A moment to explain my reasoning: Exar Kun is my 2nd favorite character in anything, right behind Boba Fett. Thus I thought it appropriate that he be influential in the Sith uprising I am obviously writing about. I apologize to those who may not like this for whatever reasons, but I couldn't help myself (and didn't have any better ideas, besides, it plays out nicely.) Fear not, though, my main focus still is and will be Ran'sot, Neca, and Trasae. Kun may have the most overall influence, but it is not his story. (And you will see Fett's impact on my thought patterns in a continuance of this time period.) Onward…
"Exar Kun? But how? How are you still alive?"
Kun laughed. "If you must know, I suppose I'll explain. When Ulic Qel-Droma betrayed me, my Massassi followers offered their life force in a process that kept my spirit alive, yet attached to this moon. One thousand years ago, Luke Skywalker set up a 'Jedi Academy'. I felt obligated to prevent the formation of another oppressive Jedi order, and took steps to do so. Unfortunately, I underestimated them, and found I could not accomplish my goal at that time. From venturing into the mind of one calling himself Keiran Halcyon, the man really called Corran Horn who was pivotal in the destruction of Ithor, I discovered that Skywalker's students had laid a trap for me.
Using the Sith power of illusion, I projected an image of myself into their minds. As I was about to 'die', I projected an image of my old Master for effect. Then I hid myself from them, as the Sith were often forced to do, and returned my focus to growing stronger."
"Brilliant, Master."
"Thank you, Blight. Now then, off with you. You have work to do."
"Of course, Master."
Kun's spirit vanished. At last, thought Blight, I have someone to teach me the true power of the Force. He smiled. Soon the Republic will pay for its oppression.
Hours later, Exar Kun appeared in front of his newly rebuilt temple. The black structure once again stood supporting a statue of himself. Blight stood staring, still encased in his armor. He wished to remain unknown. But the fool does not realize that I already know his secret. "Well done, my apprentice." Blight turned and nodded his thanks. "I have another test for you. I want you to go to Kessel."
"Kessel? Why?"
"There you will find a test of your skills, and of your loyalty to me, as well as my new body. I have a ship for you. Go as soon as you are able."
"Immediately, my lord."
"And remember to follow your emotions. Let the Force act through your aggressive nature."
"Yes, Master."
Kun again smiled and vanished.
* * *
"Master Gred!" Trasae burst into the room.
"Calm yourself, child. What is it?"
"I was studying in the Great Library when I felt something horrible. I am afraid Ran'sot may be in terrible trouble.
The old Master concentrated. "I sense nothing about Ran'sot."
"Please Master, you must believe me!"
"Trasae, rest for a while. You are under a lot of stress."
Trasae became outraged. She stormed out of the room.
"Where are you going?" Gred called.
"Kessel!"
* * *
The Primary Council sat in meeting. "Due to the absence of Senator Forthay," the Chief of State began, "we can have no reports of his various efforts. However-" He was interrupted as an emergency transmission came through. Senator Forthay appeared in the highly distorted image.
"In…danger…Narjith…pilot dead…I…not survive…never…in…can't…let…"
"Senator!"
The image died, and the voice of the Narjith ambassador came over the audio system. "As of this moment, the Narjith Empire declares war on the Republic. You have twenty-four hours to surrender before we begin attacking systems associated with the Republic. If you do not comply, we will destroy you."
The Council members sat stunned.
In his undamaged ship, Senator Forthay resumed his conversation with the Narjith ambassador. "Very well done, Ambassador."
"You were quite convincing, Senator."
"Well, my pilot is dead. The rest was not difficult. Such acts are a necessity in my line of work. For the time being, I will need haven on one of your more obscure worlds. Being dead, it would not be favorable for my plans to be found alive and well."
"It can be arranged. We will transmit the coordinates to you. Follow us."
"Thank you."
* * *
In the depths of Kessel's long-abandoned spice mines walked a lone Jedi. He did not know why he was there, just that the Force had led him. And so, he waited. He was getting bored and impatient, but he waited. What could be so important in this old place? At that point, he felt a pair of very familiar "ripples" in the Force. Their presence sent waves through the energy field that were so distinctive, he had no trouble recognizing them.
It's Trasae! And…oh no. With the sudden recognition, he knew what was to come. No. Trasae, I'm sorry.
* * *
Trasae's fighter dropped out of hyperspace about the time as another small ship. Its markings were nowhere on Republic records, neither was the exact design.
"Other ship, this is Trasae Kre'na. Please identify yourself."
"Meet me on-planet, Trasae. In the spice mines." The voice was too heavily distorted to recognize.
"Very well," she said hesitantly. The other ship accelerated incredibly towards the planet. She knew she had no chance of catching it before it landed.
* * *
The lone, wandering Jedi sprinted through the spice mines, retracing his path. Finally emerging into an endless near night, being that Kessel's sun was close to death, he saw the landing lights of a ship. He used the Force to fuel his speed even further. Before he could reach the landing point, a wave of Force energy tossed him several meters into the air. A lightsaber ignited, piercing the night. He glared over at the Jedi. "Who are you?"
"I am Darth Blight, the first of the new Sith."
"Sith? So the Dark Side was rising."
"The only darkness is the Republic." With that, he allowed the Jedi to plummet. The Jedi had to levitate himself, but it was not one of his strengths. He seemed to stumble through the air. The Sith joined him in the air, calling up a windstorm and slashing with his blade. The Jedi parried, just barely, with his sulfur-colored weapon. The Sith struck hard, forcing the Jedi's blade arm wide and away. Almost instantly, the whitish blade was thrust in that direction, flying straight through the hilt of the Jedi's saber. The yellow energy flickered and died.
Masked by his armor, the Sith glared, focused on the Jedi's tumultuous mind. The Jedi's hand came up to his chest, and with a drowned out rush of sound, his armor swiftly seceded. Ran'sot Solo gagged as he was exposed to the oxygen deprived atmosphere, and swirling dust and dirt. His body went limp, and his eyes rolled back as he finished dropping to the ground. The Sith followed Ran'sot down, pleased with himself. He crouched next to Solo's lifeless body.
"Master Kun will be pleased."
"Ran'sot!" He spun to see Trasae running towards them. He rose as he deactivated his armor. Unlike humans, his people's lungs could hold almost a day's worth of air. "Neca! What…" Neca saw as she realized the truth of the situation. "Why?"
"My Master needs him. I do not want to hurt you, Trasae. Not when you can be turned from the darkness. I was foolish and impatient before."
"What do you…It was you? You changed Ran'sot's weapon strength on Nar Shaddaa?" He merely nodded. "Why did you do it?"
"You are possessed by the darkness of the Republic. Please, come with me. Learn from my Master. Learn from the Sith." Trasae could only stare in horror.
"Very well. I need to be going. I will not hold responsibility for your death!"
She wanted to stop her brother, wanted to act, yet she found herself unable to move. Minutes later, still standing there, she heard Neca's ship take off.
Ran'sot…