A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Episode 0

The Sith Empire

In the years that followed the mysterious battle over the dark planet at the edge of the Republic, many things changed forever. With the arrival of one who some hoped would bring balance to the Force also came an encounter with dark foes long thought destroyed. A decade later, war engulfed the galaxy, causing the Jedi to overlook a far greater threat buried beneath the surface. Now, once more, sinister powers were at work, twisting the events of history to suit their desires...

Book I: The Rise of Darkness

Chapter I

In better days, the fire rings of Fornax had been a popular and dangerous attraction for those without any other concern than their own amusement. But in the year since the battle of Geonosis, no one seemed to have any free time to visit the desolate planet. Which, thought the man who surveyed the group of buildings planted on the ground for most of that year, is probably why this world was chosen to be our base. He was Vhaldoq D'ukal, commandant of the training facility here, which was designed to mold willing beings into unswerving loyalty to those they were to guard with their lives.

Not clones, like the myriad warriors that had been involved in the conflict from the battle of Geonosis until now, but thinking minds that would probably prove more useful in the long run. Those who wished to join them here could not do so easily, since the very knowledge of the camp's existence was only possessed by a few. I'm not sure exactly how the Jedi would react if they did know of our presence, Vhaldoq thought to himself. Today, he was expecting a new group of candidates, ready to be trained and molded into Republic guards.

Somehow that title doesn't always fit, D'ukal thought, remembering the change in costume among some stationed on Coruscant. The old blue uniforms had been replaced with a startling red flair that left no mistake about the identity of the beings that wore them. The small craft now lowering to the dark ground in the midst of bolts of searing plasma and constant darkness was not met by any except for the commandant today, as was the custom. Vhaldoq wore an outfit of his own design, that made newcomers wonder just who he was and what position he held on this desolate world.

They would be off-balance when they realized that he was the one they had to answer to and that would reveal many things regarding them to Vhaldoq. Casually, he relaxed, allowing his senses to expand. He knew that the only reason he was not a Jedi was because of the remote location where he had been raised, on the planet Emberlene. As each of the passengers came down, Vhaldoq could feel their uncertainty and confusion at the strange surroundings and lack of a large reception. One of them, however, did not pay attention to his surroundings, instead focusing on D'ukal.

"This planet will be your home until I say otherwise," Vhaldoq said, "If any of you had hopes of returning to family, friends or even your homes, abandon them now. Even the war that affects our Republic is to be forgotten. As long as you are here, nothing else exists." The silent man who still watched him nodded, and Vhaldoq estimated his age to be at least forty, if not more. "You will follow me now without question, to the place prepared for you. Obedience is the first order of business, come!" Turning, Vhaldoq led the others across the surface to the complex nearby.

In a lonely cafe on the far side of the galaxy, two beings waited for the arrival of a third. Resisting the urge to glance around again, Adeyl Rianes sipped at her drink and considered ordering something from the menu she'd been provided with. From her side, the bright green protocol droid who was her companion remarked, "Are you certain our client is coming?" "He'll be here," she assured him, "Remember there is a war going on." The droid affected a shudder, saying, "How could I forget?"

"If you two are quite done, I believe we had business to conduct," a voice said from across the table. The man who sat there was partially clad in armor which reminded her of something she'd seen in the official accounts of the battle of Geonosis. He wore a long cape that enveloped him down to his knees, and a helmet that seemed almost new. The lights in the cafe glared off his silvery frame as he regarded the astonished pair. "Don't sneak up on someone like that!" the droid admonished, "You could've given me an overload!"

"Don't mind Jonas," Adeyl advised the stranger, "Ever since he won his freedom in a sabacc game, he'd been steadily trying to erase every semblance of manners he once possessed from his circuits. I take it you're the bounty hunter we contacted?" "Zol Xarh," the other replied, "But in order that I not be confused with other, more infamous individuals, I suggest the three of us discuss what you have in mind in private."

"Sounds good to me," Adeyl said, slipping him a note, "Meet us there in an hour, and you've got a job." Zol Xarh nodded and left as quietly as he had arrived. "Strange fellow, that one," Jonas remarked, turning his golden eyes to follow the bounty hunter. "Come on, old friend," she said, "I'm sure he has a lot of questions and we don't need to waste any more time than necessary."

The business of directing a Republic caught in the middle of a war with forces as powerful as those organized by Count Dooku was mind-boggling to say the least. With the Jedi off fighting the battles that got all the attention, it was those behind the scenes who maneuvered things so that influential worlds took their own stand in the conflict. Like me, Rkvzlnmara thought to himself as he piloted the small shuttle down to the surface of Ilthmar.

Instead of handling the affairs of the many alien species who brought their concerns to the Supreme Chancellor and interpreting the many and often conflicting laws regarding their dealings with one another, the Wookiee had been sent alone on a diplomatic mission to gain the support of a potentially powerful ally that had remained mysteriously aloof from galactic affairs for 35 years now. Perhaps, he mused, they are still suspicious of us since they don't know the background of the events that brought them into such close quarters with us.

The historians still didn't know what to make of the Jedi convoy that had been assembled then, or of the ships who had been destroyed orbiting that distant world. One of his jobs would be to reassure the current Empress and convince her that joining the Republic and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine would be the best choice under the circumstances. Two of the Elite Guard waited for him as he stepped from the ramp of his shuttle on the surface of Ilthmar. Briskly, they led him on the path to the meeting place the current Empress had agreed to. Mentally, the Wookiee reviewed the information they had on her and Ilthmar in general, wondering if they would be offended by the fact that he wasn't human.

The room he was shown to was not elegantly furnished, but still managed to pull off the feeling that it was meant to house royalty. The Empress Saveq was present, as was her husband and head of the Elite Guard, Cyfik. They stood waiting for him at the opposite end of the room. Saveq was naturally the first one to speak. "From the documents and messages forwarded me by your government, I take it that the purpose of your visit is to discern the side on which my government stands in the current conflict?" she said. [You are quite correct and most discerning, Empress,] Rkvzlnmara said smoothly, [You can see why you would viewed as a valuable ally to our forces.]

"What if I told you that to gain our trust, you would be asked to perform an unusual and rather difficult task for us? One that could place you in mortal danger?" Cyfik asked. The Wookiee bared his teeth marginally, and said, [I am at your disposal. Any means we can use to gain allies is this war will be put to the fullest use. Will I need to request the assistance of more trained fighters than myself?] "Perhaps, once you know the nature of the mystery that plagues us," the Empress replied, "You will see why we wish to keep this matter secret for the time being." [Your words intrigue me, Empress,] Rkvzlnmara said, [Please feel free to enlighten me on this matter.]