((Quick author's note: If you are new to the story I suggest you read my first volume "Outcast and Legacy" which can be found on this site before you read this. Otherwise some of this may not make any sense. Anyways, on to volume two...))

A long time ago,

In a galaxy far, far way...

Two years have passed since the Sith attempted a most audacious attack and invasion against the planet of Coruscant. After the Sith were pushed back the galaxy has reached a momentary period of calm as the Sith remain subdued. Both the Galactic Republic and Jedi Order have gone to great lengths to restore the damage done totheir reputations by their corrupt predecessors. Under the rule of Chancellor Mungand, it seems that once again the Republic stands for a free government of unity and free ideas. While the new Jedi Council has shown the galaxy that they are the same symbol of peace they used to be.

Meanwhile, the Sith are waiting in the shadows as they try to recuperate their losses from their failed invasion. They train new Sith, build more bases, and construct more devices of terror. However, the repair of their ranks has been impaired by a mysterious group that has been targeting Sith key points and reducing them to rubble. Unknown to them, their mysterious enemy is one that they've already faced. Many times before.

Chapter 1: Covert

--- --- ---

It was exactly two years ago to this date that the Sith attacked Coruscant. The second year anniversary. A day to take time and honor the lives of those that died on that day. To honor the success the Republic has been making in their attempt to rebuild the planet. To show his honor, the Chancellor was throwing a banquette for those that had helped him so much during his first two years in office.

The banquet was set on the roof of the "Great Ceremonial Stand". The G.C.S was a large, gold plated building constructed to host great occasions. The open roof of the G.C.S towered over most of the area's other structures. From the top of the golden structure, water constantly cascaded down the four sides of the building. When light hit the building it would flicker from the gold plating to the clear water, causing a beautiful visual effect. Unauthorized aircraft wasn't even permitted to fly near the structure for fear of blinding the drivers.

The guests of the banquet were all standing on top of the open roof. Tables of food were placed around the outside edges of the roof while the guests remained in the center. On one end there was a stage made of two ivory color statues of a large, human man and women standing, holding a platform between them. Standing atop the platform in his pure white robes, medium length blonde hair neatly combed to the back of his head, the constantly determined look on his face, and the scar along his left jawline from his encounter with the old Jedi council, was Chancellor Rasch Mungand.

While his guest list had only permitted fifty people into the banquette, dozens of holo-recorders from news stations hovered above the roof of the G.C.S building. Catching the Chancellor as he began a prepared speech, "Two years have passed. Two years since the core of the Replubic had been rocked and nearly shattered. To some it doesn't seem that long ago. To others that lost loved ones, it may seem like an eternity. From the day I took this position I have done everything in my power to fix the un-fixable. But I wasn't alone in that effort. We, as a united galaxy, have made incredible progress in our efforts. Nothing we can do can ever completely make up for what we lost. We will never be fully satisfied with the state of this galaxy. But we have proven that we can still survive even with our losses."

Rasch then motioned towards the crowd, "Today, I have invited some of those people that have helped me with my quest for peace. I thank all of those that came, and ask you to join me in honoring those that lost their lives, two years ago. Thank you."

Racsh bowed to his guests and the guests responded with a loud ovation of clapping that lasted for two minutes. Two minutes to honor the two years. One of those clapping guests was Jedi Master Zade Rad'hyth dressed in his usual blue Jedi robes over black under-robing. His once dreadlocked hair had been shaved bald. Not by choice exactly. But he was recently sent to a planet where the locals thought of it as an insult for men to have hair on the tops of their heads. So to avoid incident he was forced to shave.

Standing next time him was his Pylianan padawan, Annoli Fennal. Now a young woman. The only thing that remained the same about Annoli from two years ago were the green, slash tattoos on her body. Other than that, everything changed. Even her hair color changed from a dark blue-green to an even darker blue with just a fade of green. This color change was common with her race as they aged. She was taller, stronger, wiser, and more mature. Though, Zade still wouldn't call her "mature" emotional standards. Annoli still seemed like a kid inside, and Zade doubted she'd ever change. She too was wearing a modified version of his black and blue robes.

As the two stood shoulder-to-shoulder, clapping, Annoli leaned closer to Zade and asked him, "Rasch isn't very good with speeches. Is he?"

"Well... I have heard better. At least he made it short and simple." He told her, "And I think it would be best if you address him as Chancellor for now."

"But he told us we didn't have to call him that." She argued as she continued to clap.

"Just for today. People like these have titles for a reason. Please?" He pleaded with her.

She rolled her eyes at him, "Yeah. Sure thing, Master Rad'hyth."

He glared at her, "You know I hate when you call me that." She stared back at him with meaning. Zade sighed, "Okay, point taken. Call him whatever you want."

With a victorious smile she stopped clapping just as everyone else stopped. On stage, Rasch gave one final bow to his guests before leaving the stage. The banquet officially began. Annoli rubbed her hands together and looked around at the tables of food, "The questions is set. What to eat first?"

"Zade! Annoli!" A voice called out ahead of them.

They both saw the pale-violet skinned Twi'lek senator from Esseles, Sienn Parra walk towards them. She wore a beautiful white dress with a very low cut. With a wink and a whistle Annoli took her elbow and nudged Zade in the rib. She often teased him about Sienn and how if Zade weren't a Jedi they'd make a good couple. Zade ignored his padawan and welcomed Sienn with a bow, "Hello, Senator."

She smiled at him, "Senator? Has it been so long that that's how you refer to me as now?"

Annoli let out a single, loud laugh, "Ha! I told you acting all formal was insulting."

"That's not what you said." He said under his breath before apologizing to Sienn, "I'm sorry, Sienn."

She waived her hand towards him, "Of course. Don't worry about it, Zade."

"Well then!" Annoli said, "I'll leave you two to catch up while I make sure that Rodian Sentor doesn't take all the Juiju fruit slices!"

Annoli excused herself and ran for one of the banquet tables. As she ran, she bumped into a man in black and gray robes. She didn't even stop to apologise. Zade shook his head, "That girl."

"Girl?" Sienn repeated, "Why, shes grown so much I don't think you can call her that anymore."

He shrugged his shoulder, "What do you expect me to call her? Lady? Believe me, there is nothing ladylike about that one."

To add to his point, the two watched as Annoli scolded a Rodian Senator for taking all the fruit for himself. Sienn looked to Zade with a wide smile, "Oh stop acting like the grumpy old man. We both know you're having the time of your life as her Master."

He nonchalantly shrugged his right shoulder, "Meh. It has its moments."

She laughed at Zade, "I'll take that as a confirmation."

"Take it as you will. Zade said with a smile, "Anyways, how is Esseles doing?"

"Just fine. My planet was saddened after the passing of president Bjuurba. But President Tab is doing a commendable job. As always, the Republic has our support."

Just then a group of female Senators came walking by. One called over to Sienn, "Oh, Sienn! Over here."

Sienn sighed loudly, "Oh its... them."

Zade snickered, "Friends, I assume?"

"Something like that." She politely waved back to them while telling Zade, "I should go talk with them. Or, 'suck up' is probably more correct." She quickly turned to him and asked, "Do you think we could continue this conversation some other time?"

He bowed to her, "Of course."

They said a quick farewell before Sienn left him for the other Senators. As she left, Zade saw a rustling in the crowd to his left. From the crowd he saw Rasch making his way through the crowd. Shaking hands and giving quick thanks to those that came to the occasion. He didn't stay with one person long enough to begin a conversation though. Eventually Rasch found his way to Zade as some guests began to follow Rasch. Before Zade could say a thing, Rasch gave Zade an exhausted look and took his left arm and warped it around Zade's shoulders. Rasch then pulled Zade into walking along with him and away from the guests. As they walked Zade raised an eyebrow, "Tough work isn't it?"

Reach removed his arm from Zade's shoulder and sighed, "No more than what I expected when I took office. But that still doesn't make things an easier."

The two walked over to a table of food. Rasch reached over and grabbed a plate of some type of seafood bites. Zade wasn't hungry and just leaned against the table. He crossed his arms over his chest and told him, "I must say Chancellor, you have done an excellent job. I don't know of anyone that would have had the galaxy recovering this quickly."

"Yeah well," Rasch said as he swallowed one of the seafood bites down, "As long as the Sith exist, I'm always paranoid. Every night I go to sleep I expect to be woken and told that the Sith are attacking some planet again. Or they and their flying tower are approaching this planet again. I wonder if I've dedicated too many of our ranks in recovering the damages from two years ago, and not tracking the Sith. Speaking of which, do the Jedi have any news to report?"

"Well this is hardly the place... but no. I'm afraid not. Master Koppler was checking some leads on Fadden but he hasn't found anything yet."

Rasch sighed again, "I see. I'm sorry to speak about such things at a time like this."

Zade shrugged it off, "Don't worry about it. Honestly, I'm not interesting enough to talk abut anything outside of my day job anyways."

Rasch chuckled, "If being a Jedi defender is your day job, I'd hate to see your night job."

As they spoke a young man with gray eyes and long black hair tied back into a tail approached them at the table. Zade noticed his black and gray robes. It was the same man that Annoli bumped into earlier. The man reached over to the table and grabbed a plate of the seafood bites. Zade bowed his head to the man, "Ah sir, I must apologize on my padawan's behalf. For bumping into you earlier."

With a wide, charming grin the man told Zade, "No problem." With his free hand he extended his hand to Zade, "Master Rad'Hyth, its an honor to meet you."

Ugh. That name. Zade got a strange vibe from this man and he didn't think it was just because he called him, 'Master Rad'Hyth'. Zade put his suspicions behind him and shook the man's hand. The man than extended his hand to Rasch, "And Chancellor, it is an honor to meet you too. I have great respect for what both of you have done in these two years."

Rasch raised an eyebrow as he shook the man's hand, "Umm Thank you. I'm sorry but.. I'm not sure who you are."

The man snickered, "Well... I guess you could call me a party crasher."

Zade and Rasch both flinched. Zade leaned forward from the table and puts his hands to his side. Close to his lightsabers, just in case. Zade questioned the man, "And how exactly did you get through security?"

The man raised a cocksure eyebrow, "You can do allot with a blank data-card and access to a Republic mainframe. Now, getting access to the Republic mainframe, that's the hard part!"

Zade and Rasch exchanged concerned glances. Rasch was ready to call for security when the man quickly told him, "Please. I didn't come here with malicious intent."

"Then what?" Rasch asked.

"Hmm..." The man thought, "What would I call it? A peace offering? No. That's not it. Ah, a business proposal sound right."

"Who are you?" Zade asked abruptly.

The man put the plate down and looked at Zade, "So, you really don't remember me?"

Zade shook his head, "No. Can't say as I do."

The man cleared his throat and put his hand to his chest, "Oh? I was about this high? Small punk padawan? Crazy nightmares? Getting into trouble with the council? Killed a Sith Lord ? Outcast from-"

Zade's eyes grew wide, "Laan?!"

The man snapped his fingers, "That's it! You do remember... After like eight hints. But at least you remembered."

Zade kept his hands near his lightsabers, "Last I heard of you, you weren't to pleased with the Jeid Order."

Laan looked down at Zade's hands near his lightsabers. He looked back up at Zade with an amused smile on his face, "What? I'm not here to seek out my vengeance if that's what you're thinking."

"Excuse me?" Rasch asked them, "I believe I'm missing something here."

"This man was once a padawan in the order." Zade told him, "The one that had a vision of Darth Vultous."

"And the one that killed her I might add. Albeit a cheap kill. But a kill none-the-less." Laan pointed out.

"Yes." Zade acknowledged, "Then the old Jeid Council cast him out for, as they thought, his responsibilities in the loss of Jedi life."

"And now the old Council's dead." Laan told them, "So now I have no reason to hold a grudge. Relax."

"What about Master Sarval-Styr?" Zade asked him.

Laan nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders, "What about him? He was the only one that stuck up for me. Why would I want revenge on him?"

"Forgive me, Laan. But I can never be too cautious around one cast out of the Order. Even if you didn't deserve it."

"Right." Laan said stoically, "For all you know I got so enraged I gave into the dark side and swore bitter vengeance against all those that wronged me."

Seeing how lightly Laan was taking this just like he used to as a cheerful Padawan, Zade loosened up a bit. Only a bit though. He moved his hands an inch further from his sabers and told Laan, "Well, it wouldn't be the first time."

Rasch stepped in and turned to Laan, "Well now, he doesn't seem malicious. Maybe shady, but not malicious." He gave Laan a quick bow of the head, "I was a General during Darth Vultous's reign. It was an awful time. You may have been an uninvited guest, knowing what you've done for us I'd like to formally invite you to this banquet."

"Thanks." Laan said as he bluntly reached over and patted Rasch on the shoulder.

Rasch wasn't offended by Laan's informality. In fact he laughed. Zade even loosened up enough to lower his hands from his sides and asked Laan with a half-smile, "So then Laan, what have you been doing all these years?"

Laan started choking on one of the seafood bites. After he was done hacking he answered, "O-oh? W-well... I owned a junk and repair shop on Lanoul. And... I did some other stuff."

"Well, as long as you haven't fallen in with the Sith." Zade told him.

Laan chuckled nervously, "Heh, heh... yeah... Well, I never said that I never spent time with the Sith."

Zade's face fell and he put his hands back on his lightsaber handles, "What?"

Laan put his hands out in front of him defensively, "Whoa now slick, Lets not go over all this again."

"Why don't you explain everything, Laan? You're making me overly suspicious."

"Fine." Laan told them as he looked around the area, "Even if this is far from the place or time, I'll tell you."

"We're listening." Rasch said.

"Hyarsythe." Laan told them.

Rasch thought the name sounded familiar, "The Sith academy?"

"Former." Laan corrected, "Thanks, in part, to me."

"You destroyed it?" Zade asked him with a hint of doubt.

"From the inside out." Laan told them, "Most importantly, I gathered some information."

Zade still wasn't sure he believed Laan but he went along with him for now, "Information?"

Laan nodded, "About the Risa'griez Citadel."

He now had Zade's full attention, "The tower that attacked here?"

"Yup." Laan said with a grin, "Didn't you ever wonder why the Citadel suddenly pulled out for no apparent reason?"

Now he may have lost Zade's attention, "You don't really expect us to believe you did that too?"

"Of course not. You need proof." Laan told him as he reached into robes. He removed a datepad and held it out in front of him, "After Hyarsythe, me and some others went from base to base. Taking them down and stealing some information. Lots of it. I wasn't sure if I could trust this new Republic with this information. Much like I couldn't trust the last one. But you have proven yourselves worthy to me in the last two years." He held the datapad in front of their faces, "I can almost guarantee you this one datapad has more information about the Sith in it than all of Republic Intelligence." He then reached over and stuck the datapad into Rasch's chest, "If you don't believe me, this should be more than enough to prove myself."

Rasch took the pad and stared at it, "If what you say is true, you'll have my ear."

"Good. Take a day. Bring that to R.I. and have them inspect it. When you're satisfied with the evidence," Laan looked to Zade, "I'll meet with you and the Jedi Council at the temple. If you believe me, you can hear my proposal. Sounds good?"

"Quite sure of yourself. Aren't you?" Zade said with a smile.

"I know. I haven't changed a bit, right?" Laan responded with a chuckle.

"No, you really haven't." Zade told him.

All of a sudden they heard some one yell, "It's you!"

Half the party turned towards a table of food and saw Annoli pointing to a woman in a black and white, robe-dress. She had tan skin, violet eyes, and long, black hair with violet tips. Zade sighed loudly, "Oh.... great. Forgive me, but I should take care of this."

Zade rushed over to them and grabbed Annoli by the shoulders, "Now who are you bothering?"

Annoli pointed back at the woman, "I-I-It's her! Shes the her!"

The woman nervously twirled his hair around her fingers, "I have no idea what this girl is talking about..."

"I'm so sorry about this." Zade apologized to her. He turned to Annoli, "Now, what are you talking about?"

Annoli looked at Zade and described, "This woman was the one that saved me. From Brycers."

"I've never met this girl before in my entire life." The woman replied.

Laan walked over to them, "It's okay Lwyn. They know who we are now."

"Oh." Lwyn smiled at Annoli, "In that case, it's good to see you recovered from those injuries."

Annolie smiled brightly to her, "Thanks to you." Annoli then jabbed Zade in the hip, "Told you!"

Lann motioned towards Zade and told Lwyn, "This is Zade, the Jedi Master I told you about." Then motioned towards Lwyn and told Zade and Annoli, "This is my wife, Lwyn."

Annoli eagerly reached and grabbed Lwyn's hand and shook it, "Pleasure to meet you."

Laan looked around and noticed that almost all of the party was staring at the group. He cleared his throat, "Ahem! Well I think we've ruined this party more than enough. I'll see you two tomorrow at the temple?"

Zade nodded to them, "Very well. I know I may have been cautious of you Laan, but I'm glad to see you alive and well."

Laan nodded back in silence. After making a commotion, Laan and Lwyn left the party but not without taking a plate or two to eat on the way out.

---\__V__/---

Ahh... Its been so long since I last stood in the Jedi High Council Chamber. Pompous name. Bad, bad memories. At least I saw some respectable faces this time. The most noticeable for me was the Klatooinian, Master Sarval-Styr. The new Grand Master of the Order. He stood in his central chair in the council circle with a smile on his face. Why I'd even go as far to say, he was happy to see me alive.

Sitting next to him was the Master of the Order, the bat-faced, Master Takie. And siting next to her was a hologram image of the patch-eyed Master Wennsis. She was away on mission but wanted to be part of this meeting through live holo-vid. The rest of the council had some familiar faces but ones that I didn't know much about.

In holo-form, Rasch stood in between Sarval and Takie's chairs. He was busy and also had to join the meeting through holo-vid. Zade and Annoli were both present through my request. Even if I hadn't requested it I'm sure they'd have joined. They stood towards the back of the room. I stood in the center while the the Jedi Council encircled me in their chairs. It was both intimidating and very, very familiar. At least this time, I had others to back me up. Both Lwyn and my old partner, Verru "HotShot" Homler stood with me.

The three of us wearing more comfortable clothing from the ones at the banquet. I was wearing one of my favorite robes. An experimental design of armored robe I stole from the Sith and repainted to make it look less intimidating. A long, sleeveless, black under-robe that was tight and formfitting around my chest but skirted out around the side of my legs, but kept the fronts and backs of my legs open. Ending just before the robes fit the floor. My chest and back were protected by a set of ribbed, flexible armor plates. Repainted from black to sand-brown in color. Protecting my hands were black gloves with more sand colored plating on them. The same with my knee length boots. It was pretty light and comfortable for armor and the plating could withstand a blaster bolt or two. Lwyn even bought me a fancy leather belt that could hold four lightsaber handles at a time. All of which I uniquely constructed myself. And of course I still had my pendant of the Lanoul Wolf. Though through my many missions I have needed to replace the chain many, many times.

Lwyn always wore a black, formfitting, sleeveless and legless top. It was freeing and helped her with her externally agile type of dueling style. Because it was slightly less than modest, she wore a white, wrapping robe that fell down to her knees. She also wore detachable sleeves and long boots. Both provided light protection and weren't at all constricting.

HotShot wasn't worried about armor or protection. She wore a black flight jacket over a white top. Black boots over simple dark brown pants. Nothing fancy. All she said she ever needed was a blaster. She had the empty holster belted across her waist but the Jedi had her remove her blaster before she entered. To her protests, I removed it for her and handed it off to the nearest Jedi for safekeeping.

The three of us stood as representatives of our side, Rasch represented the Republic, and the others in the room represented the Jedi Order. Rasch had a datapad folded under his left arm as he spoke to me, "Well Laan, you weren't over exaggerating about the information you've given us. We were aware of a hidden Sith cell on the planet Jubilar but we could never smoke them out. You've given us the locations of their safe houses as well as names and aliases of their leaders. And that's only a small portion of what was on that datapad. We were also able to confirm that you've at least been to the places you've claimed to have been. However, you're still an unknown source to us and this joint proposal of yours may be out of our realm of possibility."

"You'll at least hear me out?" I asked him.

"Of course. I just want you to be aware that, from my position, I'm still not sure if you can be trusted."

I put my hands in the air and tilted my head, "Again, all I ask is that you hear me out."

He nodded to me, "Go on then."

"Thank you." I said as I put my hands together and rubbed them briefly before I began, "I am here to... unofficially request a sort of collaboration from our group, the Jedi Order, and Republic."

"Unofficially?" Master Sarval repeated, "You are aware of how shady that sounds?"

"Well... yeah." I admitted, "While I do want your help, I don't your help to be officially known outside those present in this room. I know that sounds even shadier.. but my reasons for secrecy aren't intended to be sinister. They're for privacy. Tell me, who here has heard of the planet Mautmua?"

Annoli leaned over to Zade and asked, "Funny name. I've never heard of it. Have you?"

"No." Zade told her.

I could tell by the look on Rasch and Sarval's faces that they were at least somewhat aware of Mautmua. I looked over my shoulder to Zade and Annoli and told them, "It's not surprising. If you're aware of Mautmua you are also aware of it's pained past caused by the Republic and to a lesser extent, the Jedi Order. The knowledge of it's past and the knowledge of the planet's existence comes hand-in-hand nowadays."

"Yes." Rasch told me, "Its not a popularly known planet due to the fact its not near much and lacks valuable resources outside its own planet but many of the upper ranks in the Republic are aware of it. 400 years ago a corrupt Republic General occupied the planet. He did many awful things there that went unknown to the Republic for far too long."

"The natives feared the Republic." Sarval added, "Out of desperation they asked the Jedi for help... but for reasons unknown to me, we never answered them."

"Understandably and not surprisingly, the people on the planet still hold a grudge." I told them as I raised my right hand. I had three fingers up, "There are three sentient species on Mautmua." I put my hand back down, "The two native species are the Curakunda and the Turr'Shek. Humans colonized there over 500 years ago. Since the incident happened 400 years ago, do the math, humans were relatively knew to the planet when the incident happened. Also considering the Republic General was human, it caused a rift. The Curakunda decided that the humans were not to blame and sided with them. The Turr'Shek weren't as understanding and didn't trust the humans and after the Curakunda sided with the Humans, they were no longer trusted either. Not that the two species were ever that close."

Lwyn nodded, "The only thing all three species agree on is that outsiders are not to be allowed onto their planet after the incident. Or... at least in theory."

"All outsiders except for the Sith." I continued, "Since the Curakunda sided with the Humans, the Turr'Shek didn't trust that they wouldn't at some point invite more outsiders to the planet. So they decided to go outside the planet for, at least in their opinion, a side that would protect Mautmua from the Republic."

"The Sith." Rasch concluded.

Lwyn nodded her head, "Yeah. The Sith came and promised Turr'Shek protection. In return the Sith built bases and factories on the Turr'Shek lands. Meanwhile, the Curakunda and Humans were forced from their homes to make more room for the Sith."

"The Turr'Shek think they are allies with the Sith." HotShot said, "But they're just being exploited."

"And the Curakunda and Human colony still distrust outsiders to ask for help directly." Lwyn added.

I grinned, "At least until they met us. When we found out that the Sith were on Mautmua we headed for the planet only to find that the Sith had created a global barrier around the planet to keep unwanted visitors out." I chuckled, "But their codes were weak and easy to hack into. I believe the barrier is more for show by the Sith to prove that they are truly on the Turr'Shek side against outsiders. It's useful to keep smugglers and mid-level criminals out, but if somebody with a reasonable I.Q. really wanted to break the barrier, it's simple enough."

Lwyn smiled and patted me on the shoulder, "Simple indeed. We broke the barrier. When we came across and then helped the Curakunda fight off a Turr'Shek raid. The Curakunda-Human insurgency had no choice but to accept us as allies."

"We became the first outsiders in 400 years that the Curakunda accepted." I bragged slightly before I continued normally, "Anyways, we don't really have much information on what kinda of operations the Sith have on Mautmua. But we did get a visual on one of the former Curakunda villages and what the Sith transformed it into. Big, industrial buildings. Guarded and operated mostly by the Turr'Shek. We saw few actual Sith. But we didn't get the best look either... Anyways, this operation looks absolutely massive."

Sarval ran his finger across his chin, "The Sith are as clever as usual. Finding a planet they could exploit without retaliation from the Republic or Jedi."

"Sounds like they turned the planet into a massive manufacturing plant." Wennsis said through her holo-image.

"Much more than that." I told her, "Weapon plants, ship yards, and... the insurgency told us that captured Human and Curakunda have been experimented on. It's pretty bad."

"What help do you need from us?" Rasch asked eagerly. He sounded like he was ready to trust me. Possibly trust me.

"Well." I said as I put my hands on my hips, "As we tried to figure out how we could make an impact against the Sith I realized that this was bigger than anything we've ever taken on before. We needed help. So I sat down and talked with the Curakunda War Head. The War Head was a rank that began as the leader of the insurgency but as war enveloped the entire planet, the War Head as now became the leader of the entire Curakunda race."

"It's never a good sign when the leader of the race has 'war' it their title." One of the other Council members mentioned the obvious.

I continued, "I asked him if he'd be willing to take a leap of faith and trust the Republic or at least the Jedi for assistance. Even if it was just a small number."

Zade snickered and repeated sarcastically, "At least the Jedi? Thank you for the vote of confidence."

I laughed and responded jokingly, "Nothing personal. I just think the job calls for some one who isn't afraid to get their robes a little dirty and mud in their face."

"Ah." Zade said with a smile, "A jab at the Jedi's clean lifestyle... You are aware you're standing in the lion's den when you say that."

I raised an eyebrow, "Is that a threat? From a Jedi?"

We both chuckled for a second. Apparently, I was getting off topic because Lwyn cleared her throat and elbowed me in the side to get me back on track. I turned back towards Sarval, Takie, and Rasch's side of the room and went on, "A-Anyways, I talked the War Head into accepting a small number of Republic and Jedi onto his land. So here I am. I need help and this is a chance of redemption for both the Jedi and Republic. I'm asking you for a few representatives to join us. However, and I understand if this is a deal breaker, I will be in charge."

"Hmm..." Rasch mumbled, "You know we can't accept those terms."

"Not without volunteers." I corrected him. I turned to Sarval and Rasch and told them, "I believe you've both received messages from me earlier. I did my research and looked for people that I feel as though I could trust with this. People who aren't afraid to bend the rules once in awhile if it's for the greater good."

Rasch nodded, "I did get the message but I don't know if I can allow this either way."

Wennsis sighed and stared at me, "I don't know if we have a choice now. Laan already told the Curakunda that he's come to seek our help. If he comes back empty handed their disdain for us is only going to grow."

I put my hands up innocently and shook my head, "No, no. I told them this was a long shot. I didn't lead them to believe anything beyond that."

"You may not have lead them but the implication remains." She countered.

"True. But I wasn't about to recruit the ones the betrayed them behind their backs either." I told her.

She sighed and nodded, "I understand. This is just a very unstable situation."

"Look," I told them, "I know that the Jedi have done missions in secret before. I know because as a padawan I took part in a couple. And I for sure know the Republic has. They have an entire organization dedicated to secrecy. I request the leadership role but I'm not asking for submission. I won't give orders and outside influence would be appreciated. I won't demand you to do anything you aren't comfortable with."

Zade folded his hands over his chest and eyed me, "So you don't ask us to become your subordinates? Is that right?"

"Of course not." I told him, "Its just that the natives have grown to trust us. I know more about them and their planet then you do. And no offense, we know allot more about today's Sith than you guys do. I have more experience this time."

Zade nodded, "I see." He then looked past me towards the Jedi around the room, "I think it's a responsible request."

Wennsis tilted her head to the side, "You do?"

Zade nodded again, "Yes. I do. I don't think the request is that unreasonable. Laan has presented his case and its up to us to decided whether it's acceptable or not. I think Laan has proven to be an acceptable source."

"I disagree." Wennsis told him. She then looked at me, "No offense but we don't know what kind of state of mind Laan is in. Yes, hes accomplished allot but we don't know how hes done so."

"I will be honest." I told her, "I may not have to done things the 'Jedi way' but I'm not evil for it."

"Correct me if I'm wrong," Zade told Wennsis, "But didn't you once fight alongside seedy, Dug mercenaries on Malastare during one of your recent missions."

Wennsis lowered her head and a her upper lip curled slightly into a tiny smile, "Alright, I get it. I just wanted to make sure."

Sarval nodded, "Okay then. Laan, the Jedi have accepted your request. I read the message you sent earlier and the three names you requested as our representatives. I won't decide for them, their answer will strictly be voluntary."

I nodded with a cocksure grin, "That's fine by me. I believe the three I chose will jump at the chance."

Sarval smiled and nodded, "I'm sure you're right. You chose well."

"Who have you requested?" Wennsis asked.

I looked back towards Zade and Annoli, "Those two."

The reason I wanted Zade and Annoli is that they have proven to break Jedi code if needed. Zade went against his very Council to stop their staining of the galaxy. I also knew they were up for challenges. Zade and Annoli had both taken the dual-lightsaber form, Jar'Kai. A form that most Jedi avoided due to it's difficulty to master. Plus, I saw firsthand how tough Annoli was to survive her encounter with that Sith two years ago. That and if I wanted Zade, Annoli would have to come along anyways.

Zade smiled. Annoli eagerly slapped her hands together. Zade answered, "I figured as much." Zade turned to his padawan and asked her, "I don't even have to ask if you're on board with this.."

Annoli looked back at him, "Oh yeah! We haven't been on such an extremely dangerous mission in two years. I'm getting rusty."

Zade looked at me and nodded, "Accepted. Who else?"

"Master Keiral." I told him.

"Master Keiral? You wanted someone that wouldn't mind bending the rules? You have done your research."

That I have. Caily-Kyn Keiral. Besides the fact I liked saying her name, I chose her for the same reason that I chose Zade and Annoli. And she was unorthodox to say the least. Being of Miraluka blood she was already a unique individual. From what I know of the Miraluka, they are a near-human species born Force-sensitive. Born without eyes. Only vestigial eye sockets. Instead of eyesight, most saw through a colorless Force Sight. They could perceive a plain version of objects and organics around them. Most objects could even be be seen through to a limit. If the Sight was strong enough I even heard that if they looked upon a Jedi or Sith they could view an aura around them. But that was just what the Miraluka do.

Caily-Kyn was unique beyond her race. She was unique because of her sometimes heretical stance of the Jedi's rules. In addition to her traditional lightsaber I also read she'll often use other forms of weaponry. Yeah, "weaponry". Jedi don't like to call their lightsabers a "weapon" but Caily-Kyn not only used hers as one, but from the reports I read she also used various instruments such as poison tipped darts, ion grenades, blasters, and other dangerous tools. Many Jedi have used these types of devices before out of desperation or necessity. But Caily-Kyn would actually take these tools with her into battle from the beginning! She's often walking the line on being exiled from the Order but shes never done anything outrageous enough to warrant banishment. I wanted her edge and her craft for this job.

"I'm confident enough in saying Master Kerial will be on board for this." Zade told me.

"Good. Counting on it." I responded.

Lwyn teasingly stared at me with shady looking eyes, "Laan's always looking to add as many woman as he can to his team. Aren't you?"

I grinned and intentionally tried sounding as insulting as I could, "Because you can't match the fury of a pissed off chick."

Lwyn bit down on her lower lip and held her comments to herself. I'm sure I'd hear more about it later. During Lwyn and my questionably placed banter, Rasch had removed the datapad from under his arm and began reading it. He spoke to me when he was finished, "And the three individuals you've asked from the Republic... You've requested Captain Ailoko and Captain Jaden along with a pilot just graduated from the academy?"

"That's right." I told him.

He shook his head, "I can't afford to send two Captains..."

"Understood."

"Ah!" He suddenly said, "I think I know of a good replacement though. If you'll allow me."

I nodded, "Who is it?"

"He has no rank to speak of but he recently became a war hero. Taking down twelve enemies while protecting a wounded comrade. I could use this mission as an excuse to promote him."

"Sounds fair."

Rasch looked back down at his datapad, "Good. I'll send him and Captain Ailoko. Then... about this student. He graduated top in his class but I'm still curious as to what interest you have in this Ty'Vayne."

Lwyn smiled from ear-to-ear, "An old friend. If you could, please don't mention us. I'd like it to be a surprise."

"Good ol' Frogface." HotShot said under her breath.

"Are these six names acceptable then?" I asked with a smile of my own.

Sarval nodded, "Yes."

Rasch nodded as well, "Yes. I too will ask on a voluntary basis. If they decline, I'll provide a substitute. Is that okay?"

"Of course." I said.

"Do you require any supplies or transportation?" Rasch asked.

"No. We already have that taken care of." I told them, "All I require is that the six representatives meet us at Yaun Harbor by evening tomorrow. Dressed in street clothes and no visible weaponry. Non-visible but ya know, bring 'em if ya got 'em."

Everyone was in agreement. Three from the Jedi and three from the Republic. I was glad I was able to acquire their assistance because I knew I would need it. Though, I wasn't exactly sure if this was the best idea. Their "morals" may get in the way. But I want to help Mautmua rebuild after we rid them of the Sith. That's something I can't do. They need the Republic to help them. So the trust needs to be restored. This was the best way I could think of to restore that trust. I meant it when I said I wouldn't make them do anything they were uncomfortable with. If I do something they don't agree with they can just sit on the sidelines. But if someone doesn't like how I do things and they get in my way... well... I just hope it won't come to that.