Knights of the Old Republic II: Sith Lords - Volume 3: The Enclaves.

Knights of the old Republic and Starwars are owned by George Lucas (I think he owns them both).

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all characters belong to Joss Whedon.

I own nothing here. As said by many wise men..and women…please don't sue me.

The timeline for Buffy takes place about three years after the end of Buffy. No exact date has been decided. KOTOR 2 timeline starts right from the beginning of the game. I apologize now for my lack of grammar etc, etc. I've never posted anything I've written until now. This bug has been floating in my skull since I first read Slayers of the old republic by Michael Weyer. It definitely fed my imagination. Thanks Michael. Anyways on with the show. Please comment. It won't get better in quality or quantity without constructive criticism.

Dantooine- Khoonda Settlement…

Shayla Kracek, one time JedI Padawan, and former Republic General, stood quietly near the entrance to the large building that served as the heart of Khoonda's Government. The same building that only a day ago had seen brutal combat. Where dozen's of men and women had fought, and died.

As battles went, it had been bloody, and devastating. A minor skirmish compared to some of the battles she'd participated in back during the Mandalorian War. But then every battle, no matter how small, always left a mark on those who survived.

For the people of Khoonda, yesterday wouldn't be forgotten, not anytime soon. As the list of the dead had cost nearly everyone of those who survived. A friend or family member was gone, never to be heard talking or laughing again.

For her new friends, the battle had been just as bad. With one of they're own having given her life. And another so badly injured that he couldn't risk joining them any further.

She hadn't gotten to know Caridad all that well, she'd only known her for a few days. But in that time, she'd gotten to know just how vibrant and full of life she was. The constant smiles, and never ending need to make others laugh.

Her sacrifice to protect the people of Khoonda was as noble as any that she could remember. And could only hope that her death would be remembered for some time to come.

The sound of a bell echoed through the air, silencing the hundred or so people that milled about the now cleaned up front field. No more sandbags marred the one time battlefield, no more bodies lay scattered everywhere. Just the scorch marks from detonating mines, and blaster scoring on the ground and walls of the building behind her.

All eyes turned to the front, just as Administrator Adare stepped out from the main doors. Stopped for only a moment, to take in the sight of everyone standing out in the field. Then moved forward to the podium erected for this specific gathering.

No one spoke, it was far too solemn an occasion for that. And even Master Vrook, standing off to the side, in the shadows of the single tree that hadn't been damaged in the battle looked on with respect for the silence. Reminding her that the venerable Master was still human, regardless of his words and actions.

"Yesterday we all faced a threat to our way of life. A threat to our homes and our families" Adare began, drawing Shayla's attention instantly.

"Yet together we faced that threat, and together we prevailed. But it has not been without terrible loss" she continued, not once looking down to the data pad before her.

"We have all lost someone, a friend, a mother, a father, a brother, a sister. Unique lives that can never be replaced. Leaving us only memories. But for all the memories we may have of those no longer with us, one memory can be shared by everyone. And that is the memory of their sacrifice. For all of us, and for Khoonda" she continued, her voice growing stronger and louder.

"We will never forget those who gave their lives so we may live. They are gone, but never forgotten" she spoke quietly, and bowed her head.

Shayla bowed her head as well, a silent moment to reflect on what they fought for. On what they lost.

The Administrator silently stepped back, and then moved forward, no doubt to greet and speak with the people who looked to her for guidance and leadership.

"It is time we spoke Ex…Shayla" Vrook spoke quietly as he moved to stand next to her "There is much yet that needs to be dealt with, this claim of your friend willow, that the Sith are out there, tracking you specifically for one".

She inhaled slowly, feeling only a tiny hint of annoyance. This was a solemn occasion, not the best place for such talk. But then she also knew just how much of a threat the Sith posed, and not just to Khoonda, but to the entire Republic.

"What exactly is there to say Master Vrook, the Sith are out there. And their hunting anyone they think to be JedI" she replied softly.

"JedI" he huffed "You are no JedI".

She finally looked to the right, and met his gaze "No, your right, I'm no JedI. At least not what the JedI use to be".

"Meaning what exactly?" he asked, clearly sensing the insinuation in her statement.

"Nothing" she sighed "My problems with the Order are mine to deal with, and we have bigger problems as it is".

"Your friend, she claimed that you've regained your sensitivity to the Force" he said a few moments later "Is this true?".

She looked at him critically "You're the Master, what do you think?".

"As wilful and disrespectful as ever I see" he snorted "But I'll humour you".

She just stared at him as he closed his eyes, and breathed in deeply, then exhaled just as slowly. Only for his eyes to snap open, showing surprise, and shock.

"This…how…" he stammered.

"The will of the Force perhaps?" she smirked.

"This shouldn't be possible, when you came before us after the war. All we could sense…no, this cannot be possible…yet it is, I can sense the Force, within you" he exclaimed, stunned and confused.

"And that's why I'm being hunted, as are my friends" she replied.

"And where are these friends of yours?" he asked.

"Xander is searching out Master Vash on Korriban, and Dawn left the day before yesterday to seek out Master Zez Kai-Ell on Nar Shadaa" she explained "And now that were done here, we'll be heading for Onderon, to seek out Master Kavar".

"And assuming you find them all, what then?" he asked.

Shayla stood tall, and looked down at the slightly shorter Master "And then, we call a council, and figure out just how we're going to stop this threat".

He didn't look convinced, not one bit "We tried that before. Master Vandar called a conclave on the world of Katarr. One hundred JedI attended, and not one of them survived. Not even the native Mira-luka who lived there".

"Yes, I know" she nodded "The difference this time, is they've come out of the shadows. They're actively hunting me and the others down. We know who the enemy is, and we know they want us dead. That's the key, we draw them out, and then deal with them".

Vrook appeared to seriously think about it, and nodded a few moments later "Perhaps it is time to come out of hiding. Assuming your friends can find the other masters. We will hold a conclave here, and together we will face this enemy".

"And what about you?" she asked "What will you do while we scour the galaxy for the few JedI who still live?".

"I'll be helping to rebuild what was destroyed here" he replied, turning to gaze out at the field full of people assembled for the memorial "Dantooine has seen far too much loss in the last few years. Once we JedI were a force for peace, justice and compassion. In that memory, I will stay and do what I can for these people. It is the least I can do".

With that said, he bowed lightly, and walked away. Leaving her alone with her thoughts. And most of those, were mostly echoing questions that had been plaguing her since Peragus. Since she first met Dawn and Xander.

"Please be safe" she whispered at the thought of her two friends. And then moved towards the edge of the gathering, and the path that lead back to the Ebon hawk.

Korriban- Valley of the Dark Lords…

Faith took the lead as the three of them slipped down the narrow and steep path, the only one that lead down to where they had spotted Xander heading, after dealing with the troops that had been left behind to track him down.

And as much as she wanted to believe that her haste was entirely due to just making sure he was okay, and not merely alive. She had to admit that she was curious about the two unknowns he'd popped out of the hole with.

Reaching the valley itself, she slowed just enough for Jon and Bao'Dur to catch up, and together headed across the ruined Valley. Trying desperately to ignore the huge menacing statues and carvings that dominated the valley walls.

It didn't take long for the man himself to appear, having headed off towards the old Academy. And down the path they'd first gotten separated on. Still with the two dark clad individuals who'd handled lightsabers just as efficiently as he had in the short battle she'd witnessed.

Her nervousness grew the closer the two groups got, and she found her grip tightening upon the rifle she still carried, as at least one of them was instantly familiar to her.

"Boytoy" she nodded as they moved close enough to be heard "Picked up some stragglers?".

Xander looked like pure crap, and possibly more exhausted than she could ever remember seeing him. But the lopsided smile on his face was the same, and instantly made her feel just a little better.

"You could say that" he chuckled "Assuming of course we don't try and kill each other now that were out".

It wasn't hard to know the comment was meant for his two new companions, as the two women stepped away from him slightly.

"Xander, I'm tired, dirty and really sick of this planet. If your about to have it out with these two young ladies, I'll be waiting on the ship" Jon snorted, and started to walk away. Much to the surprise of the two women looking very nervous.

Faith chuckled, and noted Bao'Dur glancing back and forth, either in confusion or debate as to whether or not he should walk away as well.

"Go on B-D, I'll stick around and referee" she smiled.

"If your sure?" the Zabrak asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Besides, if no ones watching he'll proly use all the hot water" she snorted. Then turned back to the tension filled trio.

Xander had moved forward, his back still to the two women. And a contemplative look on his face "If this goes bad, let me handle it alright?".

Faith sighed, seeing that he really was serious "Alright, but if you get killed, I'm gonna laugh".

He smiled just a little and turned to face the two women "So, what's it going to be ladies. We going to finish what was started down below, or continue this truce?".

Bastila Shan alternated suspicious glares between him and the rather scarred Twi'lek woman. Who in turn was smiling as though amused by some unknown joke. Her eyes half closed and arms crossed as if what was being said didn't concern her.

"Why did you come here in the first place Xander?" Bastila asked.

"To find Master Lonna Vash" he replied without hesitation.

"Why would a JedI Master come here?" she asked, honestly curious.

The twi'lek started laughing, or giggling really. A sound that instantly reminded Faith of someone not all quite there.

"Oh Baz, you poor thing" she cooed "You never stopped to check the news while wandering the void did you?".

Bastila sighed as she looked away "No, you could say I haven't kept up on current affairs".

"The JedI are all but gone Bastila" Xander cut in "Someone's been hunting them down, using force sensitive assassins. The few Masters that are left went to ground, we're trying to find them".

"You shouldn't even be here!" the Twi'lek hissed angrily "The exile was suppose to handle this, all by her lonesome, but then you and your friends had to pop up out of the Laigrek Hole and stir everything up!".

"Mission, what are you talking about?" Bastila asked, worried and curious all at once.

"My Master saw the complete picture, he's really good at puzzles you know" she replied, smiling again, as though her rage never happened "The three shadows would have been banished, and my Master would never have gotten involved. Had he never come!".

Xander appeared confused, but then Faith felt confused, so it wasn't a surprise. Bastila however seemed to understand. At least the look on her face seemed to indicate it.

"You were sent to kill him" Bastila said quietly "To take him out of the equation, so your Master could sense the future…Xander and the others created ripples that disrupted his sight, didn't they?".

Mission rolled her eyes, reminding Faith of an annoyed child "Duh!. I just said that!…Didn't I?".

Now she was the one who looked confused. And Faith took a tiny step closer to Xander, as the Twi'lek definitely seemed far from entirely sane.

"Mission, who's your Master?" Xander asked.

The girl locked eyes on his one good one "He's my lying Father, he who has no name. Born from a vat of lies and deceit".

"You don't know his name?" Bastila asked.

"I never asked" Mission shrugged.

Xander looked to Bastila, then back to Mission "Okay, let me get this straight, your Master sent you to kill me, which is somehow suppose to help Shayla stop the Sith from destroying the JedI…this doesn't really make any sense".

"I'm in full agreement" Bastila sighed.

Mission just shrugged "We mere worms weren't meant to understand, at least that's what I was told. The Father sees all and knows all, at least that's what the shadows whisper in my ear".

"Okaaay" Faith cut in "So, what now?".

Xander looked over his shoulder at her "That's a good question".

He then turned to Bastila and Mission "You still have your mission…Mission. What's it gonna be?".

"I'd like to kill you" she smiled malevolently "But he told me you were someone else, so I guess killing you under the circumstances would be wrong".

Xander snorted in amusement "Killing me would be wrong?".

"Under the circumstances" she nodded "I would gladly kill you for any number of reasons, actually I'd kill you for no reason. I like killing for no reason. Just a random murder, it makes the shadows sing really pretty songs….but, he lied to me. I don't like liars, or Politicians. Or Lying Politicians. Or clowns, and …".

"I think we get the point Mission" Bastila cut her off "The question itself still stands however, do you wish to kill Xander?".

The Twi'lek tilted her head slightly, and looked up at the sky, once again reminding Faith of a kid, trying to think really hard. But the expression passed only a second later.

"Nope" she chirped happily "I'll go find me some liars to kill, later kiddies!".

With that she spun and walked back the way the group came, humming an unidentified tune under her breath. As though she was taking a leisurely stroll through a park.

No one spoke until the twisted woman had vanished from sight, no one actually even moved.

"And what about you Bastila Shan?" Xander asked, crossing his arms.

She regarded him warily, but just stared at him for a few moments, as though coming to a decision.

"I have no quarrel with you, or your friends" she stated "I never did, so I shall wish you good luck on your quest. And take my leave".

Xander tensed slightly, Faith noticed it instantly "Or, you could come with us. We could use the help".

Bastila looked back the way Mission went, then shook her head "No, I think you have all the help you need. If you've drawn out a Sith Lord that has been hidden for this long, then you are likely doing something right…and I have a, Mission of my own to see too".

Faith almost spoke up upon hearing Xander's offer, but upon hearing the woman's refusal felt her tension fade considerably. Besides, it was getting crowded in the Interceptor as it was.

"We'll be heading for Onderon, should you change your mind" Xander told her a moment later.

Bastila looked back to the two of them, with an odd look on her face. But shook her head slightly, as though disregarding an errant thought, and started to walk away.

Xander slapped the side of his head a moment later "Wait, Bastila!".

She stopped and looked back "Xander?".

"I…how is it the two of you know me?. I wanted to ask before, but we kind of got side tracked" he asked, and explained.

An odd smile appeared in her face "I never met you before in my life Xander Harris".

"But Mission, she knew things…and…" he tried to argue.

"Mission just happens to be a little insane, in case you didn't notice" she replied, and turned away as she kept walking.

"Let's go Faith" Xander sighed a moment later, and headed towards the path where Jon and Bao'Dur had headed.

Faith hesitated for only a moment, and watched Bastila continue walking away. Then hurried to catch up with her friend. "I'm with ya Xan, all the way".

The sooner they got off this planet, the happier she'd be as far as she was concerned.

Dantooine- Ebon Hawk…

Rupert Giles entered the common area, and knew without asking that everyone was getting ready to leave. They'd done what they came here to accomplish, and then some.

Willow was sitting on one of the curved couches, once again attempting to meditate. With her newest shadow sitting on the couch just across from her. Mirroring her Zen like position.

Shayla was off in the corner, talking softly with the Hunter Killer droid, and found it surprising that the machines annoying voice was capable of talking so quietly, then remembered that it was an assassin droid. Silence was generally a necessity in the line of work it was programmed for.

There was no sign of Kreia, but then the woman hardly left her quarters. And when she did, she hardly socialized with anyone, except for the rare moments where she felt her Wisdom was needed. Or to insult someone.

Leaving only three of their group unaccounted for, or two as he noted Shannon move into the room, carrying a duffle bag over her shoulder. A look of uncertainty marring her youthful face.

Shayla noticed her a moment later, and broke away from HK-47 "Shannon?".

"Shayla" she nodded in return, and glanced his way, looking even more worried.

Willow must have picked up on something as she spun in her spot, and then climbed from the couch "What's with the bag?".

Giles already had an idea of what she was planning, and offered her a supportive smile and nod.

Shannon inhaled deeply and looked at both the JedI and the Witch "Graham is still in recovery, and won't be up and about for a few weeks. Riley isn't all that much better. It's not right to just leave them behind to fend for themselves, so I figured I'd stick around, watch their backs".

Shayla clearly understood, the light nod she gave made that clear "It's a noble decision Shannon".

"But…we could use your help!" Willow tried to argue.

"Naw, you won't need my help Willow" Shannon smirked "But Riley and Graham need someone to look out for them, and with the losses the Militia suffered, they'll be needing all the help they can get. I thought I'd sign up for the time we're here, it'll keep me from getting completely bored".

Giles pushed away from the wall he was leaning on, and crossed the room in only a few strides, stopping right before the young woman. And stared down at her for a few seconds.

She looked up at him, with tormented eyes, and he knew this wasn't an easy decision for her. To stay and help Riley and Graham, she was abandoning them. But by coming with them, she'd be abandoning Riley and Graham.

"I'm proud of you Shannon Grace Townsend" he smiled, and pulled her into a hug. Her arms wrapped around him a moment later, after dropping the bag slung over her shoulder.

A heartbeat later Willow joined in "I'm not missing any hugs!" she exclaimed, eliciting a muffled laugh from the young Slayer.

Giles chuckled as they embraced, and felt Shannon try and pull away a few moments later "Thanks guys".

Willow stepped back, giving them both room, and then Giles let go and stepped back. Shannon then leaned down and grabbed her bag.

"If you guys need help though, you know how to reach me" she said quietly "And when this is all over, I expect you guys to be coming back. In one piece you hear?".

"Perfectly" Giles nodded, still smiling "The same goes for you young lady, should you need help, you have the transponder code for the Ebon Hawk".

She nodded, and glanced to Shayla "It's been good".

"Yes, it has. Good luck Shannon, and may the Force be with you" the blonde JedI smiled warmly.

Shannon gave her a quick nod, then headed for the corridor, and the ramp that would lead her to the landing deck of the space port.

"It's just the five of us now" Willow spoke softly, her arms wrapped around herself protectively.

"Annoyed Interjection: What am I, Spare parts?" HK cut in.

Willow spun, and smiled sheepishly at the Droid "Sorry HK, I…kind of meant living people".

"Well, regardless. We should head for Onderon, as quickly as possible. We still have much to do" Shayla spoke, cutting off HK from saying anything else "We're fully stocked and fuelled, all were doing now is wasting time".

"Quite right" Giles nodded "If you don't mind, I'll join you in the cock-pit. As loathe as I am to admit it, I find myself curious as to how to pilot this beast".

Shayla smiled upon hearing that "I would welcome the company".

She then turned and headed for the cock-pit, even as Visas-Marr stood up "I will check the cargo bay, and ensure that all the supplies are properly secured".

She bowed lightly to the two of them, and headed for the nearest corridor, leaving just the two remaining Scoobies, and one homicidal droid.

Willow shuffled on her feet a few times, as though warring with herself over what to say. But looked up a moment later, looking worried about something.

It didn't take a genius to figure out what it was that was bothering her. He was just as worried.

"I'm sure Xander is already heading for Onderon, and Dawn and the others will join us once they've finished up on Nar Shadaa. I have absolute Faith in them" he spoke, and knew he hit the nail on the head upon seeing some of the tension leaving her face.

"I hope your right Giles, I really do" she sighed "But this isn't a threat we've ever had to face before. I mean saving one world…that's old hat for us. But saving a Galaxy".

He stepped closer, and took her shoulders gently "Willow, we have always triumphed in the face of adversity. And though this may seem far more than we can handle, I have no doubt that we will face the enemy, and beat them back".

"I…" she began to say, then stopped herself and took a deep breath "Your right, we have faced a lot in the past. And even with the stakes as big as they are, we'll succeed. We have too".

"Quite right" he nodded, and pulled the young woman in for another hug. Seeing just how much she could use the comfort.

Willow wrapped her arms around him instantly, and neither of them let go for quite awhile. And Giles realized that as much as he needed to reassure the young woman in his arms. He kind of enjoyed the hugs.

Korriban…

Xander slipped up the ramp of the Interceptor, ready to start barking orders, only to stop as Jon stepped in his way.

"I'm assuming your two new friends ain't joining us?" he asked.

"No…their not" Xander replied, blinking at the steel look on the young man's face. Reminding him once again that there was more to Jonathan O'Neill than he was telling.

"Just checking" Jon nodded, and headed for the cock-pit. Revealing two other people in the common room. Bao'Dur and JedI Master Lonna Vash. The later reclining back in one of the single chairs. And a patented Cordelia Chase smirk plastered upon her face.

He smiled at her as he moved further into the room, mostly to let Faith slip passed. But stopped just inside the access hatch. He didn't need the Force to know that this really was Cordy. The twinkle of amusement in her eyes told him all he needed to know.

"Glad to see your still alive. Dork" she said.

"Looking fashionable, as always Cordy" he replied.

"So, big bad JedI now?" she asked.

He chuckled and crossed his arms "Sorry, I'm still trying to wrap my head around you being a JedI Master".

She nodded and leaned her head back, closing her eyes "The more I remember of who I was, the more I question that very thing".

Faith just slapped his arm as she finally headed for the bunkrooms. No words were said, but he caught her meaning.

Play nice.

"So, im assuming it's time for us to meet the others?" Bao'Dur asked.

"Onderon, yes?" Cordy asked, an unfamiliar accent tinting her voice slightly.

"That's the plan" Xander nodded, even as he closed up the hatch behind him.

"Then you can drop me off on Dantooine, I'm in no shape to go running around the galaxy. And Master Lamar will need assistance preparing for the Conclave, assuming you can locate Master Ell, and Master Kavar" she said.

Xander cleared his throat "Jon!" he hollered, just as the young man came walking back into the room.

"Don't need to yell Xander, the ships not that big" he replied, sticking a finger in his ear, and wiggling it around to make a point.

"Sorry, but did the sensors pick up any ships leaving?" Xander apologized and asked.

"Yeah, I kinda figured you'd want to know. Got two ships leaving the planet, and before you ask I also got their hyperspace trajectory" Jon replied, looking rather pleased with himself.

"They're heading in the same direction, aren't they?" Faith asked as she took one of the other chairs.

"Yep, the second ship slipped behind the nearest moon. Then slipped into hyperspace a minute after the first ship" Jon nodded, and then sighed "Oh, for crying out loud. Your not serious are you?".

Xander nodded "Yeah, I kinda am".

"Uhm, I'm not quite following" Bao'Dur lifted a hand into the air. His artificial arm to be precise.

Faith chuckled, having already figured out what Xander was planning "B-D. It looks like you'll be heading for Onderon all on your lonesome. But you'll have Cordy here for company, so it won't be a boring trip".

Cordy raised a single brow "Xander, an explanation would be nice".

"We ran into Bastila Shan, and a somewhat misguided young woman named Mission Vao" he explained "Bastila's apparently been out of the loop for a while, she had no clue as to what's been going down. And Mission…well that's a long and complicated tale".

"Some other Sith Lord broke her, then sent her after Xander here. It seems that us being here has messed up his ability to see the future…or something like that" Faith answered succinctly.

"Okay, not so long" Xander added wryly "Still, Mission didn't go through with her mission. And apparently she doesn't like being lied too. So I'm thinking she's heading back to her master for a little violent Q&A session".

"And you plan on following her?" Cordy asked "Are you insane?".

"Probably, but if there's another player trying to manipulate things. We need to know who and why" Xander replied "There's plenty of ships still on the planet, I'm assuming Bao'Dur can have one up and ready to go in no time, he can drop you off on Dantooine, then head to Onderon and let the others know what's up".

"Your assuming we're crazy enough to go with you Xander" Jon interjected. Drawing more than one look of surprise.

"What?. I'm not saying that I'm not crazy, it's just kind of annoying that he's assuming is all" the young man shrugged "Besides, who's going to fly this thing?".

"Thanks O'Neill" Xander chuckled "And sorry…for the assumption".

"No worries man" he smirked.

"I still think your insane" Cordy added a moment later "But, you have a point…if your presence has interfered in this Sith Lords ability to sense the future, and dispatched Mission to deal with you. Then it's safe to assume that he, or she is trying to operate in complete secrecy. And that never bodes well".

"So, it'll be just the three of us, going after a big-bag Sith Lord?" Faith asked, looking just a little nervous.

"Unless you wanna go with Bao-Dur and Cordy" Xander said "I won't think any less of you if that's what you want, this probably won't be easy, in fact I'd bet my eye-patch that it'll probably be the most dangerous thing we've ever done".

"Screw that Boy-toy, we're you go, I go" she snorted "I just wanted a little clarification is all".

"Thanks Faith" he nodded, then looked to the Zabrak "Bao'Dur?".

The Zabrak inhaled slowly and sat forward "It shouldn't take me longer than an hour to prep one of the Sith ships left behind. There's plenty to choose from".

"Alright" he nodded "We'll stick around until your ready to go, and if no one has anything else to talk about, I'm going to go have a shower, and find something clean…and not so holy to change into".

Y'Toub System- Orbit of Nar Shadaa…

Buffy stepped out of her quarters, double checked her gear as she moved down the rusted halls of the old freighter, and stopped abruptly at the sight of everyone standing in the small common area.

"About time you finished up in there" Dawn called out, leaning over a holographic display table, showing a hazy blue hologram of a planet.

"What, I wanted an extra long shower" she shrugged and moved to join them "If Telos and Dantooine were any clue, I figured I wouldn't be getting another one for a bit".

Atton and Mical exchanged amused smirks, then quickly looked away from each other. Clearly unhappy about sharing their amusement of the moment.

"Well, anyway, we're here. Nar Shadaa. Also known as the Smuggler's moon" Atton piped up "It's the gaping maw of Nal Hutta, swallowing all the cargo and space port thugs the galaxy has to offer. Mandalorians, Mercenaries, war veterans, and pilots from the Mandalorian Wars, and the JedI Civil War ended up on Nar Shadaa, from all sides of the conflict. When the last war ended, there was no place left for them to go".

"The wars displaced many people, soldiers had no war to focus on, and refugee's had few options on where to go" Mical added "Nar Shadaa was one of the few ports available to everyone, for a variety of reasons".

"Nar Shadaa's a rough place, and easy to get lost in…Or, to get lost. If we wanted to keep out of sight from the sith for a while, we couldn't have picked a better spot" Atton continued, looking around at the three of them.

"How difficult will it be to find our wayward JedI Master?" Buffy asked.

"It won't be easy, there's so much traffic coming and going down below, finding anyone on the moon's surface is going to be hard. We'll be touching down in the Refugee sector. There's a lot more traffic there, and it's harder for people to spot you coming in…or find you once you arrive. Once we're down we should finally be able to breathe easy. There's no way anyone's going to find us here" Atton declared.

"And not a scrap of wood in sight" Dawn sighed.

"I hear you lil-sis, I hear you" Buffy smirked.

Deep in the Unknown Regions…

A dark robed figure, cloaked in thick shadows, stared almost impassively at the five hundred children that marched across the large hall. In ragged and stumbling formation. Each and everyone of them terrified at waking to find themselves in such a dark place. With no memory of who they once were, of friends or of family.

To his yellowed eyes, it was a procession of tiny assassins. Every one of them were masked, to obscure their faces from one another.

The entire procession slowly vanished through the doors that lead into another section of the city. And finally the doors closed behind them, thumping loudly as the locks engaged. And a light hiss of the advanced hydraulics locking down.

With a wave of his hand, the controls on a nearby computer activated, and a bluish field of energy sprung up before the door. Blocking any access to the door itself.

He sat back, and mentally counted to one hundred. And with a near bored wave of his gloved hand, dropped the force field, and opened the door.

Five hundred children had passed through those doors, yet only five emerged. But they weren't children any longer.

The five who approached were much older, physically fifteen now thanks to the advanced technology he'd unlocked in this secret haven. Ancient and forgotten technology.

The passage of time within the room was even more evident on the five who marched fearlessly towards him, and dropped to the floor in perfect formation.

"My life is yours!" all five spoke in unison.

He leaned forward, and smiled at his five newest children. Though none of them could see it, even if they were looking up at him.

"You have proven your worth to me, for simply surviving" his whispery voice echoed to fill the hall "My children, know that I am proud of you".

He stood swiftly, and moved down the steps of the platform that held his throne, and stopped before them.

"Your siblings, those who once knelt in this exact same place have failed me. They have betrayed me, they have betrayed you. And they must be punished" he spoke softly, pausing for a moment to let his words sink in "You will seek them out, and you will end them. Through you they will learn the price of betrayal, and then you will complete the mission that they failed to complete".

"As you command" all five spoke, again in unison.

"A ship has been prepared for each of you, and details of your mission is waiting within. Consider this your final test. Succeed, and return to me knowing that you serve the greater glory of the one True Sith Empire. Fail…and pray for a swift death" he commanded, and watched as all five stood, bowed deeply and in perfect parade formation, marched for the other end of the hallway.

The Sith Lord smiled as his five newest weapons vanished from sight "Soon all will be as it once was, as it should be".


And the last chapter of this Volume is complete. The story continues and I'm once again feeling the flow of idea's, something that's been plaguing me for a while now.

For those of you who've dropped idea's in the past, fear not I haven't forgotten or discarded them. And I do hope to incorporate several throughout the rest of the story. I won't ruin exactly what, as that could end up leading to some really bad spoilers.

Chapter One of the next Volume is almost complete, and should be up and ready for posting a few days, no later than the middle of the month.

To everyone who's still reading this, after so long you have my sincerest thanks. And I hope to keep writing until it's finished, without any more long torturous vacations.

R-D-S.