Darth Vectivous

by Ben Bangemann

For 250 years, the New Sith Wars have raged on, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. Now, in 1750 BBY, the New Sith Empire, under the leadership of Darth Underlord, is relentless in their quest for galactic domination. But with Underlord's demise at the Battle of Malrev 4, his ambitious apprentice, Darth Nomus sees an opportunity to seize control.

Darth Vectivous

By Ben Bangemann

Disclaimer: This novel is purely made for personal use. Star Wars is a franchise owned by the Walt Disney company. No cent will be made by this book.

Twice we've tried to burn away the hypocrisies and weaknesses of the Republic and their Jedi.

Twice we have failed.

We must not fail again.

For there is precious little tinder left,

to keep our fire burning.

Darth Malgus

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

Darth Vectivous

Prologue:

Nearly 1500 years had passed since the conclusion of the Third Galactic War and the fall of the Eternal Empire, and the galaxy was once again plunged into conflict. Following more than a millennium of relative peace with only minor clashes and disputes, the galaxy had flourished, albeit with technological stagnation.

The Old Republic era had been a time of tremendous advancements across almost every field, particularly in military technology. However, with the cessation of war, there was little impetus to further develop these technologies, resulting in a galaxy-wide stagnation.

Despite the economic prosperity of many planets, particularly those in the Core, a smaller wave of colonization spread to the Outer Rim, including planets like Mokivj, Lothal, and Raada.

Nevertheless, these new colonies never achieved the significance of established power-planets in the Core and the Tion cluster, and most became mere backwaters, largely forgotten except by the intrepid settlers who had dared to venture to the Outer Rim.

For centuries, the galaxy enjoyed a peaceful era, uninterrupted by any significant conflicts. However, a turn of events occurred when a Jedi Master by the name of Phanius abandoned his allegiance to the Jedi Order, lured by alternate teachings. His pursuit led him to resurrect the long-defunct Sith Order, whose existence was once thought to have ended for good. Taking command of a number of dark cults scattered throughout the galaxy, he crowned himself as Darth Ruin, the new Dark Lord of the Sith. This development sparked the defection of fifty more Jedi, who joined Ruin's growing Sith Empire.

Thus, the New Sith emerged and initiated a zealous crusade against the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order, marking the beginning of the New Sith Wars, which would dominate the following centuries.

With his capricious and egocentric whims, the merciless and supremely self-centered Darth Ruin caused the deaths of many of his own followers. In the end, Ruin's single-mindedness led to his undoing, and he was ultimately killed by his own minions after a defeat. However, even with Ruin's death, the rebirth of the Sith was complete.

Over the following decades, the Sith swiftly established a modest but regional dominion, forging a new empire that relentlessly chipped away at the increasingly floundering Republic. In their initial onslaughts, they speedily recaptured long-lost Sith strongholds, including Yavin 4 and Ziost, thus consolidating a fresh empire in the northeast quadrant of the galaxy. Moreover, they covertly undermined the Republic's own defense efforts.

The Jedi were often at the vanguard of the Republic's military campaigns, though not all of their interventions were successful. In a fateful attempt to quell an outbreak of Ubese aggression at the Battle of Uba IV, the Jedi inadvertently destroyed a stash of superweapons. The ensuing chemical release caused catastrophic devastation among the Ubese and triggered allegations of xenocide that would linger for generations. As in the past Sith Wars, the Republic assembled multiple formidable fleets, mostly furnished by the renowned shipyards at Kuat Drive Yards.

Following Darth Ruin's defeat, the initial phase of the New Sith Wars witnessed the rise of Darth Underlord, also known as the Dark Underlord, a mysterious and emotionless revenant supported by the Sith sect known as the Black Knights.

Together, they launched devastating attacks on space stations located along the Zona Miki route until the Republic counterattacked. The final showdown between Underlord and the Jedi, along with the Republic forces, occurred on Malrev IV. In this battle, Jedi Master Murrtaggh hired Mandalorian mercenaries to launch a diversionary attack against the forces led by Underlord's Zeltron commander, while he himself engaged in a fierce duel with the Sith Lord. Although Murrtaggh was able to defeat the Underlord, the battle had severe consequences, as he ultimately succumbed to the dark side.

Chapter 1:

1750 BBY (Before Star Wars: A New Hope)

Darth Nomus scowled at himself. He had just received the news of his master's death and the Sith defeat at Malrev 4. He had warned Darth Underlord about overextending. Underlord's forces were way too scattered and overextended on the Zona Miki route. This counterattack was to be expected. It was clear that Underlord lacked strategic acumen, and Nomus could not fathom how he had once admired and served such a weak leader.

But Underlord's failure provided Nomus with the perfect opportunity to seize power in the New Sith Empire, which, despite its name, was a highly decentralized entity. The territories conquered by Darth Ruin and Underlord were governed by appointed officials, but the Sith Order remained at the top of the hierarchy. The various cults had merged, consolidating their power over their domains and ruling as they pleased.

The apprentice of Underlord would follow his master's footsteps. A worthy successor. He was the legitimate heir to the Empire after all, the governors were loyal to Underlord and would be loyal to him, he had assured of that.

Underlord had given Nomus the authority to make changes to some of the Empire's operations, howbeit any structural ones. He had established the IIA, short for Imperial Intelligence Agency, as a much-needed intelligence agency based on Korriban, which he saw as the Empire's capital.

The Empire was decentralized and chaotic, and he planned to bring about a shift in power. His goal was to establish a centralized Empire with Korriban at its heart, the birthplace of the Sith. Nomus intended to construct a massive city on the planet.

Nomus was concerned that no one had stepped up to claim the mantle of Emperor, and he wondered if he was too powerful or simply too respected. Though the latter was more realistic. Nomus thought himself powerful enough to remove any opposition that would jump up to challenge him, unless the entire Order had some contumacious attitude towards him. Obviously, he was satisfied with just becoming Emperor without opposition, but it was too good to be true; something was off. Why wouldn't anyone step up to take leadership? After all, that's what every Sith wanted in the end. Ultimate power. Was he too powerful? Too respected? The thoughts repeated in his head again and again, trying to find out what might be wrong.

With the Sith Empire at his back, Nomus had little concern for the Republic and their pitiful defenders. The irksome Jedi, in particular, were a thorn in his side, always interfering with his plans. But Nomus knew their downfall was only a matter of time. He had seen the power of the Dark Side firsthand and knew that the Jedi's light could not stand against it forever. It was simply a matter of waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.

The origins of Darth Underlord remained an enigma, his true nature shrouded behind a cloud of speculation and Sith folklore. One popular theory tied his emergence to the actions of a lone Sith Acolyte, who allegedly summoned Underlord from another realm. The more likely theory claimed that Darth Underlord was none other than the reincarnated ghost of Xendor, a powerful practitioner of the dark side of the force, who fought during the First Great Schism against the Jedi Order, many thousand years ago.

Underlord was able to extend his life multiple times using a tactic called essence transfer; the key to immortality. However, he never disclosed how he obtained this knowledge, nor did he show any interest in sharing it with others. Nomus, who had been Underlord's apprentice for 21 years, resented him for never teaching him the method. Despite repeatedly asking his master, Underlord refused to divulge his secret, often punishing Nomus for daring to ask. This lack of transparency was the ultimate betrayal in Nomus's eyes. Why was he so stubborn about keeping immortality a secret? If Underlord had shared the method, the Sith could have built an immortal army of infinite power. "Self-preservation," Nomus muttered, thinking of the excuse Underlord used to defend himself. Underlord was a fool, a mighty fool. But Nomus would not make these mistakes. Nomus was convinced, he could rebuild the Sith Empire to the level of its former glory.

At a mere 31 years of age, Nomus was regarded as young by Sith standards. While the art of Force meditation could potentially extend a Sith's life span beyond 150 years, it was a tenuous existence, with the dangers of battle ever-present. Despite Nomus's experience in warfare and his successful elimination of Jedi, he had never been truly threatened. However, with the Empire in a state of turmoil following the defeat at Malrev, the governors struggled to keep order, and the specter of civil war loomed. It was up to Nomus to seize control and rescue the New Sith Empire from its impending demise.

Nomus sat on the floor meditating, ordering the force to bend to his will, forcing it through his body, his anger guiding it. "My Lord, we have arrived at Korriban," Darth Fyrou interrupted, bowing his head in a respectful gesture behind him,

"The Sith Lords are waiting in Ruin's temple". Nomus opened his eyes as he was ejected from his trance. "Thank you, Fyrou. But they can wait longer," Nomus replied, standing up to face Fyrou. "Of course, my Lord. Please allow me to lead the way," Fyrou replied, gesturing towards the door. Nomus followed Fyrou to the door, where they would then walk side by side.

"Any word from the fleet?" Nomus asked.

"No, my Lord," Fyrou replied with a slight bow of his head, "But the Republic has publicly reported the capture of the entire system and the destruction of our fleet and ground troops on Malrev 4". Nomus winced, his frustration palpable as he ground his teeth.

He knew the Republic's reports to be true - Underlord had not only killed himself but had also dragged a substantial portion of the Sith navy down with him. Those sectors were now vulnerable to attack, and the Republic could easily reconquer all of Underlord's gains. Though he took some comfort in the knowledge that the Republic was bogged down in a political feud. Nevertheless, he had no doubt they would eventually set their sights on vulnerable systems like Yavin in the near future.

"Order the governor of Feena to reinforce Yavin immediately with three-quarters of its taskforces and dispatch the 28th taskforce from Korriban at once. We must strive to defend Yavin at all costs," Nomus commanded, his voice rife with impatience and annoyance.

"Very well, my Lord. Shall I issue the orders now, or would you prefer me to accompany you to your rendezvous with the other Sith Lords?" Fyrou asked dutifully.

"Go now. I have no need of your company, I know my way," Nomus retorted sharply, eager to move forward with his plans for the Empire.

As Fyrou departed to execute the orders, Nomus strode purposefully down the ramp of the frigate and onto the desolate surface of Korriban. Despite the five-year gap since his last visit, the planet's potent power continued to enthrall him. Though he yearned to pause and soak in the energy, he knew that he had pressing affairs to tend to.

Nomus walked to the temple, a short distance from the spaceport, taking him only five minutes to get there. The city was small, like all cities on Korriban, and its population had been dwindling since the end of the Great Hyperspace War, when the Jedi purged the remaining Sith off the planet. Although repopulated by multiple Sith empires, none of them lasted long, with the planet destroyed by many wars, leading people to be reluctant to settle there. It was only after the Fourth Schism, when the Sith reentered the galaxy, that the planet's population began to grow. Even with centuries of rule under the New Sith Empire, the planet still had only a population of 50,000, mostly concentrated around a few Sith temples, including the infamous Valley of the dark Lords, at the North Pole of the planet.

Nomus was dwarfed by the massive entrance to the temple, the size of which he had not seen before. The door was at least 60 meters tall and 20 meters wide, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols of the Sith. Constructed approximately two centuries ago, this temple was erected in honor of the late Darth Ruin and housed his sarcophagus within its walls. Currently, it serves as the de facto governmental structure of the New Sith Empire. As he stepped inside, he was met with a long hallway, with walls covered in statues of ancient Sith Lords. The ground was recently cleaned by slaves, with not a speck of dust in sight.

Nomus walked past several intersections, each one seemingly identical to the last, until he felt a surge of power emanating from the fourth. As he approached, he realized that the hallway was devoid of any Sith soldiers or warriors, which was unusual. Nomus walked down the hallway towards a large wooden door at the end, his steps echoing through the empty space. The sudden breeze flattered his cape, bringing with it a fresh and invigorating scent. He stopped in front of the door, listened, but heard nothing.

After a moment's pause, he pushed the door open carefully, revealing a large room filled with Sith Lords meditating. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the flickering torches placed around the perimeter. The walls were lined with ancient texts and artifacts, and in the center of the room was a large stone altar.

Nomus approached the group of meditating Sith Lords with slow, deliberate steps, the only sound in the room being the rhythm of their breathing. Some of the faces were familiar to him, but most were strangers. As he drew nearer, the stillness was broken by a voice emanating from one of the figures surrounding the altar.

"Welcome to Korriban, Darth Nomus," said an elderly human, rising to his feet and speaking with a voice that reverberated through the chamber.

"Darth Gravus, what is the meaning of this?" Nomus asked, his tone firm as he tried to assert his authority.

"You mean the lack of company?" Darth Gravus replied with a sly grin, "I believe this temple should be reserved for Masters only, so I had everyone else leave to give us some privacy. Don't you appreciate the tranquility?".

Nomus inwardly cursed, realizing that this was an obvious power play. He could not tackle the amount of Sith Lords, let alone assess their strength. He wasn't even sure how powerful Darth Gravus was. He had heard rumors about him - that he was a formidable sorcerer who sought to unlock the mysteries of the Force. Nomus had never met him before, or most of the Sith gathered here today.

"Do not toy with me, Gravus. Do you challenge my leadership?" Nomus demanded to know, his voice laced with authority.

"Your leadership?" Darth Gravus chuckled, his voice taking on a derisive tone, "Don't make me laugh, Nomus. What leadership? Just a few days ago, you were nothing more than a mere apprentice. Now that Underlord is dead, you think you can proclaim yourself Emperor? This is the New Sith Empire, and only the strongest may rule. You are not even close to being that," Darth Gravus said, distain emanating from his old growly voice, sounding more like a howl.

Nomus seethed with rage, his intuition telling him that something was amiss. He should have approached this differently. "If that is the case, why haven't you claimed the title of Emperor for yourself?" Nomus spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

"Firstly, I find the burden of hunting you down to be distasteful," Darth Gravus replied, his tone cool and collected. "Secondly, it should be obvious, Nomus. You have the support of the governors. If I were to challenge your claim, I would risk civil war, which would only result in our mutual destruction. So why don't we settle this like rational beings? You will endorse and acknowledge me as the rightful leader."

Nomus was taken aback by Gravus's audacity, but his shock quickly gave way to a raging fury. In a fit of anger, Nomus unleashed a torrent of Force lightning, but Gravus was ready. With a wave of his hand, he absorbed the energy, a cruel smirk crossing his weathered face. Gravus sneered, "You're so predictable. Just as big of a fool as Underlord was. It truly is a perfect duo." Nomus's anger flared as he lowered his hands.

"You're pathetic!" Nomus shouted.

Gravus chuckled. "I'm pathetic?" Gravus exhaled, "Now, do you want to try killing me again or do we have a deal?" Gravus asked.

With gritted teeth, Nomus begrudgingly replied, "Fine, what's the deal. Why don't you just kill me?" Nomus asked, the second part coming from his mouth more like a whisper. Gravus replied, "You are of great use to me. I appreciate the administration work you did for Underlord. You also have an untainted military record. I will allow you to restructure my Empire. I know you wish to centralize it, and I agree with you. I find governance stressful and unfulfilling; I will leave it to you."

Confusion dotted Nomus's face, his nose scrunching up and his lips pursing together. Nomus couldn't believe his ears. This was the power he always wanted. He would have de jure control of the Empire by Gravus's side.

"I understand. I thank you," Nomus said with feckless gratitude, all of his anger flushing out.

Gravus smiled slyly. "Yes, I knew you would appreciate the position. One more thing before I send you off. You and everyone else in this galaxy shall call me Emperor from this day forward, is that understood?" he demanded.

"Yes, Emp...," Nomus started to say before Gravus cut him off. "Bow before me," he commanded, his voice radiating with authority. Nomus went to one knee and bowed his head.

"Yes, Emperor," he acquiesced.

"Rise, Darth Nomus," Gravus said, his tone changing. "Your first task will be to reorganize the navy and military in an efficient manner, to better defend against the Republic. Go to Bosthirda, where you will commission a new fleet to be built."

Chapter 2:

One Month later…

Nomus meditated in his chambers. He was still comprehending what happened. Was this a blessing or a curse? Sure, he wanted to be Emperor, but he technically possessed all the power he acclaimed. For the moment, he felt an odd sense of satisfaction. But Nomus knew that eventually, he would ascend to the throne. Gravus was old, claiming to be 93, though the deep wrinkles and crevasses etched into his skin suggested a far greater age. When the time came, Nomus would ensure that no other Sith Lord attempted to claim the title of Emperor.

Currently, Nomus was on Bosthirda, busily planning the expansion of the Empire's navy. The shipyards were working at a breakneck pace, churning out frigates and cruisers every day, with other shipyards pitching in additional vessels from time to time. The feasible expansion routes were limited. The Sith Worlds, including Korriban, Ziost, Dromund Kaas as well as Ord Radama and Yavin 4 had been conquered all the way back by Darth Ruin. But Sith advances stalled, Darth Underlord tried once more to expand the New Sith Empire by attacking the Zona Miki route with success at first, albeit he was defeated on Malrev 4 ending Sith expansion all together.

A following Republic counteroffensive even retook all gains made by Underlord threatening the Sith core world of Yavin 4, an essential and sacred planet to the Sith. Its loss would be devastating for morale. But due to political developments in the Republic, a strike on Yavin 4 never took place. Acknowledging that another strike towards the Hydian Way, the trade route Darth Underlord wished to conquer, would be foolish. The only other explored route leading out of Sith space was the Thanium corridor, which also acted as an expansion route for the ancient Xim's Empire. At the end of the hyperspace lane lay Lianna, a technological haven housing multiple galactic corporations. Lianna was part of the Tion cluster, a rich and dense area of the galaxy, only second to the Core worlds. A conquest of Lianna would enormously strengthen the Empire and turn it from a small regional threat into a galactic contender.

After Darth Ruin left the Jedi, the Sith required ships. All they could muster were some Republic ships that had deserted and a few ships they purchased from smaller shipyards. They used secret shipyards on worlds rarely visited by the Republic, like Korriban, Bosthirda, and Yavin 4. For producing these ships, the decentralized New Sith Empire resurrected the ancient Taerab Starship Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, which used to be active in the former Sith Empire. The task of producing these ships was now in the hands of the TSMC, which was locally controlled by the newly established governors, who held full authority in their domain. With the resurrection of the TSMC came a search for a ship design. TSMC eventually came up with some designs, which Darth Ruin refused. However, some new designs like the Revenge-class Cruiser were effective and cost efficient. This was the first ship to be mass-produced by the shipyards alongside the SH-19 Duststorm Starfighter, which was developed as an advanced model of the F-T6 Rycer used by the Sith Empire in the Great Galactic War. The first Revenge-class Cruisers were completed in 1970 BBY, and the Empire built hundreds of them after officially declaring the New Sith Empire. The Revenge-class was a versatile and effective ship, but the Empire needed a more diverse fleet with both more agile screening ships, as well as larger cruisers with heavy armor. After a series of battles and losses, the search for a design was exacerbated. Eventually, the TSMC design bureau agreed to use an earlier model of the Revenge-class. However, the design called for a ship 280m long, while the Revenge-class was 536m long. This design was chosen, and it was named the Ruin-class to honor Darth Ruin who had recently perished. But a larger design was also needed. No cost-efficient design could be found. The bureau even played with the idea of just using a modified version of the Republic's Falco-class Heavy Cruiser but this idea was quickly dismissed. Due to pressure from high-ranking Sith Lords to finally get the production of a larger ship going, the company decided to use the old Harrower-class Heavy Cruiser. This ship used to be the workhorse of the former Sith Empire's war machine in the Great Galactic War, and it had proven itself an ideal ship. The ship would still be effective 1600 years later, due to technology stagnating for centuries. Ironically, the same Harrower-class had been produced by the TSMC in the Great Galactic War, 1600 years ago. Both the Ruin-class Frigate as well as the Harrower-class heavy cruiser started being mass produced. While shipyards in Ord Radama and Yavin 4 produced frigates and cruisers; the shipyards on Bosthirda focused entirely on the Harrower. Korriban, on the other hand, was a new shipyard, only built in 1876 BBY. It only produced a few ships while mainly focusing on starfighters and bombers. Over the centuries, not much had changed with the design of the fleet. The Fury-class corvette started production in 1810 BBY, and a modified Harrower-class, which was 1450m instead of the classic 800m was also produced by 1785 BBY, of which only a handful had been built. It featured more numerous and enlarged hangar bays, as well as heavy armor and more powerful ion cannons. But no significant changes were made to the fleet. The original Sith fleet was mostly clumped into one fleet, under the command of the leading Sith Lord. But with increasing ship sizes and more territory to control, the taskforce system was set up. While the Republic had large fleets docked at designated port systems, the Empire created taskforces which were only a third or even a fourth of the size of a Republic fleet. This gave the Empire the mobility to quickly deploy ships to the areas which needed them. The taskforces were under the control of a governor, while a Sith Lord of sufficient rank could assume control of a taskforce at any time. The governors of Stenos and Yavin 4 received more taskforces per capita since they were on the fringes of Republic space. Since the defeat at Malrev 4, the Yavin sector has lost a significant number of ships, with only a few taskforces remaining fully equipped.

Nomus awoke from his trance, as he sensed Fyrou about to enter his chambers. In a timely fashion, the doors parted, revealing Fyrou's presence. "Darth Nomus, Security Director Mogslauth claims to have vital information that may pique your interest. He awaits you on the Indiquidator," Fyrou announced, bowing at the threshold.

"Very well," Nomus answered, standing up, and taking one last gaze out of the hexagonal windows upon the orange-brown surface of Bosthirda, a mountain range looming behind the planet's capital city of Jerunga. Nomus turned to depart the room, en route to the Indiquidator, the sole modified Harrower currently under construction. The New Sith Empire had only constructed three of these vessels, without any official designations. Though Nomus had taken to calling them the Nomus-class Destroyer. However, he had yet to broach the subject with Darth Gravus.

Nomus made his way through the bustling corridor that linked the Indiquidator to its dock. He had arrived via shuttle in orbit around Bosthirda, and as he peered through the windows, he marveled at the ship's sleek and polished exterior, its intricately crafted armor plates, and its imposing size. Eventually, he arrived at one of the ship's spacious offices, where he was scheduled to meet with Security Director Mogslauth. Nomus had appointed him to lead the IIA more than two years ago, despite Underlord's desire for a Sith Lord to hold the position. Nomus had argued that the Sith Order already wielded enough power, and had chosen the former Admiral for the role.

Nomus entered the unadorned office he had allocated to Security Director Carvo Mogslauth during his stay on the Indiquidator. The spartan room contained a simple desk with a few gadgets and an integrated holoterminal. Two doors adorned the left side of the room, one leading to a refresher and the other to a rest area. Although the room was sufficiently lit, only the director's desk lamp was turned on. Mogslauth was sipping a cup of caf when Nomus arrived. As soon as he saw Nomus, he hastily set down his cup and stood up to salute him.

"Darth Nomus!" Mogslauth exclaimed, his eyes fixed on the wall beside Nomus. Nomus noticed the director's unease and tensed muscles.

"At ease, Director," Nomus said, gesturing for Mogslauth to take a seat. The Director sat down and looked at Nomus uncomfortably. Nomus walked over to the desk to take a seat opposite the Director.

"No need for formalities, Director. We're not in a Sith council meeting," Nomus said, giving a weak smile. There was no such thing as the Sith council; Nomus was referring to any random meeting between Sith, like one between himself and the other Sith Lords on Korriban.

Mogslauth nodded, relaxing slightly, "Of course, my Lord."

"What is this vital information you have for me?" Nomus asked. The Security Director took a deep breath before speaking, "In the Stenos sector, we intercepted smugglers coming from Lianna attempting to transport black-market bacta, a highly valued substance due to the Empire's limited supply. Despite the risks, some smugglers continue to use slow, unreliable, and dangerous routes between Sith and Republic worlds. The smugglers were caught, and they revealed a specific route they used between Stenos and Felucia, a potential target for a surprise attack," the Director reported, highlighting the relevant region on the holoterminal map. "Since Gravus refuses to meet with me and instead told me to meet with you, I thought you might want to know about this, since this would be a great surprise attack," the Director said, mentioning a region on the map.

"Yes, this could turn out to be beneficial," Nomus said, touching his chin thoughtfully. "Can you detail the route for me? Its length and route."

The Director nodded and looked at the map. "We haven't tested the route since it, well, leads into Republic territory," the Director chuckled at his own obvious remark before regaining his composure. "Yes, well, if you are to believe the smugglers, they reported to have taken 35 hours, which is significantly longer than the Thanium corridor. They told us they made this route in both directions multiple times and succeeded. The route consists of six separate jumps. The first jump is from Stenos, heading three-quarters towards Thanium, then reverting to real-space. From there, the ship must turn and slightly lower the hull before making a 17-parsec jump in that direction. The ship will be pulled out of hyperspace by a gravity well of a star cluster, consisting of three red dwarfs, one neutron star, and two giants acting as a unified gravity well. After circumnavigating the cluster with a two-parsec jump, the ship will face the large Toron Nebula. Although it's highly flammable, the smugglers chose to pass through it, but we recommend traveling around it with an eight-parsec jump before making the final jump to Felucia," the Director explained in detail. The short pause after the Director stopped speaking led to Mogslauth becoming uncomfortable again. He started moving his fingers in useless, nervous movements and then sat up again, waiting for an answer.

Nomus watched the map closely and inquired, "Is there a specific reason why traveling through the Nebula is problematic? It seems like it could potentially save time."

The Director appeared confused by the question. "The Nebula contains highly flammable gasses, which could be ignited by the engines of the ship, causing a catastrophic explosion. The smugglers were simply lucky up to this point," the Director explained. "It's a highly risky maneuver, and I would not recommend it, my Lord." Nomus nodded, taking in the information.

"Very well, Director. Your report will be very useful in my planning".

"Is there anything else I can assist you with, my Lord?" the Director asked.

"Yes, actually," Nomus said. "I would like you to prepare a team to conduct a covert reconnaissance mission on the Felucia end of the smuggler's route. We need to know the level of security and any potential obstacles we may face".

The Director nodded, "I will assemble a team immediately, my Lord."

"Good," Nomus said, standing up from the desk.

"Thank you for your report, Director. You may return to your duties." The Director saluted, and Nomus returned it before turning to leave the office. As he walked through the Indiquidator, he couldn't help but think about the potential of this smuggler route. It could be a game-changer in the war between the Sith and the Republic, and he was determined to make the most of it.

Interlude Krylon:

1762 BBY

"Nomus," the words rumbled from Darth Underlord's skeletal form, his voice as deep and raspy as the caverns of the planet Korriban. The Sith Lord was a haunting sight, shrouded in a cape that whispered with his every movement. "I require your services on Krylon," he continued, his ghostly form seeming to float in the air. "The monarch has requested our assistance in the aftermath of a bombing in the commercial district of the central city. Your mission is to uncover the culprits and bring them to justice," Nomus listened intently, his mind already whirring with the possibilities of the investigation.

"Consider it done, Master," he replied, "I'll depart for Krylon immediately."

The tidally locked planet's temperatures were extreme, ranging from 170° standard on the side facing the sun to -90° on the dark side. However, within the twilight zone in between these extremes, people lived and worked, where the light remained constant throughout the 78-day year, thanks to the sun's small size.

The journey was uneventful, and Nomus spent most of the time studying the planet's history and political landscape. When he arrived at the central city, he was greeted by a delegation of officials. Nomus followed the officials through the dimly lit building, the stone staircase creaking beneath his feet with each step. The structure appeared to be crumbling before his eyes, a reflection of the state of the Empire. As he made his way down to the bottom of the staircase, he was joined by four imposing royal guards, who flanked him on either side. The sound of screams and crying grew louder as they entered a hallway, and when they emerged through a cracked golden door, Nomus saw a sea of people chained and wailing in agony. The sight of their suffering was like a feast for Nomus, their suffering palpable through the force as he fed on their fear. The guards led him through the alley, and he saw beings of all species in captivity - Togrutas, Twi'leks, Sullustans, and Duros.

It was clear that the number of slaves far exceeded that of the human guards. After a ten-minute walk, they arrived at a palace - a towering pyramid-shaped structure adorned with trees and gardens halfway up. They entered the palace, passing a dozen royal guards stationed on Nomus's left, before entering a grand hall that gleamed with gold and precious gems like kyber crystals.

Seated on an ornate throne at the other end of the room, was a corpulent, wrinkled human man with a scar on his ear. He looked surprised to see Nomus but greeted him with indifference. "Darth Nomus, an honor," he said.

Nomus cut to the chase, "Tell me about the bombing," he asked.

"The bombing has caused much damage and loss of life," the monarch said somberly. "We suspect that a rebel group was responsible. They seek to overthrow our monarchy."

Nomus listened carefully, taking note of the monarch's words. He didn't dislike overthrowing this feudal monarchy, but the rebels would probably prefer to introduce a different system. He saw this fractured Empire with governors and local lords like this king as dreadful, but Underlord didn't mind. "I understand," he said. "Can you provide me with any information that might help me track down the culprits?" The monarch nodded and handed Nomus a data disk containing details of the bombing and a list of rebel leaders. Nomus took the disk and left the palace, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. He spent the next few days tracking down the rebel leaders and their followers.

From behind a towering tree, Nomus watched the rebel soldiers at their camp. They lacked the discipline and uniformity of regular troops, instead wearing casual civilian clothing. A young man with blonde hair caught Nomus's eye as he chatted with two others on a log. This was likely one of the rebel leaders. About sixty men were dispersed throughout the woods, some standing guard while others slept.

The forest in this part of the planet was dimly lit, and the trees grew to incredible heights. Nomus stepped out of the bushes and began walking towards the rebel camp. The guards immediately noticed him and raised the alarm, causing fear to rise among the rebels. Nomus smirked, knowing that these men would soon fall to his blade.

As the rebels opened fire upon him, Nomus moved with effortless grace, dodging their shots without even drawing his lightsaber. But as he approached the camp, he ignited his weapon and sprinted towards the first guard. The rebel hesitated for a moment, fear evident in his eyes, before firing his rifle at Nomus. It was an exercise in futility.

Nomus sidestepped the shots and casually cut across the rebel's throat, moving onto the next target. With brutal efficiency, Nomus moved through the camp, dispatching rebel after rebel with a flick of his blade. He snapped one rebel's neck, sliced another's abdomen, and deflected blaster fire as he made his way towards the last bunch of rebels. The last group of rebels advanced towards him, seeking cover from nearby trees. Nomus pulled out a soldier from behind the tree, but instead of killing him, Nomus focused his mind on the rebel's blaster. The rebel tried to shoot him, but Nomus slowly turned the blaster, while, at the same time, deflecting blaster bolts fired from the other rebels. He forced the rebel to shoot at his own compatriots, killing them before he snapped the rebel's neck.

In the end, only the rebel leader remained, pinned against a tree and firing desperately at Nomus. But the Sith Lord was too quick for him. With a flick of his wrist, Nomus disarmed the leader before he could take his own life. Nomus reached out with his hand, gripping the rebel leader's neck with the force, lifting him off the ground. The man's eyes bulged as he struggled to breathe, his hands grasping at his throat in a desperate attempt to break free.

"Why did you bomb the commercial district in the central city?" Nomus demanded, his voice low and menacing.

"I don't know what you're talking about," the rebel leader gasped, his face turning red. Nomus tightened his grip, causing the man to gasp for air.

"You're lying to me," he hissed.

"I don't know anything about the bombing," the rebel leader protested, "We're not monsters. We don't target civilians. We only want to overthrow the monarchy and establish a fairer government. Why would we bomb a commercial district?"

Nomus was taken aback. The rebel leader seemed genuinely clueless about the bombing. Nomus tightened his grip until the rebel eventually went limp. He was no use to him alive; he was a rebel after all. Nomus turned, making his way back to the city. "If the rebels weren't responsible for the bombing, then who was?" Nomus thought.

He returned to the monarch and informed him of his findings. When he arrived at the palace, he was surprised to find that the monarch looked nervous and uneasy. "I don't understand," the monarch said, his face puzzled. "If the rebels didn't bomb the commercial district, then who did?"

"I'm not sure, but I have a suspicion," Nomus said, his eyes narrowing. "I must leave." The monarch nodded, and Nomus left the palace, making his way to the spaceport.

After Nomus left Krylon, he activated the holoterminal on his shuttle. "Master," Nomus said, kneeling in front of his master's hologram, his voice artificially low and dangerous. "I believe I know the person responsible for the bombing."

Underlord looked up, his eyes narrowing. "Tell me about your findings."

"At first, I believed this to be a simple act of terrorism by some rebel group. But the rebel leader truly had no clue of the bombings, and his motives check out. My suspicion then fell on the monarch himself, but well, he doesn't have a motive to do so," Nomus swallowed, clearing his throat. "It was you," Nomus asserted, speaking with a sincere, not accusatory tone, as if he were suggesting the truth.

Underlord's face didn't change, keeping a neutral expression. "And what makes you think that?" Underlord asked.

"Aside from the monarch and local law enforcement, you were the only one who knew about the bombing. Obviously, word spreads fast, but not this fast. The news of the bombing is being suppressed by the monarch to hinder any rebellious sentiment. Secondly, you told me the monarch asked for our assistance, but he had no idea I was coming," Nomus explained, hoping that he was right about this. "You wanted to test me," Nomus assumed.

Underlord nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You're right. I did plant the bomb. I wanted to test you. And you passed with flying colors. I trained you well," Underlord complimented himself. Nomus felt a surge of relief and pride.

"Very well. Now, return, and we will proceed to your next lesson," Underlord declared, disconnecting the transmission and leaving Nomus to himself.

Chapter 3:

3 Months later…

A political battle raged in the Republic as the Senate debated the construction of a new weapons plant on the planet Corsin in the Greater Plooroid Cluster. The planet is known for its deposits of metals. Senator Motage Thul of Alderaan, Senator Bib Farsa of Sullust, and Senator Garya Movarc of Corulag, along with 72 other Senators, protested the vote. Senator Motage Thul now hovered in the center of the rotunda, preparing to speak.

My fellow Senators, as we gather here today to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the war, I cannot help but reflect on the lessons we have learned and the mistakes we have made. Our galaxy has seen too much bloodshed, too much destruction, and too much pain. And yet, here we are again, on the brink of further escalation.

The proposal before us today is to fund a new weapons plant on Corsin, at a cost of 60 billion credits. I must say, I cannot in good conscience support this proposal, and neither should you. We have seen what war can do to our galaxy, and we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to prevent it. It is true that we face threats from outside our borders, but I believe that building more weapons is not the answer. We must focus on diplomacy, on finding common ground with our neighbors, on working together to build a better future for all. The war the Sith wage is not against the Republic, but against the Jedi.

Furthermore, think of what we could do with sixty billion credits. We could invest in education, in healthcare, in infrastructure. We could make a real difference in the lives of our citizens, instead of letting them suffer more under the burden of war.

Fellow Senators, I know that there are those who will disagree with me, who will argue that destroying the Sith and its people is the only way for peace. But I ask you to consider the cost, both in credits and in lives. We have seen the devastation that war against the Sith can bring, we must learn from the Great Hyperspace War and the Great Galactic Wars. Do not let our forefathers have died in vain, only for us to repeat the mistakes of the past, and reintroduce those horrors to the galaxy once again.

On this 250th anniversary of the war, let us remember the lessons we have learned, let us honor the sacrifices of those who have come before us, and let us work together to build a brighter future for all beings in the galaxy.

As the debate continued, Kel'dor Jedi Master No Karr arrived at the Senate to attend the session. He met with representatives from Czerka Arms and Rendili StarDrive outside the senate rotunda, companies that heavily supported the Republic in their war efforts.

"Of course, we generally support peace, but this self-declared peace movement in the Senate tries to chase a fairytale, believing the Sith will just sit idle forever," Lirin Far'n, a representative of Czerka, told Karr.

"Yes. The Senate has become increasingly ineffectual over the years. It is quite unnerving," Karr sighed, looking at a point in the distance.

"If we don't take offensive action now, the Sith might get the upper hand. Their entire empire is built around one big war-machine while the Republic isn't willing to support the corporations that want to save it. But well, the senate seems more willing to nationalize us," Lirin Far'n said.

Karr shared the same concerns, "The Republic sees the war more like a Jedi problem and less as a Republic problem. All wishes for offensives are mostly made by the Jedi, who, ironically, are supposed to be peacekeepers."

The Rendili StarDrive representative, the human female Tina Harlok spoke up, "Master Jedi, the Supreme Chancellor Sion Takar, is himself a Jedi Master and member of the Jedi Order. You have a seat on the Jedi council," Harlok swallowed, "Wouldn't it be possible that you could convince the Jedi to interfere in the Senate, moving it in the right direction?"

Karr looked at her, "I fully understand and share your concerns. However, while we possess the ability to sway the Senate through various means, the majority of the Council is opposed to meddling in Senate affairs. The Supreme Chancellor holds a considerable amount of power to influence the Senate by manipulating votes, delaying crucial decisions, and pushing for others. This endless cycle can be quite frustrating. The Council suggests military action, but when brought before the Senate, it is met with resistance and ultimately rejected. Reluctant to press the issue, the Jedi prefer to step back and allow the Senate to bicker amongst themselves. Unfortunately, this inaction has dire consequences for the Republic's citizens and economy. The Jedi continue to propose new solutions, only to fall into the same frustrating cycle once again."

Karr sighed, "This issue is nerve-racking. I myself have considers leaving the order. But well, what else shall I do?" Karr's gaze shifted towards the representatives who appeared to be anticipating a more favorable response. He remained silent, waiting for their reply, but when none came, he spoke, "Allow me to clarify. Regardless of what proposal I present to the council, the end result will inevitably be rendered moot."

Lirin Far'n looked up at him and smiled, "Thank you, Master Jedi. I must take my leave." Karr nodded, giving a polite bow, turning to leave.

Master No Karr walked through the grand hallways of the Jedi temple, his gaze scanning the familiar surroundings. The temple bustled with activity, with more Jedi than usual traversing the corridors. Many of them were faces Karr had not seen in years, perhaps having been on missions or engaged in battles against the Sith. At one point, nearly all Jedi had been called to fight against the Sith, but the Senate's decision to halt all military operations had led to a stalemate in the offensive against Yavin, resulting in more and more Jedi returning to the temple.

As Master Karr strode down the vast hallways of the Jedi temple, he couldn't help but marvel at the grand statues of the temple guards and Jedi from bygone eras. They had always left an indelible impression on him, no matter how many times he passed by them. Their rich history, particularly the various Jedi schisms that had occurred over time, had captivated him from a young age. He had been intrigued by the Ashla and Bogan sides of the force, which were now referred to as the light and dark sides. He visited many places to try to crack the secrets of the force. But he stalled in his studies, struggling to find his purpose. He tried being a trainer, a master, a historian, but all didn't fulfill him. Now he was practically an ambassador to the Senate, spending most of his time in the Senate talking to different delegates.

Lost in thought, Karr suddenly found himself standing before the imposing doors of the Jedi council chamber. It was a path he had walked countless times before, much like the one that led to the temple's library. After all these years, the route had become almost second nature to him, a familiar journey back and forth.

Karr entered the council chambers, where all masters were present—a rare sight. Typically, only a couple of masters were physically present, while the others were either projected as holograms or simply absent. Only two Jedi were absent, including the recently killed Master Murrtaggh and another Sullustan Jedi Master who was currently tackling a civil war in the Seswenna sector. Karr took a seat, two seats next to the Grand Master.

"This peace faction in the Senate is getting out of hand, forbidding all offensive operations," the Duro Master Jazirwin Sto started.

"Master Sto, we should support peace in any way possible. Less violence is always a welcome sight," Master Kins answered.

Master Sto countered, "The Senate wishes to negotiate with the Sith. We all know diplomacy with them is impossible."

"That is true. However, we are peacekeepers first and foremost," Master Kins acknowledged.

Grand Master Kosmar Thal interrupted the discussion with a clap of his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Masters, we must address several matters. Firstly, I have received a request from Admiral Hegeto. He is greatly frustrated by the Senate's decision to forbid offensives, and his appeals have been entangled in bureaucratic red tape. He has requested direct Jedi support." The Grand Master paused, turning to look at Master Karr. "Master Karr, you have had dealings with the Admiral. What is your view on this matter?"

Karr observed the Grand Master gathering his thoughts before responding, "The Admiral is hasty and reckless. He holds little regard for his crew, and his campaigns have resulted in high casualties. However, he has achieved a high rate of success."

The Grand Master nodded, "Very well," he declared, his voice echoing through the council chambers. "Admiral Hegeto has requested the council send a Jedi emissary to Felucia, in order to establish a military base on the planet. However, the native Gossams have been reluctant to allow such a base to be established. The Admiral was recently reassigned to command the fleet stationed at nearby Lianna." He paused, his piercing gaze resting on Master Karr. "Master Karr, I am aware that you have been inactive for some time," Kosmar Thal continued. "However, your expertise in historic studies makes you a perfect candidate for this mission. I believe that you are suited for this task."

Karr was taken aback by the Grand Master's words. He had not left Coruscant for quite some time, but he knew that he could not refuse this mission. Perhaps it could even bring some sense of purpose to him.

"Very well, Master," Karr replied with a deep bow. "I will depart for Felucia immediately."

The Grand Master nodded towards Karr. He then inhaled and looked around at the other Masters, "As for the second matter, it concerns the new leadership of the New Sith Empire. A proclamation has been issued, and a Sith Lord by the name of Darth Gravus has declared himself Emperor, with the endorsement of Darth Nomus, former apprentice of Darth Underlord. This information has been disseminated throughout the galaxy, but due to the Empire's encryption and general lack of communication, details regarding the shift in power remain shrouded in mystery. Speculation is all that can be done at this point…" Karr drifted off as the Grand Master continued speaking. His mind engrained in his mission for the duration of the meeting.

As Karr made his way out of the council chambers, he couldn't help but ponder the state of the galaxy. How could a decentralized political entity like the New Sith Empire possibly endure such widespread chaos? With no clear leadership, seemingly random military maneuvers, and a general air of disorganization and sloppiness, the New Sith Empire appeared to be teetering on the brink of collapse for its entire existence, constantly on the verge of crumbling into the depths of oblivion. Karr couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the stability and order that the Republic had once embodied, many centuries ago, but even that once-great institution had become increasingly fragmented in his life span.

As Karr walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple, his mind was preoccupied with the inefficiencies of the Republic military. Battles were needlessly costly, and losses could have been avoided with proper leadership. Karr believed that the Jedi were the solution to this problem. With their quick thinking and reliance on logic over emotion, they would be more effective leaders than the current commanders. It made perfect sense to him that all military leaders should be Jedi like him.

To Karr, this was not about seeking power. He believed that his leadership would bring peace and save countless lives. It was the very definition of the Jedi Code, a selfless act to benefit the greater good. He couldn't help but wonder why others couldn't see the logic in this. If the military were under Jedi command, this war could have been over long ago. The lack of a meritocracy in the current system only added to the inefficiencies. Despite his frustrations, Karr knew that he could not act on these thoughts. It was not his place to seek power, but to serve as a Jedi and uphold their values. He continued down the hallway, lost in thought about the state of the galaxy and what could be done to bring about true peace and harmony.

As Karr entered the hallowed halls of the Jedi Archives, he was struck by the familiar scent of old data pads and holocrons. The dimly lit room was a haven for knowledge, and Karr had spent countless hours here during his years as a padawan. His eyes roamed the shelves, searching for any relevant information on Felucia.

The planet was known for its humid, oppressive heat and deadly wildlife, but it was also home to some of the most beautiful flora in the galaxy. Karr's thoughts were interrupted by a presence behind him. He turned to see his former apprentice, the Twi'lek Master Kaya Taroh, approaching.

"Master Karr, it's good to see you," Kaya said with a bright smile, politely bowing next to him.

Karr stood up from his seat, "And you as well, Kaya," Karr replied. "What brings you to the archives today?"

"I just returned from Ilum," Kaya said. "I have made this trip many times but is always wonderful to watch the younglings construct their first lightsaber." Karr nodded at Kaya. Although his face was obscured by a mask he needed to survive, he knew Kaya could tell he was smiling at her.

"May I ask what you are up to, Master," Kaya asked. "I'm here to refresh my knowledge of Felucia. I have accepted a mission to negotiate with the natives for the Republic to construct a military base on the planet."

Kaya's eyes widened with surprise. "Felucia? That is quite the undertaking. In the Outer Rim, next to Sith space. I wish you the best of luck, Master Karr." Karr expressed his gratitude to Kaya with a nod of appreciation.

"I realize I neglected to properly congratulate you on you being named Master last year. My mind was preoccupied with other matters at the time, Master Taroh".

Kaya smiled at him, her Lekku ear tails twitching, "Please Master. It was your guidance and training. I could not have imagined any better master."

Karr waved off the compliment. "You give me too much credit, Kaya. You are a talented and dedicated Jedi in your own right." Kaya smiled at him.

Kaya bowed respectfully, "Thank you for your kind words, Master. I shall leave you to your studies. May the Force be with you." She then departed to her quarters.

Karr sat back down and delved deeper into the archives. Felucia had once been a retreat for the wealthy Gossam people, who had colonized it over 25,000 years ago. However, it had changed hands multiple times over the centuries, falling under the rule of Xim the Despot and his Kingdom of Cron before settling into a relative peace.

Despite this, the Gossams exported valuable crops, including the native Felucian nysilin and various biotoxins found in the jungle. This made Felucia a prime trading hub in the Thanium Worlds and the Tion Cluster. Trading companies came and went, but the Gossams managed to maintain their sovereignty. This is also why the Gossams declined any sort of military treaty and were only interested in the benefits of trade. Felucia was in the Outer Rim next to the Perlimian Trade Route, a busy trade route leading towards the Core. It was also a world that was next to the Thanium Way, which led to Stenos in Sith space. This has been a possible attack vector for the Sith. However, this part of the galaxy had not seen any fighting for more than 200 years.

The Republic used to be a lot closer to the Sith on the planet Thanium. But it was abandoned after a gas leak destroyed the station and reconstruction was deemed too costly. Thanium also didn't possess a breathable atmosphere, while Felucia's air was some of the cleanest in the galaxy. Another Planet between Stenos and Felucia was Tandankin. But due to its position between the Republic and the Sith, it was host to a major battle 200 years prior, in which the planet was devastated. Tandankin was previously inhabited by just over 10 million people who mostly grew crops on the limited farmland as well as inhabiting some urban areas. But the battle completely destroyed the agricultural ability of the planet, and practically all people were forced to move away, or they would face starvation. It was unclear if any people stayed on the planet. Despite the battle's inconclusive victor, both the New Sith Empire and the Republic retreated with heavy losses and never established a presence on the planet again.

Finally, as the moon was high in the sky, Karr retired to his quarters, his mind abuzz with the knowledge he had acquired. He would need to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead, but he was confident in his abilities as a Jedi. With a sense of purpose, he allowed himself to drift off to sleep, ready to face whatever lay ahead on Felucia.

Chapter 4:

Over Bosthirda, the Indiquidator had just completed its final safety tests and was now filled with an elite team of skilled personnel, battle-hardened veterans, and formidable Sith warriors. Nomus had also successfully unified six separate taskforces to form his new fleet, which he intended to use for his upcoming offensive.

Joining Nomus on the bridge were Darth Fyrou and the experienced Commodore Coros, who was appointed as the commander of Nomus's flagship, the Indiquidator. Darth Fyrou had been a long-time friend of Nomus. Underlord had sent Nomus to the academy on Ziost, where he was instructed by other Sith, while Underlord was off fighting the war. Darth Fyrou was another Sith who showed promise, earning the respect of many of the overseers in the academy, and they became well acquainted. Fyrou bound himself to Nomus, serving him as if he were his Master.

Over time, Fyrou became one of Nomus's most trusted allies and advisors, providing him with counsel and support as he rose through the ranks of the Sith order and the New Sith Empire. Despite the political machinations and backstabbing that were commonplace within the order, Nomus and Fyrou remained steadfast allies, united in their desire to bring about the downfall of the Jedi and the triumph of the dark side.

The Indiquidator traversed through the vast expanse of hyperspace. The system controls showed a steady supply of confirmations and status reports coming from the engines and the weapon stations. The monotonous beeping noise in the background. The low murmur of the Lieutenants' conversations could be heard in the background. Nomus, standing on the bridge, gazed intently into the void of hyperspace, observing the luminescent streaks of light traveling from the front to the back of the ship, representing the countless uninhabited star systems under the control of the New Sith Empire.

"Darth Nomus, we will be arriving at Korriban soon," announced Commodore Coros from behind him. "Would you like an escort to the surface?" he inquired, usually suggesting that Nomus's unofficial apprentice, Darth Fyrou, accompany him to Gravus.

"No," Nomus commanded with finality.

"Very well, my Lord," responded Coros before turning towards a group of Lieutenants and Commanders stationed at the rear of the bridge.

In the background, the ship's hyperdrive turned off in an audible warp when the ship came out of hyperspace. Nomus took a shuttle to the surface of Korriban, where he saw that construction of Korriban's capital, Irena, was progressing. On his way from the new spaceport to the new Imperial Spire in the heart of the city, he saw slaves and droids working on the tall buildings, attracting many new residents.

Gravus stood in the large throne room facing a window when Nomus entered the room, staring out into the distance, overlooking the spaceport and city below.

"My Emperor. I have gathered six taskforces in orbit, I wish to attack the Perlimian Trade Route," Nomus said, walking towards Darth Gravus.

"I like what you have done to Korriban," Gravus disregarded Nomus's request. Nomus stopped a meter from Gravus, kneeling.

"Thank you, Emperor. Do you permit my attack."

Gravus turned to face Nomus, "Very well. I am pleased with your work. I will approve your military offensive." Nomus stood, turning to leave Gravus. "However," Gravus's voice reverberated through the room, "you are not permitted to fail."

Nomus bowed before Gravus, "I will not. I can assure you." Gravus turned back to face the window while Nomus left his chambers.

Nomus returned to the Indiquidator and strode purposefully onto the bridge, where Commodore Coros awaited him. Darth Fyrou stood at his side, silent and imposing. "Commodore," Nomus addressed him. "I want you to prepare the combined fleet to depart for Felucia in ten hours."

"Yes, my Lord," Coros responded, his voice steady and unwavering.

"And I have another matter to attend to," Nomus continued. "I have decided to promote you to the rank of Admiral."

Coros looked at Nomus in surprise, his eyes widening. "My Lord, I... thank you," he stammered, clearly taken aback by the unexpected promotion. He quickly composed himself and turned to carry out his new orders, a sense of pride and responsibility filling him as he prepared to lead the fleet into battle.

Nomus turned to face the window, a wide minatory grin formulating on his lips.

Chapter 5:

Master No Karr stepped of the ramp of the Republic Synge-class corvette that had just landed in the spaceport of Felucia's capital Kway Teow. The colorful flora on the planet was a remarkable sight. As Karr took in the sight of the town, he was stunned at the odd but beautiful scenery. The city was fused with the flora surrounding it, leaving it as natural as possible. Duracrete is a rare sight on Felucia, where most buildings are made of local building materials gathered from the local oversized fungi and peculiar trees. The plants on Felucia grew to extraordinary sizes, dominating the forests with their odd shapes. Even though the city was intertwined with the planet's flora, it wasn't unorganized or dirty. The plants were well kept, and the paths made from local material were free of any obstacles. It was obvious that this was a wealthy planet, or at least the capital was.

"Major, wait here. But get the battalion ready to set up camp as soon as I get permission from the Felucians," Karr told Major Dintion, who stood next to him on the ramp.

Karr was greeted by a local Gossam entourage and a protocol droid ready to translate the native Gossam language into galactic standard. The Gossams started talking, Karr looked at the protocol droid, awaiting a translation.

"Welcome Master Jedi, Felucia welcomes you. Please follow us," the droid translated.

Karr nodded and followed the Gossams to a speeder situated next to the landing pad. The speeder took Karr through the city, passing by housing and commercial districts, the streets buzzing with activity. They arrived at a tall, oval building surrounded by a large, gated park. The speeder passed through a gate guarded by Gossam soldiers and stopped in front of the building. The Gossams stepped out of the speeder, with Karr following them inside the building. The building consisted of a large hall decorated with local Felucian art. The building itself was a curious blend of metal and natural materials, achieving a delicate balance between the two. The door to a spacious turbolift slid open at the far end of the hall, beckoning Karr and his companions forward. They made their way across the room and stepped into the lift, which shot upward, accelerating them towards their destination. When the lift came to a stop and the doors opened, they were greeted by a large group of Gossams gathered before them. Although the room was spacious, it lacked the opulence of the entrance hall. At the back of the room, a large table was occupied by several seated Gossams. Karr strode confidently to the table, where the Gossams indicated the chair in front of him.

Karr sat down at the table and looked at the Gossams seated in front of him. "Thank you for the warm welcome," he said. "We understand that your people value your sovereignty and independence, and we want to respect that. But we also believe that working together can benefit both the Republic and Felucia."

The Gossams conferred with each other in their language before one of them spoke up. The protocol droid translated, "We have no interest in being dragged into your war. A Republic military presence on Felucia might make us a target."

Karr nodded, "We understand your concerns, and we are willing to work with you to ensure that the military presence on your planet is minimal and only for defensive purposes."

The Gossams talked to each other. They seemed to debate their course of action for a while until they concluded their talks. One of the Gossams spoke up and the protocol droid translated, "We are willing to offer a small plot of land for military use, but we cannot allow a full military presence on our planet." Another Gossam spoke up. "In return for this concession, we would like Felucian goods to be exempt from Republic taxes. Our exports are valuable, and we believe this would be a fair trade," the protocol droid translated.

Karr sighed; to him, the deal seemed fair, but he knew the Senate would disagree. He was conflicted but eventually decided to place the needs of the Senate beneath the needs of the Republic. Karr considered the proposal. "The Republic understands the value of Felucian goods, and we are willing to accept this as part of the treaty."

The Gossams conferred again before one of them extended a hand towards Karr. "Agreed. Let us sign the treaty."

Karr shook the Gossam's small, three fingered hand and smiled. "I will review the plot immediately. This is the Republic delegation that will discuss the details. I will return once a treaty has been set up," Karr said, gesturing to a group of Republic diplomats next to him. The Gossams nodded, and Karr turned to leave.

When Karr arrived at the designated plot of land, Major Dintion was already setting up camp. The plot was small but sufficient to house a battalion. The plot was situated next to the city, and in case of an invasion, the capital could be occupied in a matter of minutes. Karr entered the preliminary camp, which had just been set up. Inside, the tent had already been equipped with a holotable and other electrical devices, Republic troops were already operating.

As Karr entered the tent, the Major immediately saluted him, "Sir, our camp is set up, and supplies are being brought in for a larger military base."

Karr nodded in acknowledgement, "Have you conducted a survey of the area?" he asked.

The Major gestured towards the holotable, where a map of Felucia was projected. Karr approached the table to get a closer look. "Here is a detailed view of the surrounding areas of Felucia," the Major explained, pointing to a particular location on the planet. The holo table responded, displaying the geography and topography of the area surrounding Kway Teow. "In the event of an attack, most of the planet's terrain is too densely forested with fungus forests," the Major continued. "Clearing the land for troops would take too long. The most probable landing sites are the cleared lands and farmlands in the settlements here." He pointed to a location on the map, revealing small villages surrounded by farmland. "The city is positioned near the defendable Dew Zani Ridge here," Major Dintion pointed to a mountain ridge near the capital. "It is the most defensible position, only having a few narrow passes."

"Very well Major. I see you are well prepared," he paused to look at the Major, "I must take my leave; do you have a room for me?" Karr asked.

Major Dintion nodded, "Yes, of course, I will show you." The Major strolled past Karr and out of the tent.

Karr followed him over the campsite which was rapidly progressing. Premade structures were being built all around them. "Over here, all rooms are currently unoccupied" the Major gestured to a small durasteel building.

"Thank you, Major," Karr said, entering the prefabricated building. The short hallway had about 10 rooms. Karr entered the room first on his left. It was a small room, similar to the rooms in the Jedi Temple dormitory, but without windows. The light came from a panel on the back wall, illuminating the room in a bright white color. Karr dimmed the lights and sat down. Karr sat down, removed his lightsaber, which he put before him, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes. He focused on his breathing, feeling the force flowing through him, interacting with his cells. The feeling could range from a slight tingle to an oppressive anxiety, similar to how one felt when consuming too much caf.

He used an ancient meditation technique called Alchaka, developed by the ancient Je'daii order, the precursor to both Jedi and Sith. As his concentration furthered and his muscles relaxed, following the same routine as in every meditation, he slowly lifted off the ground. An hour went by, then two. Karr was in a total trance floating a meter above the floor. Karr focused on his past and his future, combining them into one possible existence. Force visions as well as precognitions were forbidden by the Jedi because knowing the future could lead to someone wanting to control the future. Leading the individual to the dark side. Only the Grand Master was allowed to glimpse the future. But this didn't discourage Karr from trying. Precognition had saved the Jedi more than once. The Sith couldn't see the future like the Jedi did. It needed tremendous concentration and a peaceful mind to complete. Some Sith, like the ancient Darth Traya, could mimic this peace without possessing it, but usually, precognition was a trait only possessed by Jedi, while only some Sith were able to glimpse some aspects of the future.

Karr tried to deepen his trance, making his mind free of any interferences. Suddenly, Karr saw something. It was dim and far away. But he tried to grasp it, reaching out to touch the future with his mind. Then, out of nothing, his mind was flooded with pictures. He saw a Sith fleet approaching Felucia, right now. Karr was taken aback, trying to end the vision. But it would not let him. The vision continued, and his mind delved deeper. He saw death, destruction, suffering, terrorized worlds. A bald Sith killing a child in front of his father. An endless war. This war? The Republic in disarray. Anarchy. A hooded figure using force lightning to kill a Muun with a breather mask. Karr tried to stop the visions, trying to wake up from the trance, but his mind couldn't let go. He could not stop. The future became more distant. He was now seeing the galaxy, thousands of years into the future. An image of a figure flashed by. A man? No, a droid... Or neither. He wore black, the sound of his breath reverberating through his head. He saw a creature, a fleet made of plant. A race of technophobic creatures, sacking Coruscant, destroying the entire planet, rebuilding it anew. Karr had enough and concentrated all of his might to rip himself from his thoughts. His eyes opened and he fell to the ground, hitting it with a thump as he collapsed. The entire ordeal only lasted a few seconds; millions of images had gone through his head. Karr tried to make sense of what he had seen. Some of the events he had seen happened decades, centuries, or millennia into the future. Technically, Karr thought, this shouldn't concern him. This was the responsibility of future jedi. Or was it? Maybe he could prevent this from happening? He must try. It was his duty as a Jedi. Could it be? That this was his purpose? His destiny? But how? How could he stop this from happening? He needed to adapt.

Karr's labored breaths echoed inside his mask; struggling to supply him with the helium and dorin gas vital for every Kel'dor's survival. He staggered forward and doubled over, coughing violently into his mask. As he tried to steady his breathing, Karr attempted to clear his mind of the disturbing images that had unsettled him. He could not remember the last time he had lost such control of himself to this extent. The images persisted, refusing to relinquish their grip on his thoughts. In an attempt to distract himself, Karr rose to his feet, nearly falling over. Restoring his balance, he moved to the door and exited the room.

As Karr opened the door, he nearly collided with Major Dintion, who was about to knock. "Master Jedi, I apologize for the interruption, but a Sith fleet has just entered the system," Dintion reported urgently, a hint of fear in his voice.

Karr was still catching his breath. "Yes, I am aware," he replied. The Major looked at Karr quizzically.

"Are you all right, sir?" he inquired.

"I will be," Karr said, taking another deep breath. Have you called for reinforcements?"

The Major nodded. "Our cruiser in orbit has done so. They alerted us to the Sith fleet's presence."

"Very well," Karr said, walking towards the command center. "Let us prepare to defend ourselves." Major Dintion followed Karr to the tent.

Chapter 6:

The second fleet was commanded by Admiral Hegeto, who had seen his share of battles. He was an important factor in the battle of Malrev 4. He had stayed in orbit, destroying the entire Sith fleet while Jedi General Murrtaggh fought on the ground. Now he was tasked with holding the vital Thanium corridor and protect the worlds of the Tion cluster.

"The Senate was always against me," Admiral Hegeto told his officers while reading the holo news on a data pad. They stood at the holotable in the back end of the bridge on the Karlo, both of them holding a cup of caf in their hands. "This peace movement is ridiculous," Hegeto said, sipping from his cup. "Telling a soldier how to run a war," the officers chuckled. "Forbidding offensive operations. You really can't fix stupid," he snorted and took a sip from his cup. "We could beat the Sith right now, but no. The Senate only wants to commit eight fleets. We have 84 fleets, what do we need six fleets at Kuat for?" Hegeto snickered in ironic amusement. "De-escalation measures, they say. Isn't it ironic? How..." Hegeto was suddenly interrupted.

"Admiral," a voice shouted from behind him. As Hegeto quickly turned in shock, he saw his second-in-command, the human female Commodore Riva, spurting towards him. "We have received a distress call from the delegation on Felucia."

As the hologram of Felucia's distress signal flickered to life on the holo screen in front of him, Admiral Tim Hegeto's heart sank. He had personally requested the diplomatic team to the planet, including a Jedi Master, and now they were under attack by the Sith. His stomach churned with worry and fear as he reviewed the distress call. "What is happening on Felucia?" Hegeto asked his second-in-command, Commodore Riva.

"The Sith Fleet has attacked the cruiser in orbit," Riva replied. "But they're reported to be maintaining their position and only offering harassment fire from fighters."

"Call the cruiser," Hegeto ordered. "I'm afraid their comms were jammed shortly after the distress signal, sir," Riva said.

"Son of a Hutt," Hegeto cursed. He walked back and forth in front of Riva, thinking about his course of action. Eventually Hegeto came to a conclusion, "Order the second fleet to move into the Felucia system. We might be too late, but we must try."

As the Karlo entered the Felucia system, Hegeto was surprised to see that the battle had just begun. He could see the Sith Fleet maintaining its position at a distance while only offering harassment fire from fighters.

"Sir, somethings off, the Sith should be moving in to cut us off from the cruiser. I think they want us to move in," Riva said, her voice careful but assertive.

"We can think about that later. The Sith are outnumbered; we must press our advantage," Hegeto replied. "Order the fleet to engage the Sith fleet." The fleet moved towards the Sith fleet, forming a defensive formation in front of it. "Launch fighters," Hegeto ordered as Sith forces drew closer. "Gather some corvettes and press them through the middle; we must stab them while we can. And go closer to the Sith fleet, we can surround them."

The fleet followed his orders, moving closer to the Sith fleet. Corvettes and frigates now exchanged fire as they moved into each other's firing range.

"Admiral, ships coming from hyperspace, port side," the navigation officer exclaimed.

Suddenly, on the port side, another Sith fleet appeared out of nowhere. "What the hell? There's no hyperspace lane originating from that direction," Hegeto said, his eyes wide in shock. "By the stars," Hegeto murmured as he realized the size of the fleet. "All ships, shift position!" Hegeto ordered. But it was too late. The Sith ships launched their fighters and started raining down hell onto support ships and unsuspecting cruisers in Hegeto's rear, vaporizing the ships instantly.

Despite Hegeto managing to deflect the frontal attack with the screening ships and deployed fighters, he had already lost a quarter of his fleet, including eight Falco-class heavy cruisers and one destroyer, while Sith losses were mostly limited to fighters. The enemy was slowly penetrating the screen of ships around Hegeto's battlecruisers.

Eventually, the Republic fleet was encircled and swarmed by enemy fighters and bombers. "Sir, we're taking heavy losses!" Riva shouted.

Hegeto knew he had to act fast. "Order the majority of Fighters engaged in the frontal fighting to attack the port side fleet, and then turn the fleet around and swarm the enemy!"

"But, sir, that tactic is too risky!" Riva protested.

"We have no other choice; this battle must be won at any cost. We need to take the enemy head-on!" Hegeto replied firmly.

As the Karlo entered the battle zone along with the rest of the battlecruisers, Hegeto's heart pounded in his chest. He could already see what he thought to be the enemy flagship, looming in the distance like a dark cloud. For a moment, it seemed as though the Republic was gaining the upper hand. They inflicted heavy losses on the Sith fleet, forcing them to change tactics and retreat. But just as quickly, the Sith regrouped and launched a new wave of fighters, this time with bombers in tow.

Suddenly, a squad of bombers appeared in front of the Karlo. "Brace yourselves, everyone!" Hegeto shouted as the ship shook violently as the frontal turrets were destroyed. The battle was total chaos at this point; ships were fighting above, below, portside, and starboard of the Karlo.

"Admiral, it's not working, the losses are too great; we must retreat," Riva asserted, looking over at Hegeto. Hegeto winced, cursing under his breath. "Retreat to Lianna and call for reinforcements."

Nomus stood on the bridge of the Indiquidator, watching as the Republic fleet retreated into hyperspace. He allowed himself a moment to savor the victory, feeling a rush of adrenaline at the thought of the destruction his forces had wrought. But he knew the battle was not yet over. "Pursue the Republic fleet. And send a battalion to Felucia to establish a military occupation," Nomus ordered,

"We have inflicted heavy losses on the Republic, but we can't rest on our laurels just yet. Let us finish the job," Admiral Coros and the rest of the crew nodded in agreement. As he spoke, he could feel the resolve of his crew strengthening. They knew the risks, but they were willing to follow him into battle. Nomus turned to his communications officer. "Send a message to Stenos. Tell him to send one of the reserve taskforces to Lianna immediately. We will need all the reinforcements we can get."

As the message was sent, Nomus felt a sense of anticipation building within him. Lianna would be a major prize, and securing it would give the Sith Empire a significant advantage in the war. But he knew it wouldn't be easy. Nomus addressed his crew with fierce determination in his voice, "As we jump into hyperspace, we leave behind a trail of destruction that the Republic will never forget. We may have lost some of our own, but it was for a greater cause. The conquest of Lianna will be our greatest victory since the conquest of Korriban!" The crew nodded, murmurs of agreement filling the bridge. Nomus raised his hand, signaling for silence, "And let us not forget, our ultimate goal is not just to conquer Lianna, but to drill our spear into the heart of the Republic. They have pushed us for far too long. It is time we show them the true strength of the Sith Empire. It is time we show them that we are not to be underestimated!" The crew erupted in cheers and applause, praising their leader and their cause.

Nomus allowed himself a small smile, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "For the Emperor!" he shouted, and the crew echoed his sentiment with fervor.

This was a rare moment where Nomus actually encouraged the loss of discipline for a brief moment of time. However, this burst of patriotic pride was going to boost morale for the upcoming battle.

As the fleet jumped into hyperspace, Nomus gazed out of the viewport, envisioning the upcoming battle and the triumph that would follow. His mind was filled with thoughts of victory and the glory that awaited him and the Sith Empire.

Chapter 7:

Hegeto's fleet arrived in the Lianna system, the atmosphere tense and anxious. He knew he was facing a formidable enemy, now having an advantage in numbers. His fleet also had barely any fighters left.

"Reinforcements?" Hegeto's voice held a note of urgency as he turned to the comms officer. "Where are they? We cannot hold them off for long."

The officer's response was not what he had hoped for. "Sir, the 6th fleet was halted from coming to our aid. Order from higher up," he reported, swallowing audibly.

Hegeto's face twisted in confusion as he regarded the officer. "By the suns of Byss", Hegeto cursed, "Send another urgent request. Mention that this is purely defensive and not in any way offensive. We are talking about the fate of the damn Tion cluster here." The comms officer turned to relay the message.

"We've got incoming", the navigation officer exclaimed. But before Hegeto inhaled to give an answer, the Sith fleet emerged one by one, seemingly endless and brimming with reinforcements. "Reform the fleet into a V formation at once", Hegeto ordered as he gritted his teeth. He was determined to build a wall of durasteel and inflict maximum casualties the moment the Sith attacked.

The fleet rearranged as the Sith fleet drew close, with the Karlo in the middle and the battlecruisers protecting each other. Screening ships were placed in the secondary zone to protect the capital ships, but also to shield the battlecruisers from fighter attacks.

But the Sith were relentless, giving the Republic no time to breathe, immediately attacking with reinforcements at the forefront. Soon, the battle was in full swing. Hegeto gritted his teeth as he watched ship after ship get destroyed by the Sith's overwhelming numbers.

"We can't keep this up much longer," he said. "We need to inflict some serious damage on them." Hegeto paused for a moment, thinking. "We need to concentrate our fire on their flagship. If we can take that out, command structure will break."

"But sir, their flagship is a heavily armed modified Harrower. It's a dangerous gamble," cautioned Commodore Riva, her eyes fixed on the Admiral. Hegeto met her gaze, a silent challenge in his eyes. "Do you have a better plan?" he asked pointedly.

When no answer came, he gave the order. "Very well, then. Concentrate fire on the flagship. Move in."

As the bulk of the fleet moved into range of the Indiquidator, Hegeto watched in shock as the Sith Harrower-cruisers, along with the other Sith capital ships, unleashed a barrage of turbolasers and ion cannons as the Republic fleet moved into its primary zone. The Sith fleet also launched an enormous wave of bombers from their reserves. With the starfighter battle already won by the Sith, the bombers had free reign to target Republic capital ships, leaving the Republic defenseless. Despite inflicting some losses on the Sith, the Republic was taking three times as many losses and didn't have the numbers to replenish their ships. The screen of ships was slowly being broken through, exposing the battlecruisers to the Republic fleet's heat.

"Close that gap", Hegeto ordered, his frustration slowly turning into desperation.

"We have lost contact to nearly all corvettes. The gap cannot be closed," Commodore Riva reported dashing towards him. "Sir, we need to retreat," Riva's voice emanated through the bridge, her suggestion sounding more like an order.

Hegeto sighed, felling his heart sink. "Very well. Fall back, retreat to Columex", his voice trembling, all authority washed away as Hegeto scratched his forehead. "The 6th and 82nd will now have to deal with this", he murmured, referring to the fleets stationed at Columex and the Tion cluster.

The fleet turned under heavy fire, using the protected bottom of the ship to turn and escape to hyperspace, now on its way to join the 6th fleet at Columex. Columex, situated on the Perlimian Trade Route, was a major trade hub, hosting the Salin Corridor, a lucrative trade route under strong Republic control. If only the 6th fleet had come, it could have changed the outcome of the battle. This loss was the Senate's fault. Hegeto knew the political fallout of this defeat would be severe and arduous.

"We'll need months to repair. Commodore, status report," he sighed, knowing that the losses were staggering. The Commodore gave him a data pad on which he reviewed his losses. Hegeto felt a sense of despair wash over him as he recouped his losses. His fleet had suffered immense damage, with only 16 Battlecruisers left out of the 40 he had begun with. Nearly all corvettes and frigates were destroyed while 85% of his fighters were lost, and 95% of the fleet was damaged and needed urgent repairs.

Nomus felt a surge of triumph as he surveyed the bridge. The crew's morale was high, buoyed by their recent successes. His fleet had taken heavy casualties but he had inflicted many times the losses on the Republic. Darth Gravus would be pleased, although he may be too busy with his Sith rituals to even acknowledge his existence. He found the arrangement between himself and Gravus fitting, he practically run the New Sith Empire while Gravus was off meditating, or whatever he was doing, it didn't matter anyway. He relished the opportunity to exercise his authority and wield his influence over the Sith Empire.

Nomus strode purposefully to the rear of the Indiquidator's bridge, his mind already turning to the next objective: securing Lianna. He knew it would be a relatively easy task - the planet was populated by wealthy bureaucrats who valued their assets above all else. As he approached the holoterminal, he watched with satisfaction as the hologram flickered to life, revealing the leader of Lianna.

Despite its ostensible status as a "representative democracy," Lianna was, in reality, a corporate oligarchy, with power concentrated in the hands of a few. Director Hojos Torgoter, the leader of Lianna, was a powerful figure in the galaxy, with a significant stake in various galactic corporations. He had invested his vast wealth into the sprawling industrial landscape of the Tion Cluster, particularly on Lianna. But Nomus knew that this was hardly unique in the galaxy. Even the Jedi, with all its pretensions of egalitarianism, operated as an oligarchy of sorts.

With a calm yet authoritative voice, Nomus addressed the Director through the holoterminal. "Greetings, Director Torgoter," he said. "I have come with a proposal. Surrender your planet to the New Sith Empire, and I will ensure that your assets remain in your hands during your transition into an Imperial economy."

Torgoter hesitated, and Nomus could tell he was weighing his options. He waited patiently; his eyes fixed on the holo-screen. Finally, Torgoter spoke. "Lianna is a heavily defendable planet, we have millions of soldiers and equipment. If you decide to besiege us, it will take years for you to fully occupy us. The Republic will be back with reinforcements by then."

Nomus chuckled, "I wouldn't count on that. And yes, I am aware of your entrenchment. You have a prosperous ecumenopolis; it would certainly take time to invade," Nomus paused. "Or, I could simply bomb you into submission," Nomus said, his tone laced with a hint of malice.

The Director tensed visibly, glancing nervously to either side in search of advice. "You wouldn't dare. You need Lianna's economic capacity to further your goals," the Director assumed.

Nomus raised an eyebrow, his expression conveying disbelief. "And what do you know of my goals?" he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"I know enough to understand that your actions are driven by greed and power," the Director replied, trying to maintain a confident tone despite his nervousness.

Nomus laughed, "And you aren't Director?" The Director tensed at the remark. Nomus's smile slowly faded as he exhaled in disappointment. "Well then, I gave you every chance to surrender peacefully, Director. Your refusal means you leave me no choice," Nomus looked over at Admiral Coros, his smile fading. "Admiral, commence orbital bombardment." Nomus looked back at the hologram, giving the Director a cold stare as his face was filled with fear.

"No… Wait… You wouldn't," the Director said, then looking to his sides, seeking the advice of others. The hologram was muted, and the Director conferred with some of his closest, eventually reaching a decision. "Stop," the Director exclaimed. "Wait, wait. I... I surrender. We surrender. Lianna surrenders."

Nomus looked at Coros, nodding towards him, symbolizing the cancelation of the bombardment. "Good decision," he said, his voice devoid of any emotion. "Your planet will now be under our occupation. You will cooperate with my forces and ensure a smooth transition."

The Director nodded hastily, relief washing over his face. "Of course, of course. We will cooperate fully."

Nomus disconnected the call and swung around to face a group of Sith Lords acting as generals. "Prepare for the invasion. Occupy government buildings and set up a military occupation until we can integrate it later. I will join you on Lianna later."

As the invasion began, with corvettes, frigates, and invasion craft descending onto the planet, Nomus couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over him. The thought of Lianna now under his control, a valuable addition to the New Sith Empire, sent a shiver of delight down his spine. Nomus grinned triumphantly.

Nomus was just about to board his shuttle to Lianna when Commodore Coros delivered some troubling news. "My lord," Coros said, approaching Nomus with a serious look on his face. "The battalion on Felucia has failed." Nomus furrowed his brow in frustration. "Failed? What happened?"

Coros hesitated for a moment before continuing. "The battalion reportedly encountered an entire Republic division."

"That is certainly odd, though it explains the presence of the Republic cruiser in orbit," Nomus looked at Coros quizzically, "To my knowledge, Felucia is not a member of the Republic. But they maintain a certain relationship. However, there shouldn't be any Republic forces present."

"Yes, my Lord. I assume they were in the process of changing that arrangement," the Admiral assumed.

"Very well, send an entire division this time. I will take care of Lianna in the meantime," Nomus commanded, spinning towards his shuttle.

"My Lord, one more thing. If I may." Nomus swung around, facing Coros once again. "Speak," Nomus said calmly.

"My Lord, the battalion also reported multiple Jedi to be present, including what they assumed to be a Jedi Master, possibly even a Jedi Council member."

Nomus's interest was immediately piqued. "Who is this Jedi?" Nomus asked.

The Admiral started answering, "My Lord, I am not familiar with too many…"

"Was he orange?" Nomus interjected informally.

Coros audibly swallowed, "Well, yes… He is reported to be a Kel'dor." Nomus felt his blood run cold, anxiety building up inside him as Coros confirmed his thoughts: "Master Karr is on Felucia."

The news shook Nomus to his core, altering his plans entirely. "We cannot allow the Jedi to escape," he declared, his mind racing with new strategies. "Coros, ensure that Lianna is secured and neighboring systems of Cadinth, Galdidraan, and Barseg are under our control. The Republic may still attempt a counterattack." Nomus quickened his pace, his thoughts consumed with organizing a new invasion force. "I will deal with him myself," he murmured, determined to confront Karr personally.

Interlude: Felucia

General Karr and Major Dintion collaborated on a defense strategy to protect Felucia's capital city, Kway Teow, and its inhabitants. Although the Republic had established a base on the planet, there was not enough time to have built it to a sufficient extent to make it useful in any way. Karr and Dintion decided to abandon the base, occupying the city instead. They set up a new headquarter in the large oval government building that Karr had visited earlier. The basement of the building featured a reinforced cortosis bunker. The Republic had a few advantages, including anti-air canons and armored assault vehicles they had placed across the city, concentrating a large portion near the spaceport. However, Karr and Dintion knew that their only hope for victory was to heavily use resistance and guerilla tactics to bog down the Sith advance until a counterattack had a significant chance of success.

Kway Teow was strategically located, nestled between the Mok Forest to the south, the Karjzi Ridge to the west, and the Akh Gau Ridge to the north. These natural features provided some protection, omitting they had some choke points that could be exploited by the enemy. The ridges were covered in dense forest, making it impossible to deploy heavy war machines. Karr and Dintion deployed squads and fireteams to guard the hostile areas and mine roads and weak points, effectively creating a network of traps and barriers that would slow down the enemy.

The eastern side of Kway Teow was the most vulnerable, as it was dominated by farmland and the nearby city of Har Gau, with a population of 70,000, which was only 30 klicks away. To strengthen the defense of this area, all assault vehicles were positioned here, and three companies, comprising of 450 of the 1000 troopers on Felucia, were stationed here as well. Karr and Dintion directed the operation from a reinforced command bunker beneath the governmental building, which was built by Felucian special forces since the planet lacked a real military and the forces consisted mainly of police officers and some special units.

Private Ebb Dayon couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he gazed up at the night sky, watching the space battle raging above them. He had just enlisted a few months ago, and he couldn't believe he was already in the thick of it.

After a couple of hours of staring upwards, the distant lights suddenly stopped, signaling an end to the battle. Ebb turned to his partner, Corporal Dub Nuyu, who was dozing along as the night progressed.

"Hey, Dub, who do you think won?" Ebb asked, trying to break the silence. Dub let out an annoyed sigh and shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know, kid," he muttered, clearly not in the mood for conversation. Ebb frowned, feeling a bit disappointed by Dub's response. But he knew better than to push it, especially since they still had a job to do.

They were stationed on the Akh Gau ridge, overseeing the Kway Teow pass, the only access point from the north between the two ridges. It was a vital chokepoint that needed to be secured at all times.

They settled back into their watch, Ebb watching the pass while Dub was dozing on his back, using a soft fungus as a pillow. Ebb couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He was new to this, and he knew that anything could happen at any moment.

"Dub, do you ever get scared?" Ebb asked, breaking the silence once again. Dub let out a small chuckle. "Of course I do kid. Anyone who says they don't is lying."

Ebb nodded, feeling a bit more at ease knowing that even someone like Dub got scared sometimes.

Ebb listened intently to Dub's words, watching as the Corporal's expression grew serious. "But you know what scares me more?" Dub continued, his voice carrying a weight that demanded Ebb's attention. "The thought of letting my brothers and sisters down. The thought of failing them. That's what keeps me up at night."

Ebb felt a lump form in his throat as he recognized the truth in Dub's words. He too was afraid of failing his fellow troopers, of not living up to the expectations set by the army. He looked over at Dub, who seemed lost in thought as he gazed up at the stars. "But that's the duty of every soldier," Dub said, breaking the silence. "Protecting the ones we love, and being afraid of failing them is natural. But that shouldn't keep you from doing your duty."

Ebb felt a lump form in his throat as he listened to Dub's words. He knew that he had a lot to learn, but he was determined to make his comrades proud.

"Thanks, Dub. I'll make sure I don't let you down," Ebb said, determination in his voice.

Dub nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "I know you will, kid. Just remember to keep your head down and stay focused. Even if I might not like it. We're in this together."

Ebb smiled, grateful for the change in tone. "You know, I'm from Aargau," he replied. "Most people know it only as on big bank. Because, well, that's kind of true. But there are many more layers to it. Aargau is also known for its agriculture and its cuisine. We have this little fruit called 'melonberries' that are a delicacy on my home planet. And we're very proud of our dairy products, especially our blue milk cheeses."

Dub nodded, "I've heard of Aargau. I've never been there, but I heard it's a beautiful place." Ebb smiled, "Yes, it is. I miss it a lot, especially my wife and daughter. I'll show you around if you want to visit," Ebb said. Dub chuckled, and they both went silent. They listened to the air breezing by them and the ululation of the jungle.

"I'm from a small village on Ord Antalala," Dub began to speak, "It's a planet on the Outer Rim, not many people have heard of it. Life was hard there, my family worked long hours just to make ends meet." He paused, gazing off into the distance. "But I was lucky. I managed to save up enough credits to move to Corellia with my wife and two sons. We settled in Axial Park, and I found work as a nighttime worker at a local shop selling commlinks and holo-devices."

Ebb nodded, listening intently. "It must have been hard, moving to a new planet like that. Hard to imagine."

Dub shrugged. "It was tough, but we managed." Ebb leaned back on the rocks and looked up at the stars. "You know, Dub, Aargau is famous for its natural beauty. It's a peaceful place with green fields and forests. My family owns a small farm there. We grow a lot of crops and my wife; she makes the best bread."

Dub smiled, "Sounds like a nice place."

"It is," Ebb replied. "But it's not just about the landscape, Dub. It's about the people. The way they treat each other. There's a sense of community there that's hard to find elsewhere."

Dub nodded. "I know what you mean. Corellia is like that too. We've got a tight-knit community in Axial Park." Ebb smiled, "Tell me about it."

Dub leaned back on his elbows, "Well, it's a pretty big place, you know? But it's like a small town in the middle of the city. People look out for each other, you know? And there's always something going on. We've got a farmers' market on the weekends. They sell a ton of cheap Corellian wine there. Anywhere else, you would pay a fortune, but on Corellia you can get it for a fraction of the price. We also have festivals and concerts. On some holidays, the entire park is brightly lit."

"That sounds like a lot of fun," Ebb said. "It is," Dub agreed. "But it's not just about the fun stuff. It's about the people. In Coruscant this is a foreign concept, but on Corellia, or at least in Axial Park, we trust each other; everyone in the neighborhood, they're like family. They're always there to lend a hand, you know?"

Ebb nodded, "I know exactly what you mean. It's the same way on Aargau. That's why I miss it so much."

Dub looked up at the stars. "Yeah. I miss Corellia too. But we're doing something important here, Ebb. I became a soldier five years ago, because I felt like the Republic needed me. I planned to only stay for two or three years, but well, here I am. I realized that what we are doing is good for people and I would do anything to protect them. We're serving the people of our Republic. And that's something to be proud of."

Ebb could sense the weight of responsibility that Dub carried, and the sacrifice he had made for his family. "It's an honor to serve with you, Corporal."

Dub smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Likewise, Private. We may come from different worlds, but we share a common duty now. And that's all that matters."

Suddenly, Ebb's eyes widened as the distant sound of shots caught his attention. He looked over at Dub, who had already risen to his feet, taking out his macrobinoculars, scanning the surrounding area.

"What's happening?" Ebb asked, his heart racing with anticipation. "I don't know," Dub replied, "but we need to be ready for anything. Stay alert."

They both crouched behind a log, observing the situation in silence, their eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. The sound of shots grew louder, and Ebb could feel his palms getting sweaty.

Suddenly, Dub pointed to a spot in the distance. "There" he exclaimed, "Movement at the pass."

Ebb squinted his eyes, trying to see what Dub was seeing. Finally, he spotted it: a group of figures moving quickly down the dirt path towards them.

"What do we do?" Ebb asked, his voice shaking.

"We hold our ground," Dub replied firmly, "and we don't let them through. Get ready to fire."

Ebb's heart was pounding in his chest as he raised his blaster, ready to defend their position. The figures grew closer and closer, until Ebb could see that they were a group Sith soldiers, probably a platoon, their weapons drawn and aimed at them, followed by two armored Sith tanks.

He peered over the ridge and saw the entire platoon approaching the pass. "We have incoming," Dub muttered under his breath, reaching for his comms to alert their command.

Before he could speak, a blaster bolt struck Dub in the head, killing him instantly. Ebb froze, unable to process the sudden loss of his friend. Ebb's heart raced as he stared at the lifeless body of Dub, the person who just moments ago had been talking to him about his life and family. He felt paralyzed, unable to move or speak, until he heard the approaching sound of assault vehicles.

Panicked, Ebb realized that he needed to report the enemy presence to his commanding officer. Trembling, he took Dub's comms unit, "Man down! Man down! The Sith are attacking!" he tried to keep his voice steady. The other squads stationed at the ridge opened fire on the Sith column and the Sith returned fire.

Ebb took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had to act fast. The sounds of blaster fire and screams echoed in his ears, as he peeked over the log to survey the situation. The firing stopped after the last of his squad fell victim to the Sith advance. He was now the only one left. The Sith column was advancing, and he knew he needed to move quickly.

With a sense of urgency, Ebb crawled on his belly, his movements slow and deliberate as he made his way towards the safety of the forest. The mud soaked through his clothes, but he pushed on, his eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of movement.

As he approached the forest, fear gripped his heart. He knew the dangers that lurked within those trees. Acklay, huge reptiles with six deadly claws and razor-sharp teeth, were known to roam these woods.

One wrong move could cost him his life. But he had no choice. He needed to find cover and regroup with the Republic forces.

Ebb's mind raced as he navigated through the forest, his senses on high alert. Every rustling leaf made him jump, and every snapping twig sent shivers down his spine. But he pressed on, his determination to survive overpowering his fear.

Suddenly, Ebb felt a searing pain shoot through his leg, causing him to cry out in agony. He quickly sought the shelter of a fungus tree next to him. Ebb's heart was pounding as he struggled to stay quiet, his leg throbbing in pain. The head of the blaster bolt had removed part of his calf and he was able to see parts of his bone. Odd octapedal insects scurried around his feet, adding to his distress. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves, and focused on the task at hand. He needed to get out of the forest and into the city.

As he stumbled through the underbrush, Ebb couldn't help but reflect on how his life had brought him to this point. He had never intended to become a soldier, let alone be caught up in a war. But he had joined the military out of a sense of duty; a desire to serve the Republic and protect the people he loved. He stopped, thinking back to what Dub had told him about his duty.

He made the conscious decision to not run. As he hobbled back to the road, his thoughts desperately searching for a way to stop them. With a sense of purpose, Ebb made his way back to his squad's position at the pass, determined to carry out his plan.

As he surveyed the passing platoon, Ebb estimated their number at around 70 soldiers. His heart racing with adrenaline, he quickly located the rocket launchers that were meant to take out the enemy vehicles. The absence of rocket fire told him that the launcher squad had been taken out before they could act.

Undeterred, Ebb took the launcher from a fallen trooper and made his way towards the Sith assault vehicle that was firing from the rear. The enemy soldiers had attacked the city's first line of defense in the distance, leaving the vehicle vulnerable from the front. Ebb walked along the road, catching up to the column which was now engulfed in fighting at the city limits. Ebb kneeled at the edge of the woods, steadying the launcher, taking careful aim at the air intake radiator, the weak point of Sith assault vehicles that he had learned in the academy.

With a roar, the rocket was launched and struck the vehicle squarely below the radiator. The resulting explosion was deafening, but Ebb knew he had succeeded. However, the soldiers near the vehicle quickly turned their attention towards him.

Ebb turned to run, but he was too slow. A blaster bolt struck him square in the stomach, the pain intense and overwhelming. He collapsed to the ground, his mind racing with thoughts of his family and home. As he lay there, he heard the renewed sound of blaster fire in the distance, the life slowly draining from him as he slipped away into the darkness.

Ebb's senses were fading fast, the pain in his stomach was excruciating. Suddenly, he heard the sound of blaster fire, loud and fierce. Ebb's eyes flickered open, and he saw his fellow troopers, fighting with all their might against the Sith invaders. The sound of their blasters was like music to Ebb's ears. He knew he had given them the distraction they needed to counterattack.

Just as he thought he was done for, he heard someone scream, "Medic!" A trooper appeared before him, and Ebb saw the face of his commanding officer, Lieutenant Ominar. "Well done private", the Lieutenant told him until he saw the damage. "Stay with me private. Listen to me, you're going to be ok." but Ebb knew it was a lie. He was too far gone. With a last burst of energy, he whispered into the Lieutenant's ear, "Tell my wife and daughter that I loved them."

Ebb's eyes closed, and he felt himself slipping away. For a moment, there was nothing but darkness, but then a small smile crept onto his face. He had done it. He had fought with everything he had, and he had beaten the Sith.

Chapter 8:

As Nomus descended towards Felucia's surface in his transport, he pondered over the situation at hand. Having ordered a dozen squadrons to loosen up defenses, before following the Republic fleet to Lianna, his brigade of 250 men had been split into three platoons - one assigned to secure the spaceport, while the others approached from the east and west. However, upon receiving reports, Nomus was forced to conclude that all three platoons had failed in their objectives.

The first platoon, tasked with securing the spaceport, hadn't even touched the ground before being swiftly shot out of the sky by anti-air cannons. It was a baffling decision by the officer in charge, given that Nomus himself was currently employing fighters and bombers to soften up the defenses.

The remaining platoons had touched ground, but their efforts were met with mixed results. The eastern platoon had landed on flat farmland and was quickly surrounded by Republic armor, while the western platoon had managed to reach the outskirts of the city before being overwhelmed by a devastating explosion from the rear.

As he surveyed the planet, Nomus couldn't help but be surprised by the presence of Republic forces. From what he knew, the Gossams who ruled Felucia were traders who refused to join the Republic. However, it seemed that the Republic had offered a hefty price to gain their allegiance. Nonetheless, it hardly mattered, for Felucia was to become a part of the Imperial sector of the Tion Cluster soon enough, with its capital at Lianna.

As Nomus's transport descended through the thick clouds of Felucia, he gazed upon a chaotic scene below. Fortunately, due to his fighters' valiant efforts, only two of the ten anti-air cannons remained operational, indicating a measure of success in his attack. Hence, the last two cannons were unable to deter the formidable division of thirty thousand soldiers and one hundred and fifty Sith, including four Sith Lords, from their mission. As the transport neared the surface, the remaining cannons began firing wildly, shooting down three of Nomus's ships in quick succession.

Eventually, Nomus made his way to the surface. Multiple gunships landed by Nomus's side, setting up a perimeter. Upon disembarking, Nomus was immediately confronted by a hail of blaster fire from Republic soldiers guarding the spaceport. Swiftly and skillfully deflecting their deadly projectiles, Nomus advanced towards their position, intent on eliminating the enemy forces before him. Igniting his lightsaber, he deflected blaster bolt after blaster bolt, moving closer to the soldiers. However, before he could even reach them, all of the soldiers had already been dispatched by his adept deflection technique.

As the blaster fire ceased, a colonel rushed towards Nomus, "My Lord, the Republic is fortified in what we believe to be the main governmental structure at the heart of the city." The colonel swallowed, out of breath from rushing towards him, "The Republic has also set up mines in the entire city, it will take a while to clear a path. But we have secured large parts of the city, only smaller parts still being under Republic control."

"Very well, as soon as you have cleared a path, advance with assault vehicles. I want bombers and artillery to soften up the defenses," Nomus commanded. Nomus himself proceeded towards the building, witnessing the frontal facade crumble before his eyes and an assault vehicle explode due to the inadequacy of the mine removal team.

Eventually, Nomus arrived at the building. He led a squad of soldiers and began clearing the rubble, only to find a reinforced cortosis door which proved impervious to lightsabers. Thus, he was forced to devise an alternate strategy.

"All troops are to evacuate a one-kilometer radius around the building. I want a cruiser to fire an orbital turbolaser shot at the building," Nomus ordered, retreating back to the spaceport.

Nomus observed the cruiser's arrival in orbit and felt the ground tremble as it fired. Upon returning to the building, he found the cortosis door reduced to scrap metal and a massive 50-meter crater surrounding it, along with the remains of the Republic soldiers who had guarded it.

Removing the debris once again, Nomus descended the narrow stairway to another door. While he initially assumed it was also cortosis, closer inspection revealed it to be made from durasteel.

Activating his lightsaber, he sliced a large hole in the door and used the force to push it open. Blaster fire erupted from the other side, but Nomus deftly deflected each shot as he walked through. Any surviving troopers were quickly dispatched with choking, electrocution, or a swift cut from Nomus's lightsaber.

After eliminating the remaining troops, Nomus stood at the intersection of a 20-meter hallway, contemplating his next move. He gave a quick hand signal to the Sith that had tailed Nomus, to proceed straight towards the command room, where he assumed the last of the Republic forces were holed up.

However, a strange feeling tugged at him. A feeling of hate and regret, urging him to explore the other hallway. He knew exactly what he would find there. "Assault the command center, I will take care of this hallway", Nomus ordered, the other Sith nodding.

Nomus advanced cautiously down the twisting hallway, his senses alert for any threats. Suddenly, he felt a strong pull towards a door on his right. He hesitated for a moment before realizing that the door was not locked like the others. He raised his hand, mentally preparing for the encounter. With a flick of his hand, he activated the button on the door's right side, and it slid open. At the same time, Nomus ignited his lightsaber and took a defensive position.

As Nomus stepped into the room, he remained silent, maintaining his composure. The robed figure in front of him sat still with his eyes closed, seemingly deep in meditation. Nomus could feel a sense of confusion emanating from the figure, as if he was trying to confirm who had entered the room. Suddenly, the figure shifted and turned his head slightly. Nomus couldn't believe his eyes—it was Master Karr, with his orange skin and unmistakable presence. He knew he was here, yet the revelation still caused him to shiver. Despite his shock, Nomus kept his cool and didn't speak a word.

To his surprise, Master Karr was equally surprised, if not more surprised at his presence, jumping up and staring at him. His face was covered by a mask and goggles, but Nomus could sense the shock in his body language. Karr's voice trembled as he spoke, "Niktor? You're alive?"

Nomus's voice shook with rage as he replied, "You abandoned me! You didn't even come back for my body! You left me to die on that planet! You're a traitor!" Nomus shouted in rage. Nomus hastily walked back and forth in front of Karr, ready to slice him up. Actually, that would be too merciful.

Karr's voice was soft and apologetic as he said, "I didn't know what happened to you. I searched for you, but I couldn't find you. I thought you were gone, and I had to leave before the Sith found us."

Nomus scoffed at Karr's words, "You left me behind! You left me to the mercy of the Sith!" Nomus seethed in his rage, ready to strike at any moment, "Maybe I should thank you for bringing me to the Sith. I have become far more powerful than I could have ever imagined," Nomus said with contempt.

Karr's voice was filled with regret as he replied, "I'm sorry, Niktor. I truly am. But I swear to you, I never meant to abandon you. I thought you were gone, and I had to protect the other younglings."

Karr continued, "Niktor, pl…", "Silence!", Nomus interrupted. "My Name is Darth Nomus and you are beneath me", Nomus spat.

"You left me to die on that planet, Karr," Nomus growled. "And you know who saved me? It wasn't you. It was the Sith. They gave me a new life."

Karr didn't say anything; just standing there. Nomus looked at him, his pupils yellow, every muscle tensed. "I will make you suffer. I will make you beg for death," Nomus spat, stopping to face Karr. He was going to make Karr pay for what he had done.

Nomus and Karr stood facing each other, ready for battle. Karr, though older and more experienced, looked uncertain, as if he didn't want to fight. But Nomus had made up his mind, fueled by years of anger and hatred.

Nomus advanced, lashing out at Karr. Karr quickly ignited his lightsaber to propel the attack. The two circled each other, their blades humming as they clashed in a series of furious strikes. Karr was skilled, but Nomus was fueled by a fierce determination to defeat his former master.

Karr fought defensively, but Nomus would have none of it, his attacks growing more and more vicious with each passing moment. Nomus was relentless, his attacks growing more and more aggressive. Sparks flew as their blades clashed again and again, illuminating the room in a bright light of red and green.

A sudden force push forced Nomus back, catching him off guard. But Nomus regained his balance and retaliated with a fierce burst of lightning. However, Karr calmly absorbed the energy with his hand, seemingly unscathed by the attack. The two stood there, staring at each other, both powerful in their own right. The tension between them was palpable as they circled each other, waiting for the other to make the first move.

Nomus advanced once more, now trying to disarm Karr. Finally, with a swift and brutal strike, Nomus knocked Karr's lightsaber out of his hand, sending it spinning across the room. "Easy enough," Nomus told himself, "Maybe too easy?"

Karr stood defenseless, looking up at Nomus with a mix of sadness and regret, but also… accomplishment?

Nomus strode up to Karr, his lightsaber held out before him like a deadly spear. With a fierce blast of the Force, he slammed Karr against the wall with bone-shattering force, leaving the Jedi Master crumpled and unconscious at his feet.

Breathing heavily, Nomus stood over Karr's prone form. He was interrupted by the sudden entrance of Darth Cartridge. The Sith Lord wasted no time in questioning Nomus about the commotion he had heard. But as soon as Darth Cartridge's eyes fell upon Karr, he knew something more was happening.

"Darth Nomus, what is this? Is that a Jedi Master?" Darth Cartridge demanded. "You know they can't be turned. We need to kill them on the spot."

Nomus gritted his teeth, anger seething within him. "I don't want to turn him. This is my former master. He returned after all these years, and now he will face the consequences of his actions. I will take him to Korriban and make him pay for what he did to me."

Darth Cartridge shook his head, disagreeing with Nomus's plan. "No, the Emperor demands every Jedi Master be killed on sight. Only Jedi Knights and padawans are to be taken alive, if the chance arises."

Nomus's eyes widened with fury as he glared at Darth Cartridge. "No one will kill him but me. He is mine to punish."

Without a second thought, Nomus reached out with the Force and choked Darth Cartridge, lifting him off the ground. "You will do as I say, or you will suffer."

Darth Cartridge gasped for air, struggling against Nomus' grip. Nomus released him, dropping him to the ground with a thud. "Now, go and bring some soldiers to escort Karr to Korriban. He will face his judgment there."

As Darth Cartridge left the room, Nomus turned back to Karr, his disgust growing with each passing moment. He took Karr's lightsaber and looked down at the former Jedi Master, who was coming back to his senses.

"You should have stayed dead," Nomus sneered, his eyes flaring with a yellow hue as he unleashed a barrage of lightning bolts at Karr.

Chapter 9:

Nomus stood in front of the cell, two Sith guards opening the high security door. As Nomus strolled in, he saw Jedi Master No Karr suspended on a durasteel plate, tubes rushing beneath Karr's robe, keeping him drugged at all time.

"You didn't expect us to meet again this way, did you?" Nomus said, grinning. His voice was icy, expressing his control of the situation.

Karr didn't answer. "Well, then. I have a few questions for you. I would advise that you answer," Nomus said, standing in front of Karr.

"First of all, why did you go to Felucia?" Nomus asked. Karr hesitated, but eventually relented. "It was a request made by Admiral Hegeto to establish a military base to better defend the Thanium Corridor," Karr said, his voice weak. Nomus chuckled, "Well, that worked out brilliantly, didn't it?"

"How is it that you never knew of me? Haven't you seen my endorsement of Gravus." Nomus asked. Karr grimaced, "No, I never did. I was busy at the time and no one told me; I doubt they recognized you." Nomus winced at the remark, "Anyway, how is the Jedi order doing? Do they miss me?" Nomus asked, giving no time to answer, "And how is Kaya? Is she still alive, or did you also forget her on some expedition?" Nomus asked sarcastically. "You were always missed, Nomus," Karr swallowed. "Kaya too; she is now a Jedi Master."

Nomus snickered, "Let me guess, you took her as your padawan after you disposed of me. Not having to choose anymore?" Karr didn't answer.

"I see you haven't quite understood the rules of your stay yet," Nomus said, walking over to the door. Next to the door, three red buttons stood vertically. Nomus pressed one of them, causing the cables holding Karr in place to shock Karr with a burst of electricity. Nomus walked back to Karr, "This will be so much fun. I will show you so much of the dark side."

Nomus watched Karr, a few minutes passing. "So, tell me, why did you run when I needed you?" Nomus asked, a hint of anger returning to him.

Karr sighed, "I told you before, I never wanted to leave you. It was an accident." "Pff," Nomus sneered. "Tell me how then," Nomus demanded.

"I went to the Jedi council. Initially hesitant, they eventually allowed me to take a small group of younglings with me. My plan was to visit Bakkah, a world of both Jedi and Sith history, and I decided to bring you, Kaya, and six other younglings with me."

Karr paused to clear his throat, his voice coming out in a weak whisper, "I could never have imagined that the Sith would be there. Though Bakkah was close to Sith space, the front had been stable for some time. It was purely by chance."

Nomus remembered as Karr talked. He was in the cockpit when the ship came out of hyperspace. Karr was showing him the controls of the ship when they saw the Sith fleet in front of them cutting down Republic ships.

"I wanted to turn the ship around," Karr continued. "But we came out of hyperspace so close to the Sith cruisers that they hit the ship with turbolaser fire. The hyperdrive was damaged and the ship was about to fall apart, so I decided to land on the planet. We were under heavy fire, and I managed to crash the ship on a beach. I gathered all of you, and we fled into the forest. We set up a small camp, and I tried to get a signal to the Republic while not being found by the Sith. I knew they were looking for us. Recon ships frequently passed by. But I didn't know their interest in us was so great that they sent an army of Sith. I tried to usher all of you to a new position as the Sith came closer to us."

Nomus's mind flocked back to that day. He remembered that a group of Sith suddenly ambushed them. They ran through the forest, the Sith coming closer.

"Then, while you were running, you tripped over some root. I halted and came back to you, but the Sith were on top of us. I needed to retreat to save the others. I didn't want to leave you."

Nomus's mind drifted back to that fateful day. He could vividly recall the moment when he stumbled, his body hitting the ground with a thud. Karr had almost reached him, but then, out of nowhere, a Sith leapt at him, forcing Karr to retreat. Nomus watched in horror as Karr turned and ran, casting one last desperate look at him.

As he lay there, helpless, and vulnerable, another Sith approached him, their lightsaber ignited and ready to strike. Nomus could feel the fear coursing through his veins; the situation seemed utterly hopeless. But then, in a flash of crimson light, the Sith's body was pierced through the heart, and Nomus gasped in shock as the lifeless corpse slid to the side, revealing the imposing figure of Darth Underlord.

Nomus could still hear the Sith Lord's words echoing in his mind, "I sense great power in you. Come child." Underlord had extended one hand, beckoning him to join him. For a moment, Nomus had hesitated, but eventually, he had taken Underlord's hand, feeling the power of the Dark Side course through him.

His mind came back to the present, as Nomus stood facing Karr once again, he realized how far he had come since that fateful encounter. He had embraced the ways of the Sith and risen to become one of the most powerful Sith Lords in the galaxy.

"But you did leave me. And that's when Darth Underlord found me," Nomus said, his voice low and dangerous. "He saw my potential and took me as his apprentice. He showed me the power of the dark side and gave me a new life. A life you could have never given me," Nomus said, anger boiling up in him once more. Nomus moved over to the door, pressing the button again and again.

Chapter 10:

1745 BBY: Five years later…

Today, I stand before you to speak about the brutality of war. For the past five years, we have been engulfed in a renewed conflict that has brought nothing but pain and suffering. We have witnessed the Sith invasion of the Tion Cluster, and the horrors that have occurred in its wake. We have seen the destruction of entire worlds, the displacement of countless families, and the loss of countless lives. The atrocities committed during this war are beyond words.

Recently, I met a family who fled their home world of Cadinth. They had lost everything they had ever known and loved and were forced to seek refuge in a world far away from their own. Their story is just one of many, and it is a stark reminder of the human cost of war.

But even in the midst of all this destruction, there are those who seek justice. The trial of Admiral Hegeto is proof of that. He has been the cause of this tremendous suffering and has committed crimes against the very people he was supposed to protect. The Jedi have been the ones delaying his court verdict.

It is important to remember that this war is not about the people of the Republic and the people of the New Sith Empire. It is an internal Jedi problem, the consequence of a schism in their ranks. The war is being fought over different interpretations of the Force, and without the Jedi, this war would not exist. The Jedi and the corporations they support are the ones pushing for war, and it is up to them to find a way to end it.

Let us remember the brutality of war and the human cost it brings. Let us support those who seek justice, and let us work towards a peaceful resolution to this conflict…

Garya Movarc of Corulag was holding her speech as suddenly the platform of the Senator of Lianna, who also happens to be a director of Czerka Industries, detached, floating into the center of the rotunda.

"I appreciate your sentiments, Senator," he began, "but you must understand that the Sith Empire is not interested in peace. They are relentless in their pursuit of destroying the Republic, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. What solution do you propose to this problem?"

The senator paused for a moment, considering his response. "Well, as you know, the Sith Empire is not monolithic. There are many factions within it, and not all of them share the same goals or ideals. We need to find ways to exploit these divisions and create opportunities for peace."

The Senator of Lianna shook his head. "I'm sorry, but that's a naive and simplistic view of the situation. The Sith are not interested in peace, and they will never negotiate in good faith. We must be prepared to use force to defeat them."

The other senator sighed. "You are mistaken; let me remind you of the treaty of Coruscant. That peace treaty was signed with the Sith centuries ago, ending the Great Galactic War. It is possible to negotiate with them and find common ground."

The senator of Lianna scoffed. "This is an old argument, Senator. That was a different time, a different era, and different circumstances."

The other senator remained undeterred. "I believe that the Sith can be reasoned with, but it will require patience, diplomacy, and a willingness to compromise. We cannot simply resort to violence as our first option."

The Senator of Lianna shook his head again, now becoming angry at the Senator. "This is wrong, Senator. The Sith are our enemies, and they will never stop until they have achieved their goals. We must be prepared to fight them with all our might."

"This is the exact issue," Garya Movarc said. "The Sith cannot hold out their hand if we close our palm."

The two senators continued to debate the best course of action, each arguing passionately for their own perspective.

Kaya Taroh turned to Olgo Valorum, a longtime friend of the Jedi and a moderate in the Senate, as they sat side by side watching the debate unfold. "This seems to be the same topic as last week," Kaya remarked, to which Olgo nodded in agreement.

Olgo sighed. "It has been the same topic every day for decades; nothing has been done except for talking about the Sith and the Jedi. The Republic is deteriorating before our eyes."

Kaya nodded, acknowledging Olgo's concerns. "We should have more senators like you. Under your leadership as the Senator of Coruscant, Coruscant has solved many problems, and the quality of life in the lower levels has improved immensely." Olgo chuckled, "Master Jedi, you're giving me too much credit. There are still many issues on Coruscant that just seem to get worse with more and more funding being redirected towards the military."

They both sat in silence, pondering the arguments made in the debate.

Olgo looked at Kaya with a solemn expression. "I have never offered up my condolences for the loss of your former master. I never had the privilege of meeting him, but from what I have heard, he was a great Jedi. Losing someone close to us is never easy, regardless of our beliefs or practices," he said with empathy.

Kaya nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Senator. It was a difficult time for me, but as Jedi, we must strive to let go of our attachments and focus on the greater good." Olgo nodded slowly. "I can imagine that must be a challenging task."

"It is," Kaya replied, her voice carrying a hint of sadness. "But it is a necessary one. The Jedi way demands it."

"I see," Olgo said thoughtfully. "Well, I appreciate your dedication to your beliefs, Master Jedi. It is an admirable quality."

Kaya gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Senator. It is our duty as Jedi to uphold our principles, no matter how difficult it may be."

Both of them sat there, listening to the increasingly vocal debate. Olgo shook his head from time to time, "I understand that the Sith must be defeated, but time has shown again and again that the Sith are persistent, and more effort is needed in Republic attacks." Olgo interjected, "The only reason the Republic isn't pushing the Sith all the way back to Korriban is because our military equipment is outdated. While the Sith spend 65% of their budget - the data is, of course, unreliable - on the military, the Republic spends only 5%. In total, the Republic's budget is a lot higher, though, since the Republic is far bigger, but we are spending 10 times or even more for the same item."

Kaya furrowed her brow, considering Olgo's words. "That is a concerning disparity. What do you propose we do?"

Olgo leaned forward. "We need to nationalize the large arms corporations to secure a cheap supply of war material. It's a necessary move, despite my dislike for disturbing the free market."

Kaya shook her head. "That move would give too much power to the government and take it away from the people."

Olgo chuckled. "The corporations barely represent the people. We need to prioritize the war effort over corporate profits."

Kaya fell silent, mulling over their discussion. The situation was dire, and something needed to be done.

Kaya Taroh nodded but hesitated. "I see your point, Senator," Kaya said, "but we must also consider the consequences of nationalization. It could lead to corruption and misuse of power."

Olgo chuckled, "Do not worry, Master Jedi. That already happened."

Olgo looked at her, his face serious but placative, "Master Jedi, my proposal has been in limbo for months. I am merely asking that you discuss this matter with the council so they can bring it before the Senate. I am asking you as a friend."

Kaya sighed "I will discuss this with the council, Senator. But I cannot promise anything." Olgo nodded in agreement. "I appreciate your help, Master Jedi."

As Kaya got up to leave, she paused and looked back at Olgo. "We must work together, Senator. The Jedi and the Senate. Only then can we bring peace and prosperity to the Republic."

Olgo smiled. "I couldn't agree more, Master Jedi."

Kaya stood in front of the Jedi council, prepared to speak on Olgo's behalf. "I must speak on the nationalization of large corporations. We need to secure a cheap supply of war material to defeat the Sith, and this seems to be the only way forward." She gave the Grand Master a data pad, who took a minute to review the information.

Grand Master Kosmar Thal's eyebrows furrowed as he read Olgo's proposal. "This vote could create even more unrest in the senate," he cautioned, "We must consider the consequences of our actions carefully."

"I understand the risks, Grand Master, but we have involved ourselves in political matters before, and the consequences were less severe," Kaya argued.

"It's a difficult situation. On one hand, we need to do everything we can to ensure victory in this war. On the other hand, we must be careful not to overstep our bounds as Jedi," Master Jazirwin Sto interjected.

"Agreed. We are peacekeepers, not politicians," Master Kind said. Kaya was surprised at the rare sight of both Masters agreeing on an issue.

"I understand, Masters, but the current system is not working. The corporations monopolizing the arms market are charging exorbitant prices, forming one unified cartel, and slowing down our war effort. Nationalization would ensure a cheap and steady supply of war materials," Kaya tried to argue, listing Olgo's arguments.

"This is a difficult decision. One that the council is not able to make. I believe it is in the Republic's interest to bring this before the Senate. The decision should be in the hands of democracy."

Kaya smiled, inclining her head, "Thank you, Masters. This is all that I am asking."

Kaya was glad to have the support of her fellow Jedi on this matter, but the thought of the potential consequences weighed heavily on her. She knew that proposing the nationalization of large corporations would not only create unrest in the Senate, but it could also be seen as a direct threat to the very foundations of the Republic itself.

As she left the council chambers, Kaya couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that the decision they had just made could have far-reaching consequences, both for the Jedi Order and the Republic as a whole. However, she also knew that they had a responsibility to do everything in their power to defeat the Sith and protect the people of the galaxy.

Kaya decided to take a moment to meditate and gather her thoughts. As she closed her eyes and focused on her breathing, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The outcome of the vote would bring radical change to the Republic.

After several minutes of meditation, Kaya opened her eyes and stood up. She knew that the fate of the Republic rested on their shoulders and that it was up to the Jedi to ensure that they made the right decisions. With a sense of determination, Kaya made her way to the Senate rotunda.

As the Jedi Supreme Chancellor announced the vote on the nationalization of large corporations in the Senate, a tense hush fell over the crowd. Master Kaya Taroh, seated next to Olgo Valorum, watched as multiple platforms immediately detached and voices rose in protest.

"It seems the corporations are not pleased with this turn of events," Kaya remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of sarcasm.

Olgo nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the sea of senators below. "They have a strong hold on many of these politicians. It's no surprise they're fighting back."

As the debate continued, tensions escalated, and Senators began to yell at one another. The peaceful members of the peace movement, including Senator Garya Movarc, stood in support of nationalization, but their voices were drowned out by the influential corporate-backed Senators.

"This is madness," whispered Kaya, feeling the weight of the situation on her shoulders. "The Republic is tearing itself apart."

Even the Vice Chancellor's call for order fell on deaf ears as the yelling continued, rising to a deafening crescendo. With a sigh, the Chancellor made a decision. "Enough!" he bellowed, turning off the speakers of all senators. The hall fell silent, and the Jedi Master couldn't help but feel a sense of despair.

"This is not the way to save the Republic," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the chaotic scene below.

Kaya watched the senators, her eye falling upon the Senator from Lianna. The hush that befell the Senator of Lianna was almost palpable, the weight of the moment pressing down on him as he turned to his bodyguard and gave a small nod. His face was a mask of grim determination as he surveyed the rotunda, taking in the chaotic scene before him. Then, without a word, his platform began to slowly retreat to its docking position, a silent signal to other Senators to do the same.

For the supporters of the bill, the senator's retreat was nothing short of a triumph, a sign that their cause had gained the upper hand. Their conversations filled the air like the rustling of leaves on a gentle breeze.

Amidst the heated discussion in the senate, suddenly a series of blaster shots echoed throughout the grand hall, causing chaos and panic to ensue. Without hesitation, Kaya sprang into action, determined to protect those around her. She swiftly made her way towards the source of the shots, pushing past the panicked crowd as she headed towards the commotion. The once serene atmosphere was now filled with bloodcurdling screams and frantic footsteps echoing against the walls. Climbing up three stories, Kaya finally reached the top floor, only to be met with a haunting sight. The ground was littered with the lifeless bodies of senators and guards alike, their blood staining the once pristine floor. Ten Czerka HK assassin droids marched towards her, equipped with vibroblades and blasters aimed straight at her.

Without wasting any time, Kaya ignited her lightsaber and quickly deflected the droids' blaster shots, taking down two of them in the process. As she advanced towards the rest of the droids, Kaya expertly sliced through two more, taking them down with ease. Her efforts were soon met with reinforcements as new senate guards arrived on the scene, aiding Kaya in taking down the rest of the rogue droids.

"Master Jedi," a voice behind her said. She turned to see a guard, stains on his armor. She looked at him expectingly. "The Senator of Lianna had been arrested, and the Supreme Chancellor has called in the Jedi to secure the Senate," the guard said.

With a heavy heart, Kaya slowed her pace and turned to the guard. "Thank you for informing me," she said with a nod. "I'll go and aid my fellow Jedi in securing the Senate. Please make sure that all Senators are safe in their offices."

The guard nodded back, and Kaya rushed towards the rotunda. As she ran, she couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment and frustration. The Senator of Lianna was responsible for this senseless attack on the Senate. What could have possibly driven him to do something like this? Sure, the vote threatened his assets, but that wasn't worth a massacre.

As she arrived at the rotunda, she saw several Jedi already engaged in combat with a group of assailants. She immediately joined the fray, using her lightsaber to deflect incoming blaster shots and slice through droids. With each move, she tried to keep her mind focused on the task at hand, but her thoughts kept drifting to the Senator of Lianna and the chaos he had unleashed.

After several intense minutes, the assailants were neutralized, and the Jedi had secured the Senate. As she caught her breath, Kaya looked around at the damage that had been wrought. Dead bodies and debris were scattered throughout the rotunda, and the once majestic chamber was now a scene of destruction and chaos.

She couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and loss. The Senate, once a symbol of democracy and progress, was now a battleground, a place where violence and fear had taken root. She wondered if they could ever truly recover from this.

As Kaya arrived at the landing bay, she was greeted by Grand Master Kosmar Thal. His expression was grim, and Kaya knew that something was wrong. He wasted no time in informing her of the dire situation the Republic was facing. "Czerka, Kuat Drive Yards, and all other corporations involved in the bill have embargoed the Republic," he said. "They have halted all trade, even with blockading worlds like Corulag and Alderaan. And that's not all. They've sent a list of demands."

"Demands? That's preposterous," Kaya said, stunned by the corporations' audacity. She knew, however, that they couldn't risk another war. They would have to somehow reach an agreement with these corporations that wouldn't involve further bloodshed.

"I agree," he replied. "But it seems that the corporations involved have taken drastic measures to prevent the nationalization of their assets. It appears that they have been planning this for some time."

Kaya nodded in agreement. "It seems too coordinated to be a coincidence," she said. "They must have had an emergency plan in place for this scenario. They knew their prices were too high for the Republic not to act on them," Kaya sighed.

"What did they demand?" she asked.

Kosmar Thal sighed heavily before continuing. "First, they demand immunity for all Senators of their client worlds, including the Senator of Lianna, who is suspected of having given the order for the shooting. Secondly, they want a treaty that says no corporation can ever be nationalized by the Galactic Republic. And finally, they demand payment for all profits that are lost by this embargo. If their demands are not met, they will have all of their client worlds secede from the Republic entirely."

Kaya was stunned. "These demands are unacceptable!" she exclaimed. "The Republic can't meet them."

"I know," Kosmar Thal agreed. "But we also cannot risk cessation in these times. We need to find a way to negotiate with these corporations without further bloodshed." Kaya nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "What's the plan?" she asked.

"We will send an ambassador to the corporations to negotiate a deal that isn't too harsh on the Republic," Kosmar Thal said. "The talks will be held on the planet Pijal, a client planet of Czerka."

Kaya nodded in agreement. "I will do whatever I can to support the negotiations and ensure that they go smoothly."

"Good," Kosmar Thal said. "We need all the help we can get if we are going to find a peaceful resolution to this crisis."

Kaya took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. It was going to be a tough road ahead, but they had no choice. The fate of the Republic rested on their shoulders.

"Before we begin negotiations, we need to secure the Senate and investigate any further involvement in this atrocity," Grand Master Kosmar Thal declared, his voice solemn. The fact that assassin droids had infiltrated the heart of the Republic was a terrifying security breach that couldn't be ignored.

A Senate Guard of high rank approached the two Jedi, his expression grim. "The body count is 74, including 26 guards, 12 senators, and 36 civilians, including servants, ambassadors, and advisors who were outspoken supporters of the peace movement," he reported.

The loss weighed heavily on both Jedi, but they couldn't let their emotions cloud their judgment. Just then, Kaya's holocom beeped, and she answered to hear Olgo Valorum's voice on the other end. "Are you alright, Master Taroh?"

Kaya's holocom beeped insistently, and she hurriedly answered it. On the other end was Olgo Valorum, his voice filled with concern as he asked, "Master Taroh, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Olgo," Kaya replied, her voice steady despite the chaos surrounding her.

"I'm terribly sorry," Olgo said, his voice filled with regret. "I knew this vote was controversial, but I had no idea that it could have escalated this badly."

Kaya shook her head, even though Olgo could not see her. "You are not to blame, Senator," she said firmly. "This was bound to happen sooner or later. This was out of your hands. We just have to deal with it now."

"What's the situation there?" Olgo asked. "It's a mess," Kaya replied, looking around the chaos of the Senate. "The corporations have practically embargoed the Republic and are making outrageous demands."

"That's not good," Olgo said with concern. "What will you do?"

"We're sending an ambassador to negotiate with them," Kaya explained. "We need to find a solution that doesn't involve more bloodshed."

"I understand," Olgo replied. "Please keep me informed, Master Jedi."

"Stay safe, Senator," Kaya said before ending the call. She turned to Grand Master Kosmar Thal and said, "We need to act fast. We cannot let this crisis escalate any further."

"I agree," Kosmar Thal said with a solemn nod. "We need to find a way to resolve this peacefully before it's too late."

Chapter 11:

1744 BBY: 8 months later…

Nomus stood atop a tall podium in the middle of Korriban's capital, Irena, watching as a large, organized group of soldiers and Sith stood below him.

"Citizens of the New Sith Empire," Nomus began, his voice echoing across the plaza.

"Today, we stand here in the heart of our glorious empire, surrounded by our brave soldiers, to celebrate the unprecedented growth and prosperity of our empire.

Over the last six years, we have undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks in no small part to the visionary leadership of our great Emperor. The New Sith Empire has become an organized entity, one able to provide stability, security, and prosperity to its subjects through robust government institutions that have strengthened our foundations and secured our place in the galaxy.

Through unwavering dedication and tireless effort, our military has reached an unprecedented level of power, ensuring the safety and security of each and every one of you.

Behold the emblem of our magnificence! This grandiose metropolis, erected over the course of the past six years, stands as a tribute to the proficiency and perseverance of our empire. Its purpose is to enhance the lives of those who serve our noble cause, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.

Make no mistake, my friends, the New Sith Empire is a force to be reckoned with. Our power and influence stretch across the galaxy, and we will not rest until our goals are achieved. Let us continue to work together, to build on our successes, and to ensure that the New Sith Empire becomes even stronger and more prosperous for generations to come.

I now call on you. Citizens of the Empire, take up your weapons and fight for your Emperor. I call on you to march into the heart of the Republic and bring them to their knees. I call on you, for it is your duty to share this wealth and success with the rest of the galaxy, spreading our greatness far and wide, so all may prosper as we do.

I can assure you that if you lay down your lives on the battlefield, your sacrifice will not be in vain. I shall carry your corpses to victory, drowning the Jedi in your blood. Your selfless act of bravery and dedication to our empire's cause will be remembered and celebrated as a heroic deed in the service of our great civilization's eternal legacy.

Long live the Emperor!"

The soldiers and Sith below the podium roared with enthusiasm and raised their weapons high in the air as Nomus concluded his speech. They shouted in unison, "Long live the Emperor!" and the sound echoed through the streets of Irena.

The energy was palpable, and Nomus felt a sense of pride and satisfaction in his heart as he looked out at his loyal followers. He knew that his empire was stronger than ever, and he had the support of the people to carry out his vision.

Over the past six years, the New Sith Empire has seen unprecedented growth and development. The Empire has seen the introduction of government institutions overseen by the esteemed Imperial Minister, Darth Nomus. He has been entrusted with the governance of the entire Empire, establishing a functioning government, and answering only to the Emperor himself.

But Nomus knew that, in truth, even if he had told the crowd differently, he was the true Emperor. He alone achieved all the successes he attributed to Darth Gravus. It was under Nomus' leadership that the Empire achieved victory in the Tion Cluster, which has become the newest sector of the Empire. Not to forget the remarkable developments on Korriban as they stood today.

Nomus left the podium, returning to the Imperial Spire. While he was speaking, multiple Sith Lords had gathered behind him, listening to his annual address. But when Nomus passed the gathered Sith Lords, he almost stumbled upon the Emperor, flanked by multiple of his personal acolytes. "My Emperor," Nomus said, his voice trembling as he kneeled.

"Imperial Minister," the Emperor said, calling him by the position he created for himself a few years ago. "I have been informed of some troubling news. I have heard you are holding your former Jedi Master prisoner."

Nomus audibly swallowed. How could he have known? Did he watch him? Follow him? No, Gravus was way too arrogant for that. Someone told him. A guard maybe?

He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had always been a loyal servant of the Empire, but now he had to face the Emperor's wrath.

Nomus was taken aback, but he quickly regained his composure. "My lord, I assure you that he is of no consequence to the Empire. He is simply a relic of the past."

The Emperor, however, was not convinced. "I will be the judge of that. Take me to the prisoner."

Nomus led the way to his personal prison block, located deep within the bowels of the Imperial Spire. The Emperor and Fyrou followed him.

"So, this is Jedi Master No Karr, your old master?" the Emperor asked, intrigued by the prisoner's demeanor.

Nomus hesitated for a moment before answering. "Yes, I captured him on Felucia."

The Emperor watched Karr, "Fyrou, how long has he been suspended here?"

Fyrou spoke up. "He has been here for a few months now, my lord. Nomus believed he had no value to the Empire."

Nomus winced as Fyrou spoke. He could have never imagined that he would betray him.

"Why didn't you kill him? Jedi Masters are too hard to turn; that's why we kill them on sight," the Emperor asked.

"I wanted to make him suffer. Punish him for his treachery. Death would have been…" Nomus paused, "Too simple."

The Emperor circled Karr, intrigued. "I can sense his power. Even on medication, he is strong in the force. And it is not the light side I feel, the dark side radiates from him. I believe you may have turned him."

Nomus watched the Emperor, thinking about his words. He had never thought about that. Yes, he had told Karr his worries and sorrows from time to time, telling him about the Empire and the dark side. But he never made an effort to turn him.

However, the more Nomus thought about it, the more he saw it, Karr had a strong connection to the dark side. Was this his doing?

"Well done, Nomus. He can be a powerful asset," the Emperor said, looking at Fyrou. "Transfer him to my prison block."

Nomus and Fyrou looked at each other, surprised by the Emperor's decision.

"My Emperor, I must protest," Nomus started. "You will not," the Emperor cut him off, his voice firm but oddly calm.

"Why not let him prove himself? If he truly is powerful, he could be of great use to us," the Emperor continued, his eyes fixed on Karr. "And if he fails, well... we can always dispose of him then."

Meanwhile, Fyrou approached Karr, who seemed to be in a trance, his body limp and his breathing shallow. Fyrou carefully disconnected the tubes that had been sedating him with medication, allowing them to dangle freely. Then he released the belts that had been restraining him, which were specially designed to hold powerful force users in place. Finally, he removed the large durasteel block from Karr's feet, which had prevented him from moving. As Fyrou removed the restraints, Karr's body slumped forward, but Fyrou was quick to catch him before he hit the ground.

All of a sudden, in a split second, Karr sprang into action. He launched himself at Fyrou, grabbing his lightsaber from Fyrou's belt and igniting it in one fluid motion. The blade pierced through Fyrou's body, leaving him no time to react. Karr stood upright, the lifeless body of Fyrou slumping to the ground. Without missing a beat, Karr turned his attention to the Emperor and launched a rapid attack.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Karr had managed to catch the Emperor off-guard, exploiting his advanced age and weakened reaction time. Despite the Emperor's efforts to defend himself with his own lightsaber, Karr's attack was too swift and forceful to be fully blocked. However, the Emperor's years of training and experience allowed him to partially parry Karr's strike, preventing it from being a fatal blow.

But Karr was not done yet. In one swift motion, he followed up with a powerful kick aimed at the Emperor's hilt, knocking the lightsaber out of his hand and sending it spinning away. The Emperor stumbled back, momentarily stunned by the unexpected attack.

The Emperor remained silent, too stunned to speak. Karr stood before him, panting heavily as he struggled to regain his strength after exerting himself while still under the effects of the sedative.

Nomus stood frozen, unsure of what to do. He had never expected this turn of events. Karr was supposed to be an old, crippled Jedi, not… this.

Abruptly, while Karr was focused on his breathing, the Emperor shot a powerful burst of force lightning at Karr. Karr was caught off guard, but still reacted in time to block the powerful energy. However, this gave the Emperor enough time to jump to his feet, taking up a defensive position. Karr and the Emperor stood on either side of the room, while Nomus stood aside from the two.

Karr turned to Nomus, still exhausted from the fight, "Join me, Nomus. Together, we can rule the Empire, as equals."

Nomus chuckled sarcastically before his expression grew serious, "You can't be serious? I would never ally with you."

The intensity of Nomus's anger towards Karr had certainly diminished during the six years he could enact his revenge upon Karr, but the idea of being equal allies was simply preposterous.

"You hate him, Nomus. You told me yourself. If you follow him, you will never be Emperor," Karr replied, trying to sway him.

Nomus remained unconvinced, but Karr continued. "If we work together, we can bring about a new era of power and prosperity. The Empire will be stronger than ever before."

As Nomus pondered Karr's words, the Emperor's voice interrupted his thoughts. "What is this supposed to be?" he demanded, his tone laced with contempt. "Nomus, you can't trust this Jedi," the Emperor sneered, emphasizing the last word with disdain. "Be reasonable; he will betray you the moment he gets the chance."

Nomus weighed the arguments from both sides, contemplating the validity of Karr's proposition. While the Emperor was still in power, he was too entrenched to be dislodged. However, he was growing old and frail, and it was only a matter of time before he passed away. But was Nomus willing to wait for years or even decades for that to happen?

Furthermore, he wasn't sure of Karr's strength, having known him as a Jedi who was proficient in the Force but not on the level of the Emperor. Perhaps his fall to the dark side amplified his abilities. As Nomus continued to ponder, he finally arrived at a decision.

Nomus glared at the Emperor. "Your time has come," he said, his voice cold and controlled. Nomus ignited his lightsaber, ready to strike at him.

The Emperor's eyes widened in shock and anger. "You dare to defy me?" he snarled, his face contorted with fury.

"I'm not defying you, my lord," Nomus replied calmly, his gaze fixed on Karr. "I'm making a choice. And I choose to stand against you."

"You're a fool, Nomus," the Emperor spat, his voice dry and hoarse as he coughed.

Karr nodded with approval, the skin on his ears tensing. He had regained his composure and was no longer panting heavily. "Together, we can put an end to this excuse of an Emperor," he declared, his voice steady and unwavering.

The Emperor scoffed, his expression mocking. "You think you can defeat me?" he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "You are nothing but a traitor and Jedi scum. You will regret this decision, Nomus."

However, Nomus remained resolute and undaunted. "I will never regret killing you," he declared, his eyes gleaming with determination.

As they advanced towards the Emperor, it was clear that he would be a formidable opponent against one of them but not against both. Sensing this, the Emperor used the Force to bring Fyrou's lightsaber to his hand, now wielding two.

The Emperor lashed out at Karr, but he dodged the attack and retaliated with a swift strike of his own. The sound of clashing blades filled the air as the three combatants fought with fierce intensity.

The Emperor was a skilled fighter, but his age had weakened him considerably. He struggled to keep up with the younger and more agile Nomus, and his attacks lacked the ferocity and precision that they once had. Nomus pressed his attack, striking with quick and calculated movements, while Karr used his force abilities to evade the Emperor's strikes and land powerful blows of his own.

As the fight wore on, it became clear that the Emperor was outmatched. His lightsabers were knocked out of his hands, and he was forced to defend himself with his bare hands. He stumbled backward, tripping over the body of Fyrou, and fell to the ground. Karr and Nomus stood over him, their weapons pointed at his chest.

The Emperor looked up at them, his eyes filled with fear and desperation. "Please," he begged, "have mercy. Spare my life, and I will tell you a secret," the Emperor stuttered pleadingly. "He is a prisoner in my cellblock."

Karr and Nomus exchanged a look. "Who is this prisoner?" Karr inquired in a frigid tone.

"He came here, on his own accord, a few years before you did," the Emperor began, "I spent much time with him, but he grew reticent after I attempted to coerce the information out of him."

"What knowledge does he possess?" Karr interrupted, his tone unrelenting, interrupting the Emperor.

"I believe he holds the knowledge of essence transfer—the key to immortality," the Emperor responded with a heavy sigh.

Nomus flinched, his head shaking in disbelief. "That's impossible; only Darth Underlord knew the technique. The knowledge died with him," Nomus said, disbelief in his voice.

The Emperor nodded. "That might be correct, but… I have come to believe that… that he may be Darth Underlord himself."

Nomus was taken aback. "Ridiculous!" he exclaimed.

Karr interjected with a calm voice, "This seems improbable. Who is this prisoner?"

The Emperor let out another weary sigh. "He goes by the name of Darth Andeddu, but you may know him as Murrtaggh," he disclosed.

Karr's eyes widened with surprise at the mention of Murrtaggh's name. "Murrtaggh? I thought he died during the battle of Malrev," Karr said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

The Emperor chuckled weakly, "Yes, many believed him to be dead, but I assure you, he's very much alive. And he's been my prisoner for some time."

Karr and Nomus shared a glance, and then turned back to the Emperor. Without a word, they both raised their lightsabers and plunged them into his chest. The Emperor let out a gurgling gasp, then fell silent.

Karr and Nomus deactivated their lightsabers and turned to leave. As they walked away from the Emperor's lifeless body, they discussed their next move.

"We need to find Murrtaggh, or Darth Andeddu, as the Emperor called him. If this man is somehow Darth Underlord…" Nomus trembled.

Karr nodded in agreement. "But first, I need my robe and lightsaber," he said, his tone unwavering.

Nomus hesitated, remembering how he had tortured Karr not long ago. Karr seemed oddly unbothered by it.

Eventually, he turned to open a small compartment, where he had stored Karr's lightsaber and robe. Upon pressing the button, the compartment hissed open with a cloud of dust. Nomus reached in, retrieving the items. When he turned back around, he noticed that Karr was not paying attention to him but rather to his own hand, with small sparks emanating from it, zipping from finger to finger.

"This does feel detoxicating," Karr commented, his voice laced with amazement as he examined the electric currents surging from his fingers as if they were a set of power coils.

Nomus presented Karr with his robe and lightsaber. Karr elegantly threw on his robe and fastened his saber to his belt. A slight nod from Karr was all that was needed for them to exit the room. Nomus followed Karr out of the door, lost in thought. Why would Karr do this? What had he done to him? Nomus wondered if Karr truly sought to rule the Sith and, if so, what motivated him to do so.

All of a sudden, Nomus felt a force at his throat, lifting him off the ground. Though he struggled, he found himself unable to break free from the invisible grip. Karr stood before him, stopped in his tracks, in the middle of the cell block hallway. Karr turned, and Nomus saw his left hand outstretched, curling upwards, gripping his throat through the force. Karr's grip tightened, and Nomus could feel his life force ebbing away. He forced himself to remain still, suppressing his body's reflexes to struggle and gasp for air.

"You should watch your back, Nomus," Karr said, his voice calm and emotionless. The skin next to his mask tensed as the muscles condensed, signaling a grin.

"For a short time, I thought I might have misplayed. The Emperor was more powerful than I anticipated. I didn't expect you to fall so easily," Karr said. Nomus felt his cells struggling to get oxygen. Luckily, he had practiced this, being able to hold his breath for minutes at a time.

"I sense confusion within you, Nomus. Let me clarify. I will be the new Emperor of the New Sith Empire, and you will be my subject once again," Karr declared. Nomus's struggle increased as he heard Karr's words, the reality of the situation setting in.

"I would kill you right now, but it would be a lot more challenging to assert authority on my own. However, with the de facto leader under my thumb, this makes my rise to power easier," Karr continued, watching Nomus's feeble movements.

"Do not fear, Nomus. You will retain your rank, and together, we will establish stability and order throughout the galaxy," Karr exclaimed, "We shall start with the Jedi, and once they are vanquished, we will turn our attention to the Sith," Karr stated with conviction.

"I never anticipated that you would give me a better chance." Karr paused, "When you first brought me here, I was oblivious, but I had time to contemplate," Karr continued. "But I must thank you," Karr said, and Nomus looked up at him quizzically. "The time and information you gave me about the Sith, the Force, the Dark Side, emotions… it was a great help in finding..." Karr struggled to find the right word before finally looking up "purpose…"

Nomus slowly regained his composure, standing up and facing Karr, still breathing heavily. Karr took his lightsaber from his belt, and Nomus instinctively reached for his own but stopped as he saw that Karr was merely glancing at it.

Karr lifted the lightsaber, letting it hover in front of him before disassembling it in midair. The parts swirled around him, and he deftly plucked the green kyber crystal from the mix, letting it float into his palm. With a burst of energy and a ripple through the Force, Karr closed his palm and opened it again, revealing a red kyber crystal. He then swirled the parts around him once more and reassembled his lightsaber with a flick of his wrist.

"And before you ask," Karr added, reattaching his lightsaber to his belt, "You did not turn me to the dark side, as much as you would like to take credit. You were a catalyst, not the cause."

"Come Nomus, let us meet this Darth Andeddu now," Karr commanded, gesturing towards the door. Nomus cursed himself, for falling for the same trap once more, free but imprisoned. Intermittently, this didn't change anything about his current situation. It probably elevated it. If he had helped Gravus, everything would have continued as it was before. But Karr…he seemed more powerful, determined, and capable. He may have made the right choice after all. He might not be Emperor yet, but he enjoyed a better position. For now, he would serve.

They traversed the winding corridors of the stronghold until they reached the round pathway, from which every Minister's cell block originated, sprawling outwards like a labyrinthine web.

As they made their way towards the Emperor's cellblock, they caught the attention of several Sith acolytes and guards, who gazed at them with curiosity.

Approaching the door to the prison block, Karr and Nomus were confronted by two imposing figures, some of the Emperor's personal acolytes. The acolytes' expressions were cold and determined, their weapons at the ready as they surveyed the two newcomers.

Without warning, the acolytes lunged forward, their weapons igniting in the dimly lit corridor. Karr and Nomus sprang into action, their movements precise and calculated.

Nomus was quick and agile, dodging the guards' strikes with ease and landing several blows of his own. Karr, on the other hand, moved with calm and measured grace, his lightsaber humming as he deflected the guards' attacks.

Despite the guards' formidable skill, it was clear that the guards were heavily outmatched. Within a few seconds, the guards were disarmed and defeated, their bodies slumping to the ground.

Approaching the cell, they could make out the silhouette of Murrtaggh, crouching in the shadows. Karr ignited his lightsaber and expertly cut through the lock on the cell door. The door creaked open, revealing the gaunt and feeble figure of the prisoner inside.

Darth Andeddu was suspended in the cell, similar to Karr, with empty eyes and a lifeless demeanor.

"So, it is really you!" Karr exclaimed, taken aback by the sight of the Togorian. Andeddu glanced up at Karr, then shifted his gaze to Nomus. As his eyes met Nomus', a flicker of recognition crossed his face. Nomus winced: "You're Darth Underlord."

Karr's face contorted in sudden realization, "He must have transferred his essence into Murrtaggh's body on Malrev 4. Darth Underlord was never truly dead; he simply found a new host," Karr paused, "He then came here to seek power, naming himself Darth Andeddu. But the Emperor imprisoned him here."

They both regarded Andeddu with solemnity, aware of the great potential his knowledge held. "His knowledge is invaluable. We must extract it with the utmost care," Karr spoke with conviction, his eyes fixed on the Togorian. "But for now, we must turn our attention to the Empire," he continued, turning to leave. Nomus followed suit, stealing a final glance at Andeddu before following Karr's lead.

As they entered the turbolift and ascended towards the throne room, Nomus couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension. The weight of what they were about to do bore down on him heavily. When the doors to the throne room opened, they were met by a phalanx of acolytes who blocked their path. Nomus stepped forward, "Stop! The Emperor is dead. This is the new Emperor," but they remained steadfast in their duty.

Without warning, Karr unleashed the force; his power sent the guards tumbling to the ground. "You will submit!" Karr demanded. The guards quickly bowed in submission as Nomus and Karr strode past them, their determination palpable.

As they made their way to the throne, they encountered more Sith acolytes, but none dared challenge the new Lord and his companion. The once-imposing stronghold now seemed to cower before their might, recognizing the shift in power that had occurred.

Karr strode towards the window, his gaze fixed on the sprawling city below and the desolate landscape of Korriban in the distance. "At last," he muttered under his breath, his eyes taking in the view.

"I need a new name," Karr announced, turning to face Nomus. His words caught Nomus's attention, and he leaned in curiously. "I cannot rule this empire with the name of a Jedi. I must adapt," Karr continued. He paused for a moment, lost in thought. "I've spent a lot of time pondering this in solitude. I don't want to be called the Emperor, even if that's the title that comes with the role. It lacks the resonance of a true name… I've analyzed my strengths and weaknesses, and I've decided to choose a name based on my merits. I'm not imperious or impaling… I'm cunning, astute, perceptive, and vicious. Therefore, I am." Karr broke off, holding Nomus's gaze, "Vectivous."

Vectivous turned to Nomus, expecting a response. Nomus swallowed and replied, "Yes, Darth Vectivous is a fitting name, my Lord."

"Very well," Vectivous said decisively, "I want you to assemble some troops in the plaza below. I will address them personally and ensure that my words are broadcast across the entire galaxy. In the meantime, I will meet with some of these Sith Lords."

Chapter 12:

Several months have elapsed since the Senate Massacre. A mere week following the tragedy, a concord was brokered on the planet Pijal, dubbed the Pijal Accords. Due to intense pressure from both factions and blockaded planets, the Republic succeeded in negotiating minor concessions. While the Senators of the corporation's patronized planets were spared prosecution, they were required to exit the Senate, albeit those forced into retirement were replaced by like-minded successors. Additionally, the blockades and embargoes were lifted, and both parties entered into an agreement that prohibited the nationalization of sixteen corporations for the next two centuries. Finally, instead of a monetary payment, the corporations were granted a tax reduction, which they assented to. The aftermath of the massacre necessitated heightened security measures in the Senate, with one thousand new senate guards roaming the rotunda, overseen by a cohort of twenty Jedi. Despite many Senators denouncing it as a Jedi occupation, the voting process had not been influenced.

As Kaya Taroh made her way towards the Senate, she strolled down an alleyway adorned with a solemn memorial, paying homage to the fateful Sacking of Coruscant that had inflicted severe damage upon the Senate. Upon arriving at the Senate, she rendezvoused with Olgo Valorum, with whom she had forged a deeper bond. To her, Valorum stood out as the only scrupulous politician in the Senate, genuinely invested in the welfare of the people rather than solely driven by personal ambition. Furthermore, she harbored a sense of responsibility to safeguard him, as he had been the one to propose the nationalization of the colossal galactic corporations, which started this entire ordeal.

"Hello Kaya, I see you've come to partake in yet another riveting debate on a topic that eludes my comprehension—the war," quipped Olgo, prompting a chuckle from Kaya as she took her seat.

"It's good to see you," Kaya said with a smile.

"It's been quite some time since we last met, Kaya. How have you been?" he inquired. "I've been occupied with the Council's decision to dispatch more Jedi to the Outer Rim, in anticipation of the next Sith offensive. As it stands, I am one of the few instructors left at the temple," she replied.

"What gives the council reason to believe that there will be another offensive? The Sith have been dormant for years; I'm telling you, they are busy enough suppressing the Tion cluster; they hardly have the bandwidth for another attack," Olgo retorted. "That may be true, but they possess the military might to launch one," countered Kaya.

"I have some insight from the SIS, and they've tried to infiltrate the Empire with more agents, but it's proving difficult to remain undetected. Most end up taking a route through the Tion cluster, posing as deserters."

Intrigued, Olgo probed, "What does the SIS have to say about the Empire's current state?"

"According to my sources, the Empire has been undergoing a six-year-long political, technological, and economic revolution with no signs of slowing down. It's unlikely to be a ruse, given that the information comes directly from Imperial data. Apparently, they have a high-ranking Sith Lord aside from the Emperor, who serves as the de jure leader, and he's transformed the Empire into a stable economic powerhouse without the usual infighting that tends to undermine their efforts. But we still lack sufficient intel, including the identities of most Sith Lords," Kaya divulged.

"So, while the Empire thrives, the Republic teeters on the brink of a dark age," Olgo mused.

"If they do attack, what will you do?" Olgo asked.

"Whatever the council demands of me," Kaya declared with unwavering conviction, her gaze set towards the inner sanctum of the rotunda.

Together, they attentively absorbed the speech of a newly-minted senator, who, just a month into his tenure, had already put forth his inaugural bill. What was most remarkable, however, was that he stood alone, unassisted by the typical machinery of committees that typically galvanize support for bills.

"When I was first elected to the Senate, I waited an entire year before proposing anything. And when I did, I had the backing of multiple committees," Senator Olgo Valorum said.

Kaya nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's unusual to see a senator propose a bill without the support of a committee. It shows a certain level of confidence, or perhaps even arrogance."

Olgo raised an eyebrow. "I would be cautious before labeling it arrogance, Kaya. It could also be a sign of independence, a willingness to take a stance on an issue without being beholden to any particular interest group. Or he is simply too naive, thinking that good-will can sway the Senate." Kaya considered his words before nodding in agreement.

As they continued to listen to the senator's speech, Kaya couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension. The Republic was facing many challenges, both internal and external, and she couldn't help but wonder if they were equipped to handle them all.

Chapter 13:

A few hours later, Nomus returned to the throne room. He had visited a general, ordering him to send some of his troops to the central plaza.

Upon returning to the throne room, he could see a group of Sith in the chamber. This included the Sith Lords he had appointed as ministers, running his government.

Vectivous saw him, "Ah, Nomus, you are just in time. I invited all of your Lord Ministers for a small chat."

Nomus walked around the group of Sith, keeping his distance, until he stood aside Vectivous. Leading the group of Sith Lords was the Sith called Darth Phon, whom Nomus had appointed Lord Minister of Finance, a political favor heavily influenced by Darth Gravus.

"What is this?" Darth Phon said, his voice a snarly growl. Phon glanced at Nomus. "You are aligned with this self-declared Emperor?"

Nomus opened his mouth to reply, but Vectivous cut him off before he could speak. "My Lords," he began, his voice commanding attention. "I have gathered you all here today to discuss the future of our empire. Recent events have left us in a precarious position, but I assure you that I am more than capable of leading us to greatness."

Darth Phon spoke up, his tone laced with skepticism, "And how do you plan to do that, Darth Vectivous? We were all appointed to our positions by the Emperor, and we have served him faithfully for years. Why should we pledge our loyalty to you?"

Vectivous fixed his gaze on Darth Phon, his expression unreadable. "Because I am the only one who can save this empire," he said calmly. "The former Emperor was a fool, blinded by his quest for immortality. But I have a vision for our future, one that will bring us glory and prosperity."

"You really believe you can just come here, kill the Emperor, and take his title? You're not even human?" Phon scoffed in disgust.

Vectivous' voice remained steady and unwavering. "The Sith have always been led by the strongest. I believe I have demonstrated that I am deserving of this position."

Nomus stood silently beside Vectivous, observing the exchange with interest.

Phon sneered at Vectivous. "You're pretty sure of yourself," he remarked, and nodded towards the other Sith Lords. They started to advance towards Vectivous, but he was not caught off guard. With lightning speed, he snatched one of the Sith Lords to his right and pulled him towards him. The Sith Lord was caught off guard and had no chance to defend himself. Vectivous held the Sith Lord by the throat, lifting him up and causing him to gasp for air. In a swift and decisive move, Vectivous snapped the Sith Lord's neck, causing his lifeless body to fall to the floor. The other Sith Lords halted in their tracks, shocked by Vectivous's display of strength and brutality.

Vectivous fixed his gaze on Phon, his eyes full of fury. "Kneel!" he demanded once more.

Phon snarled in defiance. "I will never…"

But before Phon could finish his sentence, Vectivous raised his hands, and the heavy doors behind the Sith Lords closed with a resounding thud. Vectivous advanced towards Phon, who activated his lightsaber and met Vectivous in combat. The two powerful Sith clashed, their lightsabers flashing and ringing through the air. Meanwhile, the other Sith Lords in the room also activated their lightsabers and advanced on Vectivous, intent on stopping him.

But Vectivous was more than prepared for their attack. He jumped and landed on his feet, unleashing a massive Force shockwave that rocked the room. Most of the Sith Lords lost their grip and were flung backward, while a few managed to hold their ground. Even Nomus, who was standing at a safe distance, was pushed back by the shockwave.

Vectivous advanced once more, his lightsaber whirling in the air. He deftly disarmed Phon by cutting off his limb, causing Phon to fall to the ground and scream in agony. "I yield, I yield!" Phon cried out in desperation.

Vectivous looked down at him, pinning him to the ground with the tip of his lightsaber. "Too late now," he said coldly, before decapitating Phon with a swift stroke.

The other Sith Lords were frozen in shock at the display of power they had just witnessed. Vectivous fixed his gaze on them and spoke again, his voice ringing with authority. "Kneel!" he demanded once more.

At first, the Sith Lords hesitated and looked at each other uncertainly. But soon one of them began to kneel, and then another, until all of them were on their knees before Vectivous, acknowledging his authority.

With a calm yet menacing tone, Vectivous spoke anew, "Let this be a reminder to all of you that I am not to be defied. Disloyalty will be punished." The Sith Lords remained on their knees. "Now leave," Vectivous demanded. The Sith Lords respectfully bowed and turned to leave. Vectivous extinguished his lightsaber and walked back to the window, leaving behind the decapitated body of Darth Phon.

Darth Vectivous strode confidently onto the podium, his piercing gaze scanning the sea of faces gathered in the vast plaza of the Dark Lords, at the heart of Irena. Over a hundred thousand soldiers had gathered, while thousands more had gathered on the streets surrounding the plaza, trying to catch a glimpse of the man standing atop the podium. They had all come to witness his address, eager to hear his vision for the future of the empire. Nomus, his Imperial Minister, stood at his side.

"Beloved citizens of the Empire,"

began Vectivous, his voice resonating with power and conviction.

"Today marks a historic moment in our history. For too long, we have languished under the weak and misguided leadership of Darth Gravus, a man who cared nothing for the Empire or its people."

His words were met with murmurs of agreement from the crowd, some of whom had grown weary of the old Emperor's complacency.

"But no longer,"

continued Vectivous, his tone ringing with a fierce determination.

"I am Darth Vectivous, your new Emperor. I have seized the reins of power. Darth Gravus begged for mercy on his knees like a coward; weak and pathetic. He was not the leader you envisioned. He was not the leader you respected and admired. He was not the man who tripled your salary, doubled our military, or added the Tion cluster to our growing empire… He was a man, supremely self-centered, only caring to extend his own life, leaving others to rule on his behalf, enjoying your praises from the comfort of his throne… I am not here for my own glory or comfort, but for the sake of our great empire. I will fight for your respect… I will fight for your praise… I will not rest until every planet in the galaxy recognizes our strength and bows before us."

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, energized by Vectivous's bold words. The soldiers in the middle of the plaza stood there, unmoving.

"But let me be clear,"

he continued, his eyes blazing with intensity.

"I will fight for every citizen of the Empire... But I expect something in return… I am asking for your undying loyalty, your zealous commitment, and your adamant trust to make this empire the magnificent home of order, peace, and stability. We face enemies on all sides, from the treacherous Republic to the insidious dissidents within our own ranks. But I tell you this: we will prevail. With unwavering determination, we shall combat our foes and emerge victorious, not for ourselves, but to establish harmony, structure, and affluence throughout the galaxy, for all generations to come."

The crowd roared its approval, swept up in the fervor of Vectivous's fiery rhetoric.

"We must be vigilant, my fellow citizens,"

he intoned, his voice rising to a crescendo.

"As a visionary, I recognize that the empire cannot remain static if it is to endure. To prevent the recurrence of the Great Galactic Wars, we must expedite the downfall of the Republic. As we bask in the zenith of our prosperity, we must also embrace a spirit of generosity. Nevertheless, the Republic's demise is inevitable, and I shall show them no clemency. We must be united in our purpose, unyielding in our resolve. Only then can we achieve true greatness and secure our place among the stars."

With a final flourish, Vectivous raised his arms in triumph, his face blazing with passion and conviction. The crowd erupted into a thunderous ovation, awed and inspired by the Sith Lord's visionary leadership. The soldiers saluted, calling out his name in unison.

Vectivous walked over to the spaceport, a flurry of activity and motion all around him. The ships departed one by one, their engines roaring as they ascended into the sky. He watched with a sense of satisfaction as they amassed into a massive fleet in the exosphere of Korriban.

As he approached Nomus, his new apprentice and Imperial Minister, he spoke in a hushed tone, "Let us initiate phase one."

Nomus nodded in agreement as Vectivous spoke with conviction and authority, his words conveying a sense of determination and unwavering commitment.

"This will be easy with the new signal jammers. They will make it easy to block communications a system away."

Vectivous nodded. As he watched the fleet depart, Vectivous felt a sense of pride and purpose wash over him. He knew that the fate of the empire was in his hands, and he was determined to lead them to victory.

Interlude: Voss

Jin-So ran down the winding streets of Voss-Ka, the capital of Voss, dodging people and creatures alike.

Jin-So was a Voss, living on the planet, named after them. The Voss were a humanoid species known for their remarkable force sensitivity and striking sexual dimorphism. Male Voss had a distinct blue skin tone and bright orange eyes, while their female counterparts boasted red skin and azure eyes. What set them apart even further were their unique facial, neck, and body markings, a clear indication of their ancestral ties to the Gormak. To the uninitiated, their voices held a slight mechanical tinge, making them sound almost robotic.

Voss underwent a transformative, developmental change during their marriage ceremonies, which marked the beginning of their sexual maturity. But what truly set the Voss apart was their ability to access the spirit world that existed on their home world. With the right training, they could appear in far-off locations or even manifest as spirits after death, making them a truly unique and enigmatic species.

Jin-So ran towards the structure in with the Three housed. The Three were their guides and were not to be questioned. The will of the Three was the will of the Voss.

Jin-So knew he had to get to the Three quickly, the fate of the planet could depend on it. He finally arrived at the main government building and hurried inside, making his way to the council chamber.

"Jin-So, what brings you here in such haste?" one of the Three asked as he burst into the room.

"I bear news of a vision," Jin-So said, gasping for breath. "The Mystics have seen the annihilation of Voss."

The Three looked at each other quizzically. "What have they seen?" Another one of the Three asked.

Jin-So looked from one to the other. "It will be sudden and possibly soon. A large fleet will arrive, and Voss will suffer." The Three exchanged looks, concern etched on their faces. They debated amongst each other, trying to interpret the vision, but couldn't come to a definitive conclusion. Jin-So left the building, his mind racing. He had to do something.

He decided to go to the Republic ambassador's residence since Voss was not a member of the Republic, but still maintained diplomatic relations with them. When he arrived, the ambassador told him that there had been no troop movement in the past six years and no indication of an attack.

Jin-So went home to his wife to discuss the situation with her. But a few hours later, the Republic ambassador burst into his home with grave news. The Sith Empire had a new leader, Darth Vectivous, and he had declared a campaign against the Republic. They speculated that the attack would begin with Voss since Cadinth, the next inhabited planet, had been a victim of Sith conquest only six years prior.

Jin-So hurried to the Three to inform them of this development. They interpreted the information and came to the same conclusion as Jin-So: Voss would be destroyed. Jin-So asked what they planned to do about it but was shocked by their response. Jin-So said, "What are we going to do? We can't just sit and wait for them to destroy our planet!"

The Three looked at each other, then turned to Jin-So. "There is nothing we can do," they said in unison.

"What do you mean, there's nothing we can do?" Jin-So asked incredulously.

"The vision cannot be altered," one of the Three replied. "We had a similar situation during the Great Galactic Wars almost 2000 years ago. The Mystics saw a vision of great destruction, but no vision showed the destruction of Voss. We suffered great losses but eventually succeeded in our quest for independence."

"But that was 2000 years ago," Jin-So said. "Things are different now. We have to fight back."

"Fighting back will not change anything," another of the Three said. "The vision has been seen, and it will come to pass."

Jin-So was at a loss for words. He knew that the Three were not to be questioned, but he couldn't just sit idly by and watch his planet be destroyed.

"But the people of Voss have a right to know," he said. "We have to warn them."

"That is up to the people," the third of the Three said. "We cannot force them to listen to us."

Jin-So was at a loss for words but knew he had to abide by the will of the Three. He left the council chamber, feeling defeated. However, he knew that the people of Voss had a right to know. The planet's small population and dangerous terrain made going from town to town a risk. Wild animals like the Vorantikus swarmed the forests and could stand on the dirt paths. To solve this problem, the Voss had implemented a worldwide communication network with the technology they had captured in the first Sith invasion as well as the large Republic and Imperial influence in the Great Galactic Wars.

Jin-So knew he had to use this network to warn the people of Voss. He spent the next few hours tirelessly trying to spread the message through the network, hoping that people would listen. He didn't know what the future held for Voss, but he knew he had done everything in his power to save his planet.

Jin-So was about to address the Voss, setting up a transmission from the ambassador's residence. But as he was about to press record, his heart started pounding in his chest as he saw the ambassador dashing down the stairs. "Jin-So! A large fleet just appeared and is descending into the atmosphere!" the ambassador yelled, grabbing his bag and belongings. "Come with me on my ship; we only have 5 minutes!"

Jin-So paused, weighing his options carefully before coming to a resolute decision. Jin-So's heart was pounding as he raced towards his home, his thoughts a jumbled mess. He knew he had to act quickly, but the enormity of the situation was starting to sink in. As he approached his house, a dark shape blotted out the sun, causing him to look up in horror. The sight that greeted him was beyond anything he had ever imagined. A fleet of massive ships was descending upon the planet, their ominous presence casting a pall over everything.

Fear gripped Jin-So as he grabbed his family and rushed towards the landing pad, the urgency of the situation urging him on. He knew that every second mattered, and he couldn't afford to waste even a moment. As they raced through the streets, he couldn't help but glance at the unsuspecting citizens. A feeling of guilt passed through him. Finally, they arrived at the landing pad, breathless and disoriented. The ambassador's ship was still there, and Jin-So breathed a sigh of relief. As they rushed towards the waiting vessel, he couldn't help but wonder why the Sith would target them. Voss had little resources, and if they wished to gain something from the planet, they would invade it, not decimate it. This was pointless and evil.

As they took off, Jin-So couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not warning the people of Voss-Ka. But he knew that the vision he had received couldn't be altered. He wondered what the Mystics and the Three were doing. Were they safe? The Mystics were probably hiding in the temple of healing or the Nightmare lands.

They watched from the safety of the small ship as Voss-Ka was bombarded by the Sith Empire's capital ships. Buildings were being razed to the ground, and the once-beautiful city was being transformed into a charred wasteland. The destruction was immense, and Jin-So felt a deep sadness at the sight of his home being blasted to smithereens.

Suddenly, the ship was hailed by the Sith, and the pilot tried to quickly go into hyperspace. But it was too late. They were caught in a tractor beam and pulled in by one of the cruisers.

Jin-So's stomach churned as they were dragged towards the enemy ships. The ambassador looked at him gravely. "We'll have to fight our way out of this."

Jin-So nodded grimly, steeling himself a blaster for the battle ahead. He could feel the tension in the air as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation with the Sith Empire.

Chapter 14:

Admiral Hegeto strode across the bridge, his gaze fixed on the data pad that displayed the news of the newly proclaimed Emperor, Darth Vectivous. He had known the former Jedi Master Karr, albeit briefly, and had never expected him to betray the Republic so completely.

The fleet was on edge, bracing for an imminent attack, but the ominous silence from the Sith forces was perplexing. It made no sense for them to wait, and Hegeto knew it.

Suddenly, the comms officer yelled out, "Admiral!" The bridge went silent as everyone turned to look at the lieutenant. "What is it, Lieutenant?" Admiral Hegeto quickly answered. "There are reports of multiple simultaneous attacks by Sith forces; they are everywhere!" the comms officer exclaimed.

Hegeto hurried over to the holotable, studying the reports as they were projected. "Murkhana, Voss, Jaminere, Raxus, Draukyze," he muttered to himself.

As he studied the pattern, he spoke up. "This might be a chance." That new Emperor openly announced an attack, though he thought that attack would come in the form of an all-out attack on his forces in Columex. These are testing or probing attacks against helpless worlds. "What else do the reports say?" Hegeto asked.

The comms officer reported, "Nothing, sir. Most of these reports are just the encrypted SOS code. All of these are very short; they probably wanted to send a holo message but their comms were jammed before they could do so. The one from Voss is especially short."

Hegeto searched for Voss in the Holocomputer: A mystical planet in the outer rim inhabited by the Voss people. They are led by mystics known for their precognition skills. Fiercely independent, they defended themselves against a Sith invasion almost 2000 years ago with no navy at all. "This doesn't make sense," Hegeto murmured, but he knew he didn't have time to ponder. He needed to act quickly. Perhaps Darth Vectivous had misplayed. The 82nd fleet was at Jaminere; perhaps they had beaten back the Sith fleet, or they were still fighting, but their comms were jammed. He had a chance. The Sith were occupied at the other end of the Tion. They knew the approximate size of the Sith navy, and this was a significant portion of it. If they would strike now, they could cut the Sith off, before any reinforcements could interfere.

He looked at the comms officer. "Tell the rest of the fleet we're going to Lianna again," he ordered.

The comms officer looked scared but relayed the order. Hegeto then turned to the nav officer and said, "Set course for Lianna."

The bridge was tense as everyone got to work, preparing for the mission ahead. The ship's intercom buzzed to life as Hegeto spoke to the crew. "This is the moment we have been waiting for. We will strike the Sith when they least expect it, and we will emerge victorious. Ready yourselves, for the fate of the Republic rests on our shoulders."

The crew responded with determination as the ship soared off into the darkness of space, towards Lianna.

Chapter 15:

Kaya strolled down the busy boulevard of Coruscant's level 3722, passing by the clubs and shops on either side, the sound of speeders zooming overhead, and the chatter of vendors and patrons filling the air. She admired the advertisements flashing on the platforms above the bridges connecting both sides of the boulevard, catching her attention briefly before her gaze landed on a street vendor selling hot chubas.

With her stomach rumbling at the delicious aroma wafting towards her, Kaya made a detour to the vendor's stall. "Hello good sir," she greeted, eyeing the roasted meat on display. "Is this roasted gorg?"

The arcona vendor grinned at her, revealing his sharp teeth. "We call them hot chubas; you can get them like this or in a hungry Hutt breakfast with chuba eggs and some caf."

Kaya's mouth watered at the mention of a full breakfast, but she settled on the hot chubas for now. "Just some 'hot chubas' please," she said, emphasizing the name as the vendor had done. She handed over a credit chip and waited as the vendor prepared her order.

"So, what is a Jedi doing all the way down here ordering food at my establishment?" the arcona vendor asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

Kaya smiled, not surprised that he had recognized her as a Jedi from her attire. "I'm here for the culture and the diversity," she explained. "I like to watch people live."

The vendor nodded in understanding, using a fork to pick up several hot chubas from the grill and placing them in a small bag. "Good thing you came to me," he remarked. "Most people here see you as some royalty at the top."

Kaya took the bag of hot chubas, a faint smile on her face at the vendor's words. "Some of us do behave that way," she admitted with a small sigh. "But I'm just a trainer myself."

The arcona vendor's eyes sparkled with appreciation. "That's the most important job of all," he said.

Kaya's smile grew wider as she bid the vendor farewell. "Thank you, sir," she said. "Have a nice day."

The vendor returned the sentiment with a respectful bow. "A pleasure to meet you, master Jedi."

Kaya continued walking down the boulevard, enjoying the warm aroma of the hot chubas in her hand. As she crossed one of the bridges, she noticed a group of children gathered around a street performer, mesmerized by his juggling skills. Kaya couldn't help but smile at the sight.

She turned into a narrower alleyway. It wasn't dark and scary, but dimly lit. The alley was quite busy; the businesses she had passed were restocking here.

But as Kaya turned a corner, her smile faded when she saw a homeless man sitting on the ground, holding out a tattered cap for donations. Kaya's heart sank as she thought about how difficult life must be for him.

Without hesitation, Kaya approached the man and offered him her hot chubas. The man looked up at her with surprise and gratitude, accepting the warm food with a trembling hand. "Thank you, miss," he said in a hoarse voice.

Kaya nodded, feeling a sense of warmth in her heart. She knew that she had made a small difference in someone's life today, and that made her day a little brighter. She continued on her walk, feeling more connected to her community than ever before.

As Kaya continued walking, her holoprojector began to buzz. She quickly retrieved it from her belt and answered the call, only to see the tense and concerned face of Grand Master Kosmar Thal staring back at her. The joy she had felt just moments before vanished instantly upon seeing such an authority in such a state.

"Master Thal," Kaya greeted him uncertainly.

"Have you seen the Holonews?" the Grand Master asked without bothering with pleasantries.

"I have not," Kaya replied, her uncertainty growing.

"Hurry to the Council Chambers at once," Master Thal instructed urgently.

"Of course, Master," Kaya replied hastily as the image of the Grand Master faded away. She briefly considered checking the holonews in the nearby clubs but quickly dismissed the idea, opting instead to hurry directly to the Temple.

She briskly walked down the alley and entered an elevator on the right side, which would take her 225 levels up to the surface with only a short taxi ride or walk remaining. As she ascended, Kaya peered out of the glass walls, watching the levels flash by. It was a relatively quiet hour for Coruscant, so she felt confident that she would not be disturbed.

Around the 40th floor, the elevator exited the building, and the elevator ascended along a large pillar connecting to the next building above. In the distance, she could see a street marked by hovering lights on either side and a large news screen displaying changing images, including a news reporter and scenes of battle and destruction. She surmised that the urgency displayed by Master Thal was likely due to the renewed attacks from either the Republic or the Sith.

Kaya was lost in thought when she caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a speech by a Kel'dor Sith. She only had a moment to process the image before the elevator ascended through the roof of the next level. Her thoughts turned to her old Master, No Karr, who had died six years prior during the Sith campaign for the Tion cluster on Felucia. A brief wave of sadness washed over her, but she quickly suppressed her emotions and focused on the present. For the remainder of the elevator ride, Kaya stood in silence, keeping her mind clear and her thoughts focused.

As Kaya made her way into the Jedi temple, she couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. She noticed that only three Council seats were empty, indicating that something serious was afoot. Kosmar Thal, the Grand Master, gave her a look of extreme concern, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Kaya," Grand Master Kosmar Thal said in his deep Coruscanti voice. "The New Sith Empire has started a new offensive, which has been overwhelmingly successful."

Kaya's heart sank at the news.

"Contact with the 82nd Fleet has been completely lost, and we presume it to be largely captured or destroyed at Desevro. Meanwhile, our forces have been defeated three times in two days and are currently split between Pakuuni and Eredenn Prime. We have no idea how the entire galaxy heard nothing about this lightning advance the Sith have been pursuing for two days. The Sith must have incredible new signal jammers we know nothing about."

He paused and swallowed; the weight of the situation heavy on his shoulders. "We think that they stopped jamming the fleet's signals as well as other planets' signals on purpose since we received an overwhelming number of reports in the last two hours. Videos of destroyed cities and immense destruction. We believe that every single attack by the Sith up to this point was orbital and that they haven't invaded a single planet. It is mere destruction and terror."

Kosmar fell silent, waiting for Kaya's response. The Council chamber was filled with an oppressive silence until Kaya spoke up, gathering her thoughts.

"This news is truly terrible, Masters. But may I ask, why have you called upon me? If the Council requires my aid in the fight, I will comply, but I believe my expertise in training future knights and masters could prove most helpful here."

Grand Master Kosmar Thal cleared his throat and began to speak. "Part of this sudden influx of information was a speech given by what we believe to be the new Sith Emperor, delivered to a crowd on Korriban. It was broadcast to other Sith worlds, but their jamming technology was so advanced that we only picked it up now. Surprisingly, even the Strategic Information Service has been unable to obtain any recent information from the New Sith Empire." He paused, his throat dry.

Kaya furrowed her brow. "How is this possible? The Sith have always been masters of deception and secrecy, but this is on a completely different level. What is their game?"

"It gets worse," said Grand Master Thal gravely. "The reason we contacted you," Grand Master Thal continued, "is that we believe that the New Emperor, who calls himself Darth Vectivous, is… he paused… your old master, Master No Karr."

Kaya's heart sank, skipping a beat. "No... it can't be," she said, trying to suppress the emotions rising within her. "Impossible… I… I refuse to believe it. No Karr would never do such a thing."

The room fell silent once again as the weight of Kosmar Thal's words settled upon her. "Master Karr is... is Darth Vectivous?" she repeated, disbelief coloring her tone.

Kosmar Thal nodded gravely. "Yes, we have reason to believe that he has taken up the mantle of the New Sith Emperor."

Kaya's mind raced with conflicting emotions—disbelief, anger, betrayal. "How could he do this?" she said, her voice rising. "He was a Jedi Master, sworn to protect the galaxy from the Sith. How could he turn his back on everything he stood for?"

Kosmar Thal placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We don't know for sure what led him down this path, Kaya. But we do know that the galaxy needs us now more than ever. The Sith are on the march, and we must do everything in our power to stop them."

Grand Master Thal stood up and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We know it's a difficult realization, Kaya, but we need you to be strong. You are the only one who knows Master No Karr's fighting style and tactics. You are his only padawan, and you are the best chance we have at defeating him and putting an end to this Sith offensive."

Kaya struggled to suppress her emotions. Fear, disbelief, and confusion rushed through her. She knew Kosmar Thal could sense her unease. "Do not let your attachment cloud your judgment, Kaya. I can feel the turmoil in you, but we must act now."

Kaya sighed and took a deep breath while closing her eyes, trying to push down the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. "I understand," she said, her voice steadier but still trembling. "What are your orders, Masters?"

Duro Master Jazirwin Sto spoke up from Kosmar Thal's right. "We need you to stop him," he said gravely.

Kaya's Lekku, the long head-tails of her species, twitched in response. "I accept, Masters," she said, her voice firm but hesitant. "But I believe I am a poor choice. I am not a fighter. There are more qualified Jedi than me."

"No, Kaya," Kosmar Thal's voice was soothing and unwavering as he replied, "You were trained by Karr; you know Karr, and you were Karr's padawan. There is nobody who is better suited for this mission than you are. We do not need you to fight him, and even if you must, you know his style and technique. Primarily, we want you to turn him back; to convince him. To show him his true self."

Kaya felt a surge of fear and doubt, but she nodded in agreement. "I understand, Masters. But this doesn't seem like the same person I once knew. This might not be possible."

"That is true. We cannot imagine what manipulation and suffering he went through in these 6 years of imprisonment or whatever the Sith have done with him," Kosmar Thal continued. "You are the only one who can convince him. We also believe that you might reach your old friend Niktor, who we presume is now his apprentice since he led the last attack six years ago."

Kaya's heartbeat increased when Kosmar Thal mentioned Niktor's name. "You were good friends when you were children, I have been told," he added. "I remembered the day when Karr returned and came before us in shame to apologize for losing Niktor. It must have been hard for you."

Kaya nodded, memories flooding back. She remembered when she saw Niktor on the Holonews, dressed in black, reborn as Darth Nomus. Seeing him, in blood and bone, on the screen made her feel ill for weeks. Now, the same happened anew, howbeit, she had a different relationship to both.

"I will do my best, Masters," she said, her voice soft but determined.

Kosmar Thal gave her a nod of approval. "Take your time, Kaya, but do not wait too long. We have organized for you to command the newly repaired 2nd Fleet at Kuat with Admiral Hegeto, whom we have pardoned as these trials against him wouldn't end. He is currently engaged in a battle above Lianna with the 6th fleet the Supreme Chancellor gave him while the 2nd fleet was being repaired, but we haven't heard from him since."

Kaya's mind was racing with all the details and responsibilities she was being entrusted with. She looked around at the council members and nodded. "Of course, I will be on my way immediately."

As she turned to leave, Kosmar Thal called out to her once more. "And Master Taroh," he said, his voice serious. "This link between Darth Vectivous and Master No Karr is to be kept secret. We do not want such information to leak to the public. It would spread distrust towards the Jedi."

"I understand, Master," Kaya replied, her voice steady despite the tears that threatened to fall.

Kaya left the council chamber and headed towards her quarters to prepare for her departure. Her mind was racing with thoughts and emotions. She couldn't believe that her former master, the one who had taught her everything she knew about the force, could have turned to the dark side and become the leader of the Sith. It was a betrayal that she could not even begin to comprehend.

As she packed her things, Kaya tried to push her emotions aside and focus on the task at hand. She knew that she had a responsibility to the Jedi Order and to the galaxy at large.

Kaya's heart ached as memories of her past flooded back. She thought of her former master, No Karr, now known as Darth Vectivous. He had been her mentor, guiding her through her Jedi training with a fierce dedication that demanded excellence. But that all changed when he turned to the dark side, and Kaya was now forced to fight him in a desperate attempt to bring him back to the light.

Her thoughts then turned to Niktor, her childhood friend who had also fallen to the dark side long ago and became Darth Nomus. The memory of seeing him dressed in black, a symbol of his allegiance to the Sith, still haunted her. She had believed him to be dead, just another casualty in the endless war that had ravaged the galaxy. But now, faced with the prospect of confronting him again, she felt a mix of emotions—fear, regret, and a hint of sympathy.

Her relationships with both Karr and Niktor were different. She used to be Karr's padawan, and the pain of that betrayal still lingered. As for Niktor, the thought of facing her old friend as an enemy filled her with a sense of profound sadness. She had once known him as a kind and gentle soul, someone who shared her passion for multiple obscure hobbies of her, both of them excelling in most classes. But now, he was consumed by the darkness, and she was unsure if she could still redeem him. He may be too far gone.

Kaya took a deep breath and sighed to herself, ready to embark on this mission. She couldn't let her personal feelings get in the way of her duty.

Interlude Coruscant:

1771 BBY

Kaya emerged from the training room, her mind still swirling with Jedi Master Quick's lesson about the Sith. Though Kaya struggled to grasp the deeper meaning, she knew one thing for certain—the Sith were bad. But why? She approached her master, Karr, who had helped train her and her fellow younglings.

With a quizzical expression, Kaya asked, "Master, why are the Sith evil?"

Karr chuckled and knelt down to meet Kaya's eyes. "Both the Jedi and the Sith use the force, but in very different ways. The Jedi allow the force to guide them, showing them the right path. The Sith, on the other hand, control the force and bend it to their will."

Kaya's confusion deepened. "Why would they do that? The force is there to help people, isn't it?"

"Yes, you can say that," Karr agreed. "But the Sith do not care for others or their well-being. They are selfish beings who seek power and control. While we Jedi use the force for good and to help others, the Sith use it for their own gain, fueled by emotions such as hate and joy. It is an easier path to follow, as it requires no self-restraint or discipline. This is why we protect younglings like you from the dark side until you are old enough to resist its temptation on your own."

Karr paused, a contemplative look crossing his face. "We Jedi follow the light side of the force, which is more difficult to master but ultimately more rewarding. It requires control and discipline, separating ourselves from our emotions to maintain clarity and focus."

"So, the dark side is stronger?" Kaya asked.

"It is not that simple," Karr said, his face placative. "Generally, the dark side offers an easier way to achieve more power, but the lack of control eventually makes it unpredictable. If you could somehow blend both the light and the dark. Using your emotions while controlling them and focusing them. This would be very powerful, but that might be very hard to achieve," Karr explained.

Karr nodded in agreement with her understanding. He spoke in complicated words, but she had become used to it, and it furthered her own vocabulary.

She realized that the path of a Jedi was not an easy one, but it was the right one. She wanted to use the force for good and to help others, not to control or harm them. It was hard for her to comprehend any other motive, especially a selfish one.

"Thank you, Master," Kaya said, slightly bowing respectfully. "I think I understand it a bit better now."

Karr smiled, "You will understand more and more the older you get. For your age, you are very knowledgeable. You have great potential and a strong connection to the force. Keep up your training, and you will become a powerful Jedi."

Kaya felt a surge of pride and determination within her. She was determined to become the best Jedi she could be. To serve and protect the Republic, just as Master Karr did.

She walked away, joining up with Niktor again.

Kaya and Niktor, both younglings, swung their training staffs back and forth in sync with each other. They were surrounded by other younglings, all practicing the fundamental Shii-Cho lightsaber form under the watchful eye of their teacher, the Kel'dor Jedi Master No Karr. Despite his cryptic and sibylline teaching style, Kaya found herself fascinated by him. After class, she and Niktor would often seek him out to learn more about the galaxy, and sometimes they were even granted extra training sessions with him that lasted for hours.

However, when it came to his personal life, Master Karr was very private and obdurate about involving them. Despite this, Kaya and Niktor still cherished their time with him, knowing that he was a good teacher who always had their best interests at heart.

As they trained, Jedi Master No Karr walked the aisles, observing their movements and offering corrections where needed.

As Karr clapped his hands to signal the end of the training session, Kaya and Niktor were engaged in a playful duel with their lightsaber training staffs. "All right everyone," he said, "we are done for today; enjoy your free time. Dinner is at 7 in the refectory, as always." Master Karr turned toward the window to stare at the ecumenopolis, which was Coruscant, and its stupendously large cityscape. The other younglings filed out of the room, but Kaya and Nomus stayed behind. As she attempted to take a step forward, the hand of Niktor firmly grasped her left shoulder. She glanced over her shoulder as Niktor motioned towards the doorway, his face illuminating a clear "Not now!". She slowly spun around, and the two of them strode away in tandem, her sauntering gait congruous with his own ambling pace. After exiting the chamber, the door closed, and Kaya looked at Niktor.

"Why not now?" Kaya asked as soon as the door slid closed. Niktor did not look at her. "He wasn't in a good mood," he explained. Kaya turned and continued walking. She thought to herself, that he never looked like anything. Obviously, his mask and goggles made it hard to read his expressions, yet Kaya has learned that she needed to read Karr differently. One method she used was by looking at other characteristics in his face and posture, like the earflaps on his head, which would contract a tiny amount if he was pleased. What made her analysis even harder was that since Jedi did not or should not express emotions. It made it even harder for her to see how he feels. Most of the time, he had the same blank expression.

"Let's ask him after dinner," Niktor said with a small smile on his face. "I heard there's going to be pureed urzus today." She sighed, though she gave off a small grin of her own.

As they walked towards the refectory, Kaya couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Niktor. Even though they were both younglings, they shared a bond that went beyond their age. They were both on the path to becoming Jedi, and they knew that their friendship would be essential to their journey.

Kaya savored the last bit of her worrt casserole, relishing its soft and malleable flavor as she slid her fork over her plate to clean up the last spots where the pureed urzus had been. Niktor did the same beside her, and they watched as the other younglings began to eat. Once finished, they quickly stood up and carried their trays away, hurrying out of the refectory.

Their path through the hallways and staircases was familiar to Kaya and Niktor, and they arrived at the Room of a Thousand Fountains in awe, even though they had seen it many times before. Walking along a small gravel path, Kaya was enveloped in the warm, humid, and comfortable space, the sweet scent of flowers, greenery, and wet soil filling her senses. The soaring greenhouse was filled with lush green shrubs, golden-leafed trees, towering bromeliads, and flowers of every shape and color imaginable, while birds, butterflies, and insects flitted about. The constant bubbling of brooks, chatter of fountains, and rush of shallow waterfalls provided a soothing, almost hypnotic soundscape to accompany the natural beauty.

After a short while, Niktor spotted Karr sitting in a gazebo 50 meters away. "There," he said, and Kaya looked over to see the meditating Jedi Master. They straightened up and walked towards him, finally stepping up the two steps of the gazebo. They exchanged uncertain glances, unsure who should speak first.

Before they could decide, Karr broke the peaceful stillness. "Kaya, Niktor, do you two have any questions?" Kaya was quick to answer.

Kaya hesitated before speaking up. "No... well, yes," she swiftly corrected herself. "Niktor and I were wondering if you could take us on one of your trips you talked about."

Karr's goggles covered his eyes, but Kaya could tell they flashed open in surprise. "No," Karr said firmly. "It's too dangerous."

Kaya felt a pang of disappointment, and the excitement she had felt earlier quickly dissipated.

Niktor stepped in, "Master Karr, please. We would really like to see somewhere else than the temple here."

Karr stood up, towering over them. "You will in due time, you may soon be Padawans with your skills. On the other hand, you went to Illum two years ago; that should have satisfied you two."

"Yes, Illum was an adventure, but that's exactly why we want to go on another trip," Kaya replied.

Master Karr looked at them for a few moments, his face unreadable behind his goggles. He finally spoke, "Even if I wanted to take you on one of my trips, the rest of the council would forbid it. I cannot bring younglings along with me without their approval."

"Please, Master Karr, just one small trip," pleaded Kaya. Karr looked up from the two younglings gazing at the flora in the distance. After a few moments, he glanced back down at them and sighed. "I will see what I can do, but I promise nothing."

Kaya and Niktor smiled and simultaneously said, "Thank you, Master," and bowed. They were crestfallen but still grateful for the consideration. They backed out of the gazebo and continued on their way to their dormitory.

As they walked back to their dorms, Kaya could sense the disappointment still lingering within Niktor. She turned to him and said, "You were right to wait. He felt better now." Niktor looked at her with a hint of surprise, shaking his head, "I have no idea how you see under that mask. For me, he always looks the same."

Kaya smiled softly, "I could feel it in the air. And besides, you warned me before in the training room." Niktor chuckled, "That was because I was hungry, Kaya." Kaya smiled at Niktor, slightly bumping him as they continued to walk to their dorms.

Chapter 16:

Nomus stood at the nose of the bridge, his eyes fixed on the twinkling lights in front of him, as the battle raged before him. The darkness of space gave the spectacle an eerie glare, but he couldn't be bothered by its beauty. His thoughts were disturbed by the sound of Admiral Stein's voice behind him.

"My Lord," Stein said, his tone confident. "Darth Vectivous wishes to speak with you."

Nomus turned to face the admiral, feeling an instant disturbance in his thoughts. He could barely contain the urge to strangle him for his lack of fear, but Vectivous had advised him to be more accepting of the opinions of others, which gave him a hard time.

Without a word, Nomus brushed past the Admiral, his cape gently brushing against his right side, and made his way to the holotable at the back of the room.

"Leave," He instructed the two officers still present, and activated the holotable. As the image of Darth Vectivous appeared, Nomus quickly knelt before him.

"Master," Nomus said. "He has taken the bait."

"I know," Vectivous said with a hint of amusement in his voice. "He is comically predictable. Rise, Nomus." Nomus stood up as instructed.

"Initiate Phase 2, but await my positioning for two hours," Vectivous commanded with an air of superiority.

"Yes, Master," Nomus replied, but the words left a bitter taste in his mouth. He yearned for the day when he wouldn't have to answer to a master anymore. As Vectivous disconnected, Nomus released a long breath and straightened himself, brushing off a speck of dirt from his knee. He crossed his arms behind his back and confidently swung around on his heel, facing the door as it opened before him.

Without a word, he strode back to his post at the nose of the bridge, where he spoke to the officers in charge without even bothering to turn his head. "Prepare to engage the capital ships in two hours." They knew who was responsible for what.

Nomus continued to gaze out the window, his eyes fixed on the spectacular play of light in the vast darkness of space. The red and blue lights flashed, and small dots swirled, creating a breathtaking yet eerie spectacle. He knew that this was only the beginning of the end of the Republic.

As Darth Vectivous strode onto the bridge of the Indiquidator, his imposing presence filled the room. "Set course for Lianna, Admiral," he commanded, his voice deep and resonant. "It's time to abandon our seclusion."

Admiral Coros, who had been monitoring the ship's systems, turned to face the Sith Lord. A small smile graced his lips as he bowed deeply. "Of course, my Lord," he replied with deference. "What about the taskforce that has been harassing the neighboring systems? Should I order them to cease further attacks?"

The tension in the air was palpable as the two men locked eyes. Darth Vectivous paused for a moment; his expression inscrutable. "Yes, order them to unify in the Adega system. I will need them later." Vectivous commanded with a sense of satisfaction.

Coros stood behind Vectivous, his mouth half open, until he had gathered the courage to speak. "My Lord," he finally said, "One question, if I may." Darth Vectivous looked at him, "Go on."

"What makes you so sure that the Republic doesn't anticipate this move?" Coros asked.

As the skin beside Vectivous's mask receded, small crevices formed on his cheeks, hinting at a sly grin. "No," Vectivous said, sighing. "You and I might, Admiral. However, I do not have enough experience with you to be sure. But I do know Admiral Hegeto. He is stubborn and rash. He may act quickly, but he does not have the patience to consider the risks and consequences of his actions. That is why we have changed our strategies to make him focus on the battle at hand rather than why he is there in the first place. Nomus has been instructed to send our ships out one by one, making it look like we are desperately rallying them from wherever we can find them. In his eyes, we are at full capacity, harassing neighboring systems, so he thinks that he can swiftly attack Lianna to sever Sith space from the Tion cluster." With that, the ship entered hyperspace, leaving the Galidraan System behind. "Unknown to our dear Admiral," Vectivous continued, his voice sarcastically gloating with effulgent pride and baleful enthusiasm. "Is the existence of this magnificent fleet, built by the shipyards of Bosthirda and Ord Radama in the past years. Which will violently enter his rear in…" Vectivous glanced at the navigation officer, who immediately understood his silent command.

The officer swiftly responded, "2 hours and 4 minutes, my Lord."

"Precisely," Vectivous replied, his eyes glinting with a fierce determination as he turned back to Admiral Coros.

"I understand," Admiral Coros answered. "Will we use the jammers when we arrive?" Admiral Coros added.

"No." Vectivous said, his voice ringing with ominous certainty. "Let the galaxy bear witness to their screams of agony, for there will be carnage."

Admiral Coros' body stiffened, a sudden jolt of apprehension coursing through him as he realized he had relaxed without noticing it. He nodded stiffly, his voice measured, "Understood, my Lord."

"It will shatter the Republic's hopes as we approach the Mid Rim," Vectivous said, his gaze fixed on the dazzling beams of light flashing outside the ship. "For whatever that is worth," he added, his voice laced with disdain and bitterness.

The Admiral was confused, as he had learned during his training at the academy that crushing an enemy's hope was an assured path to victory. Vectivous allowed a few seconds of silence to pass before turning his attention back to the admiral.

"Have you ever wondered why we aim to crush hope, Admiral?" Vectivous asked, his voice low and ominous. The admiral stiffened with fear at the dark tone of his lord's voice.

"No, my Lord." The admiral said, his voice trickling with fear. "Consider a rebellion, Admiral," Vectivous started. "People rebel when they feel oppressed, inferior, or underrepresented. They feel like they are being treated unfairly." Vectivous paused.

"But not all people will join this rebellion, even if they meet the same prerequisites or share the same degree of resentment. The pessimist, Admiral, will never join the rebellion because they are already defeated in their minds. They lack the courage and the will to fight for something they believe in. They see the odds stacked against them and resign themselves to failure before even trying. They are weak-minded and easily manipulated, for they have no conviction in their beliefs. The optimist, on the other hand, holds onto hope that they will succeed, no matter the odds. They are driven by their belief in their cause and the idea that victory is achievable. However, this kind of thinking makes them exceedingly dangerous, for it can lead to irrational, idiotic, and illogical decision-making and an inability to see the reality of the situation. They are blinded by their own optimism and refuse to accept defeat, even when it is inevitable."

The Sith Lord then leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low, menacing growl. "But it is the realist who brings victory. The realist sees the reality of the situation and acts accordingly. They calculate their chances and find a realistic solution when faced with defeat—surrender or retreat. They are not swayed by hope or optimism, nor are they defeated by pessimism. They are driven by logic and reason, and they are the ones who will ultimately emerge victorious."

Vectivous continued his explanation, his voice cold and measured. "Hope is a dangerous thing, Admiral. It blinds people to the realities of a situation, causing them to act irrationally and illogically. It can lead to unnecessary bloodshed and prolong a conflict that has no hope of being won. Those who embrace hope are weak-minded, unable to accept the harsh truths of the world, and unwilling to make the difficult decisions necessary for victory."

He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "Fear, on the other hand, is a powerful tool. It is the ultimate motivator, driving people to act in ways they never thought possible. It brings order and security to those who wield it, and it instills a sense of respect and awe in those who are subjected to it. Fear is the true effect of victory, Admiral. It ensures that our enemies will think twice before crossing us again and makes them more likely to submit to our will."

The admiral listened intently, his mind racing as he tried to absorb the Sith Lord's wisdom. He realized that there was much more to warfare than just brute force and weapons. There was a deeper psychological aspect to it, one that required an understanding of the enemy's weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

"It is fear that keeps the masses in line," Vectivous continued. "Fear of what might happen if they step out of line, fear of the consequences of their actions. And fear is a powerful motivator. It can be used to control, to manipulate, to keep the peace."

Admiral Coros listened carefully, taking in Vectivous's words. He had always been a practical man, preferring to rely on logic and reason rather than emotion. But he had to admit. There was a certain truth to what Vectivous was saying.

"Of course, fear alone is not enough," Vectivous went on. "We must also provide security, a sense of stability, of order. And that is what this victory will bring. It will show the galaxy that the Empire is strong, that we are in control, that we will not tolerate rebellion, dissent, or anarchy." Vectivous said the last word with distain.

Admiral Coros nodded in agreement. He had always believed in the power of strength and order, and he could see now how fear was an essential tool in maintaining that order.

"But fear is not the only tool we have," Vectivous continued. "We also have strength, discipline, and, most importantly, conviction. We must show the galaxy that we are committed to our cause, that we will not waiver or falter in the face of opposition. And if we can do that, if we can instill that same conviction in the hearts of our people, then we will be unstoppable."

Admiral Coros nodded, feeling a sense of determination welling up inside him. He had always believed in the Empire and in its mission to bring order and stability to the galaxy. And now, more than ever, he was committed to that mission, to doing whatever it took to ensure the Empire's victory.

"Well said, my Lord," Coros inquired, his voice steady and resolute. "We will do whatever it takes to win this war, to show the galaxy the power of the Empire."

"Good," Vectivous said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

"Allow me to provide you with one final illustration, Admiral," Vectivous said after clearing his throat.

"A burglar sets his sights on robbing a bank. His actions are driven by his hope for a successful heist and a bountiful reward. However, the likelihood of this hope becoming reality is heightened if the consequences of failure are minimal. If the sentences for such crimes are lenient and security measures are lax, then the burglar's hope is further bolstered. Conversely, if harsh sentences and stringent security measures are in place, fear begins to take hold. Fear of failure, fear of capture, fear of death." Vectivous emphasized the final word with an elongated pronunciation, allowing the weight of it to sink in.

"These fears force the burglar to reconsider, to weigh the potential costs against the possible rewards. The fear, Admiral, is what keeps order and security intact in the galaxy. I advocate for the equalization of fear among all sentient individuals." Vectivous paused, reflecting on his words, before adding, "Of course, there will always be those foolish optimists who cling to hope despite the reality before them. But they are in the minority, and they will be crushed along with their hopeless dreams." Vectivous paused once more.

"Now let us prepare for the coming battle. There is much to do, and little time to do it."

And with that, he turned to gaze out of the viewing port once more, leaving Admiral Coros to contemplate the weight of his words and the daunting task that lay ahead.

Chapter 17:

"This battle has been going on for way too long," Admiral Hegeto told himself as he gazed out at the chaotic battle unfolding before him. He felt his frustration grow with every passing moment. Hours had gone by with starfighters and frigates engaging the enemy cruisers in skirmishes, but the Sith remained stubbornly defensive, constantly changing positions and tactics as if they were a frightened varactyl on the brink of falling off a cliff. Though he had inflicted some losses on them, the enemy seemed to be waiting for some sort of miracle, unwilling to make any moves to contest their losses.

Hegeto knew that victory was slowly coming, but it was frustratingly slow. Despite taking out over ten Revenge-class cruisers and three Harrowers, the command ship remained unscathed. The Sith were cautious and seemed to be biding their time, as if waiting for reinforcements. However, Hegeto had already calculated that they could not get any more reinforcements. According to the SIS reports, the Sith's fleet was significant but spread out, and a large part of it was already stationed in the Gordian Reaches to protect Yavin and Feena from Republic incursions. The local garrison in Lianna was all that was left, and the fleet skirmishing on the other side of the Tion was too far away to intervene now.

Hegeto could not understand the Sith's move here. Was the newly declared Emperor, Darth Vectivous, so foolish to immediately start a battle he couldn't win? Whatever their plan was, it clearly had not worked.

As Hegeto's thoughts returned to the battle at hand, he knew that he could technically force a quick victory. It would be costly, but it would bring a swift end to this conflict. He sighed internally. "If I had my dear Karlo with me, I would just blast my way through them," he thought to himself.

"Admiral, we have movement," announced the nav officer, eyes fixed on the screen displaying the Sith fleet's position. Hegeto turned towards the officer, but in a slow, relaxed way. This was not the first time the Sith changed positions. "What is it this time, Lieutenant? Are they switching their cruisers for some harrowers again?" Hegeto asked with irksome amusement.

The officer's expression was one of confusion. "I can't tell yet, sir. They are just moving towards us at the moment."

Hegeto leaned forward, observing the enemy fleet as it drew closer; cautiously entering the long-range engagement zone of his destroyers and cruisers. The frigates in the first row were already under fire.

"They're coming to us, slow and steady. It looks like they're doing my job for me," he muttered. "Well then, let us give them hell."

Hegeto took a deep breath and bellowed out his orders in a loud and commanding voice. "Full assault," Hegeto ordered while propelling himself off the railing he was leaning on.

The order sparked a flurry of activity behind him as the crew members sprang into action before the turbolasers and ion canons started firing an endless barrage at the advancing Sith capital ships.

As the Sith ships loomed in, slightly elevated and forcing the Republic destroyers to fire at their reinforced bottom hull, the Commodore of the ship reported, "The enemy is taking heavy damage."

Hegeto, observing the situation with astonishment, replied, "Yes, I can see that." Suddenly, the navigation officer interjected, "Admiral, we have Sith reinforcements incoming."

Annoyed and slightly angry, Hegeto asked, "Great, how many?" The navigation officer hesitated before stammering out, "Probably… 170 or 180 cruisers and 400 frigates," his voice fragile and trembling in disbelief.

Hegeto gave an aporetic glance to the officer and quickly scanned the area. "Where?"

Hegeto gave the officer a disbelieving glance, knowing that the Republic fleet was vastly outnumbered. "Where are they coming from?" he asked urgently.

"Behind us," the officer replied without hesitation.

Hegeto reacted quickly, his mind racing to come up with a plan. "I want visual; turn the ship," he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.

The ship began to turn, and as soon as Hegeto caught a glimpse of the backside, hundreds of Sith ships burst out of hyperspace right on top of his fleet. The Sith fleet instantly started shelling the Republic ships in front of them with all their power. Hegeto could see thousands of starships and bombers leaving the massive Harrower hangars.

"Shit," Hegeto colloquially muttered under his breath with the realization that he had been tricked once again. "Retreat! Form a new defensive formation," he called out quickly. "Get us out of here."

As he made his way towards the back of the bridge, he also called out to the comms officer, "Call for reinforcements immediately!"

The officer's voice broke in the middle of both words as he replied, "Yes sir." Hegeto could sense the fear and panic in the young officer's voice, and he knew that they were in for a tough battle.

Hegeto approached the holotable with a sense of urgency, his eyes scanning the officers gathered around him. "Hail the Sith fleet," he ordered, his voice firm and determined. The officers quickly complied, relaying the command into the computer behind them while Hegeto stood by the holotable.

The ship shook violently as a burst of laser fire hit them, and Hegeto instinctively looked over his shoulder to see the Commodore taking control of the situation, expertly coordinating the retreat in the Admiral's absence.

The hologram of the tall Kel'dor stood before Hegeto, projecting a lifelike image of the alien's imposing figure. The Kel'dor's lean frame was covered in a black, finely furnished robe that draped over his broad shoulders, with a long cape trailing behind him. The robe and cape seemed to be made from an exquisite material, shimmering in the holographic light.

The Kel'dor's skin was an orange pale, with deep creases lining his forehead and the sides of his nose. His eyes were hidden behind a mask-like structure, a prominent feature of the Kel'dor species. Hegeto could see only the imposing breather mask, covering the lower part of his face.

The Kel'dor's voice was laced with impatience as he asked, "Admiral Hegeto, are you here to surrender?"

Hegeto paused, not quite focusing on the Kel'dor's words at first, but upon closer inspection, he recognized him. "Are you... Jedi Master Karr?" Hegeto asked, his voice betraying a hint of surprise.

The Kel'dor raised the skin atop his goggles. "You're Darth Vectivous, the new Sith Emperor," Hegeto continued, still in disbelief.

"Indeed," Vectivous replied. "Haven't you heard my speech? You know, you should know your enemies, Admiral. Now, are you here to surrender? If not, we have nothing to talk about."

Hegeto was still processing Vectivous's answer when the ship shook again, and he had to grab onto the holotable to steady himself. "As you can see, your fleet is falling apart. I would hastily surrender if I were you," Vectivous said with a note of annoyance in his voice.

"Yes, yes," Hegeto regained his composure. "I would like to discuss surrender."

"Then stop retreating," Vectivous ordered, his voice calm but laced with impatience.

Hegeto hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. Before he could formulate a response, Vectivous let out an exasperated sigh. "You're stalling for time, Admiral. It won't save you," he declared.

"Disconnect," Vectivous barked to someone out of holorange, and the hologram image abruptly disappeared.

"No!" Hegeto yelled in frustration, bringing his fist down onto the holotable.

Then, behind him, Commodore Riva entered the room, her face grim. "Admiral, more than half of the fleet has been lost, and we are continuing to suffer heavy losses, especially with our frigates and cruisers in front. We must jump to hyperspace now," Riva informed him urgently.

Hegeto's hand rose to his forehead, frustration etched on his face as he tried to clear his thoughts. After a moment of contemplation, he let out a heavy sigh and spoke, his voice filled with defeat and sadness. "Very well, go on."

Without delay, Riva turned around and barked out a series of orders to different officers, and a few seconds later, the ship began to turn starboard, the engines shrilling as they propelled the vessel into hyperspace, leaving the chaos of battle behind.

Nomus was in his command center, overseeing the repairs of the damaged ships at the Lianna shipyards, when the hologram of Darth Vectivous appeared before him. Nomus quickly bowed, showing respect to his new Sith Emperor. "Master."

"Rise, Darth Nomus," Vectivous said. "I have a task for you."

He nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "I understand, my lord," he said, trying to keep his excitement in check. "What is my bidding?"

Vectivous smiled, pleased with Nomus's eagerness. "Your task is to take Columex," he said, his tone firm. "It is a vital part of our strategy, and I trust that you will carry out this mission with the utmost efficiency." Under normal circumstances, this would be a tall order. Columex was fortified and usually guarded by a fleet. However, with the Republic in disarray, this task would be awfully untroublesome.

Nomus bowed low, acknowledging his orders. "As you command, my lord."

Vectivous leaned closer to the hologram. "And Nomus. Remember, this is only the beginning. We're about to enter Phase 3 of my plan." Nomus was curious but didn't dare interrupt.

"Eventually, we're going to strike at the heart of the Republic," Vectivous said, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "But for now, we will sever the Republic from the Outer Rim and weaken their grip on the galaxy."

Nomus nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. This was a massive undertaking, and it would require all of their resources to succeed.

"Very well, my lord," Nomus replied with a respectful bow. "Rest assured; I won't fail you."

Vectivous smiled slightly at his reply, acknowledging the loyalty and determination of his subordinate. "It would indeed be impressive if you did. However, keep in mind that you still have much to learn. Once this mission is accomplished, I will make sure you receive the training and knowledge necessary to reach your full potential."

Nomus nodded, feeling both grateful and resolute. He was eager to prove himself to Vectivous and demonstrate his unwavering devotion to the Sith Empire.

As the hologram disappeared, Nomus stood alone with his thoughts, gazing out of the viewport as Vectivous's fleet departed one by one, ready to execute Phase 3 of his plan.

Chapter 18:

Days later…

Vectivous perused the data pad in his hand, analyzing the latest reports on the Sith Empire's conquests in the Outer Rim, trickling in minute by minute. As he studied the data, a sense of satisfaction filled him. Soon enough, the New Sith Empire would cease to be just a fringe territory.

Half of his fleet, under the command of Admiral Coros, was currently making its way down the Salin Corridor towards Hutt Space, while the other half traveled along the Triellus Trade Route, approaching Kegan. Once he arrived there, the size of the New Sith Empire would double, and after this campaign, it would quadruple in size.

This phase was markedly different from the first, in which his fleet had merely harassed bordering systems, exterminating troublesome species and population centers while inflicting horror upon the galaxy at minimal cost to the Empire. Now, he was methodically moving from planet to planet, crushing any feeble resistance that remained and occupying each world with a minimal force until the system could be fully integrated into the New Sith Empire.

As Vectivous sat in his private quarters, deep in thought, he heard a voice at the door. He used the force to open it, revealing Vice Admiral Klick, a small female human whom he had promoted to command the Indiquidator. "My Lord, Admiral Coros is trying to reach you," the Vice Admiral informed him.

Vectivous stood up and followed Vice Admiral Klick to a nearby room, which contained a holotable. Admiral Coros was already connected and waiting. "My Lord," Coros said, bowing respectfully as Vectivous entered the range of the holotable. "Yes Admiral, what do you have for me?" Vectivous asked, his tone commanding.

"Multiple things, my Lord. First of all, an important matter has come to my attention that might interest you," Coros began. "Since I have a high position in the IIA, I get information from time to time. I have received information that a prisoner you took an interest in has disappeared and hasn't been seen since." Coros paused briefly, then continued, "A certain Darth Andeddu."

Vectivous stiffened at the mention of the name. "Why haven't I heard of this?" Vectivous demanded, his voice low and dangerous, a tinge of anger radiating through the air.

Coros tensed at the harsh reaction of Vectivous. "I don't know, sir," Coros stuttered, quickly looking at his data pad. "I have no records from the Imperial Prison on Korriban, and the records don't show him to have ever existed. The IIA was the only one to have taps on him."

Vectivous took a moment to compose himself before responding. "I will return to Korriban immediately," he said, his mind racing with possibilities. Had someone within the Sith Empire taken Andeddu? Or had he managed to escape on his own? Either way, it was a troubling development that needed to be addressed.

As Vectivous ended the transmission, he could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He had to find Andeddu, no matter the cost. He knew that his knowledge and power could be the key to unlocking even greater secrets of the dark side, secrets that could help him achieve his ultimate goal: endlessly establishing security, peace, and prosperity in the galaxy.

"My Lord," spoke Admiral Coros after Vectivous pondered for a few minutes, interrupting his thoughts. "For the second matter, I require orders. I have just secured the planet Sriluur, the last world before Hutt space. Shall we establish contact with the Hutts or proceed with an invasion?"

Vectivous frowned, deep in thought. "No, leave the Hutts for now. I will deal with them in due time," he replied calmly, waving a dismissive hand. "Coros, organize the new territory and establish a military occupation until further notice. Make sure to set up a strong defensive perimeter to prevent any Republic incursions. Focus your forces at Boonta and Syr Myrth, as those systems are the most vulnerable to attack."

Coros nodded, responding with a quick "Yes, my Lord," as Vectivous turned to leave the room. Before he did, he turned back to Coros and added, "And make sure that the occupation is handled with discretion. We do not want any unnecessary bloodshed or resistance."

As Vectivous left the room, he turned to Vice Admiral Klick, who had to almost run to keep up with his brisk pace. "Prepare a shuttle for my departure," he ordered. "Hand the fleet back over to Admiral Coros and contact Darth Nomus. I wish to speak with him as soon as possible."

Vice Admiral Klick nodded, bowing respectfully, before rushing off to carry out her orders. As Vectivous strode purposefully towards the shuttle bay, his mind raced with thoughts of the Hutts and their potential usefulness to the New Sith Empire. He knew that they could prove to be powerful allies, but he also recognized the dangers of dealing with such treacherous beings. Only time could tell how he would handle this delicate situation.

"I accept your surrender," declared Darth Nomus to the commander of the local forces on the fertile agriworld of Dagro, inhabited by human colonists for millennia. The planet was rich in the highly valuable sargheet, a source of nutrition and energy for much of the galaxy. "Thank you, Darth Nomus. Please don't bombard our beautiful home," the commander replied, his voice trembling with fear.

Nomus could sense the Commander's fear, feeding on it as if it were a Hutt feast. He knew that the New Sith Empire's methods were harsh and brutal at first, but every world would eventually prosper. "You misunderstand," he said, trying to sound reassuring. "The New Sith Empire brings order, law, and stability to the galaxy. We only use force as a last resort." Nomus knew that it was a twisted truth, but a necessary one. A lie to make the period of transition more enduring.

"I will send you some administrators who will smooth your transition into a world of the New Sith Empire," Nomus said, moving his hand in a placating motion. "Yes, thank you, Darth Nomus," the commander replied, relief evident in his voice.

As the hologram disconnected, Nomus sighed heavily. This job was getting increasingly repetitive, and it started to bore him. "My Lord," Admiral Stein said as soon as the connection faded, "Darth Vectivous wishes to speak to you. You are to contact him immediately."

Nomus growled, eventually relenting. "Of course," Nomus said, dismissing the admiral. He closed his eyes and focused on the force, feeling a sense of unease. An image of Vectivous appeared, and Nomus kneeled, bowing his head in respect.

"Master," Nomus said, "what is it?"

"Clear the room," Vectivous ordered. Nomus looked up and motioned the officers towards the door. The admiral and officers left the room, and the door closed.

"I am almost at Phindar, Master, as you ordered," Nomus said, wondering why Vectivous had summoned him.

"Excellent," Vectivous said, brushing off Nomus's remark. "That has to wait. Darth Andeddu escaped. I am on my way to Korriban. Join me at once."

"What?" Nomus looked up in surprise. "How?" he asked.

"That is unknown to me," Vectivous answered. "I have my suspicions, but that is why I am traveling to Korriban. Our campaign must wait. We can enact Phase 4 at another time. Admiral Stein should be capable of taking Phindar to secure the Salin Corridor."

"Yes, my Lord," Nomus said, while looking back at the floor in a bowing gesture.

The hologram disconnected, and Nomus stood up to make his way to his personal shuttle. As he walked, his mind was racing with questions. How had Andeddu escaped? Who was responsible? And what did this mean for Vectivous' plans?

Chapter 19:

As Vectivous strode purposefully down the ramp of his shuttle, shrouded in the shadow of the Indiquidator hanging in the atmosphere above him, he was met by the Minister of Education and Propaganda, Darth Cartridge. Despite the unexpected nature of the encounter, Vectivous maintained his composure and acknowledged Cartridge's presence with a polite nod.

Darth Cartridge's attire was a stark reflection of his high-ranking position as the Minister of Education and Propaganda in the Sith Empire. His black robes draped over his broad shoulders, and his hood obscured most of his facial features in shadow. The robes were adorned with intricate silver embroidery that traced the edges of his sleeves and hood. A large silver buckle secured the belt around his waist, and the hilt of a lightsaber could be seen protruding from his belt.

His pale, gaunt face was partially concealed by the hood, but his piercing eyes could be seen glinting from within the shadows. His skin was unnaturally smooth, and his features were angular and sharp, giving him an almost sinister appearance. He carried himself with a rigid, formal posture, his movements calculated and precise.

Darth Cartridge's appearance exuded power, control, and authority, leaving no doubt about his position.

Cartridge, ever the inquisitive one, couldn't resist asking about the reason for Vectivous's visit. "My Lord, this is an unexpected surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he inquired, his eyes locked onto Vectivous's imposing figure.

Vectivous replied in his characteristically deep and ominous voice, "I have business with some of my guards. I need to talk to them about some security concerns." The answer was short and to the point, revealing nothing about the true nature of Vectivous's intentions.

Sensing that there was more to the story than what Vectivous had revealed, Cartridge tried again. "Do you require any assistance, my Lord?" Cartridge tentatively asked. "No," Vectivous declined, dismissing the notion.

Cartridge was not deterred, however, and his curiosity got the better of him. "May I ask the purpose of your visit?" he pressed, hoping to glean some information about Vectivous's plans.

Vectivous remained silent, not even deigning to look in Cartridge's direction. The air around them was thick with tension, and Cartridge knew better than to push his luck any further. He simply nodded, understanding that Vectivous was not one to reveal his hand until he was ready.

"Pray, tell me, Minister, what brings you here?" Vectivous inquired in a tone of calculated indifference, his piercing gaze fixed straight ahead. Darth Cartridge hastened to fall into step beside him.

"My Lord, I thought to seek a new position, perhaps as a sector governor. This current role is, shall we say… uninspiring," Cartridge replied, his voice slightly tremulous.

Vectivous slowed his pace and turned his steely gaze upon Cartridge. "Do you recall our last conversation, Minister?" he said, emphasizing the title with barely concealed contempt.

Cartridge's previously self-assured expression faltered, and he pursed his lips tightly. "Yes, my Lord, I remember," he replied hastily, his posture stiffening as he spoke. "You secured my unwavering loyalty to the New Sith Empire."

Vectivous regarded him coolly for a few moments, then continued walking. "I care not for titles, Minister, only for those who are capable and loyal," he stated flatly. "I understand that you have not been overly active of late, as per Nomus's report." Vectivous' expression remained unreadable as he spoke, causing a flicker of fear to pass over Cartridge's face. "Speaking of Nomus, where is he?" Vectivous asked abruptly.

Cartridge took a moment to collect himself before responding. "He arrived half an hour ago, my Lord. I believe he is currently at the spaceport, having anticipated your arrival." Vectivous nodded curtly, then resumed his brisk walk towards the massive spaceport building looming in the distance.

Cartridge watched him go, feeling a mix of apprehension and admiration for the fearsome Sith Lord. He knew better than to ask too many questions or show any signs of weakness in front of Vectivous.

"So, I may have a sector, my Lord?" Cartridge called out after him, his voice rising to be heard over the noise of the shuttle engines.

Vectivous halted briefly but did not turn around. "Watch your mouth, Minister," he replied, his voice carrying a faint threat. "You may organize the Auril Sector, but be warned, Lord Minister, I tolerate no failure."

Cartridge felt a chill run down his spine at the ominous tone of Vectivous's words. He knew all too well what failure meant in the eyes of the Sith Lord. It was a fate worse than death.

"Nomus," Vectivous announced with a respectful tone, drawing Nomus's attention. Nomus turned towards him and respectfully dipped his chin. "Master, I have made the necessary arrangements for our journey to the prison."

"I appreciate your diligence," Vectivous interjected, casting a keen eye over the spaceport's surroundings. The bustling activity of the spaceport was a reflection of the planet's capital city, Irena, and its importance as a vital hub of commerce and travel for the Korriban system.

In front of Vectivous, a line of sleek speeders stretched towards him, their engines idling with a low thrum. The sight of armored soldiers and robed Sith occupying each of the speeders exuded an air of power and authority.

As they approached the lead speeder, a soldier stood at attention and held open the door, inviting Vectivous and his entourage to board. The interior of each speeder was adorned with dark and foreboding decor.

In a sudden burst of instinct, Vectivous's arm swung out with lightning speed. A blaster shot had been fired from the crowd, aimed at the Dark Lord, but he effortlessly absorbed the energy of the blaster bolt. With a watchful eye, Vectivous scanned the crowd, eventually spotting the culprit. In a swift motion, he reached out and disarmed the man holding the blaster. The previously noisy crowd fell silent as Vectivous pulled the man towards him, grasping his windpipe in a suffocating grip. "What is the meaning of this?" Vectivous demanded, his voice low and menacing.

The man gasped for air before managing to speak. "You," he rasped, pointing a shaky finger at the Sith Lord. Vectivous tilted his head slightly, fixating his gaze on the man as he struggled for breath. "You killed the Emperor," the man gasped again, desperation creeping into his voice.

Vectivous tightened his grip, cutting off the man's air supply further. The man's face turned red as he tried to breathe, but it was to no avail. Finally, with a swift twist of his wrist, Vectivous snapped the man's neck, and the lifeless body crumpled to the ground. The crowd stood motionless, silent witnesses to the display of deadly force.

Vectivous turned to a nearby Sith escorting him, "Identify this man and detain his family for interrogation," he ordered, his voice as cold as ice. The Sith nodded in compliance, carrying out the Dark Lord's command with unwavering obedience.

Vectivous looked at the crowd on both sides of the cleared path. He spoke up, "Be assured that any dissidence will be dealt with." Vectivous declared to the crowd. "Be patient; I will bring you order and peace, and all I ask of you is loyalty and obedience." Vectivous turned and seated himself in the speeder, the door being closed next to him.

With confidence, Vectivous strode through the pathways of the expansive prison complex beneath Korriban's government plaza, which had once held him captive just a month prior. Now, as the emperor, he returned with Nomus by his side to the high-security chamber, where two Sith guards stood watch. Upon catching sight of Vectivous, they quickly opened the door and stepped aside in deference to their leader. But to their surprise, Vectivous paused and invited the guards to join him, which they did obediently, following him closely.

As they reached a particular cell, Vectivous halted and commanded one of the guards to open it. Though the guard was frightened, he complied, and the cell door creaked open to reveal an empty chamber. "Where is he?" Vectivous demanded of the guard, who could only shake his head in response.

"I do not know," the Sith guard stammered, his voice trembling. Vectivous grabbed the guard by the neck and started force-choaking him, unsatisfied with his response. "I do not think I believe you," he hissed, narrowing his eyes as he continued to exert pressure on the guard's neck. "Where is the prisoner?"

The guard struggled to speak, his voice hoarse and strained. "I... do not... know," he managed to gasp out, desperately attempting to catch his breath.

Vectivous's patience wore thin, and he yanked the guard towards him, igniting his crimson lightsaber. The blade glinted menacingly, casting a red glow across the guard's face. The Sith's eyes widened with terror as Vectivous brought the saber closer and closer to his throat, his grip tightening.

"Ok, ok," the Sith guard squealed. Barely any air left the guard's already empty lungs. Vectivous extinguished his lightsaber and let the guard fall next to him. The guard's breaths were loud and ragged as he desperately tried to replenish the lack of oxygen in his cells. Vectivous watched coldly as the man struggled to regain his composure.

But Vectivous gave him no rest. "So where is the prisoner? Why did you help him escape?" he demanded, his voice laced with menace. "You can start telling me what he told you to convince you." Without warning, Vectivous delivered a swift kick to the guard's side, causing him to roll over onto his back, where he scrambled to move away from his captor and into a less vulnerable position. The guard coughed and spat up reddish saliva as he struggled to speak.

"So?" Vectivous asked in a quizzical tone, his patience wearing thin. "If you're not going to answer my questions, I might just have to kill you and ask your partner." He turned his gaze to the other guard, who had taken several steps back and was now standing against the wall, his hands shaking behind his back. As Vectivous studied the quivering guard, he could feel the man's heart racing with fear. He knew that the prisoner's escape had been these men's doing, and he was determined to find out where Andeddu went. "Tell me what you know," he growled, his demanding voice echoing through the prison hallway.

The guard on the floor sobbed uncontrollably as he struggled to catch his breath. "We talked to him," he gasped out, his voice choked with emotion. "He was the only prisoner here, and he wanted to talk to us."

As Vectivous listened intently, the guard continued to recount his conversation with Darth Andeddu. "After a few talks, he started to tell us about himself and how he defeated Darth Underlord. He fell to the Dark Side and sought to join the Sith, so he came to Korriban with his shuttle, where he killed the soldiers on board."

The guard paused, coughing and spitting up blood, before he continued. "He told us that he was immediately imprisoned here and has been here ever since, with the Emperor taking a deep interest in him for his ability to transfer his essence into another person, granting him immortality."

Vectivous' hands moved slowly behind his back as he processed the information. The events of what transpired falling into place, coming together like a puzzle.

With a raised eyebrow, Vectivous regarded the trembling guard on the floor. The young Sith's eyes darted nervously around the room, refusing to meet Vectivous's gaze.

"So, let me get this straight," Vectivous said, his voice low and dangerous. "You helped the prisoner escape because he promised to share his knowledge with you?"

The guard swallowed hard and cleared his throat. "Yes," he said, barely above a whisper.

Vectivous shook his head in disbelief. "You freed him under the guise of a prisoner transfer, didn't you? And nobody questioned it because you're both Sith." He leaned in closer, his face contorting in anger. "Then you brought him to a shuttle, where he betrayed you and took off without you."

The guard licked his lips, his face turning red with shame. "Yes," he admitted, cursing as he recognized his own guilelessness.

Vectivous let out a scoff of derision. "You erased any record of the prisoner, didn't you? And now you have no idea where he is." He chuckled darkly. "You truly are a moron."

The guard let out another wet cough, blood dripping from his lips. "He didn't tell us," He managed to say.

Vectivous chuckled, his laughter filled with hubris. "Truly remarkable," he exclaimed, "I have seldom encountered such an astonishing display of mindless foolishness." He paused, then asked with a chuckle, "So, pray tell, where did he abscond to?" he inquired, his chuckle betraying his amusement.

The guard let out another wet cough, blood dripping from his lips. "He didn't tell us," He managed to say.

Vectivous fixed his steely gaze on the two guards, studying their body language as he processed the situation. He could tell that they were both genuinely clueless about the prisoner's whereabouts, but he couldn't resist the urge to toy with them a little longer.

"Interesting," he said slowly, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "So, you both just let him fly off into the galaxy without a care in the world? Didn't even bother to ask where he was headed?"

The guards shifted nervously, their eyes darting back and forth as they struggled to find a response. Finally, one of them spoke up, his voice trembling with fear. "We... we didn't think it was our place to ask, sir."

"Well, in that case," Vectivous sighed heavily, shaking his head in disappointment. At this, the guards paled visibly, their faces contorting with fear. They knew they were in deep trouble now.

He could see the guards' protests forming on their lips, and the one by the wall even motioned to his lightsaber. But Vectivous was quicker, and with a flick of his wrists, he conjured a brilliant storm of blue and purple lightning that engulfed both guards. The room was filled with the deafening sound of electricity crackling and the smell of burning flesh as the lightning bolts slammed into their bodies. The guards convulsed and spasmed uncontrollably, their skin blistering and shedding in some areas. Vectivous maintained the barrage for only a few seconds before lowering his hands and exhaling deeply. The once formidable guards lay lifeless on the ground, their expressions frozen in terror and agony.

Vectivous surveyed the aftermath of his attack with a detached expression. The charred bodies of the guards lay on the ground, their skin flaking off in some areas—evidence of the devastating power of his lightning bolts. He glanced at Nomus, sensing the young Sith's awe at his display of power.

"Arrange for someone to clean up this mess," Vectivous ordered, his tone crisp and commanding. Nomus nodded in agreement, his neutral façade carefully maintained.

Vectivous stepped over the corpses and ascended the stairs, his thoughts already turning to his next tasks. "I need to return to the front," he said, "I will enact Phase 4 on my own. You stay here and find out where Andeddu went. And while you're at it, take care of some of the Sith administrators here. Some of them are falling out of step, and I don't have time to keep them in line."

Nomus nodded, his expression solemn as he listened to Vectivous's orders. "I will do as you say," he replied.

Vectivous paused, recalling another task that required attention. "Ah, and we must take care of the Hutts," he muttered. "I'm sure Admiral Coros has his fair share of problems maintaining stability with those slugs on our doorstep. Send that diplomacy minister of yours, Darth Caustic, I think."

Nomus nodded. "Yes, Darth Caustic. I appointed him minister of diplomacy and trade."

"Exquisite!" Vectivous exclaimed with a satisfied nod. "He can make a trade deal while he's at it. Let's see if he's up to the job you gave him."

"I will see to it," Nomus said, his expression indicating his determination to carry out Vectivous's orders to the letter.

Interlude Ansion:

"Over there!" Dome Mountainlaw's voice pierced through the silence of the barren wasteland, jolting Dr. March Dorman out of her reverie. She blinked, the sun beating down on her face, and followed his outstretched finger to a distant spot on the horizon. The glare made it difficult to discern any details, but she could make out a heap of gray metallic debris.

"Let's check it out," she said, tugging on the leash of her suubatar, a six-meter tall, six-legged beast used as a mount on Ansion. The suubatar body was long and narrow, ending in a lean, leg-length tail. They were covered in a coat of short, soft, and dense bronze-colored fur striped with distinctive patterns of green, providing excellent camouflage on the Ansonian plains. They had a single nostril, no mane, and their ears lay flat along their heads.

The suubatar grunted in response to her demands, turning obediently in the direction of the wreckage. Dr. Dorman was used to traversing treacherous terrain on her expeditions, and she deftly guided the suubatar towards the crash site.

The shuttle was a sorry sight, its metal hull twisted and broken, the charred remains of its interior exposed to the elements. It was a far cry from the corvette she had been searching for, but Dr. Dorman's curiosity was piqued nonetheless. She dismounted from her suubatar, securing it to a nearby rock, and approached the wreckage with Dome following closely behind.

Dr. Dorman was no stranger to exploring ancient ruins and artifacts on far-flung planets, but there was something different about Ansion. Perhaps it was the desolation of the landscape, the sense of isolation that pervaded the planet. But she was determined to uncover its secrets, one discovery at a time.

As a child, Dr. March Dorman had always possessed an insatiable curiosity, an innate desire to dig up hidden treasures and unravel secrets of the past. Her passion for uncovering the mysteries of the past had led her to leave her home planet of Velusia and pursue her studies in archaeology at a prestigious university on Alderaan.

Despite the difficulties of moving to a new planet, Dorman had been fortunate enough to secure a place at the university, where she spent six years honing her skills and knowledge. She had participated in numerous field trips, each one an exciting opportunity to uncover artifacts and ruins that had been buried for centuries.

One such discovery had been an old hive belonging to the insectoid species known as the Killiks. These creatures had been believed to have lived on Alderaan for hundreds of thousands of years, but they had not been seen since the end of the Great Galactic Wars. It was a discovery that had earned her both fame and admiration in academic circles.

Upon receiving her doctorate, she struggled to make ends meet without the support of her parents. Though the Alderaanian welfare system kept her from homelessness, she battled with depression. Despite her struggles, she persisted, embarking on countless expeditions to the farthest corners of Alderaan. It wasn't until she stumbled upon what was once rumored to be a royal palace that she made a groundbreaking discovery. Beneath the ruins, she uncovered a lightsaber. At first, she felt let down by the find, having already discovered numerous other lightsabers on Alderaan, remnants of the Great Galactic Wars. However, as she examined the weapon more closely, studying its unique markings and symbols, she began to suspect that it may have belonged to a high-ranking Jedi Master.

Taking the lightsaber to the Royal Alderaanian Library, she porred over ancient images to try and match the weapon to its owner. Eventually, she stumbled upon a clue that led her to believe that the lightsaber had belonged to the Jedi Master who had slain the Sith Emperor, ultimately bringing an end to the Second Great Galactic War. She contacted the Jedi Order and was invited to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant to present her findings.

With her heart racing and hands trembling, she presented her latest discovery to the Jedi Council. They listened intently as she described the intricate details of the ancient artifact, the lightsaber that she had found buried deep beneath the ruins of an Alderaanian palace. Her passion and enthusiasm for uncovering the secrets of the galaxy shone through every word she spoke, and the Council was thoroughly impressed.

After she had finished her presentation, the room was silent for a moment as the Jedi conferred amongst themselves. Finally, the Grand Master spoke up. "We are impressed with your work, young one," he said, his voice resonating with authority. "You have shown great promise in the field of archaeology. We would like to offer you a position working for the Jedi Order."

The young archaeologist's eyes widened with amazement and delight. She had always dreamed of working for the Jedi, and now that dream was finally becoming a reality. She could hardly contain her excitement as she accepted the offer.

As part of her new position, she was required to donate her findings to the Order. Though she was reluctant to part with the lightsaber, she knew that it was the right thing to do. With a heavy heart, she handed over the precious artifact, hoping that it would be put to good use in the hands of the Jedi.

With funding from the Order, she embarked on several expeditions to planets such as Ord Mantell, Taris, Alderaan, and Dantooine, uncovering mysteries and secrets that had long been forgotten. Despite her success on these planets, her ultimate dream was to explore the Sith home world of Korriban, a place that remained shrouded in mystery and darkness.

It was during her dig on Dantooine that she met another archeologist named Dome, who now worked alongside her. Together, they continued their search for hidden artifacts and secrets, with Ansion being their current destination. The Ansionians were known for their hospitality, which Doctor Dorman appreciated as she worked tirelessly to uncover any clues that would lead her closer to her ultimate goal of exploring Korriban.

Now, as she approached the wreckage of the shuttle with her suubatar in tow, she couldn't help but feel a familiar thrill of excitement. For Dorman, uncovering the secrets of the past was more than just a career; it was a lifelong passion, one that she pursued with unbridled enthusiasm.

As they got closer to the shuttle wreckage, Dr. Dorman noticed that it was in a state of disrepair. The hull was dented and scratched, and one of the wings was missing entirely. She could see scorch marks on the remaining wing and around the entrance hatch.

Dome dismounted his suubatar and approached the wreckage with caution. He pulled out a scanner from his utility belt and began to sweep it over the area. The scanner beeped, and Dome looked up at Dr. Dorman. "There are no life signs in the area," he said.

Dr. Dorman nodded, then dismounted her suubatar and walked over to the wreckage. She approached the entrance hatch and examined it closely. There were no signs of recent activity around it. She reached out and touched the hatch, feeling the cold metal beneath her fingertips.

Dr. March Dorman felt her heart skip a beat as she realized that the wreckage appeared to be a New Sith Empire shuttle. She turned to Dome and said, "I'll check out the inside." Dome nodded and stepped back, allowing her to approach the shuttle alone.

As she peered inside, she could see that the door had been forced open. The wiring inside sparked and sizzled ominously. Dr. Dorman took a tentative step forward, carefully making her way inside. The inside of the shuttle was dark and cramped. The air was stale and musty, and Dr. Dorman could feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing up. She surveyed the damaged interior, noting that the shuttle couldn't have crashed more than a month ago.

A shiver ran down her spine as she thought about the possibility of encountering a Sith still lurking on the plains of Ansion. But she quickly dismissed the idea as unlikely. It was more probable that whoever had been in the shuttle was long gone.

The seats were torn and ragged, and there were various pieces of equipment scattered around the floor. Dr. Dorman stepped over a pile of debris and approached the cockpit. She looked around, trying to find any clues as to what happened to the shuttle.

As she approached the cockpit, she took a closer look at the instruments and electronics, trying to piece together what had happened. Then, something caught her eye: a small box on the left side of the cockpit, next to the pilot's seat. It looked like an encryption device, but what surprised her was that it wasn't a receiver but a transmitter.

She reached over and carefully inspected the device for damage. To her surprise, it was completely intact. She couldn't help but feel a burst of excitement shoot through her as she realized the significance of her find. She removed her hand from the device and took a deep breath, her mind racing with the possibilities of what she had discovered.

She turned and walked back to the exit, peeking her head out of the ship. The warm sun greeted her skin, and she couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and anticipation. She raised her hand to signal for Dome to join her, his figure slowly emerging from behind the suubatar as he made his way towards the shuttle. As he entered the cockpit, she couldn't wait to show him what she had discovered.

"Here," she said, pointing to the small box nestled next to the pilot's seat. Dome's eyes widened in recognition as he moved closer to inspect the device. "Is that an undamaged... New Sith Empire encryption transmitter?" he asked incredulously.

Her grin grew wider, "Yes, it is. And it's fully intact."

Dome's amazement was palpable. "Aren't these supposed to be destroyed automatically when they lose contact with the main computer?"

"Exactly," she replied, "which means the pilot must have purposely disconnected it from the main network."

The implications of this discovery were enormous, and as she turned to leave the shuttle, a nagging thought crossed her mind. Who was the pilot? A Sith? A rogue agent? She couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension at the possibilities.

But for now, she pushed those thoughts aside, determined to revel in the excitement of their discovery. This, she knew, would change the course of the war.

Chapter 20:

As the shuttle descended into the hangar bay of the Indiquidator, the Admiral was already waiting for Darth Vectivous. "Welcome, my Lord," he greeted him with a bow. "Was your trip successful?" he inquired, his voice formal and respectful.

Vectivous stepped off the shuttle, his black cloak billowing behind him, and halted in front of the Admiral. "Fairly," he answered coolly, his piercing gaze meeting the admiral's. "This incident has complicated my plan. We will need to adjust the next phases to compensate for the lost time," he said in a commanding tone.

The Admiral nodded, understanding the weight of Vectivous's words. "Of course, my Lord," he replied, motioning towards the door that led to the ship's control room. "Please, let us discuss the details of the plan and how we can proceed."

As they studied the holo map projected before them, Admiral Coros and Darth Vectivous engaged in a strategic discussion about the progress of their plan. The bridge buzzed with activity as the crew prepared the fleet for departure.

"If we divert too many forces to Phase 4, we may be assailed by the Republic here and here," Coros pointed to two locations on the map.

Vectivous listened attentively, his piercing gaze fixed on the map. "I will not require a plenitude of ships for this undertaking. Phase 3 has successfully contained a significant portion of the Slice," Vectivous motioned towards the part of the Outer Rim commonly known as the Slice. "These systems are now cut off from the Republic's heartland and will falter without their supplies. However, there are some less important systems that are self-sufficient. But these are mostly backwaters, dependent on subsistence. They should be easy to subjugate."

Vectivous continued to analyze the map. "The remnants of the 82nd and 12th fleets also shouldn't pose a significant challenge. I don't know where they are hiding, but it will most likely be a more populated planet like Pakuuni or Mon Calamari, which has recently joined the Republic."

His words hung in the air as the other officers studied the map, evaluating the strategic value of each system. Vectivous waited patiently for their response, already formulating his next steps in his mind.

Admiral Coros listened intently, studying the holo map as Vectivous spoke. He weighed the strategic value of each system, assessing the risks and rewards of diverting forces to each phase of the plan. Despite his reservations, he couldn't help but be impressed by Vectivous' strategic thinking and tactical prowess.

"You make a compelling case, my Lord," Coros said, nodding his head thoughtfully. "But what about the Jedi? They have a significant presence in this part of the Outer Rim, especially on worlds like Lothal, Sembla, and Iego, and they will not take kindly to our actions."

Vectivous waved his hand dismissively. "The Jedi are a nuisance, nothing more," he exclaimed, the skin around his mask tensing. "We have dealt with them before, and we will deal with them again. Their power is waning, and soon they will be nothing more than a memory."

Admiral Coros nodded, pausing, his mouth partially open, as he looked up at Vectivous, waiting for his final orders. Vectivous's eyes narrowed as he considered his next move, to then point back at the map, outlining his planned movements.

"I will split a single task force from the fleet and move into the Nilgaard Sector. Meanwhile, a limited task force will secure the remaining worlds of the Tion cluster. Once, I have secured the Nilgaard Sector, I will move towards the Pakuuni Sector, the Calamari Sector, the Dominus Sector, and finally the Ash Worlds," Vectivous said in a low voice.

"Though it may require considerable time and effort, this step is crucial for the triumph of our plan. Once we hold sway over these sectors, the empire shall have an ample supply of consumer goods and agricultural produce. With this accomplished, we can progress to Phase 5 and venture beyond the Outer Rim, finally expanding our dominion into the Mid Rim," expounded Vectivous, his tone measured yet resolute.

Coros nodded slowly, his expression serious. "And what of me, my Lord? What are my orders?"

Vectivous fixed his piercing gaze upon Coros, his voice resonating with authority. "Remain aboard the Indiquidator; work closely with your vice admiral. I will join Admiral Stein upon the Abductor. He has shown promise when he took Phindar."

Vectivous paused, pondering his orders, "Your role will be to administer the region, continue the military occupation, and facilitate the integration of the sectors after you have reestablished order," he commanded. "His will be no simple feat, but it is imperative to the fruition of our grand design. You must guarantee that our grasp on the Outer Rim is unwavering and that the Republic cannot reclaim it."

Coros bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Understood, my Lord. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our plan succeeds."

Vectivous gave a small nod of approval. "Good. You have served me well so far, Admiral. Do not fail me now." Vectivous threatened, his commanding voice echoed through the command center, his piercing gaze locked onto Coros.

With a brisk nod, he turned on his heel and strode purposefully down the hallway, his cloak swishing behind him like a dark cloud.

Coros stood rooted to the spot, his mind reeling from the reasonability. As the doors to the bridge slid shut with a hiss, he swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in his throat. The silence that followed was palpable, broken only by the soft hum of the ship's engines.

Slowly, Coros leaned over to the holotable, his hands trembling slightly as he grasped onto its obtuse edges. He stared down at the holographic map, his eyes tracing the intricate web of star systems that made up the Outer Rim.

The weight of responsibility settled heavily on Coros's shoulders as he contemplated the enormity of his task. He knew the success of their plan hinged on his ability to maintain a firm grip on the Outer Rim and prevent the Republic from reclaiming it. He had heard about what Vectivous did to people who failed him, and it frightened him.

Vectivous observed with detached interest as a Republic corvette exploded in front of him, engulfed in a ball of flame. The battle raged around him, with SH-19 Duststorm fighters swarming like buzzards, picking off the last remaining Republic fighters. But his mind was elsewhere, focused on the data pad in his hand as he methodically crossed out the 82nd and 12th fleets from his list. Despite the chaos unfolding around him, Vectivous remained calm and composed, a calculating strategist in the midst of a violent conflict.

As he had predicted, the fleets were hiding at Pakuuni and Mon Calamari. With the latter now secured, Vectivous's mind began to turn towards the next steps of his plan. He considered his options, weighing the potential risks and rewards with a cool and analytical gaze.

As he began to methodically sort through the casualty details, he found himself becoming increasingly bored with the mundane task at hand.

"I could sleep while doing this," he thought to himself, wishing for something more exciting to capture his attention. As if on cue, the voice of Admiral Stein appeared behind him, interrupting his thoughts.

"My Lord," he said, approaching him with a data pad in hand. "The Subjugator reported the capture of Gbu and Refnar, and the Masquerader has captured Syngia, Sembla, and Ranroon. We have also established contact with the Zygerrian Slave Empire, which has signed a treaty of friendship with the New Sith Empire. Then we have the..."

Vectivous cut him off, not interested in the details at the moment. "I will look at the reports later," he said dismissively, waving his hand. Admiral Stein nodded obediently.

As he stood, gazing out at the shimmering expanse of the water planet before him, Admiral Stein waited patiently for Vectivous to give him orders. Finally, Vectivous looked up from his data pad and sighed. "What to do with Mon Calamari?" he mused aloud. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again. "We will begin by occupying the shipyards and blockading the planet. With their reliance on imports, we will see how long they can last. Then, we will send in a garrison to secure our hold."

Vectivous watched as the last of the Republic fighters were destroyed and the swarm of SH-19 Duststorm fighters returned to their ships. His mind was already turning to the next phase of his plan, but for now, he would focus on Mon Calamari. The planet's serene beauty was in stark contrast to the violence and destruction that surrounded him, but he pushed those thoughts aside as he turned to Admiral Stein, who was about to speak.

"My Lord, the planet is home to more than 20 billion sentient beings. We cannot simply send a small garrison to subjugate them."

He listened to the admiral's words carefully, considering the implications of his words. The thought of the billions of innocent beings who called Mon Calamari their home did not escape his mind. Yet he was not one to let sentimentality cloud his judgment.

For a few moments, Vectivous was silent, lost in thought. Finally, he spoke, his voice even and measured. "That number can be reduced," he said coldly, causing Stein to tense up beside him. But then he continued, softening his tone, "But it won't be necessary. I am willing to grant this sector some autonomy if they do not cause us any problems."

His words were measured and final, leaving no room for debate. Vectivous was a man of action and calculation, and his decisions were always carefully thought out. He knew that subjugation wasn't always necessary and that sometimes offering a bit of leniency could lead to greater long-term gains.

Admiral Stein visibly relaxed at his words, a small sigh escaping his lips. Vectivous knew Stein would obey any order, carrying them out, no matter what. He was truly loyal to the Empire.

"Understood, my Lord," he said, his voice steady and firm. "We will proceed with the occupation of the shipyards and establish a blockade around the planet."

Vectivous then turned his attention to their next targets. "After the shipyards, we will move on to the Dominus Sector and the Auril Worlds. Once we have secured these areas, we will return to Korriban to repair and prepare for the next phase."

Admiral Stein respectfully approached Vectivous, his voice low and deferential. "My Lord, do you wish to accompany the troops to the shipyards or will you remain aboard the Abductor?"

Vectivous gazed out at the endless expanse of space, lost in thought for a moment before responding. "I will remain aboard. There are logistical preparations I must attend to, and I am not one to relish in the dirty work of combat." The admiral bowed deeply, showing his understanding of his decision, before turning on his heel to relay his orders.

Chapter 21:

Nomus had meticulously structured the New Sith Empire in a way that pleased the Sith Lords already in power. This was a measure to satisfy the former Emperor, Darth Gravus. But now this has caused issues.

The Emperor sat at the top of the food chain, wielding all the power and none of the duties. It was Nomus's stroke of genius to grant the Emperor such freedom, enabling him to choose his own path while the government handled the day-to-day management of the Empire.

With Darth Gravus, this arrangement had been crystal clear. Nomus never knew what Gravus was doing, sometimes going months without seeing him. Gravus, for the most part, didn't care what Nomus was up to, as long as he held onto his grip on power.

Unlike his previous arrangement with the Sith Lords, which had placated their egos and kept them satisfied, Vectivous was different. He took a keen interest in the affairs of the New Sith Empire, monitoring and evaluating the performance of his subordinates. Nomus sensed a growing frustration within Vectivous towards the Sith Lords, who served themselves rather than the Empire.

Nomus couldn't help but recall how efficiently Vectivous had handled the disloyalty of Darth Phon, a minister of the New Sith Empire. At that time, it had appeared to be the perfect solution to dealing with the Sith Lords, but now Nomus was plagued by the sense that it might not have been enough. The bitter aftertaste lingered in his mouth, and he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that there were other internal obstacles lurking on the horizon for the Empire.

The hierarchical structure of the New Sith Empire was a complex system, and at its core were two key positions: the Emperor and the Imperial Minister. Nomus held the latter position, which was also known as the Minister of Ministers. Both the Emperor and Imperial Minister held military positions that were superior to the Admiral and General ranks, despite other Sith Lords colloquially holding those ranks as well. However, the military and the government were completely separated, with the exception of these two pivotal roles.

The ministries were a crucial part of the New Sith Empire's governmental structure, and one of the most important was the Ministry of Finance. This particular ministry had undergone a recent change in leadership, as Darth Phon had been removed from his post due to Vectivous's cleanup operation when he seized power. In his place, Lord Minister Lyro Marade had been appointed, making him the second non-Sith to hold the position of Lord Minister. As the Empire's economic backbone, the Ministry of Finance was responsible for managing and regulating the flow of monetary resources throughout the empire, ensuring its continued growth and prosperity.

The Ministry of Security and Stability held a crucial role in maintaining order throughout the New Sith Empire. It commanded the police and other law enforcement agencies across all sectors, ensuring that the citizens of the Empire remained loyal and obedient. This ministry also had a branch known as the Ministry of Justice, which served as the judiciary of the Empire. While governors often presided over legal proceedings, the Ministry of Justice was responsible for overseeing the more complex cases.

Darth Nokomis, a nautolan male who had defected from the Republic many years prior, served as the head of this ministry. His appointment was a rarity in the Empire, which tended to favor humans in positions of power. Nonetheless, the Empire couldn't afford to be selective in its hiring practices, and Nokomis had proven to be an effective leader.

The Ministry of Care and Wealth was responsible for the upkeep of government buildings, hospitals, and other constructed facilities, as well as managing labor, energy, transportation, and various internal affairs. At its helm was Darth Jowza, a Twi'lek Sith Lord hailing from Usta. Jowza was no stranger to high-ranking positions, having previously served as the Overseer of the Sith Academy on Korriban during the reign of Darth Underlord.

As the former Emperor's closest advisors, two Lord Ministers played a crucial role in shaping the New Sith Empire. Among them were Darth Cartridge and Darth Caustic, who led the Ministry of Education and Propaganda and the Ministry of Trade and Diplomatic Relations, respectively.

Darth Cartridge, a stern-looking human male with deep-set eyes and a sharp nose, was tasked with overseeing the Empire's education system and shaping the population's beliefs and values through propaganda. Under his leadership, the Ministry of Education and Propaganda had become one of the most influential and feared institutions in the Empire. The ministry had its own network of schools and universities, which were heavily biased towards Imperial teachings and were used to recruit new members into the Imperial Army. The ministry also oversaw the production of all official media, including news broadcasts, holovids, and posters, all of which were designed to promote the empire's ideology and glorify the Emperor and his loyal followers.

On the other hand, Darth Caustic, a tall and imposing human, led the Ministry of Trade and Diplomatic Relations. His position was critical, as the Empire needed to maintain trade relations with other powers in the galaxy to survive. Darth Caustic was a master of diplomacy and was known for his shrewd negotiations and tough stance on foreign policy. He oversaw all trade agreements, treaties, and diplomatic missions and was responsible for maintaining the Empire's limited alliances. His ministry was also in charge of the galactic slave trade in the New Sith Empire.

All ministers were feared and respected in equal measure, and their influence over the Empire's affairs was second only to that of the Imperial Minister and the Emperor himself. Despite their vastly different roles, they all shared a common goal: to further the interests of the New Sith Empire and ensure its continued dominance in the galaxy.

Finally, the Imperial Intelligence Agency, or IIA, held a unique position, acting independently of all other ministries, including the Ministry of Security and Stability, making it a de facto ministry. This was due to the fact that the formation of the IIA predated the new government structure of the Empire, being formed while Darth Underlord was still in power. Its leader, Security Director Carvo Mogslauth, was a human male with roots in Coruscant, though his formative years were spent on the Sith home world of Korriban.

While the governors acted as leaders of their respective sectors, their power was limited by the regulations imposed by the central government on Korriban. It is important to note that these ministries only held authority over formally integrated sectors of the Empire, which had to be assigned a local governor to no longer be under military occupation.

The governing principles of the New Sith Empire differed significantly from those of the Republic. Instead of a constitution, Darth Nomus had established the Imperial Code, a set of rules and guiding principles to be followed by all citizens of the Empire. The severity of the punishment and other details were usually up to interpretation by the respective judge. However, these regulations were not equally enforced across the population, with members of various Sith groups typically excluded. In particular, the powerful Sith Order operated independently from the government, much like the military. With a hierarchy mirroring the military's structure, the position of Sith Lord was considered higher than that of an Admiral. Sith institutions, such as the academies, were also independent but funded by the Ministry of Finance.

Nomus strode down the grandiose corridors of the Imperial Spire, his long cloak billowing behind him as he made his way to the Lord Minister of Trade and Diplomatic Relations, Darth Caustic. The Lord Minister had recently returned from a diplomatic mission to the Zygerrian Empire, a contact established by the forces of Darth Vectivous.

It had been a fortnight since Vectivous had departed to undertake Phase 4, and Nomus had used the time on Korriban to make some necessary changes in the government and the Imperial Code. He had also conducted extensive research to gather more information about the elusive Darth Andeddu's whereabouts, but the search had not been fruitful so far.

Nomus strode through the ornate door, flanked by two imposing acolytes, and was greeted by Darth Caustic's acknowledgement of his presence. The chamber was spacious, furnished with lavish decorations and modern technology, reflecting the prestige of its occupant. As Nomus approached, he noticed the imposing figure of Darth Caustic seated on his chair, tall and intimidating. The Lord Minister's bright red hair was slicked back, and his facial features were partially obscured by a breather apparatus.

Nomus stood on the other side of the desk where Caustic was seated. "I hear your trip to Zygerria proved a success," he remarked, his voice calm and collected.

"Indeed," Caustic answered nonchalantly, leaning back into his chair. "They are quite pathetic, not the power they once were. Though there is money to be made."

Nomus got straight to the point. "Yes, well, I need you to do another diplomatic trip. This time to the Hutt Empire."

Caustic rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed but still obedient. "Sure, I'll leave immediately," he said.

"I want you to establish friendly diplomatic relations and multiple trade agreements. Tell them they should keep their slimy fingers out of the Empire. These spice smugglers are coming from Hutt space," Nomus instructed.

"Don't worry about it. I can be quite convincing," Caustic replied, a sly grin spreading beneath his mask.

Nomus narrowed his eyes, sensing a hint of insubordination in Darth Caustic's tone. "Now, please. I have work to do," Caustic said with irksomeness, clearly eager to be done with the conversation.

Nomus stiffened at the sudden demand. "I will go when I please," he asserted, not willing to be intimidated by Darth Caustic.

Darth Caustic leaned forward, his casual demeanor vanishing. "No, you will leave now. And if you don't, I will force you out," he threatened, his voice low and menacing.

Nomus growled, his anger boiling over. "You better take that back before-"

"Before what?" Darth Caustic interrupted, his tone dripping with contempt. "Before you take my title? Before you punish me? Before you kill me? Nomus, you can't beat me. I am way above you, as were Darth Phon and Darth Gravus. The only reason you're still alive is because you're useful. You were useful to Underlord, to Gravus, and to Vectivous. Nothing more than a pathetic pet to be tossed around. You could not even stand your ground if you wanted to. You are a worm, enjoying the protection of those commanding you. Now, leave."

Darth Caustic stood up, making himself look even bigger in front of Nomus, who took a step backward. Nomus turned to walk towards the door, seething with anger. "He will have your head," Nomus said, stopping for a second before continuing outside the door, which closed behind him with a soft hiss.

Nomus gritted his teeth and clenched his fists as he walked down the dimly lit corridor. He couldn't let Caustic's words get to him. He had to keep his focus on the bigger picture, on the Empire and its goals. He knew the man was going to carry out the mission, and he would likely succeed. But Vectivous was right that the ministers were not as loyal as he once presumed. Maybe this needed to change in the near future.

As he approached the end of the corridor, he saw a group of Imperial officers looking like they were actively trotting towards him. As they approached, Nomus slowed down. One of the officers stepped forward.

The officer caught his breath when he started to say, "Lord Nomus, we have received word from Darth Vectivous. He has completed Phase 4 and is en route back to Korriban."

Nomus nodded, his mind already racing with the implications of this news. "Prepare the welcoming party."

The officer saluted smartly before hastening away to execute his orders. Nomus drew a deep breath, his shoulders squared, as he readied himself to proceed to his next destination, poised to strike another task off his checklist.

For the past two weeks, Nomus had doggedly pursued every lead that might provide a clue to Darth Andeddu's whereabouts. Despite scouring through departing ships' records, radar, and satellite data, the search had yielded nothing. But as he left his meeting with Darth Caustic, a small detail caught his attention—a possible lead that could lead him to Andeddu's exact location. Acting on his intuition, Nomus made his way to the central military complex on Korriban, the nerve center for much of the military's information flow.

The complex was modern, built only 2 years prior, only a few klicks east of Irena. A vast, labyrinthine network of rooms and corridors filled with bustling personnel and humming equipment. Nomus navigated his way through the maze of corridors, the staff saluting him as they saw him pass by. His sharp eyes took in every detail as he sought out the right office. He was looking for someone who could access the military's classified data, someone who could help him unravel the puzzle that was Darth Andeddu's position.

Finally, he arrived at the databank section of the facility. Inside, he saw a slender officer in a colonel's uniform who was engrossed in a data pad. The officer quickly stood up and saluted as Nomus entered the room. His voice was trembling as he greeted Nomus, "Imperial Minister."

"I need the position of a stolen ship, a shuttle from the prison complex," Nomus said to the officer, cutting right to the chase.

"My Lord," the officer said, overwhelmed at first, but regaining his composure. "We don't track military vehicles," the officer replied nervously.

Nomus leaned in closer, his piercing eyes fixed on the officer. "But all encryption devices are directly connected to this facility or other military installations such as this one. And if those devices lose contact with this network, they self-destruct, do they not?" he queried.

The officer swallowed nervously, realizing the implication of Nomus's words. "Yes, b… but…" he stammered.

"So, you can tell me where the encryption device of the stolen shuttle is, yes?" Nomus interrupted.

The officer hesitated for a moment, before regaining his composure. "Of course, my Lord. I will begin the search immediately."

"It's Shuttle KP-876W; let me know when you have found something," Nomus said spinning on his heel.

Nomus turned to leave, satisfied that he had finally found a possible lead. As he walked away, he could hear the officer already at work, tapping away at the computer console in his search for the stolen shuttle.

Nomus sat alone in the dimly lit room, his mind racing with possibilities. The air was thick with the scent of ozone, and the sound of distant chatter filled the space. Nomus felt a sudden pang of nostalgia as he remembered his days as a young Padawan, tinkering with his own equipment in the Jedi Temple. But those days were long gone now. As fate had it, his path lye where else…

He had been searching for weeks, following lead after lead in the hopes of finding any information on the whereabouts of Darth Andeddu. The silence was broken as the door creaked open, and the officer stepped inside, clutching a data pad.

"My Lord, you want to see this," the officer said, breaking Nomus from his thoughts. Nomus turned his head to face the officer, his heart pounding with anticipation. "Yes, have you found the shuttle?" he asked, his voice tight with emotion.

"That seems to be the problem. The transmitter was connected to the network for a while but was manually turned off," the officer said, holding out the data pad. Nomus took the device, his eyes scanning the information rapidly. "Turned off? Is that even possible?" he asked, his mind racing to consider the implications of this new development.

"It is," the officer explained, "it needs to be turned off for maintenance or if it gets scrapped without letting it explode." Nomus's mind raced, wondering where Andeddu could have turned off the transmitter and how he found out. He stood up, his gaze piercing the officer's. "I understand," he said calmly. "Where was this last position you mentioned?"

The officer looked down at his data pad, his fingers tapping rapidly across the screen. "According to the records," he said, "the shuttle followed the Hydian Way until Bandomeer. It then passed Agamar and Ord Mantell, where the transmitter was manually shut down."

Nomus nodded slowly, taking in the information. He straightened himself, crossing his arms as he thought carefully about his next move. "Send the exact path coordinates to my data pad," he said finally. "And make sure this is strictly confidential."

"Of course, my Lord," the officer said, turning to leave.

Nomus was left alone in the room once more, his thoughts consumed by the puzzle before him. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was getting closer to finding Andeddu, but he couldn't help but wonder what other obstacles lay ahead. The room was silent once more, save for the sound of Nomus's measured breathing, the faint hum of the data pad in his hand, and the nearly inaudible chatter of other people behind his door.

Interlude Nar Shaddaa:

Today, tragedy struck the planet Abridon as a meteor collided with the surface, claiming the lives of over one hundred thousand individuals…

Amidst the ongoing galactic conflict, the Sith Empire has successfully seized control of Dac, a planet also known as Mon Calamari, revered for its renowned shipyards. This grave loss carries the potential for far-reaching consequences, casting a shadow of uncertainty and apprehension over the future…

Scientists have unveiled a ground-breaking advancement in energy technology - a prototype reactor that boasts an impressive 4.5% increase in efficiency compared to all existing reactors. With the first version set to be released in the coming years, this development has the potential to significantly lessen the cost of electricity and change the way we power our homes, businesses, and communities…

In the wake of Rinio the Hutt's passing, rumors have circulated regarding the true circumstances of his demise. While Hutt Cartel officials have cited a disease of the mucous gland as the cause of death, some experts speculate that foul play may have been involved. The Hutt cartel leader's demise has left a power vacuum in the criminal underworld, with various factions jostling for control in the wake of his passing…

Last night, a Republic Senator was tragically murdered, sparking shock and outrage throughout the galaxy. The senator had repeatedly voiced concerns about potential threats to his safety, and had been brought to a hospital for treatment. Despite efforts to save him, the Senator ultimately succumbed to his injuries, and it is believed that he was poisoned. This heinous act has sent shockwaves through the halls of the Senate, and a thorough investigation is underway to bring the perpetrator to justice…

Eriadu has initiated a humanitarian program for refugees displaced by the Sith Empire. The ambitious plan involves establishing a sizable encampment capable of accommodating up to four million individuals. Once the war has come to a close, the refugees will be given the choice to either return to their homes or to make a new life on Eriadu…

A new large source of thorilide has been discovered on the planet Gorse. The resource is used to manufacture turbolaser cannons and is highly valuable due to its scarcity…

Nar Shaddaa is a moon that is tidally-locked to Nal Hutta. One side of the moon faces the parent planet, while the other faces empty space. The moon is dominated by decaying urban landscapes and congested, polluted cities. The entire cityscape is anarchically constructed, with buildings of various shapes and sizes. Anything illegal elsewhere can be bought and sold on Nar Shaddaa, making it a hub for smugglers, pirates, and criminals. Despite this, the moon is also known for the development of advanced technologies. Nar Shaddaa's history dates back to the displacement of the Evocii by the Hutts in 15,000 BBY. Over time, the moon became completely urbanized and a center of interstellar trade. However, in 4000 BBY, the moon was abandoned by the Republic, and it became a criminal haven, earning the moniker "The Smugglers' Moon."

While the vast urban cityscape sprawled beside him, Darth Caustic perused the Republic news on his data pad, paying it far more attention than his surroundings warranted.

As he looked up from the data pad and out of the window, he couldn't help but marvel at the sheer scale of the ecumenopolis. The towering skyscrapers loomed above him, their neon signs advertising everything from exotic foods to high-end luxury goods. The sounds of speeder engines and blaster fire filled the air, punctuated by the occasional scream or shout. Passing by a grand floating casino, he caught sight of a multitude of figures draped in opulent garb.

Despite the chaos surrounding him, Darth Caustic remained focused on his mission. He had been sent by the Sith Empire to negotiate a trade treaty with one of the high-ranking Hutts who controlled much of Nar Shaddaa's criminal underworld. The treaty would include a non-aggression pact between the Hutt Cartels and the Sith Empire, as well as an agreement to import slaves from Nar Shaddaa to fuel the Imperial economy.

Caustic had no qualms about using slaves to power the Sith war machine. To him, they were merely tools to be used and discarded as needed. But he knew that the Hutts would not be easy to convince. They were notoriously shrewd negotiators, and their allegiance was always to the highest bidder.

As he made his way through the labyrinthine streets of the ecumenopolis, Caustic was approached by several unsavory characters, all of whom seemed to recognize him as an outsider. But he brushed them off with a wave of his hand, using the force to intimidate them into backing off.

As he strode past a Republic embassy, he couldn't resist a sly smirk in the direction of the Republic troops, who eyed him warily. Though Nar Shaddaa was considered neutral ground, he suppressed the urge to slaughter them all, knowing any such incident would severely hinder the New Sith Empire's ability to secure a treaty with the powerful Hutt officials.

As Darth Caustic entered Del the Hutt's palace, he was immediately struck by the opulence of the surroundings. The throne room was adorned with priceless works of art and treasures from across the galaxy, and the air was heavy with the scent of exotic incense.

The Hutt himself was an imposing figure, even by Hutt standards. His massive body was draped in luxurious silks and jewels, and his eyes glittered with avarice as he surveyed Caustic.

As they stood to negotiate, Caustic knew that he was in for a long and difficult session. The Hutt was a skilled negotiator, and he was not about to give up anything without a fight.

For hours, they haggled over the terms of the treaty. The Hutt demanded a higher price for the slaves, while Caustic insisted that the Sith Empire would not budge on the agreed terms.

At one point, it seemed as though the negotiations might break down completely. But Caustic remained calm and focused, using his knowledge of the Force to subtly manipulate the Hutt's emotions and keep him off balance. Although Hutts were immune to Force suggestion, Caustic knew that they were not immune to mind manipulation.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached an agreement. The Hutt grudgingly agreed to the terms of the treaty, and Caustic felt a sense of relief wash over him.

As he left the palace and made his way back through the bustling streets of Nar Shaddaa towards the spaceport, he smiled at the thought of Nomus. That boy had been so frightened, running back to Vectivous to call for help. But Vectivous wouldn't do anything. He was capable and reliable, and that was all Vectivous cared about.

Chapter 22:

"The assassination took place here on this idyllic terrasse of the Coruscant Opera. Senator Olgo Valorum was reportedly talking to a group of politicians when a sniper shot hit him in the neck. He was instantaneously killed and every help for Senator Olgo Valorum came too late. Police say they are investigating but no arrests have been made yet. This fourth politically motivated assassination in this month has sparked uproar in the senate. We will now cut to Motage Thul of Alderaan who is the first Senator to give a speech in an emergency session of the Senate."

The camera cuts to a scene of the Senate's rotunda, focusing on a hovering Senate capsule.

"In light of the tragic loss of our esteemed colleague, Olgo Valorum, many of us in the peace faction have been forced to reconsider our stance on the issue of the war. However, before delving into the political implications, I would like to take a moment to honor the memory of Olgo Valorum. He was not only a dear friend but also a shining example of a mediating voice in the Senate."

Chatter from what seemed to be some of the corporate senators erupted.

"Always striving to remain neutral and avoid taking sides. His commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Republic is something we should all aspire to emulate... Yet, the recent actions of the militarists cannot go unpunished. Therefore, the peace faction has come to the difficult decision to align ourselves with the preservationists and vote to revoke the Treaty of Pijal. We believe this is necessary to preserve the sovereignty of the Republic in these troubled times".

Yelling from some militarist Senators erupted.

"After this new offensive by the New Sith Empire, the peace faction has come to the conclusion that peace with the Sith is unreachable and that military action may be necessary to put an end to this long-standing crisis. The conflict has persisted for far too long! Any hesitation or further delay in launching offensives will result in the Republic descending into darkness within a few decades. While it may seem like the situation can be deferred for a few centuries, I can assure you, if this war continues to wreak havoc across the galaxy, not the Sith but we will ultimately be the cause of the Republic's downfall. Therefore, I implore an end to the ban on offensives, so that we can finally put an end to the New Sith Empire and safeguard the Republic from certain doom."

"Could you turn this off," Kaya asked the bartender, who pressed a button next to him to switch the channel. Kaya looked at the drink in front of her, swirling the liquid with her straw. She had expected the corporate Senators to do something against the preservationist faction in the Senate, which Olgo Valorum was a part of, but she didn't expect assassination. On second thought, she should have considered it. She continued to turn the beverage around its axis, staring into its non-existent soul, watching the ice crunch and squeak against the glass. Finally, she cautiously quaffed a mouthful of the beverage, the alcohol slowly burning down her throat into her stomach, which gnarled in protest. It had an almost euphemistic effect on her. The feeling was one of solace—peacefulness that flowed throughout her being. As she savored another sip, she marveled at how this simple pleasure could create such an overwhelming sense of contentment in these truly evil times. She placed the glass back on the table, moving her moist, wet hand away from the glass. Her lekku trilled and she started to shiver. She looked up at the barkeeper, who she realized had stared at her.

"Are you okay, madam?" She managed a weak smile and replied, "Yes, thank you," before hastily placing a credit chip on the counter and scurrying out onto the bustling streets of Kuat. Or rather, the colossal Kuat Drive Yards—a massive shipyard encircling the entire planet in the form of an orbital ring. The sound of clanking metal and hissing steam filled the air as workers scurried to and fro, constructing starships of all sizes and shapes. Despite the impressive sight, the woman's mind remained preoccupied with her troubles, her footsteps echoing through the cavernous shipyard.

The sprawling Kuat Drive Yards were undeniably the epicenter of shipbuilding and military vehicle production in the Republic. Boasting an impressive track record, KDY had manufactured more than half of the ships that graced the galaxy, leaving the remainder to be produced by planets like Corellia, Anaxes, Rendili, and Lianna. However, the recent annexation of Lianna and Mon Cala by the New Sith Empire had led to an even more significant monopoly by KDY, particularly in the production of military vessels.

The world of Kuat, a bustling hub of industry and nature, boasted three continents and various islands. The majority of its terrain consisted of vibrant forests, sweeping green plains, and expertly cultivated gardens. The climate of Kuat was temperate, with a refreshingly wet winter and a warm, arid summer. The planet was devoid of dangerous fauna, as the terraformers had strategically populated it with harmless herbivores, such as drebin, to provide fertilizer for the gardens. The non-native species were carefully managed and prevented from overwhelming the planet, as they had short life spans and were kept in check by predators. Despite their reverence for nature, the Kuati were not strangers to industry. The planet's population of 3.6 billion resided in sprawling metropolises, with the grandest being Kuat City. Skyscrapers and spires soared high above the mesas and forests that surrounded them. The cities were also home to numerous industrial complexes, cementing Kuat's position as an economic powerhouse in the Core Worlds.

Despite its thriving industry, the Kuati held a deep reverence for nature and took great care to maintain its delicate balance. This was evident in the world's architecture, which seamlessly blended with the surrounding landscapes, as well as in the many public parks and gardens that dotted the cities.

The symbiotic relationship between Kuat and its shipyards, KDY, was inseparable. The planet was virtually synonymous with its shipyards, which produced a vast array of products that made up the majority of Kuat's exports. These products included starships, vehicles, and the weapons that powered them, such as turbolasers and ion cannons. Marketed as "The first, the last, and the only line of defense your planet will ever need," these exports not only served as a vital source of income for Kuat but also reinforced the planet's reputation as a military and technological powerhouse.

The KDY's orbital ring was a world unto itself, teeming with millions of inhabitants who lived, worked, and died without ever setting foot on the planet below. For these people, the orbital ring was their home, their livelihood, and their entire existence. In addition to the industrial modules that churned out ships and weapons, the ring also boasted a variety of commercial, apartment, and residential modules, providing a place for its citizens to unwind and pursue leisure activities.

The orbital ring was a sprawling metropolis connected by twelve maglev rail lines that circled the ring at two different speeds. Four slow lines made frequent stops, taking days to complete a full circuit around the 39,400-klick ring. Four mid-speed lines traveled at over 1000 klicks per hour, while the remaining four were high-speed lines that only stopped at fourteen stations around the entire ring, whisking passengers along at a breakneck pace of 4500 klicks per hour.

For those who needed to travel between specific sections of the ring, there were also multiple shuttle services that provided swift and convenient transportation. The KDY was more than just a shipyard; it was a self-contained world, a monument to sentient ingenuity and the boundless possibilities of technology.

All the property on the ring was directly owned by KDY, from the apartments and shops to the various industrial facilities. The company even operated its own security force, enforcing its own set of laws and regulations.

But it wasn't just the legal system that kept things in line on the orbital ring. The shipyards themselves were protected by a formidable array of ion canons, turbolasers, and magnapulse weaponry, all produced right here on Kuat. And if that weren't enough, KDY maintained its own home fleet, standing guard to ensure the safety of the shipyards at all times.

"How are you doing, Admiral?" Kaya asked Hegeto, approaching him in the Andrim restaurant. A prestigious restaurant not situated by the Andrim shipyards but on the other side of the Drive Yards, next to the offices on the orbital ring. The restaurant gave a stunning view of the planet and the 6th and 2nd fleets repairing and holding at the drydocks and in the space between. The admiral gazed out at the stunning vista from a comfortable lounge chair, cradling a glass of the local Kuati beverage in his hand.

As Kaya approached Hegeto, he turned towards her, his face lighting up with a bright smile. "Ah, Master Jedi, I'm glad to see you. Please, have a seat," Hegeto gestured to the empty chair beside him. As she settled in, Hegeto's expression shifted, his smile fading into a mask of sorrow engulfing his facial features. "I assume you have heard about the tragedy on Coruscant," he said, his voice heavy with grief. "Coruscant is simply not getting any rest." Hegeto paused. "I've heard you two were friends."

"Yes, he was an inspiring and…" Kaya paused, taking a deep breath, her eyes gazing out the window at the planet below. "He was a truly good man," she replied, her voice soft.

"I'm sure he was," Hegeto sighed. "All of this bickering in the Senate is sickening," he wove his hands around vividly. "The current Republic political landscape is an absolute monstrous and confusing hodgepodge," Hegeto exhaled, granting a few seconds of silence, listening to the clinking of the plates and cutlery in the restaurant below.

Hegeto exhaled heavily, lost in thought. "At least something good has resulted from this cataclysm," he said, breaking the silence.

Kaya looked at him quizzically, prompting him to continue. "Every crisis has its benefits," he said, shifting in his chair. "As you might have heard already, the delusional peace faction has finally seen reason and agreed to vote to revoke the ban on offensives, which, well... wasn't officially enforced anyway since you Jedi run the war. But it means I won't have to go rogue anymore when conducting counterattacks. As well as no more show trials. Which I can tell you are an absolute bureaucratic nightmare."

Kaya gazed out the window, lost in thought as she processed Hegeto's words. She understood his reasoning for celebrating the recent political shift, but her mind couldn't shake off the fact that this man had lost almost two entire fleets in the past six years. He seemed to view it as more of a personal annoyance than a tragic loss of life.

Hegeto's leadership style was often considered unorthodox, and he was known to take risks that other commanders would not. Some praised his creativity and willingness to think outside the box, while others criticized him for being reckless and putting his troops in unnecessary danger for a speedier victory.

She couldn't decipher if Hegeto was truly capable of leading a battle, despite his past victories. The most prominent one that came to mind was his triumph at Malrev 4, a decisive blow against the Sith that earned him considerable popularity. However, his two recent failures had tarnished his reputation.

What struck her as odd was that Hegeto appeared unfazed by his reputation or the loss of the two Republic fleets. He was already looking forward to the next battle, displaying an unsettling excitement towards it. The thought that such a colossal battle could result in the deaths of hundreds of people every second made Kaya shudder.

Despite her reservations, Hegeto had managed to cultivate a strong following among many military personnel who admired his boldness and unwavering commitment to victory, including the Jedi Order, which had deemed Hegeto the right man for the job. Who was she to question their decision? Her role was to handle diplomacy, leaving the battles to the likes of Hegeto.

Hegeto's voice pulled Kaya out of her thoughts, his words ringing in her ears. The ambiance of the room had shifted; the air was almost palpable with tension. Hegeto's gaze was fixed on her, his expression unreadable.

"It must be difficult for you," he repeated, his tone soft and gentle.

Kaya turned her attention to him, her eyes meeting his. She felt a twinge of confusion.

"Pardon me?" she replied.

Hegeto's eyes didn't waver from hers. "It must be hard having both your best friend and your master become traitors," he repeated.

Kaya winced at the mention of Niktor and Karr, both of whom had betrayed the Jedi Order. It was a topic she didn't like to dwell on.

Kaya couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at his words. She compressed her lips and exhaled, trying to keep her emotions in check. "As Jedi, we abstain from forming attachments," she said, her voice steady. "Clearly, it saddens me to see a person I know so deeply succumbing to such evils, but..." she trailed off, the weight of her emotions too heavy to ignore. "It doesn't consume me," she finished, though she knew it wasn't entirely true.

She turned her gaze back to the window, watching the stars twinkle in the distance. Despite her understanding of the Jedi code, she couldn't deny the emotions stirring within her. The loss of her friend and master had left a deep ache in her heart, one she struggled to push aside.

"Hmm. Nevertheless, I propose that the Republic should be glad that you know them so well. It makes our task that much easier," Hegeto said, a small smile playing on his lips. He began a new sentence, "What was Darth Nomus like before becoming this Sith Admiral," Hegeto said with a hint of disdain in his voice.

She hesitated, contemplating whether to share her memories of him with Hegeto, but ultimately decided it could prove useful to the Republic's cause.

"Niktor," Kaya emphasized, "He was a dear friend of mine and the only person I really talked to as a child." She paused, lost in memories of her past. "The moment we left infancy to become younglings, we were always together. We laughed and played together. We trained together, and we didn't really need other friends. We were all we needed."

Hegeto listened intently, his attention focused solely on Kaya's words.

"At my age, I didn't understand much of the dark side and its temptations. But looking back at that time and Niktor's behavior, it's clear to me now that he might have been susceptible to it, since he showed more than just compassion for others. Other masters always lectured him about how he must suppress radical emotions, but he didn't understand how. I assume it was due to his age, but I did not share those issues. That is a common problem in younglings though; I have observed it in many of my own, and it usually ends in the first years of becoming a padawan."

Hegeto nodded, showing that he understood. "Go on," he prompted.

"One thing I remember is that he always tried to be better than me. It was not serious, but he was competitive towards me, always trying to impress the masters, especially Master Karr. We always joked that we both wanted to be his apprentice, knowing very well that he had never had a padawan before and didn't want one anyway, but we still both hoped and joked about it. For me, it was fun and all, but for him… it was an obsession. Of course, at the time, you don't notice such things. Nevertheless, I now recognize that it did cut into our relationship in a way," Kaya finished, her voice heavy with regret.

She leaned back in the soft chair, scanning the room for a moment before her gaze landed on a small, decorated glass filled with yellow liquid and topped with a leaf. She reached for it and took a sip, only to find that it was extremely bitter.

"Obsessive with victory. Wanting to prove himself to his peers," Hegeto interjected, counting the traits with his fingers. "Yes, that sounds about right."

She set the glass back down on the table and leaned back in her chair, looking out at the space arena before her.

Hegeto leaned forward, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "So, what about Darth Vectivous, or, well, Master Karr?" he asked, correcting himself. Kaya looked away from him to take another sip of the beverage in the glass. With the second sip, the bitterness slightly faded, revealing a more delicate aroma. She put the glass back on the small table and leaned back in her chair, staring at the beautiful space arena in front of her.

Kaya took a deep breath, her eyes gazing off into the distance as she considered Hegeto's question. "It is a very different story," she began slowly, "I haven't seen Niktor for 27 years, and we only knew each other as children. It was a different kind of bond. And well, I thought Niktor was dead for 21 years, so I had plenty of time to disconnect myself from him as much as possible."

Hegeto leaned in, listening intently as Kaya continued. "Master Karr, on the other hand, wasn't a friend," she explained. "I don't know much about what it means, but I assume my relationship with Karr was more like a daughter-father relationship."

Kaya shifted in her seat, taking another sip of her drink before continuing. "After Niktor disappeared, and we presumed he was killed by Sith forces on Bakkah, Karr changed his mind about padawans. A few months later, he took me as his first padawan."

"He was a kind and thoughtful master, always treating mistakes lightly, and always teaching and telling stories about the galaxy. He was a Jedi historian for a time, you know," Kaya added.

"But sometimes he did talk too much, and other times, especially when his own personality and ideology were discussed, he didn't talk enough," she continued, her eyes thoughtful. "This is why I can't tell you too much about how he truly was as a person since I don't really know myself."

Kaya paused, taking another deep breath, before continuing. "I was his padawan for nine years until I completed my trials to become a knight at the age of 20. We still regularly talked, and he still taught me a lot in my time as a knight. But as time passed, we distanced ourselves physically, still maintaining a certain bond though."

"Since Niktor disappeared, Karr changed a lot. He felt some kind of obligation to keep me safe. He thought he had some kind of duty to protect me," Kaya explained. "Which might also be the reason we never left Coruscant. Even after I became a knight and accompanied younglings to Ilum or went on a rare trip off-planet, he always criticized it as being dangerous."

"I didn't mind that he was protective, and I was always comfortable on Coruscant anyways. I didn't need the adventure or the thrill of traveling," Kaya said with a small smile. "Of course, I did still travel, but on Coruscant, looking at the different levels and enjoying the cityscape."

"I also liked to talk to people in power, becoming familiar with the Republic hierarchy by visiting the Senate more often. One of the people who taught me a lot about the Senate and the Republic was Senator Valorum, who I came to visit weekly, listening to all the ridiculous speeches in the Senate," Kaya finished, her voice tinged with amusement as the memories flooded into her head. She had to smile thinking about him. Then she remembered his tragedy, her smile fading. She quickly regained her composure, clearing her throat to continue.

Kaya's voice took on a pensive tone. "Karr's demeanor changed drastically in the years that followed my apprenticeship. He withdrew from socializing and grew increasingly isolated." She paused, recalling the infrequent visits she made to him during that time. "Our meetings were brief, usually just checking in on each other before parting ways. However, there was one exception: the day I became a Jedi Master. Karr was proud of me, and we had a momentary rekindling of our connection. He was quite busy at the time, and I had little time to talk to him, but I could tell he was sincere. While I always visited Senator Valorum, Karr preferred to talk to the corporate delegates for some reason. Anyway, he was a major influence on the Jedi I am today, and I will always be grateful for his guidance."

Kaya's expression shifted to one of sorrow. "But that all changed. The last time we spoke, he was being sent on a diplomatic mission to Felucia. I was surprised because he hadn't been on a field mission in years. It was just a short conversation, catching up on old times. He wanted to congratulate me for becoming a master, which he really didn't have to." She shook her head. "Little did I know that it would be the last time we ever spoke."

Her voice trailed off as she remembered the day she received the news about Felucia. "A Sith fleet led by Niktor, now known as Darth Nomus, had attacked the planet. It was a difficult time, and I had to fight to keep my emotions in check." Kaya's voice caught in her throat, and she chuckled sadly. "But I managed to pull through, and life went on."

She looked at Hegeto, her eyes filled with a mix of grief and confusion. "I never imagined that Karr would turn to the dark side, especially since he was such a kind person. And the worst part is, I still don't understand why he did it. I really don't." A tear formed in her eye, but Kaya quickly composed herself, turning away from Hegeto to regain her composure.

Kaya looked at Hegeto with determination in her eyes. "I know what needs to be done. I will defeat him if I must. For the sake of the Republic and for the greater good, no matter if that might be diplomatic or on the battlefield," she said firmly.

Hegeto remained silent, his expression unreadable. Kaya couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Was he pitying her? Or maybe he simply had no words to offer. But what would he say anyway? Sorry? Sounds tragic? Regardless, she took his silence as a sign of appreciation for opening up to him. Over the past few weeks, they had exchanged pleasantries about the tedium of politics and bureaucracy, but this was the first time they had delved deeper into personal matters.

As they waited for the fleet's repairs to be completed, Hegeto and Kaya had ample time to converse. With the shadow of the Sith looming and the ban on offensives likely to be lifted, Kaya was certain that they would soon receive orders to move into action.

Chapter 23:

As they strolled along a desolate path through the deserts of Korriban, Vectivous turned to Nomus and said, "I want to tell you something." Nomus replied cautiously, "Yes, Master?"

"I wanted to express my gratitude, Nomus," said Vectivous, his words taking Nomus by surprise.

Nomus slowed his pace, taken aback by the unexpected response. "Gratitude, Master?" he asked.

"Yes, gratitude," confirmed Vectivous. "I see you expected me to be like your former masters, an unforgiving murderous monster." He paused for a moment before continuing, "But you are mistaken. I am the same person I once was, the same person you once called Master as a child."

Nomus was perplexed by Vectivous's words. He didn't remember Karr very well from his time as a youngling, but he definitely didn't give orders to bombard hundreds of planets and accept the murder of millions of people.

They continued trotting down the path. Although the new Karr didn't bother him, he seemed to be stronger and wiser. Nomus wondered why Vectivous was telling him this and if what he said was true.

Vectivous slowed his pace and turned his head to look at Nomus. "I was an emotionless shell of a man," he began. "I wandered the galaxy in search of purpose. I was raised by the Jedi, so I never experienced hate, and I lost my fear at a young age. But I also never experienced love or even joy. I interpreted this lack of emotion as a lack of purpose without understanding that it is, in fact, the very same thing. It is for every Jedi."

Nomus listened intently, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of what his master was saying.

"In my search for purpose, I followed a linear path, jumping from one task to the next all across the galaxy to find what I was meant to do. I became an explorer, a historian, a teacher, a master. However, I could never understand that my purpose was, in fact, to rediscover my emotions," Vectivous continued. "The Sith have given me a purpose. You have given me this purpose. A purpose worth fighting for. But most importantly, you gave me the strength to use my emotions once again. And I thank you for that."

Nomus was at a loss for words. He had never heard anything like this from a Sith before. But before he could respond, Vectivous spoke up again. "I know what you're thinking, Nomus," he said, a note of amusement in his voice. "I sense your confusion. Be assured, I don't owe you anything, and as I told you before, you are not the direct cause of this realization. My gratitude is directed at you for playing a part in showing me my true self. You were one of many catalysts leading to my ascendancy."

They walked in silence for a few moments, both lost in their thoughts. Nomus couldn't help but wonder if Vectivous was truly a Sith or something else. This compassion was unusual and usually expected from a Jedi. Perhaps there was more hiding beneath his stoic exterior.

"During my extensive studies of galactic history," Vectivous began once more, "I have come across countless intriguing figures, but none have captivated me quite like Kreia. She was a Jedi who ultimately succumbed to a version of the dark side similar to the one I now embrace. While there are many records of her teachings, one particular quote has stayed with me and inspired me to alter the way I interact with you. Kreia once wisely said, 'To be united by hatred is a fragile alliance at best.' It took me a long time of confinement to comprehend the weight of her words, but I have since realized that fear is not the way to govern you, Nomus. That is not how partnerships or apprenticeships should or can be conducted."

Vectivous paused for a moment, observing Nomus's reaction. The young Sith apprentice was surprised, to say the least. He had never heard Vectivous speak so candidly before.

"I know it might seem strange to you," Vectivous continued, "but I believe in building relationships based on trust and loyalty. Fear and hatred may be powerful motivators, but they are also incredibly fragile. They can be easily broken by a single act of betrayal or weakness."

Nomus nodded slowly, still trying to process everything that Vectivous was saying. Nomus strode alongside Vectivous, his voice low and measured, each word carefully chosen. The sun beat down upon them, casting a harsh light over the desolate desert planet. Yet, for all the hostility of their surroundings, there was a certain peacefulness in the moment. Vectivous seemed to be sharing a piece of himself with Nomus, revealing a vulnerability that he had not previously shown. Nomus couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at his master's words. This was a side of Vectivous that he had never seen before—a more introspective and reflective side. It was an unexpected turn of events, to say the least.

"Why… Why did you choke me, then?" Nomus asked quizzically, his voice low but not necessarily accusatory.

Vectivous stopped walking and turned to face him. "I did it to make a statement. I wanted to show you that I was not like the others, that I had power, and that I was not to be trifled with. But it was only a temporary measure until we could establish a true alliance. Also, at the time, I had not quite understood this type of alliance myself. But that has changed. And now we have done it, Nomus. We are allies."

Nomus nodded slowly, remaining skeptical; still unsure. But he knew that he had no choice but to trust Vectivous, at least for now. He did have a point. The Sith were always plagued by infighting. But was it possible to change that? The nature of the Sith was to be selfish. It seemed preposterous to assume that any permanent alliance based on loyalty and trust could be accomplished. They continued walking in silence, the hot desert sun beating down on them.

"I am honored to be considered your ally, Master," Nomus said, bowing his head respectfully.

"And I am honored to have you as my apprentice," Vectivous replied, placing a hand on Nomus's shoulder. "Together, we will accomplish great things, not out of fear or hatred but out of a shared desire to see the galaxy thrive."

The two continued their walk through the desolate Korriban landscape, the sun setting in the distance. For the first time in a galactic eon, Nomus felt that he was in the proper place and had an odd sense of purpose. With Vectivous by his side, he knew that anything was possible.

Nomus took a deep breath before responding. "I understand, Master," he said respectfully.

Vectivous paused and turned to face Nomus. "No, you don't," his voice was not demanding but lighthearted, soft-spoken, and gentle. "Understanding takes time and experience. But for now, all I ask is that you trust and follow me."

Nomus nodded, feeling a sense of duty and responsibility wash over him. "I will do my best to learn and follow, Master," he said, determination in his voice.

"Good," Vectivous nodded approvingly. "Talking about learning. Let us delve into the lesson I talked about."

"What is the Force?" Vectivous asked, stopping beside Nomus, his gaze fixed on him. "Why am I able to strangle people with my mind and summon lightning from the sky?" he inquired. Nomus straightened, clearing his throat. The question was odd, but he took a deep breath and attempted an answer.

"Well, it is an energy field, similar to how space-time works. We can control it through organelles called midichlorians. And if a user has a sufficient amount per cell, they give the wielder access to supernatural abilities." Vectivous continued to look at him, no emotion emanating from his face.

"That's correct," Vectivous said, "But I wasn't talking about the biological or physical explanation. I am asking, what is the Force?".

Nomus cleared his throat again, "I don't think I understand." Nomus could sense a slight twinge of disappointment emanating from Vectivous.

"The Force is more than just a mere biological phenomenon," Vectivous explained. "It is a concept that transcends mere physics and encompasses the very essence of existence itself. It is an energy that flows through all living things, connecting everything in the galaxy in a web of interdependence. It is both a source of power and a source of wisdom, capable of granting those who wield it incredible abilities and insights into the nature of reality. It is a pathway to understanding the mysteries of the universe and a tool for shaping its destiny." Nomus listened attentively, nodding as Vectivous spoke.

Vectivous paused and waited for a moment, sensing Nomus's confusion. "Let me offer a metaphor to help clarify," he began, pacing back and forth and turning back to face Nomus every few steps.

"Let us envision a cave, wherein a force user such as ourselves is confined. This cave is comprised of various layers, each made of distinct materials. The foremost and fundamental layer is constituted of mud, which is effortlessly removable with the mere acknowledgement of one's situation. At this initial stage, a force user becomes aware of their inherent abilities and may progress from mere intuition and foresight to more refined skills such as telekinesis or force suggestion.

As we venture further into the cave, the secondary layer gradually comes into view, composed of a considerably harder material, such as stone. The force user must now exert greater effort and patience to penetrate this layer, but it is still achievable with persistence and practice. This layer represents a significant turning point in a force user's journey, as it marks the beginning of mastering and controlling their abilities.

With this layer, the force becomes a more deliberate and purposeful tool rather than a random force. A force user can now direct and channel the force with greater ease and efficiency, making it more potent and effective. This level of control and refinement in their abilities allows force users to undertake more complex tasks, such as lifting larger objects, using force push or pull with greater force, and manipulating the environment in more sophisticated ways.

The mastery of this layer also entails a greater understanding of the limits of the Force and one's own abilities. Force users must learn to recognize and respect these limits to avoid overexertion or harm to themselves or others. This level of control and mastery marks a significant step towards becoming a true force wielder.

The tertiary layer is an incredibly challenging obstacle for force users to overcome. It is made of a strong, durable substance similar to durasteel. The difficulty in breaking through this layer lies in the fact that it requires the force user to come to the realization that there is more to the force than just its physical aspects. The tertiary layer can only be penetrated by those who can tap into the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of the force.

It is at this stage that the force user must recognize and accept their emotions and understand how to use them effectively. Failure to do so can lead to an inability to utilize the force efficiently.

The Jedi, who are known for their strict adherence to emotional detachment, often struggle with this layer, as did I. The use of emotions in their teachings is highly discouraged, and as a result, many Jedi fail to progress beyond this point. However, some force users, such as the Sith, believe in the power of emotions and actively seek to harness and manipulate them. However, while the Sith may be more successful in this area, they often struggle with the ability to control their emotions, which can lead to their downfall.

The quaternary layer represents the ultimate challenge for any force user. It can be compared to a layer of cortosis, one of the most durable materials known in the galaxy. This layer is incredibly resistant and nearly impenetrable. Breaking through it requires years of dedication, intense learning, and profound understanding. Even then, the majority of force users fail to overcome this final hurdle. This layer embodies the mastery and control of one's emotions and the ability to remain composed and focused even in the most difficult situations. When this layer is finally breached, one unlocks their full potential, enabling them to channel their power with unparalleled precision and strength.

By mastering their emotions, force users can think and act with clarity even when in the throes of intense emotions such as rage or fear. They can debate and strategize even while facing the most daunting challenges. They can escape from captivity or emerge victorious in battles against seemingly insurmountable odds. Channeled power, guided by discipline and control, consistently triumphs over raw power, which is why the Jedi, despite their flawed teachings and interpretations, have historically defeated the Sith. The Jedi are skilled at channeling their power, while the Sith often struggle to restrain their emotions.

Thus far, I have only perceived one sole individual, apart from myself, who I believe has accomplished this feat. That person is the Jedi Kreia, also called Darth Traya, whom I spoke of previously," Vectivous finished gesturing towards the ground. Vectivous halted in his tracks and swiveled around, fixing Nomus with a piercing stare.

As Vectivous finished his story about the quaternary layer of the Force, Nomus listened intently, his eyes widening with fascination.

Nomus felt a newfound respect for Vectivous, realizing that despite his Jedi past, he had a deep understanding of the Force that, transcended the ordinary teachings of the Jedi order.

"Recite the Sith Code for me," Vectivous began anew, his voice steady and composed. Nomus was slowly becoming accustomed to Vectivous's methods and lessons, if one could even call them that. The question posed to him was an easy one. The Sith Code had been drilled into his mind for years, during his time as an acolyte and apprentice.

"Peace is a lie; there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me," Nomus recited effortlessly, his response instinctual.

"Indeed. But have you ever pondered its meaning?" Vectivous inquired of Nomus. Nomus apprehended what Vectivous was seeking from him. "Your earlier metaphor. The Sith code reflects it," he replied. "Precisely," Vectivous concurred.

"You see, the Sith code is not just a set of words to recite mindlessly. It holds deep meaning and significance, and each line is a stepping stone towards a greater understanding of the Force. The first line, 'Peace is a lie, there is only passion', speaks to our rejection of the Jedi way of suppressing our emotions. We embrace our passions, for they fuel us and give us strength."

He paused, his piercing gaze fixed on Nomus. "But that is not the end goal. The rest of the code outlines a path towards mastery over our emotions. We do not allow them to control us, but rather we harness them to achieve our goals. Through strength, power, and victory, we break free from our own limitations and bend the Force to our will. These are the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary layers I mentioned. This is what it means to be a true Sith."

Nomus listened intently, trying to absorb every word. He had recited the code countless times but had never truly considered its deeper meaning. "And the last line, 'the force shall free me'? What does that mean?" he asked.

Vectivous smiled enigmatically. "That, my young apprentice, is a question that has plagued many Sith throughout history. Some believe it means that by mastering the force, we can transcend physical limitations and achieve true freedom. Others believe it means that the force itself will set us free from the constraints of mortality. I myself am still decrypting its message," Vectivous explains with great curiosity in his voice.

Nomus nodded, deep in thought. The Sith code had always been a part of his life, but now he realized that he had barely scratched the surface of its true meaning.

"Now, it is time to return to business. This is enough lecturing for today," Vectivous gestured towards the direction they had come from, signaling the end of their discussion on the Force. Nomus obediently fell into step beside him as they made their way back towards the city. "Before we delve into military matters, have you made any progress in locating Darth Andeddu?" Vectivous inquired.

Nomus nodded, "It was a challenging search, but I eventually stumbled upon an encryption device that belonged to the shuttle Andeddu stole. He had turned off the transmitter, but I managed to trace the last signal to a region near Ord Mantell. We had data on the fuel capacity of the shuttle, so I was able to calculate a few possible destinations." Nomus retrieved a holo device from his belt and began typing in some commands.

Nomus brought up a holo map and gestured towards the broad area. Vectivous scanned the map, "Palanhi, Glee Anselm, Ansion, and… my home planet of Dorin. A broad area, mostly rural and mostly under Republic jurisdiction. He may have settled somewhere in that area, but I believed he might have refueled and continued somewhere else. Anyway, this is very disappointing." Nomus swallowed, turning off the holo device and returning it to his belt.

Vectivous contemplated the information for a moment before continuing. "We will need to locate him after the Republic has been defeated," he said firmly.

Nomus shifted the conversation to a different topic, hoping to avoid further discussion of Darth Andeddu. "I have also had the opportunity to meet with some high-ranking Sith, including Darth Caustic," he said. "However, as you said, he is currently out of step and must be dealt with upon his return from Nar Shaddaa."

"I see," Vectivous exclaimed. In the distance, they started to see the speeder they arrived with. "Why did you not deal with him yourself?" Vectivous asked. Nomus felt his heart rate increase slightly, but he maintained his composure. "I wished to hear your judgment before making any move, Master," he replied, attempting to deflect.

Seeing through the lie, Vectivous groaned, "Don't try to deceive me, Nomus. It's pathetic. Admit it, you know you're not strong enough to defeat him." Nomus cleared his throat, avoiding Vectivous's gaze as he looked out at the rocky mounds in the distance.

Vectivous raised an eyebrow at Nomus' hesitation. "See, it is not a weakness to recognize your limitations," he said. "It is a strength to seek guidance and knowledge from those who have more experience and skill."

Vectivous took a pause and let out a sigh, "If we are done with politics, let me now delve into the final phases of the plan," he said. Nomus was surprised. During their initial discussions, they did not have the luxury of time to go over phases five through ten in detail, as they were yet to be fully developed. However, now that seems to have changed.

Vectivous stood tall and proud as he made his announcement. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he spoke. "We will go after the greatest prize of the Republic," he declared gleefully.

Nomus looked at Vectivous with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "Coruscant? So soon?" he asked.

Vectivous let out a deep sigh, his excitement fading slightly. "I understand your assessment. But no, I do not believe Coruscant to be the greatest prize in the Republic," he explained. "Coruscant is the political and cultural capital of the galaxy. However, it is a planet heavily reliant on imports, exporting little, with its main export being culture. Coruscant is hard to control due to its shear population size. It would be a burden to occupy it."

Nomus furrowed his brow in confusion. "Then what is the greatest prize?" he asked, eager to know what Vectivous had in mind.

Vectivous grinned mischievously. "The greatest prize is something the Republic values even more than Coruscant," he said. "Something that they will fight tooth and nail to protect."

Nomus looked at Vectivous quizzically, waiting for him to reveal the secret.

Vectivous leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "No. The greatest prize is their military might," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Their fleets, their ships, their weapons. The planet that produces all of this. The planet that gives the Republic the right to exist and the ability to defend itself."

Nomus furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowing as he tried to piece together Vectivous's plan. "Kuat," Nomus said in realization, his voice barely above a whisper.

Vectivous nodded slowly, his expression one of satisfaction. "Quite right, the greatest shipyard of the galaxy and the last threat to the New Sith Empire."

Nomus took a step back, a feeling of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside of him. "How do we plan to take it?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly.

Vectivous chuckled, his face glinting with amusement. "Ah, my dear apprentice. That is the question, isn't it? But rest assured, we will find a way. And when we do, the Republic will be crippled, and our victory will be assured."

Interlude Balmorra:

Balmorra was a planet where arms factories dominated the landscape. The air was thick with the stench of chemicals, and the sound of machinery filled the streets of Bin Prime. The towering smokestacks belched out toxic fumes that obscured the sky, making it hard to see the sun.

In a small home on the outskirts of the capital, Bin Prime, a family gathered for dinner. The father, a stout man with a thick beard, sat at the head of the table, while his wife and two children sat across from him. The youngest, a boy of 16, called Leomis, picked at his food, lost in thought.

"Son, your uncle has offered you a job at his arms factory," the father said, breaking the silence.

Leomis looked up; his eyes narrowed. "I don't want to work in an arms factory," he said.

The mother looked at her son, concerned. "Why not? It's good work, and it pays well."

The boy pushed his food away, frustration in his voice. "I don't want to spend my life making weapons that will be used to kill people. I want to do something that makes people happy," he explained.

The father leaned forward, his voice stern. "You're being foolish. The arms industry is the backbone of Balmorra's economy. Without it, we would all be living in poverty."

Leomis shook his head, his voice rising. "I don't care. I don't want to be a part of it. I want to be a musician."

The mother looked at her son, her eyes softening. "A musician? On Balmorra? There aren't many opportunities for that here," she scuffed.

Leomis looked at his mother, his eyes pleading. "I know; that's why I want to go to Coruscant. That's where the best musicians are. I want to be among them."

The father slammed his fist on the table, anger in his voice. "Coruscant? That's on the other side of the galaxy! You can't just run away from your responsibilities here. You need to work hard and contribute to society," he asserted.

The boy stood up, his voice trembling. "I am contributing. I have a talent, and I want to use it. I don't want to spend my life making weapons that kill people."

The father stood up, towering over his son. "You're not thinking straight. You need to think about your future. You can't just run away and chase some foolish dream."

Leomis looked at his father with tears in his eyes. "It's not a foolish dream. It's my passion. It's what makes me happy."

The mother stood up, placing a comforting hand on her son's shoulder. "Please, let's find another way. You're so talented in many other areas. You don't have to follow in the family business," she pleaded.

Leomis looked at his mother, his eyes brimming with determination. "I appreciate it, Mom. But I can't imagine doing anything else but making music. It's my passion," he said with a soft voice.

The father let out an exasperated sigh. "We've worked hard to build this family business. You're not just throwing it away. You're going to work for your uncle, and that's final," he said firmly.

The boy's gaze hardened, his voice rising. "I'm not going to waste my life working in a factory. I have dreams and aspirations that don't involve weapons and war," he declared, storming up to his room.

That night, Leomis lay in bed staring up at the ceiling, his heart heavy with the weight of his family's expectations. He knew what he had to do. With tears in his eyes, he packed a bag with a few essentials, grabbed his instruments, and slipped out of the house.

As he ran through the deserted streets of Bin Prime, his heart pounding with adrenaline, he felt a sense of freedom that he had never experienced before. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew that he had to leave his old life behind and pursue his passion for music, even if it meant leaving everything he had ever known behind.

Chapter 24:

One week later…

Nomus reported to Vectivous via holographic call, "The current phase is proceeding according to plan. I have split my fleet, and we're currently capturing large swathes of the Mid Rim. I'm currently at Lantillies, securing the Perlimian Trade Route."

However, Vectivous responded, "No, this is not as planned. Something is amiss. I've encountered minimal resistance, as have you. I expected more encounters with the Republic, at least."

Nomus offered a possible explanation, "Perhaps they don't have the necessary forces to defend themselves," he hypothesized.

Vectivous dismissed the notion, "No, they absolutely have the necessary forces. In theory, they could overwhelm us with sheer numbers alone. This is precisely why capturing Kuat is so crucial, and we must change this." As he spoke, Vectivous averted his gaze from the holotable, focusing on something that Nomus could not see.

"Could it be that they may have discovered our intended destination?" Nomus suggested, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Unlikely," Vectivous retorted, his hand instinctively reaching to touch the bottom of his mask as he pondered the implications. "Not even Admirals Coros or Stein are privy to our plans. Your strategic maneuvers along the Perlimian Trade Route were intended to mislead the Republic into thinking we were headed towards Coruscant."

Nomus nodded, but there was still a lingering doubt.

"It's possible they've accurately assessed our intentions and motivations. They could have found a way to circumvent our jamming signal. Or… Perhaps… No, impossible…" His voice trailed off, leaving a pregnant pause in the air. Vectivous shook his head slowly, lost in thought.

"What are we going to do, Master?" Nomus inquired.

Vectivous paused, pondering the situation at hand. "I assume they are amassing a fleet at Kuat to counter our attack. Attacking a shipyard is a complex affair, even without a fleet protecting it. Although I have faced a similar situation at Mon Cala, Kuat presents a new level of difficulty. We must address both hostilities separately, luring the fleet away from Kuat. I will require time to plan. In the meantime, we will proceed as planned. You will head towards Onderon while I take control of the Umbara system. We will reunite at Commenor to assault the planet of Balmorra, which will be heavily guarded. It is one of the largest producers of arms in the Republic and, more importantly, is situated only 7 parsecs from Kuat. It will serve as a valuable base of operations where we can plan our attack on Kuat," Vectivous explained.

"As you command, Master. Until we meet again," Nomus bowed respectfully as Vectivous disconnected from the hologram.

On the bridge of the Indiquidator, Vectivous stood with his arms crossed; eyes fixed on the beams of light that stretched out before him as the ship hurtled through hyperspace. Suddenly, the vessel jolted and shuddered as it reverted to real space, and the war-torn planet of Balmorra loomed into view. As he took in the grim, smoldering landscape, his gaze darted anxiously about the scene, searching for any sign of the fleet he had anticipated.

But to his consternation, all that met his eyes were a few small corvettes in the far distance. Vectivous frowned, perplexed. This wasn't what he had expected at all. He studied the distant ships closely, looking for any sign of deception or misdirection. After a moment, he shook his head, a sense of unease creeping up his spine. This was too easy. There had to be a catch. Some kind of trap, waiting to spring shut around him. But he couldn't sense it. What logic is it to give up such a vital world such as Balmorra without a fight? Perhaps the Republic simply misplayed its hand, and the fleet is en route to meet him. No, this is more sinister.

As Vectivous contemplated his options, the voice of Admiral Coros interrupted his thoughts, "Orders, my Lord?" After a brief pause, Vectivous replied with a calculated plan, "Dispatch starfighters and bombers to eliminate the Republic corvettes. Our capital ships will form a defensive blockade of Balmorra in a Ziocian formation. When Nomus arrives, he will take charge of the planet."

"Understood, my Lord," Coros replied as he swiftly relayed his orders. Vectivous watched as hundreds of fighters and bombers departed from the capital ships' hangars and rapidly closed in on the enemy corvettes, their lasers and missiles lighting up the darkness of space. Explosions and debris littered the battlefield as the Republic ships were blasted into smithereens.

As if on cue, Nomus's fleet appeared to Vectivous's right, thousands of ships suddenly appearing from hyperspace. Vectivous saw large invasion crafts leaving the hangars of Nomus's cruisers. They cascaded towards the planet, like tiny ants invading a rival colony.

For hours, Vectivous remained transfixed on the planet below, watching small dots of yellow emerge intermittently as air support cleared the way for the army's advance.

Unlike the other planets he had encountered on his journey through the Mid Rim and Inner Rim, Balmorra was heavily fortified and well-defended. Despite the challenges, Vectivous was not surprised. After all, Balmorra was a giant weapons factory, and its defenses were commensurate with its importance. It would take significant time and effort to fully integrate the planet into the empire's grip.

Yet, as he contemplated the situation on Balmorra, Vectivous was not overly concerned. The Empire's grip on the galaxy was tightening. All vital systems were being garrisoned, and the imperial war industry was easily able to replace any losses suffered in battle.

Of course, there were minor concerns. Smaller rebellions had arisen on recently conquered planets in the Outer Rim, and Vectivous had dispatched Admiral Stein to make an example of them. But these were merely local problems that would be swiftly dealt with.

Despite these minor internal challenges, all critical systems were being fortified, and the imperial war industry was quickly replacing any losses.

A more significant concern was the dispersion of the Sith Empire's forces in the pursuit of security and control over newly conquered territories. Nearly all reserves had been deployed, leaving the Yavin sector vulnerable to potential Republic attacks.

Should such an assault occur, Vectivous would be forced to suspend his campaign into the Core to secure the Sith heartland from Republic harassment. Though he believed that the veteran taskforces at Yavin were well entrenched and capable of fending off any Republic advancement, he could not be entirely certain.

Despite the uncertainties, Vectivous was confident in his abilities and those of the Empire. The future was bright, and he was eager to see what it held in store.

In a flash of urgency, the navigation officer broke the silence with an alert, "My Lord, incoming Republic fleet, ETA 20 seconds."

Vectivous maintained his composure and issued calculated commands, "Deploy starfighter screen. Engage signal jammers. Maintain defensive formation."

With military precision, the Republic fleet emerged into view, and their starfighters were promptly launched from their capital ships.

Vectivous observed as the enemy quickly launched their own starfighters from their capital ships' hangars. The battlefield became a dazzling light show as the small fighters darted and swerved around each other, laser blasts of vivid blue and red flickering through space. The occasional explosion of a fighter in a bright yellow burst added to the spectacle.

Suddenly, an officer's voice cut through the fray, "Defensive screen holding, enemy is launching bombers."

Without hesitation, Vectivous calmly ordered, "Maintain position, but move the starfighter screen back towards us. Let the frigates shoot down the fighters; order the corvettes to give support fire towards the bombers."

The sound of weapons being readied filled the bridge as the frigates took aim at the incoming fighters while the corvettes unleashed a barrage of firepower towards the bombers. The starfighter screen slowly retreated, regrouping to continue their mission.

The battle raged on, with the two sides locked in a deadly dance. The Indiquidator held its position while the Republic forces continued to push forward, testing the Sith's defenses.

"Casualty estimation," Vectivous ordered coolly. The officers behind him scurried to comply with his command, relaying reports back and forth until the voice of Admiral Coros rang out above the din.

"We have lost contact with 102 fighters, while our own have reported 77 shot down," Coros stated grimly, his voice heavy with the weight of the losses.

Vectivous frowned slightly at the report. Still, he had reserves to spare, and the battle was far from over. He watched as the Republic bombers continued their advance, some exploding mid-air as his own fighters and frigates fired upon them.

Despite their losses, the Imperial forces held fast, their frigates providing cover fire while the corvettes moved to intercept the remaining bombers. A handful of frigates were destroyed in the process, but Vectivous remained confident in his ability to maintain a prolonged assault with the reserves at his disposal.

"My Lord, shouldn't we take action," Admiral Coros inquired, "The Republic has numerical superiority; it is only a matter of time until they overwhelm us."

"No, Admiral. We aren't idle, we are merely waiting for the chance to ambush." Vectivous said, turning to the Admiral.

"Never allow your subordinates to fail, and you shall always emerge victorious." Vectivous explained.

He gazed intently at a holographic display showing the positions of the Republic and Imperial fleets in front of him. "The most dangerous mistake a military leader can make is overextension," he mused aloud. "It leaves them vulnerable to a multitude of maneuvers and tactics." His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the enemy's formation. "And this admiral is no exception. He may have numerical superiority, but he lacks the creativity and adaptability to make the most of it."

He gestured to the hologram, indicating the positions of the Republic ships. "Look at his positioning. It's rigid, inflexible. He's doing everything by the book, which makes him predictable. And predictability is a weakness. He has been promoted beyond his abilities, and that's a common trait of leaders who allow their subordinates to make mistakes."

The tranquility of the moment was disrupted by the urgent voice of the navigation officer. "Republic frigates have entered the long-range engagement zone," the officer declared, causing Vectivous and Coros to snap to attention.

"Maintain position and continue supporting fire from the corvettes. Deploy bombers, but conceal them behind the cruisers, and prepare for a spindal maneuver," he continued, his voice laced with a sense of urgency. The tension in the air was palpable as the officers hurried to carry out the orders, their movements precise and coordinated.

Vectivous observed the increasing number of turbolaser canons firing upon the approaching Republic corvettes. His keen eye noticed a gap in the formation as the ships diverged too far apart. Any ship passing through this gap would not be in the kill zone of their turbolasers but in the secondary zone, where shields were highly effective in blocking laser fire. A small smile played at the corners of Vectivous's mask as he turned to Coros and said, "As I predicted, Admiral." His ear flaps flicked with amusement.

"Execute the Spindal Maneuver," Vectivous commanded, his gaze fixed on the gap between the Republic corvettes. He felt Admiral Coros's eyes on him as he swiftly moved towards the communications officer to relay the order.

Soon after, a massive Harrower-class heavy cruiser emerged from the fray, ascending towards the gap with deadly precision. The Republic's corvettes belatedly realized their error, but it was too late. The Imperial cruiser plowed through the gap, its turbolasers blazing as it fired upon the hapless corvettes, caught in a crossfire. Vectivous observed with satisfaction as the Republic fighters that had previously been attacking his frigates now shifted their focus to the menacing cruiser.

"Deploy additional fighters and engage pursuit," commanded Vectivous as the imperial cruiser deftly navigated through the gap, its bow under heavy fire from Republic cruisers. Despite the onslaught, the commander of the cruiser had wisely directed the ship's shield to focus on the vulnerable area, ensuring it emerged relatively unscathed. As the cruiser cleared the corvettes, one of them succumbed to the intense barrage of laser fire.

"Initiate launch of all bombers and order the fleet to advance," Vectivous ordered, his voice ringing with authority. The moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived. The Republic was wounded and vulnerable, and he was determined to exploit this opportunity to its fullest.

As Vectivous ordered the advance, the imperial cruiser boldly pushed past the Republic command ships, slightly tipping its nose upward, revealing its hidden payload. From beneath the cruiser emerged a swarm of a hundred bombers, wreaking havoc on the unprepared Republic capital ship, which quickly succumbed to the onslaught. With no time to muster a defense, it was destroyed in a spectacular explosion. As the bombers moved on to their next targets, the Republic fleet began to panic, frantically attempting to turn their ships around to regroup anew.

But it was too late; the Imperials had gained the upper hand and were already picking off the weaker Republic ships from all sides. Vectivous observed the chaos with satisfaction, knowing that his calculated patience and strategic maneuvers had paid off.

He turned to Admiral Coros with a nod of approval. "You see, Admiral, sometimes it's not about numerical superiority but rather strategy and timing. We waited for the right moment to strike, and now we have the advantage," he said.

Coros nodded in agreement, humbled by the success of their plan. "I see now, my Lord. Your patience and leadership have proven to be invaluable," he replied.

With a serene expression on his face, Vectivous nodded in approval before returning his attention to the ongoing battle. He watched as the ships of the Republic scattered in different directions. It filled him with a sense of accomplishment as they desperately activated their hyperdrives to escape. One by one, they shot into the blackness of space beyond.

Chapter 25:

"Clean up this mess before the Emperor arrives. This is… filthy," Nomus commanded a group of soldiers, motioning his hand towards the hallways littered with bodies.

"It is no matter, Nomus," the dark, muffled voice of Vectivous appeared behind him. Nomus turned towards Vectivous, bowing anxiously.

"It should be a common sight to see corpses of Republic soldiers and Jedi laying around."

"Master, I didn't expect you to come so soon," Nomus said.

"Why are you surprised? The battle was won, and this place is fascinating," replied Vectivous, his gaze roaming about the room.

"Indeed, I have arranged for this to be the temporary command center until a better place can be found," explained Nomus, indicating the room.

Vectivous strode down the hallway, his footsteps echoing off the walls as Nomus hurried to keep up. The soldiers and Sith in the corridor saluted as he passed, their eyes following him until he was out of sight. At the end of the hallway, Vectivous gestured for the door to the command center to open, and it slid open smoothly. Inside, the room was a hive of activity, with officers sitting at consoles, their voices intermingling with the beeps and chirps of the equipment. In the center of the room, a small group of Sith were engaged in conversation, but as the door opened, they turned to face Vectivous and bowed their heads in respect. One of them, a young human male with a tattered face hidden beneath a dark hood, dropped to one knee in a show of deference.

As Vectivous and Nomus approached the group, a young man stepped forward and declared, "I am Darth Karath, my Emperor," in a hoarse voice laced with disdain. "I am in charge of your army here on Balmorra."

Vectivous regarded Karath with a cool gaze and instructed, "Stand, Sith," the word leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. "Please, 'my Lord' is sufficient. I dislike being addressed as Emperor," Vectivous corrected, raising his hand. Karath rose and bowed slightly, apologizing for his disrespect.

"My apologies, my Lord. I will not repeat this discourtesy. Shall we proceed to discuss military matters?" Karath spoke with a sly grin, his voice hoarse, raspy, and monotone, devoid of emotion or expression.

They entered a spacious side room with only a large holotable as its sole occupant. The holotable was turned on, displaying a map of a section of Balmorra. "Republic forces on Balmorra are outnumbered," Karath started. "We estimate they have a maximum of 810 thousand soldiers and maybe a dozen Jedi, while we landed a million soldiers led by hundreds of Sith, including two Sith Lords like myself. We are currently striking the capital, Bin Prime; it should fall in a matter of days. But our current foothold is being expanded, all troops are advancing, and we have secured total air dominance. One concern is, firstly, that the Republic has dug in. They control vital chokepoints and are heavily fortified in factories that act as bunkers. Secondly, since Balmorra is a weapon factory, nearly the entire populus is in possession of some sort of firearm. Now, up to this point, we encountered minimal civilian resistance, but we assume that will change over time. Over all, I fear a victory at Balmorra will be expensive and might take months, if not years, to fully subjugate."

Vectivous studied the map for a moment before turning to Karath. "I leave the ground campaign in your hands. I care little for the intricacies of ground warfare," he declared. "Use any means necessary to secure the planet."

Karath nodded confidently in response. Vectivous then turned to Nomus, who appeared uneasy. "Would you mind taking a walk with me, Nomus?" he asked. Nomus hesitated briefly, confused by the odd questioning, before responding, "Of course, Master."

Vectivous and Nomus emerged from the command center, where they again received salutes from the soldiers and Sith lining the hallway. However, instead of going for a leisurely stroll, Vectivous led Nomus towards a waiting speeder. Without a word, they climbed aboard, and Vectivous took the driver's seat.

As they left the city behind, Vectivous consulted a map, his gaze fixed on a particular location. They sped across Balmorra's rugged terrain, where jagged rock formations towered like titans against the horizon. Despite the harshness of the landscape, it held a certain beauty that was not lost on the two travelers.

After a while, Vectivous brought the speeder to a stop in what appeared to be an abandoned city. Rubble littered the streets, evidence of past battles and destruction.

Vectivous exited the speeder, "Do you know where we are, Nomus?"

As they strolled through the seemingly abandoned city, Nomus couldn't help but wonder why they were there. "It looks like an abandoned city, but the spaceport tells me this had some importance?" he questioned.

Vectivous gestured for him to walk with him, and they ventured deeper into the ruins. "This is the city of Sobrik. It was once the capital of Balmorra, back when the former Sith Empire ruled this planet," Vectivous explained. "It played a pivotal role in the Battle of Balmorra, which ended in an unexpected Republic victory. As a Jedi historian, I've extensively studied this battle, but I've never had the chance to visit this place myself." They continued walking, taking in the sights of the torn-down buildings.

Nomus couldn't help but interrupt Vectivous, "This is fascinating, but Master. Respectfully, shouldn't we be focusing on capturing Kuat?" Nomus asked.

"No, Nomus. Patience," he demanded. "Striking now would be foolish and unwise. They have a considerable force at Kuat, which is hard enough to capture on its own. I'm still analyzing tactics to lure them out."

As they approached an old entrance to their left, the ground was filled with rubble and debris. Vectivous gestured towards it with a flick of his hand. "Now, let us please leave military matters behind us for a moment and gaze upon this relic of the past." Nomus followed him, concerned but still curious to see what else the once-great city had to offer.

As they stepped through the entrance, a vast expanse of an abandoned factory greeted them, partially damaged; sunlight piercing its roof. The ground was littered with metal parts, the remnants of once-valuable machinery that had been picked clean by scavengers long ago, and a large entrance to the deeper levels, leading to the lower factory.

"At the beginning of the first Great Galactic War, Balmorra was under the control of the Republic. However, the Sith Empire saw the strategic value of the planet's industrial capacity and proximity to the core worlds and decided to invade. The Sith's military might enabled them to quickly gain control of nearly the entire planet. This was further confirmed when the Treaty of Coruscant was signed, ending the first Great Galactic War, Balmorra was slated to be given to the Sith Empire.

However, some Republic officers and Jedi refused to accept this and joined forces with the local Balmorran resistance to oppose the Sith Empire. This rebellion persisted throughout the entire Cold War, the period between the first and second Great Galactic Wars. Remarkably, the underground resistance was able to prevent the Sith Empire from ever fully dominating the planet.

Ultimately, in the second Great Galactic War, the Republic was able to drive the Sith Empire out of Balmorra. It is still a mystery how the Sith's initial victory turned into a crushing defeat, but many historians attribute it to an unfortunate series of coincidences that gradually shifted the balance of power in favor of the Balmorran resistance."

Vectivous raised his hand to his mask, rubbing the bottom of it thoughtfully as he spoke. "But, the likelihood of that happening again is slim. The Republic's current economic crisis has caused widespread distrust in the government and its policies. However, the armament industry, Balmorra's primary source of income, has not been heavily impacted, as it is in high demand by the Republic. This means that the planet's economy is heavily dependent on the war effort to sustain itself, and we will be more than welcomed by the populace once they understand that we intend to bring prosperity."

Nomus listened intently to Vectivous's words, realizing the gravity of the situation. He knew that the Republic's economic instability had caused disillusionment among its citizens, including those on Balmorra. The planet's reliance on arms production made it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of war, but it also made its citizens more susceptible to the idea of joining the New Sith Empire. The Empire's promise of prosperity and its need for a vast supply of arms to sustain the war machine were likely to appeal to the people of Balmorra, especially in light of the Republic's economic troubles.

Nomus struggled to remain attentive to Vectivous's speech, his mind constantly wandering back to the missed opportunity of attacking Kuat. Despite the recent defeat of the Republic fleet, they were wasting precious time walking around this dilapidated town, examining the wreckage of buildings and factories. Of course, Kuat was still heavily protected, but the fleet was heavily damaged, making a capture of the planet significantly less improbable. Nomus couldn't help but feel that now was the perfect moment to strike at Kuat, to take advantage of the Republic's weakened state and deliver a crushing blow to their forces. It was like stepping on a bug while it was still writhing on the ground—an opportunity too good to miss.

Vectivous decelerated his gait, perceiving that Nomus was not engrossed in his discourse. "Nomus, I must express my apprehension regarding your impatience. You have a tendency to hasten into actions without proper contemplation," Vectivous said gravely but tranquilly, turning towards Nomus. "Such an attitude may result in impulsive and poorly considered decisions, ultimately leading to failure."

Nomus maintained a calm expression as he gazed at Vectivous, attempting to conceal his growing irritation. "I apologize, Master," he began, "but I must respectfully disagree with you. I believe that swift and decisive action can often be the key to success. In fact, you yourself taught me this when I was a youngling."

Vectivous came to a halt and turned his head towards Nomus, his tone serious yet composed. "While I understand your point of view, Nomus, I must caution you against rushing into things without proper consideration. Trusting your instincts does not equate to being foolish and hasty. That phrase is intended to instill a deep faith in the Force within younglings, not as a guide for fighting wars." His words conveyed a sense of wisdom and experience, urging Nomus to consider his advice carefully.

Nomus's annoyance was now evident as he retorted to Vectivous's remark. "I know that, Master. I have never lost a battle as a commander. I am well aware of what I am doing," he said with a firm tone. Vectivous's statement had questioned his abilities as a navy commander, and Nomus was not going to let that slide.

Vectivous raised an eyebrow at Nomus's response, clearly taken aback by his tone. "I see," he said slowly, "but may I remind you that your victories on Felucia and Lianna were not solely due to your efforts. Luck was undoubtedly a significant factor, was it not?"

Nomus's anger flared up at Vectivous's implication that his victories were based solely on luck. "With all due respect, Master, I must disagree. I put an enormous amount of effort and planning into those missions. My troops were well-trained and prepared for any eventuality. Luck may have played a role, but it was my strategic planning and leadership that ultimately led to our victories."

Vectivous's expression softened as he listened to Nomus's passionate defense. "I understand your point of view, Nomus. But I must caution you not to rely solely on your previous successes. Each battle and situation is unique, and it is crucial to approach them with a clear and open mind. Arrogance and overconfidence can lead to failure."

Nomus winced inwardly, feeling his pride wounded by Vectivous' words. He knew that his victories on Felucia and Lianna were hard-earned and well-deserved, not mere strokes of luck. But he also knew better than to argue with his master, so he kept his retort to himself and listened attentively.

"I have studied the battle, Nomus. Hegeto's decisions were questionable, and you gave him more than one chance to turn the tide. A series of coincidences, referred to as "luck," ultimately granted you victory. While your use of the secret hyperspace route was indeed clever, it was not the deciding factor in your success," Vectivous explained, his tone serious.

As they walked in silence, Vectivous appeared to be admiring the historic site while Nomus mulled over his master's criticism. Suddenly, Nomus's commlink buzzed, and they both stopped in their tracks. Vectivous looked at Nomus expectantly, and Nomus quickly fumbled to answer the call, knowing that only Darth Karath had permission to contact them.

"What is it?" Nomus asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"Darth Vectivous, Security Director Mogslauth has tried to contact you upon the Indiquidator. He is on his way to Balmorra for an important matter and will arrive at the fleet in half an hour," Darth Karath explained through the commlink.

"No," Vectivous said firmly, causing Nomus to look at him curiously.

"I have no interest in meeting with the director. Nomus, you will go ahead and report what the director has to tell me. I am quite well occupied here on Balmorra," Vectivous continued, his voice tinged with annoyance.

Nomus breathed a quiet sigh of relief. This was a chance to leave and take care of more pressing matters. "Yes, Master," he said respectfully, pressing the button on his commlink to respond. "Vectivous ordered me to meet with him. I will make my way to the command center. Prepare a shuttle," Nomus commanded, speaking into the commlink.

"Yes, my Lord," Darth Karath replied.

"I will send another speeder to pick you up, Master," Nomus said, turning to Vectivous.

"Yes, and I will require your commlink," Vectivous said, holding out his hand.

He turned to Vectivous and nodded before hesitantly handing over his commlink. With a small sigh, Nomus turned away from his master and started to make his way to the speeder, navigating the littered streets of Sobrik. He was eager to leave and attend to more pressing matters.

Reaching the speeder, Nomus climbed in and took a deep breath. Nomus couldn't help but feel a bit stung by the criticism. However, he also knew that Vectivous was a perfectionist and would only accept the best from his subordinates.

Nomus entered the office and greeted Security Director Carvo Mogslauth of the IIA, who had arrived just a few minutes prior. They met on the lower level of the bridge, in a spacious and well-furnished office. "Director," Nomus said respectfully, nodding his head in greeting.

"Darth Nomus, I have information you might want to hear," the director said, rising from his chair and gesturing towards a holographic screen in front of them.

Curious, Nomus approached the screen and studied it intently. "Yes, what do you have for me?" he asked, eager to hear what the director had discovered.

"On Korriban, I was informed of a development that might help you with your battle here," the director began. "An agent reported Republic troop movements away from Kuat and refocusing around Brentaal and Trellen."

Nomus's interest was immediately piqued, his mind racing as he considered the implications of the director's information. If what he was hearing was true, it would suggest that the Republic had retreated from Kuat and was now focusing its defensive efforts elsewhere. The thought of the Republic abandoning Kuat was tantalizing; this was the opportunity they had been waiting for.

A smile crossed Nomus's face as he realized that this could be the chance they needed to finish off the Republic. He turned to the Director, his eyes filled with curiosity and skepticism, and his voice calm and measured.

"This is valid information? Is the source trustworthy?" he questioned, wanting to ensure the credibility of the report. The director replied confidently, "Indeed, this agent holds a high rank in the Republic Navy and has consistently provided credible information. I have no reason to doubt the legitimacy of this report."

Nomus took a moment to process the information, his mind racing with possibilities. This could be the chance they had been waiting for. "I must inform Darth Vectivous immediately," he declared, turning to leave and walking briskly towards the door. However, something stopped him in his tracks, and he spun around with a newfound sense of determination. Did he have to inform Vectivous?

"Thank you, Director," he said, giving the director a nod of gratitude. "Do not mention this to anyone," he added, emphasizing the importance of keeping the information under wraps.

Admiral Coros stood at attention, trying to make sense of the orders he had just received from Nomus. The sudden shift in the Republic's troop movements was a significant development, and if the information was accurate, it presented an opportunity for them to make a decisive strike against Kuat. However, he was conflicted. He knew that they should inform Darth Vectivous, who was their both superior, before making any major decisions.

"Darth Nomus, may I respectfully suggest that we inform Darth Vectivous of this information before we make any further moves?" Admiral Coros asked hesitantly, standing at attention.

Nomus's expression grew stern, and his voice was firm as he replied, "We cannot afford to waste any more time. We must strike now while we have the advantage. I have already made the decision, and I expect you to carry out my orders."

Admiral Coros took a deep breath, trying to control his unease. He was used to following orders, but this felt different. He was well aware of the consequences of disobeying a Darth, but he also knew the importance of informing their superior, especially if that was the Emperor, of any significant changes on the battlefield. However, the memory of his previous victories and the determination in Lord Nomus's voice ultimately won him over. He gave a crisp salute and turned to the communication's officer. "Inform the fleet to ready their weapons," he ordered. "We are attacking Kuat."

As the orders were given, the bridge erupted into a flurry of activity. Officers rushed to their stations, barking orders and frantically pressing buttons. The sounds of alarms and the hum of engines filled the air, and the lights on the control panels flickered in an ominous rhythm.

Darth Nomus stood resolutely at the heart of the bridge, his unwavering gaze locked on the dynamic holo display that depicted the Sith fleet's movement. The prospect of attacking the Republic's largest shipyard was both exhilarating and daunting, but he was determined to see it through. As he watched the blips on the screen converge and coalesce into a unified mass, he steeled himself for the battle ahead. Suddenly, the Indiquidator roared to life, its engines spewing as the black vacuum of space turned into a trail of vibrant blue lines crossing from bow to aft as the ship disappeared into the unknown depths of hyperspace, hurtling towards Kuat.

Chapter 26:

"The battle was lost, and I am on my way back to Kuat, Admiral. Just as you ordered," the recently promoted Rear Admiral, now Vice Admiral Amar of the 6th Fleet, said, "But I must say, even if I had intended to win the battle, it would not have been a decisive victory. I propose great caution, Admiral."

Admiral Hegeto's eyes lingered on the transmission before him, his expression unreadable. "So, I've heard," he replied coolly. "Upon your arrival at Kuat, station your fleet at the rear as reserves. I shall take command of the 2nd Fleet at the front. I anticipate their arrival soon enough." With that, the hologram flickered out, and Hegeto made his way to the bridge.

As he strode toward the bow of the bridge, Hegeto's gaze was drawn to Jedi Master Kaya Taroh, who stood with her hands clasped behind her back, staring pensively into the starry expanse. He approached her, his expression betraying no hint of emotion.

"How can you be certain that Master Karr will attack?" Kaya asked, her expression creased with worry.

Hegeto's lips curled into a wry smile as he looked away for a moment before fixing his eyes on hers. "It's quite simple. He won't," he said cryptically. Kaya's confusion only deepened, unsure of what he meant. Sensing her confusion, Hegeto began to explain.

"A few months ago," Hegeto started, his voice laced with excitement, "we discovered an imperial spy in our midst. He held the rank of commodore and had been relaying critical Republic troop movements to the Sith. After his arrest, our Strategic Intelligence Service had a clever idea to keep the Sith in the dark. We continued sending status updates. However, the problem was, we only had a receiver and no transmitter.

Hegeto paused for effect before continuing, "That was until an archaeologist working for the Jedi Order stumbled upon a working Sith transmitter device within a crashed ship. The transmitter was the key to us now being able to send false information instead of just status confirmations."

With a proud smile, Hegeto recounted how he had seized the opportunity to deceive the Sith. "When I was informed of this development, I immediately sent information suggesting that Republic forces had retreated from Kuat to a more defensible position. To reinforce this, I also dispatched the 6th Fleet to Balmorra and handed over some parts of the Mid and Inner Rim, which we will, of course, recover. All of this further solidified the illusion of retreat."

"Now obviously, Vectivous won't believe this but…,"

"Nomus will," Kaya finished his sentence; her eyes widened in realization. The admiral nodded in agreement, his face glowing with pride and satisfaction.

"That's right. Nomus will take the bait," Hegeto's voice oozed with pride. "From what you told me about him and from what I have observed myself, he is hungry for power and recognition, always eager to prove himself, especially to someone like Darth Vectivous. And with the false intelligence suggesting that Kuat is free of Republic fleets, he'll jump at it, seeing it as an opportunity too good to ignore. And that's precisely what we want".

Kaya looked at the admiral with a newfound sense of admiration. Perhaps she had underestimated his strategic acumen, and she couldn't help but feel proud of her colleague's cunning and resourcefulness.

"Admiral, I'm impressed. You have certainly taken my analysis to heart," she said, her tone filled with admiration. "However, this is a bold move. Are you sure it will work? What if Vectivous intervenes and stops Nomus from attacking? He is, after all, the Emperor."

Admiral Hegeto shrugged, still remaining calm and collected. "Of course, there is always a risk. We can't be sure this will work, but it is our best chance. Besides, it's a calculated risk. If everything goes according to plan, we'll have both Vectivous and Nomus in chains. Or, well, whatever you plan to do with them," he added, looking at Kaya with a curious grin. However, Kaya remained pensive, her thoughts and plans hidden from Hegeto's probing gaze.

"May the Force be with us," Kaya offered as a farewell, her face alight with determination. She turned her back to the admiral, her cloak flowing behind her as she made her way to the bridge's exit. Hegeto watched her depart, feeling a newfound respect for his colleague's strength of character. "May the Force be with us, indeed," he echoed to himself, his eyes scanning the inky blackness of space beyond the bridge's viewport. The potential impact of their actions on the war's outcome weighed heavily on him, but his conviction in their plan gave him a sense of purpose and focus.

As the Imperial fleet drew closer to Kuat, Nomus couldn't help but feel a sense of tension building within him. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in some time, yet he couldn't shake the excitement that coursed through his veins. As the ship exited hyperspace, Nomus was greeted with the sight of a vast Republic armada awaiting their arrival. The sheer size and power of the enemy force took him aback, leaving him momentarily speechless. The information that he had received was clearly false, and he had been duped.

Nomus watched as the Republic fleet began deploying its starfighters, and a quiet curse escaped his lips. The realization that he had led his forces into a trap was a bitter pill to swallow, but he knew that he couldn't back down now. He would have to rely on his own tactical prowess and the skill of his fleet if he hoped to come out of this victorious, or at least, alive.

Nomus was not one to shy away from a fight. He was known for his bravery and determination, and he demonstrated these qualities as he barked orders to his crew to man their stations and deploy starfighters in the face of the overwhelming Republic armada. "This was still winnable," Nomus thought to himself. "It had to be…"

The battle was instantly intense, with laser beams crisscrossing the void of space as starfighters, bombers, and frigates swooped and swerved, exchanging fire. The orbital ring shipyards surrounding Kuat added to the chaos by unleashing their own barrage of fire, making the situation even more dire for Nomus and his fleet.

As Nomus surveyed the scene, he saw the Karlo, the flagship of the Republic's 2nd Fleet, led by Admiral Hegeto, whom he had faced before at Felucia and twice over Lianna. Hegeto used his expertise to great effect, directing his ships to target critical areas and protect the less armored vessels. Nomus also sensed the familiar presence of another, perhaps even stronger than Hegeto.

The Republic ships pressed forward, and the Imperial capital ships, including the Indiquidator, were quickly overwhelmed. Imperial Harrowers fired upon the Republic corvettes, while the smaller Republic frigates swarmed around them, firing relentlessly. Explosions and the screeching of metal filled the air, creating a chaotic symphony of destruction. As the battle wore on, it became clear that the Republic was gaining the upper hand, picking off Imperial ships one by one and gradually overwhelming their defenses.

"My Lord, we are being overrun. We must retreat!" Coros exclaimed urgently, his voice betraying a sense of panic. Nomus knew the battle was lost, but it was still difficult to admit it. His defeat felt like a personal failure, a blow to his pride and his ambition.

Finally, he gave in to the inevitable and spoke in a sorrowful and almost tearful tone, "Go on." Coros nodded and quickly made his way to the bridge, barking orders to the crew to prepare for an emergency jump to hyperspace. The ship shuddered as the engines roared to life, and within seconds, they were engulfed in a bright blue light as they jumped away from the battlefield. Nomus felt a sense of shame and frustration wash over him as he watched the stars blur past, the echoes of the battle still ringing in his ears. He knew he would have to answer to Vectivous for this failure, and the thought made him feel sick to his stomach. However, even Vectivous had his limits. Perhaps he wouldn't be as forgiving. But what choice did he have?

As the ship dropped out of hyperspace, Nomus could see Balmorra looming large in the viewport. The once-proud Imperial fleet was in shambles, with many ships damaged or destroyed in the previous battle. The pursuing Republic fleet was closing in fast, and Nomus knew they were in for a fight. He could feel the tension in the air as Admiral Coros barked out orders to the crew, their voices echoing through the bridge.

Nomus stood at the front of the bridge, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan. He knew that they were in a precarious situation, and that any misstep could lead to their complete destruction. He could feel the weight of responsibility bearing down on him, and he knew that the fate of the empire rested on his shoulders. He knew that it would be difficult to mount a successful defense, especially with their damaged fleet.

"Admiral, we may be damaged, but we are not defeated. We will stand our ground and fight to the last ship. We will not let the Republic defeat us today. Form a defensive formation and prepare for their attack. And remember, we fight for the Empire!"

With those words, Nomus felt a surge of energy flow through him. He knew that the battle ahead would be difficult, but he was ready to face it head on. He stood tall, his eyes fixed on the space before him, awaiting the Republic fleet.

"Jump to Balmorra right away!" Admiral Tim Hegeto ordered, seeing the damaged Imperial fleet retreating. Standing beside him, Jedi Master Kaya observed the admiral's command with a mixture of respect and curiosity. She had watched Hegeto as he yelled out orders during the fight. Although the fight was won due to the Republic's superiority in numbers, both sides suffered similar losses.

The ship jumped into hyperspace, the bridge going silent for a moment. "Upon our arrival, I will take a few Jedi and board the Indiquidator. I expect you to give aerial support," Kaya suggested, her tone betraying a hint of firmness.

"Master Jedi," Admiral Hegeto interjected, "such an action is quite unnecessary. Why not simply destroy the ship and be done with it?"

"Admiral," Kaya replied with unwavering conviction, "I am not here to take lives but rather to bring Niktor and Master Karr to justice. Alive. Starting with Nomus." Kaya stated firmly. Admiral Hegeto let out a sigh, conceding the argument.

"By all means, Master Jedi. I extend to you my unwavering support". Hegeto couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow as he watched Kaya depart, knowing the danger she was about to face. He only hoped that she would return victorious.

As the door of the gunship slid open, Kaya's gaze fell upon a line of twenty Jedi Knights standing at the ready. Accompanied by the stalwart presence of two fellow Jedi Masters, Quarren Dhoe Dan and Snivvian Switzereel Suuk, Kaya was surrounded by an assembly of skilled warriors eager to join the fray. Inside the gunship, Kaya took a seat as the copilot while Master Suuk flew the ship. The other Jedi took a seat in a row of seats behind them, with a few left standing. As the engines turned on and the gunship lifted off to exit the Karlo's hangar, a dozen or so FT-14 Starfighters joined them as they exited to escort the gunship to its destination, since it was a prime target for Sith attacks. As the gunship made its way towards the Sith fleet, Kaya observed the frantic movements of the enemy ships as they hastily arranged themselves into a defensive formation, with some vessels still scrambling to take their designated positions.

Despite their attempts at organizing themselves, Kaya could see the chaos and confusion reigning within the enemy ranks. She could sense their fear, which only made her more determined to carry out her mission. With a deep breath, Kaya closed her eyes and reached out with the Force, ready to confront Nomus. As she opened her eyes, she saw that they were rapidly approaching their target, the Indiquidator.

The gunship started shaking as point defense canons started firing at it, but Master Sukk's reflexes were too fast for the Sith, as he deftly navigated the gunship through the incoming fire. The gunship began its descent towards the enemy ship, steadfastly pushing forward towards its target. With high speed, the ship shot past the Indiquidator's canons, the ship shaking from the momentum. The gunship passed into the gap between the Harrowers' two prongs, extending to form the bow of the ship.

At the end of the gap, the two prongs joined to form the Indiquidator's hangar bays. As the ship descended into the hangar, it slowed down tremendously and landed in the hangar.

As the gunship's door opened, Jedi started flooding out, taking out the Sith soldiers, with more entering the hangar. Kaya stood up from the copilot's chair, and together with Master Suuk she left the gunship. Together with Master Suuk, and two other Jedi Knights, she made her way towards a large door.

Two Sith soldiers exited the door, shooting at her. She quickly drew her lightsaber, the green shimmer illuminating her robe. She deflected the laser fire in the direction it came from, hitting one soldier square in the chest. The other soldier managed to dodge the shot and fired again and again. Every time Kaya deflected the shot until she finally gave him a force push. The soldier hit the wall and went unconscious.

As they progressed down the sprawling corridor, increasingly numerous soldiers converged upon them. Kaya sought to subdue the soldiers with non-lethal force, striving to minimize casualties. However, she observed Master Suuk exhibiting a different approach. With swift and decisive movements, he cut down their opponents with deadly precision. For Kaya, this was a deviation from her own values as a Jedi. She wasn't a soldier after all. But for Master Suuk, it was simply the manifestation of his training and expertise in combat.

As they came closer to the Indiquidator's bridge, a few Sith appeared in front of them, drawing their own lightsabers, blocking the elevators leading to the bridge. The Sith advanced towards them, five in total. They weren't Sith Lords; some of them could have been acolytes. One of the Sith jumped at Kaya, a Sith scream pummeling her eardrums. She blocked his primary strike, but the Sith continued with more and more powerful strikes. She parried every one and went on the offensive. The Sith defended with great precision.

In the corner of her eye, she saw that Master Suuk had already disposed of two of the attackers; now aiding the two other Jedi Knights, who were struggling with the other Sith. After a few strikes towards the Sith, she managed to strike at his lightsaber. The Sith miscalculated, and half of his lightsaber along with his thumb flew off. The Sith fell to the group, yelping and stumbling aback.

"Surrender," Kaya demanded, pointing her lightsaber at his chest. The Sith looked at her quizzically; he was probably indoctrinated to believe whatever lies the Sith said about the Jedi. All of a sudden, the Sith pushed out a powerful force blow. Kaya tried to block his attack using her own force abilities, but she was still pushed a meter back while the Sith jumped. Then, as the Sith jumped towards her, he was suddenly blown against the wall with incredible force. She heard an awful plump as the Sith's skull cracked, leaving him instantly dead. Behind her, Master Suuk emerged, his hand still in front of him, revealing he had pushed the Sith away.

"Thank you, but I had it under control," Kaya told Master Suuk.

"I know. But we have a bit of pressure after all," Master Suuk said.

Kaya gave a thankful nod. As Kaya turned her head, she could also see the two Jedi Knights lying ahead. Next to the Jedi's corpses were the bodies of the other four Sith. Kaya felt a short burst of sorrow and compassion wash over her as she took in the sight of the fallen Jedi Knights, taking a deep breath to steady herself, before continuing forward to the elevators.

As Kaya and Master Suuk approached the elevator that would take them to the bridge of the Indiquidator, she felt a mix of fear and determination. They stepped into the elevator, silently drawing their lightsabers but not igniting them. The doors closed with a soft hiss, and the elevator began its ascent to the bridge. Kaya could feel her heart racing as they approached their destination. Nomus was once a close friend, a fellow Padawan who had chosen the path of the dark side. Now he was a powerful Sith Lord, determined to destroy everything Kaya held dear.

As the elevator doors opened, Kaya and Master Suuk saw a sea of bodies on the floor. But to Kaya's surprise, these bodies were Imperial troops, officers, and crew. In the middle of the bridge was an officer in an admiral's uniform. All of them had been stabbed or sliced by a lightsaber.

As Kaya looked at the front of the bridge, she saw Nomus looking outside of the window, lightsaber still in hand.

"Niktor!" she yelled towards him. Nomus jolted his head, eventually turning towards her.

"So, it was you, Kaya. I convinced myself that you didn't have the guts to face me," Nomus said, his face whiter than she remembered. His face was malicious, but his expression was surprisingly devoid of evil. His body was covered by a black robe, under which a layer of armor revealed itself.

"You caused this carnage? Your own men? Why?" Kaya asked him, ignoring his taunt.

"Why?" Nomus repeated Kaya's question with a hint of disdain. "Admiral Coros and his crew failed me in every way. I will not tolerate insubordination, especially not when the fate of the Empire rests in the balance. They brought this upon themselves," he explained, his voice cold and calculated.

Despite his ruthless words, there was a certain emptiness in his eyes, as if he were only going through the motions of a long-practiced script.

"You attacked Kuat. You lost the battle. You murdered these people, as you murdered billions of others. Under your orders, entire planetary systems suffer. You have committed incredible war crimes, and you will stand trial for those atrocities," Kaya responded.

"Trial? How quaint, Kaya," Nomus sneered, his eyes alight with a hint of dark amusement. "Also. How is it that you don't have the guts to face me alone, and you bring me this Jedi council pet?" Nomus said, looking at Master Suuk.

"Master Suuk, I need you to wait outside," Kaya said, turning to the Snivvian Jedi Master. "I can handle this."

But Master Suuk was not pleased with her request. "Are you sure, Master Taroh? He is dangerous and unpredictable. It would be wise to have backup."

"I appreciate your concern, but I need to do this alone. Please, wait outside". Kaya's tone was firm and resolute, and Master Suuk eventually relented with a nod of his head before turning and leaving the bridge. Kaya then turned back to Nomus, her gaze steady and unwavering. "I am not afraid to face you, Nomus. I am here to bring you to justice."

"How sweet of you. Hmm, do you remember who always won our duels? Do you?" Nomus said, a gloating smile on his face. "It was me, Kaya; it was always me. I am the warrior here," Nomus's smile disappeared, replaced by an evil glare.

Kaya ignited her lightsaber and pointed it at Nomus, "Last chance, Niktor, surrender."

"My name is Darth Nomus, and I'm tiring of this talk," Nomus raised his hand, a sharp stream of lightning shooting towards her. She skillfully deflected the force of the lightning with her lightsaber, but its immense power compelled her to take a step back. Undeterred, Nomus continued his assault, hurling objects at her as he advanced. Kaya gracefully dodged these obstacles, her steps carefully measured as she retreated. As Nomus jumped into the air, his dark aura seemed to grow, and he ignited his lightsaber mid-flight. He descended upon Kaya with a swift and powerful strike, forcing her to defend herself with all her might. The sound of their lightsabers clashing echoed throughout the room, a testament to the ferocity of their battle.

Despite Nomus's formidable skill and prowess, Kaya stood her ground, determined to match him blow for blow. The room reverberated with the clash of their weapons, the sound of each strike filling the air. Nomus launched ferocious attacks, which Kaya deftly parried, trying to seize the opportunity to counterattack, but Nomus never misstepped.

Suddenly, she felt herself losing her grip and looked for a way out. She needed to contact Master Suuk for help. She had underestimated Nomus in his power. As she grew increasingly unsteady and made costly errors, Nomus seized the opportunity to launch a surprising Force push at her.

The powerful blast sent Kaya flying backwards, causing her lightsaber to slip from her grasp as she hit the ground with a thud. Nomus advanced towards her. She was still recovering from the impact as Nomus raised his lightsaber, ready to strike the final blow.

Kaya braced herself, closing her eyes to find inner peace. Despite the dire situation, a smile played across her lips as past memories flooded her mind, memories of their time together as Padawans and the bond they had shared.

But to her surprise, nothing happened. She opened her eyes again, stunned at the sight of Nomus hesitating. His weapon hovered inches away from her, and she could see a glimmer of recognition in his bright blue eyes. All traces of evil seemed to have been washed away, as if he were suddenly struggling with the act of striking her down.

Kaya sensed a flood of memories rushing into Nomus's head, reminding him of the close bond they once shared as friends. In that moment, Kaya knew that their connection was stronger than the darkness that consumed Nomus.

Nomus's lightsaber dropped to the ground, his face free of the hate and darkness he had been engulfed in before. Kaya used her right hand to slowly reach for her lightsaber as Nomus was distracted. She had to be careful. Despite the turn of events, Nomus was still a formidable opponent.

With her left hand, Kaya exerted a force push on Nomus, using the force to grip her lightsaber with her other hand. She ignited it, and the bright green blade towered over the now defeated Nomus.

The roles were now reversed. Kaya, once the one in danger, now stood as the victor over her former friend. But despite her victory, Kaya's heart ached at the thought of the bond they once shared being shattered by the darkness that consumed Nomus. She hoped that there was still a chance for Nomus to be redeemed and that he would someday find his way back to the light.

Kaya's heart raced as she tried to catch her breath, the adrenaline from the fight still coursing through her veins. She looked up at Nomus, her former friend turned enemy, confused by his sudden change of heart. His eyes held a flicker of something she couldn't quite place. Was it remorse? Regret? She struggled to comprehend what had just happened and why Nomus had spared her life.

"Why…? Why didn't you kill me?" Kaya asked, panting; struggling to form words.

Nomus swallowed hard, his hands shaking slightly. "I... I don't know," he repeated, his voice still hesitant. "It's like something inside of me just stopped me from striking you down."

Kaya could see the conflict in his eyes—the struggle between the darkness and the light. She extinguished her lightsaber, sensing that Nomus wouldn't be a threat. She reached out a hand towards him, but he flinched away.

"Nomus, please," she said, her voice laced with desperation. "You don't have to keep living like this. I am here to help you. We can find a way to break free from the hold that Vectivous has on you."

Nomus shook his head, his eyes filled with despair. "It's too late for me, Kaya. I'm too far gone. I've done too many terrible things to ever be redeemed. And anyway, what chance would the Jedi give me. A few minutes ago, you were telling me how badly you wanted me to stand trial."

Kaya could see the pain etched on Nomus's face, and she felt a pang of sadness in her heart. She understood his doubts and fears, but she couldn't give up on him just yet.

"Nomus, I believe in second chances," Kaya said softly, trying to convey her sincerity. "I know you've made mistakes, but that doesn't mean you're beyond redemption. The Jedi will give you a fair trial, and if you're truly remorseful for what you've done, they will take that into account."

Kaya knew that there was still a shred of goodness left inside of him, buried beneath the darkness that had consumed him.

Nomus looked at her, his eyes searching hers for any sign of deception. He sighed audibly, opening his mouth to speak when Master Suuk entered the bridge, rushing towards them, slowing as he saw Nomus on the ground.

"I sensed you were in distress; I feared I was too late," Master Suuk said.

"Yes, well, it's quite complicated," Kaya answered, forcing a small smile.

She picked up Nomus's lightsaber from the ground and attached it to her belt. "Could you bring him in? I need to take care of another matter," Kaya asked Suuk.

"Of course, Master Taroh. We have secured the rest of the ship, and a battalion of Republic forces has also come to take the prisoners," Master Suuk said, first looking down at Nomus then back at Kaya.

Kaya nodded, her gaze shifting between Nomus and Master Suuk. "Thank you," she said, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a hint of unease.

When Kaya looked at Nomus, she saw he was staring at her, "You're not serious, right? You're not thinking of confronting Vectivous?" Nomus said with a sarcastic chuckle, his face turning from quizzical to one of disbelief, "He will kill you, Kaya".

"I need to go," Kaya told Master Suuk, looking at him. She turned away from Nomus, heading towards the exit.

As Master Suuk knelt down to help Nomus to his feet, Nomus spoke up, his tone urgent. "Kaya, wait," he said, his hand gripping Master Suuk's arm to steady himself. "You can't go to Vectivous alone. He's too dangerous. You don't understand what he's capable of."

Kaya turned to face him; her expression serious. "I know exactly what he's capable of, Nomus," she replied, her eyes locking with his. "That's why I have to go. I can't let him get away with what he's done."

Nomus opened his mouth to protest, "You are no match for him. He's in a different league. And he won't hesitate…" but Kaya cut him off, her voice firm.

"I appreciate your concern, Nomus, but this is something I have to do, and I won't let you or anyone else stand in my way," she said, her voice unwavering. With that, she turned on her heel and strode purposefully towards the exit, her hand hovering over the hilt of Nomus's lightsaber at her side.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Kaya felt a sense of calmness wash over her. She had been trained by Vectivous for over a decade, and she had survived countless battles. She wasn't a warrior, but she knew how to fight, especially if that person was the one who trained her. She was confident in her abilities, and she believed that she may even reach Vectivous; make him reconsider his actions and surrender.

Chapter 27:

As Vectivous made his way towards the exit of the decrepit factory, he paused to take in the grandeur of this bygone marvel. He had ventured far into the depths of it, exploring the massive tunnel complex.

Despite the fact that the factory had long ceased its production of armaments, Vectivous couldn't help but be awed by the massive production lines and storage facilities. As he passed some shuttered reactors, he observed their obtuse angles and jagged edges. Round in shape, the reactors tapered off at the top into a metallic cone, with two imposing pipes extending from their sides and ending in seals. Time had taken its toll on the once-smooth metal, leaving rusted holes scattered throughout the pipes.

Vectivous was still struck by the notion that these machines had likely stood in the same position as they once did, even if they had been replaced several times over the centuries. With his knowledge of the factory's history, Vectivous found himself imagining what the place must have looked like in its heyday under Sith rule.

During his time exploring the massive complex, he had ventured through the command center, missile production areas, and various other facilities and factories, each taking time to fully discover and appreciate.

As Vectivous approached the exit of the factory, he passed by a former missile silo, its walls lined with empty shelves and rusting equipment. He couldn't help but imagine the deafening roar of missiles being launched from this very room, a testament to the power and might of the Sith Empire.

Continuing on, Vectivous soon came upon a tank production line, where once rows of armored vehicles would have rolled off the assembly line. The remnants of the machinery were now covered in a layer of dirt, pebble, and debris, but Vectivous could still envision the organized chaos that must have once dominated this area. He wondered at the ingenuity and technical prowess of the workers who had operated this facility, producing machines of war that would have struck fear into the hearts of the Empire's enemies.

With one final, lingering look behind him, Vectivous stepped through the exit and into the bright sunlight. However, his sense of peace was suddenly shattered by a feeling of unease. Before he could fully grasp the feeling, his commlink beeped.

Vectivous took the commlink from his belt. "Lord Karath," Vectivous said, pressing the button to speak.

"My Lord, I have tried to reach you," Karath said in a nervous tone. "Nomus has lost at Kuat, and the Republic is about to send an invasion force to the command center; we are under heavy bombardment."

Vectivous tensed, as if a thousand stinging insects had bitten him all at once. Fury boiled within him. "Who gave him permission?" he asked, his usually neutral tone now tinged with anger. But Vectivous already knew the answer to his question: Nomus had given himself permission without convening with him in the forehand. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fall into place in Vectivous's mind. The security director's urgent meeting, Nomus's defensiveness about his victory at Felucia, Darth Andeddu's escape, and the transmitter—they were all interconnected. Vectivous now saw the error in his plan—Nomus was the flaw. He had been a fool to place his trust in someone who was clearly lacking in judgment.

"My Lord, I was under the impression that you had known about Nomus's move," Karath said, his voice cracking, an audible tinge of fear in his voice. Vectivous looked at the sky, but it was a cloudy day, so he wasn't able to see the battle. However, he did hear the sound of another battle in the distance.

"Send a shuttle at once; I will command what's left of the fleet," Vectivous commanded.

"My Lord," Karath replied, his voice urgent. "The Indiquidator was boarded ten minutes ago, and we've had no communication since. The command base is under attack, and our anti-aircraft turrets are struggling to fend off their starfighters. An invasion force is expected at any moment."

Vectivous's expression grew grim at the news. His anger was about to boil, but he controlled his impulses, not letting his emotions get the better of him. He needed to act quickly and decisively to organize another fleet to defend his conquered territories. All hopes of a swift victory had been crushed. The fate of the New Sith Empire hung in the balance, and he was determined to emerge victorious.

"Stand firm to the end. I shall procure another vessel and assemble a fresh fleet to bolster your defense," proclaimed Vectivous while terminating the connection, acknowledging that his words contained falsehood, but recognizing their indispensability. His intent was to leverage the other taskforces to create a mid-rim defense, with unwavering resolve to ensure that Nomus's errors did not shape the fate of the ongoing conflict. As Emperor of the New Sith Empire and a proficient warrior, he refused to relinquish control of his realm to the whims of one inept subordinate.

In spite of his seventy-one years, Vectivous took off in a sprint towards an outpost situated not far away. Undeterred by his age, the Emperor surged forward towards an ancient stronghold known as Bugtown, located near Sobrik. The coordinates had been imprinted on his mind after perusing the holo map presented to him during his colloquy with Darth Karath.

With its historical importance, Bugtown was a well-known location to Vectivous. It was the sight of the Balmorran resistance command post in the days of the Great Galactic War. Vectivous hastened along a rough-hewn trail, surrounded by expansive, verdant meadows speckled with jagged peaks that loomed over the land. With the grace and swiftness of a much younger man, he navigated the perilous terrain, deftly sidestepping toxic marshes littered with discarded machinery and waste.

As he approached the camp, Vectivous spotted Republic scouts in the vicinity. Time was of the essence. With no hesitation, he swiftly dispatched the two scouts on a small hill who were attempting to contact their allies, snapping their necks. Vectivous winced as their bodies dropped soundlessly as Vectivous proceeded towards the base. This work was below him, and he felt dirty.

At the summit of the hill, Vectivous paused to survey the situation at the base. Nestled within a mountain, the entrance was well-guarded, with a wall and turrets surrounding it. He estimated that there were at least a hundred troops in the vicinity, including several Jedi, with another hundred soldiers likely bunkered inside. Adjacent to the base, a metallic structure serving as a hangar contained a ship.

Descending the hill, Vectivous made his way towards the front gate of the wall, which was not particularly high and could easily be hurdled over. With effortless grace, Vectivous raced towards the wall, the soldiers atop taking notice and signaling the entire base.

Despite the opposition's concerted efforts, Vectivous remained undeterred, evading the turret fire with ease and maneuvering through the chaos with uncanny agility. Upon reaching the wall, he sprang into the air, soaring over the defenses and landing with immense force, causing the ground to rupture like an earthquake as a massive force shockwave emanated from his being. The soldiers on either side of the wall were thrown to the ground, allowing Vectivous to dispatch them swiftly with a deft stab to the heart.

The turrets continued to rain down fire, but Vectivous moved with such unnatural speed and unpredictability that their shots missed him entirely. Vectivous leapt into the air, and the turret to his right struck the one to his left, resulting in a violent explosion.

Vectivous spirited over to the right turret and ignited his lightsaber to behead the guard at the turret, the guard's head falling on the floor with eyes wide open. The soldiers behind the wall were alerted and quickly converged on Vectivous. As he descended the steps, two soldiers stood in his path, but he deftly deflected their shots, striking one in the head and the other in the stomach.

Upon reaching the bottom, a soldier attempted to flank him from the left, but Vectivous impaled him through the heart with ease. Then, in front of him, three more guards appeared, firing their blasters at him. Vectivous pulled his lightsaber from the soldier's corpse, which slumped to the ground, and he deflected the incoming shots back at the soldiers. One of the soldiers was hit in the chest while the others took cover and avoided the blaster fire.

Vectivous advanced to the wall's exit, leading to a small plaza in front of the mountain base. Vectivous sensed the two soldiers standing on either side of the door, with more soldiers flocking towards it. A volley of blaster fire flooded into the entrance, with Vectivous elegantly dodging and deflecting every shot. Upon entering the door, he quickly snapped the necks of the two soldiers beside it who were just about to fire at him as he passed through. With a half-moon circle of twenty soldiers standing before him, Vectivous faced his attackers with determination. The troops were crouching behind barricades and walls, raining blaster fire on him. Without a moment's hesitation, Vectivous leapt toward the soldiers directly in front of him, one of whom was manning a heavy gun. His feet hit the ground as his lightsaber sliced through the first soldier, cutting him into two halves. He then spun around to decapitate another soldier behind him. Meanwhile, his left hand unleashed a burst of Sith force lightning at two soldiers on the other side, instantly electrocuting them. Now, the soldiers who were previously next to him have advanced behind him.

As more troops emerged from the base and closed in around him, Vectivous found himself completely surrounded. But he didn't falter. He jumped straight up, calling on the energy stored in the clouds to summon four dozen lightning strikes, which burst down around him, killing over a hundred of the attackers.

As his feet made contact with the ground, he felt a jolt of energy travel up his legs and into his body. He steadied himself with his left hand, which had a slight tremble from the aftershock. As he looked around, he noticed that the air was warm and thick, as the electricity he had just summoned converted into heat.

Two Jedi emerged from the door; their lightsaber ignited. Vectivous engaged them, firing a powerful lightning strike from his left hand towards one of the Jedi, while his right hand parried a blow from the other. The Jedi deflected his lightning but was irritated when Vectivous gave him a powerful force push that sent him flying ten meters away. With one Jedi temporarily out of the fight, Vectivous turned his attention to the other. Vectivous parried another strike to then subsequently counterattack, delivering multiple blows per second in a fierce and baleful advance. The Jedi had no option but to retreat.

In due course, Vectivous's strikes became too agile and swift for the Jedi to keep up with, and with a deft turn, Vectivous delivered a forceful kick to the Jedi's ribs. The Jedi was momentarily winded, and Vectivous capitalized on this opening to execute a quick sweep of his lightsaber, effectively beheading the hapless Jedi while he was still reeling from the pain.

Meanwhile, the other Jedi had regained his footing and charged towards Vectivous with renewed vigor. However, Vectivous was not intimidated and unleashed a powerful force push that sent the Jedi stumbling backwards. Undaunted, Vectivous charged forward, unleashing another burst of lightning from his fingertips. The Jedi raised his lightsaber in defense, but Vectivous used his momentum to deliver a fierce strike that left the Jedi staggered.

Struggling to parry Vectivous's relentless onslaught, the Jedi was caught off-guard by another force push and was sent hurtling backward, crashing into the wall and collapsing to the ground in a dazed heap. But Vectivous paid him no heed, calmly extinguishing his lightsaber and attaching it to his belt before striding purposefully towards the base. With a flick of his wrist, Vectivous brought an end to the Jedi's wretched existence.

Vectivous propelled himself through the door, his body moving with grace and power. He strode confidently down the corridor and reasserted his command of the force. As he moved deeper into the mountain base, he could sense the presence of his enemies. He could feel their fear and their desperation, and it only made him stronger. As he approached the end of the corridor, he saw a group of soldiers waiting for him. They raised their weapons, preparing to fire.

Vectivous didn't hesitate. He leapt into the air, flipping over the soldiers, his lightsaber flashing in the dim light of the base. He landed behind them, his lightsaber spinning; deflecting blaster bolts in every direction. The soldiers were no match for him. He moved like a blur, his lightsaber cutting through them with ease. In seconds, they lay dead at his feet. Vectivous glanced at the corpses as their muscles twitched for the last time.

Vectivous quickly looked over his shoulder, scanning the pathway to the hangar. He knew that a ship was located there, one that he could use to escape the base. As he approached the hangar, a few soldiers hastily prepared some device. One of the soldiers spotted Vectivous walking towards them and held up a small device in his direction.

"Stop there, Sith! We know you're after the fighters; we've rigged every fighter to explode once I press this button," the soldier demanded, his hand shaking in fear; his voice trembling. Vectivous slowed down but didn't halt.

"Stop! You have one more second," Vectivous didn't abide and continued walking slowly towards him. The soldier was about to say something when Vectivous deftly and decisively broke his neck with a flick of his wrist. The soldier crumpled to the ground as Vectivous shifted his attention to another soldier who had retrieved a device from his belt.

Vectivous felt his heart race as he struggled to reach the soldier through the force, his mind racing with frantic thoughts as he tried to avert the impending disaster. But his efforts were in vain, and he could only watch helplessly as the soldier activated the device, unleashing a cataclysmic explosion that engulfed the fighters and the group of soldiers stationed behind them.

The deafening roar of the explosion echoed through the hangar as a searing heat washed over Vectivous, threatening to overwhelm him. He felt his body tense up in response as his adrenaline surged, fueling his fury and rage. But even in the midst of this chaos, Vectivous remained steadfast, carefully regulating his emotions and preventing them from getting the better of him.

As the haze of crackling ozone slowly dissipated, Vectivous surveyed the carnage around him, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of life. The silence was punctuated only by the crackling of flames and the occasional groan of metal as the wreckage slowly cooled. It was a stark reminder of the ruthless nature of the conflict that engulfed the galaxy, a reminder that death and destruction were never far away.

Despite the turmoil within him, Vectivous remained calm and composed, his mind focused on the task at hand. And then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of movement—a fighter in the distance hurtling towards him with alarming speed. His senses sharpened as he assessed the situation, a familiar presence washing over him as he observed the fighter descending towards him.

Chapter 28:

Kaya made her way to the surface of Balmorra, piloting an Imperial starfighter taken from the Indiquidator's hangar. "Master Taroh, I urge you to reconsider going to the surface alone. At least let me send a battalion of troops or give aerial support," Admiral Hegeto pleaded over a holographic call.

"No, Admiral, I must proceed immediately. We know he's at the Bugtown base, and time is of the essence. Besides, I have no desire to kill him," Kaya responded, her tone petulant. "You're putting yourself in grave danger. What if Vectivous doesn't hesitate to kill you? What if he doesn't wish to be taken alive? There are too many unforeseen variables…" the admiral countered.

"Admiral," Kaya interrupted, "I have made up my mind. I will confront him".

The admiral stiffened, letting out an audible sigh. "Very well," his voice heavy with ruminative sorrow, "But, I will take action if I don't hear from you in an hour. I will not allow him to humiliate me again."

Kaya straightened in her chair, taking the ship into the atmosphere. "I need to go," Kaya said.

"Of course," Hegeto exhaled, "May the force be with you, Master Jedi."

Kaya looked at the hologram of Hegeto, a tint of worry in his eyes. "And with you, Admiral," Kaya replied before terminating the hologram.

She could already make out the base in the distance, a thick plume of black smoke billowing from its hangar. She decided to land in a small plaza in front of the base. As she drew closer, something caught her eye. She squinted, her heart racing as she realized that the plaza was strewn with the bodies of a hundred dead soldiers, some of them mutilated and dismembered. As she landed atop the battlefield, Kaya disembarked her starfighter and leapt to the ground. She quivered in horror at the gruesome sight that greeted her. Visibly trembling as she was almost frozen in shock, the corpses of the fallen soldiers littered the plaza, their bodies disfigured and torn apart. She could deduce who was responsible for this heinous act, but her mind refused to believe it.

She managed to take a few faltering steps forward until she sensed a powerful aura looming over her. Looking up, she beheld a cloaked figure standing before her, wearing a menacing black robe and a light armor beneath it. His face was obscured by a glowing mask. Kaya noted that his orange skin appeared pallid, even more so than she remembered. Before her stood Master Karr, a man she had believed to be dead for the past six years.

Vectivous chuckled at the sight of her, "Are you alone, Kaya?" Vectivous asked, his cold voice muffled through his mask sent a shiver down her spine, causing her lekku to twitch.

Kaya's voice trembled more than she expected as she asked, "What... happened to you?" She couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness as she took in Vectivous's appearance. He looked almost unrecognizable from the man she once knew.

Vectivous stared at her, his gaze piercing through her, even though she couldn't see his eyes beneath his goggles. "I see. You see me as a traitor, and..." he trailed off.

"No," Kaya cut him off, her voice powerful but filled with sadness. "No, I'm talking about this." She gestured towards a stack of bodies beside her. The sight of the fallen soldiers left her feeling sickened and angry.

Vectivous didn't even look in the direction she pointed and continued to stare at her. "Yes, these soldiers were in my way. They needed to be… disposed of," Vectivous declared, his tone unapologetic.

"In your way?" Kaya asked, her voice quizzical. "In your way to subjugate the galaxy? How did you become… this?" She gestured again towards the bodies, her emotions threatening to spill over.

"You misunderstand," Vectivous said, his voice calm and measured. "You believe some torture or mind control changed me. However, you are mistaken. This was always me; you just never saw it. Not even I myself realized my true nature."

Kaya shook her head in disbelief. "That's not possible. You are not the man I idolized my entire life," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "You killed billions. You have ordered genocides."

"It had to be done," Vectivous said with a sigh, as if he had explained this a thousand times before. "Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good."

Kaya looked at him with horror, unable to comprehend how he could justify his actions. She took a step back, distancing herself from him.

"I am not a monster, Kaya," Vectivous said, his voice steady and devoid of emotion. "I do not take pleasure in killing these people. But the fate of the galaxy rests on my shoulders, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure its survival."

"Ridiculous!" she exclaimed, her emotions getting the better of her. "You ordered dozens of worlds to be devastated for some... diversion. The empire you rule enslaves entire races!"

Vectivous' response was calm and measured. "Slavery is a natural part of life. Biology works in the same way. Applying it to a sentient society changes nothing."

Kaya refused to accept what she was hearing. "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Why? Why are you doing this?"

"I saw the truth," he said.

"The truth," Kaya scoffed mockingly.

"Yes, the truth," Vectivous's tone shifted, his voice now imperious and commanding, losing its calm tone from before. "The truth that the Sith will be triumphant. The truth that only an empire focused on bringing stability and security over equality and frantic egalitarianism can bring lasting peace and prosperity to the galaxy. I have seen the Republic and its ineffective ways of governance. I have seen it for years. The corruption of a few, bringing suffering to trillions. The sacrifices I am making today will save countless people from suffering in all generations to come, you just can't see it."

"There will be no equality, no democracy, no rights. What…," Kaya answered, but Vectivous broke her off.

"And the Republic have democracy? Does the Republic have equality?" Vectivous declared, his voice rising. "Do you understand the extent of power wielded by the people? It's non-existent! The select few control everything—there's no democracy, no law, no order. The Republic is an oligarchy, the rule of a few, enforcing their corporative anarchy upon the galaxy. To be more precise, the Republic is a decrepit plutocracy. The rule of the ultra-wealthy. They slime themselves around your fingers, corrupting everyone and everything. They make you believe that you have a choice and a voice. I want to replace that system. What the galaxy really needs is for the wise to rule; the knowledgeable to be in charge. The galaxy needs a system based on merit. The galaxy needs the most capable to govern. The galaxy… It needs me." Vectivous stared at her, a shiver running down her spine. Kaya was at a loss for words, still in disbelief.

"You may not see it now, but we're on the same side," Vectivous continued. "The Sith Empire is just a vessel, nothing more. Once I've dealt with the Republic, the Sith will follow. The current suffering of the galaxy is only temporary."

A pregnant silence descended upon them, only the gentle breeze providing a moment of reprieve from the tension.

"I have no desire to kill you, Kaya." Vectivous continued, his voice now calm. "In fact, I appreciate your talent. That's why I'm giving you the chance to join me. Together, we can bring peace and order to the galaxy."

Kaya was taken aback by the unexpected proposition and stumbled backward, almost losing her balance.

"You can't seriously believe that…" Kaya replied incredulously, disbelief evident in her voice. "I would never join a traitor like you." Kaya declared.

Vectivous let out a deep sigh, disappointment evident on his face. "I reckoned you would say that. It's truly a shame."

Kaya's emotions threatened to overwhelm her. At this point, she didn't know what to feel or say. Vectivous seemed to pick up on her inner turmoil. "Oh, Kaya," he quipped sarcastically, igniting his crimson lightsaber. "Don't you remember your first lesson: there is no emotion, there is only peace."

Kaya mirrored his action, assuming a defensive posture.

"I will give you one chance, Kaya. Leave at once and step away from my transport. Kaya. I really do not want to kill you. But I will need that fighter. Step back and give it to me," Vectivous said, taking a few steps to circle around her. The hum of their lightsabers and the occasional burst of wind were the only sounds in the plaza. The distant ululation of some animal.

Kaya stood her ground, refusing to surrender. "No, I cannot let you leave. Surrender, and we may never have to fight," she replied, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline as she prepared for the impending battle. However, she was also plagued by a sense of unease and anxiety as she realized that she had just given Vectivous a way off the planet and that her own demise might be inevitable. Although, she thought. There might be one last chance. One last hope.

Vectivous attacked first, his lightsaber whirling towards Kaya. She deflected the blow, her lightsaber flashing through the air as she counterattacked. The two engaged in a fierce duel, their lightsabers clashing and sparking. As they fought, Kaya realized that her former master has grown a lot more powerful since they last met. His strikes were calculated, powerful, and relentless. But she knew how he fought, albeit with some new maneuvers she had not previously witnessed. However, he had trained her for years, teaching her the masterful sixth form of lightsaber combat, also called Niman.

Despite her best efforts, Kaya was forced to retreat as Vectivous relentlessly launched strong blows at her. However, he refused to let her go and used his telekinetic powers to pull her towards his lightsaber's path. Kaya quickly dove, narrowly avoiding the lethal blade by a mere millimeter. Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, she aimed for Vectivous's leg, but he swiftly shifted his lightsaber behind his back and pushed her away with his free hand.

Though thrown aback, Kaya regained her stance, bracing herself as Vectivous launched a powerful force lightning blow towards her. It was only a short burst, but she had to concentrate on deflecting it as she saw Vectivous jumping at her. She decided to hold her ground and parry the incoming strike. Vectivous' lightsaber clashed with hers. Both of them were exerting unnatural amounts of energy towards each other.

As Vectivous landed behind her, he exuded an intransigent determination that only added to the already intense atmosphere. Their lightsabers clashed once again, but this time Vectivous became more unpredictable, attacking from all directions with lightning-fast strikes. Kaya managed to hold her own, but she knew she couldn't keep this up forever. Although Vectivous was almost twice her age, his stamina was balefully exceptional.

He stroked at her upwards, to then turn, using his other hand for a short burst of lightning, to then use the accumulated force of his turn to swing his lightsaber down upon her. Kaya deflected the lightning with her own lightsaber but was unable to block the ensuing strike in time. In a split-second decision, she dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding a deadly blow. But Vectivous wasn't finished yet.

With the same hand that had just unleashed the lightning, he summoned a powerful force push that sent Kaya hurtling backward. She slammed against the wall of the plaza, disoriented and struggling to regain her footing. Before she could recover, Vectivous was upon her once again, their lightsabers clashing in a furious battle of skill and willpower.

Suddenly, Vectivous punched at her hand, and her lightsaber flew away as Vectivous grasped onto her, choking her while raising her up against the wall. Kaya fought back with all her might, struggling to shield her vulnerable throat and neck from his attacks. Despite his initial advantage, Vectivous soon realized that he couldn't simply snap her neck and switched to a different tactic.

He lashed out with his lightsaber in his free hand, aiming for Kaya's body. With lightning-fast reflexes, Kaya raised her hand for the incoming blow and absorbed the lightsaber strike with her bare hand using nothing but the tutaminis technique, absorbing the blade's energy.

Vectivous hauled himself back for another strike; this time he pushed her hands away from her body with his fingers, and into the wall as his lightsaber descended towards her once more. Kaya used the last of her strength to focus on the blade and divert it away from her lower body and towards the wall instead. With a sharp yank, Vectivous pulled his saber from the wall, the sound of metal grating against stone ringing in the air. He tightened his grip on the hilt, his knuckles turning white with the effort, and renewed his assault on Kaya. Pushing her harder against the wall, he exerted all his strength until she felt as if her skull would burst from the pressure.

Vectivous lunged forward once again, his blade slashing through the air with deadly intent. Kaya's heart raced as she braced herself for the impact, her body tensing, ready to defend herself. With a final, last-dich effort, she tried to grasp Nomus's lightsaber, still attached to her belt, to deflect the incoming strike, but her strength failed her, and the blade pierced her abdomen with a searing pain that radiated through her body.

As the agony washed over her, Kaya felt her strength begin to ebb away. She gasped for air as Vectivous withdrew his lightsaber from her abdomen. She clutched at the wound, feeling the warmth of her own burnt flesh. She fell to the ground, painfully turning herself onto her back to look up at the now cerulean sky.

Vectivous looked down at her, lowering himself onto one knee beside her. "I'm sorry, Kaya," he said, "I truly am. His voice barely audible over the hum of the lightsaber. "I didn't want it to end this way." Kaya looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears.

"You're a monster," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Vectivous shook his head, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "No, Kaya. I'm just a man—a man who has made some difficult choices. Choices that will lead the galaxy to prosperous glory."

Kaya coughed up blood, her vision blurring as she struggled to stay conscious. She knew that she was dying, and that there was nothing she could do to stop it. But as she looked up past Vectivous and at the sky, her face filled with a luminous smile. As she looked at Vectivous, she saw an odd look of confusion on his face.

"No," she chuckled, "you have lost." She smiled at him as his face darkened with realization.

In a split second, Vectivous propelled his hands into the air as an avalanche of turbolaser fire illuminated the sky. Vectivous raised a force shield just in time to protect himself from the onslaught. The shield glowed with an intense light as it absorbed the first wave of lasers, but it was not enough to withstand the full force of the barrage. The ground shook beneath their feet as the lasers impacted the surface, unleashing a symphony of deafening explosions.

Despite the chaos around him, Vectivous remained steadfast. He slowly stood up, his feet planted firmly on the ground; his arms raised to the heavens. The firestorm continued to rage, a never-ending deluge of laser fire that threatened to overwhelm him. But Vectivous was not one to give up easily. Using his mastery of the Force, he pushed back against the incoming tide of energy, holding it at bay with his sheer willpower.

As Vectivous pushed against the unrelenting onslaught of laser fire, the incoming barrage grew more furious and dense with each passing moment. The ships in orbit had joined the fray, their weapons adding to the inferno that raged around them. But despite the overwhelming odds, Vectivous refused to give in.

Kaya watched the chaos unfold with a small smile on her lips. She had sacrificed so much to reach this moment, but in the end, she had achieved her goal: stopping Vectivous at any cost.

The deafening explosions caused a strong gust of wind to sweep across the battlefield, propelling Vectivous a few centimeters into the ground. His cape fluttered around him, its fabric whipped by the howling winds. His goggles, once securely in place, had now loosened and eventually fell from his face, exposing his eyes to the toxic air.

Looking down at Kaya with anger in his eyes, Vectivous yelled, "What have you done, Kaya!?" A small tear formed in his exposed eye, only to evaporate in the searing heat that surrounded them.

Despite the blistering heat and unrelenting chaos that engulfed her, Kaya found a newfound inner peace within herself. The ground shook and ruptured beneath her feet as the relentless barrage of lasers battered the earth around them. Despite it all, she remained steadfast; resolute in her convictions.

Although Kaya had never imagined that the battle would culminate in such a catastrophic fashion, she had ultimately reconciled herself to this fate. As she drew her last, deep breath, a profound sense of contentment suffused her being, and her vision gradually faded to white. In that moment, she drifted off into the unknown, safe in the knowledge that she had fought with unwavering determination for what she believed in, achieving her ultimate goal of stopping Vectivous.

Epilogue:

The peace faction, which once held significant sway within the Senate, had now been completely dissolved. Recent victories at Kuat and Balmorra had bolstered the militaristic groups in the Senate and caused even the most reluctant Senators to abandon their hopes of negotiating a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Now, almost the entire Republic was clamoring for an all-out offensive that would decisively crush the Sith once and for all.

The impending election of the Supreme Chancellor loomed large, as it always did, given that the Jedi were the natural choice to fill this position. Following the catastrophic Massacre of Coruscant, the Jedi felt a heightened sense of duty to safeguard the Republic in a more profound and meaningful way. For years, it had been the convention to elect Jedi to the office of Supreme Chancellor through formal means. However, this tradition had now been codified into law, with the Senate having passed a temporary emergency measure that restricted the eligibility of this esteemed post solely to members of the Jedi Order. Such was the gravity of the situation that the Senate deemed it necessary to take this extraordinary step, entrusting the fate of the Republic to those who had vowed to protect it with their very lives.

Admiral Hegeto stood before the Senate with a heavy feeling in his heart as he gazed out at the sea of senators. They had gathered to celebrate the recent victories against the Sith Empire, but his mind was consumed by the memory of Jedi Master Kaya Taroh, who had made the ultimate sacrifice in the battle against Darth Vectivous. His eyes glimmered with sadness, but his voice rang out with conviction as he spoke.

He cleared his throat, "Honorable delegates," he began, his tone serious and determined, "we gather here today to honor the brave souls who have fought and fallen in the war against the Sith. Jedi Master Kaya Taroh gave her life in the fight against Darth Vectivous, but her sacrifice was not in vain. Her unwavering bravery and dedication have inspired us all, and it is because of her and the countless others who have fallen in this war that we stand here today celebrating these victories."

As he spoke, the room fell silent, the gravity of his words resonating with each senator. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he must say next.

"Master Taroh's last gift to us was the capture of a high-ranking Sith Lord, called Darth Nomus. His capture has given us valuable intelligence and has halted the Sith's plans, as well as dealt a major blow to their leadership. But we cannot forget that our work is not yet done. The Sith still pose a threat to our galaxy, and we must not rest until they are defeated. In recent weeks, we have achieved remarkable progress by reclaiming vast territories in the Mid and Inner Rims, effectively putting an end to Sith irredentism. Additionally, the death of Darth Vectivous and the apprehension of his second-in-command, Darth Nomus, have dealt a devastating blow to the Sith Empire, consolidating our power and enhancing our position. But we cannot become complacent. The Sith still pose a threat to our galaxy, and we must continue to fight for the peace and freedom of all sentient beings."

The applause continued to thunder through the Senate chamber, echoing off the walls and reverberating through the hearts of those present. The weight of the recent victories and the losses that led to them was palpable in the air. Admiral Hegeto stood tall, his chest swelling with pride at the recognition he had received. He had always been a soldier, driven by a need to protect and defend the Republic, but he had never expected to receive such accolades for his service.

As Supreme Chancellor Sion Takar approached him, Hegeto's heart rate quickened. "Admiral Hegeto," he said, a solemn expression on the Chancellor's face, "On behalf of the Senate and the people of the Republic, I want to thank you and your forces for your bravery and dedication in this war. We are in your debt, and we will continue to support you in the fight against the Sith."

Hegeto nodded, his expression remaining stoic and serious, but inside he was awash with emotion. He had fought for so long, against so many obstacles, to get to this point. To finally be acknowledged by the same people who had once tried to bring him down was a validation he had never expected to receive. The cheers and applause from the chamber only served to heighten the intensity of the moment.

As the session drew to a close, the Chancellor reminded everyone that the battle against the Sith was far from over. But even in the face of this warning, a sense of relief and hope filled the chamber. For the first time in a long time, Hegeto felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that the fight was far from over, but with the support of the Senate and the bravery of the Republic's leaders, victory was within reach.