Brief note: this is one of the chapters that is more likely to piss people off. If you review it, please give an honest opinion, but nothing super derogatory, please. I like the ego boosts that the reviews up till now have provided. =-)
Traveling between galaxies was once considered an impossibility. Now it was rather commonplace. Then again, thought Senator Forthay, travel between planets was long ago considered a ridiculous proposition. It makes no difference what the people think. What matters is that someone must rise to show them the way. He watched with half interest as a news report came over the Holonet.
"In response to the increase in violent crimes, the Republic's Primary Council has announced that they intend to increase the pressure on the remaining crime lords in an attempt to bring them down for good. However, rumor has it that there is a rapidly growing upstart organization that is absorbing the others before the Republic can shut them down. What this supposed mystery group intends remains to be seen."
"Sir?" the pilot's voice came through to the passenger area, "We will be entering the Beta galaxy soon. You can make contact with the Narjith ambassador as soon afterwards as you want."
"Thank you, captain." The Narjith Empire had been the Republic's greatest opposition during the Galactic Crossover and the enemy in the Intergalactic War. Senator Forthay had made it a point to open up negotiations with them. To his benefit, the ever-trusting Chief of State had given him full control over how when and where the negotiations would take place and what would be discussed. He did not want to think of the Chief of State as foolish, but in more and more situations, that seemed to be the case.
"Uh, sir, it would seem they were waiting for us."
Part of the hull to his right went transparent. Outside, he saw the large Narjith diplomatic ship. It was mildly impressive; elliptical with two fin-like protrusions near the back, and a conical extension straight down from the bottom, the entire ship a nearly black shade of gray. He was not sure of their armaments, but felt sure that his always in place back up could easily overpower them if necessary.
"Welcome, Senator," came the audio-only transmission. No one in the Republic had ever actually seen a Narjith. The race always used representatives from other species under their control, even in battle.
"Thank you, Ambassador. I am grateful that you agreed to talk with me. Despite the peace, we have still had minor disputes and border skirmishes. The Republic wishes to settle all conflicts and come to a mutually favorable agreement."
"I am told, Senator that you are conducting these negotiations of your own accord. So the question becomes, not what the Republic wishes, but what do you wish?"
Forthay smiled. "Well, putting it that way does change things a bit then, does it not?"
"I would imagine so."
"In that case, I do believe I require some assistance from you."
* * *
Darth Blight awoke in the cockpit of his dead ship in a system he did not recognize. With the purely mechanical systems still somewhat operational, he could gather basic information on the system, but still knew nothing important about it. All he really knew was that he was too close to the nearby gas giant's moon, and was being pulled into the atmosphere.
He tried to bring all systems online, only to discover the death of the biological units. The ship entered the atmosphere of the jungle-covered moon. He tried the ejection controls, but they were not operating. The surface rushed ever closer. He felt panic, fear. I can't die now! This can't be happening!
"No!" The unleashing of his frustration fueled his strength in the Force. The ship was torn apart, and Blight dropped the few remaining meters into the trees, hitting branches and trunks, finally slamming into the ground. He moaned in pain and blacked out. In his mind, he heard a voice calling him.
Blight. Come here, Blight.
How do you know me?
I have been in your mind. We need each other. Come to me.
Slowly, he regained consciousness. Ignoring the lingering pain, he got up and walked in what felt like the right direction. After a time, he came to a massive pyramidal structure. He hesitantly entered, wandering through the empty, echoing stone halls. He found his way to what seemed to be a huge reception hall. It was adorned with remotely familiar banners and an echoing in the Force.
Rebel…Alliance…Death Star…Jedi…Yavin! This is Yavin 4!
"Very good, Blight. You are observant."
He jumped at the voice and spun, looking for its source. Surprised, he saw what seemed to be a living shadow seeping out from between cracks in the walls. Once entirely in the room, it took on the form of a man dressed in a dark cloak, with fairly long, black hair. The image of the man shimmered and wavered, like a pool of water. Despite the distorted image, Blight thought he could see a trio of scars running along his cheek.
"Are you a spirit?"
"Perceptive of you."
"Why contact me?"
"The Force brought you here. You need a teacher, and I need something I believe you can obtain for me."
"What do you want?"
"We will get around to that. First there are some smaller things I want you to take care of. And of course I will train you."
"How?"
"I will instruct you in the ways of the Sith so that together we may remove the plagues that are the Jedi and Republic."
"But how will you teach me?"
"I know more than you can imagine. I lived a strong, knowledgeable life, and have spent over five thousand years in my current state. I have spent whole millennia in study of the Force and have become more powerful than any of you Jedi Masters. With you at my side, we will easily overthrow them. And if all goes well, I will shortly retrieve myself from this form, and you will help me. But first, I require your assistance. I need you to restore an important structure here that was destroyed long ago. This can be your first training assignment. It may seem simple, I admit, but it will need physical labor, hence my inability to do it myself."
"Very well, Master."
"Good, already in your role. I do believe I will enjoy this."
"Where is this structure Master?"
"Not too far from here. Sense its power in the Force, and locate it. You will find a body of water with a small island and a mass of solidified molten obsidian."
"Yes Master."
"You seem very accepting, Blight. Do you have any questions?"
"There is one, Master."
"Proceed."
"Through the Force, I know it is not truly relevant, but…who are you?"
The spirit smiled. "I was once a great man, and with your help, will be once again. I changed history, and affected the galaxy more times than most others even hope to. As for my name…" the smile grew a bit more, "I am called Exar Kun."