The Sith Empire tightens its grip on the galaxy. The Galactic Republic and its Jedi defenders lie weakened and vulnerable after the Empire's successful military campaign.
With a fragile peace negotiated, the Empire sends all potential Sith to undergo cruel and deadly trials at its Academy on the harsh planet Korriban.
Today, one of the Empire's most promising young warriors, Zarek Veris, has been secretly summoned by an influential Overseer to face the dark side trials much sooner than expected...
Zarek was well-aware that his mother, Darth Imperius, intended to send him to the Sith Academy. However, being sent to Korriban earlier than expected caught him off guard; naturally, he couldn't refuse.
Being accepted into the Academy as an acolyte will help Zarek hide his relationship with his mother. His existence must be kept a secret from the Dark Council, for he is the hidden blade of Darth Imperius.
As his transport left the Harrower-class dreadnought in orbit, Zarek sighed while taking in Korriban's arid surface through the Imperial assault shuttle's window. The entire planet was covered in a mix of orange and red hues, with numerous dust storms tearing their way across the surface.
Korriban was the Sith homeworld. While the term Sith was identified as the dark side force user and their religion, it also had another meaning: a proud and violent ancient species.
Sadly the interbreeding with the Human Exiles and genetic manipulation altered the Sith species, throughout several generations, the original species became a hybrid race of Sith and Human heritage. Now, the term "Sith pureblood" refers to a Sith with above-average original Sith blood, retaining the qualities of the original race, such as cheek tendrils and red skin.
There were only four people aboard the shuttle: Zarek, the shuttle pilot, and two Imperial soldiers, who were his escorts.
The female soldier seemed to be the ranking officer; she wore a light gray overshirt and pants, the uniform of most officers, with little armor. The other one was a typical Imperial trooper, decked out with the stander dark gray armor with red stripes.
Zarek himself was wearing the attire sent from the Academy. An honorary garb of a Sith acolyte, dark gray and deep red clothes layered across his torso, it comes with a hood. The pants were black and made with the same material as the top.
Zarek also donned an acolyte mask to better hide his face and help him focus without outside influences.
"We're about to enter the atmosphere, sir," said the pilot of the shuttle. "It gets bumpy when we pass through, sir, if you could take your seat."
"Of course," Zarek said, the mask had a voice modulator that distorted his voice, making it sound more intimidating and powerful. Taking his seat beside the two soldiers of the Empire, Zarek gazed out the viewport of the Imperial assault shuttle.
The deeper reds and browns that were strewn across the planet signified the deep valleys and cliffsides that made Korriban what it is. Zarek can feel the immense dark power emanating from it.
"Will the Overseer meet me once we land?" Zarek asked the officer as he pulled up the hood and adjusted the air pressure of the mask.
"I believe so, sir," the officer said, turning her gaze to Zarek. "Our order is to bring you to the dock; you shall receive further instruction from the Overseer himself."
Though the rest of the trip had its bumps, it was predominantly quiet. Having nothing more to say to his escorts, Zarek doubted they could offer any words to ease the concern weighing on his mind.
He still didn't know why the Overseer had summoned him to Korriban early. Information was key to survival, but unfortunately, he had to fumble around in the dark.
His mother had indicated that his future Overseer was an ally of hers, although the Overseer didn't know Zarek's true identity, it should be no trouble whatsoever.
The Overseer that had contacted Zarek was particularly silent about why he arrived early. All Zarek knew was this Overseer had enough power and pulled a lot of strings to ferry him here in secret. Zarek realized this undertaking would be dangerous, but he didn't expect so many unknown factors.
"Sixty seconds till we land, sir," said the pilot over his flight helmet speaker. As the infamous Sith Academy appears on the horizon.
Good. Zarek thought to himself. It's about time to face the music…
Overseer Tremel stood waiting, he watched the shuttle descent, standing in a military-style stance, hands clasped behind his waist, Tremel watched his secret weapon finally arrive.
He knew the odds to had an acolyte from esteemed bloodlines, were rare even at the best of times, and the circumstances fit his timing perfectly, what an incredible stroke of luck.
He had gone to great lengths, and pulled in a few favors as well, to force accelerated this young man's arrival. If Zarek proved as useful as Tremel hoped, then it was worth the risk he had willingly placed upon himself.
The shuttle touched down on the landing pad with a gentle thud, the hydraulic hiss of the landing gear signaling their arrival. The two Imperial soldiers flanked Zarek as the boarding ramp lowered, revealing the gigantic and foreboding Sith Academy.
The centuries-old statues surrounded and towered over Zarek, he could sense the dark force energy saturating the area and he relished in it.
As they disembarked, a tall, lean figure emerged from the shadows, with dark skin contrasted by short grey hair, and his dark clothes billowing in the hot desert wind. It was Overseer Tremel, the man responsible for Zarek's early arrival.
"At last you've arrived. Good, good." Tremel stated as eyes locked on the Zarek, trying to read him past the mask. "There is much to do and every moment is critical."
Zarek waved off the Imperial soldiers, dismissing them with a curt gesture. "Leave us," he commanded, and the two soldiers bow slightly in respect to Zarek before retreating to the shuttle. Zarek walks down the ramp of the landing platform, Straight toward the Overseer.
"I'm Overseer Tremel. For decades, I've administered the trials that prove who is and is not worthy to join the Sith Order." Tremel declared, "The trials are a chance to weed out the weak. Those who face them either survive and become Sith, or die." Judging by Tremel's tone It was not a threat, but a warning.
"I'm Zarek, and mark my words," Zarek said, the voice modulator made his voice filled with determination and sheer will, "I am destined to be Sith."
"It wasn't destiny that brought you here," Tremel said, turning and start walking, indicating Zarek to follow. "Yes, you are here and ahead of schedule because of me. I expect you to obey."
As they walk toward the main gate, Overseer Tremel continues the conversation, "Lord Imperius insure me that you are an offspring of an esteemed bloodline, I may not know which bloodline, but her words are enough for me."
Zarek suppresses a laugh, wondering if Overseer Tremel learned whose child Zarek is, or rather who his father is, will he still summon him earlier?
"Lord Imperius has been my long-time benefactor," Zarek clears his throat, says. "I shall aid her ally by any means, Overseer."
The Overseer nodded in satisfaction. "Good. You face your trials, you serve me, and I will make you the most powerful acolyte here."
"Sounds like a plan, Overseer. I look forward to it." Zarek smirked under his mask. He doubts there would be any difficulty in the academy that he can't handle.
He studied the Sith Code extensively since the moment he can read, Zarek also received extremely harsh Force and lightsaber duel training at a very young age, from his mother and her apprentice Ashara Zavros.
Zarek followed the weathered Overseer through the main gates. "The trials themselves are difficult enough, but they are hardly the greatest threat you face." Tremel said, "There's an acolyte here named Vemrin. He's your enemy, and he will try to kill you. We must prepare you."
With narrowed eyes, Zarek couldn't help but question the situation. He had just arrived at Korriban, yet people were already targeting him. "How is it I already have an enemy, Overseer?"
"All you need to know is that you are a threat to him, and he to you. We'll make sure you can stand up to that threat," Tremel replied stiffly, pointing to the weapon on Zarek's back, "That practice sword you've arrived with is insufficient. It's the blade for lesser acolytes. You need a dominating weapon."
Zarek nodded. The practice sword was part of his disguise, and it's impractical during a real fight, he has no rejection to replace it.
Overseer Tremel continued, "In the tomb of Ajunta Pall, there's an old armory. A strong Sith warblade awaits you there." Tremel said. "The tomb is thick with k'lor'slugs, deadly savage creatures. Be speedy but careful. They've been the end of many an acolyte."
Zarek lowered his voice, "If they lack the instinct to avoid me, I'll feed them their heads." Finally, time for him to demonstrate his skills and prowess.
"Good! Let your rage fuel your passions and granted you strength." Tremel said, pleased by Zarek's eagerness, "Once you acquire the warblade, I suggest you spend some time in the tomb bloodying it. Then come to me in my chambers in the Academy."
Tremel finished and strode off to the academy, Leaving Zarek alone at the entrance, he follow the singular path through the building until he reached an open platform.
The temple was an impressive sight from the landing pad, but its true majesty was even greater from where Zarek stood now. The Valley of the Dark Lords is surrounded by banners of the Sith Empire, the walls and pillars inscribed with ancient Sith script.
Zarek take a deep breath, as he gripped his practice sword and activated it, the sword humming with energy. He grinned devilishly, it was time to spill some blood.
The k'lor'slugs were an abomination to be feared and reviled by every acolyte in Korriban. Darth Imperius had told Zarek of her personal experience in the academy about how bad a K'lor slug infestation could be.
But Zarek's imagination of a k'lor'slug paled in comparison to the actual creature, this worm-like creature's bodies are tubular, and they have twelve appendages - six on each side.
However, not all of the appendages are used for locomotion, with long spikes at the end of the two top appendages, these spikes are just over half a meter long, enough to penetrate any prey and leave a nasty entry-exit wound.
Also like a leech, k'lor'slug's mouth is surrounded by rows and rows of razor-sharp teeth, if those spikes didn't hit their mark, its teeth certainly would.
"Hmm… deadly and savage. I can see why," Zarek said as he watch the few creatures wander around in front of the tomb's entrance. Zarek was trained to fight and kill, but mostly humanoids, he had never fought a creature like k'lor'slug before.
Another concern for Zarek was their size, the ones outside the tomb seemed to be scavengers or workers. If this was true, means these creatures would be much bigger in the deeper tomb.
But Zarek wasn't about to let anything stop him, he was aware of his mother's high expectations, and Zarek had no intention of disappointing her. He would slaughter his way through those k'lor'slugs, enter Ajunta Pall's tomb, find the armory, and claim his prize.
Turned out Zarek was worried for nothing, these vermiform creatures are strong and agile, but they are simple-minded, fighting with nothing but instinct. Their attacks are too straightforward, making them easy to predict and dodge.
Zarek ignored the agonized squeal from the last k'lor'slug as he drove his weapon downward into its skull, and Zarek found himself somewhat disappointed.
Overseer Tremel had warned him that the beasts would be a challenge, nothing could be further from the truth.
If this was his first trial, it was easy, maybe too easy. Zarek thought to himself.
After ridding the vermins in the Valley of the Dark Lords, Zarek passed the entrance and ventured deeper into Ajunta Pall's tomb.
It was only a few flights of stairs down, at the foot of the steps Zarek saws a platoon of soldiers, cowering and huddled behind some makeshift barricades. Some men stood guard while others tended to the wounded, all of them had the injuries cost by k'lor'slug.
As Zarek approached, the only soldier not wearing a helmet noticed him and strode forward, then stood at attention in front of him. "Excuse me, acolyte. Sergeant Cormun, Fifth Infantry company, Korriban regiment. Can I—can I talk to you?"
The sudden request made Zarek raise his brow, but he nodded in response, curious as to what the soldier wanted. "Speak freely, Sergeant Cormun," Zarek said, the voice modulator lending authority to his words.
"Thank you." Sergeant Cormun salutes Zarek, "As you can see, my men and I need some help. Wait... You're the acolyte Overseer Tremel had brought in special, right? Heading down in the tomb to show what you're made of?"
Zarek clicked his tongue in irritation, It seemed Overseer Tremel was a bit careless. Zarek wondered if the Overseer really trying to keep his arrival a secret because even ordinary soldiers knew who Zarek was.
He regarded the sergeant with caution, keeping his guard up. "Yes, that's me, the name is Zarek," his voice distorted by the modulator, adding an extra layer of menace. " Why do you ask?"
"Well, here's your chance to not only show off for the overseers but start building ties to the Imperial military, as well." Sergeant Cormun said.
Zarek crossed his arms, considering the situation. "What do you want from me, Sergeant?"
"I'm here commanding a hard target mission, to exterminate k'lor'slugs in this tomb," Sergeant Cormun sighed, looking back at his men. "They're... horrific things, mouths bigger than your head, I've lost three squads of good men fighting them. They come in packs, they just... they'll swallow a man whole."
"Then I suggest you try a new strategy," Zarek said, the voice modulator making his tone even more matter-of-fact and imposing. He couldn't help but feel a hint of impatience, as he had just dealt with a handful of k'lor'slugs himself without too much difficulty.
Sergeant Cormun nodded, "Exactly, I've identified the enemy's weak spot, but it's not easy to get at. The damn k'lor'slugs breed so fast that there's no way to wipe them out conventionally. So we started targeting their egg chambers. They went insane."
Zarek listened carefully, understanding the situation better now. "I see, you want to destroy their hatcheries to stop their rapid reproduction?"
"Yes, that's the plan," Sergeant Cormun confirmed. "We managed to get explosives to all of the egg chambers, but the k'lor'slugs were all over us before we could detonate them. Unfortunately, the transmitter was damaged too, we can't detonate them remotely."
Zarek mused, "So you need someone who can clear the way to the hatcheries and detonate them manually."
He studied the soldiers' faces, noting their exhaustion and fear. Zarek understood that Korriban was no place for weakness, but he also knew that alliances and loyalty could be valuable assets to him.
"Very well," Zarek agreed. "I'll clear a path for you, but I demand you and your men to follow my lead without question. And remember, I may call on you and your men when I need assistance."
Zarek weighed his options. Assisting the soldiers would take some time and effort, but having the support of the Fifth Infantry Company could be advantageous. In the cutthroat world of the Sith Academy, it was wise to have allies where one could find them.
Sergeant Cormun's face brightened, and he saluted Zarek gratefully. "Thank you, acolyte. We won't forget this."
Cormun exclaimed excitedly and began barking out orders. "Men! Gather up and ready to move toward the egg chambers. The Sith will clear the path!"
Together, Zarek and the soldiers fought their way through the k'lor'slugs, pushing them back and making their way to the entrance of the large hall that housed the detonator.
The battles are fierce but short-lived. Cormun and his troopers barricaded the entrance and poured down the covering fire while Zarek charged straight to the center for the explosives. The k'lor'slugs become even more aggressive and focus their frenzy attack on the lone Sith.
But Zarek remained undeterred, he slices through the creatures with ruthless efficiency and reaches the detonator. When the swarm was thinned enough for an opening, Zarek seize the chance and set the charges to detonate, before he used Force Dash to sprint out of the large hall and back to Cormun's men and behind the barricade.
Just as Zarek cleared the hall, the explosives detonated, sending a deafening roar echoing through the tomb. The blast shook the ground beneath their feet and caused dust and debris to rain down from the ceiling. The sound of the k'lor'slugs' agonized screeches filled the air as the flames consumed the egg chambers and the creatures within.
As the dust settled, the men cheered and high-fived each other, "That was astounding, sir!" Cormun exclaimed, "Thank you, acolyte, for your assistance."
Zarek turned to face the soldiers. "Remember our agreement, Sergeant Cormun. I expect your loyalty and support when the time comes," Zarek said, the voice modulator adding weight to his words.
Cormun nodded vigorously. "You have our word, acolyte. My men and I will always stand by you." Then he turned to his troopers and shouted, "All right, men! Clear the debris for our Sith, the acolyte needs to go deeper into the tomb!"
When the soldiers cleared the rubble for Zarek, they came across the corpse of another trooper. they notice the corpse's wounds were not from k'lor'slugs but from blasters. "Sir, we find a dead body, one of our men. But k'lor'slugs didn't kill him, the man died from a blaster shot."
Zarek furrowed his brow, intrigued by this unexpected discovery. "A blaster shot? Show me where."
Sergeant Cormun examined the body, his expression turning grim. "This man was from Fifth Infantry, what happened?"
Rummaging through the corpse's belongings, soldiers found a datapad. they bring it to Sergeant Cormun and Zarek, "Sir, we found this, looks like an order."
"Let me see," Sergeant Cormun taking the datapad, "It's an Imperial edict, from Sergeant Rikel," he said, and start reading the Imperial edict out loud.
"Imperial Edict 936: Mercenaries have taken advantage of the k'lor'slug infestation in the tomb of Ajunta Pall, stealing valuable artifacts from its depths, a situation wholly unacceptable."
"The use of deadly force is authorized," Cormun continued, "Send these mercenaries a message that further desecration will not be tolerated. The task is dangerous, and hazard pay has been authorized. See Sergeant Rikel at the medical center upon completing your mission for your compensation."
Zarek's eyes narrowed as he listened to the edict. "So, mercenaries are looting the tomb while we're preoccupied with the k'lor'slugs. That explains the blaster wound on your soldier. They must be dealt with."
Sergeant Cormun nodded in agreement. "You're right, acolyte. We can't let them desecrate the tomb and steal valuable artifacts. We'll take care of these mercenaries."
"No," Zarek said, raising a hand to stop Cormun. "Your men have already lost too many in the battle with the k'lor'slugs. I will handle the mercenaries. You and your men should retreat from the area and tend to your wounded."
Cormun hesitated but eventually relented. "As you wish, acolyte. We will follow your orders. Thank you for your assistance."
"Also, inform this Sergeant Rikel that I will carry out his mission, and I expect the full compensation as mentioned in the edict," Zarek said.
"Very well, sir," Cormun replied, "I shall inform him myself. Good luck out there."
Zarek smirked at the sergeant's well-wishing. "I don't need luck, Sergeant. But your gratitude is noted."
With that, Zarek turned away from the soldiers and continued deeper into the tomb, his thoughts returning to the task at hand. Fighting some mercenaries was like child play to him, but Zarek will require a better weapon than this practice sword, especially against blasters.
He had no more time to waste on distractions, Zarek need the Sith warblade to deal with those tomb raiders. Too bad Zarek left his lightsaber at his apartment in Kaas City, but a newly acolyte with a lightsaber would draw too much attention and question.
For now, Zarek could only hope that he would find the old armory before encountering the grave robbers; otherwise, things could get ugly – for the robbers, of course.