Chapter II

Dawn of the New Day

Enclave System, Unnamed Sector

The Imperial Pre-fabricated base sat ominously on the opposite bank of the river where the colonists were beginning to construct the city that would be their capital. This new galaxy seemed as wild and untamed as the planet they had landed on. Nearly every colonist had heard about the campaign being waged by Captain Seldi and the Empire's new allies against an aggressive Reptilian race. Worse, Fleet Element Unforgiving and the 500,000 civilians it was protecting had not yet returned to the safety of the fleet's main body. Nervousness ruled the day, but panic and despair had not yet set in. Tensions were rising, but the Imperial Military was trying to keep order. Nowhere were tensions higher than in the Smuggler 'alliance'. The smugglers had all gathered in one of the small pre-fab buildings on the edge of the 'city'. Ry Vaan sighed as he watched the argument between Xela Ikea and Gejda Zhugg. It took a great deal to get a Duros visibly angry, but the young Falleen female had managed to do so. The 'temporary alliance' had turned into a shouting match of epic proportions.

Gren Daik had reached his boiling point.

"Everyone, for the love of Mandalore, Shut up!"

Surprisingly, the outburst managed to produce the intended effect. Gren let out an exasperated sigh before continuing.

"It seems we have a problem. No one, and I mean no one, has any idea where the hell we are. What is known is sketchy at best. I've heard reports of an Imp battle group getting involved in some civil war. I don't know what is going on. Odds are none of you do either."

A Mon Calamari male swiveled his eyes towards Gren. "What are you trying to say, Corellian?"

Ry Vaan nodded at Gren and pushed himself off the wall. "What my fellow Corellian is trying to say is that we should stick together until someone knows what is going on."

Xela Ikea leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. "Why? This deal has already gone beyond what I agreed to."

"Because we are stronger as a united front, than alone. Do you think the Imperials would just hand out some of the new Star Maps because you politely asked?" The voice that answered was young, barely eighteen if Ry Vaan had to guess. The young man was tall, nearly 1.8 meters. He was clean cut and composed, serene even. What the hell was he doing here?

Xela stood up and crossed her arms angrily. "Listen kid, I don't care. I'm just in it for the money."

The kid didn't even blink. His tone remained flat, almost comforting. "Do you really believe that?"

Xela stared darkly at the young man. "What the hell is that suppose to mean?"

"What my Lil' brother means is, do you believe that you stand any chance of getting any form of help from the Imps alone? Well, do you?"

The defender of the young man stepped forward. His head was shaved and he was well built, not as tall as his brother, but still a large human. He, like his brother, was wearing a simple spacer's tunic.

The young Falleen female stood quietly for a moment, obviously deep in thought. Suddenly, she thrust her finger directly at the two young men.

"You're right. However, I won't forget this you ape!"

The human male gave a lopsided grin and shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, you wound me. However will I live now that someone has called me by the name of my evolutionary forbearers?"

The Falleen female practically hissed. "Sniveling little bastard!"

Obviously, this had gone on long enough. Gren looked at Ry Vaan and shook his head. Gren rolled his eyes as he looked at the argument raging in front of him.

"Everyone shut the hell up!" Slowly, the commotion died down and Gren again shook his head. Captain Daik turned his attention to the two young spacers who had challenged the Falleen female. "You two got names?"

The older of the spacer boys rolled his neck as he answered. "Kain Savik." Ry Vaan managed to suppress a chuckle. The kid was arrogant and obviously a fighter-jock or some kind of poser.

"Griso Savik, sir." Ry heard Alessia giggle beside him. She was as surprised as he was to find a polite person in this motley crew.

Ry Vaan wrapped his arm around his wife and whispered. "Just when you thought the universe couldn't get any stranger."

Unnamed system on the Federation Line of Control, Cardassian Demilitarized Zone

The Enterprise and the Lagrange orbited the world known as Redoubt on all Federation charts. This system technically didn't exist and was one of several fall-back locations used in times when secrecy or survival was the highest of priorities. The Galaxy-class explorer and the Ambassador-class heavy cruiser sat quietly in the void, engines silent as the captains of each vessel communicated with each other.

Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the USS Enterprise, stood politely as connection was established the older vessel.

"Greetings, Captain Logan. I'm sure Starfleet command has briefed you on the situation."

Captain Logan nodded.

"Likewise, Captain Picard. It is an honor to meet you. Starfleet has indeed briefed me."

Sonya Logan was an attractive woman. Her reddish-brown hair was kept in a medium-length bob-cut. The young captain wore the Starfleet uniform with undeniable grace and poise. Captain Logan had served briefly on the Enterprise as a member of the science division.

Captain Picard crossed his arms. "We will have to proceed with caution. We can't afford to take any actions that could possibly endanger the peace agreement with the Cardassians."

Captain Logan took a deep breath. "Perhaps, we could make use of unmanned probes. The Lagrange has eight and, if I remember correctly, the Enterprise carries twelve."

Lt. Commander Data, the famous Soong-type android and chief science officer, turned to face Captain Picard. "Captain Logan is correct; we have a dozen unmanned probes ready for launch."

Sonya Logan rested her left hand on her hip. "I believe this is the only way to investigate the anomaly without violating the DMZ."

Captain Picard smiled. "Agreed. I suggest that you head to system N1-33 and launch your probe. The Enterprise will head to Minos Sodhar and launch. From those positions we will be less than 20 minutes away at maximum warp in the event of military confrontation with the Cardassian Union."

Sonya closed her eyes and thought for a second. "Agreed. Those systems are the closest to the anomaly. Should the Lagrange be the one to contact the Potemkin?"

Commander Riker leaned forward in his chair and rested his hands on his knees. "That will not be necessary, ma'am. The Potemkin will be contacting Deep Space Nine within the hour. Commander Sisko will relay any information he feels necessary to us."

Captain Picard chuckled. "Benjamin Sisko is a damn fine officer. We have nothing to worry about. Good Luck, Lagrange. Enterprise out."

The short briefing ended without disagreement and the two Federation ships departed in a flash of light. Destiny's embrace was waiting.

Carter's World, System N1-34c, Federation/Cardassian Demilitarized Zone

Captain Jakari stared across the simple, utilitarian table at the commanders of the various Maquis groups. Aleksei smiled outwardly at the shock evident on the human and near-human faces on the other side of the tables. Inwardly, he regretted this callous manipulation. Several Imperial engineers had set up a triad of holonet units on the Imperial side of the table. Aleksei was no longer the only Imperial official taking an active role in the negations between the Maquis and Empire. Moff Thomas Matale and Admiral Zel had begun to take an active role almost from the moment Balit had reported the startling revelation that the Maquis was made entirely of humans and near-humans and possessed a great deal of knowledge about the 'United Federation of Planets' and the 'Cardassian Union'.

The hologram of Moff Thomas Matale pressed his finger tips together and leaned back in his chair.

"The Empire has considered your request for aid. It is the opinion of the Imperial Navy and Army that your request be granted. As the Emperor's duly appointed Moff, I have the final say on the matter. The Imperial military will grant all reasonable assistance to the Maquis. Conditionally."

The Maquis leaders glanced nervously at each other. Aleksei even heard one of the commanders gulp. The fear was overwhelming. Aleksei could swear that he tasted it.

The first commander to recover was known only as Rebecca. "What condition?"

Admiral Zel smiled warmly; his grey beard gave him an almost grandfatherly appearance. "That the worlds claimed by the Maquis become an Imperial territory."

Moff Matale smiled and quickly added. "With full rights of self rule. Comparable to the condition the Centrality enjoys."

Cal Hudson looked past The Imperial negotiators and looked directly at the pair of Stormtroopers guarding the door. "This… agreement, what are the provisions?"

Thomas Matale gestured with his right hand. "Merely that the military forces of the Maquis be absorbed into the Imperial Army and Navy. Any intelligence networks and assets be shared with COMPNOR and the Imperial Securities Bureau. Also, economic cooperation and integration are an important factor. The Maquis are well established as an economic and regional entity."

Cal looked at Ro Laren and smiled weakly before turning to face the Imperials. "This is a lot to consider. I propose we adjourn for a time, so that the various Maquis worlds can decide whether or not to accept the Empire's gracious offer."

Admiral Zel looked over at Thomas Matale and gestured with his right hand. Aleksei recognized it as an affirmative signal. Thomas Matale grinned and nodded.

"Of course, commander. As a gesture of our good faith, the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Draconis will be arriving to provide additional security for the meeting. Would the Maquis be opposed to Captain Seldi's crew taking a short shore leave on Carter's World?"

Cal Hudson knew what was happening. The Maquis had traded Cardassian domination for the human domination of the Empire. He didn't like this, but the power of the Empire left no choice. He had to agree.

"Of course. We would be honored."

He felt like Janus, the two faced God of Doors when speaking with the Imperials. His dream of an independent Maquis nation was dying. A return to the Federation of James T. Kirk and Christopher Pike would be stillborn. Instead, the Maquis would be part of an Empire ruled by proxies of an Emperor he would never see. Part of him wanted to weep, to mourn the death of his dream. He looked to Ro Laren in the hopes that she was experiencing the same sense of loss that he was. His hope was shattered when she saw the glee in Ro Laren's eyes. He was alone.

Thomas Matale smiled and lifted his head higher in triumph. "Excellent. The Draconis will arrive in system within eight standard hours."

Cal Hudson fought back his desire to declare his hatred for what he sensed in the Empire. Instead he gave his warmest smile. "We can't wait to welcome them to Carter's World."

Victory-class Star Destroyer Raven

Aleksei Jakari strode onto the bridge of his, no the Emperor's, Star Destroyer utterly disgusted with the events he had participated in. He had forced a group of people to exchange one set of overlords for another. Then his thoughts transferred to memories and realizations of home. He was serving a regime that had overthrown a legitimate government that had been the guiding light of civilization for 25,000 years. 'His' Emperor had ordered the extinction of a noble order, the Jedi Order. Why was he doing this? His thoughts on the Jedi Order forced his mind to acknowledge a terrible possibility. He might be Force Sensitive. If COMPNOR found out, he would either be killed outright or forced to swear himself to the Emperor. Could he make that choice? Could he pledge himself to the dark side?

Commander Borya approached and before he could deliver his report, Aleksei made a choice.

"How many probes are there, Gregory?"

Aleksei Jakari had made his choice. He had surrendered completely to the Force. Reality suddenly expanded. He could feel the life of the planet below. He could perceive the lives of every crewman on the Raven. Before, he had known the locations where the crew would be at any point in time on an academic level. Now, he knew where everyone was, vaguely, but he knew. Behind him, Gregory's shock stood out like a lamp in total darkness.

"Ten sir. How… how did you know that I was about to report that we had detected several probes?"

"I'm Force Sensitive, Gregory." Aleksei had sealed his fate. He would need to flee from Imperial controlled space. Even then, he doubted he would ever be truly safe.

Gregory walked up and grabbed his commander's arm. "Don't admit that in the open! You know there is an Inquisitor in the fleet! You've signed your death warrant!"

Aleksei closed his eyes and remembered a line of the Jedi Code. The risks he had taken to study the unsanctioned histories of the Order. "There is no Death. There is the Force."

Gregory hissed.

"Damn it Alek! You're reciting the Jedi Code! You have to get off this ship."

Aleksei took several deep breaths and allowed his Force Awareness to spread out further. A young ensign had overheard Commander Borya and Aleksei and had spirited away towards a ComUnit. No doubt hoping for a reward.

Captain Jakari nodded to no one in particular.

"Monitor the probes and contact the Unforgiving. It has been a long couple of days. If I am needed, I will be returning to the planet's surface. The Maquis don't seem to like communicating through droids."

Commander Borya nodded, but replied with a darkness in his voice. "Of course, sir."

Enclave System, Unnamed Sector

Griso Savik held up his hand.

"Hold up." Off to Griso's right, Kain wheeled around and placed a hand on his blaster. His mother took a step towards a fence surrounding a building being constructed. Uther Savik moved between Griso and his mother.

Kain whispered to his brother as he drew his blaster. "What's going on?"

Griso nodded at a woman in her late thirties emerged from the shadows. "She's been following for the last five minutes."

Uther's voice was full of concern. "You've known for five minutes! Why didn't you say anything before?"

Griso sighed and looked to the ground. "I sensed no malice from her. I allowed her to follow us for a while to confirm what I… felt."

Kain lowered his blaster, but did not holster it. He then pointed towards his family's shadow. "Who are you and why are you following us?"

The woman emerged from the shadows. She was average in height, about 1.7 meters in height. She had grey eyes and charcoal colored hair. Her clothes were a simple tunic of a brown fabric.

"I am Yul Mikar, Jedi Knight. I was following your family to test your younger brother."

Elisa Savik cautiously walked over to Griso and put her arms around her youngest son. "What do you want from us?"

Yul Mikar held her hands out in front to show she was unarmed.

"Your son is strong in the Force. Very strong. I have already found another sentient who is Force Sensitive. Nowhere near as powerful as young Griso, but capable of being trained as a Jedi."

Kain raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "You're trying to say Griso can be a Jedi?"

Griso took a deep breath. "No, she is saying she can complete my training."

Uther gasped in disbelief. "Complete! Griso, what are you talking about?"

Elisa put her hand to her mouth. "That charter to Bonadan. Uison Kai-rurik?"

Yul Mikar experienced a strange rush of conflicting emotions at the mention of that name. She was overjoyed to learn that he survived the betrayal of the Order, yet she was devastated she would never see him again. Tears swelled in her eyes, betraying the depths of her joy and sorrow. She called on the Jedi Code and found a small measure of comfort in the words. After wiping the tears from her eyes, she realized the Savik family was staring at her.

"I am sorry. Uison and I…If we weren't Jedi could have had…"

Uther smiled and nodded, surprised by the depths of his trust in this strange woman. Then he realized that he pitied her.

"No need for apologies. You're genuine enough for me. It's Griso's decision."

Griso took a deep breath. "I wish to become a Jedi Knight."

Carter's World, System N1-34c, Imperial claimed territory in the Federation/Cardassian Neutral Zone

Captain Zev Seldi took a deep breath and smiled. This was a clean world and practically the polar opposite of his native Eriadu. He opened his eyes and noticed a small welcoming party of Maquis officers. Captain Seldi was especially intrigued by the lone female officer in the group. She was a near-human from her appearances. She had a series of small ridges above the nose, but that was the only obvious physical difference. In fact, from the intelligence he had studied it could be argued that a vast majority of the species in the 'Alpha' and 'Beta' Quadrants were simply variations of standard human stock. Interbreeding was common and produced viable, healthy offspring. That fact accented the possibilities he sensed in this woman.

The Maquis leaders approached the Lambda-class with caution. Zev turned to L'taros and spoke in a voice reserved mainly for commanding troops in battle.

"Greet them for me. Make use of my rank, ship and name."

L'taros wanted to grin in triumph, but suppressed it. He knew that the humans did not speak the Xindi Arboreal language, Bothan, Captain Seldi had called it. Zev had said before the two of them had landed that they would be in total control.

"Of course, my friend."

L'taros focused on the Maquis entourage in front of him.

"Captain Zev Seldi, commander of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Draconis, wishes to extend his gratitude for allowing the crew to enjoy shore leave on your world."

A young human male was the first to speak. However, his words were aimed at L'taros, not Captain Seldi. "You are a Xindi!"

L'taros smiled politely. Captain Seldi and the other Imperials had known L'taros' presence would cause this reaction. No wonder the Empire dominated an entire galaxy!

"That I am. My name is L'taros of Clan A'kan and loyal citizen of the Empire."

The female, Bajoran by the humble guess of L'taros, stepped forward. Her short dark hair swaying in a sudden gust of wind. "The Xindi are citizens of the Empire?"

Ah, a voice that commands the respect of others. Zev thought quietly. He quickly seized the moment. "Yes, the Xindi Council has elected to join the Empire. It is my sincere hope that the Maquis will join in this grand union."

Ro Laren was caught off guard by the poise of the Imperial officer. He was handsome. Laren was particularly taken with his eyes. The eyes of the officer were a piercing green. If she could enlist his help…

Her curiosity was equally piqued by the Xindi Arboreal standing next to the Imperial Captain. The Xindi were rarely seen after their heinous attack on Earth. Xindi Arboreals were considered to be very peaceful, almost sloth-like. However, L'taros possessed a sharp, quick mind. Ro Laren swore she felt aggression in his mannerisms. Inwardly, she rejoiced at the possibility of gaining the support of these Imperials. With their help, the Maquis could break the backs of the hated Cardassians.

Ro Laren smiled warmly. "It is my hope as well. Unfortunately, I cannot make the decision unilaterally."I hope he catches the real message! Laren's mind screamed.

So she wishes an alliance. COMPNOR believes her faction controls nearly a dozen worlds and hidden bases. This will give me an excellent power base…Zev smiled as he gave a polite bow.

"I am sure that together we can convince your allies of the wisdom inherent in joining the Empire."

Ro Laren nodded and grinned darkly to seal the secret alliance. "I am sure that we will."

Cardassian Space Station Vokar Nor

Legate Nakarn leaned back in his command chair and fumed. The Maquis problem was now a single step short of war. After nearly forty years of complete isolation, the Xindi (it was assumed) had begun actively crossing the border to assist the human and Bajorian rabble causing so much trouble in the Demilitarized Zone. Central Command had waited patiently for the Xindi to cease their foolish crossing of the border. Now, Cardassia had decided to act! Legate Nakarn had assembled a task force of nearly 150 ships to counter the mere twenty vessels occupying the Takeo system. Legate Nakarn was confident that the mere sight of a massive Cardassian fleet would be enough to drive the Xindi back into their hole and bring the Maquis to heel. His only real concern would be the Federation's reaction. That concern was minimal due to the United Federation of Planets' traditional tendency to avoid conflict at all cost. This mission would be Nakarn's ticket to real power in the New Cardassia. Despite the frustrations he was suffering, Legate Nakarn smiled. Victory was at hand.

USS Lagrange NCC-26374

Captain Logan tapped her temple as she stared at the sensor readings. There was no doubt that the unidentified ships had detected the probes. Strangely, the vessels had taken no action. Sonya had never seen any interstellar nation in the galaxy that used an arrowhead style design in their ships. Whatever power made use of these vessels, they were advanced beyond anything Captain Sonya Logan had ever seen.

"Ensign Lefler, are you sure the sensors on the probes are accurate?"

Robin Lefler nodded calmly. "Aye Captain. I personally recalibrated the sensors before launching. They were well within spec."

Sonya turned and smiled nervously. "I know. Thank you Ensign." She then turned to her operations officer, Commander Tyson West. "Commander West. See if you can raise Deep Space Nine on the com."

Commander West nodded quickly. "Aye ma'am. Deep Space Nine is responding."

The view screen on the bridge activated and the image of Commander Benjamin Sisko replaced the star field previously occupying the screen. The commanding officer of the Federation station orbiting Bajor was capable. Captain Logan sometimes wondered why he hadn't been promoted to captain yet.

"Captain Logan. What do I owe the honor of this communication?"

Sonya keyed in a series of commands and began to transmit the sensor readings from the probes.

"A previously unknown spacefaring civilization. The Lagrange is unable to determine the technology behind these ships. Needless to say they are far more advanced than anything the Federation has ever encountered."

Benjamin Sisko frowned. "And their helping the Maquis. Whoever they are, their about to go to war with the Cardassians."

Captain Logan recoiled visibly. "What? Please tell me the Cardassians don't think these ships are Federation vessels!"

Commander Sisko sighed and rubbed his face with both hands. "Cardassian Central Command has informed Starfleet Command and the Federation Council of their intentions. They have invoked Article 48-C of the treaty. According to Starfleet Intelligence, an official declaration of war against the Xindi is less than 4 hours from being announced."

The Xindi. Captain Logan, like many humans, recoiled inwardly at the mention of that coalition. The Xindi were responsible for the most audacious military attacks in the history of the galaxy. In 2153, the prototype for a superweapon cut a swath of destruction in the Western Hemisphere of Earth that killed seven million people. If the Xindi were capable of building the ships detected by the probes the Cardassians wouldn't stand a chance.

"Commander Sisko, if these readings are even remotely accurate, almost any force the Cardassians send will be wiped out. Worse, the Xindi could have a second superweapon. What if they decided to target Cardassia Prime or Torros III?"

Commander Sisko nodded.

"The Federation has discussed this possibility. They have also relayed several orders for the Lagrange. First, you are to rendezvous with the Enterprise, the Potemkin, the Hera, Intrepid, Majestic, Assyria, Hanover, Archer and the Thuderchild. Captain Picard has been placed in command of the battle group. Starfleet Command wants you to depart for the rendezvous with the battle group as soon as the Cardassian declaration of war against the Xindi is made public. Second, all coordination for the mission has been transferred to the Enterprise."

Captain Logan nodded. "Very well, commander. May I ask why the duty of coordination has been transferred away from Deep Space Nine?"

Commander Sisko smiled for the first time in the short communication. "Starfleet feels that the station is not adequately defended. I have been ordered to return to Earth and take command of the Defiant. The Defiant will be permanently stationed at Deep Space Nine."

Captain Logan smiled. "Congratulations, Captain Sisko."

Benjamin Sisko laughed. "It isn't official yet. But thank you."

Carter's World, Maquis System, Imperial Protectorate

Aleksei walked down the street of Heritage, the new capital of the 'Maquis Sector'. The civilians were estatic; many were trampling the Cardassian Union's standard. Reaction to the annexation was mixed. A vast majority of the population supported annexation on the basis that the Empire could protect them from Cardassian oppression. A minority, however, believed that the Maquis had traded one set of overlords for another. So far, violence had remained minimal. The tiny Cardassian population had been rounded up by a combined Stormtrooper/Maquis force. The mass arrests of the 'dangerous' minority reminded Captain Jakari of operations he himself had overseen back in his home galaxy. Lost in his memories and recollections, Aleksei realized he had walked into a humble section of Heritage. The walk had used up the meager energy his light lunch had provided. Alek found a small bistro, but realized he had no way to pay. He doubted Imperial Credits would be accepted so soon after the annexation. The Imperial Captain wavered for a moment and was about to start to leave when a familiar voice spoke up.

"Walked all the way out here to gloat Imperial?"

Aleksei turned and realized that the owner of the voice was Cal Hudson. The man whose dream Aleksei had helped to kill. Through the Force, Aleksei could feel his bitterness and despair. Captain Jakari then realized that the Force had guided him to this location precisely to meet Calvin Hudson.

"No, I was guided here by the Force. I must apologies for what has transpired. When I made contact originally, I had no intention for any of… this to happen."

Cal Hudson gave a dismissive snort.

"On my homeworld we have a saying; the path to hell is paved with good intentions."

Aleksei looked to the sky as a Sentinel-class Lander flew over. "Then serving Palpatine must secure me a free pass to paradise. By the Force, I should be in the Alliance!"

Cal's eyes narrowed. "The Alliance?"

"An organization which is dangerous to speak of here. I'm not sure how many COMPNOR informants are around."

Commander Hudson leaned back in his chair. "You're talking like you want to defect from the Empire."

"Yes. I wish to join you, Commander, in your attempt to reach the Federation."

Commander Hudson looked up at Aleksei in total shock. "How in the hell did you know I was planning to return to the Federation?"

"The Force, Commander, the Force."

Enclave System, Unnamed Sector

"The Force is difficult to describe in words. Everyone who experiences it will have a unique interpretation of their connection. I have recruited both of you to help me rebuild the Jedi Order. Hsiao, Griso. Thank you for taking such a risk."

Griso Savik sat in a chair in a nondescript apartment in a section of the city that was rapidly becoming known as 'Smuggler's Alcove'. The section was new. The construction droids had barely finished the city block before the spacers and their dependents claimed the area. Yul Mikar lived in a relatively empty section of the city. In fact the only other spacers who lived any where near by was the Saviks and Hsiao.

Hsiao was a female Selkath from the watery world of Maanan in the home galaxy. The Selkath homeworld was a world of great strategic importance because of Kolto. Kolto had brought Maanan great wealth. And attention. The Selkath had an exceptionally high number of Force Sensitives. Thus, Griso was not surprised that the other Jedi trainee was a Selkath. Hsiao was short for a Selkath at only 1.65 meters tall. Her skin was lighter in color than most Selkaths Griso had encountered. Hsiao sat at rapt attention. Many Selkath had great reverence for the Force and Jedi fostered from the exploits of Revan during the later years of the Jedi Civil War.

Hsiao spoke in the guttural language of her people. Thank you, Master Jedi. You have provided an opportunity that would be nearly impossible in our home galaxy.

Yul Mikar flashed a comforting smile.

"True, however, we must remain vigilant. The Empire is still in control. But let us focus on the now. The foundation on which all Jedi Knights stand is the Jedi Code. There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no death, there is the Force. Now, my students, I wish to here which part of the Code you think is most fundamental to a Jedi."

Hsiao inclined her head and answered in her native tongue. I believe the core of the Jedi Code is: There is no passion, there is serenity. Only when a Jedi is serene, can the Jedi be at peace and uncover the knowledge the Force presents to her.

Yul smiled. "Excellent. How about you, Griso?"

Griso took a deep breath and allowed the Force to flow over and through him. "There is no ignorance; There is knowledge. That is the core of the Jedi Code. Knowing gives you the foundation to act in a manner befitting a Jedi."

The Jedi Healer crossed her arms and nodded.

"Amazing. The conviction both of you showed is incredible. You have taken your first steps into a larger world. Now, let us truly begin. A Jedi must always be able to tap into his or her connection to the Force at a moments notice. However, that connection must be built on a solid foundation. I want you both to mediate. Open yourself to the Force."

Griso entered into a meditative position that Master Kai-Rurik had taught him when he was younger. He allowed himself to melt into the ebbs and currents of the Force. Griso began to perceive the life around him. Master Mikar was right. This was a step into a larger world.

Inquisitor Hijad Tzarik strode down the corridor leading to the office of Moff Thomas Matale. The tremors in the Force were unmistakable. There were several strong Force-Sensitives in this galaxy. Several were even on this planet now! Worse, a COMPNOR informant on the Victory-class Star Destroyer Raven had just informed Hijad that Captain Aleksei Jakari had even been reciting part of the Jedi Code on the bridge of the ship! Inquisitor Tzarik was nearing a state of rage as he finally came to the Moff's office. An Imperial Army guard noticed the approaching hooded man and raised his hand in the universal 'halt' fashion.

"Excuse me, sir. The Moff is meeting with Admiral Zel and Captain Tai-Shuen about recent military developments. I am afraid I will have to ask you to wait here."

Hijad exploded into a fury. This… inferior was giving him orders! The Inquisitor used the fury he was experiencing to lash out at the soldier. Tzarik's Dark Side assault constricted the young officer's throat.

"You have no authority over me! I answer only to the Emperor himself! Is that clear?"

The soldier fought for the strength to answer. "Ye-yes, s…sir."

Tzarik released his Force Grip and strode into the office. Moff Thomas Matale looked up from the holoprojector and sighed. His dark skin and eyes grew darker. The two Imperial Navy officers turned around and looked at the intruder.

Moff Matale greeted the Inquisitor with a half-groan. "What is it Inquisitor?"

Hijad tossed back his hood and growled. "I find the lack of security in this… situation appalling. Do you have any idea the threat that exists in your mitts?"

Admiral Zel rolled his eyes. He had not been impressed by the Darksider when they had met and was less so now. The Force user was heavily tattooed. His shaved head was covered in tattoos that resembled the type favored by the Zabrak Berserkers of the Old Sith Wars.

"And what 'threat' would that be?"

Hijad snapped angrily at the Admiral.

"One of your officers was overheard reciting the Jedi Code! He even admitted to being Force Sensitive! Worse, I have reason to suspect that there are several Jedi on this planet as we speak."

Captain Tai-Shuen rapped his fingers on the desk in annoyance. "You have jurisdiction to act on your own. Why did you bring this to our attention?"

The Darksider's eyes narrowed. "Because one of these threats is the captain of a Victory-class Star Destroyer."

Moff Thomas Matale smiled weakly.

"You have permission to investigate, but due to the extraordinary situation we are currently in, I order you to bring any and all findings and accusations before the Provisional Council."

Betrayal! These fools mean to form their own empire! They mean to betray Darth Siddious! Hijad visibly trembled with rage. "As you wish." He then stormed out of the office and left without shutting the door.

Admiral Zel turned to Captain Tai-Shuen and Moff Matale after he was confident that the Inquisitor had left. "We need to find a way to eliminate that one."

Moff Matale sighed angrily. "Of course, but we can't waste any resources attacking a Force wielder yet. Should we contact Captain Seldi?"

Olich Tai-Shuen took a sip of his Corellian Spiced ale and shook his head. "I'll contact Zev. Warn him that our Inquisitor 'ally' is on his way. Sithspawn! Why did that creature have to be assigned to us!"

Admiral Zel shrugged his shoulders as he poured a glass of Corellian whiskey. "With the Force, nothing is impossible. The Emperor, a reborn Count Dooku and Jedi Grand Master Yoda could appear in the empty seats in this room and I wouldn't even blink."

Moff Matale laughed loudly. "With those mad-sentients, I don't think we'd have time to blink. They'd kill us without a moment's hesitation."

Olich poured another glass of Spiced Ale and shook his head. "That is why we aren't going to have any of this Sith or Jedi Theocratic bantha poodoo in the Imperium!"

Admiral Zel leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands together. "Then you have decided to sign on to our little conspiracy?"

Captain Tai-Shuen smiled. "Of course. I've spoken with all the ImpStar captains and they agree. We can have a new start here! Most of the officer core is either single or has brought their families along. The offer from Grand Vizier Sate Pestage and Vice Admiral Thrawn was too good to pass up."

Thomas Matale lifted his glass of Corellian Ale. "To a New Order free from the control of a megalomaniac cult!"