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The Sedan Sith Academy – Jadan's Chambers
Belaya had taken a while to recover from the crash. Now she sat before Jadan in the punishment cell. He must have been forced to give her medical attention; it was something he obviously loathed to do. Belaya had recovered enough to sit up and regard him; he was simply standing there, studying her for a weakness.
She was in her early thirties, moderately attractive with dark eyes and sandy-brown hair. She didn't know that at this very moment Jadan was suffering a wave of intense jealousy of Marka, whose captive was far younger and more attractive. To relieve his frustration he used the force to smash a chair against the wall right next to the punishment cell. Belaya betrayed her nervousness by flinching. She had never felt so alone before.
A small green alien brought some food and drink and placed it on the desk. Jadan nodded once and it withdrew.
Deactivating the punishment cell he motioned to the tray "come, drink, eat." Belaya got up painfully and did so; she was still sore all over. Although she tried to cover it up it must have been obvious to him that she was scared. He sat in front of her as she ate, watching her intently with a cold, unblinking stare. Though she tried to maintain a semblance of calm, when he shifted his weight slightly she couldn't help flinching.
When she had finished eating, she plucked up the courage to ask him "What happened to my friends?"
He looked at her and smiled, it wasn't a pleasant sight. "Dead," he replied simply.
"How?" she cried, even though she had been expecting this response.
"I killed them," he replied, as if killing three Jedi was the most natural thing in the world.
Although she had been preparing herself for such news, her emotions overwhelmed her. She felt rage and anger at the man who had callously killed the three people she had loved the most…her husband, her niece, her padawan. She felt fear of the Sith, of being alone, of being hurt more. She felt grief at her loss. She had been the one who had suggested hiding in the outer rim past Korriban, she was to blame for what had happened. Guilt and confusion welled up inside Belaya as she bent her head and wept silent tears.
"You are a mess, go and clean up." Jadan told her harshly, and she got up as quickly as she could with her aching limbs and crossed the floor to the small restroom. There was no door, and she could feel his eyes on her as she undressed. It made her feel dirty, insignificant. Getting into the Sith's refresher, something that resembled a smaller kolto tank, she reached up for the air mask as the liquid began to fill up at her feet only to find that there was none. For a moment she panicked, then realized that the Sith were probably expected to use their wash time as practice time, which made sense. She filled her lungs with air as the liquid reached her chin, then closed her eyes and concentrated on letting the Force sustain her.
Soon the Liquid went down and disappeared into the bottom of the tank, and Belaya was left dripping and cold, and able to draw breath again. As she opened her eyes slowly, she nearly fainted with fear. The Sith was standing in front of her! She used her hands to cover her breasts and groin quickly; at that point the glass began to slide down. He continued to look at her with that cold, animal-eyed stare until the glass reached the floor, then he reached out and grabbed her. Realizing what he intended to do with her she screamed, she screamed like she had never screamed before; with all of her terror; revulsion and pain.
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Space above Sedan
Commander Lorn of the cruiser 'Jaeger' was patrolling the space above Sedan. He had almost finished his two-year tour, and was looking forward to returning to his wife on Kalcuta. Two weeks and four days left on his tour, and he would be able to go home. His daughter would be sixteen by now. She and her mother had been fighting like Jedi and Sith according to the messages he'd received.
He sighed, and was about to call for another caffa to keep him awake, when communications officer Hael called out "Sir, there's been a rebellion. The signal is very faint, but I caught the part where we were ordered to pick up some Sith from Sedan and transport them to the battlegrounds."
Rebellions were not uncommon in Sith space, as people lived under tyranny. Yet every generation some idealist would start a rebellion. They were always ruthlessly suppressed, and then the survivors would keep quiet for at least fourty standard years. Lorn should have expected it; there hadn't been a rebellion for half a century.
This was not a job he was going to enjoy. "What planet is it this time?" he asked wearily.
"Don't know sir, didn't catch that part, I did get the co-ordinates though," said second-lieutenant Hael.
As the communications officer read out the co-ordinates Commander Lorn felt his heart stop, he recognized them as the co-ordinates for Kalcuta. His wife and daughter were in grave danger, and Sith did not take prisoners. He had to warn them.
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The Sedan Sith Academy
Marka walked out of his chambers in the morning wondering what to do with that annoying little Jedi Kaya. Last night he had been unable to sleep until he had given her a pillow and blanket, somehow he had sensed her discomfort, and it had made him uncomfortable. And try as he might he couldn't do anything that might hurt her.
Screams were coming from the direction of Jadan's chambers, there were always screams coming from there early in the morning and evenings after training, woman's screams. He couldn't bring himself to tell Kaya that her aunt Belaya was alive and being tortured by Jadan, the Sith who she still had nightmares about (how did he know that?). It would only hurt her (why did he care?).
Kaya was a distraction, and a dangerous one at that. And yet, in her presence he felt calmer and more at peace. Unintentionally he flexed his hand, it was as good as new. Amazing how well she had healed it, no Sith that he had ever seen had been able to heal more than superficial wounds with the Force, perhaps it was a Jedi skill. He had broken nearly every bone in his hand, not to mention the damage he had done to his muscles and what his shattered bones had done to his flesh.
Ever since his first disastrous attempt to interrogate her he had given up trying. He sighed to himself; he could no more hurt her than he could hurt himself. Come to think of it, he could hurt himself, but he couldn't hurt her.
With that knowledge he reached a decision, and sought out his father. He found him nearby in the local mechanic shop getting a check-up on his hand. Harn had lost his hand in a duel many years ago, and had it replaced with a robotic one laced with contortis. They exchanged greetings, and Marka enquired about why he needed to have his hand looked at. His father shrugged "Been a while since I had a check up, and my index finger keeps twitching"
"Sit still," the mechanic ordered him.
"Sorry, he said.
Marka smiled, few Sith in the Empire would ever say that word. "I need to speak to you, alone," he told him quietly.
His father nodded "I'll meet you in the Cantina, after I'm finished here." Marka nodded and stepped out.
As he came out of the mechanic shop his eyes met a familiar scene. Four female adult Sith were knocking around a young girl, a Sith initiate judging by her green robes. The women were part of Jadan's group, but the initiate was not, so he didn't have to get involved. If she was lucky, she would escape with her life, but then he recognized Lucien in the group and his hope for the girl faded. Lucien was well known for her cruel nature and love of killing. As with many Sith her grasp on sanity was questionable.
Then one of the Sith gave the initiate a massive push with the Force, and she flew in his direction. She would die upon striking the ground, he knew that with dread certainty born of Force sensitivity, her head would hit the ground first and her neck would snap. Using the Force, Marka caught her in mid–air and lowered her gently to the ground. It was Sindra, one of the newest recruits to the academy; she had a kind disposition and friendly smile, and as such was an inevitable target. As he helped her to her feet he cursed himself for not assigning somebody to look after her.
Just then the four Sith that had been torturing her moments before came striding up. They recognized him, but they had arrogance in their numbers "Give her to us, Marka," snarled a woman he knew as Tanguy.
Marka knew that at this point he could walk away, and up until a few days ago he would have, but something inside him had changed. He pulled Sindra behind him as he stepped forward and said quietly but firmly "No."
The four Sith were taken aback for a moment, then one of them smiled and said "Well now, I think this hero intends to fiiiiiiiiii" she screamed as she was cut down by Marka's white-purple Double-saber.
Marka had known that after defending the girl the four Sith would certainly try to kill him, so he had struck first before they were ready. He attempted to kill another with a backslash, but these Sith were veterans of many battles, and recovered fast. Marka attacked with blinding speed again, but they fended him off, there were just too many of them, and soon he was forced onto the defensive.
Lucien held her twin sabers low as the three Sith circled Marka "You just made a bad mistake!" she hissed as they attacked.
Dodge, weave, block, counter, attack; Marka's entire world became the duel. A lightsaber came at his head, he blocked it with such force that he knocked the blade upwards, then he swung around in a low 360 degree turn as he ducked under another blade, forcing them all back. Their attacks had been uncoordinated and they had been getting in each other's way. As they pulled back they all blasted at him with lightning. Marka caught one of bolts on his lightsaber, but was forced to use all of his power shielding himself from the other two.
As he fought to withstand their attack Master Fer'rer's words came to his mind.
"Have a care my young apprentice when you pick your fights, especially with sentients that can use the Force." his master had told him "One opponent is standard, two is very difficult, three is suicide. No matter how good you are, never enter a fight with three or more opponents unless you can kill them quickly."
Marka grimaced to himself as the Sith women broke off their attack. He certainly couldn't beat them with the Force; even though the defender always had the advantage in Force battles they had nearly fried him. Lucien barked a series of commands and they attacked him again, coordinated properly this time. In his heart, Marka knew that this was the end for him.
Marka was a whirlwind, blocking in all directions, twisting and turning, but to avoid so many blows was impossible. One of Lucien's lightsabers thrust at his unprotected belly, but then a clawed metallic hand caught hers, stopping her blade. A lightsaber burned though her black heart. Lucien stared in disbelief at the man who had killed her as she fell heavily to the floor.
The two remaining Sith looked at their two opponents, their two dead companions and each other, then turned and ran. As one, Marka and his companion leapt at the fleeing women. There was a piercing shriek, and all was still.
"What took you so long?" said Marka, trying to hide his gratitude by sounding annoyed.
"Well I couldn't save your pretty guts with a twitching hand, now could I?" reasoned Marka's father Harn "It just wouldn't be right!"
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Sindra watched in astonishment as the two powerful Sith came closer. One of them came up to her and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Are you alright child?" he asked her.
"Yes thank you Master Marka." she chimed.
She knew how fortunate she was that he had stood up for her, but she didn't trust his motives. If Marka was anything like his legendary namesake she had good reason to be afraid, after all he was a Sith, he must have had some ulterior motive for saving her. And yet, he had risked his life to save hers, what possible motive could he have? She didn't have anything to offer him.
"Come to me this afternoon after practice session and we'll make sure that this never happens again. I'll protect you Sindra, I promise," he told her gently.
She nearly fainted with relief, no matter what his intentions were she was now under his protection, and she might live another year. She opened her mouth to thank him, but he was already walking away towards the cantina with his father.
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"That was a very kind thing you did there, saving that girl" said Harn to his son as they walked into the cantina and signaled for a drink "and you also made it have meaning by giving her your protection, so it isn't just a small wasted action."
They were given their drinks; Marka gave a small nod and picked his one up. "I know what you are, father"
Harn stopped in mid-sip and said, spluttering "And what…" cough "…what would that be?" cough, cough.
"A Greys" his son told him, taking a sip "I've suspected for ages, and known for a while."
"What makes you say that?" Harn asked his son warily, clearing his throat with one last cough.
"You are different to other Sith, you actually care about other people. Power is not your goal. And when I heard you admire the Jedi it was obvious."
Harn looked at him intently "so what now, do you report me? Master Fer'rer would undoubtedly reward you."
Marka shook his head. "I want to join," he replied simply.
Harn smiled "That's the answer I was hoping you'd give," he said, and in the crowded cantina – where there was too much noise for anyone to overhear – Harn Cabanic taught his son the first lessons of the Greys, an order that had survived in the shadow of the empire for nearly a thousand years.
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The Sedan Sith Academy – Rengath Fer'rer's chambers
After the afternoon training was over Marka and Jadan were summoned to Master Fer'rer's chambers. Marka was feeling quite good about himself, he had arranged for two of his supporters, Icadrin and Venoak, to watch out for young Sindra. They would also be watching out for three other young Sith initiates who were in danger of being picked on by others. Although Marka did it out of the goodness of his heart it was likely to profit him in the future.
Master Fer'rer was waiting for them. "There has been a revolt on the planet Kalcuta. We have been ordered to assist." Rengath stood up "I cannot lead our forces, as I have been ordered to present one of our Jedi before Lord Delhano himself. The one who's Jedi I take will have the opportunity to lead my forces on Kalcuta." Marka and Jadan looked at each other, they both knew how much prestige they could gain among the Sith in the upcoming conflict. "The other will stay behind to administer the academy in my absence."
Jadan spoke first "My Jedi is older and more experienced, she would know far more things of interest. I am far more powerful than Marka could ever hope to be; also I outrank him. Therefore I should go." He leered at Marka with discoloured teeth.
Marka simply smiled and said, "I agree with Jadan." Both Rengath and Jadan turned to stare at him, Jadan and Marka never agreed upon anything, but Marka continued, "About the fact that his Jedi is older and more experienced than mine, but not that he is not more powerful than me. I also agree that he should go and fight in your stead Master, but only because if you left the academy to him there would be nothing to return to by the time you came back. I know that I could lead your forces better. Rank is no substitute for cunning."
Jadan turned such a deep shade of red that his facial veins showed. Master Fer'rer quickly put his hand on his lightsaber as a warning. "Then it is agreed," he said quickly "Jadan, bring your captive to me; then gather your equipment. Your transport is already waiting for you."
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Korriban – Naga Sadow's Tomb
The Exile, Jezebel Torin, was meditating inside Naga Sadow's tomb, feeding off the ancient Sith Lords power, and at the same time the power of the others that had fallen victim to the temple in the past. She could feel Visas, Jaq Rand, and Mical in the three other tombs doing the same thing; the power was flowing through their bonds with her, making her stronger. She did not need the extra strength, she was already strong enough to rip this very temple apart and put it back together, but it helped to sate her insatiable hunger for power. She would have liked to have used Bao-Dur to help the others, but he had been very withdrawn from her recently, especially after Malachor V. For some reason he didn't have that annoying remote buzzing around him any more. If he could no longer be trusted, she would have to kill him, soon.
Something was in front of her; she exited her meditation and opened her eyes, before her stood the shade of a bald, tattooed Sith of average height.
"Who are you?" she asked the apparition, annoyed for the interruption.
"I am Uthar Wynn, and I was the Headmaster of the academy, serving directly under Lord Malak." he said sadly.
Jezebel cackled, "Ancient history. Malak was defeated by Revan, the Academy is destroyed."
The shade shook his head "So much has changed, so much is lost." he said mournfully "I thought that Malak killed Revan."
Jezebel sneered, "Malak failed, the Jedi made Revan their puppet, and although he learned his true identity like a weak and pathetic fool he stayed loyal to the light. He killed Malak and destroyed the Star Forge, the greatest weapon of the dark side since Malachor V."
Uthar shook his head in wonder "I never knew," he said quietly, and then looked at her for a moment thoughtfully.
"You also follow the dark side, I can feel it," he said finally "If you continue on this path, you will end up like such as I, a powerless shade."
She sneered again "I don't intend ever to die, so that will never happen"
Uthar gave a sad smile "You sound like my former master, Jorak Uln, he used to say 'a true Sith never dies'. He did in the end of course; a student killed him. The same one that in the end killed me."
Jezebel just looked at him.
Uthar sighed "Why are you here" he asked sadly.
"My late mentor mentioned that Revan came here searching for a Star Map. He came to this temple and killed you. What do you know about him?"
Uthar looked shocked "The student that killed me was Revan!" he gave a sad laugh "at least I was killed by the best."
"What do you know of him?" the Exile demanded, and again Uthar sighed sadly.
"Nothing important, he was the best student by far, he completed all his tasks with ease and all who challenged him died." he paused "Except Yuthora, but I only saw that as I was dying"
"Is that all?" she said disappointed.
"Yes," Uthar replied honestly.
"Then I have no further use for you," she told him, and used the Force to drain the power out of his spirit.
"NNNOOOOOoooooo……"Uthar screamed, the sound dying as he faded from sight.
Using the Force to part an acid river that stood in her way, Jezebel walked up a corridor that lead to large metallic apparatus surrounded by Sith statues that she supposed must be the Star Map. As she came near it, it activated, opening up and causing a metallic ball to rise. A map of the galaxy appeared, with the co-ordinates for four other planets on it. Looking at them closely she recognized them as Kashyyyk, Manaan, Tatooine and Dantooine. That was where she would go. Perhaps there she could find more clues about where Revan went.
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The Sedan Sith Academy
Marka was meditating in his chambers the evening after Jadan had left to help stop the rebellion. There was something…different about him, he could sense it, and he could almost taste it. Before he got a chance to isolate its source, Ramon burst into his room "The Master has caught a traitor, he has called for full attendance, immediately." he reported and ducked out.
"I'm onto it," said Marka, breaking his meditation and grabbing his navy-blue cloak. As he prepared to leave Kaya looked at him quizzingly – he wasn't telling her to get back her cell, but he had no time now. Being the Masters only apprentice present he would be expected to be there even quicker than the others. As he sprinted towards the courtyard he had a strange feeling of dread, a premonition of evil. He got them almost daily here … still this one was different, it was sharper, more… personal? He reached the courtyard in good time, just before the main crowd. He watched the young students, old students, Sith, guards and all workers of the complex filing in. "This might take a while, I wonder why it is so important?" he said to nobody in particular as he took his position and adjusted his hood over his head. With nothing to do, he thought back to the lesson his father had given him earlier in the day.
"The Greys live in the shadows," Harn had said "we strike from the unknown… we hide in plain sight; where no-body would think to look. Many have tried to end us, and yet we survive. For the path of darkness does not hold all the answers, but neither does the path of the light; that is the first and most important lesson of the Greys"
"What is the Greys code, father?" Marka had asked him.
"There are no absolutes" his father had replied, "Everything is shades of grey
To know the Force, I must know all facets of it
To know life, I must experience all it offers
I will find my centre of my being
For when I reach balance, I have peace."
His father had continued: "There is an ancient Greys prophecy, the one of the hearts of the Force. They will come in a time of unparalleled troubles, death, pain and loss. Even the Force itself will suffer. They will experience everything of life and the Force, and create the longest lasting peace that the Galaxy will ever know."
Marka had been silent for a moment, and then said, "I understand the balance part, but what is a centre?"
Harn had smiled "You will know when you find it. For me, it was your mother. I loved her from the…"
The sudden silence in the courtyard broke through his concentration; he turned slightly to see his Master through the corner of his eye sweeping towards him. Rengath half-carried; half-dragged the bent over broken form of a man in his right hand, a feat that would not have been possible without using the Force. Anger was etched in every movement of his Master's body.
As his Master reached him he threw the man forward, to almost the edge of the raised platform that they stood on.
As Marka looked at the wrecked form of the man, his heart broke. He knew that moment without a doubt that it was his father; feeling for his Force signature only confirmed it. He must have been discovered, and now he was going to die. There was nothing that Marka could do to help him.
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In Marka's chambers Kaya broke her meditation. Marka was in pain, terrible pain. The intensity of it was shocking, and she knew it must be serious. And yet, how could she feel this? Normally only the most powerful of Jedi Masters could sense intense emotions from other Force-sensitives.
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Master Fer'rer was speaking "This man tried to free a Jedi prisoner. He has betrayed me and all Sith. As such there can be only one punishment. However I am merciful, and I will grant him a quick death."
Marka felt pain at his words, but also a measure of relief. If his father was fated to die this day he did not want him to suffer, Marka did not think he would be able to stand by and idly watch. Even so he couldn't understand why his father had tried to free the Jedi Belaya, it was just too rash. His father often did things to help others, but to try and free a Jedi from the clutches of a Sith Master…
His father stirred on the ground, and Marka shot a thought at him sadly "Why father, what did you hope to achieve?"
His father's undamaged arm twitched, and Marka was only just able to catch his mental response "Terrible, terrible things…should not be done to any woman…my beloved…they hurt you, didn't they? So powerless…never strong enough to defend…couldn't let it happen… not again…not to anybody!"
Tears were pouring down his fathers face, and Marka found that his own eyes were wet. If it hadn't been for his hood the entire academy would have seen him weep, and if any saw his tears they would take it as a sign of weakness. He focused on what his master was saying.
"…Though it is a grievous offense, it is not the reason why I have called you here. It is a much happier reason. It is because before I leave I will be granting the rank of Dark master to one of my apprentices."
Dark master was a rank only given to the most powerful senior apprentice/s of one of the seven Sith masters. A Dark master was second only in rank to a Sith master. Jadan had achieved the rank seven months before.
"One strong in the force, whose power might one day even surpass my own." Rengath continued.
Marka's eyes were streaming with tears; he no longer cared about anybody seeing them, for he knew what was coming. Jadan had had a lover that he had cared for greatly, too much in Master Fer'rer's eyes. Seven months ago he had been made to kill her for his promotion. Marka's heart had gone out for his opponent that day, but ever since that day Jadan had been fully consumed in the dark side. The reason for the gathering was now painfully obvious.
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Kaya clutched her heart. The feeling was growing inside her, and it was getting worse. Every stab of his emotion was like it was running through her heart as well. She reached out to comfort him, as tears ran down her cheeks.
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Marka noticed that his master was now motioning for him to step forward; he hadn't been paying attention for the last few words. As he did so his master put a hand on his shoulder "A true Sith holds no attachments," he told him forcefully "prove yourself worthy of the name."
Rengath grasped Harn with the Force and forced into a kneeling position facing the crowd.
Marka steeled himself for what he had to do. His steps were heavy, and gravity seemed to be crushing him. He missed a step and nearly fell, but as he stumbled he felt a strange sensation, almost as though somebody was reaching out to him, someone who cared.
His fathers head was down as Marka approached him from behind "Forgive me father" he pleaded.
"There is nothing to forgive" his father told him weakly "will you please listen to my one last instruction son?"
"Anything, father"
"Seek out Laman O'del"
"I love you"
"I know"
At that moment Marka swore to himself that whatever it cost him, he would be the end of the entire Sith order, and particularly Rengath Fer'rer. He would become powerful enough to defeat them all; no matter the path he had to take, no matter the cost to him; for he now had nothing left. He would do anything; betray anyone, destroy anything; to rid the universe of their foul presence. He could not allow them to inflict any more pain to anyone than they already had. And when he had succeeded, if he still lived, he would travel everywhere, healing the wounds that they had created.
Tears streaming unashamedly from his face in front the entire academy he reached for his belt.
And ignited his lightsaber.
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Stay tuned for 'A very long night', Part 3 of Star Wars: The Dark Empire Episode 1 – Exodus