The shuttles of the Shadow Collective exited hyperspace above a bleak and desolate world. Dawn Bellwether looked out the window, as the ship descended to the planet's surface. "Why am I even with this criminal scum?" She said to herself.

"Lady," a nearby Dark Jedi said. "All I did was vandalize the Wheel... and it almost blew up, but no one believes me when I say that it wasn't my intention. YOU started a race war on your own homeworld. As far as scum goes, you're the cream of the crop." Eventually, the shuttle landed, and the passengers disembarked.

"Brothers, and sisters. Welcome to Had Abbadon!" Maul said grandly. "On this barren world, you will reclaim your destiny, and command your fates. As Dark Lords of the Sith!"

"Well, it's got to be better than the Citadel!" A Dark Jedi said.

"On principle yes," Maul said cordially. "But in practice... some of you might end up wishing you were still in the Citadel."

"And what would you have us do?" Dawn said. "I don't suppose you'd just give us these titles just because we're Force Sensitive?"

Maul gave a small but still noticeable smile. "Your right little one... I do expect you to lend your talents to aid the Shadow Collective. And as a reward, you shall rise further and further in my organization. Who knows... one of you might even take up my position."

"And where would you expect us to live on this dead rock?" Dawn said curtly.

"Firstly, Had Abbadon is closer to an UN-dead rock. Secondly, a droid will show you to your chambers." Maul said.

XXXX

In the library of the Triumphant Phoenix, Nick was looking through the databanks. "So Nick... whatcha' doin?" Judy asked as she peeked over Nick's head.

"See, when I first met Skywalker. He had said some things that piqued my curiosity. So now that I'm going to be onboard the Jedi's HQ, I figure I'd get to know my new partners Great-Master... or however that works."

"He's just Master. Well, technically Grand Master but that just means he's on the Council." Judy said as Nick access Anakin's file. He skimmed through Anakin's file, going past his childhood as a slave on Tatooine, the years in between the Battles of Naboo and Geonosis. Not only because Anakin already admitted what happened before the opening battle of the Clone Wars. But also because virtually everyone in the galaxy knew of Anakin's adventures in one form or another.

"Ah! Here we go, Mortis!" Nick said when he came across the relevant file.

Judy's eyes, however, bulged. "Uh, Nick... I'm pretty sure that you aren't supposed to look into that."

"Maybe... but this fox really wants to know what the big deal behind Mortis was!" Nick said as he accessed the file. He read through on how Anakin, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano were sent to investigate a centuries-old Jedi distress signal. Unexpectedly, they were drawn into a strange structure, and inside was an unusual planet with only three inhabitants. Father, Son, and Daughter. Each one was part of an ancient and forgotten race known as Force Wielders. They were also apparently representations of the Balance, Dark Side, and Light Side of the Force respectively. Father intended to fulfill the Prophesy of the Chosen One. "Wow... he was destined to be a babysitter?" He said when he made the connection. He then read of how the Son stopped the Jedi from leaving Mortis, via kidnapping Ahsoka. And corrupting her to the Dark Side. "A teenage girl being made into a slave by an older dude... that certainly doesn't raise any red flags."

"Nick! Can you at least treat this with more respect? It's a seminal moment in the Orders history!" Judy said irately.

"I just want to know what the big deal is," Nick said as he read on, that in the ensuing chaos of Anakin, Obi-Wan, and the corrupted Ahsoka fought. The Son managed to acquire the Dagger of Mortis, a weapon specifically designed to kill Force Wielders. Then something really caught his attention. "Ahsoka... was killed?!"

"Just keep reading Slick," Judy said in frustration. Nick read through that, when Son attempted to kill father, he killed Daughter by accident, who took the killing blow. And after that, Father helped Anakin transfer the last of Daughter's lifeforce to restore Ahsoka to life. "And before you say anything, Master Tano is NOT a zombie or any other kind of undead creature."

"I-I wasn't going to say anything," Nick said defensively. He then read that, as a last-ditch effort to escape Mortis. Son showed Anakin visions of the future, visions of the Jedi being slaughtered, a figure later revealed to be then-Chancellor Palpatine taking command of the galaxy as Emperor. The destruction of the planet Alderaan, among other horrors. However, rather than give in to the Son. These visions merely pushed Anakin harder to keep the Son from escaping the planet. "Hmm... and then after killing this Father guy with the Dagger of Mortis. Son lost his powers and was easily killed by then Padawan Ahsoka Tano. Man, I may not read much, but this is surprisingly droll in places."

"We're keepers of the peace, not professional writers," Judy said defensively.

"Still, you should at least get someone to pepper this up," Nick said as he continued to read through Anakin's files. He then read up on how, shortly after the mission. Anakin admitted to Obi-Wan and Ahsoka that he was secretly married to Senator Padme Amidala, as well as massacring a tribe of Tuskan Raiders after his mother died in his hands, after that. He resigned from active military service to try to find out how to prevent his visions from coming to pass. In his investigations, he picked up on the trail of clues that led to the identity of the Sith Lord that had orchestrated the Clone Wars. None other then-Chancellor Palpatine himself. "This is giving me a weird feeling of deja vu... only no cute ewe with serious issues."

Nick then read that Anakin, working in secret with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. Led Darth Sideous to the volcanic planet of Mustafar. Where the three Jedi fought the powerful Sith Lord tooth and nail through the mining facility that the Separatist Council had relocated to after the Battle of Utapau. It was hard-fought, but Sideous was destroyed, cast into the lava river. "The official story is written better, I've got a copy in English if you want to read it." Judy offered.

"I would," Nick said as he continued to read, then after the three of them returned to Coruscant in triumph, with the Separatist Council in tow. Anakin and Obi-Wan proposed reforms to the Jedi Order to try to stop anything like the Clone Wars from happening again and to improve their relationship with the Republic's citizenry that was severely damaged by there role in the war.

"Before you read further Nick," Judy said. "I just want to reaffirm what you already knew. Jedi are people, just like anyone else in the galaxy. And just as capable of the shortcomings that affect everyone else."

"Carrots, why would you feel like telling me that?" Nick asked.

"Just... read on Slick," Judy said. "Suffice it to say, the Heresy War is a defining moment in Jedi history."

XXXX

Dawn walked through the halls of the Shadow Collective facility on Had Abbadon. She attempted to keep a calm look as she looked upon the intimidating personnel walking through the hallways as she made her way to her personal quarters. Including Mandalorian warriors that styled their armor after Maul. Battle Droids left over from the Clone Wars, as well as newer models. Eventually, Dawn arrived at her room. "Whew... okay Dawn." She said to herself. "You just... you just to fake it until you make it."

Then a droid opened the door. "Attention, Dawn Bellweather. Breakfast is at 0600 hours. Lunch is at 1200 hours. Dinner is at 1800 hours. In between appointed meal times, you will be training with a designated Sith. Failure to arrive on time to any mealtime will be noted, and you will not be permitted to recover on lost meals." The droid said.

"So it's like prison but I'm expected to die," Dawn said sardonically.

"Affirmative. However, seeing as this is your first day you will be granted a degree of slack. Tomorrow, however, your schedule will begin in earnest. You will be personally trained by Lord Nemeroth." The droid said. "Now I must orientate the other new Acolytes." It then left.

"The sad irony is, I'm probably better of with these guys then the Avatars of Ashla," Dawn said to herself. "They'd probably kill me just because I wasn't abducted and indoctrinated by them as a lamb."

XXXX

Nick had just finished reading about the Heresy War. The conflict that Mace Windu ignited when the Senate approved of the Skywalker Reforms. And was on the floor rocking himself in terror when he read the details on the Jedi Temple Massacre that started the war. "So... so many dead children... why... they were too young to even see the-"

"It's okay Nick... they were avenged," Judy said, trying to reassure the traumatized fox. "Thankfully, I didn't see brothers and sisters tearing each other apart over ideological disagreements."

"How... how could that Mace guy go that far! He should have known better!" Nick said in disgust. "If the Jedi way mattered the much to him-"

"But it didn't." Anakin interrupted, standing above them on a walkway. "He was more concerned with enforcing dogma, then protecting people, he even killed Grand Master Yoda because he agreed with the reforms. A point that wasn't lost on me, or Obi-Wan, or Ahsoka, or even Barriss Offee when she bombed the Temple Hanger."

"Master Skywalker!... how much did you hear?" Judy asked.

"I was eavesdropping since Nick entered the Library," Anakin said, he then leaped off of the walkway and landed behind the two mammals. "Nick... I know first hand what the horrors of war can bring. But you are right in being disgusted by the atrocities Mace and his followers performed at the onset of the war. But I promise you. It only. Got. Worse."

"So murdering babies was just the intro? That sounds... I'm sorry I'm not really in the right form of mind to talk coherently." Nick said shaking.

"Over the next two years, Mace and his forces. Calling themselves the Avatars of Ashla. Turned Coruscant into a warzone. They outnumbered the Order itself over three to one, if it weren't for the Clones, and the droid armies we confiscated. We would have certainly lost, it was only when they were running low on supplies and numbers that the offered to surrender." Anakin said. "And... I know you're going to be mad about it. But... instead of executing them, we exiled them from the Order and-"

"WHAT?!" Nick snapped angrily. "YOU LET HIM LIVE!? YOU LET THAT CHILD KILLING MONSTER WALK AWAY!?"

"We had to preserve some kind of moral high ground! After five years of warfare!" Anakin said. "We had to show that we were better than the zealots that were tearing the planet apart. Not to mention we had to mend relations with the people after the Clones Wars and- look. I understand how that can look like a bad idea!" He said. "And yes, since there exile they've proven to be a thorn in the Order's side, not as bad as the Shadow Collective. But they still kidnap Force Sensitive infants and any children with a high enough Midi-chlorian count. But look... Jedi are meant to be keepers of the peace and to use our powers for knowledge and defense. We needed to remind people about that, after five long years of war." He said, remembering how tired he felt when it all ended.

"He's not wrong Nick. The Jedi need people to believe that we can make the galaxy a better place. Or they won't help us when we need it. And executing people... that tends to put most people ill at ease." Judy said.

"...if I ever do see this guy in person. I will drop everything that I'm doing to kill him." Nick said.

"I'd be surprised if you didn't," Anakin said. "But seriously, you have to be the one in control of your emotions. Not the other way around... believe me, the Tuskan Raider massacre wasn't even the first time I let my emotions run wild... or the last for that matter."

"Easy Nick, easy," Judy said as she hugged Nick.

"Oh you're lucky you're so cute," Nick whispered, completely forgetting that Judy had advanced bunny hearing.

"And you're lucky that I consider you a friend. Because if I didn't, I wouldn't stop reprimanding you until you lose your mind for calling me cute." Judy whispered.

XXXX

The following morning, Dawn began training with Lord Nemorath. An immense titan of a Human, wearing equally large armor and his entire left cheek missing leaving only his teeth. "This is a poor act of comedy," Nemeroth said in a deep sinister voice. "Lord Maul made you sound more impressive."

"Yes, I know I look cute and harmless," Dawn said in annoyance.

"Very well... I will follow Lord Maul's edict. You will start with the training droids. You will either emerge triumphant over all five waves I will send against you, or you will die and fail." Lord Nemeroth said dismissively. Over the next half-hour, the droids were quickly dispatched by her lightsaber. "Hmm... it takes most initiates an hour to finish this test." He then pressed a button on his wrist. "I need Mandalorian's. She went through her exercise in a half-hour." Then Mandalorian warriors entered the room. "Don't actually kill them if you can manage it. Mandalorians are not cheap!"

The Mandalorians engaged Dawn. Despite being raised as warriors, they were at most an equal opponent to the small sheep. When she was done, Dawn was exhausted. "Is... is that all you got big guy?" She said pointing her blade at Nemeroth.

"Hmm... yes, your progress is sufficient and impressive," Nemeroth noted. "Most who are put through the Mandalorians die."

"Yeah... how did you... get these guys to work for you?" Dawn asked.

"That is not for you to know," Nemeroth said. "Know only the Shadow Collective has ways of acquiring what we desire. What we cannot gain through subtle deals and coercion, we will take by force." He said as he clenched his fist.

"Okay... does that include planet's to rule?" Dawn asked.

Nemeroth chuckled. "Oh, I like your ambition! But no... not openly at least. You can rule a planets criminal underworld and by proxy use that to control a planet." He explained. "Only a handful know of us, and we will not put the secrecy of the Shadow Collective at risk for any reason."

"So... what your saying is. If... if I prove to be enough of a Sith. I can... say, rule Mammalia?" Dawn asked.

"This is not an inherent impossibility," Nemeroth said. "Tell me... I know enough of you to know you were a Jedi. But not who taught you."

"My Master... my Master was Ahsoka Tano," Dawn said, still exhausted.

Nemeroth then made a sinister smile with what remained of his lips. "Yes... I should have recognized it in your fighting style. Your opponents were larger than you... yet you triumphed all the same."

"I take... I take it you two met?" Dawn said.

"Who do you think gave me this scar?" Nemeroth said, gesturing to the part of his mouth that had been marred. "And now, one of her pupils is among the Shadow Collective... oh no wonder Maul made such a big fuss about you."

"Can I... can I get some water?" Dawn said. "Whew! I mean... I heard how tough Mandalorians were... but I was not ready for this!"