The galaxy's Unknown Regions are largely unexplored, due to the lack of suitable hyperspace routes. There are worlds that, to this day, remain hidden to the galaxy at large. There are also worlds of which little is known, such as Xenoth, a world that once housed a secret Sith base centuries ago.


A large group of ships orbit the planet Xenoth, among them, several aging Star Destroyers once used by the First Order decades ago. In orbit of the planet is a massive, spherical structure with three long, clawlike outer structures. This is the Star Forge, an ancient battle station constructed over twenty thousand years ago.


As the Sedition fleet lies in wait, the forces of the Alliance reach the Xenoth system. One thousand ships emerge from hyperspace near the second planet. Sedition ships advance from the Star Forge to intercept. Both fleets launch fighters, and the battle begins.


Aboard the Star Forge, Sedition forces have established a secret base, which serves as a factory for their weapons of war. At this moment, Mandara Ren stands in the command center, observing the battle. A middle aged man in a black uniform approaches the masked twi'lek.

"Report, General Salex." Mandara says.

"Detecting close to… one thousand enemy ships, Lady Mandara. We have the advantage of numbers , but ..our fleet's outgunned. The enemy vessels have superior firepower and defenses. I recommend we pull our ships back to the Star Forge, and let the station's turrets offer support fire." Salex says.

"Very well. Pull back the cruisers. Fighters and light craft stay where they are." Mandara says.

"Leave the fighters and gunships behind? They'll be slaughtered!" Salex says. Mandara extends her right hand, and Salex starts choking.

"It would not be wise of you to question my orders. You recall what happened to your predecessor…" Mandara says. She soon releases her hold on Salex, and he gasps for air.

"Of... course. I... beg your forgiveness, Lady… Mandara." Salex says.

"Don't beg! Just do your job or I'll find someone else who will!" Mandara says.

"Yes, milady!" Salex says.


The Sedition Star Destroyers turn around, and begin heading for the Star Forge.


Aboard the Alliance Command Ship, Arvon stands at the front of the bridge, observing as the Sedition fleet seems to retreat. He activates his wrist comm, and a small hologram of Vala appears, projected from Arvon's wrist.

"Vala, they're running for it." Arvon says.

"Just like we thought they would. Standing by to jump in on your signal." Vala says.

"Wait one more minute, then bring your ships in." Arvon says.

"I copy." Vala says.

"Good luck." Arvon says.

"You too." Vala says.


The retreating Star Destroyers approach the third planet, when one thousand Alliance and Mandalorian ships suddenly appear. The newly arrived ships immediately open fire, and launch fighters.


Aboard the Star Forge, Mandara and Salex observe as Vala's fleet arrives.

"More alliance ships! They're coming in from two directions! Our ships are going to be boxed in!" Salex says.

"All ships are to maintain course." Mandara says.

"Our destroyers are out of range of the automated defenses! They'll have no support!" Salex answers.

"I am aware of the tactical situation, general…. " Mandara says.

"But our forces are going to be wiped out!" Salex says.

"Question my orders again, and you will find yourself dealing with my master. Is that clear?" Mandara asks.

"Yes, Lady Mandara." Salex says.


The battle is now clearly in the Alliance's favor. The Sedition's starfighters and smaller ships fall to the superior numbers of the Alliance forces. The retreating Sedition ships are quickly surrounded.


Aboard the Alliance cruiser Endurance, Vala stands at the massive holotable in the rear of the bridge, with her second-in-command, Admiral Jek Desaro, next to her. They are watching a hologram of Arvon.

"Attention Sedition forces. This is Grand Admiral Arvon Cade of the Alliance fleet. Your ships are outnumbered and surrounded. Surrender now, and your lives will be spared." Arvon says.

The battle continues, and nearly a minute passes. Finally, the hologram of an elderly bearded man appears.

"Alliance fleet. This is Admiral Tobrun of the Sedition. We surrender. All ships will power down weapons immediately." The man says.

"Wise decision, admiral. I give you my word you and your people will be treated well. Standby for further instructions." Arvon says.

"Understood, grand admiral." Tobrun says. A few seconds later, his hologram vanishes. Arvon's hologram remains.

"Well… this was easy." Jek says.

"Too easy. Very unlike the Sedition to just roll over like this. Their battle strategy makes no sense, and offers absolutely no chance of victory." Arvon says.

"Something… is not right here." Vala says.

"Are you… sensing anything?" Jek asks.

"Nothing clear. I suspect it is the dark side energy of this place." Arvon says.

"I agree. Such energy has been known to cloud the perceptions of a Jedi. So, I don't believe the force will be of much help in this case." Vala answers.

"Even without the force, you're among the smartest I know. You two ought to be able to figure out what's going on here." Jek says.

"I hope you're right." Vala says.


Aboard the Star Forge, Mandara is now joined in the command center by four other beings, dressed in black and gray. Their faces are all covered, and they carry lightsabers.

"Lady Mandara… why… are the Knights of Ren here?" Salex asks, motioning toward the beings.

"We are here to receive orders from the Supreme…" One of the knights answers in a distorted, male voice. Mandara raises a hand, and he stops speaking.

"Enough, Seltar. We do not use his title in the presence of mundanes. It is absolutely vital that his identity remain a secret, is that clear?" Mandara asks.

"Yes, Mandara." Seltar Ren says.

"As for your question, general, we are awaiting... our master's orders. In fact, I will contact him now, and inform him of our current situation." Mandara answers.

"Does your master have additional forces in reserve by chance?" Salex asks.

'Have no fear, general. My master created the Sedition, and is quite experienced in the art of war. His plans are in the best interest of all of us." Mandara answers.

"Understood." Salex says.

Mandara walks away from the general, and makes her way to the large holotable in the center of the room. She presses several buttons, and a distorted, dark hologram appears. Mandara kneels on one knee. The other Knights of Ren follow suit.

"My lord, the Sedition fleet has surrendered. The battle... is lost." Mandara says.

"Very well. Begin phase two." The hologram says, in a deep, distorted male voice.

"Yes, my lord." Mandara says. She stands up, and walks away from the holotable, while the hologram remains to observe in silence.

"Lady Mandara… what is… phase two?" Salex asks.

"This…" Mandara answers. She suddenly ignites her lightsaber, and beheads the general. The other Knights of Ren activate their weapons.

"Lady Mandara?" A nearby officer asks.

"Knights of Ren… kill them all." Mandara says.

The Knights of Ren proceed to kill all of the remaining personnel in the command center. Once done, they deactivate their weapons, and face the hologram.

"The Sedition has served its purpose. Kill the rest of the crew, and prepare for the arrival of the Jedi. Mandara, remain." The hologram says.

The Knights of Ren leave the command center, and Mandara returns to the holotable.

"Orders, my lord?" Mandara asks.

"Lower the Star Forge's shields and deactivate the turrets. Activate the combat droids. They will assist you and the other knights as you fight the Jedi." The hologram says.

"They'll be a nuisance at best. The Jedi will take the station, as you've planned all along. I have my escape craft on standby, but I will remain here until you order otherwise." Mandara says.

"Good. Everything is proceeding… according to plan. Soon, Vala Skywalker will fulfill her destiny. Then, she will be mine." the hologram says.

"The Sedition… the war… you did all of this… for Master Skywalker's granddaughter?" Mandara asks.

"The Alliance has grown stale, repeating the mistakes of the past. The Sedition… has brought an end to their complacency, as I intended. Where there was once unity, there is now division and mistrust. The Jedi are also weakened. The war has driven them to violence, including their hero, Vala Skywalker. She… is the heir to a great legacy. The blood of Darth Vader… is within her. So is the potential for great power." The hologram says.

"I have my doubts as to whether or not Vala Skywalker can be turned." Mandara says.

"Anyone can turn. They only need the proper motivation. She will either turn, or she will die." The hologram says.

"Yes, my master." Mandara says.

"Soon, this war will be over, and the next will begin. From the shadows… the Sith will rise again." The hologram says.