said nothing.

   "As for the Weequays," she went on, "while you didn't kill them outright, the injuries they sustained from crashing through a transparisteel window has put them on the brink of death."

   "Oh, don't tell me you're a doctor, too," Jaden said sardonically. This prompted a chuckle from one of the Troig's heads.

   The woman turned to the two-headed being and gave him- or them- a scalding glare. "Don't make me wrangle that scrawny neck of yours, Janu."

   The Troig's right head, which had wrinkled purple skin, gave her an innocent smile. "If you want to kill one head, you must kill the other. Unless killing us isn't you intent, but even so, you're a bad, bad mother!"

   She scowled. "Any mother would have left you for the neks as soon as you were born."

   Both of the heads laughed in unison. "Who is to say my mother wasn't like me?"

   The woman scowled but decided to ignore the Troig, turning her attention back to Jaden, who wore an amused smirk on his face.

   "So, what's it going to be?" he asked. "Are you going to kill me or what?"

   She glowered at him. "Trust me, killing you would be the highlight of my day. However, I must keep you alive for a while longer."

   "Why? Do the Hutts want something from me?"

   "Not the Hutts," she said quietly. "My true master."

   He raised an eyebrow. "And that would be...?"

   "Not of your concern," she snapped. "All you must know will be revealed soon. As for now..."

   She walked around Jaden and grabbed him by the cuffs that restrained his arms.

   "We have an audience with a certain Jedi Master..."

*  *  *

   Once the woman and the Jedi had left the chamber they were in, Janusinmend's two heads grinned simultaneously. Rubbing his four hands together in a plotting manner, the head that identified itself as Janu turned to someone standing obscured by the shadows.

   "You do a very good job at hiding, I must say," the Saprin head said. "What is next on the agenda for today?"

   "You are to stay here while I follow them," the obscured guest said. "If I'm not back in at least half an hour, unleash the beast."

   Both of the heads smiled. "Would it be wrong to say that I hope you take a while?"

   A figure shifted in the darkness. "It doesn't matter. I trust you enough to handle this situation."

   The Troig bowed his heads. "If you say so, master of vile."

   With that, a cloaked, humanoid being moved from the veil of darkness and left the chamber, bent on succeeding in his mission.

*

   Author's note: Let me just say that writing a two-headed being whose heads have almost unique personalities are difficult, especially when it comes to pronouns....

Star Wars Invasion: Episode IV, Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

   "I apologize for not contacting you earlier, Master Baran," Kro Sadoon said as he and the Grand Master strolled through one of the many hallways of the Jedi Temple on Ossus. "Master Gaaraddik and I had conducted a thorough, almost planet-wide search for the Glorians on Dantooine once we had departed from Anakin and the others."

   Xanus Baran nodded. "Yes, it is good that you did not take any chances. Putting together Master Katarn's report on his mission to Mannan along with the incident at Christophsis, we have a very large and possibly widespread threat at hand."

   "Indeed." The Kel Dor Jedi stopped and looked around the corridor they were in, as if making sure they were alone, before saying, "There's something else I should tell you. On Dantooine, when we first encountered the Glorians, we also met a mysterious, Force-sensitive man who I do not believe was a Jedi. He called himself the Revanchist."

   Baran raised an eyebrow. "As in the Revanchists who fought in the Mandalorian Wars?"

   Sadoon nodded. "Not only that, but he wore armor almost identical to that worn by Darth Revan himself."

   The Grand Master's eyes widened. "Really? Perhaps he was a fanatic. According to the archives, it is rumored that there was a Sith sect worshiping Revan during the Cold War."

   "I highly doubt that he was a fanatic. He seemed far too skilled to be a mere follower." Sadoon looked around again and then said, in a quieter tone, "You may not believe this, but I have a feeling that this Revanchist person...may be in fact Toah Jarsan."

   Baran's expression became a mix of intrigue and disbelief. "What makes you think that?"

   "Well, shortly before he left nearly ten years ago, Toah revealed that he was the time-displaced son of Revan. And since this man was wearing armor similar to Revan's, and was present on Toah's homeworld of Dantooine..."

   "But it doesn't make sense," Baran said. "Why didn't Toah return to Coruscant or Ossus to warn us? Why did he simply act...vague in the messages he sent?"

   Sadoon shrugged. "I am not sure. Then again, maybe the Revanchist isn't Toah. Maybe he was telling the truth when he said Toah died on Dromund Kaas."

   "Yes, Master Katarn told of that tidbit. But even that I find hard to believe."

   "I agree." The Kel Dor sighed. "If only the Revanchist would contact us and give us the answers we desire."

   "Perhaps he already has," Baran said as the two Jedi resumed their walk. "We simply aren't looking in the right places."

*  *  *

   "This is the most boring planet in the galaxy," Sanso Shu moaned, not for the first time today. The Zelosian spun in his chair, a habit which he had become fond of but his teammates were irritated by, due to the squeaky sound it made whenever it was moved.

   "Seriously, of all of the planets in this sector, why Abraxas? Why not Kaal? At least that world has some great views!"

   "But then you would get distracted from your work," noted the Dressellian Samakalii, who rarely ever spoke unless spoken to, or unless he thought he had a few words of advice. "And you know how much Commander Drokk hates it when you don't fulfill your duties."

   Sanso glared at him. "He hates everything."

   From his monitor station, Zix let out an audible sigh. Ever since Mynock Squad had arrived on Abraxas, things had been both noisy and quiet. Quiet because Abraxas was a planet hardly anyone cared about. Noisy because Sanso wouldn't shut up about that fact.

   The door to their outpost's command center opened and in walked Commander Drokk himself, his wrinkled blue skin creased with stress, age, and probably anger. Behind the Chagrian was a human male with fair skin and brown hair, walking with his arms behind his back, a stance Zix normally associated with Jedi.

   "I can assure you, Jedi Solo, that our scanners are up to standard," Drokk was saying, his voice tight as if he was trying to restrain his impatience. "And if not our scanners, then my men are surely keeping a sharp eye out for any unauthorized craft."

   Zix knew the commander wasn't really complimenting the squad; every day he would call them incompetent losers who should never have passed boot camp. Zix could tell that Drokk was merely bluffing so he could make the Jedi leave and 'stick his nose' in someone else's business.

   The Jedi clearly was not falling for the bluff, especially after he saw Sanso slouching in his chair. "Nevertheless," the young man said, "I think it would be best if I stayed here for a while to make sure things are running smoothly. Both the Alliance and the Jedi are wary with these Glorians, you know."

   The commander's impatience was becoming even more obvious. "Even so, I doubt these Glorians will have any interest in Abraxas. Its mines are almost completely dry, its ore is worthless compare to most other minerals in the galaxy, and it is all around a minor planet."

   "My sentiments exactly," Zix heard Sanso mutter under his breath. Luckily for him, Drokk did not seem to hear him.

   The Jedi crossed his arms, his face calm and almost emotionless. "I'm afraid that I must stay, commander. Admiral Sovv and the Jeid Council insisted on sending me here."

   Drokk glowered at him, his blue eyes like sharp ice sickles. Finally, the Chagrian gave a stiff, grudging nod. "Very well," he grunted. "Make yourself at home."

   With that, the commander strode out of the room, leaving the Jedi in the command center. The young man turned to Zix and the others, a weak smile on his face. "Guess someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," he said.

   Zix nodded, standing up from his station. "Yes, he's like that a lot." He extended a three-fingered, spindly hand. "Lieutenant Zix of Mynock Squad."

   "Jacen Solo," the Jedi said, shaking the Verpine's hand. He inclined his head towards the others' computer monitors. "Have you detected anything in system?"

   "Nothing yet," said Jasel, the only person besides Samakalii and her friend Reeda who actually did her work. Both she and Reeda Kanu had been transferred from Rancor Squad after their leader, as well as a fellow squad mate, disappeared along with Kashyyyk.

   "Wait," she suddenly said. "Something's coming out of hyperspace..."

   Zix and Jacen Solo rushed over to stand on either side of her, leaning forward so they could see her monitor. For a moment, there was nothing there but the blackness of space surrounding Abraxas. Then, without warning, a strange ship, of a unique model that Zix did not recognize, jumped out of the blue, arriving a great distance away from the planet.

   "Is that a ship or some giant space spider?" Sanso asked as he walked over to see for himself. Indeed the spacecraft looked like a giant, eight-legged arachnid, with its 'head' having one, narrow, slit-like 'eye' serving as a viewport.

   "Samakalii, see if you can hail it," Jasel said to the Dressellian.

   The wrinkled-skinned alien did so and sent a communications frequency towards the ship. The squad and the Jedi then waited for a response. None ever came.

   Just as Samakalii was about to attempt another transmission, the stillness of space was disrupted again by another hyperspace arrival. This time, it was an entire fleet of ships, larger than the first one, but similar in that they had insectoid or arachnid-like appearances. Zix jumped back from the sight.

   "Reeda," he called, "sound the alarm!"

   Jacen held up a hand to stop them. "Wait. They're not heading for Abraxas."

   Jasel gave him a confused look. "How can you tell?"

   "I've been on enough space travels with my father to recognize a ship's course." His face fell into a grim expression. "They're not heading for Abraxas. They're headed for Kaal."