Chapter 1
The sun shone brightly through the window of the lavish office. Each corner of the room was decorated more tastefully and precise than the next. Rich shades of burgundy accented with luxurious gold helped give the impression of exact power and fluid elegance. An elderly man sat facing away from his desk, watching as ships flew by his tower untethered and ready for action. The man rested an aged hand against the cool glass as a smile crossed his weathered face; a shimmer of innocence against a cracked and sinister landscape. Few moments last with a man more so than those that are fueled with blind anticipation. The man had a growing feeling that something lay beyond the cityscape of Coruscant, something that would throw the entire balance of the energy into utter chaos. He had felt many a disturbance in the force, but none as great as the power pounding against his head, no…whatever this was, whoever it was, held the key to his own ascension and success. His smile grew as he continued to stare outside.
A knock at the door forced him to break his concentration. An agitated and guttural growl emanated from his throat.
"Enter."
The door opened as a cloaked woman entered. Her face concealed in a shadowy hood, and her svelt frame is enveloped in a shimmery black gown. She stepped into the office wary of what the man would do.
"Master…I have felt a disturbance in the force."
"I too have felt something. Something is growing in the outer rim. If we sense it, others will begin to do the same. We must act quickly if we are to remain ahead."
The woman shifted uncomfortably as she seated herself.
"What would you have me do?"
"Go the outer rim, there is a being who will assist you. Seek him out, and he will guide you on your quest."
"But what is it that I'm looking for?"
"Search your feelings, you will find the answer."
"But, Master"
The man stood and stared. He raised his hand and stretched it out. His fingers nearing the woman's throat but standing firm. He began to squeeze, as the woman gasped frantically for air.
"There will be no further questions, Lady Ventress. Go to the Outer Rim, alert me when you do. I will give you further instruction then, until that time, do not contact me. Now go and ready your ship."
The man lowered his hand and ushered Ventress out. She turned for a moment to look back at him. His hunched appearance and wrinkled skin gave the impression that he was a frail and weak creature, but she knew the truth. This simple, decrepit skeleton was the most powerful dark lord in the Galaxy, and she merely his servant. She glanced back a final time before disappearing down the corridor. The man touched a small circular device on his desk. A holographic image of a planet appeared. At the center a glowing light beamed through. His smile returned. Soon it would become clear that this little light glowing bright would reveal the secret of the force, and the pathway to unlimited power. This little light would become the most feared being in any star system. This little light would become his apprentice.