AN: Chapter 4 is now up, with Chapter 5 soon on its way. I'd love to hear some people's thoughts on what they've read so far.

Chapter IV

Coruscant - Jedi Temple Roof - 0045 hours - 3rd Month, 16th Day

Tenel Ka Djo was many things - a Jedi Knight, a fierce warrior, and heiress to the Hapan Throne. She had no desire to add 'mother' to that list. When she learned she was pregnant she had been horrified at first and immediately planned to terminate the pregnancy. As the days went by though, she began wondering what her child would look like. A week later, she had a Force Dream where she foresaw their child - a girl. Reguardless, she was still not keen on the idea of giving up her current life for the child growing inside of her.

Apparently the look on Jacen's face indicated the same. "Are you certain?" he asked her.

She nodded.

Jacen looked down for a moment before meeting her gaze. "This is wonderful news, however inconvenient the time," he said thoughtfully. "There is a war approaching - I can sense it."

She nods. "I sense it too," she responded. "For now though, there's something that you need to see. The Council will be briefed first thing in the morning."

The two made their way to the Medical Wing where Kyp Durron and Tahiri Veila were waiting for them.

"What is so important that you couldn't tell me in person?" Jacen asked.

"We're waiting on your uncle to be here for this," he stated. "Then we have to com up with some sort of plan to identify the masterminds behind this plot."

Jacen turned to him. "Is it that bad?" he asked, a hint of worry creeping its way onto his face.

Tahiri nods and states, "It's worse that you could possibly imagine."

The door slides open and Luke enters, looking like he had hastily dressed with the lights off. "Alright Kyp," he says somewhat apprehensively. "Let's see what you've got."

Kyp nods before pushing a button. A metal table with a sheet-covered body begins to slide out. "As we reported, we were fortunate to bring one of the academy's attackers with us." He turned around and pulled out a sliding table. "They were all wearing what appears to be a standard uniform." He indicated the high tech suit and mask, lightsaber, and communicator. "They were well trained force users and seemed to be receiving orders during the attack."

"We say 'seemed to be' because the helmets and coms were linked to the well being of its user," interjected Tahiri. "When the wearer dies, then the software is completely wiped."

"Leaving us nothing to go on," mused Luke. "This is most disturbing."

"That's not even the worst part," said Tenel Ka, spearing up for the first time since she'd entered the room. She pulls back the sheet on the body to reveal his face.

It was as though someone had punched Luke in the gut. Lying on the table was an identical copy of himself at the age of 25. "Would it be safe to assume that they are all identical?" he asked.

Kyp nodded in reluctant confirmation.

Jacen stood stunned. Lying 10 feet from his was his uncle as he had only seen in holos. The reality of the situation played over and over in his mind. Luke Skywalker - the most powerful Jedi currently in existence had been cloned. It must be taking a heavy toll on his uncle to know this.

"Who do we know that has access to cloning technology?" Luke asked.

"That Kaminoans," Jacen answered in a clipped voice.

"They were assaulted heavily after the formation of the Empire," said Tenel Ka, "but it would be safe to assume that the technology survived somehow."

"The Emperor had hundreds of the Spaarti cloning cylinders spread throughout the galaxy," added Tahiri. "Someone might have found one, or perhaps the imperial remnant may have known and started using them. They were using Kuati Ships when they assaulted the planet."

"What do you think Hett's part in this is?" spat Jacen.

Taking a deep breath before answering, Luke said, "I almost have to wonder if this is all over his head, and perhaps there is someone higher up pulling the strings somewhere. Hett is intelligent, but there's no way he'd be able to coordinate all of this without someone noticing. He's been a part of the Senate for three terms now, and he hasn't been vying for any unusual trade agreements, or at least any of the magnitude needed to accomplish what we've seen so far."

"He could be independently gaining the materials he needs," pressed Jacen.

"All the more reason to investigate him," the Jedi Grand Master responded. "If there is someone over him, I need to know."

"And if he IS responsible?"

The question hung in the air for a few moments. "I'd need absolute proof, but bring him in if at all possible," Luke answered.

Space - Krayt's Headquarters - 1700 hours - 3rd Month - 16th Day

Darth Krayt moved through the halls of the space station that was currently nearing completion. The benefits of a semi-sentient station were exponential, but the greatest was that after it reached a certain level of completion, it could begin to finish itself. This was to be the center of commands - a secret hidden from the New Republic that could wipe out its very existence.

Veering left, he force pushed the doors to the Council Chambers open. Gathered inside was a heavily scarred Neimodian, an aging Geonosian, a hooded figure, a cyborg with luminous red eyes, a Muun, a Mon Cal, a robot, his apprentice Darth Maladi, and Lady Lumiya. His hood over his head, all anyone could see of Krayt were the wraps covering much of his face, and luminous red rimmed, yellow eyes.

"Greetings, members of the Confederate Council," he began, spreading his hands in a greeting. "Our time is finally upon us. Already the Jedi's numbers have been decimated. We were able to wipe out more than half of the occupants of the Jedi Academy."

A murmur of approval came from the council.

"As per your requests, we refrained from using the battle droids that you provided us with. Instead we used a far more shocking tactic." The doors opened, and two of Krayts soldiers stepped in and took up positions on either side of the doors.

"Pardon my skepticism," began the Neimodian, "but aside from the resemblance to Darth Vader, how are those troops 'shocking'?"

Krayt nods at one of the clones, and it removed its mask.

The Geonosian began to laugh, and what could pass for a smile appeared on the Neimodians distorted face. "Ah… Luke Skywalker," he mused. "How… ironic that the DNA of the man who helped bring about the New Republic will be used to crush it."

"I trust that Muunilist's donations to your cause will be untraceable?" inquired the Balis Yoan, the Muun.

"Of course," soothed Krayt, resisting the urge to electrocute the miserable creature in front of him. Although Yoan had done everything he'd required, the Muun was still a thorn in his side - constantly questioning and arguing every point so that it would become more profitable for the system he represented.

The hooded figure at the table stood, gathering the attention of all in the room. "Do you doubt Lord Krayt's word?" he asked menacingly.

Yoan looked in fear at the hooded being that was now rounding the table so that he was opposite the frightened Muun. "Not at all…" he sputtered." I am simply -"

"You are simply a capitalist, seeking to further his own gains," spat the Hooded Figure who raised his hands. "Your services are no longer needed." With that, Force Lightning ripped through the body of Balis Yoan sending him flying into the wall. When Yoan's twitching stopped, Darth Plageous ceased his assault on the Muun, and lowered his hood.

Plageous began pacing around the room. The nervous members of the Confederate Council watched his every move, while Lumiya and Maladi exchanged a dubious glance. Krayt however, remained passive.

"Scum like this is why the galaxy has become weak," stated Plageous. It takes someone with a vision of something other than money to create order. Where there is order, there is chaos. Through chaos, order is created. If anyone else doubts that Lord Krayt is the one to create that order, then speak now, or perish lest any sign of treachery be detected."

When no one spoke, he turned and exited the room.

Krayt stepped forward. "My associate Lord Plageous will be keeping a close watch over the construction of our army," he stated. "Our army is growing larger every day, and this station is nearing completion. We will be victorious in our battle for the galaxy!"

He then turned around and headed for the door. Motioning to the clones, he commanded them to bring the body of Balis Yoan to the medical wing. As the door slid shut behind him, Lumiya stood to begin her speech, informing the Council about possible planets and star systems that might be willing to join their cause.

Following Plageous's Force signature, Krayt found himself looking down at the sun beneath the station. Coming to a halt, he waited for the older Sith to speak.

"Magnificent, isn't it?" he asked to no one. "The very station we are on is made up of ancient technology, and yet it is one of the greatest modern marvels constructed."

"Sometimes the old ways are the best," state Krayt simply in response.

Plageous turned back to Krayt. "And yet, you are clearly disregarding some of our most sacred traditions. Surely you must have a reason."

"Bane's 'Rule of Two' is flawed," Krayt responded. "Although it is practical, it was formed by Bane's fear of betrayal." walking over to the viewport, Krayt could see a squadron of Sith Troopers running mock simulations in the distance. "We live in a much more civilized time now. More dangerous, yes, but there is no reason why we cannot work together for a similar goal. The first Galactic Empire was created because the Jedi were not willing to change their ways. If we do not work to change ours, then there is a great risk that we too may face extinction. Additionally, I feel that we have much we could learn from one another. Many of the more obscure Sith Teachings have vanished over the generations."

"I agree with your logic," said the Muun Sith, "although I am not 100% optimistic. Still, as you said, we have much to learn from each other." He looked back down at the star. "What are your plans for my treacherous former apprentice?"

Knowing that this question would be coming, Krayt was ready with his answer. "Sidious was a powerful Sith Lord," he answered. "There is no doubt in my mind of that. He was strong in the ways of the Force, an expert duelist, and a brilliant tactician. However, the one thing he valued most was power, and I don't believe that he would be one to share it."

"Yes, Sidious is a tricky one. That is certain," spat Plageous. "Still… it would be interesting to pit him against his enemies. He would certainly be a valuable asset."

"Perhaps we should strengthen our numbers first before we try to resurrect a being who could potentially destroy us," said Krayt, considering the possibilities. "I have a few beings in mind that you might appreciate."

Many levels beneath the Sith Lords in the detention level, a woman with brown hair tossed and turned on the uncomfortable bench in her cell before sitting straight up and screaming one word - a name.

Tell me what you think! Hope you enjoyed the chapter.