Chapter 2
Lieutenant Colonel Andrews stood at attention with the rest of Havoc Squad. At thirty-years old, the Special Forces Commando had fair skin, blue eyes, and brown hair done up in a buzzcut. He and the others all wore trimantium armor, save their droid.
Standing before them was a titan of a man, Supreme Commander Jace Malcolm. The republic war hero's deep facial scars contrasted his crisp officer's uniform which barely contained his broad shoulders and barrel chest.
"In recognition for their actions on Balmorra, I am honored to present each member of Havoc Squad with a silver crescent." Malcolm said as he opened a box with the decorations.
"Havoc Squad's actions prevented a major imperial sabotage in the Republic's most critical industrial arms center, saving countless lives and resulted in the deaths of over thirty Imperial Black Ops commandos, two teams of Mandalorian mercenaries, and the capture of an Imperial Colonel. Havoc Squad's commitment and dedication to their duties are a shining example for all soldiers in the Republic and as Supreme Commander, it is my privilege to present the silver crescent to 1st Lieutenant Yuun, Gunnery Sergeant Tanno Vik, Captain Elara Andrews, Major Aric Jorgan, M1-4X, and Lieutenant Colonel Andrews."
Jace Malcolm handed the medals to a Gand, Weequay, human, Cathar, and droid respectively before reaching Colonel Andrews, who took his and then saluted with the others. Malcolm returned their salute and placed the commandos at ease.
"Outstanding work all of you, I'd expect nothing less from Havoc Squad."
"Just doing our job, sir." Andrews said.
"I know." Malcolm said as he joined the Colonel in a mutual smile.
"Sir, sorry to interrupt, but you need to hear this." A young lieutenant said as she pulled the commander away for a moment.
"Another decoration, this is incredible, I feel so honored!" Yuun sounded giddish, or at least as giddish as a Gand could through their mechanical respirators.
"Hmp, speak for yourself, I'd rather get bonuses than medals." Vik groaned.
Jorgan crossed his arms and nearly growled, his cathar features showing all their ferocity.
"Sir, I think it's time we discussed replacing Vik again. I've done plenty of research and have found a dozen suitable demolition experts worth considering."
"Jorgan, he gets the job done. Until that changes, I'm keeping him in the squad."
"Yes, sir." He growled in frustration.
"Try to cheer up, we won a great victory on Balmorra. Not to mention we get to work with that navy attache again in the future." Andrews saw Jorgan's expression soften a little.
"Well, she was very, professional." He said in a much more subdued tone.
"Sir, I have all the paperwork for our R&R ready." Elara said, making Andrews playfully shake his head.
"Elara, you don't have to call me sir now that we're married."
"I'm afraid I do, we're still on duty and you're my superior officer."
"Why don't we check in on Matthews and Cara." Elara eagerly nodded and came up closer to Andrews as he took out a handheld hologram projector and activated it.
"Ahh so you can call." An aging woman answered.
"We were on comm silence, mom. Just got back." Andrews said.
"Good, because we've got two people dying to see you both." A man her age entered the hologram holding two infants, one boy, one girl."
"Mommy and daddy are back." He said as Elara's face broke down into raw emotion as she saw her and Andrews's children.
"We'll be there soon, I promise."
"Actually, I'm afraid I need Colonel Andrews for now." Jace Malcolm interrupted as he approached them.
"Sir?"
"I just received some critical news, and it will involve Havoc Squad."
Elara looked back at Andrews who put a hand on her shoulders.
"It'll be fine, go and see them. I'll be back as soon as I can, the rest of you enjoy yourselves until ordered."
"Sounds good, I'll be in the cantina." Vik said as Yuun followed.
"I'll be heading to the ship with 4X to do some weapons calibration." Jorgan said as he departed.
"Major, that's the way to the Navy's office." 4X said as the Cathar rushed off, out of sight.
Elara sighed but pulled Andrews in for a kiss.
"Don't be back too late."
Andrews held back his emotions while turning back to Malcolm.
"I'm sorry, Colonel, but this can't wait."
"I understand, sir. Being the leader of Havoc Squad means making sacrifices for the Republic. No one knows that better than you."
Malcolm nodded. The two men walked through the halls of the Senate tower towards the Supreme Commander's office, passing various senators, diplomats, guards, and Jedi.
"It has put my heart at ease to see Havoc Squad in good hands. I thought I could trust Tavus, I was wrong."
Andrews felt the sheer heartbreak and betrayal in Malcolm's words, and he couldn't blame him. He barely knew Commander Tavus when the former leader of Havoc Squad defected to the Empire alongside the other members.
Andrews not only had to hunt down the traitors, but rebuild Havoc Squad from scratch. It started with Jorgan, but eventually led to a complete revival. Andrews couldn't imagine the pain Malcolm felt, having fought alongside Tavus and the others for years during the first war.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"Don't be, Tavus and the others made their choice. Now he and Fuse are rotting in prison, and the rest are dead. We have more important things to worry about, like winning the war."
Andrews nodded with growing excitement. Since their victory on Corellia, the tide of war shifted in the Republic's favor, first the Emperor's death, then the defeat of Darth Malgus. Andrews had been on the team of Republic Heroes who stormed Malgus's space station and even saw the Dark Lord's end at the hands of a Jedi, while he dealt with the False Emperor's Mandalorian Captain.
The Empire was now losing ground and for the first time, a new dawn was on the horizon for the Galaxy, one free of tyranny and genocide at the hands of the Sith Empire. Soon a better galaxy might exist for his children, and if he had to give his life for that, so be it. He was a soldier, it was his duty.
They finally reached Malcolm's office where his aid took her seat behind a desk. Interestingly two more people were already waiting there too, one Andrews instantly recognized.
"Captain Terra."
"Major, oh no, Colonel now isn't it."
"Lieutenant Colonel actually." The two shook hands with cordial smiles.
"Good to see you again."
"You too, soldier boy."
"What brings you to Coruscant?" Terra emphasized the man beside her in a red jacket. Before Andrews could introduce himself, he noticed Commander Malcolm exchange a somewhat awkward expression with the man.
"Theron."
"Commander." The tones of their voices only emphasized the obvious uncomfortableness between them.
"Colonel, this is Agent Theron Shan of the SIS, my son." Andrews blinked in surprise, and Terra looked just as taken back.
"Really, did you need to tell them that?" Theron groaned.
"I'm sorry, it just slipped out."
"Wait a minute, you're the son of Satel Shan and Jace Malcolm!" Terra laughed, leaving Andrews with more questions than he could count.
"I feel there's a story here." He said to Terra who barely contained her laughter.
"Yep, but I'm afraid we've got business."
"She's right." Theron said sternly to Malcolm in particular.
Before any of them could speak again they heard a series of fiery shouts from inside the main office as two men tried to talk over each other.
"Director Trant is here." Theron said.
"I can hear that, Admiral Denal too. Come on." Malcolm waved them forward as he opened the door revealing two middle-aged men, one human one twi'lek. The twi'lek wore a Navy officer's uniform with an Admiral's rank insignia, while the human man wore a suit.
"Your damn privateer nearly blows my carefully planned operation, almost gets my agent killed and then you have the nerve to claim it's my fault!" Director Trant snarled.
"All of this happened because you decided to keep the Navy in the dark!"
"The SIS doesn't have the luxury of sharing top-secret information that could compromise the lives of our agents or the success of our operations!"
"Well this time, hiding the truth nearly cost you both!"
Trant's face contorted in a burning rage, turning red hot like metal.
"What compromised my operation was that damned Smuggler!"
"Director." Malcolm's voice silenced them both and Trant nearly went pale when he saw Terra who leaned against the door.
"No, go one, you were saying?" She asked, tossing her coin into the air.
"How dare you, SIS scum, Captain Terra has done more for the Republic than you ever will, I think Colonel Andrews here can attest to that." Admiral Denal growled, emphasizing the Commando.
Andrews hardened his expression towards the SIS director, remembering his own troubled history with the organization, or rather Jorgan's.
"I've been through some of the most dangerous missions of my career with Captain Terra. She's as good as the Republic's best soldiers, and I trust her with my life."
"Stop, you're making me blush.'' Terra joked, her relationship with the Colonel purely platonic, though she did consider him a good friend. Theron seemed to take some amusement from her comment and she noticed the slightest hint of a smile on his face.
"All of this is irrelevant, the Captain-"
"Completed the mission and saved my life." Theron interjected, silencing the director.
"That's right, now thank her." Admiral Denal added with a smug grin.
Trant looked to be in physical pain as he adjusted himself.
"Ttthhhank you." He bit out.
"You're welcome." The tone in Terra's voice caused the director more noticeable discomfort.
"See, that's not so hard-" Admiral Denal started.
"You pompous!"
"Enough! Both of you!" Malcolm's thunderous voice shook the entire office and nearly made the two men go pale. Even Terra almost jumped upon hearing the power in Malcolm's tone.
"Admiral, you're dismissed. I'll contact you if you're needed again."
"Yes, sir." He saluted before turning to Terra.
"Captain, if you have the time, I have a few more jobs-"
"I'm afraid I need Captain Terra." Malcolm interrupted. She nodded as the twi'lek gave a disappointed look before departing. Terra and Andrews noticed an increasingly nervous expression on Director Trant's face upon hearing she'd be staying.
"Please, have a seat." Malcolm sat down behind his desk while Terra, Theron, and Andrews did the same in front of it when the Colonel noticed an inactive electronic schematics projector resting on the desk itself.
"Colonel, are you familiar with the Sith Lord Darth Mekhis?" Andrews shook his head. He didn't know much about the Sith themselves outside of their part as the Empire's Elite ruling class.
"No sir."
Jace turned to Theron who took a deep and clearly painful breath.
"Darth Mekhis was a member of the Dark Council, the head of the Empire's Experimental Technology Sphere. She was a mad genius, and a sadist, but was eventually killed during an SIS mission."
"Hmp, good riddance." Terra muttered, noticing barely concealed raw emotion in Theron.
"Indeed, unfortunately, before she died, Mekhis completed the design for two superweapons." Trant added.
"I assume you remember the Gauntlet." Malcolm said, earning a vigorous nod from Andrews. He certainly did, that nightmare of a superweapon couldn't brought the Republic Navy to its knees had Havoc Squad not infiltrated the modified Harrower and destroyed it from within.
"She designed it?"
"Yes, but the Gauntlet was only one of her designs, the other was this. The Ascendant Spear." Malcolm activated the schematics, revealing the layout for a Harrower-Class Dreadnaught. However, despite being noticeably larger than the average Harrower, Andrews couldn't see anything particularly impressive about the ship. The Gauntlet for its part had a massive gauss cannon fixed to the bow, capable of destroying most ships in a single blast, this vessel had no such weapon.
"Uhh, sir, am I missing something?"
"The Spear's power is unique and requires a cybernetic connection with a Sith Lord." Theron answered.
"Come again?" Terra muttered in complete confusion.
"A Sith Lord can connect themselves to the ship, allowing them to use the Dark Side to not only enhance its weapons and capabilities, but to take direct control with more efficiency and precision than the most effective crew ever trained." Malcolm said with a wariness to his tone.
"Indeed, such a ship, if used to its full capabilities, could carve up any fleet it went against, and turn the tide of war back to the Empire." Trant added in a similar tone.
"Where is it being built!? Havoc Squad will destroy it just like we destroyed the Gauntlet!" Andrews roared with booming enthusiasm.
"There in turn lies the problem, we have little information on the Spear's whereabouts because for the longest time, the Empire considered it unbuildable. Unlike the Gauntlet, which was more practical, the Spear requires vast amounts of highly rare and experimental technology, much of which the Empire doesn't possess. Most Sith Lords and Imperials gave up on the idea of constructing it, save one, Darth Karrid." Trant muttered.
"You'll have to pardon our lack of inside knowledge on who any of the Sith are. Care to enlighten us?" Terra said in her roguish tone that continued to irritated the SIS director.
"Karrid is relatively unique among the Sith, she's not a human or member of the True Sith race, she's an alien, a Falleen to be specific." Theron said.
This caught Andrews by surprise. He knew the basics of the Sith hierarchy, with acolytes at the bottom, apprentices, warriors, and inquisitors above them, Lords in positions of power, and Darths as the top tier. An alien Sith earning the title Lord would be rare enough, but only a select few Lords earned the coveted title of Darth, yet Karrid managed to do just that.
"I thought the Empire hates aliens, except Malgus, and he's gone."
Malcolm nodded.
"You're right." Andrews and Terra slowly put the pieces together.
"She was one of Malgus's." The Privateer said quietly.
"Indeed, Karrid was once a Jedi padawan before eventually falling to Malgus's influence. He took her as one of his apprentices, but apparently she didn't follow him when he rebelled against the Dark Council." Trant continued.
"She's spent the last few years using her limited resources to scour the galaxy for the technology and material necessary to build the Ascendant Spear. Including black markets."
Terra nodded in understanding.
"So that's why Imperials were using the Hutts' supply network, those were Darth Karrid's forces on Nar Shaddaa."
"Precisely, and based on the SIS's intel, she's close to completing the ship, or worse it's already finished."
Andrews tightened his grip on the chair's armrests.
"Sir, do we have a plan?" The Colonel said, barely containing himself.
Malcolm vigorously nodded, sharing Andrew's enthusiasm.
"We do, according to these schematics, the Ascendant Spear will use a Black Cipher encryption as it's primary communication means."
Andrews and Terra both heard about the Black Ciphers. They were the highest level encryption devices used by top-ranking Imperial commanders to send classified information from across the galaxy to Dromund Kaas. The machines themselves were hooked up to capital ships, but could also supposedly be moved and used in another location. Both Andrews and Terra had made attempts to secure a Black Cipher for the Republic from downed Imperial capital ships, but the machines had self-destruct capabilities to destroy their internal machinery should their vessel go down.
"If we could get our hands on a working Black Cipher, we could track the Spear and set a trap." Trant said.
"How?" Terra asked.
Jace Malcolm activated another hologram, this one showing an unknown planet.
"This is Cullon III, a mineral-rich world under Imperial occupation since the last war. Given our recent string of victories, dozens of occupied systems are revolting against the Empire, including Cullon III." Malcolm said. Andrews nodded, well aware of the Empire's rapidly deteriorating situation.
"How does this help us?" Terra asked, her interest growing.
"SIS intelligence has discovered that Imperial Grand Moff Graloth is personally putting down the various rebellions popping up across the Empire with brutal efficiency." Andrews and Terra grit their teeth, both having heard of the Grand Moff and her ruthless tactics, including indiscriminate bombing, using women and children as shields, and hiding explosives in relief supplies.
"Cullon III is her next stop, and her flagship has a Black Cipher." Theron said.
"Indeed. We've reached out to the leaders of Cullon III's insurgent group and made a deal with them. Apparently the Empire has an orbital defense station, and the Grand Moff will undoubtedly use it as her command center. The insurgents have agreed to help us secure the Black Cipher." Trant said, earning an intrigued look from Andrews.
"How exactly?"
Malcolm zoomed in on an Imperial installation on the planet's surface.
"The insurgents will launch an attack on the Empire's main supply base, drawing their attention there. When this happens, a second group of insurgents will attack the station itself with Havoc Squad leading them." That bit caught Andrews's attention.
"However, this too will be a false-flag. With the station's defenses occupied, Captain Terra and Theron will secure the Black Cipher, replace it with a destroyed one, and then sabotage the station's orbital stabilizers. When the station goes down, the Empire will find the destroyed cipher and never know we have the working one."
Trant glanced uncomfortably at Terra.
"Supreme Commander, I don't think Captain Terra is necessary. Agent Shan is more than capable of working alone, he's told me more than once he prefers it."
Terra smirked at Theron.
"You sure you don't want any help?"
Theron looked at Terra for another few moments before turning back to Malcolm.
"She saved my life on Nar Shaddaa, I could work with her."
Trant grit his teeth so hard they nearly cracked, especially when Terra turned her cocky smile back onto him.
"Once we have the Black Cipher, we'll be able to track the Ascendant Spear's movements."
"Sir, with all due respect. This plan would put the insurgents at considerable risk. The Empire will retaliate against such an attack, harshly."
"Graloth is going to do that anyway. The insurgent leaders are more than willing to help us if they get a shot at her." Trant said without any hesitation.
Terra, and Theron, however, understood Andrews's point, and even Malcolm showed signs of hesitation.
"The Empire's resources are spread thin as it is. If we put more pressure on them in that sector following the attach, they can't focus entirely on Cullon III." Malcolm conceded.
"I know a lot of Privateers who'd jump at the chance to raid Imperial shipping!" Terra almost shouted, earning a growing smile from the supreme commander.
"I'll talk with Admiral Denal, have him put together the Privateers and raiding squadrons." Hearing this put Andrews, Terra, and Theron's minds at ease.
"I'll prep the rest of Havoc Squad. When are we heading out?"
"Three days."
"Sir, if a Sith Lord is building the Spear, shouldn't we involve the Jedi in this operation?" Andrews asked. Terra nodded with a growing smile.
"He's right, and there's two in particular we'd recommend." Terra's suggestion earned a similar smile from Andrews.
"All in good time, but this phase of the operation doesn't require the Jedi. For now, rest and ready yourselves for the mission." Andrews stood up and saluted before departing to see his family.
Terra, however, turned her eyes back on Theron and followed him out.
"Where are you headed?"
"My apartment, I need to do some planning."
"Well we're running this mission together, so why don't you come back to my ship." Theron noticed Terra's smile and sighed.
"Fine."
Darth Draikor stared at the holographic image of a young twi'lek woman before him. The Pureblooded Sith Lord was among the youngest Sith in the Empire to earn the title of Darth, only in his mid twenties with deep-red skin, black hair, yellow eyes, and four tendrils near his mouth. A muscular body lay beneath his red and black reaver armor with a single lightsaber at Darth Draikor's side.
The young twi'lek woman had similar red skin as the Sith pureblood, but with light reddish eyes and black tattoo-like markings across her face and lekku. She had a slender frame but a clear strength to her, however, Draikor's attention was fixed upon a small child held in her arms.
The child's eyes were that of the twi'lek, but aside from that, he was almost indistinguishable from a Sith pureblood.
"When are you getting back to the estate? Dâmsûr misses his daddy, and so do I."
Darth Draikor gave a smirking grin towards the twi'lek.
"Vette, you were with me and the others on our recent mission, my dear."
The twi'lek narrowed her eyes with a vigorous expression.
"True, but we didn't get any private time, and Dâmsûr could use a little brother or sister." Draikor returned her vigor and nodded.
"Soon enough my love. Once the Dark Council meeting is over."
"Alright, have fun."
"Have fun." Draikor thought to himself as the hologram vanished. He stared out the window of his shuttle at the bustling capital of Kaas City and the violent thunderstorms covering Dromund Kaas's entire surface.
"Fatherhood everything you imagined it would be, master?" A very vigorous voice reached the Sith Lord's ear and he turned to see a young woman two or three years younger than him with slightly tanned fair skin, shoulder-length black hair, and yellowed eyes. Lord Jaesa Willsaam, Darth Draikor's apprentice and former Jedi padawan. She wore black and red robes of a Sith Lord, having recently been granted the title by Draikor, with a double-bladed lightsaber on her hip.
"I just can't wait until my boy is old enough to train. I'll make him even more powerful than me."
"Mmm, a lovely thought, master. You hear that Jinatous, you'd better put more effort into getting a child in me tonight." She said in a lustful tone to another Sith pureblood nearby. This Sith pureblood was her age and roughly Draikor's height and build, though his skin was a lighter shade of red, his black hair slightly longer, and he lacked face tendrils.
Additionally, Lord Jinatous didn't wear reaver armor like Draikor, but a caped armor suit nearly identical to the design used by Darth Malgus, and wielded two lightsabers on his belt.
"Be careful what you wish for, my dear." He said, approaching Jaesa and stroking her chin as he returned the young woman's vigor. Lord Jinatous was Darth Draikor's newest apprentice, and an eager one at that. Not that it bothered the Sith Lord, Jinatous proved a potent capable student, and surprisingly loyal one.
Draikor turned his face back to Kaas city which seemed emptier than it had in years as more and more of the Empire's reserve troops were forced to the front. He took a deep breath and thought hard about the last few years. At one point it seemed like everything was going so well for Draikor and the Empire.
Despite being betrayed by his master, Darth Baras, after defeating Darth Vengean in single combat, Lord Draikor earned recognition by none other than the Immortal Emperor himself. The Emperor chose Draikor as his new Wrath, his personal executioner answerable to him and him only, a position of power and authority unmatched except for the Emperor himself.
It was a duty Draikor cherished above almost anything else, for he was a warrior, and an executioner. His entire career under Baras was spent hunting down Jedi and rival Sith alike, leading legions of Imperial soldiers and Sith warriors into battle against the Republic.
His first task as Wrath was to destroy Baras and protect Darth Vowrawn on Corellia from his former master's assassins. Draikor did just that, and nearly won the battle of Corellia before departing with Vowrawn to confront Baras, killing his former master before the Dark Council on Korriban.
Draikor savored the feeling of bringing Baras to his knees before ending his pathetic life, and hoped he could return to Corellia to finish the battle, but instead, the Emperor called him back to Dromund Kaas. Darth Draikor's expression dimmed as he remembered meeting the Emperor in his Dark Temple, the sensation of being in his presence. Rather than returning to Corellia and turning the tide back in the Empire's favor, his new master sent him after another target, his former apprentice, the Jedi Revan.
Revan had been the Emperor's prisoner for centuries before a Republic strike team freed him from Maelstrom Prison. The Emperor revealed to Draikor that Revan planned to use a Rakatan relic known as the Foundry to bring down the Empire and that he must be destroyed.
Gathering a fleet and task force, including members of the Imperial Guard, Draikor travelled to the Foundry and fought through a force of Republic soldiers, Jedi defenders, and an army of Foundry droids before confronting Revan himself.
The Jedi Master had earned his status as a Legend, for he was above anyone the Wrath ever faced before. Unlike any other Jedi, Revan had mastered both the Light side and the Dark, using them in perfect balance. Draikor fought Revan alone and was nearly killed many times during the duel. The Sith Lord had to draw upon the full might of the Dark Side, channeling power he never realized he had and bringing out his emotions in their rawest form.
Draikor emerged from the duel on the verge of collapse, but succeeded, defeating Revan. Yet in his moment of ultimate victory, came ultimate defeat. For the very moment he dealt the mortal blow onto Revan, both men sensed what happened across the Galaxy, the Emperor's death at the hands of a Jedi Knight.
Draikor was still haunted by Revan's final words and moments. The Jedi didn't seem angry, or afraid, he felt at peace.
"The Emperor, he's gone, and so in the end, as the darkness takes me, I am nothing. Now I know how you felt, my friend." Revan then became enveloped in a blinding light and vanished. Yet even as he did so, Draikor swore he saw the figure of a strange old man in blue behind Revan, taking him somewhere.
Whatever it meant, Revan was gone, and the Emperor too. Draikor rushed back to Dromund Kaas, but it was too late, his Master, his Emperor lay dead, he'd failed him, and the Empire.
During the chaos, Darth Malgus seized both the Foundry and the Emperor's space station, declaring himself the New Emperor. Draikor grit his teeth in rage thinking about Malgus's betrayal, and the fact that the same Jedi who killed the true Emperor also robbed him of the chance to kill the False Emperor himself. After that, the Dark Council struggled to maintain control and the Republic began pushing them back system by system.
Draikor looked over at Jinatous. The young Sith Lord had been one of many Sith who joined Malgus, however, after the False Emperor's death, those who did follow Malgus were offered leniency if they reaffirmed their loyalty to the Empire. Draikor felt his rage grow, not at Jinatous, but at the fact at once the Empire would've made examples of those who betrayed them, but now, they couldn't afford to waste so many valuable resources.
Of course, another reason Jinatous himself lived was undoubtedly because of the New Emperor.
"My Lord, we've arrived." A hulking figure of a man said as he approached the three Sith Lords.
General Pierce now wore the red cloaked armor of the Imperial Guard, with two more guardsmen beside him. Draikor nodded and motioned for the others to follow as he led them inside the Imperial Citadel. His party passed various Sith, military officers, and Imperial Guardsmen who each bowed their heads as Draikor passed.
"Lord Wrath."
Draikor acknowledged them, but sensed their growing fear. Normally he'd take this well, lesser Sith should fear him, but as of late, a greater sense of anxiety overtook the Dark Side warriors, a fear of destruction and genocide at the hands of the Republic like after the Great Hyperspace War.
Draikor tightened his fist as passionate rage filled his very being. He wouldn't let that happen to his people, not again.
Eventually they reached the Dromund Kaas Dark Council chamber where eleven Dark Lords of the Sith each sat in a chair with two empty seats, one among the councilmen, and a throne raised above them.
"Lord Wrath." Darth Marr said respectfully as Draikor entered, nodding back to the Master of Military Defense. Draikor ignored the other Dark Councilmen, save Darth Nox, also known as Arvidas. Nox was the Master of Ancient knowledge and the youngest Sith to sit on the Dark Council in generations, being in his mid-twenties like Draikor with the same body-type (standard body type from the game, not skinny, buff, or overweight, but regular).
Nox gave Draikor a cordial smile and nod, the wrath returning the favor. Draikor first met Arvidas back at the Korriban Academy when they were but acolytes. Despite being a Sith Pureblood like Draikor, Arvidas had much humbler beginnings, being born and raised a slave from non-force sensitive pureblood parents cast aside by their families. Despite this, Arvidas eventually proved himself strong in the Force when he used it to kill his master, earning him a spot at the academy. Despite being pureblooded and strong in the force, he continued to face discrimination from his overseer and peers given his upbringings as a slave.
Draikor, despite coming from a prestigious and powerful family of purebloods, with multiple brothers and sisters who'd all become powerful Sith Lords in their own right, showed respect for Arvidas's abilities and ruthlessness.
The two became allies and eventually genuine friends during their time at the academy. Even after graduating and becoming Sith apprentices, they continued to fight beside each other on numerous missions for the Empire. Now they were at the height of a Sith Lord's power, all but ruling over the Empire and Sith.
Draikor, his apprentices, and Imperial Guardsmen took a position in front of the throne before each Dark Councilmen stood up.
"All kneel before his majesty, Emperor Vowrawn." Draikor didn't shout, but his powerful voice carried across the chamber with such an effect. Four more Imperial Guardsmen entered with another Sith Pureblood in between them. Vowrawn wore magisterial silver and red robes with numerous glittering rings and facial jewelry across with withered face and tendrils. Vowrawn was well into his seventies, though many Sith Purebloods could live to two-hundred years of age. An immensely satisfied expression overtook the wrinkles as he sat in the throne, clasping his fingers together.
Draikor sensed the immense resentment in some of the older members of the Dark Council as they knelt down before the Sith Emperor, as he'd once been one of them. Before his ascension to the throne, Vowrawn was a senior member of the Dark Council and one of the most influential Sith in the entire Empire, having allies and resources in virtually every aspect of Imperial Rule.
Darth Baras attempted to assassinate Vowrawn while he led the Imperial Forces on Corellia alongside Darths Decimus, Hadra, and Darth Acharon. However, Draikor came to his defense, saving Vorwarn's life multiple times before leaving with him to bring down Baras. After Emperor Vitiate's death and later Malgus's, Draikor and Nox both realized that the Empire needed an Emperor or civil war would destroy them.
Using their power and influence, they helped Vowrawn assume the throne, which stabilized the situation, or as much as it could. Infighting was always a problem among the Sith, but Emperor Vitiate kept it in check with his immortality and near infinite power. Vowrawn was reasonably powerful, but more so on par with what was expected of a Dark Councilman, nowhere near that of the Immortal Emperor. He knew the game of Sith politics like a mastermind, and proved himself a capable leader as former head of Logistics, but many foolish Sith would still try and supplant him.
That was where Draikor came in as Vowrawn's Wrath and head of the Imperial Guard. Since Vowrawn's ascension to the Throne, the Sith Lord was constantly on vital missions, either leading Imperial Forces against the Republic onslaught from the field wherever he was most needed, or hunting down power-hungry Sith Lords who plotted against Vowrawn. Killing these conspirators quickly and efficiently was vital to preventing larger civil wars, and so far he'd been successful. Not that Draikor minded all of this, he lived for war and savored every moment slaying republic soldiers and Jedi alongside his legionaries and Sith warriors, but more than that, he wanted the Empire to win, or even just survive. If Vowrawn was killed, either by a power-hungry Sith, or the Jedi, all the stability he, Nox, and their New Emperor worked so hard to build would collapse, and the Sith Empire with it.
Jinatous anxiously glanced up at Emperor Vowrawn, who gave him a sharp look before the young Sith Lord turned away. Jinatous was one of Vorwarn's many children he'd had with multiple wives over the years. Vowrawn once admitted to Draikor and Nox he'd lost count of how many children he had, and guessed that many powerful Sith were likely his offspring without him realizing it.
Some rumors claimed that the only reason Malgus's surviving supporters were allowed to rejoin the Empire was because Jinatous was among them. However, Draikor knew the decision was made by the entire Dark Council before Vowrawn's ascension and that in fact, Darth Marr suggested it.
"Sit down." Vowrawn said, each Dark Councilman following his command. The Emperor's voice seethed with confidence, hedonism, but also subtle vigilance and clear authority.
"We have assembled to discuss the matter of who will take Darth Hadra's seat as Master of Experimental Technology. Recent events have made such an appointment difficult among other priorities, but it can no longer be delayed. We have many potential candidates, including several endorsed by members of this council. However, two stand above the rest, those recommended by Darth Ravage and Darth Marr." Vowrawn turned his seething eyes upon the two Dark Councilmen.
"Present your candidates."
"Of course." Ravage said, bowing his head. Despite the Sith Lord's best efforts, Draikor and Nox both felt the overwhelming resentment and jealousy in Ravage as he was forced to answer to his former peer.
"He wishes Emperor Vowrawn dead." Jaesa said, using her unique ability to see a person's true nature.
"Shall we destroy him then?" Draikor smirked behind his reaver mask before shaking his head.
"Desires and actions are different things, my apprentice. When he moves beyond wants, then we shall act."
Marr also stood up and bowed his head, turning to the doorway with Ravage.
"May I present my candidate, Darth Gravus." An elderly human man entered the chamber. His face and hair withered by time into a silvery gray and wrinkles with half of Gravus's face covered by cybernetic implants on the right side. Gravus himself was a less than intimidating figure compared to many of the other Sith before him, however, he didn't come alone. Walking beside him came an imposing Sith Pureblood, or what was left of one.
The Sith warrior's body had extensive cybernetic augmentation and implants, with little visible flesh, even on his face. Both eyes were now machines, and Draikor sensed the cold lifelessness of inorganic material throughout his body beneath the frenzied instigator armor. Despite this, what little remained carried an overwhelming sense of controlled rage, anger, passion, pain, and hatred, so much hatred.
"Your majesty, my Lords of the Dark Council, it is an honor, no, a privilege to stand before you." He said in an all too formal manner while bowing low. Draikor never like kiss ups, nor did Arvidas who rolled his eyes from his council seat.
"My candidate, Darth Karrid." Marr said in his cold and almost silent voice.
All eyes now became fixed on an alien garbed in violet Sith sorcerer robes who slowly entered the chamber,. The Falleen's green skin and long black hair contrasting each other along, but somehow highlighted a natural beauty, or rather what had been beauty. Like Gravus, Karrid also possessed extensive cybernetic implants, however, hers were far more pervasive and extended further across her head.
"Your majesty." She hissed, including her head and body. The Falleen's reptilous voice carried an oddly alluring sensation behind it, likely something biological to her species as a means of attracting mates. Lesser beings, unattuned to the Force could easily fall victim to it, but the Sith Lords and highly disciplined Imperial Guardsmen around her would not.
"Ahh yes, Karrid, former apprentice to Malgus the betrayer." Ravage sneered. Despite the fact that Marr's face was covered by the same kind of reaver mask worn by Draikor, one didn't need to see his expression to understand his sentiment towards Ravage.
"I will remind Darth Ravage that Darth Karrid remained loyal even as her master betrayed the Empire, and that this council agreed to pardon those who joined Malgus."
Jinatous turned away from the others, but glared at Jaesa when she smirked towards him.
"Perhaps, but we're not considering any of them for the Dark Coun-" Ravage started.
"Enough!" Vowrawn commanded, silencing both Sith Lords as Draikor removed his own reaver mask to give Ravage a fiery look of warning. The Wrath also reached out and applied pressure to the Dark Councilman's throat, not enough to kill him, but enough to get the point across.
Ravage quickly sat down with Marr, silencing the argument.
"Now then. The position on the Dark Council offered to you both once dealt exclusively with technological advancement. However, times have changed, and so must the Dark Council with them. We can not deny the plain fact that despite our best efforts, we're losing the war."
An uncomfortable sensation of broken pride and shame overcame the Sith Lords. Despite a vigorous propaganda campaign to the Imperial people, the ruling Sith Lords knew wiser.
"As such, all members of my Dark Council must also be capable military commanders who won't squabble valuable lives and resources. I also need experimental technology that can help turn the tide of war in our favor. Tell me, my Lords, what can you offer?"
Draikor sensed an immense excitement in Gravus as he motioned forward slightly.
"Of course, my liege! I will remind the council that it was I, who oversaw our greatest victory in the renewed war, Taris! That planet is a ruin, the Republic army and their Jedi allies crushed along with their recolonization efforts!"
Vowrawn's smile turned malevolent and sent a shiver down Gravus's spine.
"Really, Darth Gravus, you wish to claim credit for the military victory on Taris in front of Darth Draikor and Darth Nox?"
The two Sith Lord's smiled just like the Emperor and nearly made Gravus tremble. Taris had once been a mighty city planet like Coruscant before Darth Malak destroyed it three centuries earlier. After the first Great Galactic War, the Republic and Jedi attempted to recolonize the world and potentially use it as a base of operations in future conflicts given its strategic location near Imperial space.
The renewed war began with the Sith Empire's invasion of the planet, and Gravus had in fact used his many political connections to place himself at the head of the incursion. However, despite early success in driving off the meager Republic naval squadron in orbit, Gravus's initial ground assault failed spectacularly. The Republic Army alongside Jedi defenders and colonial militia launched a counter-attack that caused heavy Imperial losses and nearly drove them back into orbit.
Gravus and his apprentice Thana, bungled up the entire offensive, mismanaging their resources, not preparing adequate defenses, and using completely ineffective tactics. The Republic might very well have won, had it not been for the intervention of Arvidas and Draikor. At the time, both had only just earned the title of Lord and were there on other business. However, when Darth Vengean, the Dark Councilman in charge of Military offense, at the time, found out what happened, he immediately removed Gravus from command.
As much as Vengean wanted to execute Gravus for his incompetence, he was too well connected politically, and instead tasked him with overseeing the destruction of the planet itself, undoing the Republic's restoration efforts. Despite being only young Lords, Vengean placed Draikor and Arvidas in charge of the military part of the invasion.
This ultimately turned the tide of the battle, as both Sith Lords showed an incredible knack for military leadership. Draikor focused on the Republic Army and the Jedi among them while Arvidas handled the militias and Jedi specific efforts, working together in masterful synchronization that ultimately led to the Empire's decisive victory. Both Sith Lords remembered the invasion with immense pride at their achievement. Draikor still relished the satisfaction upon striking down Jedi master Cerik, while Darth Nox had Jedi masters Ryen and Ocera as his final kills as they brought down the Republic resettlement zone and Jedi enclave.
Gravus, of course, claimed credit for the victory, but Draikor and Nox had many more victories since then.
"I did, oversee the planet's destruction... Karrid, however, has no notable victories! She's wasted her time in the Empire in a vain attempt to build that unbuildable ship!"
Draikor sensed a growing anger and resentment in Karrid, but her face concealed it well, even as she endured Gravus's insults.
"It is done."
"Come again?" Vowrawn asked with growing interest.
"The Ascendant Spear is completed, and ready to destroy the Empire's enemies."
The various Sith Lords weren't sure what to think of this. Most of them know about Dark Mekhis's wonder weapons, but aside from an attempt to Build the Gauntlet, they'd considered them a wishful dream. If Karrid really had one-
"So you have a powerful capital ship! What I have to offer is far more valuable! Do you remember the Power Guard Project?"
The various Sith Lord's nodded. The Power Guard Project was the Republic's efforts to build cybernetic soldiers capable of fighting Sith Warriors on their own. Darth Angral stole the project's designs during his failed attempt to destroy the Jedi just before the renewed war, and even managed to build a small army of them. Since then, however, most considered the project dead.
"I managed to locate the lost design and have modified them to create the ultimate Sith Warriors! I present to you what was the Sith Lord, Darth Tormen!" Gravus emphasized his cyborg Sith Pureblood who now turned his chilling gaze on Karrid.
"I found Tormen on the verge of death and rebuilt him with the perfected power guard project!"
Draikor narrowed his eyes in revulsion. Cybernetics had their place, but a Sith shouldn't rely on artificial technology so much. Their power was the Force, using such means as a crutch would ultimately limit a Sith's true potential.
"Your disregard for the Force is disgusting, Gravus." Nox growled, earning slow nods from Marr, Arkous, and Soverus.
"How dare you!? Darth Gravus's work-" Ravage started.
"Enough!" Vowrawn commanded, silencing the Sith Lords before he turned to Darth Karrid.
"And your Ascendant Spear?"
"It will bring the Republic to its knees, your majesty." She hissed with utter surety.
Vowrawn sat back into his throne, bringing both hands back together.
"You both give me words, but I prefer results. However, it just so happens, you'll both have the opportunity to prove yourselves and your technology." Emperor Vowrawn turned to Darth Gravus.
"My spies had recently uncovered the location of a secret Jedi enclave located on Termis II. The world lays on the edge of Imperial space and for decades has served as a refuge for failed, forsaken, and disillusioned Sith seeking safe haven alongside families under Imperial occupation who have sought to hide their force-sensitive children from us. The Jedi there have transported them back to the Republic, offered them homes on the planet, and even took them in for training there or further in Republic space. How many of these cyborg Sith do you possess?"
"Dozens, my liege! More than enough!"
Vowrawn nodded.
"Good, take your forces and destroy this Jedi enclave, leave no survivors. Darth Karrid." He said, turning back to her as she inclined her head.
"Our fleets in the Siswina sector are on the verge of being overrun. If we lose that hyperspace lane, the Republic military will have access to dozens of our most important industrial centers. This will not happen. Bring the Ascendant Spear there and take charge of our fleets, do not let the Republic capture that sector."
"At once, my liege." She hissed, bowing her head again with Gravus.
"Should you both succeed, I will make my decision based on the measure of your results. Should one of you fail, well, the choice will be simple."
Every Sith in the chamber sensed Gravus's overwhelming confidence and excitement. Karrid, by contrast, remained focused.
"You're dismissed." At that, the two Sith Lords and the various Dark Councilmen departed, save Darth Nox.
Darth Karrid entered the adjoining hallways where her Sith escort waited for her. All three were a different alien species and bowed their heads before Karrid.
"Let us be off." She growled.
"My Lord." The Aquash warrior emphasized two approaching figures behind Karrid, though she already knew who they were.
"Gravus." She hissed, turning to face the elderly human male and his cyborg Sith warrior. The immense satisfaction remained on Gravus's face as he stared down the Falleen Sith Lord.
"I hope you enjoyed your time in the Dark Council Chamber, Falleen, it's the last you'll ever see of it."
Karrid narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Are you so sure, Gravus."
"Oh I am."
"You still have yet to prove yourself to his majesty."
Gravus laughed.
"You don't get it, do you. Well, let me explain it in a way even your simple alien mind can understand. It is the Jedi who are the true enemy of the Sith, more so than even the Republic."
"And."
"And, I've been tasked with destroying an enclave taking in traitors! When I wipe them out, my name will be proclaimed across the Empire! I'll be more famous than even your traitorous master when he sacked Coruscant! Do you understand? My position on the Dark Council is all but guaranteed. Even if you succeed with that quagmire of a ship, you'll never be anything more than a servant, I might even take the Spear for myself once I hold the Council seat."
This finally pushed Karrid over the line and she hissed at Gravus, reaching for her lightsaber.
"If you even try to take my ship!-" She began, all three alien sith also drawing their weapons.
Gravus's smile turned sinister.
"Are you threatening me? Tormen."
Before Darth Karrid even realized what hit her, a wave of raw Dark Side Force power hurled her and the other alien Sith backward, slamming them into the wall like a tidal wave. The Falleen gasped for breath and struggled to get back to her feet, only to watch the cyborg Sith Pureblood ignite a crimson lightsaber and cut down the aquash Sith in one blow.
Her two remaining warriors came at Tormen's sides, but the cyborg warrior moved with incredible speed and brutality, slicing one in half and lifting the other up with Force grip, crushing her throat in moments.
Darth Karrid reached out to blast him with Force Lightning, but Tormen slammed her back into the wall with the Force, pinning her there and tightening a grip upon her throat. The Fallen thrashed about, trying desperately to break free even as her vision grew blurry, and all she saw was Tormen's infuriating smile.
"I could have him kill you in an instant. All I'd have to do is give the word, unfortunately his majesty won't look kindly on more infighting." Tormen released Karrid, who gasped for breath, barely able to stay on her feet.
"Have fun, and try not to damage my ship." Gravus left with Tormen, leaving Karrid to stare at him with murderous intensity. Elsewhere, in the old Sith Emperor's inner sanctum, Vowrawn sat on the throne while staring at a datapad in his lap.
Darth Draikor stood before him with his apprentices, Pierce, and his men. Darth Nox also waited there with his own apprentices, a Kaleesh Sith and a young Sith Pureblood woman roughly Jaesa's age. Nyra was her name, the daughter of an influential Pureblood family who Nox had recently taken as a second apprentice, and interestingly enough, a bride. Arvidas told his friend just the other day that he'd discovered Nyra was pregnant with his first child, and asked for advice on raising a Sith child.
Vowwarn noticed the way Darths Draikor and Nox stared at him before looking back at his datapad.
"Speak."
"Gravus is a fool, he has no place on the Dark Council. Not with the Republic's counteroffensive pushing us back." Draikor growled.
"Indeed, which is why I don't intend to give him the seat." Hearing Vowrawn say this might've surprised the two once, but by now, both were also becoming skilled players in the game of Sith politics. Arvidas smiled while crossing his arms.
"You merely offered him a chance as a formality, knowing the Empire as a whole would be hesitant of an alien councilman."
Vowrawn's confident smile slowly returned.
"Exactly, even if he succeeds against the Jedi, he lacks the courage to face them himself. Just like Baras."
"Indeed." Draikor added with immense hatred towards his former master.
"He'll send his cyborgs down and prove his own cowardice and unwillingness to face the Jedi himself."
"Destroying his reputation and opening the door for you to choose Karrid." Arvidas finished.
"Exactly, of course she has to succeed as well. Though if she truly did complete an Ascendant Spear then I have no doubt, Karrid will drive the Republic Fleet back, or even better, destroy them."
Draikor and Arvidas's expressions turned slightly harsher as they glanced at each other and then back to Vowrawn.
"You disapprove?"
"Karrid is ambitious, I'll give her that. But she's also unruly, and unpredictable. If this ship of hers is as dangerous as they claim, what happens if she decides to turn it upon us?" Draikor asked.
"Then I send my wrath to dispose of her." Draikor nodded, the tension easing from his expression.
"Sounds like a plan."
"Yes, I shall wield Karrid and her ship as a weapon against the Republic for as long as I can. However, the Jedi are resourceful, I fear even her wonder weapon may not be enough."
Darth Draikor and Darth Nox hardened their expressions again.
"Then send us back to the front."
Vowrawn sighed and shook his head.
"No, I have something much more important for the both of you. Wrath, my men have recently discovered an ancient relic on the world of Asation. Reclamation services are currently studying it, but have come under attack by the Dread Host."
Draikor grit his teeth as fury rushed through the Sith Lord's body. The Dread Host was the private army of the Dread Masters, six Sith Lords capable of projecting nightmares into the hearts of countless beings when together. The Dread Masters were once among the Empire's most valuable assets, but that changed upon the Emperor's death. Only Vitiate was powerful enough to keep them in line, with him gone, they broke off from the Empire to serve their own interests.
"Are the Dread Masters there!?" Draikor huffed, his two apprentices showing similar enthusiasm and bloodlust.
"I believe so. You and the Imperial Guard are among the few forces immune to their effect, take a contingent of the Guard with you and wipe them out, all of them."
"With pleasure!"
Darth Nox now looked a bit restless as he listened.
"What kind of relic is this? Sith, Jedi, Rakatan!?"
"No, older than even the Rakatan. Gree."
"Gree!" All of them shouted. The Gree were an ancient civilization who predated even the Rakatan Empire and created technology the likes of which the galaxy had never seen or seen since.
"If it is what I think it is, then there may be a future for the Sith Empire after all. I'm placing the fate of our civilization in your hands, my Wrath."
"I will crush the Dread Masters!"
"Good, as for you Darth Nox. My spies have also uncovered another hidden world known as Makeb. Makeb has kept itself concealed from the greater galaxy for centuries, before the Hutts discovered it, and its invaluable fuel source, Isotope 5. Isotope 5 cannot be allowed to remain in the hands of those criminals. Take your forces and conquer the planet, but do so with minimal losses and more importantly, without risking the Isotope 5."
Arvidas nodded.
"It will be done."
"Excellent. Carry on, and contact me if you run into trouble."
The Sith Lords and their parties bowed before departing, Draikor taking out a communicator.
"Admiral Quinn, prepare the fleet."
"At once, my Lord."
Elsewhere, Darth Karrid arrived aboard the Ascendant Spear. The monstrous Harrower-Class Dreadnaught exceeded all other ships in the Imperial Navy, humbling anyone who laid eyes upon it.
Karrid walked past the ship's extensive crew, most of whom were various alien species.
"My Lord." Each said, bowing their head and coming to attention. While the Dark Council had offered amnesty to the humans, Chiss, and true Sith who sided with Malgus, his alien forces were another story. Many still wanted to serve the Empire, but found few Sith or Imperial commanders willing to take them, save Karrid. Being a former apprentice of Malgus also helped, as the aliens' loyalty towards him transferred to her.
Karrid reached a chamber deep within the Spear and looked at four individuals waiting there. Two alien sith apprentices, a female rattataki and male twi'lek both meditated in front of a crystal chamber, adorned in black and red robes.
In the corner, a large Mandalorian leaned against the wall, paying little mind to Karrid as she entered. Lastly, a devaronian dressed as an Imperial agent approached Karrid, bowing his head.
"My Lord."
"Lieutenant, inform Moff Lorman we are to travel to the Swiswina sector immediately."
"At once, my lord."
Karrid approached an adjoining chamber before turning back to the others.
"Do not disturb me under any circumstances."
"My Lord."
Karrid closed the door behind her and approached a small communications device, the Black Cipher. With this, she could send out an encrypted communication that no one else could track, save her intended recipient. Karrid hesitated for a moment. What she was about to do was dangerous, very dangerous. If caught, she'd be executed for treason. But it was worth it to acquire the Dark Council seat, to end Gravus.
The Falleen slowly entered the information and waited until a figure appeared before her.
The being was a tall and slender Kel Dor dressed in black and blue robes with a lightsaber on his belt.
"Kana." He said, softly.
"Hello, master." Karrid growled.
"And my name is Karrid, Darth Karrid."
Jedi Master Gnost-Dural took a deep breath and stared deeply at Karrid through his goggles.
"Why have you contacted me, Kana?"
"Because, I mean to offer you a gift."
"A gift?"
"Yes, information, life. A Sith Lord, Darth Gravus knows about the Jedi Order's secret enclave on Termis II."
Gnost-Dural showed no visible reaction, but Karrid sensed his concern.
"No such enclave exists there."
"Hmp, if you say so. But Gravus will soon bring his forces to bear against the planet, just as he did to Taris."
Karrid grinned a little as she finally saw the slightest reaction from her former Jedi Master as she mentioned the last bit.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because Gravus is my enemy, and I intend to see him fail."
Gnost-Dural suppressed his emotions but nodded.
"I see."
"Do with it what you will."
"Kana, I'm sorry."
"For what?" She hissed.
"I failed to protect you from the Dark Side, and Malgus. It's not too late for you to walk away from the darkness. We can help free you from your prison."
"I am free! Freer than I ever was under the Jedi!" Karrid disconnected the message and sat down, stroking the cybernetic implants on her head for a moment.
"Now, to deal with the Republic."
Author's note
Yep, in this version, the battle of the Foundry and Revan's death happen while the Jedi Knight is fighting the Emperor, and Revan is beaten by the Sith Warrior.
I'm sorry if some of you don't like that, don't think it's because I hate Revan, of course not, I love Revan, but I think it's ok to state that the Sith Warrior managed to surpass him just like the Jedi Knight did.
Also in this version it wasn't the Emperor's voice the Knight faced on Dromund Kaas but the Emperor in his actual Sith body and he really did die in the fight,
So until next time,
Please review, comment, suggest, or ask(VIA PM)