Disclaimer: I don't own anything pertaining to the Star Wars franchise; all rightsare acquired to Disney. The only things I own are my OC's Ralem Solstice.
"Speaking"
'Thoughts'
'Telepathic'
Review Responses:
Guest (Chapter 11): Thanks. You are correct, Anakin is a female in this story.
Zer0the0mega108 (Chapter 11): Thanks! Yeah, I was figuring either Obi-Wan or Plo Koon would've taken the role of Ahsoka's master, but figured Obi-Wan would be a bit easier to understand; given how they interacted in the show. Can't argue with you there in regards to Padme lol XD.
Allhailthesith (Chapter 1): Is there any reason why your interest dropped from this story? Was I taking too long for the story to take place in the Clone Wars, or was it something else? Perhaps you might want to reconsider rereading the story since now I'm in the Clone Wars era and it might revamp your renewal in this story. But I do appreciate your honesty and in your interest in my Darth Idoneus and my Legacy of the Throne stories, hope you continue to read and enjoy those.
Danny R (Chapter 11): Here you go.
-Rise of the Je'daii Empire-
Jedi Temple; Coruscant
Ralem tightened the Jedi robes around his body, choosing to have the hood pulled down this time. No one would be able to recognize him anyway, he figured with a smite of pride. He walked down the cavernous halls of the Temple, passing by the various Jedi in his wake. The Je'daii could sense Yoda meditating in his private chambers, he smirked at the thought that the Avatar of the Light Side was blinded by his own beliefs; the light can blind to those stupid enough to stare directly at it.
Though he had to keep in check his own hubris, based on the knowledge he acquired from the last few thousand years worth of data and Holocrons that he would be dealing with Force users that could match his strength and who had more battle experience that he did. Although he was the creator of all things Force, he did not have any worthy opponents to face...
He ignored the irony of his thought and continued down his path- he wanted to find Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. The Jedi Master could be a key element in this war and his apprentice was strong in the Force. He repeated this thought to himself in regards to the Tortuga. His mind flashed back to her smile towards him, his heart quicken a bit at the thought. Ralem stumbled to the side of the wall and leaned against it, shutting his eyes shut. Trying to calm himself down. It was similar to Lanoree...
That thought made him more than uncomfortable. Hot flashes flourished through him, rubbing his forehead he pushed himself away from the wall and continued. He could sense her... A Force Bond. That wasn't right, they were never this quickly formed, not just from one meeting. They barely spoke to each other.
"Ralem, right?" called a familiar voice. Ralem shook his head and looked towards Ahsoka. The disguised Je'daii mumbled incoherently at the sight of her, shaking his head. "You feeling ok? You don't look to well."
"I'm a little under the weather to be honest, but I'll be fine," Ralem admitted. It was truth enough. "Actually I was looking for you."
Ahsoka raised her eyebrow amusingly. "You were looking for me huh?"
The Je'daii shrugged his shoulders teasingly. "Well, your master specifically but close enough right?"
The Tortuga rolled her eyes and smiled. "Right, so did you stop by for more of my master's stories? Or something else?" Her eyes lingered on Ralem. "Who is your master by the way, I don't think you said when we first met."
The Je'daii rubbed underneath his chin. "Sifo-Dyas, why?"
"Just curious, it's just that you don't look that familiar," admitted Ahsoka. Ralem chuckled at the younger female Tortuga, rolling his head along his neck.
"There are like ten thousand Jedi in the Order, pretty sure you haven't seen ALL of them right?" countered Ralem. Ahsoka frowned a little but she relented quickly.
"Guess not," she took another glance towards Ralem and noticed that he wasn't wearing a Padawan braid. She halted in front of Ralem and folded her arms, silently demanding an explanation. Ralem squinted his eyes curiously at the sudden change in demeanor of Ahsoka.
"I don't like that look you're giving me," stated Ralem firmly.
Reaching for her lightsaber, Ahsoka's emerald blade ignited and she pointed it at Ralem. "And I don't like being lied to. You're no Jedi."
"You're making quite the mistake in accusing me," assured Ralem. "A Jedi wouldn't accuse his own brethren without proof."
"I have the proof I need- the lack of a Padawan braid on your head," said Ahsoka. The snicker coming from Ralem caused Ahsoka to squint in confusion.
"That's all?" Ralem asked, smirking condescendingly. He reached towards the bottom of his Jedi tunic and pulled it upwards, revealing his scarred and toned body. Seeing his toned body caused her cheeks to heat up, but seeing the scars on his chest made her shudder. They were deep scars, she feel her skin tingle at the possible torture he went through. "My master and I were captured during a mission in the Outer Rim, sorcerers I think. They used our connection to our Force for some ritual. My master died and I escaped." He placed his tunic back down, smoothing out the wrinkles. "Anything else you want to accuse me of? Being a Sith?"
Faltering from embarrassment Ahsoka lowered her lightsaber. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't..."
"You haven't left the Temple, or Coruscant for missions, have you?"
"No," admitted Ahsoka, casting her eyes away in guilt.
Ralem sighed, he wasn't lying, technically, about the ritual part. "The galaxy is pretty big place from I learned, you'll never know the type of people you'll meet. Though I think I got the short end of the stick on my mission."
Not knowing what she should say, or say anything at all, she just nodded. "Is that why you were asking my master about his battle against the Sith? You think that those sorcerers might have been with the Sith?"
Ralem shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows, I've done a little research on the history of the Sith in Jedi library with the Holocrons. Haven't found too much."
Sheathing her lightsaber and placed it back on her belt, Ahsoka stood next to the sixteen year old. "I think you should tell my master about this, he might be interested in hearing this."
"No, it just might be freak accident or something," Ralem said. "Kind of odd to say I know, but-" He paused and shrugged his shoulders. The Tortuga saw the tired and weathered look on Ralem's face, judging it best to let it go.
"Your probably right. How about if I tag along with you for awhile, figure you might want someone who'll listen," offered Ahsoka. "Oh, did you talk to the Council about your master?"
Ralem smiled fondly at her offer. "I did. I'm just waiting now until they've made their decision, so I'm grounded here at the Temple for now. I wouldn't mind the company."
Ahsoka too smiled and the two walked down the hallway, the Tortuga recommending the same spot where they first met; at the open pasture of the Temple.
-Rise of the Je'daii Empire-
Concord Dawn
The Zabrak Je'daii sped through the waist high grains of the planet, tracking down the Mandalorian that his master tasked him with fighting. To overthrow the leader of Death Watch and reclaim Mandalore under the alliance of the Je'daii and the True Mandalorians. He could sense him, he was close. Coming across a small village down below the hill Maul was standing upon, he found the home of Jango Fett.
Maul pulled his hood up as he walked through the village, wanting to remain anonymous from the villagers. Having found the Mandalorian carrying a large bundle towards his home, Maul approached him. From the corner of his eye Jango saw the hooded figure heading in his direction, he was dressed like a Jedi. Placing the bundle down on the ground Jango reached for the vibro-blade hidden in his boot.
"I did not come to kill you, so you can stop reaching for the blade," the Zabrak said, appearing right next to the crouched Mandalorian. Jango flexed his open hand and stood to face the hooded figure.
"Did you come for another sample for the Clones?" asked Jango.
A surge of anger overcame the Zabrak briefly, the brief remainder of his former master's plan and betrayal. He calmed himself shortly afterward. "No, I am not in league with the Sith or the Jedi. My master has sent me here to find you- to get rid of Death Watch."
Maul felt Jango's anger rising at the mention of Death Watch. He internally smirked at how easy this would be.
"You're lying. I killed Vizla years ago, the Death Watch has been dead," retorted Jango.
"As were the Mandalorians in which era of the galaxy, yet here you are," Maul countered. "I need your help to overthrow them."
"What's in it for you?" asked the Mandalorian.
"Me, nothing. But for my master and you, plenty," Maul removed his hood to reveal his red and black face. "My master offers you the position of Mandalore, if you help us with Death Watch. And I know you heard the rumors Satine's rule."
The Mandalorian frowned. "Yeah, I've heard. Satine's trying to turn the Mandalorians into pacifists, like the Jedi."
"And if you were to rule as Mandalore, you could turn the Mandalorians back to how they're suppose to be," offered Maul. "True warriors, warriors of honor."
Jango offered a smirk to the Zabrak's offer. "You certainly make a tempting offer... Who's the current leader of Death Watch?"
"From what I discovered- Pre Vizsla," said Maul. Jango snarled at the name of Vizsla. His father was beaten and killed by Tor Vizsla himself, his sister kidnapped. He fought against Death Watch for years, trained by his adoptive father Jaster Mereel. He enjoyed beating down and killing Tor Vizla with his bare hands and his skills after he killed six Jedi unarmed; using only his hands, feet, and armored body. A feat which rendered him infamous and famous across the galaxy.
Jango felt the call within his Mandalorian blood, he promised vengeance against the people who killed his family. He succeeded, or so he believed. He was Mandalore once before, for his own purpose. Now he would have to regain his place by eliminating the Death Watch for good and overthrowing Duchess Satine.
"Where is he now?" demanded Jango.
"You tell me, you know the Death Watch better than anyone," said Maul.
Jango looked through the window of his home, watching his son sleeping on the bed.
"Last I heard Vizsla became governor on Mandalore's moon Concordia. We can start there," Maul agreed and waited as Jango went inside his home to grab his armor and weapons.
Jango knelt next to his sleeping son, placing his hand gently on his head and rubbed his hair. He watched his son closely, he would be a great Mandalorian when he finished his rite of passage- the Verd'goten.
-Rise of the Je'daii Empire-
Ralem and Ahsoka sat peacefully next to each other watching the younger Padawans train in the art of lightsaber combat. They talked a little during their time together, enjoying the view that open pasture had to offer. Ralem felt his jaw tighten at the thought of him hiding in the very temple that he built. But a harmless price for what he needed to do.
"Kinda makes you wonder about the Force doesn't it?" asked Ralem, leaning back on his palms. Ahsoka looked over to him curiously, thrown off by his sudden question. "I mean your master did use the Dark side briefly to stand toe to toe with the Sith."
"But that also caused him to lose focus and nearly die," Ahsoka countered. Ralem tilted his head in understanding, What she was kind of true.
"I guess but it also shows how quickly in power a Force wielder could have if you tap into the Dark side."
"Are you talking about like a Grey Jedi?" asked Ahsoka.
Ralem resisted a smile. "Yeah. But something more than that, you know? I was always curious on the nature of the Force." He felt the Tortuga direct her full attention towards him. "Is there something more than just the Light and Dark sides, Jedi and Sith?"
"I don't know. I guess."
"Hm, I wonder if there was an Order that predated the Jedi and Sith. An Order that was about the balance of the Force, instead of galactic wars that have brought up for thousands of years since the Jedi and Sith were around," said Ralem, fixing his gaze towards the sky.
"That sounds possibly I think. Did your master teach you that?"
Ralem shook his head. "I asked him about it. He didn't really reject what I was saying, but he seemed pretty set on the Jedi being the best hope for peace."
Ahsoka thought about what Ralem was saying. She saw the curious expression on his face as he gazed at the sky. Her master never talked about the nature of the Force, though she also figured the Masters wouldn't talk about it either. They must know what they're talking about...
"Still the Light side would be the best path, the Sith would likely control everything and take everyone's freewill," Ahsoka said.
"And the Jedi don't?" countered Ralem, his golden eyes peering at her. "The Jedi take newborn babies from their families and they never allow the families to see them. They restrict emotions from the beginning, denying them that "freewill" of choice."
"The reason the Jedi don't use emotions is because they can overwhelm the mind in a heated battle," Ahsoka explained. "Like Obi-Wan's fight against the Sith."
"Doesn't that prove my point? Obi-Wan used his emotions to gain equal footing for a bit, but Jedi aren't trained to use emotions so he faltered from the unknown emotion, but when he calmed down he won," Ralem stated. "From what I can tell, emotions seem to be temporary in any given situation. There's nothing wrong with anger or love, but it's the usage of emotion."
"You've seem to given this some thought," Ahsoka quipped.
"When you're being tortured, it helps to keep your mind preoccupied," Ralem said calmly. Another feeling of guilt pitted in Ahsoka's gut. "You see what I mean?"
"... I think so," admitted Ahsoka. "I just don't know if any Jedi could do what you say."
"Who knows, but I discovered a little secret: since for as long as the Jedi and Sith have been around, the Jedi have gone through more purges than the Sith ever had. The Sith have gone through two, one of the old and the second being the Rule of the Two. The Jedi have gone numerous purges, makes you wonder why," implied Ralem.
Ahsoka started to realize what Ralem was saying, what he was implying, made sense. Though she didn't know what to do. Listen to her master and the Order or listen to Ralem. The smallest part of her did wonder what it would be like to step the line between the Light and Dark side.
The disguised Je'daii felt her growing hesitation in the Order, he sensed her curiosity. He tagged her, now he would have to reel her in; bit by bit.
-Rise of the Je'daii Empire-
Concordia
Slave I descended quickly down the upper atmosphere of Mandalore's moon, landing gently onto the platform of the mining camp where Governor Vizsla was residing. Maul and Jango left the ship, seeing the platform as empty.
"I sense something off, we might be heading into a trap," said Maul, peering towards the sky, listening to the Force. Jango pulled his WESTAR-34 blasters from his holsters, he knew better than to question a Force wielder's senses.
"Better take precautions then, don't want to be dragging your body out of here," Jango pressed a button on his wrist gauntlet, a hologram of the mining camp's layout visible. "We shouldn't be too far from where Vizsla is hiding, once we infiltrate the inner workings and kill any of the Death Watch that tries to stop us, I'll handle Vizsla myself."
"Kill him and Mandalore shall be yours again," Maul finished. "Your Mandalorian code can be blinding sometimes. And simple."
"Depends on which end of a blaster you're facing when you say that," Jango retorted. The Zabrak Je'daii eyed the Mandalorian, following him closely as they entered the compound.
The dimly lighted hallway made its presence ominous in nature. For the two warriors, it was natural. The Je'daii kept his senses open, he felt multiple presences ahead. Non-threatening in nature, they must know they were here yet, Maul suspected.
The Zabrak Je'daii sped ahead of Jango, kneeling against the corner of another hallway. Three Death Watch members, naturally armed, standing towards the left hand side of the hall. Jango pulled a smoke bomb from his pocket, kneeling next to Maul, he slid the bomb between the three unexpecting Mandalorians.
The sound of ensuing explosion and coughing launched Maul and Jango in action; the Zabrak activating the Darksaber and slashing two of the Death Watch members and Jango snuck behind the third and snapped his neck.
"Hide the bodies, I'll take care of the other Death Watch members and clear a path for you," ordered Maul. Jango dragged one body away as he watched Maul disappear behind the entrance way.
-Rise of the Je'daii Empire-
Supreme Chancellor's office
"I am afraid I do not understand," Supreme Chancellor Palpatine said. The elder Chancellor wore regal robes of black and brown with beige sash against his stomach. Sitting across from him was a young man, no older than sixteen or seventeen, dressed in form fitting black robes with gold decoration and lining. "You claim to hail from the planet Tython in the Deep Core sector, and you wish to join the Senate?"
"Rejoin the Senate," clarified the young man. "My people decided to break away from the Republic thousands of years ago, but over the recent years my father and our family have decided to rejoin the Republic."
"While I'm honored for another system to join us, I'm afraid I can only bring the topic of debate to the Senate and have them decide on the matter," Palpatine confessed.
The young man nodded. "I see. Hopefully the delegation won't take too long to deliberate."
"I must say it is most impressive for a young man of your age to take such a responsibility for your people, but I am afraid there might be an age restriction for the representation of a star system," Palpatine clarified. "I am afraid someone else will have to represent your people until the matter with the Senate is relieved."
"Then I'm afraid there might be a problem. You see, my government is based on a monarchy, and given that my father is deathly ill at the current time, the duty of my people falls onto me." Palpatine admired the conviction of the young man in front of him, he held a firm voice along with passionate verbose. "Besides my people were one of the founding systems of the Galactic Republic when it was first formed twenty-five thousand years ago, it seems only fair."
"While a most intriguing and fond information, I'm afraid you cannot gain special treatment. You did after all withdraw from the Republic in the first place," informed the Chancellor.
"Duly noted Chancellor, but I'm afraid you misunderstand, I'm not expecting special treatment of any kind but I am asking for a speedy trial of sorts," proclaimed the young man.
"I apologize for interrupting Chancellor but something has been called to your attention," a young man woman around the age of nineteen appeared from behind the young man and walked beside the Supreme Chancellor.
She was the woman from the vision. Skywalker, if he remembered correctly. And she was beautiful as seen in the vision, though her hair was a tad shorter and wrapped in a curled ponytail
His stare caught both the woman's and Chancellor's attention. The young man before them cleared his throat and looked towards his left, staring at the decor. The woman nearly smirked at his reaction, she knew the body she had and the lustful desires she invoked in the male Senators in the Republic, but those entitled pigs were beneath her.
He could feel her power in the Force, she was powerful indeed. Potentially rivaling his own in fair time. The Chancellor's own power, while masked, nearly rivaled his own in fair regards.
Two of the most powerful Sith in existence stood in front of him, no idea of what power laid before them. A god of the Force.
The young man eyed the woman again, drawing his golden eyes across her luscious body. Not hiding his intentions in full view.
"I have taken enough of your time now Chancellor, if everything is in order I should get going. I pray that you'll take this matter with utmost urgency," said the young man. Bowing his head in respect to the Chancellor, he turned towards the exit. Palpatine watched the boy leave his office.
The young man halted before he left the room, turning around to face her. "I'm afraid I didn't catch your name, how rude of me."
The woman smirked crookedly on her beautiful face, adding an air of mystery to her. "Only after you tell me yours."
The young man clicked his tongue teasingly. "Now now, etiquette dictates that it's ladies first."
"Annika Skywalker."
"Solaris, Kaleb Solaris. Maybe you'd like to get a drink sometime with me."
Annika drawled her eyes in much the same fashion as he did to her. Maybe she would think about it, he looked rather dashing. "Maybe."
"Well, it wasn't a no," teased Solaris before disappearing through the door. Annika smiled before catching Palpatine's yellow eye watching her.
-Rise of the Je'daii Empire-
Ralem strolled down the corridor having left the Supreme Chancellor's office, one step towards the Republic and another step towards the Jedi. He wouldn't bother with the Separatists for the meantime, they were just a distraction. Walking past the multitude of Senators, Ralem noticed that he was nearing the Grand Convocation Chambers, the usual meeting place of the Galactic Senate. He wondered if anything had changed during his absence...
Stepping through one of the entrances Ralem stood on one of the pods, apparently nothing had changed in decor of the Chambers.
"I believe you have taken the wrong pod," Ralem turned to see a beautiful woman in her early twenties, dressed in the finest robes of Naboo attire.
"Sorry, I'm new here," Ralem admitted sheepishly.
The woman smiled warmly. "That's alright. I don't believe I've seen you here, is your parents one of the representatives here?"
"Actually I am the representative for my system," said Ralem.
The woman eyed him curiously. "You seem to a little young, what system do you represent?"
"Tython, in the Deep Core."
"Deep Core... It does sound familiar, isn't Tython close to Coruscant?"
"Extremely. In fact my people were one of the founding members of the Republic when it was first created twenty-five years ago," Ralem explained.
"It's hard to believe that the Republic and Democracy has remained for that long," the woman said.
How ironic those words were to Ralem.
"I'm Kaleb Solaris," greeted the disguised Je'daii.
"Padme Amidala," Padme returned the greeting. The Je'daii reached for her hand and kissed the back of it politely.
"Hm, I must say I'm charmed by your radiating beauty. You must be an angel."
Padme rolled her eyes at the flowery flirtation, but she was flattered nonetheless. "You definitely have the words of a poet."
Kaleb squinted his eyes at the light sarcasm. "One of my secrets."
Padme smiled but darkened at a thought. "Are you trying to reenter the Republic? You mentioned that your people were one of the founding members of the Republic but I don't recall your status in the Senate."
"Technically Tython removed itself from the Republic thousands of years if I remember, wanting to stay neutral in whatever events were happening at that time but recently my father and our family have decided to come back to the Republic," the Je'daii explained.
"It's nice to have another system in our little family," joked Padme. "Have you talked with the Supreme Chancellor about it?"
"Actually I just came out of the meeting with him a few minutes ago, figured I stay around the Senate Building until the next session. Don't know when that will be, but I figure it'll be a while given all the Senators are starting to leave," Kaleb said.
"The Senate has taken a recess. They won't be coming back for a few hours anyway," Padme said. Seeing the blank on Kaleb's face, Padme decided to help him out. "Why don't you come with me to my office? You can relax there while I take care of some things."
Kaleb hesitated on the idea. "I don't know, I don't to intrude-"
"It's the least I can do, now come, I won't take no for an answer. I know what it was when I first became Senator," Padme started towards her office as Kaleb followed closely.
-Rise of the Je'daii Empire-
Maul and Jango ventured deeper into the mining camp, sneaking past the large infrastructures. After killing more than a dozen Death Watch members they were close to their target. Maul halted Jango with signal- more Death Watch members were on the railing above. Nodding Jango pulled out one of his WESTAR-34 blaster and fired once at the back of one Mandalorian's head, Maul snapping the other's neck with the Force.
"Up on the bridge to the left should lead us to Vizsla," said Jango.
Maul leapt onto the bridge and Jango followed shortly. Walking towards another small hallway they found an elevator, entering into it they traveled upward.
Once the elevator opened, revealing a spacious dining area with a low table with pillows in place of chairs and a bar to the side of the table. It was empty. Taking slow steps into the room, Maul used his senses with the Force to feel any presence hiding-
Blaster fire opened on Zabrak and True Mandalorian, Maul blocking numerous shots with his Darksaber as Jango used the Zabrak as a shield, and fired back at the ambush.
"Stand down!" ordered Pre Vizsla. The leader of Death Watch entered the room and removed his helmet, holding the expression of amused contempt. "The last of the "True" Mandalorians, while your reputation as a warrior is without question amongst me and my men, your actions are most unsavory."
"You have some nerve calling my actions unsavory Vizsla. Your Death Watch sullies the honor of my people, and I'll enjoy tearing you apart as I did your kinsman Tor Vizsla," scolded Jango.
Vizsla clenched his jaw tightly at the insult. "I saw the body of my kinsman, the misshaped face beaten to a pulp. I barely recognized him. You would bode well with Death Watch."
"I vowed to kill Death Watch, and in accordance to the Supercammando Codex of Mandalore Jaster Mereel, I challenge you to a fight to the death," Jango held to his blasters tightly, his fingers itching to gun Vizsla. Hearing the challenge Vizsla knew of the honor that was threatened towards him.
"So be it," agreed Vizsla placed his helmet back on. "Tell the Jedi to stay out of our fight."
"That'll be the last insult you breathe," Jango immediately went on the offensive, firing his blasters at Vizsla. The leader of Death Watch rolled out of the way from the blaster fire towards the low bearing table. Pulling his WESTAR-35 blaster he returned fire, Maul moved out of the way behind Jango. Charging headfirst into the fray Jango tackled Vizsla and as the Mandalorians tumbled over each other, Vizsla kicked Jango off of him and landed against the bar stand.
Getting to his feet Jango ducked beneath the stream of fire from Vizsla's gauntlet, forcing the True Mandalorian to stay at a distance. Seeing his blasters behind Vizsla, Jango opted for another choice. He flipped behind the bar stool, and hearing the roar of the fire cease, grabbed a few items from the bar- a cloth and a bottle of alcohol. Simple and effective.
Lighting the cloth Jango wait a few seconds before tossing it over the bar, a small explosion rocked the room.
"Alcohol? Surely the Mandalorian who killed six Jedi with his own hands can surely do better," Vizsla mocked. Jango only had few options left at his disposal and with his blasters out of his reach, they were growing smaller.
One of the Death Watch members...
Peering from the corner and seeing Vizsla walking to his position, Jango rushed over to one of bystanding Mandalorians and grabbed their blaster, taking aim and firing at Vizsla's wrist. Yelling in pain Vizsla dropped his blaster, grunting through his teeth at the pain.
"You think you've won? Taking another Mandalorian's blaster as your own?" Vizsla demanded.
"A Mandalorian helps his brethren, no matter what," Jango replied, tossing the blaster back to its owner. "Now get up, your ass is not finished getting kicked yet."
Vizsla snarled at the mockery and charged blindly at Jango, his adrenaline pumping his strength several times more than the average man. Jango felt those blows against his forearms, his bones rattled from each hit. Vizsla was losing his edge, his lust for blood clouding his mind. Landing a strong knee to the leader of Death Watch's stomach, Jango lunged towards his WESTAR-34 blasters and fired openly into the chest of Pre Vizsla.
Pre Vizsla, former leader of Death Watch, stumbled on his feet, hopefully refusing to die. His will was not strong enough to prevent that. Landing face first on the ground, the rightful leader stood onto his feet, the Mandalorians of Death Watch kneeling in front of him.
Knowing his master's plan, Maul stepped towards Jango; halting at the sight of the Mandalorians take aim at him.
"At ease," ordered Jango and the Mandalorians complied. "I reckon I should thank you for helping me kill of Death Watch for good." He observed his brethren then back to the Zabrak. "And do you suppose your master plans on me achieving the rank of Mandalore again?"
-Rise of the Je'daii Empire-
Ralem and Padme laughed endearingly in her office, the panoramic window behind the Naboo Senator bestowed a lovely view of the Coruscant skyline. They told each stories of one another, little adventures and tales of their cultures. For the first time Ralem was enjoying himself.
A cold wash of emptiness overflowed Ralem, seeping onto his face. And Padme noticed the sullen change in his face.
"What's wrong?" she asked worryingly.
Ralem blinked several times, he felt his face becoming hot. "Um, uh..." He wiped his forehead. "Not sure, excuse me."
But, he realized, why he was enjoying himself. She reminded him of Lanoree. She really did look like her. Padme was a bit more stubborn than Lanoree, but it was clearly there to the Je'daii Kage.
He ran quickly to Padme's restroom and closed the door. Running the sink he splashed cold water several times, panting quietly.
Focus...
Focus...
He knew where these feelings lead him.
"Not yet, I've come too far this time. Not yet," he chanted to himself, staring pleadingly at his reflection. "The hell am I doing?"
Having told himself what he needed to do over and over, it didn't provide him with clarity. He was stuck in a rut. Was he afraid of bringing peace to the galaxy? Of actually winning this war?
The communicator beeped from his back pocket. Silently thankful from his silent torture, Ralem pulled the communicator to see Maul.
"Where is Jango Fett?" asked Ralem. The armored figure of Jango appeared next to Maul. The Je'daii Kage knew Jango was studying him, judging whether or not this was a joke.
"He's younger than I expected," Jango said. "But you made good on your word."
"And you as well, so it's safe to assume that Vizsla is dead," said Ralem.
"Yes, and your next step in your plan is to overthrow Duchess Satine," Jango said.
"I did, but you know as well as I that the New Mandalorians-" He cut himself short, looking towards the door. He almost forgot that Padme was here. "that the New Mandalorians won't follow you willingly, not yet. You need to prove your ideas compared to the pacifist ideology of Satine's."
"I'm not attacking my own people if that's what you're suggesting," Ralem gave the True Mandalorian a condescending stare.
"You won't have to. The war that will happen so will take care of that, either by the Separatists or by the Republic," said Ralem. "For now I would advise taking the remains of Death Watch and revert them to the True Mandalorians, I'll be asking for your services soon."
"Already on it," Ralem watched the holographic figure of Jango disappear.
"I've already infiltrated the Republic and made a plea with the Supreme Chancellor to make the Tython system a part of the Senate," Ralem informed Maul. "I'm going to be spending most of my time on Coruscant between the Senate and the Jedi Order, so I'm leaving you in charge of Tython and the Empire until I give the order."
"Understood my master," Maul said. The Zabrak held a look of hesitation. "How did his power feel?"
"Like you told me, the Dark side incarnate," mused Ralem. Palpatine did hold immense power for a mortal, that thought troubled Ralem somewhat. Naturally that would mean that Yoda would be the same for the Light side. Yet, that also thrilled him.
"May the Force be with you," Maul said before the transmission cut short.
"I might need something more than the Force," muttered Ralem, setting his head against the edge of the sink.
A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!
The seeds of doubt of the Jedi have been planted into Ahsoka by Ralem, how her views continue to change?
And Ralem has met Palpatine and Annika Skywalker (Fem Anakin Skywalker) briefly...
If you have any plot elements or ideas to share, don't hesitate to leave it in the comment/review section or PM me.
Ralem's Collective:
Ahsoka Tano, Asajj Ventress, Padme Amidala, Riyo Chuchi, Sabine Wren, Satele Shan, Shae Vizla, Adi Gallia, Shaak Ti, Aayla Secura, Luminara Unduli, Barriss Offee, Tiplee, Tiplar, Bo-Katan Kryze, Duchess Satine, Miraj Scintel, Darth Talon, Steele Gerrea, The Daughter, Mina Bonteri, Hera, Jarael, Deliah Blue, Jaina Solo, Mara Jade, Savan, Vaylin, Senya Tirall, Queen Julia, Sola Naberrie, Breha Organa, Fem Revan, Meetra Surik, Celeste Mourne, Keelyvine Reus, Nadia Grell, Akaavi Spar, Jaesa Willsaam, Ashara Zavros, Kaliyo Djannis, Raina Temple, Darth Zannah, Visas Marr, Brianna, Raskta Lsu, Elke Vetter, Azlyn Rae, Sigel Dare, Leia Organa, Rook Kast, Siri Tachi, Krovos, Mirax Terrick, Syal Antilles, Callista Ming, Kerra Holt, Candra Tymon, Rig Nema, Lolo Purs, Mon Mothma, Ketsu Onyo, Atris, Sev'rance Tann, Fem Anakin Skywalker, Voe Atell
Power Scaling-
Solar System to Solar System+ level:
Naga Sadow (with Sith Corsaid and Sith relics through Dark Side Magic)
World Razor (Destroyed 100 stars and 1,000 planets as according to the Rakata ruins and the Failsafe; the full power of the Infinite Empire was needed to defeat it)
Star to Star+ level:
Father
Abeloth
Planet to Planet+ level:
Grand Master Luke Skywalker
Ralem Kyo Solstice (potentially higher to Star level)
Son (Large Planet)
Daughter (Large Planet)
Darth Sidious (Small Planet)
Yoda (Small Planet; contained Sidious' lighting for a few seconds)
Valkorion (Small Planet; after the ritual on Ziost)
Darth Nihilus (Potentially if he absorbs enough Force power from said planet, but constant hunger staves off from full use of his power)
Mace Windu (Small Planet with the continued use of Vaapad against his fight with Sidious in ROTS)
Moon to Moon+ level:
Sith Emperor
Arcann (Matched and overpowered the Hero of Tython/Outlander)
Thexan (Was considered a bit higher than Arcann himself)
Vaylin
Multi-Continent to Multi-Continent+ level:
Galen Marek/Starkiller (Comparable to Darth Vader; previously Continent level)
Darth Vader (His training as a Sith Lord has noticeably increased his power from his previous peak as Anakin Skywalker; previously Continent level)
Revan (At his best, he nearly matched the Sith Emperor)
Continent to Continent+ level:
Mace Windu (Normally; Small Planet with the continued use of Vaapad against his fight with Sidious in ROTS)
Darth Bane
Darth Nihilus (Razed the surface of Katarr and killed all life on the planet sans Visas Marr)
Darth Malak
Darth Plageuis
Count Dooku (One of the most powerful Jedi the Order had ever produced, even before his powers became enhanced by becoming a Sith Lord; previously Island+ level)
Darth Maul (appears to be comparable to, if not slightly weaker than, Darth Tyranus per Son of Dathomir; previously Island level)
Anakin Skywalker (Surpassed Darth Tyranus at his peak in Revenge of the Sith; previously Island level)
Obi-Wan Kenobi (Telekinetically stalemated a Darth Vader that, while emotionally compromised, was still well above his Padawan self in raw power; previously Island level)
Ki-Adi Mundi (He's a member of the Jedi Council, so he should be comparable to Obi-Wan Kenobi; previously Island level)
Meetra Surik (Managed to defeat Darth Traya)
Shaak Ti (Same as Ki-Adi Mundi)
Aayla Secura (Same as Ki-Adi Mundi)
Plo Koon (Same as Ki-Adi Mundi)
Aayla Secura
Country to Country+ level:
Ajunta Pall
Satele Shan (Is a peer of Darth Malgus)
Darth Malgus
Meetra Surik (Killed the Greater Storm Beast on Malachor V; Small Country level)
Darth Sion
Island to Island+ level:
Darth Nihilus (Pulled the Ravager out of Malachor V's orbit and continues to keep it from falling apart through pure force of will; far higher once fed)
City Block to City Block+ level:
Ahsoka Tano
Barriss Offee