Dark Empire: Jenesis

by KnightoftheWorld

Post KOTOR2. With the defection of 500 Sith and their leader, war with the Empire looms. But before the Jedi can fight them, they must deal with their internal problems; including a mad exile, traitors in their ranks and the Dark Lords Assassin.

13. The Hearts of the Force

A/N: Sorry for the extra-long piece, but I felt there was no way I could split this part into two without butchering the flow. Anyways, this concludes the action part of the story, there will be a short epilogue following to round off the rest. I must confess that this was by far the most fun I've had writing, I hope you enjoy it as much. Please be sure to let me know what you thought. Thats is all.

Star Wars: The Dark Empire

Episode 2 - Jenesis

Part 13 - The Hearts of the Force

Lehon, (Rakatan Prime) Temple

Mical had expected the Temple to be sealed by a impenetrable Force-field, that was what Revan had told them to expect. The entrance though was wide open, but guarded by two men armed with long double-bladed staffs. There was something strange about them, although their faces were set their eyes were blank, as though dazed. Mical reached out to them with the Force, and recoiled instantly. They had been stripped of all free will! That they were bonded to Jezebel was plain as day, her scent reeked off them, but they had been bonded so strongly that they were little more than puppets.

gMarka…" he began.

gI know," said the other man.

Mical started forward, reaching for his double-bladed lightsaber, then abruptly realised that Marka wasn't with him. Turning back, he saw the man in meditation position, his lips moving soundlessly. Mical waited for him, he had seen Force-based communication before, a few minutes later Marka's eyes flicked open and he stood up.

gThat was Jezebel," he said, confirming Mical's suspicions, "She's at the top of the Temple, waiting for us. She told me to say hello to you, she's glad you came as well to witness my destruction."

gSo she thinks you're Revan?"

gApparently. The rest of what she said was just gloating, what she's going to do to me when she gets me, but she did also state that she has about fifty of her people scattered around the Temple for us to fight."

gFifty," said Mical, slightly startled. "But if they're all like those guards they couldn't possibly be a match for us, and if we kill them; since they are bonded to her; she would surely be weakened. What could she possibly gain by pitting them against us."

gNo matter how weak your opponent," said Marka, "If they outnumber you, your chances of losing multiply. Don't underestimate them."

gI won't," said Mical, "But still, I thought she wanted to kill you, or rather Revan, personally."

gDon't try and understand her, her mind is unhinged," said Marka, and started striding towards the entrance. Mical quickly fell in beside him. Privately, he disagreed, Jezebel knew exactly what she was doing; everything she had done for the last year and a half had been for a reason; to kill Revan. This was supposed to be the moment of her final triumph, what was she aiming for but pitting them against her underlings?

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Coruscant, the Senate Building

The senate was in shock. Cora couldn't blame them. It had been in session when the Jedi led by Bastila had walked in and calmly called a halt to the proceedings. There had been moments of appalled silence, then they had stated their intent to arrest the Chancellor on the suspicion of being a Sith. Then the whispers had began. 'The chancellor, no, could it really be?' 'Not a chance, the Jedi are trying to take political power from the senate.' 'That can't be true!' The walls seemed to hum with vibrations, which grew progressively louder.

gLies," cried chancellor Agrippal, "Guards, seize them."

No guards came though, they had already made sure that those in the near vicinity had been subdued and restrained. They'd been lucky, only one guard had been killed, and that had been because another's gun had gone off when he'd been hit by a Force-wave. Cora had used up her entire inventory of twelve cuffs, and most of the others were nearly out. With no-one answering his call, the chancellor seemed to deflate. She could see fear in his eyes.

gYou are finished," stated Bastila as she indicated with her hand. Immediately the chancellor's box began to lower. "From the most lofty heights of power, you fall. But then it could only have ended this way."

Cora studied Bastila as the woman's blue eye's followed Agrippal down. When she had discovered what was happening between her and Marka, she had felt both devastated and betrayed. After all, she had taken the woman into her confidence only to have her take the man she wanted. But if she was being perfectly honest with herself, Marka had never shown the slightest indication that he felt anything towards her, or even that he desired her. If she had come onto him, it probably just would have resulted in embarrassment for both of them. Well, maybe more for her. At least the other woman had been good enough to come to her afterwards, explain the situation, and apologise. But that didn't stop the hurting.

The chancellor's box had reached the floor now, and the two men stepped out of it. Agrippal was looking around wildly, as if seeking a means to escape. Rae, his aide, merely stood; flicking his eyes from his liege to the Jedi come to arrest him. Then the senate doors on the other side of the room burst open, revealing a small crowd of Jedi, led by Master's Astin Lamar, Vandar Tokare and Tathleen. Cora quickly estimated that there were about thirty of them.

gWhat are you doing here," Bastila called out as the Jedi marched towards them.

gWe're here to arrest a Sith Lord," replied Lamar.

gWe have it under control."

gThe chancellor isn't the one we want. No, the Sith Lord we are here to arrest is you, Bastila."

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Bastila was so shocked that the world seemed to reel, she could feel the blood pounding in her head. It wasn't the accusation itself that bothered her, although she knew that with her history with Darth Malak they would have some substance to their allegations, it was the realisation that the hidden Sith had been prepared for this move, and they were about to turn it on its head. They were terribly outnumbered, to pursue their case would result in a hopeless fight against their fellow Jedi, creating strife in amongst the order. It didn't matter that the other hidden Sith was manipulating them all, that it was probably Lamar, and to accuse him now would do nothing.

gHow dare you," barked the voice of Cora Qel'Droma, "She is the Grandmaster of the Jedi order, apologise at once!"

Bastila was glad to see the woman backing her immediately, given what had happened between them in the past few days. But the woman had no head for strategies and subtleties, she probably hadn't yet realised what was taking place in front of her eyes.

gNot a chance," sneered Astin. "Either she comes with us, or else…" he drew and ignited his lightsaber, snap-hisses filled the air as the Jedi backing him followed his lead.

This had gone far enough, the senators were in danger. Bastila had no idea what would go down, she didn't have nearly enough men to protect them. "CLEAR THE SENATE," she cried, using the Force to enhance her vocal power and add a sense of urgency to her words. "ALL SENATORS OUT."

Most didn't need to be asked twice, they were scrambling from their seats immediately for the relative safety of the back rooms and upper levels. It was unlikely that all of them would be evacuated from the building in time should any serious fighting take place, but at least they were out of the immediate line of fire. Strangely, some senators remained in their seat, sensing that a pivotal moment in the Republic's history was happening and considering the risk a fair trade in order to observe it.

As the last of the senator's who wanted to left the auditorium, Bastila took a deep breath. "I suppose that the basis of this accusation is my history with Malak." Vandar was one of the few who knew about her time as his apprentice, but since he was in their group they must know.

gYou were seduced by the dark side and took up the mantle of Dark Lord's apprentice. Do you deny this?"

There was a collective gasp from those following her. She wasn't surprised, of them only Brianna knew of that part of her past, and possibly Hugas.

gNo. But I've since repented, I walk in the light."

gNot according to the evidence we've collected," said Astin. "It all points to your being a Sith Lord. I have numerous tapes of you plotting with the Sith Marka against the Republic."

gDon't you dare speak of him that way," said Bastila, her face going white with anger.

gYou see, you can't even control your emotions. You are a Sith. Bastila Shan Oneiro, you are coming with us."

Bastila swallowed her fury, thinking hard. She was suddenly very glad of those supporting her, any other Jedi would have probably turned their back on her by now. Not this group. Brianna had already known about her past through Mical, both Laman and Venoak had been Sith at one point and knew better than anybody about redemption, Lydale and Cora were both loyal to Marka; and since he trusted her absolutely by extension they did too, and Hugas had probably already known. Even still, she couldn't let this turn ugly, they were outnumbered four to one. And at all costs, she couldn't let Jedi kill Jedi.

gVery well," she said, "I will go with you. But only if you allow my men take the Chancellor into custody."

gWe can't let you do that, no matter the reason," said Master Tathleen. "It would divide the Republic."

gWe have evidence!" Brianna said uncharacteristically loudly.

gYou probably cooked it up," Astin countered.

gAnd you didn't?" Cora cried incredulously.

The tension in the room was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. By now every Jedi in the room had his or her lightsaber ignited, save only Bastila and Master Vandar. The silent spectators looked on from above, gripping the edges of their seats, some of them finally deciding that it might be best to leave.

gIt seems that we have no choice," said Astin coldly. "I had hoped to avoid killing Jedi, even ones with doubtful loyalties, but I will not let a known Sith Lord go free. Jedi, str…"

A massive doorway between the two groups burst open, flooding the room with sudden blinding light. In the light there were silhouetted two figures. Shielding her eyes, Bastila was sure that the same question had occurred to everybody in the room; who or what were they. And whose side were they on?

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Nal Hutta, Abandoned Town

Revan had scarcely exited his craft when he saw it, a shape running towards him with impossible speed. It would have been invisible, except that it cut through the soft mist of the swamps in its haste to reach him on dry land, not to mention the splashes it made with every step. It could only be Korgul. Revan drew and ignited his white-cored; blue rimmed double-bladed lightsaber, and moved to a defensive-ready stance.

The splashes ended as he reached the dry land where Revan was waiting. He closed his eyes, concentrating on the air currents to know where his opponent was, while simultaneously using the Force to negate his own premonition sense and power his body enough to allow him to use the Yoshi Ma form at a moments notice. His premonition would do nothing for him against his Force-dead opponent, it would only allow his enemy to draw a fraction of it himself. The same was true about his powering himself up, but he needed that to face Korgul, who was naturally so much stronger and impossibly fast.

The assassin sprinted in, then veered off to the side at the last moment, igniting his lightsaber blade for a single strike. Revan blocked and countered, a move that would have been impossible with a single blade, but the assassin was already out of range. This was pure reflexes at work, neither had any way of anticipating their opponents actions except by observing their movements. He swooped in for a second attack, this time Revan was nearly caught by a feint and escaped by a hairs breath, his counterstroke all but shaved Korgul's head. Both were playing to their strengths, Korgul using his speed and invisibility to the full while Revan capitalised on his control of the double-bladed lightsaber. Once again the Phantom's master ran past him, then came back in from a different angle.

Korgul attacked as fast a diving falcon, again only igniting his blade at the last moment. This time he engaged fully, slashing from the hip. Revan caught it with his back-blade, and sent the other half of his weapon chopping down on the others head. Korgul was fast, and sidestepped, sending a rim poise back instantly. Revan caught it with his blade and rolled it away, while swinging his weapon around to strike at his legs. The assassin jumped over it, slashing at his face. Revan ducked below, let go of his lightsaber with his left hand, and grabbed a small pouch on his belt. Raising his head, he threw the contents at Korgul.

The assassin backed off, and Revan finally opened his eyes. Korgul's suit was no longer making him invisible, it was flashing strange colours at different areas; making him anything but. The Phantom's master reached inside and turned it off, making it revert to its shimmering silver base, then removed his mask.

gHow did you do that," he said, suppressed anger flashing in his blood-red eyes.

gI figured out how your suit works," said Revan, releasing his sense of the air currents, he could rely on his eyes now. "Most stealth generators work by distorting the flow of light around the user through energy fields, but this makes them easy to track through the Force and specialised sensors. Your suit though senses the light coming in from every angle, and replicates it on the other side, a perfect chameleon suit. Truly an amazing piece, whoever made it is far ahead of current technology."

gWhat did you do?"

Revan held up the now empty pouch, "Magnetised iron granules. They cling to your suit even now, distorting the sensors and disrupting the flow of information, forcing it to make errors and thereby neutralising your invisibility."

Korgul looked down at the thin layer covering him, and tried to brush his chest off. But while they could be shifted, they still clung to him. The assassin lord gave a short laugh. "You truly are your father's son, Revan Oneiro, it's a pity you never will meet him. He would be very pleased at how you've turned out."

gI am Marka," said Revan.

gPlease, don't insult my intelligence. I know Marka's fighting style, I studied it for months, yours is different. He's not as smart as you, he wouldn't have come up with such a solution for my suit. And those scars, while they appear real enough, aren't real indentations in the skin."

Revan let out an exasperated breath, he had spent hours in front of a mirror getting them just right. He might as well not have bothered. "What have you done with your hostage?"

gI have neither of them, they are both with Jezebel the Exile. I assume that's where your -friend- Marka is going. But he cannot possibly beat her, and since you're not there she will kill them both."

gMy brother will win, he always does," said Revan stoutly. It felt good showing the man that they had learned of their relationship since Telos. "And he will bring back our children safely."

gSo you know about that," said Korgul, "You probably know that you share a common father, but what you probably didn't know was that your mothers were first cousins; once removed."

gSo who was our father?" he said, unable to contain his curiosity.

The other man raised his hand and waggled his finger, "Aah now, that would be telling."

gWhy not, seeing as how I'm about to die?"

The Phantom's master didn't reply, his expression becoming deliberately schooled. Revan studied his response and tucked it away to study later.

gIf you won't tell me that, at least tell me why you came at me like you did. You had to have known I would spot you."

Korgul gave a grin that would have done any canine predator proud, "That would have been too easy, I don't get enough good opponents to waste what ones I have on quick kills."

gMind if I join the party?" said a new voice. Revan turned sharply, he hadn't sensed him coming. Of course, given that he'd purposefully disabled his Force-senses to prevent Korgul from benefiting from them it wasn't that surprising. It struck him how much he relied on those abilities, perhaps too much. The newcomer was a tall young man in Jedi robes, but instead of lighsabers he had two swords strapped so that they crossed over his backside. His face, with its dark hair and high brows was familiar.

gYou're Dustil…Dustil Onasi," said Revan in shock. What was he doing here?

gI am," said Dustil, drawing his red sword and pointing it at Korgul, "And you are the bastard who killed my father!"

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Coruscant, the Senate Building

Orrin had just finished making a call to his girlfriend from the Jedi Temple when he'd run into Master Lamar. The man had told him about there being an insurrection by the Sith and traitorous Jedi at the senate, and ordered him to assist him in taking them down. So ten minutes later he found himself inside the auditorium, one of a group of thirty-five. It was strange; but he had noticed that while a dozen of them were little more than speaking acquaintances at best, the rest had some sort of unspoken understanding between them. Not only that, they seemed to be excited for some reason, like children going to a candy shop. Very strange. Especially coming from Jedi.

He had received the shock of his life to discover who the enemy was. It couldn't be Bastila! There was no way she was a Sith. He watched in mute horror as the events escalated, until they seemed to be about to attack the other group of Jedi; a group with four high council members in it. Then the door burst open, blinding him with the sudden brightness. As his eyes grew more accustomed to it, he could make out two dark shapes walking calmly in. The taller of the two gestured with his hand behind him, and the door shut. Now Orrin could see that he was wearing pure white robes, and there was a short woman with him in grey.

gWhy are you here, what do you want?" demanded Astin Lamar, taken off-balance.

gA few less questions from you, for a start," said the white robed one, and the Jedi Master bristled angrily. Light, what was it with his face, it was impossible to make out anything about it. Then the stranger started saying a whole list of names, apparently from memory, about a dozen in total. Orrin gave a start as his name was called. He recognised a few of the other names, including Master's Lamar and Tathleen. "Those whose names I just called out, form a separate group over there," he said, pointing at a space to the right. Orrin was reminded sharply of his middle school days.

gWho do you think you are, that you can order us around?" argued Tathleen.

gI am Morningstar, now move!" The words were said without heat, but there was a quiet power behind them that made Orrin start walking before he had even realised he was doing so. Around him the others were doing the same he saw, but he also noticed that those who hadn't been called were looking each other meaningfully; and now their glances at Orrin and those with him were openly hostile. He felt cold as their eyes touched him, there was definitely something not quite right about them. He stopped at the spot he'd been shown, and quickly counted ten with him, including Master Tathleen. Only Master Lamar had defiantly refused to move. Orrin supposed he could also have stayed, but truth be told he felt far better away from that creepy bunch.

gWe're here to arrest the Sith Bastila, we don't have time for your frippery," Lamar stated angrily. "I don't care if you're the Chosen One himself!"

gBastila," said Morningstar, ignoring the blustering Jedi Master.

gY…Yes, Morningstar," said Bastila, slightly wide eyed. Orrin couldn't blame her, this was a person whose deeds had been as well publicised recently as the entire Jedi orders, perhaps more. He wasn't entirely convinced yet, but boy even if it was an impostor they sure knew how to make an entrance.

gThe Chancellor is not a Sith Lord."

gBut how? We have conclusive evidence."

gOf course he isn't," said Lamar, but was cut off by Morningstar.

gHe is being controlled by his aide, a man who has been controlling many Chancellors before him, although never before quite so completely. The man currently standing next to him, Treken Rae. Otherwise known as Darth Feasance."

The Jedi and the aide looked at each other for an aghast moment, the spell was broken by Master Brianna grabbing him and forcing him into a painful looking one-arm lock. She patted him down with the other hand and produced a lightsaber, proof that he had Jedi or Sith training, while the man tried to stammer denials.

gImpossible," muttered Tathleen quietly, but none of the other onlookers were making a sound, and the word seemed to reverberate around the chamber.

gBut what about Bastila?" said Lamar, ignoring the struggling man.

gBesides her brief stint with Malak, she has never served the Dark Side," said Morningstar, "That evidence you have was planted by the other Sith Lord, Darth Lignance. He's standing right beside you, and all his hidden Sith followers are behind him."

gEnough of this," cried Master Vandar, who had previously been silent, "Slaughter the Jedi!"

Everything happened at once, Vandar ignited his green blade to run through a stunned Astin Lamar. Treken Rae, Darth Feasance, blasted Master Brianna back with the Force; summoned his lightsaber and slashed the shocked Chancellor in half. Two of the Jedi with Bastila tried to attack him, he leapt high into the lowest senate boxes, out of their reach. Those who had just been named as Sith were running at Orrin's group in a loose pack with Master Vandar at their head. No, not Master Vandar, Sith Lord Darth Lignance.

Orrin drew his lightsaber and ignited it. Things were clear now, those were the Sith, they were the enemy. They had been betrayed by one of their most distinguished masters.

gFor the Republic and the Jedi," he shouted, and charged forward. Behind him, he could hear others taking up the cry.

There was no time for thought, for at that moment the two forces collided.

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Lehon, Temple

Marka stopped suddenly in the middle of the passage, clutching his heart.

gWhat's wrong?" said Mical, looking into his face.

gNothing," said Marka, "Let's keep going. We've killed thirty-nine of them already, there should only be a dozen or so left."

gThey are so far below our level," Mical muttered. "We may as well be murdering them in their sleep."

gI still had to save you when that one nearly dropped the ceiling on top of you, and the time you allowed five of them to surround you," Marka callously reminded him, the other man flushed.

gLets keep going," he agreed, and they jogged together down the ramp into the basement, which held the key to the door on the upper level.

It hadn't been nothing though, Marka had just been deflecting the other man's attention because he didn't want to engage in a discussion. Only a single pulse, but there could be no mistake. Just then, what he had felt had been the bond. His bond with his wife. Kaya, she was alive; but how? Had she been captured, or just hiding from him for some unknown reason. Considering what had happened recently between him and Bastila, he wasn't sure if he should be shocked or ecstatic.

But as he ran, his heart began to sing.

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Nal Hutta, Abandoned Town

Korgul Juglur was a master assassin. He had been killing Sith Masters that rebelled against his Lord for nearly a decade. But in all that time he had never been in a fight where he had felt threatened, like he might lose. Now, for the first time since his unnatural creation, he was beginning to. It wasn't a feeling he was used to, and had to call upon the residue memories of his components to know how to react.

Revan had obviously put some thought into how he was going to fight him, the iron granules trick proved it. But he was also making sure he wasn't using the Force for anything except powering up his body. Korgul could draw upon that, but only about a quarter of what he was using. The other one, the one Never had called Dustil, was using a strange pair of coloured swords. He would have thought him easy prey, except he wasn't using the Force at all and yet was moving as fast as one did using Yoshi Ma. His red blade was glowing faintly, making the source of his power obvious. What exactly were those swords?

Korgul manoeuvred deftly, making it difficult for them to come at him at the same time. He had the strength and speed of a Yoshi Ma user naturally, and was fortified by drawing upon Revan's residue, but he was also outnumbered. It was a delicate situation, the first to strike a solid blow would certainly win. If he was wounded he would be quickly taken down, and if he wounded either of them he would be able to cut down their fellow.

It was also different to the fights he was used to in that he couldn't draw upon his opponents premonition, since they were purposefully blocking it. So nobody could sense any blows coming, it was almost like a fight between three ordinary swordsmen. In a fight between Jedi or Sith, they were constantly attacking and blocking, confident that they could sense their opponents blows coming; which was why they were so weak against the Force-dead. Ordinary swordsmen pulled back a lot more, dodging, manoeuvring and retreating far more than blocking. Those fights weren't nearly as exciting to watch, from an outsiders perspective, but Korgul could attest to the fact that they were far more intense for the ones involved.

Revan came at him first this time, giving a double slash with his double-blades. Korgul put them both out with his cortortis sword, but had to block then leap away as Dustil came at him from an angle. Before they could recover he ran in, but then veered off to the side as Dustil moved to take him head-on while Revan had positioned himself to back him up. For a moment they stared at each other, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

Then the faint light coming from the red sword flickered and went out. Korgul stared at it, what did that mean? Dustil noticed too, and stuck his blue sword into the ground in front of him. Then he cut his wrist, and smeared his own blood all the way down the blade. As soon as he reached the tip, it started glowing again, only slightly brighter than before. Korgul cursed under his breath as the other man retrieved his sword, he should have attacked then.

One thing he did notice was that both men were showing signs of fatigue already. He was getting tired too, but judging by their breathing they were further along than him. He knew how Yoshi Ma drained the user, it seemed that the red sword did too, to a similar extent. The way to win was simple, he would outlast them.

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Coruscant, the Senate Building

Bastila stood in open mouth shock, struggling to believe what had just happened. Lamar, dead, the Chancellor, dead. And neither had been a Sith, just unwitting pawns in a massive game that had been exposed only by Morningstar's revelations. She shuddered to think what would have happened if he hadn't come.

The other Jedi who had been separated from the Sith by Morningstar's orders were busy engaging them, and being cut down one after another by their better-coordinated and more numerous enemy. They weren't breaking though, she recognised young Orrin leading them in an organised fighting retreat. He could go far, that one. Meanwhile the one Sith Lord, the one who used to be the Chancellors aide, was standing in a senate box above them and hurling other boxes at them thick and fast with the Force; not caring if there were people inside them or not. Her small force was knocking them away as quickly as they came, but it was preventing them from helping the others.

There was a flash of white as Morningstar leapt, and the barrage stopped. Looking up, Bastila saw him locking blades with the Sith Lord. He was using a double-bladed lightsaber, which wasn't that unusual; except that it was turquoise. Bastila had only ever seen one Jedi with a blade-colour like that. Kaya! As she stared more intently, she realised that whatever shield he'd placed on his face was now gone, he was putting all his energy into the fight. No not a he, definitely a she. Her reddish-brown hair flowed back as she resisted a powerful Force-shove from the Sith Lord. Could it truly be her?

gBastila, we have to move now," said Brianna urgently, snapping her attention back to them. Even if it was Kaya, that could wait. For now, they had a much more obvious problem to deal with.

She stepped forward, her eyes hard. "Jedi, to me. Keep in formation until we reach their lines, that way they won't be able to single you out beforehand. Keep clear of Vandar, I'll deal with him."

While Brianna might have been able to stand up to him, Bastila knew that she was the most powerful Jedi there by a substantial margin. The worrying part was that she did not know how dangerous Vandar was. Hopefully the training she had received recently would impart her with some sort of an advantage. She started forward at a jog, the others quickly falling in behind her. By now the other group of Jedi had been all but overwhelmed; only Orrin, Tathleen and two others were still fighting. She quickened her pace. Orrin fell to Vandar's blade.

gFor the Jedi!" she cried as she launched herself at the tiny green master who had betrayed them all.

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Lignance was beside himself with rage. Years of careful planning, all undone by a few words from this 'Morningstar' person. How had he known? Lignance had been setting events in motion since he'd been elected to council a few weeks after Exar Kun's death, forty years ago. He had almost single-handedly canonised points of law that seemed to make the Jedi order purer, while in fact they had done the exact opposite. They had stagnated it by largely separating it from the people it was meant to serve, weakened the flow of strong blood by forbidding Jedi to marry. The law only allowing young children to be taken he was particularly proud of, it had cut down their recruitment dramatically while ensuring a supply of Jedi who were largely oblivious to the Galaxy, its people and their needs. He had been at the forefront of making sure that the order had no active part in the Mandalorian Wars. It had all concluded with the disillusionment and betrayal of Revan, which led to the final collapse of the order and the way clear for the rise of a new power, or so Lignance had thought.

But then the impossible had happened, the order had been revived! There had been a few efforts over the years, which Lignance had made sure to stamp out; but this time it had been different. There had been massive publicity about it; and all of a sudden five hundred experienced, newly redeemed Sith prepared to take on anybody capable and willing to learn. And a leader to bind them all together, a figurehead for lesser men to worship. Marka, he had come to loathe even the sound of his name. The Jedi had given birth to the Sith as a counter-movement thousands of years ago, it was wryly amusing that the Sith would be the ones to give the order a rebirth.

Lignance, posing of course as Vandar, had rejoined this new order; reclaiming his old position if not his influence. Few even remembered him, and those who did were in the minority. But he'd been perfectly positioned to observe, while his old apprentice had played a more active role and slowly become his equal. There had been snags; like when Feasance had unwittingly alerted Mical to his presence, but that; like Korgul's appearance; they had managed to turn to their advantage. Everything had been heading towards a final, brilliant triumph, and now this! He'd even been forced to kill the younger Lamar, his last remaining puppet. They were in a real mess now, even if they won the battle. Perhaps they'd have to go into hiding again.

He slashed out at the Jedi who had led his fellows against the Hidden Sith. He was repulsed, and attacked again. The young man had talent and good reflexes, but wasn't on Lignance's level. He fell with a gash in his thigh; it wasn't a mortal wound and Lignance moved in to finish him off. Then there was a blur of movement to his right-hand, and a flash of warning from his premonition sense. He leapt away, avoiding Bastila's blades.

The rest of the Jedi had now joined the fight, and were cutting down his Sith with grim efficiency. They were of far higher caliber than his people, he realised with cold shock. Feasance wasn't delaying them any more, had they killed him? No, there he was, engaging with Morningstar; senate boxes flying between them at intervals. Bastila leapt at him, forcing him to roll away. The Jedi Grandmaster came again, her weapon snaking out. This time he blocked, then jumped lightly over her head to stab her in the back.

Except, she wasn't there.

He had to dive again, his premonition coming only just in time to save him as Bastila's lightsaber scoured the air where he'd been. How had she moved so fast? He'd hoped for a quick kill, that didn't seem to be possible now, he would have to unleash his secret form against her. It was a technique he had slowly perfected over decades, turning the lightsaber off and on at intervals, making it able to negate a block. It was difficult to execute properly, and could be hazardous to use, but Lignance was confident in his abilities. He had combined it with the already popular form of Ataru, making a deadly combination.

He leapt at her, diving and spinning, slashing and stabbing. But she stood firm against his assault, she was even pushing him back. Even when he used his on-off technique, she simply moved her lightsaber to block so that when he ignited it; it immediately crashed into one of her blades. Impossible, how could she know how to defend against it when even he didn't? She forced his blade back and stabbed, he jumped and somersaulted backwards, landing in a crouch on a fallen senate box.

gHow is this possible?" he said, his large eyes widening.

gThat form is not new, traitor," Bastila told him, her eyes cold and narrowed. "In the Sith empire, a more complete version of it has been practised for hundreds of years. It is their form ten, Trakata, the third hardest to learn; and the most dangerous to use. The defences against it are also well studied."

gNo," said Lignance. If that was the case, then the talk of that form twelve Yoshi form probably hadn't been just a bluff, there truly was a form more powerful than anything they had ever conceived, and this woman had been trained in how to use it by the best swordsman he had ever seen; she could use it against him! He listened mutely as she stated her intention to do exactly that.

He watched in morbid fascination, convinced that he was about to die, as Bastila drew all her power within her body. To his eyes, she seemed to shine like a new sun. Then she attacked. Lignance tried with all his considerable ability to defend, but she was just too strong, too fast. He could sense all her blows coming, but couldn't possibly manoeuvre quickly enough to dodge and block them all. A cut opened his chest, cleaving his heart, but she didn't stop there. His left arm and leg went flying off, then she cut him in half diagonally from neck to thigh. All in less than a second.

Curiously, there was no pain.

------------------------------------------------

Lehon, Temple

Jaq Rand stood on the top of the Temple, looking out into the distance. He could feel the life-forces of the last of Jezebels puppet followers fading, and sighed. They hadn't been bad people, merely Force-sensitives with the potential to become Jedi or Sith. But since their usefulness had become stunted by the manner of their bonding, Jezebel had decided to get rid of the entire lot of them and start afresh. Revan was merely taking care of her dirty work before she killed him.

gIs Uncle Marka coming to rescue me?" said Lehon for the umpteenth time.

Jaq carried on looking into the distance. "I told you, it will be your father who comes."

gI don't have a father," said the boy softly. "You killed Auntie Trixie, why?"

Jaq sighed, he had slaughtered the boy's entire foster family and now he kept on questioning him about individual members. He turned, noticing again the impossibly blue eyes the boy had inherited from his mother. "Because my mistress told me to, happy?"

gThat's what you said about Uncle Darem, and Cousin Franci, and…"

gForce, do you ever shut it?" Jaq shouted angrily, stunning the child into silence.

It didn't last long, a few moment's later Lehon said quietly, "You're a bad man. Uncle Marka will come and get you, and you'll be sorry."

Jaq looked at Visas, who was standing a little way away holding Marka's daughter Belaya. "I hope he doesn't, I liked him," he confessed. The boy gave him a look of utter confusion.

Jaq knew that as soon as Revan was dealt with, Jezebel would be looking for new prey, a new obsession. She was like that. There was no ways this would end with Revan's death. Jaq wanted her to be stopped, he dreamed of it every night. But he was bound to her will, he couldn't do anything except protect her interests. His life had become a living nightmare. More and more, Jaq was contemplating suicide.

Hanharr gave a roar, raising his wicked-looking blades above his head. Jaq supposed he was announcing Revan's arrival. Sure enough, a minute later the massive stone and metal door slid open, revealing the blondie Mical and Revan, both in Jedi robes with light armour plates incorporated into the design. Curiously, Revan's overcloak was a deep shade of purple.

gIt's Uncle Marka!" said Lehon happily.

gNo; that's your father, Revan," Jaq explained. "See, his face has no scars."

gIt's Uncle Marka," the boy insisted, "I can feel it."

Jaq's heart sank. Now he would have to kill the boy.

------------------------------------------------

Nal Hutta, Abandoned Town

Dustil was tired. Very tired. Using the Sword of Vengance was nearly as taxing as Yoshi Ma, a large part of that being the added weight of the swords, and they had been fighting for nearly ten minutes now. Revan must be at the edge of his strength, judging by his movements. But Korgul, while breathing heavily, was still just as fast.

gIt's over," the murderer said. "I thank you for a most enjoyable fight."

gNot yet it isn't," Dustil countered, panting.

gPlease, you're exhausted. And your partner can barely stand."

Dustil moved to Revan's side, and rested the Sword of Mercy against his arm. "Grab onto to the blade, quickly," he whispered.

gWhat are you doing?" said Korgul.

Revan gripped on so tightly that it cut into his hand.

gStop!" The assassin started forward, but at that moment Dustil released the power of the sword. Energy poured into his tired body, revitalising him instantly. He rushed forward at his enemy. Revan was with him, also recovered. Korgul looked shocked, but fought back all the same. This time though they had the advantage, he was wearing out, and it was he could do to hold them at bay.

They broke apart as Korgul pulled away. There was madness in the murderer's eyes, a determination to win no matter what. Dustil knew the feeling, he was sure he looked the same. He could almost see the cogs turning in the other man's head, trying to work out a way to beat the two of them. He glanced down at the Sword of Mercy. It didn't look any different. But he couldn't feel any power pulsing from it any more. There would be no more complete revitalisations. Hopefully the assassin didn't realise that.

Korgul's expression had gone back to focused, and he flicked a dial on his lightsaber. It started humming so loudly it was almost painful to listen to. Dustil recognised the sound, it was the sound of a lightsaber being charged to maximum power; a modification used to cut through particularly stubborn materials. But why? Neither him nor Revan were wearing any armour, even the lightest would have slowed them. Unless he thought he would cut through his swords. Could he damage them?

Once again Korgul attacked, they moved to meet him. The assassin was moving with a new resolve, and seemed to be attacking him primarily, circling as they traded blows to try and keep Revan off him. When the lightsabers clashed there was a sound as loud as a starship's laser battery firing. In contrast, there was a dull thudding when the powered up lightsaber hit either of his swords.

Force, his swords were being damaged! Every blow was cutting into them deeper. Korgul's cortortis-edged sword was also looking worse for wear, but it had been taking it for much longer and was still holding up. If this continued…then it happened. The lightsaber hit a badly damaged section in the middle of the Sword of Vengance, which had been taking most of the hits, and the head went flying off. A follow-up stab with the cortortis sword sliced deep into his right hand, he cried out and dropped what was left of the weapon.

Revan noticed his predicament and attacked hard, forcing the other man back. Dustil was furious, the murderer had cut him, he'd broken his sword. Without thinking he leapt high at the assassin, pouring all his Force-power into his strength, gripping onto the Sword of Mercy with both hands; ignoring the pain; and slashed down with all his might.

The assassin pushed Revan back and raised his sword to block as he pulled his lightsaber back to stab. Their swords impacted with a shockwave that blasted their faces with air. Korgul's arm held firm, but his sword didn't. The Sword of Mercy sliced clean through, and deep into the other man's shoulder blade. Blood splattered, hitting his face. Korgul stabbed, or tried to, but he'd lost all control of his right hand and his lightsaber had dropped to the floor. For an instant he just stared at Dustil, then threw the sword at him, yanked the blade out with a spray of blood, and grabbed his lightsaber off the ground. He was bleeding heavily, but gave no sign of being affected by the pain. Then he turned tail and fled.

Revan raced after him, but it was clear that he couldn't possibly catch up, he made a throwing motion and then slowed down and stopped. Dustil caught up with him.

gWhy did you let him go?" Dustil said angrily, holding his cut hand. "Couldn't you have thrown your lightsaber into his back?"

gAnd if he'd turned and caught it," said Revan, "He could have come back and finished us both off. No, what I did was better."

gWhat did you do?"

Revan told him, and before the end Dustil was smiling maliciously.

------------------------------------------------

Coruscant, the Senate Building

The fight did not last much longer after Vandar's death. The Sith, despite outnumbering the remaining Jedi two to one, were not nearly on the same level. They had fought initially as an organised group, slowly giving ground, not allowing the Jedi to get among them. The breakthrough had come when Revan's apprentice Hugas had fired a large ball of fire into them.

Bastila had never seen a Force-power remotely like it, it seemed to defy explanation. What a terrible ability! The man had spent a good two minutes growing the bright burning ball between his hands, when it had finally been released it was devastating. In an instant all the air had been sucked in, then a blinding explosion and a deafening boom. Five Sith had been killed instantly, and most of the others burned badly. This despite the reflexive defences they'd erected. Even the Jedi, further away, had been bowled over by the shockwave. They were up an instant later, and on the shell-shocked Sith, savagely avenging their fellows.

The Sith had still offered some resistance, they held the advantage of numbers, but then Morningstar's short companion had got amongst them. She'd been death in motion, killing in all directions with her twin golden blades. The Sith's formation had fallen apart after that, and the fight had degenerated into a host of duels, all of which had been concluded relatively quickly.

Then it was over, Bastila quickly counted the survivors. There were ten still standing, besides herself, but there were also some badly wounded who would probably pull through. Her entire group that she had come in with was intact, she noted with an audible sigh of relief. They had taken two Sith captive.

gMaster Bastila," she turned to see the Kiffar council member, Tathleen address her. "I'm sorry I ever suspected you, I'm so sorry," Tears were slowly running down her cheeks.

gIt's alright," she replied awkwardly. "Did you check on Master Lamar?"

Apparently that was the wrong thing to say, because the other Jedi Master sank to her knees and started wailing. Bastila pattered her stiffly and said, "There, there." She wished Mical were here, he would know what to do. She was no good as a comforter.

There was a growing applause from above them, and Bastila risked a glance upwards. The senators who had remained were all on their fleet, clapping; cheering; whistling; stamping and making a general cacophony. But a well meaning one. The other senate boxes were beginning to fill up, senators were retuning to view the final triumph. Bastila allowed herself a grin and raised her hand in acknowledgement. The applause swelled. But then as she lowered it, the noise grew even louder, what was going on?

Looking down, she saw the reason. Morningstar walked up to them, dragging behind her a wriggling sack. The shield was gone from her face. Bastila felt a lump grow in her throat. It definitely was Kaya, no doubt about it. How was she alive?

gQuite an audience," said the other woman with a smile. "I daresay we'll be seeing this one bouncing around Holo-net for a while."

gKaya… you are Morningstar?"

gI am," said Kaya, she didn't seem too happy about it. "The video evidence should be enough prove the necessity of your actions, but just to wipe away any uncertainty I brought you this," she said, tapping the sack, which was now moving and moaning. It wasn't a sack at all, it was a body and head, covered with loose robes. Treken Rae, Darth Feasance, minus his arms and legs.

gI'll tell you everything," the wreck of a man mumbled.

gTorture victims generally do," said Kaya, her eyes as hard as sapphire.

Bastila turned back to her half-sister. "Kaya, there's something I have to tell you…"

She was cut off by the other woman's finger on her lips. "Save it, I already know. We can discuss it later. For now, we need to act fast. I need you to get every single Jedi currently on Coruscant in the Jedi Temple."

gBut why?"

gThere's no time. Bastila, I need you to trust me on this."

Kaya had changed a lot, Bastila realised. She was far more assertive and decisive. There was also a streak of nastiness she had never noticed in her before. Gone was the old Kaya, the gentle Jedi everybody couldn't help but love. In its place was a woman to be reckoned with. Bastila didn't like the change, even if she understood the necessity behind it. She started to move. She would carry out her sister's orders, she owed her far more than that after today.

------------------------------------------------

Lehon, Temple

Marka had learned a long time ago that fear was a dangerous emotion to have going into a fight. He knew dozens of techniques to dispel it; none of them were working today. Standing before Jezebel Torin was comparable to an ant against a hurricane, the sheer power that pulsed from her was that incredible. It wasn't his impending death that made him so afraid, he had faced death many times before, it was the fact that one of Jezebel's companions was holding his daughter. Why were both her and Lehon here? She should be on Nal Hutta with Korgul, he would have felt far better had that been the case. He was imitating Never's Force signiture perfectly, but Jezebel had known him personally; albeit a long time ago, sooner or later she would realise he wasn't Revan. And as soon that happened, Belaya and Lehon would die, and there would be nothing he could do.

Marka had been warned, but little could have prepared him for the sight of the Exile. Beside him, Mical moaned with pure terror. Much help he was being. Jezebel's entire left side was covered in metal plates, a strange whirring noise coming from her chest indicated that there were mechanics involved in her breathing. Her left leg and arm were both mechanical, and thick enough to make her look lopsided, the arm long enough to come down to the floor; with three fingers extended like a tripod. She was in black and silver robes, what skin was exposed on the right side was covered in burns. Her face was half masked, with an artificial red eye, and half exposed burned skin. What little hair remained hung in limp strands. How had she ever survived whatever disaster had befallen her?

The huge wookiee beside her growled something, and then let out an unearthly howl, before slashing the air madly. Marka hadn't seen many wookiees, but knew that madness was rare among them. They made a strangely fitting pair, Jezebel and Hanharr, despite being different species'. Both ugly as sin, where they once could have been good looking, and twisted beyond all sanity.

gWelcome, Revan," said Jezebel, he could have collapsed with relief, she thought he was him. But that would have given the game away, so he kept his face schooled. "So nice to see you again after so many years. Eleven years, Revan, eleven years of hell. By the time I'm done with you, you will fully appreciate what you did to me." Her voice was hoarse and sounded like rocks being ground together.

Marka's eyes were scanning those behind the Exile. Lehon, his nephew, was being held back by a man while his daughter was held in the arms of a Miralukan woman. Jaq and Visas, Mical had called them. But Marka remembered them from a few months back, when they had both come to Bastila's room on that space-station. Knowing who they were now, he was glad he'd driven them away.

Jezebel was still on her monologue, she seemed to have a lot to say. Marka was only half-listening, he didn't really care about all the grievances Jezebel had against him; or rather who she thought was him. She was crazy, he knew, so sooner or later she would attack him. If he pressed the right buttons, perhaps he could make her mad. Normally that wouldn't be a good idea with someone as powerful as Jezebel, but in this situation it could make her forget about the hold that she had over him; the children behind her.

gWell?" she said, bringing his attention fully onto her, "What do you have to say for yourself, Revan?"

Marka just looked at her silently.

gSPEAK!" The air all around her blasted out like a wave, knocking over her companions. Mical was sent back stumbling by the force of it, but Marka stood firm. He was worried for a moment about the children, but Jezebel's underlings had protected them and they were fine, if frightened and crying. After a moment, her companions touched them on their foreheads and put them to sleep, with careful glances at their mistress.

Marka took a breath. "What is there to say? Did you expect me to grovel, beg for your forgiveness. I've done some despicable things in the past, but my actions towards you give me no shame at all." It was true, he hadn't done anything to her. "You have slaughtered millions of innocents, Jezebel the Exile, by your own hand. For that you cannot be forgiven. You will die, and I will be the one to kill you."

Jezebel just looked at him, then she started to laugh. It was a rough, grating sound; and it set his teeth on edge. "Oh this is rich. Revan, you presume to judge ME! You, who betrayed the Republic and caused a war that killed millions, a war that's effects are still being felt today. And you really think you can kill me, ha."

Not quite the effect he had been going for, but then he'd never been that good with words. Perhaps a different tack. "Before we begin, can I ask that you let the children go?"

gYou presume to ask me favours? Besides, they can't possibly escape this planet on their own. They stay right where they are, it's my surety that you don't try to make a break for it."

gI only ask because I don't want them to get in the way."

Jezebel thought about it for a moment. "Fine. Jaq, Visas, take them down to the basement. You can look after them until it is over."

She had her own reason for doing this, Marka realised. They probably held a large portion of her power, by putting them out of harms way she was ensuring her victory. But he didn't dare attack them as they walked past, carrying the sleeping children. Meanwhile, Hanharr moved past them to block the exit.

A few minutes after they had gone, Jezebel had been talking the entire time, Marka perked up when her tone suggested that she had reached the end. "I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

gI noticed," said Marka. He looked at Mical, and indicated with his eyes backwards, towards Hanharr. The other man gave a tiny nod. Marka drew and ignited his double-bladed lightsaber with one hand and with the other put on a pair of sonic-dampeners. "Shall we?"

He was answered by a lightning blast that could have lit up half of Coruscant.

------------------------------------------------

Nal Hutta, Orbit, The 'Indaba'

Rear Admiral Florien Lorn looked over his strategy map intently. The blockade was still well in place, there would be no escape for Hutt rebels. They would surrender to their ground forces, or die. The Hutts had pooled all of their collective resources for the defense of this planet, but they couldn't hope to match the military might of the entire Republic. They really should have surrendered already.

His comm.-link bleeped, and an image came up showing a red star. That was the signal, the signal from Revan. Korgul was in his invisible stealth ship, and trying to escape. Normally it would be impossible to track a ship like the 'Intangible', however if Revan had been successful in placing his transmitter it was a different story. He turned to his sensors, noting how a small blip had appeared, halfway through the planets atmosphere. It was less than a hundred kilometres from them.

gCharge up the multi-laser, aim at the personal tracking device," he ordered. "As soon as they exit the atmosphere we'll hit them.

gYes sir."

Lorn sat back in his seat. Today was a good day. It would see the end of the Hutt Conglomerate, and now the end of Korgul as well.

------------------------------------------------

Nal Hutta, Orbit, The 'Intangible'

Korgul sat still as one of his Phantoms tried to stanch the bleeding. The wound was deep, his muscles and tendons severed. He would be needing more than just a field operation to get this right. That meant returning to the Empire in defeat and shame. Impossible, he was Korgul, a living; breathing nightmare. He did not lose. At the same time though, there was a grudging respect for those who had defeated him.

gRevan Oneiro, huh," he said aloud, ignoring the quizzing look his subordinate gave him. A man to watch in the coming war. That Dustil boy had been good too, although without his swords he might not be as much of a threat.

A curious sense of calm washed over him, it was something he had not felt since his… creation. Always there had been a drive to do something, to kill someone. But now, for the first time, there was peace. He had lost, and yet he was glad of it. He had met men capable of beating him. Two against four, and yet they had won. He could almost hope that they survived when the Republic was annihilated. But he would be back, he knew, he would be sent back by his Master to finish the job. Then there would be no mistake. A new emotion settled in his stomach, a kind of sadness. Regret?

gMaster, the Republic flagship is bearing down on us," called Delta from the cockpit. He was the highest ranking Phantom left. Of the twenty-four that had set out with him from the Empire, only seven remained.

Korgul breathed deeply. He didn't want annoyance to spoil his newfound calm. "Take evasive manoeuvres then, you know what to do." They were in an undetectable stealth ship, why had he even bothered to say anything?

gIt's just that, they're powering up their main weapon and; well; they're at the wrong angle to be aiming for any ground targets."

And the Hutts had no space-fleet left, the Republic had made sure of that. An idea occurred to Korgul, he reached behind his back and felt along it. He found a small round disc stuck there.

gClever boy," he said, admiration in his eyes.

The world exploded into light.

------------------------------------------------

Lehon, Temple

Mical ran towards the mad wookie, ignoring din coming from Jezebel's unleashed Force-powers. He knew that Marka was powerful, but no-one could last against that sort of strength. They had to cut off the source of her power. That was his job. Marka had better stay alive until then.

The huge animal roared, and charged. Mical was struck by a strange sense of déjà vu. This time though, he used his lightsaber, powering up his body with the Force. Hanharr, strong and fast as he was, did not stand a chance against a fully trained Jedi Master. In two moves he was in three pieces, his limbs twitching and body shaking as his eyes began to cloud over. Mical ignored him and started to run down the ramp. One down, two to go.

There was a thunderous boom from up above. Mical shuddered and quickened his pace.

------------------------------------------------

Marka had a lot to be thankful for. No matter how much lightning Jezebel shot at him, as long as he had his lightsaber he could stop it indefinitely. The sonic-dampeners stayed around his ears and eyes meant that sonic shockwaves would have virtually no effect him. She seemed to have no knowledge of how to create any form of Force-fire, which he would have been totally defenceless against. And she obviously lacked the subtlety for mental attacks.

But that still left her formidable arsenal of telekinetic abilities.

He was flung from one side to the other, into walls and the floor. Only half the time he managed to land on his feet, the rest jolted him painfully. He had the feeling though that Jezebel was only toying with him at this point, if she truly wanted him dead he would have been crushed in her grip; or barring that she would have disarmed him and then fried him with lightning.

Jezebel sent him tumbling towards the floor with sudden, deadly power; from about ten meters up. Marka quickly twisted himself around, and sent a Force-wave of his own into the floor as he struck, absorbing the impact. The double-blow created a boom that would have shattered his eardrums had it not been for the dampeners. The landing shook him, and he fell into a sitting position.

Jezebel smiled, "Revan, you are pathetic. Did you really think you would be able to stand against me?" She barked a short laugh, and pointed at him. "This proves it, you can't. You are weak, Jedi, perhaps if you'd stayed on the dark path you would be more of a match for me."

Marka forced himself back up, glaring at her resentfully. His legs wouldn't stop shaking.

gAnd in case you were counting on that fool Mical rescuing you, even if he killed both Jaq and Visas I would still be far more powerful than you. But I'll tell you a secret, they locked basement behind them. There's no way for him to get in. And he did me a favour by ridding me of Hanharr, when you die I will repay him by taking him back into my service."

If that was true, he was truly on his own, he couldn't hope for any aid. And the death of the wookie hadn't made any substantial difference to her. He would have to win it -somehow- with his own skills and abilities. He could pretty much forget about using his lightsaber against Jezebel, she'd already made it obvious that she wouldn't allow him to come anywhere near her; he would have to rely on his Force-abilities. Marka was strong in the Force, the only one in the order stronger was Revan, but he had always specialised in duelling. Now he would have to use the Force as a weapon. He could almost bless his late Master who had forced him to learn.

The first step was to visualise what your opponent was doing with the Force. Marka took a breath, and expanded his senses. In his minds eye, a picture formed of the solid shield she had around herself. It was about three meters high, and strong enough that he could probably have dropped the entire temple on top of her and she would be untouched. Jezebel was taking no chances. He could also feel her probing tendrils reaching in all directions, like giant feelers all around her.

It was then that Marka realised that there was something wrong. Jezebels tendrils felt …fluffy. A strange way to describe a Force-power, it was true, but they were insubstantial; like ash. They felt like the efforts of an adept who had tapped into much of their potential, but had little control over their abilities.

Understanding came to him. Jezebel had been trained in the ways of the Force during her time as a Jedi, but her power had grown massively since then. Greater power required greater levels of control, he knew from experience that as one's power grew they would have to train so that they could handle it. But for him it had had been a relatively slow thing, not so for her. She obviously didn't have anywhere near enough control for her level of Force-strength, which would make the subtler aspects of the Force; such as mind-manipulation; impossible for her to use. It would also make it difficult to focus on a single target. But how to put that knowledge to work?

Jezebel was still talking. She really liked to monologue, it seemed. Marka didn't mind, it was an exploitable weakness. It exposed things that your enemy could use, while giving them time to regroup and counter-attack. It could be likened to handing them live weapons. Force knew, he needed all the advantages he could get now.

Jezebel, finally realising that he wasn't responding and probably what he was doing, balled her fist and sent a powerful Force-wave at him. Not the strongest she had sent at him so far, but certainly not the weakest. This time Marka did not try evade it. Immediately he sent his own smaller, more concentrated wave to slow it down. Then he sent a thin, highly condensed shield slicing from the bottom to the top, effectively cutting it in half. And just at the moment when the wave hit, he raised a thick shield with all his might. The two halves of the wave struck hard, shaking him, but were deflected to either side, striking and ripping at the temple walls. A few large blocks were blown loose, and fell down to the jungle below.

Marka got off his knees, a small smile playing on his lips; it was the first time he'd managed to block head-on an attack by her. His satisfaction was muted though by the knowledge that he couldn't possibly keep duplicating the feat, his defense had drained him noticeably. And that hadn't been her most powerful attack, far from it. Then he noticed her expression, he hadn't expected her to look quite so livid.

gYou bastard, you tricked me!" she shouted. "I don't know who you are, but you're not Revan."

It was then that Marka realised his mistake. Throughout the fight he had been meticulously careful to disguise his Force-signature as that of Never's, but by releasing the full extent of his power his true signature had become readily apparent. There was nothing for it, the game was up. Even still, telling her his true identity couldn't help him, she would only realise the hold she had over him; his daughter.

Jezebel was talking again, Force; did she ever shut up? Marka listened, it no longer helped to play it out since Mical wasn't getting anywhere near Jaq or Visas, but it allowed him time to catch his breath and formulate strategy; while picking up whatever titbits she let slip. About the only thing he picked up from her tirade though was that she strongly suspected he was Marka. He didn't indicate either way. Let her wonder.

gVisas, kill the girl," Jezebel said into her comm.-link. Marka gave an involuntary start, and felt his spirit plummet. He'd given away his identity, not that it mattered now, for there was nothing he could do to save his daughter. The only thing left was for him to die. Then he remembered the pulse he had felt from his bond. He could feel his wife through it now, very faintly it was true, but it was there.

Kaya, where are you? he thought, a pair of tears running down his cheeks. He brushed them away angrily, he had to be strong now. Our daughter is going to die. Please, Kaya!

But even if she'd somehow heard him, what could she do?

------------------------------------------------

Coruscant, Jedi Temple

In the entrance hall to the temple, five hundred Jedi had gathered at Grandmaster Bastila's order. Already the news of what had happened in the senate building was well circulated, even though it had only happened half an hour before. Initiates, Padawans, Knights and a few Masters huddled together excitedly; talking in low voices. What, they wondered, could be the next stage of this operation? Were they to track down the remaining Sith?

Kaya emerged from the crowd, and stepped onto the (removable) raised platform overlooking the crowd. Bastila and the remaining council members on Coruscant were there waiting for her. The whispering rose to a hum as the crowd realised who she was. Even from where she stood she could hear whispers of 'Morningstar!'. Kaya stood facing them, and raised her arm, waiting for them to quieten down. Although many Jedi had answered the call, an eighth of the entire order, their numbers looked tiny in the temple's cavernous entrance hall; which could accommodate thousand if not tens of thousands.

When they had all quietened down, Kaya began to speak. "As you are already aware, we have just defeated a faction of Sith that has hidden within our very order for nearly half a century. I don't need to tell you how much damage they could have done had their plans been successful."

She paused. "By this time, Korgul will have been defeated by Revan Oneiro and Dustil Onasi," There was a general reaction, but she continued talking. "We will be receiving confirmation of this within the hour. But there is a third and final battle happening as we speak. The stakes for this one aren't as high as the other two, nevertheless we have to win if we're to have any chance against the Sith Empire when they invade. This battle is between Jezebel the Exile and my husband, Marka Cabanic."

She allowed them time to absorb the information and quieten down again, but as she took a breath somebody in the front of the crowd shouted out: "That's all well and good, but what does it have to do with us?"

gI'm glad you asked," she replied. "We can help him, all of us. I have a bond with my husband, and through it I can transfer Force-power to him. Unfortunately, the amount of power he needs is far greater than what I could possibly summon myself. That's where you all come in. You lend me your power, and I act as a conductor, transferring it all to him."

gIs that even possible?" said the speaker dubiously.

It was, the process was actually quite simple, but required great precision. All of them would have to bring their power to the surface, but against all natural instinct put up no defences against Force-based attacks. Then she would leech the power out of them using a Sith technique, and transfer it to Marka. Even the smallest mistake though would release uncontrolled Force-energy in violent waves or storms; which could be deadly.

It took nearly ten minutes to explain it to them, deal with all the questions and objections, and get them all prepared before she started siphoning off power. The amount that reached Marka wouldn't be nearly as much as what she was taking, but since there were so many there he would be receiving a boost many times greater than his own power.

Kaya was anxious, although she was careful not to show it to the others. She had had visions covering, in detail, how to deal with the Hidden Sith with the minimum of Jedi casualties; as well as how to guarantee victory against Korgul. But with Marka and Jezebel it was a bit more complicated. There was another variable, one she hadn't been able to predict at all; she wasn't even sure what it was. One thing she was sure of though was that it would mean the difference between Marka living and Marka dying. Light, let him live.

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Lehon, Temple (basement)

Visas turned her comm.-link off and put down the infant. Then she turned to him. "Well, what now. Is he the one?"

Jaq looked at her and sighed. Was he? Good question. Above they could hear the bubbling sounds of a lightsaber melting stone. Mical wouldn't get through in time, not even close, but his perseverance was admirable. Marka, could he truly be the one who could defeat Jezebel?

Jaq had known the entire time that it wasn't Revan, but had chosen not to reveal it. He didn't want to kill children. He and Visas had resolved to destroy their mistress, at all costs. The only problem was, there was only one way they could fight against her, and it could only be done once. They had to be sure that this was the right one, the one who could finish the job once she had been weakened.

gI think he could be," said Jaq finally.

gWhy?"

gIt's just something I felt when we first met him. He was the only one I ever met that I thought might have it in him to defeat her."

gThen it's decided."

gWhat are you guys talking about?" said Lehon.

Jaq turned to the boy. "Lehon, take your cousin and go hide behind the corner. I'm going to set the basement door to open in two minutes, don't come out until the Jedi Mical comes to get you."

gBut why?"

gThere's no time to explain, go!"

As soon as the children were out of sight, and Jaq had set the door lock, he turned to Visas. She looked sad, but also relieved, and had drawn her lightsaber. She was still as beautiful as ever. Jaq walked up to her, drawing his own weapon.

gI love you," he said, wrapping one arm around her smaller body and placing his lightsaber over her heart.

gI wish it could have ended differently," she sighed, mimicking his action. "But I'm glad to have loved, and been loved by you."

Emotion welled up in his chest, and he started to sob. He thought he could see tears run down Visas' sightless eyes. Then he kissed her, pouring all his emotion into that last kiss.

As one, they ignited their blades.

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Marka had given up on life. He was horrendously outmatched by an opponent who's power was even greater than his ability to comprehend, and by now his daughter would be dead. Jezebel was flinging him from wall to wall, blasting him with bits of gravel and hurling large rocks at him. She obviously wasn't content to kill him quickly. He defended as best he could, but it was hopeless, she was just too strong. By now the painkillers he had taken for his other injuries had worn off and his body was a mass of throbbing bruises and stinging cuts, making him want to embrace sweet oblivion. I'm sorry, Kaya, he thought, I tried.

I thought there was no try!

He nearly fainted with shock. Who are you, what are you doing inside my head?

It's me, Kaya. I don't really have time to explain how this works, but it's a form of communication only those bonded can use.

At that moment, Jezebel struck him a glancing blow with the Force as he tried to evade her. He roared with pain as his already-sensitive abdomen was hurt again. His fingers spasmed, and his lightsaber dropped. He quickly tried to summon it, but was tripped up by a low blast that sent him somersaulting to the floor. When he looked up, he saw Jezebel holding both his weapon and his sonic-dampener.

gLooking for these?" she said, leering.

I guess this is goodbye, he thought sadly. Without those two defensive items, Jezebel could kill him at leisure. Not that she hadn't been able to anyway. Now he would never have a chance to reconcile with his wife.

Not yet it isn't, she shot back, I'm sending you the combined power of the Jedi order on Coruscant. I'll only be able to maintain it for two or three minutes, after that we'll all be drained. You have to defeat her in that time. And I'll be concentrated on transferring it, so we won't be able to communicate.

Wait, Kaya! But she was already gone.

Jezebel had been talking the entire time he had been communicating with his wife, he focused on her just in time to hear her last line. "This is the end for you, Marka."

Lightning lanced from her fingers, blazing towards him with such brilliance that turned the everything in his vision white. It was easily twice as powerful as her first attack on him, but this time he didn't have his lightsaber to absorb it. There was no sign of the power increase his wife had promised.

But even as he erected a shield, one hopelessly inadequate for Jezebel's attack, he felt his power expand. He couldn't believe it! In an instant his power had grown to dizzying heights, how much stronger was he now? Ten times, twenty? How had Kaya done this? No, no time to think, he had to defend. Bracing himself, he extended his arms, pouring his newfound Force-energy into his shield.

The noise as the lightning struck was deafening, pieces broke off the large cut stones on the floor and went flying into the air. He was still alive, he laughed with pure exhilaration. Marka couldn't see for all the light, but he sensed Jezebel's shock that he hadn't been killed instantly, and then her concentration as she strengthened the bolts threefold; finally unleashing her true strength. Marka had already been putting all his new power into the shield, he had nothing more to give. Even with his strength reinforced as it was, her lightning was just too strong. He closed his eyes, in a few seconds it would be over, his shield was already failing. Chances were, there wouldn't be enough of him left to bury.

Then a miracle happened, suddenly the lightning stopped. Marka got up, gritting his teeth against the pain; he could deal with it later. Jezebel was convulsing on the floor, screaming out at odd moments. Marka stared, what was she playing at?

gNo, don't leave me," she was moaning. "Don't leave me all alone."

Mical must have been successful, Marka realised. He had killed her two last companions. Her final bonds had been cut, her power broken. She was now as defenceless as a child.

Thinking of the simile reminded him of his daughter. White hot rage flooded him, she would be dead by now, thanks to this monster. She would get no pity from him. He struck her with a wave, sending her flying into the wall just above the door, where she slammed hard enough to split the stone. She fell at an awkward angle, crying out with pain. Then he summoned his lightsaber back, only to have it shoot past. He was more careful the second time, but even still it was a difficult catch. Marka looked down at his hands, he had been right, it was difficult to control so much power.

gPlease," Jezebel croaked from the floor, "Have mercy."

gYou are pathetic," said Marka, advancing on her. At the same time he was using his enhanced ability to heal himself, he had taken enough damage that he might not survive otherwise. What normally would have taken days, if not weeks, now took seconds. How many times more powerful was he? It was incredible, he was godlike. A demigod about to execute justice on this sinner. "You destroy wantonly for little or no reason, and then you presume to ask for mercy? I will give you exactly the same mercy you gave to all your victims."

She looked around desperately, then flung out her arm. "Then die!" she screamed, lightning lancing from her fingers.

Apparently she hadn't lost all of her power, just most of it. Marka could easy have nullified her attack with his lightsaber, but instead focused and caught it in his hand; the lightning condensed and formed an ever expanding ball. Jezebel gasped, and pulled herself up, despite her broken bones. Then she stopped firing and tried to run. Not fast enough. Marka sent her own lightning back at her, as well as a powerful blast of his own from the other hand. She turned at the last moment, trying to shield herself; it was far too little far too late.

There was a blinding flash, a shriek cut off prematurely, a boom that shook the entire temple and sent faraway gizka's scampering, and a smell of burning flesh. Small charred pieces of metal stuck the far walls, and bounced off his shield. Otherwise, nothing remained of Jezebel the Exile.

Marka sighed, weariness overtaking him as he felt his artificial power wane and then disappear. It was akin to going from a chemically induced high to a low in seconds. Kaya, are you there?

Yes, but I'm exhausted. I know there are things we need to discuss, but I'd rather wait until we can meet in person.

You're right, he agreed. Have you heard yet if Revan succeeded?

Yes, he won. The Hidden Sith were defeated too, be sure to tell Mical.

That was good news, it had been the last thorn under his skin he'd needed to dislodge. I will.

And Marka,

Yes?

I'm glad you're alive.

Marka felt the connection break, and sighed. Just when he had decided to make a new life with Bastila, why did it all have to be so confusing. Should he go back to her? He could feel their bond pulse weakly. Force, what should he do? He pressed his fingers against his temples, it was too much to consider right now. First he had to rest.

He walked towards the ramp that led to the mid-levels, nearly stepping on a section of Jezebel's half-mask. The red artificial eye was still intact, although it had cracks running all the way through. Blood and tiny pieces of flesh were splattered over the edges. Marka examined it for a moment, then dropped it and moved on.

As he walked, he reflected. Having so much power had made him feel different. Immortal, omnipotent, above petty things like compassion and humanity. He didn't regret killing Jezebel, but he didn't like the arrogance he had done it with either. Perhaps she hadn't been anything more than one corrupted by her own Force strength. There were lessons to be learned here, the first along the lines of 'power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely'. The other was that one should know when to let go of power. Jezebel hadn't been able to, that had been her downfall. He hadn't had much choice in the matter, but if he'd had, would he have made the right one?

His thoughts stopped when he saw who was waiting for him at the bottom of the ramp. His eyes widened, and he let out a cry of delight. Mical stood there, smiling, with his daughter Belaya in his arms; and little Lehon beside them. He quickened his pace to reach them. There was an awkward moment when he stood in front of Mical, wondering what to say, but then the other man started laughing; filled with joy and relief. It was infectious, and Marka started laughing too, like he had never done before. He took his daughter from the other man, who then pulled him into a rough side-embrace. Belaya gurgled contentedly, and reached up to grab his nose. Meanwhile Lehon hugged his leg with a cry of 'Uncle Marka!'.

At last, he knew, it was over.