Prologue
Rouhan sat alone in his chamber in deep meditation. The visions had begun almost three months ago; dark, twisted and incredibly difficult to decipher. Within them he saw flashes of a ravaged land covered in orange dust. Tall, once imposing sculptures which had stood for centuries now lay in crumbled ruins, the cause of which was still unknown. Was it natural erosion over eons of neglect or something more sinister? More questions. No answers.
A dust storm raged across nearby mountains, consuming everything in its path like a plague of locusts across fields of grain, the wind howling and screaming like a wounded rancour. Rouhan shifted his position slightly, attempting to focus. Was that the wind he heard? If only he could peer through the veil of swirling dirt and debris, even if just to catch a glimpse of what might stand at the storm's center. He focused harder and harder still. A shadow appeared in his mind's eye, only for an instant but definitely there, definitely in the heart of the storm. He eased his mind and relaxed, allowing the vision to fade and the world around him dissolve into view. He leaned forward, his breathing haggard and sweat falling from his brow. Frustration welled within him. He thrust his first into the stone floor. He took some pleasure in the pain. This, at least, was real.
"Master?" A young voice called from the entranceway. "It is time. They expect an answer."
Rouhan took a balancing breath and stood, wiping his brow with a nearby cloth handed to him by Yuan, a young Falleen woman dressed in the robes of the order. "Are you ready?"
"Yes." Rouhan said decidedly.
The delegates seated around the table stared at Rouhan in disbelief of what they had just heard. Chief Hunter Karvikk, the delegate leader, spoke in sharp, guttural tones of the Togorian tongue. His Protocol Droid, KEP-S16, translated. "My master asks that you say that again."
"I said the Jedi Order can not at this time spare the resources or manpower to aid you in your efforts. On behalf of the Order, I offer my sincerest condolences and best wishes for a successful campaign." Rouhan ended with a slight bow of courtesy and steeled himself for the backlash that was undoubtedly about to erupt.
Karvikk looked around the table to the other delegates, who stared back at him with the same look of bemused shock and ire. The big hunter looked back at Rouhan and tapped his long talons on the highly polished surface of the table. After several pregnant moments he began to speak.
"My Master says that is unacceptable. The Southern continent has already pushed our armies to the brink of collapse. Our main gates are endangered. Hundreds of innocents are already being killed daily. Should those gates fall, the slaughter will be incalculable. He strongly suggests you reconsider your answer."
"How long have your people been fighting this war?"
The table was again stunned by Rouhan's question. "Four years" KEP-S16 translated.
"Four years, seven months and thirteen days." Rouhan corrected, "After a period of peace which lasted twelve years. Before that you were at war for a period of seven years. Before that, five."
"I fail to see…" the droid began.
Rouhan looked up, a dark cloud over his eyes. "Peace can not be achieved by war, nor can it be ensured by seeking aid from those stronger than yourselves to kill your enemies."
This sent a ripple of growls across the table. Karvikk's claws dug deep into the wood in sudden anger at the insult.
Even Yuan who had stood by silently throughout the proceedings raised an eyebrow at this.
"The truth is it doesn't matter if the Order comes to your aid now or ever again. Neither side is going to live long enough to see the end of this war."
Karvikk stood at this, his fur bristling. He roared, bearing his teeth in a feral display of raw power and viciousness. Yuan's hand dropped to the hilt of her lightsaber.
KEP-S16 stood between his master and the Jedi. "I do believe this meeting has come to a close. Thank you for your attendance. Please see yourselves out."
Rouhan spun on his heel and moved towards the door. Karvikk growled and snarled at his back.
"My master wishes to know why you would say we are doomed." KEP-S16 asked.
Rouhan turned to face them again, his demeanor suddenly harsh and cold. "Because there is an unfathomable storm coming, set into motion by a beast driven by hatred and hunger to consume everything in its path. Cities, planets, entire systems… nothing is safe. No one is safe. Not anymore."