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Into the Dark SideChapter 2
Zekk always enjoyed the cool morning air outside the Great Temple, which gave him the perfect conditions for a good workout. Shirtless and a bandana around his forehead, he scaled the stepped sides of the temple, running up them, sweat pouring down his rippled torso. He reached the summit of the temple and looked over the horizon, reveling in the fact that Yavin 4 was so full of life, the perfect nexus for the Force.
He was about to scale down the other side when he noticed another runner approaching the summit. Zekk observed as a teenager with red warrior braids and lizard hide armor joined him. "You must be new here," Zekk observed. "I don't usually see many people doing morning exercises out here."
"I came to the academy about two standard months ago," the Dathomirian explained. "Aren't you Kirana Ti's apprentice?"
Zekk nodded. "That's right," he told her. "I've been studying under her for two years now."
"Interesting," she said, processing the data. "You realize that it's an honor for a Dathomirian warrior to take a male under her wing as Kirana Ti has done for you."
"It's a great honor," Zekk said, remembering that Dathomir was a matriarchal society where males didn't have a lot of opportunities. "She is both powerful and wise."
The Dathomirian teenager managed a grin. "Has she schooled you in more than just the Force?" she inquired, genuinely interested in Zekk's experiences.
"She has taught me that being in good physical condition and a mind for the martial arts are just as essential to being a Jedi as knowing how to use the Force," Zekk told her. "Now, I don't believe I got your name."
"I apologize," she told him. "My name is Tenal Ka."
"Pleasure to meet you," Zekk said to her. "You want an exercise partner this morning?"
Tenal Ka stared at the Jedi apprentice before nodding. "I'm sure you'll be able to keep up, so come on," she told him before running down the stepped pyramid.
After grinning, Zekk pursued his new friend. They would run, perform acrobatics in the trees and go for a swim in the lake to cool off before breakfast. Upon returning to the temple, Zekk told her, "We really should do this again sometimes. It's much easier to exercise when there's someone else there."
"Indeed," Tenal Ka agreed. "It would be an honor to exercise with Kirana Ti's apprentice." Before Zekk could say anything, she was on her way back to her quarters, leaving the dark haired teen speechless.
Jacen Solo approached Zekk and slapped him on the back. "They tell me that Dathomirians are stubborn," he told his friend after Tenal Ka was long gone. "Think nothing of it."
"Dathomirians are very proud," Zekk said, defending Tenal Ka's behavior. Then, he looked at Jacen and asked, "Are you crushing on her?"
Blushing, Jacen shook his head. "I just think…" he managed to say.
Zekk laughed heartily as Jaina Solo and Lowbacca approached.
"I say, Lowbacca, you must pay attention to what you are doing," Em Tedee, the Wookiee's translator droid, said from Lowbacca's utility belt. "You're an even worse mechanic than your uncle is!"
Lowbacca roared his disapproval, earning a giggle from Jaina. Unlike her friends, she had managed to pick up on the Wookiee's language.
"I know he built me, you overgrown mop!" the droid exclaimed. "He could have at least given me legs!"
"Then you'd be as slow as Threepio," Jaina quipped as reached her brother's side.
"At least I wouldn't be attached to a belt all the time," Em Teede complained.
"What's up, Lowie?" Zekk asked.
The Wookiee growled, which Zekk had learned to interpret after years of helping Chewbacca repair machines around the temple.
"I'm hungry, too," Zekk told him. "I need change, but I'll be back."
"You'll see us off before we go to Coruscant, right?" Jaina asked Zekk, trying to keep her eyes off his well-defined torso, but failing.
"I still haven't seen Doc or Master Streen yet, but I'll definitely fit you guys in," Zekk told her as he tried to contain his amusement over her wandering eyes. "I'll see you in the mess hall."
Jaina continued to stare as Zekk walked away from them, prompting a chuckle from Lowbacca, a grin from Zekk and a comment from Jacen.
"So he lifts weights," Jacen said.
After eating breakfast, Zekk made his way to the basement of the temple, intent on seeing one of his best friends. He gave the wooden door a rap before a man with long white hair opened it.
"Zekk!" Doc exclaimed. "I heard you and Kirana Ti were back, but I couldn't tear myself away from what I was doing."
Zekk had changed into black trousers, a white tunic and a black suede jacket. Doc was dressed in a shabby Jedi robe and tunic that probably hadn't been washed in a week. "Well, I had to get some sleep," he told his friend.
"Don't just stand there!" Doc scolded as he stepped away from the door. "Come in!"
Zekk entered the basement. Doc had been discovered by Luke just a year after Zekk had been discovered by Leia. The old man was now the resident engineer, though many students had referred to him as a crackpot scientist. Zekk just knew the engineer was incredibly eccentric.
An array of equipment resided in the basement, left over from the days when the Great Temple had been used by the Rebel Alliance. They passed by the old war room, which had been converted to an efficient distillery by Doc.
"Still making spirits?" Zekk joked.
"Oh yes," Doc said before pulling a flask from inside his robe. "I age some, but do save some for drinking right away." He removed the cap and took a swift swig from the flask before offering it to Zekk.
Zekk graciously accepted and took a sip, feeling the fire as the whiskey traveled down his esophagus. He then returned the flask to his friend, who capped it and placed it back in his robes.
"That came from what I made yesterday," Doc explained. "The rest, I put in barrels."
Zekk knew this because the basement contained a lot of whiskey barrels. Doc was also known make ale and wine, which he also distilled to make both brandy for drinking and medicinal purposes. What he didn't want to know was what else Doc cooked up.
Doc took a seat at his table and invited Zekk to do the same. "So I heard the mission didn't go so well," he said.
Nodding, Zekk replied, "You heard it right. Messed up everything."
Doc leaned forward in his chair and asked, "What happened?"
"Brakiss showed up and all hell broke loose," Zekk explained. "I would have pursued my quarry had not someone tried to kill us."
"If Brakiss is dealing with the Black Sun, things could get ugly," Doc stated with cold honesty. "I still can't believe that Master Skywalker let him train here, knowing he was an Imperial agent."
"I'm sure he had his reasons," Zekk said after resting his right hand on the wooden table. "He certainly doesn't force any of us to stay here."
"Well, you're certainly right," said Doc. "I've been feeling something funny in the Force lately. It ain't good. That's for sure."
"No, probably not," Zekk stated, trusting his friend's intuition on the balance of the Force.
The Super Star Destroyer Event Horizon had just arrived at Ziost an hour ago, accompanied by a small fleet of Imperial Star Destroyers: the Breaker, the Plague, the Palpatine, the Firebomb and the Famine. TIE Interceptors and newer model TIE Avengers flew practice runs outside the ships. The TIE Avengers were built for the same amount of speed and maneuverability that the Interceptors were, but they were also red and built with the idea of equipping shields and a hyperdrive. Whereas Interceptors were hindered by this modification, the Avengers performed optimally.
Grand Admiral Anton Reinhardt stood on the bridge of the Event Horizon, dressed in a white Grand Admiral's uniform. His blonde hair was thinning, but still cut to regulation. Most striking was his posture. Standing at a full two meters, Reinhardt was both physically and mentally intimidating. He had his start in the military rather than petty politics. He had managed to climb his way through the ranks, eventually defeating all the tinpot Imperial warlords in the Deep Core worlds to unite the rogue Imperials under one banner.
No, Reinhardt corrected himself. The Imperials ruling from Bastion were the rogues, not the ones who still swore to defeat the Rebellion. He had been a mere lieutenant, fresh out of the Academy when the Battle of Endor was fought. He had served aboard the Chimaera at that battle, proving himself during the battle and reorganization of the Imperial fleet. Though his comrades had unsuccessfully prevented the Rebels from capturing Coruscant, his actions during that campaign had allowed him to rise to the rank of Commander.
Reinhardt had not come out of hiding during Thrawn's expedition, swearing fealty to the Emperor Reborn. He had been stationed on Byss until three days before it was destroyed by the Galaxy Gun's misfire, having taken a promotion to Captain of the Star Destroyer Blade. He would serve under Daala during her insane campaign against the Jedi, but managed to lead the tattered forces back to the Deep Core, where he became involved in petty squabbles with the remaining Imperial warlords. It took him near five years to consolidate total control of the Deep Core regions. He remained on Trog 3, biding time and gathering his forces until a new Emperor had called for his services.
Reinhardt turned as the turbolift to the bridge opened, revealing a woman in a black cloak. He recognized her as Darth Gorgon, the Emperor's apprentice. The Sith approached him quickly and asked, "Why did you not bring the other ships?"
"Milady, I only brought the ships that I could crew," Reinhardt responded. "The Firebomb and the Plague are practically operating on skeleton crews right now. The will is there, but I don't have nearly enough men to bring my entire fleet here."
"What if I told you I could secure you fifty million men?" Gorgon asked.
The admiral was stunned, but tried not to show it. "Officers included?" he inquired.
"Stormtroopers and pilots," she said. "More officers are returning to the fold that could surely staff your ships. The Emperor brings an enormous amount of prestige to our cause."
"Bring me enough officers and I guarantee at least twenty more ships, including two more Super Star Destroyers," Reinhardt said. "I have three Victory-class Star Destroyers and two Dreadnaughts in spacedock back at Trog 3 undergoing repairs. As of now, I can only lend fifteen more ships. Unless more rogues return to the banner, we won't have enough ships."
"Leave that to me," Gorgon told Reinhardt, her voice menacing. Then, the Sith turned around and walked back to the turbolift, leaving the admiral alone in his thoughts. Reinhardt would fight for the Empire as long as there was a breath in his body, but without ships, he didn't see a way to victory.
Darth Gorgon marveled at the fast transformation of Ziost as she strolled through the streets of the capital city, which had been named Imperial Central. Barracks had been hastily constructed and occupied by Stormtroopers. AT-ST and AT-AT walkers were common sites. Also common was the new officer's pub that had sprung up in the city. Technicians were busy setting up defensive towers throughout the city as well as installing planetary turbolasers and ion cannons.
As Gorgon entered the Imperial Palace, the Imperial Guards parted ranks to allow her to enter unopposed. Darth Fenrir, the new Emperor, was sitting on his throne. He gazed at his apprentice. "Lady Gorgon, I assume your business trip was successful," he said as she bowed before him.
Gorgon looked up at her master and replied, "Yes, my master. Half our order will be ready soon. The transactions are all finished."
"Excellent," Darth Fenrir said. "What of the Sons of Liberty?"
"I'll be returning to the Hapes Cluster soon, master," she answered. "It is apparent that we have more allies in the galaxy than enemies."
"The Republic that replaced the Empire was once strong, but it has grown decrepit," Fenrir told Gorgon. "Many Hapans recognize this and would like to forsake their alliance with the New Republic."
"Indeed, but they have a beacon of hope, my master," she stated. "The princess is strong in the Force."
"If we could turn her to the Dark Side," Fenrir suggested, "all our worries would cease. I command you to make capturing Tenal Ka your top priority."
"It shall be done," Gorgon promised. "Has there been any word from Brakiss on Coruscant?"
"He has promised me a mighty gift," he replied.
Gorgon's eyes widened. Brakiss was not one to make grand promises.
"You must go to Hapes," Fenrir ordered.
With that, Gorgon rose from the floor and exited the throne room. She needed to move fast if she was to set the pieces in place.
Day had passed into night on Yavin 4, giving Kirana Ti time to reflect. She sat atop the summit of the Great Temple, gazing at the myriad campfires that dotted the landscape. Students had gathered around the campfires to trade tales, cook food and, in some cases, drink ale. She remembered being one of those students twelve years ago. The Dathomirian Jedi had been with the same core class as greats Streen, Kam Solusar, Tionne, Corran Horn, Cilghal and Dorsk 81, as well as the failures Gantoris, Brakiss and Kyp Durron.
Kirana Ti had given up her life on Dathomir, embracing the life of the Jedi completely. Her mother chastised her for her choice in life, for she had never taken a mate to sire daughters for her bloodline. In fact, she hadn't returned to her homeworld since she made her journey to Yavin 4, having severed all ties with the Singing Mountain Clan to become a Jedi.
A gust of wind blew through her braids and her brown Jedi robe as she studied her lightsaber. Unlike many of her colleagues, Kirana Ti did not use the lightsaber she had constructed for herself. The weapon she wielded had belonged to Gantoris. It was a dual-phase violet-white energy sword that was built under the instructions of the Dark Lord of the Sith. She had kept the weapon rather than using her own, feeling that she could not abandon it until the power of the Sith had been absolved from the galaxy.
Kirana Ti returned her gaze to one of the campfires, sensing Zekk's presence in the Force. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that she'd be sharing her training with a male apprentice rather than a female apprentice, as would have been customary on her homeworld. Now she couldn't have imagine that anyone else would have been more worthy to become her first apprentice, but back when she first met Zekk, he was as rough around the edges as she was hardnosed.
But both Jedi had grown in each other's company. Zekk had grown wiser and more honorable while the Dathomirian had learned to be a bit looser. Kirana Ti knew that Zekk was almost ready to accept the responsibilities of a Jedi Knight. He still had to pass one final test. She would discuss it with him in the morning.
"You know, it's not always best to sit out here alone," she heard Doc say as he slowly sat down next to her. Doc was holding two mugs filled with ale, one of which he offered her.
"You're one to talk," Kirana Ti said as she graciously took the mug.
"But it suits me better than it suits you," the old engineer stated. "Zekk told me about Brakiss."
Kirana Ti stared at her ale before taking a sip. "I just wish I knew what he was up to," she admitted. "He still doesn't seem like he'd one to serve the Dark Side."
"I believe Master Skywalker was the only person here not deceived by his act," Doc said. "It's a shame. He was a gifted one."
"Still is," the Dathomirian stated grudgingly. "What bothers me is that he can't be carrying on a vendetta by himself. The Empire can't be backing him. We're at peace now."
"There are still rumors of warlords who don't submit to Bastion's authority," said Doc.
"But they can't inflict any serious damage or command an enormous amount of resources," she argued. "There's something else."
"Possibly," Doc said. "That reminds me of something. Master Skywalker wanted to see you before he leaves in the morning for Coruscant."
Kirana Ti finished her ale before placing the mug in front of Doc. "Then I guess I need to go see him right now," she stated before leaving Doc alone in his thoughts.
The Dathomirian made her way down the steps of the temple before seeing Luke near the entrance with his wife. Mara said, "It's been a while."
"Too long, old friend," Kirana Ti said to Mara. Then, she looked to Luke and asked, "Did you need anything, Master Skywalker?"
"I hate to ask this of you, seeing as how you just returned," Luke started, "but I figured you'd like the chance to see an old friend of yours. I received a transmission from Hapes earlier."
Raising an eyebrow, the Dathomirian asked in a low voice, "Would this have anything to do with the princess?" Tenal Ka was the Queen Mother's daughter, but had requested that her heritage be kept secret from the Jedi trainees.
"We've just received word that there's been an assassination attempt on the Queen's life," Luke said. "She's requested that a few Jedi escort the princess home. I've already asked Doc and I was going to ask you since you know the Queen so well."
Teneniel Djo was Dathomirian, just like Kirana Ti. While Kirana Ti had taken up Jedi training, Teneniel Djo had married Isolder to become the ruler of Hapes. The two had not seen each other in years.
"I'm in, but I should take Zekk with me," Kirana Ti said. "He performed well on his last assignment, but I want to give him one more test before I believe he is ready for Knighthood."
"Does he know about Tenal Ka's heritage?" Luke questioned.
"He'll have to be informed," Kirana Ti said.
"Very well," Luke said. "I suggest that you get rest. The shuttle should arrive sometime tomorrow morning."
Kirana Ti watched the couple enter the temple before she walked in the direction of Zekk, zeroing in on his presence in the Force. She would have to pull him aside and tell him about the mission.
Author's Notes: Now that I'm getting people where they need to go, the action can start. Now, on to the reviewers
Harry2: Safe to say you got more.
Kazzy: Yeah, I happen to like Zekk too. I liked the fact that he was featured heavily in Star By Star, but hated it when he took a back seat afterwards. You'll get your Zekk fix here.
Saber Girls: Yeah, I don't really think there would be too much character difference, but some would exist. I'm really trying to make the changes reasonable. I will try to answer your questions without giving away spoilers.
Is this going to be mainly about Zekk? Zekk will be a major character. I can assure you of that.
Do you think it will be JZ? It'd be cool to know, but this is good enough that I really don't care. Well, this borders on spoiler territory. I think I've given you enough material to make you keep asking this question.
Will any NJO characters (Danni, Jag, ect.) show up? I won't say which ones will make appearances.