Chapter 1

Prologue 1

(Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, Coruscant)

Sifo-Dyas strode from the courtyard, deep in thought. He couldn't help but worry. Just yesterday, he spoke with his good friend Dooku about their feelings about the Republic.
"...And on top of all this corruption, the Senate has been incapable of lifting a finger in a timely fashion. Those poor people of Naboo had to defend themselves alone! Why does it seem like The Senate can't do anything anymore?"
Sifo-Dyas been quiet the entire time. He finally decided upon what to say: "Well, I don't like this any more than you do. It may not be our job to do anything at the moment, but I too wish something can be done. Something meaningful."
"Sometimes, I believe the best way to fix this is to start the entire system anew. In fact, I've sometimes seriously considered having my world break from the Republic." As he said this, his stride slowed, and he gazed at the sky, which teamed with airspeeders, with almost a faint sorrow in his eye. "Do you ever wonder if the citizens of this planet ever wonder how they can make a real difference, create history, instead of pass from day to day on mere subsistence? Do you think they wish for something more, or do they just go about their business as if it were the most important thing in the universe?"
"Think about what you're saying, my friend!" Sifo-Dyas replied, aghast at the directions of his friend's thoughts. He had seen this coming for a while, but had sworn to dissuade Dooku from such a path. "There have always been other ways. Sure, your world could provide for itself, but then what? What alliances will you make aside from the ones your world has already? Or trade agreements?"
In reply, Dooku merely raised his eyebrows in his almost tired way, a habit of his when he made difficult decisions, and nodded, saying nothing. "Look at me," Sifo-Dyas pressed, "You've always wished for change. But I sense something, a disturbance in The Force. They say that a Sith was on Naboo. If that's true, then we need the Republic to remain exactly the way it is- the Sith have always wished to control the Galaxy; dissolving the Republic would be a very good way to do it. The last thing the Galaxy needs is civil war."
Dooku remained unconvinced, he could tell. Rather frustrated with his visionary friend, Sifo-Dyas decided to change the subject. "I heard that you've picked up another youngling for training."
"Yes, I have. The boy is merely an infant, but I feel his power already. He will make a very fine Jedi, very fine indeed. I've only seen such power in my fellow contemporaries, like Master Windu, or you."
"Really?" I could almost feel his thoughts as if they were distinct pelts of fur. "And you wish to train the young one someday?"
"I daresay that I do. Master Yoda continues to insist that I take a padawan."
"Be careful he doesn't get the habit of calling you 'Grandpa' or 'Daddy'. You're old enough for that to become a real problem."
Dooku wasn't as amused as he was, but Sifo-Dyas had managed to solicit a chuckle regardless. Looking back, however, Sifo-Dyas became more worried for him than ever. These were dark times indeed, and if he continued to believe that secession were the only answer, then he feared that this evil, this unseen force he could even taste upon the wind, would only manifest itself even more powerfully, rather than become abetted, by Dooku's actions. He meant well, but Dooku was too radical, not just for a Jedi, but for a politician as well. His approach would only create more problems than they solved. Sifo-Dyas didn't need to look into the future to figure this out.

But he had to discard his concern for now. The Council wished for him to investigate a possible terrorist scientific facility on an Outer Rim world he wouldn't have remember the name of had he not had to visit. The recently-deposed former Supreme Chancellor Valorum had promised him a ride, but was under the impression that he was going to assist in the actions of the Refugee Relief Movement. To complicate matters, Sifo-dyas was told to act as if he was- his mission was top secret. Thus, in order to keep his cover, he had to actually assist in some of Valorum's missions for the Movement. This mission was supposed to take no less than two years, so this was probably going to be the longest mission he ever took up.
valorum's ship, the Star of Iskin, was docked just ahead. The first stop was Naboo, probably to assist in reparations from the invasion. valorum was waiting for him. "Welcome to my ship, Master Jedi," he called to him as he descended the ramp. "Are you ready to get started?"
'I believe so. I have everything I need, but my mission will take a long time."
"Well, my ship is equipped with everything you could ever need along the way. Come, we are about to lift off."

Valorum showed Sifo-Dyas to his quarters. "I hope you will be comfortable here, Master Jedi."
I believe I will be, thank you." And he meant it: the room was rather luxurious.
"While we still have time to discuss this, Master Jedi, I wish to inquire as to what your mission from the Council really is."
"You don't think I'm here to assist the Refugee Relief?"
"No, I don't. I realize that the mission may be top secret, but I can certainly keep secrets, Master Sifo-Dyas. If you're merely here to have convenient transport, then I wish to get you to your destination as soon as possible."
Sifo-Dyas thought this over. Slowly, he replied, 'I'd like to think about what you're suggesting."
"Of course.' And with that, Valorum left him to settle in.

Later, Sifo-Dyas had made his decision. He and valorum had decided to meet in one of the ships main conference rooms. To keep the meeting secret, Valorum had the surveillance deactivated. Without pretense, Sifo-Dyas simply said "This will just be between you and me, agreed?"
"Absolutely."
"I'm to investigate a science facility on the planet Sooma, in the Bright Jewel Oversector. The head scientist, Doctor Cadia, is suspected of planning acts of terror aimed at the Republic."
"I see," Valorum mused, "How do we know this? Do we know the motive?"
"First, he's not been sending mandatory reports on his projects. Rumour has it that one of his experiments has driven him insane, or that's what one of the last inspectors has been telling us. The Council believes that he simply may have gone mad from lack of contact with the outside world. Either way, he's been making increasingly queer demands for scientific materials. Until recently, the latest inspector hasn't returned from Sooma and is presumed dead, especially since the inquiry over the comms with Dr. cadia have become suspicious fast when he simply chuckled about the inspector. Now, Palpatine is convinced that cadia is attempting to make weapons and go on a terror spree."
"Hmm. What were some of the materials that he demanded?"
"Some of them were exhumed remains of Sith Lords. Specifically of Darths Malak, Tulak Hord, Ajunta Paul, Ludo Kressh, Freedom Nadd, Marko Ragnos, Exar Kun, Ulic Quel-Droma, Darth Sion, the list goes on because a small sample of each Lord's DNA was used."
After some pause, obviously from disgust, Valorum hoarsely replied, barely above a whisper, "This is very bad news. Dr. Cadia is the utmost best scientist in the Galaxy. If he IS planning a terrorist attack, then he will be able to do it merely with his own creations. Many, including myself, are convinced that he can do anything through science if only given enough time. How long ago did he get the samples?"
"Perhaps as long as five months ago."
"It may already be too late," valorum lamented. "We must find him. Unfortunately, we can't go right away, because I have to be in Naboo; I'm expected, as are you. After the end of the shift, we'll be sure to head straight for Sooma."
"You really wish to help me?" Sifo-Dyas asked, taken aback by the surge of enthusiasm.
"Of course. I knew Cadia when I was in office. Rather controversial, but, then again, so was I. He was absolutely brilliant, but he always exhibited eccentric tendencies and was slightly disturbed. I hope he hasn't gone too far, and that this is only a misunderstanding."

(Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, Aboard the Star of Iskin, above the Planet Sooma, Bright Jewel Oversector, Outer Rim)

Sifo-Dyas stared out at the radiant green planet. He knew little of the planet, except for the fact that he can breathe down there and that it was a vegetated planet (which he figured out from space). However, these two facts were exactly what made this planet a perfect spot for a science lab. It almost looked like Serenno, Sifo-Dyas concluded. His thoughts wandered to Dooku at this fancy; he quickly shook it away.
He turned to Valorum, who was silently taking in the view behind him. "This'll just be you dropping me off twenty miles from the lab. You'll just drop me off, grab those supplies from Tatooine, and go off to your next job. No one will ever suspect. In two days, you'll have to come back for me."
"Simple enough. I wish you luck, Master Sifo-Dyas."

Sifo-Dyas had his belongings repacked, except for what he wouldn't need, and upon touchdown, he and Valorum bade each other farewell again, and he was off. The Star of Iskin blasted to space, a serene streak in the sky for a brief moment before all was silent. Sifo-Dyas knew that time was of the essence, and began the long journey east to the lab.

Well, the stage is set for some action. What will Sifo-Dyas find at the lab? What is Dr. Cadia up to with DNA of the deceased Sith Lords? Tune in next chapter for more!