Star Wars: Dark Galaxy

Book 1: Secrets of the Sith

Summary: Post LotF. As the galaxy tries to heal itself after the death of Caedus, a rebellion that has been brewing since the Clone Wars explodes. Already crippled, the Galactic Alliance and the Jedi falter before the onslaught, until the arrival of two unexpected allies: the Sith.

Chapter 1

Bast Castle, Vjun

Kicking a rock, the droid continued to climb the steep stairs until it reached the top. Ignoring the wind, rain, and other things, it made its way into the ruined fortress.

The droid still thought of itself as Anakin Sal-Solo, even after so many repairs. But it had a new mission, a new purpose, and then it could cease functioning.

Which was why it was here, on Vjun, to do what it needed. Checking the lightsaber it had collected from Kashyyyk, it continued through the fortress, led by the will of another, until it reached a secret room in the depths of Bast Castle.

It looked all for the world like a normal workshop, except for the cloning cylinder against one wall.

Guided by the Force, the droid went to work. Weeks went by, and the storms intensified around Bast Castle as the Force itself fueled its energy into the droid's project.

Two months after arriving, the droid left using a custom made ship from what was left in Bast Castle's hanger. It was accompanied by another being, cloaked in black so no one could see his face, and wearing a modified lightsaber on his belt.

Several Months Later...

Jedi Temple, Corsaunt

Tahiri stood before the Master's Council, awaiting their decision, even though she already knew what was going to happen. Ever since Ben Skywalker had made her aware of the deception Caedus had used to make her follow him, she had known.

"They took me back… They'll welcome you back."

Only, they didn't. Most of the Jedi now viewed her as a criminal or Dark Jedi, because of the things she had done.

She was nothing now.

Grand Master Luke Skywalker stood, "Tahiri Veila, a few of us can only imagine what you have been through. Out of all of us, you perhaps suffered the most during the YuuzhanVong Invasion. …" He stopped as she held up her hand.

"Forgive me, Master Skywalker, but the pleasantries are not necessary," she said. "It is all to obvious that the Jedi do not want me, in spite of the several arguments made on my behalf by your own son. Even if this Council welcomed me back with open arms, I would always be considered an enemy by most Jedi. Speeches and pleasantries are only wasting our time now." She unclipped her lightsaber and stepped forward, putting it in his hand. "I'm sorry, but I no longer have a place here. I cannot be a Jedi."

Luke's face softened, "You may not be a Jedi, Tahiri, but you will always have a place here. I personally hope that you will be able to rejoin us someday."

She gave him her thanks and left, heading for the hanger. She would take a ship, and then she would leave. It wouldn't matter where she went now.

Entering the hanger, she was surprised to see a new ship that she had never seen before. Covered in black reflective armor, it looked like a cross between a YT-1300 freighter and an Imperial Transport Shuttle. She approached it cautiously, admiring its beauty.

"Do you like it?" a voice asked. Tahiri turned to see a figure dressed in black, the hood of his cloak obscuring most of his face, except for his mouth, which was turned into a friendly smile. "She's a real beauty in every way. She utilizes four separate hyperdrive generators, allowing her to have a 0.15 classification at top speed. Combined with stealth armor and two cloaking devices, she's almost impossible to find if you want to stay hidden. That's why I call her the Force Whisper."

"And who are you?" Tahiri asked while reaching out with the Force. She almost physically recoiled as she seemed to hit a wall of light. "Are you a Jedi?"

He shook his head, "No. At one time, but not anymore."

Another figure strode down the ramp, "Excuse me, but… Tahiri?"

Her eyes widened, "Anakin?"

The person she was talking to smiled, "Meet my assistant, Anakin Sal-Solo. He's an android, but an incredibly smart one at that, and was originally programmed to be the replacement of the Jedi Anakin Solo."

"Thank goodness that programming is gone," Anakin said. "From what little I have left, I was able to recognize you." He then turned to the other person. "Anyway, I'm sorry to interrupt, but I have the fuel cells ready. We are clear for departure."

"Thanks. Now get back in so we can fly," the other said. He then turned to Tahiri. "Would you like to come with? I could use a co-pilot."

Tahiri thought for a second, before asking, "I suppose so. I was going to disappear anyway. May I ask your name?"

She sensed a wave of sorrow come from him before he answered, "I don't have a name. But if you need to call me something, I suppose you could call me Vader."

8135716-23167, Outbound Rim

The galaxy spun in a slow, tantalizing circle, but the one who was watching did not care.

"Are we finally ready?"

"Spies indicate the galaxy is weak. The flesh beings will be hard pressed to fight us. They would only delay the inevitable."

"And what of those called 'Jedi'?"

"The galaxy's leader, a Daala, wishes to create a galaxy that does not require Jedi."

A metallic chuckle echoed in the room, "Soon, there will be nothing biological in the entire galaxy. It will all belong to us, and the Jedi will never be needed again."