Prince of the Stars Chapter 2: Heir of the Estate, a star wars: the clone wars fanfic | FanFiction
Disclaimer: I do not own anything Star Wars related, all rights belong to Lucasfilms, Lucasarts, and Disney. All I own is my OC.
"Speaking"
'Thoughts'
'Telepathic'
-Prince of the Stars-
Draay Estate; Coruscant
Many dark secrets loomed in the glorious walls of the Draay Estate; home to a secret Covenant of Jedi, which gave way to the Padawan Massacre of Taris. Sifo-Dyas kept his Padawan close to his side, the beams of moonlight showing the path to the illustrious manor of the Draay legacy.
An expansive complex of red stone, the Estate could be seen clearly from surrounding areas. With stained glass domes and windows, the walled mansion housed several hundred rooms and included rooftop gardens. Many tall trees and bushes grew between the towers.
The former Jedi contemplated on the course of actions that his apprentice would undergo. If the news of a Draay would become public, then the Jedi Order would demand an explanation. The Draay Trust funds were an important revenue of income to the Jedi Order, even if no Draay had been in the Order for millennium. The sudden withdrawal of such money would cause an investigation. Sifo-Dyas' thoughts were interrupted by Alaric's running ahead of him, running up the steps to his ancestral home. It brought a smile to the worried Force wielder's face.
Still, if he went through with his plan then Alaric Draay would be the face of the Republic.
-Prince of the Stars-
"May I inquire your state of business?" asked a round floating droid, its masculine programming entailing the newly arrived guests.
"This is Alaric Draay, the rightful heir of this estate," Sifo-Dyas explained. "I've decided to take him home."
9BD, once personal droid to Krynda Draay, adjusted its photo-receptors as it analyzed the boy. He did seem to have the same hair color of the Draay legacy, if only dirtied by the specks of brown. "I see. Follow me then, I wish to perform a series of tests to confirm. For legal reasons before the boy is to take his claim."
"I understand, let's continue," Sifo-Dyas called to his apprentice, and Alaric followed. The curious gray eyes of the Draay heir wondered over the walls and the rich decor.
"It feels odd," Alaric said after a time. "Being here."
Sifo-Dyas said nothing, following the floating droid.
"I don't understand what we're doing here. How did you get tricked by the Sith?"
The former Jedi Master halted abruptly. "I didn't know they were Sith. One thing to learn about the Sith is that they will tell the truth, in order to ensure their plans."
"The truth?" repeated Alaric. The nine year old stared at his master's back in confusion. "What truth?"
"A darkness was growing," stated Sifo-Dyas. His brown eyes darkened as he glanced at the large glowing moon above. "I was that darkness." He sensed his apprentice walking next to his side.
"But you have a plan."
Sifo-Dyas smiled tiredly, placing his hand on the boy's head. "A risky one. But it should be effective in delaying the Sith's plans." Pulling the Holocron from his robe Sifo-Dyas showed it to his apprentice again. "This is the Holocron of Revan, a legendary figure who could wield both the Light and Dark sides of the Force."
Alaric looked at the Holocron innocently. "What will this tell you?"
"Everything I will need to know. Everything you need to learn," Sifo-Dyas contemplated the Holocron, inspecting it in his hand. "We will use the full power of the Force to destroy the Sith from the galaxy."
"What about the Jedi?" asked Alaric. "Doesn't it seem a bit much to… destroy them too?"
The former Jedi rubbed his well-trimmed goatee, speaking softly. "Yes, it does seem a bit much. Certainly seems why the Council was apt on removing me from them." He pushed Alaric forward, wanting to keep pace with 9BD. "These are strange and dark times Alaric. I fear that no action will be far worse than any extreme action I will take. The Jedi had allowed the Sith to rise up again, in front of their faces and under their noses. A mistake the galaxy can no longer afford."
-Prince of the Stars-
9BD escorted Alaric and Sifo-Dyas into a large room were a massive wall sized computer screen dwarfed the trio. The bulbous droid floated to the control panel and pressed a button, activating the screen and showing a screen filled with data and numbers.
"I must take a sample of your blood and compare it to the files the Draay Estate has on record," 9BD stated, picking up a medical flask tube. "It will be a small pain then it's over."
The Draay heir looked towards his master from his peripheral and rolled up his earthly beige robe, and extended his arm towards the droid. A small gasp escaped from the nine year old as the syringe pierced into his skin, drawing up blood to the tube.
"Thank you," 9BD said quickly, floating back to the computer and inserted the tube into the medical centrifuge. "The results will appear momentarily." Alaric offered a smile at the droid then faced his master.
"What will happen to me?" asked Alaric.
Sifo-Dyas rested himself on a luxurious chair, a sigh of relief escaping from him. Probably the most relaxed he felt in the last few hours. "You will be the face of the Republic. You will serve as a reminder of how far the Republic has fallen. Your family has had a great influence in the politics of the Republic and in the Jedi Order. And with your parents death, you must take your place in the Republic."
The Draay heir walked to the opposite end of his master and took his seat. The former Jedi saw his apprentice shrinking from his destiny, understandable for a boy his age.
"I know I'm asking a lot from you," continued Sifo-Dyas. "But I need your help. I can't stop this on my own. With your family's legacy, wealth, and connections, we can end this before my sins destroy everyone."
The apprentice leaned forward at the edge of his seat, covered his nose with his hands and glanced at his master. He saw the stern determination in Sifo-Dyas' eyes, the radiating guilt within the brown orbs. His brain pulsed as he tried to figure out why he wouldn't help his master. "Can we handle this? Just the two of us?"
"It appears you are the rightful heir of the Draay Estate, young master," announced 9BD, floating next to his new master. "I must say it is wonderful to see you again, after your birth and the death of your parents."
Alaric's lip curled in a somber smile. "I guess." His brow creased as he observed the droid. "You were there at my birth? Then why did you need my blood?"
"Security reasons, Master Draay. Your family's wealth and influence are too important in the Republic, and given your recent induction to the Jedi Order, protocol mandated that your return wouldn't be until you achieved Knight status, unless circumstances provided otherwise," 9BD explained.
"And the circumstances are the reason why we are here," stated Sifo-Dyas. "Given the history of the Draay family, three thousand years ago Krynda and Lucien Draay created the Jedi Covenant, a secret organization within the Jedi Order."
"Yes sir, my records of the event are in the database if you wish to review them," said 9BD factly.
"You were there, three thousand years ago?" inquired Alaric innocently, looking at the droid next to him.
"Indeed I was Master, it was a dark time for the Republic. Fear and paranoia was evident on my master's face, she was afraid of a prophecy that foretold of the Sith returning to the galaxy." Sifo-Dyas shifted in his chair ever slightly. "She was right, just not at the time she thought."
"I'm surprised your memory wasn't wiped," Sifo-Dyas stated, leaning back in his chair in a more relaxed manner.
"My memory was uploaded into the mainframe of the databank," 9BD repeated.
The former Jedi hummed in musing.
"Are you here to recreate the Jedi Covenant? It was considered unfavorable and dangerous to the Order itself and to others," 9BD continued.
"Yes, we are. Much for the same reason the Covenant was originally created for- destroying the Sith. But this time, I've MET the Sith," Sifo-Dyas explained, his voice stern.
9BD's optic analyzed the pheromones of the Jedi- elevated heart-rate, increased breathing, his pupils dilating; he seemed to be telling the truth. "And I assume the Jedi Order knows of this threat?"
"No, and by the time they realized it, it'll be too late," Sifo-Dyas said after a moment. Releasing a defeated breath, he rested his chin on top of his hand. "The Jedi have become pawns not only for the Sith but for the Republic, serving as their servants at their beck and call. No longer concerned with the welfare of the weak across the galaxy, at least Dooku and I agreed on that."
The mention of his old friend brought, somewhat understandably, fond memories. But the visions… they felt too correct, too real. Maybe… perhaps, just maybe, he could save Dooku. However doubtful and unlikely it seemed.
"That'll be enough for tonight 9BD, my apprentice needs his sleep," Sifo-Dyas said, standing up and gesturing his apprentice to do the same. "And tomorrow will be a long day."
9BD's photo-receptors clicked, looking at his new young master in confirmation. Alaric nodded, his eyes becoming heavy as sleep overwhelmed. "It's fine, Nines."
The droid clicked its photo-receptors again, tilting its head in wonder. "Nines… Come this way Master, I'll show you to your chambers and provide you with your sleeping garments." Alaric grinned tiredly, following alongside his droid.
The former Jedi quickly followed after his apprentice, hiding a smile as Alaric smiled at him.
-Prince of the Stars-
Closing the door behind him, Sifo-Dyas watched 9BD float away, probably for its other duties, when he faced towards the open balcony a few feet away. The full bright moon of Coruscant stared down at him as he calmly walked closer to it. The invisible waves protecting him, basking him in its unseen glory.
Sifo-Dyas mediated in the Force, his eyes closed and his hands folded in his robes. The darkness was coming…
"You are beginning to force my hand Jedi," a grim voice called to the Jedi. Sifo-Dyas reopened his eyes to see the figure of a Muun.
"My plans have already been set in motion for one thousand years, since the rise and fall of Darth Bane." The Muun's yellow eyes transfixed on the Jedi, harboring hate and intensity. "You will be a fool to challenge me now Sifo-Dyas, we have already started so much together with the Clone Army."
Sifo-Dyas kept his emotions calm, it was at least one tenet of the Jedi Code that made any sense.
Taking the Jedi's silence in stride, the Muun loomed towards the Jedi standing in front of him, staring down at him. His transpirator mask clicked when he breathed, bringing an air of intimidation to the Muun. "I am warning you only once, Jedi. Stay out of this." Yellow eyes flickered towards the door. "The boy's blood is on your hands already, it will be a matter of time before they are stained."
The former Jedi glared at the Muun. "You will not touch him Magister Damask. Kill me now, and your plans will go on unfettered."
The Muun's eyes widened irritably at the Jedi's subtle taunt. "I am not Damask. I have never been Hego Damask. My destiny is cemented in the Force," the Muun circled around Sifo-Dyas, the Jedi keeping an eye on the Sith. "The fate of life and death is ensured only by my desire."
Reaching for his transpirator mask, Damask removed it showing the deformed and ugly scars where his nose used to be. The single mistake the Dark Lord had made. And the last. Long spiry fingers ran across his injured face, hollow staggered breaths filled the night air.
The scars began to slowly fade and heal.
The underlying fear in the Jedi's widen eyes told the Sith what he wanted. "I am Darth Plageuis the Wise. That is who I am." The Muun's fingers began to crush the metallic transpirator with a strength unlike many sentient species in the galaxy, dropping it with a loud thud at the Jedi's feet; the snarl now apparent on Plageuis' face. "I have discovered the very foundation of the Force, and I control the flow of midi-chlorians. My legacy will be permeated throughout the stars, Sifo-Dyas. Whatever you try will be a drop in the vast cosmos."
The silence saturating the night air brought an unnatural tension, prompting Sifo-Dyas to ask a simple question. "Why are you here? You could have killed me anytime."
"I still can," corrected Plageuis.
"My point stands," Sifo-Dyas continued firmly. "What is your purpose in coming here?"
The Muun pulled a holo-projector from his fashionable cloak and the holovid of a funeral played. "The funeral of Qui-Gon Jinn, your friend's apprentice. Rather your former friend I suppose." The flicker of anger brightened in the former Jedi's eyes. "The rest was easy enough; Dooku's wavering loyalty to the Republic and the Order were cemented by his apprentice's death, yet came at the small price of our assassin."
Plageuis continued after shelving the holo-projector. "Any desire I wish can and will be fulfilled, Master Jedi. I know you're attempting to thwart my plans. Every corner in the galaxy is under my influence and the influence of the Dark side."
The former Jedi looked down to the destroyed transpirator mask, calling it to him with the Force, studying it. "Your reach is magnificent across the galaxy, I will admit that. Same with your apprentice. However the apprentice will overthrow the master, it is the Sith way."
"I have moved beyond the limitations of the Sith," Plageuis interjected.
"So have I," Sifo-Dyas declared boldly.
The anger in the Muun's yellow eyes interlaced with curiosity. Inspecting Sifo-Dyas' face, Plageuis observed the sudden change in demeanor. He was serious. "Even if you have changed, it'll be too late to stop what is to come. War is already on the horizon Sifo-Dyas, like I said it would."
The Muun turned his back to the former Jedi and exited over the balcony. Sifo-Dyas let his nerves eased and a shuddered breath escaped him.
-Prince of the Stars-
The next morning…
Alaric dressed in his new robes, simple yet elegant white robes in comparison to the humble earthly ones he adorned the night before. The morning sun creaked into the large archway widow, bathing the garden below on the floor level of his new home.
The Draay heir rubbed the sleep from his gray eyes, opening the door to the hallway. A dark chill crawled upon the nine year old's spine, causing him to flinch from the sudden influx. Staring at the balcony not too far from his door, Alaric cautiously stepped towards it. Halting at the very edge of the balcony and the hallway, the boy frowned. Perhaps it wasn't best to investigate it. But what was that darkness?
The mechanical whirring of 9BD called to the Draay heir. "I am glad you are awake Master Draay, and excellent timing, breakfast is served."
The boy's stomach growled at the comedic timing. "Yeah, good thing too."
-Prince of the Stars-
Alaric heard the HoloNet playing as he entered the elegantly crafted diner room, his master glaring at the hologram as he sat on the end of the table closest to his apprentice.
"Following the events of the Trade Federation's blockade and invasion of Naboo, the former Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum has stepped down in accordance of the Vote of No Confidence. Amongst the nominees of Senator Sheev Palpatine of the Chommell Sector, Senator Bail Antilles of the Alderaan sector, and Representative Ainlee Teem of the Malastare sector, Senator Palpatine was voted in as Supreme Chancellor in overwhelming success. However the recent news of Chancellor Palpatine's newly designated Co-Chancellor Hego Damask, former Magister of Damask Holdings has currently been the subject of debate-"
Sifo-Dyas silenced the holo-vid, wishing that his stare would burn the images of the Muun and his apprentice. Sensing that his apprentice was next to him, Sifo-Dyas eased from his anguished thoughts.
"I take it you slept well," began Sifo-Dyas.
Alaric nodded. "When I woke up this morning, there was this- coldness crawling through me, right where the balcony was."
The former Jedi took a breath to calm himself. "The Sith Lord was here last night, right after you went to bed." He needed to be honest with Alaric, any secrets he dared to keep hidden would surely be the end of his plans. He sensed Alaric's fear rising, along with the troubled breathing. "It was for a brief moment, and he will no longer come here. Not since he'll be busy raising a war soon."
The Draay heir swallowed the fearful lump in his throat. "How did he know to come here?"
"Your family legacy," the former Jedi simply explained. "As I told you, your family name is one of the pillars not only in the Old Republic but as of now too. The Jedi Order will soon come by and check up on you, since you are apparently the only surviving heir to the Draay Trust, they'll want their hands on it. To keep their operations running smoothly."
Standing in silence, listening to his master, Alaric looked over to the HoloNet continuing its stream. "Nines, what is my family's wealth?"
The droid looked towards its new master, its photoreceptors clicking as it processed the request. "According to the Draay Estate files, the net worth is currently 100 billion credits. Along with the investments of the Trust funds in Adascorp and Czerka Arms, which now Draay Trust holds majority in the stocks. Not to mention Vanjervalis Systems and the Telerath Interstellar Banking Initiative, including the purchase of Draay 2, a moon out in the Outer Rim territories where your ancestor purchased it to reconstitute the True Covenant from his mother's Jedi Covenant."
"At least it gives us a private location to study and train," Sifo-Dyas commented, stroking his well-trimmed goatee. "We'll have to begin our training as soon as possible, once the Jedi leave."
"Back to Dromund Kaas?" asked Alaric.
Sifo-Dyas nodded absently. "Only for the wisdom and knowledge hidden there. Then we'll set up base on Draay 2."
"Sounds like a long tiring day," 9BD bemused. The droid carried two plates of food to his masters. "You better eat and gather all the strength you can." Floating away and disappearing into the kitchen, Alaric sat in the seat next to his master; a short moment later 9BD carried a large pitcher and two glasses, setting them down and pouring the contents of the liquid.
Alaric grabbed the spoon and scooped up the blue liquid in the deep plate. Yogurt, made from the blue milk of the Bantha species. Swallowing the yogurt, Alaric savored the rich, sweet taste; creamy, smooth and delectable.
The Master quietly observed his apprentice eat before focusing on his breakfast; the encounter with the Sith Lord kept replaying in his mind. No doubt Plageuis and his apprentice would use the Clones for the Republic's standing army. Many in the galaxy had seen the Republic as a failing government, so the Sith Lords would have to stir fear across the galaxy.
The only threats capable of their own standing army were the Corporate Alliance, Trade Federation, Commerce Guild, the Techno Union, and now the InterGalactic Banking Clan. A combined force of that magnitude would certainly push the Republic into a state of paranoia.
But it was a question of when they would form this alliance…
A/N: Hope you guys enjoy this new story!
The plans are laid in motion for Sifo-Dyas and Alaric Draay. The wealth of the Draay is rather substantial (100 billion credits!), but it's something that I kinda made up since wealth in Star Wars is rather vague. But everything else in the Draay assets (the Czerka, Adascorp, Draay 2, Telerath Banking, etc… all true).
Also who would you like to see be the first member of the pairing? I was thinking Riyo Chuchi :)
Harem:
Barriss Offee, Steela, Bo-Katan Kryze, Aayla Secura, Shaak Ti, Luminara, Riyo Chuchi, Ventress, Serra Keto, Maris Brood, Syal Antilles Fel/Wynssa Starflare, Miraj Scintel, Padme Amidala, Ahsoka Tano, Annika Skywalker (female Anakin Skywalker, possibly but let me know), Mina Bonteri
Power Scale:
Planet to Planet+:
Darth Sidious (Small Planet)
Darth Plageuis (Small Planet)
Yoda (Small Planet)
Mace Windu (Small Planet via Vaapad)
Multi-Continent to Multi-Continent+:
Count Dooku
Sifo-Dyas
Plo Koon
Shaak Ti
Quinlan Vos
Luminara Unduli
Ki-Adi Mundi
Qui-Gon Jinn
Continent to Continent+:
Asajj Ventress
Savage Oppress
Island to Island+:
Ahsoka Tano
Barriss Offee
Marriss Brood