Alright, so I'm feelin better now. I still miss him, which probably will never pass, but I've got my head on straight, so here we go. Side note: The Snowblind looks like the Trooper's ship, from SWTOR. Oh, and since very little is known about the Sith, in the Unknown Regions, at the time this story takes place, I'll be using Sith, from SWTOR.
Unexpected Reunion
The Four young Jedi's ship, the Snowblind, dropped out of hyperspace, as their deceased friend's home world of Corellia came into view. All of them tried to keep their emotions in check, as they entered the planet's atmosphere. Once they landed, they contacted Admiral Onasi, as instructed.
"Before I start briefing you on the situation," Carth started. "I want you four to know, that I'm sorry you had to come here."
"We have to face the complete truth someday, Admiral." Caros stated.
"Better for us to do so now, while on mission." Nimas added.
"I agree with that mind set. Here's your briefing: The Sith's Corellian target's name is Nodhen Varus. He's a Zabrak, from Iridonia, who was formerly a advanced Trooper, for the Republic. He was severely wounded in battle, during the Jedi Civil War, and decided to serve the Republic, in different ways. As you well know, Zabrak's are typically tougher than most other sentient races, and as a result, Varus can still handle himself. However, his war injuries would make him not even a challenge, for a Sith Lord."
"That's where we come in, Admiral." Matilin stated.
"Where is his location?" Raymond asked.
"Varus works with the CorSec Academy, as both a drill Sergeant, and Republic Liaison. I've already informed the Academy, of your arrival. Do whatever you have to do, to ensure this Sith doesn't claim his life."
"We won't let you down, Admiral." Caros stated. Onasi bowed to the four Jedi, as the holo call ended. Raymond then went back to the cockpit, as he was the ship's pilot, despite few skills, and set a course for Elmas Private Spaceport, in Coronet City, where they already had permission to land.
Thirty minutes later...
The Jedi all disembarked their ship, exiting the hangar, and greeted by a member of CorSec, outside the spaceport. "Master Jedi, you've arrived. Good." The soldier said, with a salute. "Corporal Renner, CorSec. General Varus asked me to bring you a speeder, seating four people. Follow my speeder bike, and I'll lead you right to the academy."
"Thank you, soldier." Raymond said.
"But, you should know, we're not Jedi Master's. All of us have only recently been named Jedi Knights."
"Apologies, Jedi. Come, the General is waiting for you." The Jedi boarded their speeder, started it up, and followed the Corporal to the academy.
An hour later...
The CorSec Academy came into view. The Academy was first constructed, many years before the Mandalorian Wars, yet it looked to the four Jedi, as if its construction was only just being finished.
"Wow." Nimas said.
"Its definitely the CorSec Academy, but it looks like it has seen better days." Added Matilian.
"I guess war hit Corellia harder than we thought." Caros finished.
The Jedi parked up, behind Corporal Renner. He dismounted his speeder bike, as the Jedi exited their speeder. "Welcome to the CorSec Force Academy, Jedi." The Corporal started. "Come, follow me. I will take you to General Varus." The young Corporal lead the Jedi into the Academy, as all five men were saluted by the entrance guards. While the outside was still suffering from damages, the inside looked like a true training academy. Perfectly functioning security system, well-maintained battle droids, physically fit security forces, eager young recruits, veterans of the force, and the proper interior architecture for this kind of institution.
"I know you Jedi didn't come here for a tour," Renner started, "but I must tell you that much like your own Order, we realized that we had suffered many damages during the Wars. However, even though it has been a slow, and difficult process, we are thriving. General Varus, and those among the Republic that have chosen to aid both the General, and us. For the sake of our efforts, please keep the General safe from this Sith."
"Don't worry Corporal, Varus is in good hands." Raymond stated.
"Thank you, Jedi."
They arrived at the General's office, at the mid-level of the academy, which had an overlooking view of Coronet City. The Corporal stood at attention. General Varus looked out, to the city. "Sir, the Jedi have arrived."
"Thank you, Corporal." Varus started. "You're dismissed."
The Corporal saluted, then left the General's office. The Jedi then stepped forward, and spoke to Varus, who was still looking out, at the city. "Beautiful, is she not?"
"Very much so, General." Raymond responded.
"Even more so, from this view. You're lucky to have this office." Caros added.
"Indeed I am. Is this the first time you four young Jedi have ever been on this world?"
"Yes, the first time for all four of us. However, we had a friend who was born on this world."
"He was truly fortunate. Does he still live here, or is he a Jedi, like you four?"
"He was a Jedi, but..." Caros started, hesitantly, as he and his friends tried to keep their emotions in check.
"His name was Griffin, and he... He lost his life at the Battle of Korriban." Nimas finished.
The General then turned around, to look at the Jedi. "You have my condolences, Jedi. I lost a friend to that battle, as well. Commander Rony Malcolm. He was the one who ensured that the last battle of my Republic Military career, wasn't the last battle of my life, as well." The General walked in front of his desk, with a slight limp. "Four Jedi, eh? Guess the Republic truly does care for its veterans. Nice to know that. Still, are four Jedi truly necessary?"
"General, this Darth Terecept, from what we've heard, is cold, calculating, vicious, brutal, cruel, and yet still extremely intelligent, and as efficent as they come." Matilin stated.
"Its reported that he has six lightsaber's on his belt, including a doublesaber. And I doubt that he doesn't know how to use every single one of them." Raymond added.
"And as a Sith Lord, he may be able to tear into multiple opponents, using only the Force." Nimas said.
"Even still, I have all of CorSec here, to protect me."
"Your friend, Gelesi had all of the Onderonian military to protect him. Darth Terecept made both him, and his wife corpses, on the Dxun moon." Caros finished.
"You've made your point." The General responded. "What do you need to do?"
"At least two of us should be with you, at all times. The other two will keep our senses open, for this damned Sith." Caros stated.
"Sounds like a plan. If you young men find yourselves feeling like your wasting time, I wouldn't be offended if you decided to see Corellia's many beauties for yourselves. In fact, I'd encourage you to do so. If you can't leave the Academy, then feel free to explore this facility. Maybe you can teach the new recruits a thing, or two."
"We thank you for your hospitality, General." Caros responded. He, and Matilin stayed with the General, as Nimas and Raymond, went to explore the Force Academy.
Two days later...
Ten minutes into dropping out of hyperspace, on board the Blade's Edge, Terecept prepared for an incoming call, from Darth Malgus. His holo flickers on, in the main hub of the vessel. Bowing, the gigantic Sith Lord spoke to his superior. "Darth Terecept, always a pleasure. Our Lord has asked me to warn you. You are aware of Darth Baras's network of spies, correct?"
"I am. Is Baras about to make a foolish maneuver?" The Deformed Sith Lord asked his ally.
"Baras would do anything to add another feather to his cap, but he is still a very intelligent man. He knows that taking you down would be all, but impossible, for a non-Force user. Baras's spies will be of assistance to you, for now. Baras's network has learned that your work has not gone unnoticed. The Republic has asked the Jedi for their aid, and the High Council has dispatched teams of Jedi, to protect your remaining targets."
"How much do the Jedi know about me?"
"They now of your appearance, and also of your full title. Before you ask, they do not know of your birth-given identity."
"How do you know about that, Malgus?"
"One does not need to be on the Dark Council, to know everything that happens, and all of the secrets, in our Empire. You needn't worry, I am the only one outside of Odysseus, and the Dark Council, who knows, and I shall tell no one, without your consent."
"Perhaps then, you could finally trust me, with your secret then. Why is it that you do not seek to become a Dark Council member? You could easily crush anyone, holding any spot, and take said spot for your own."
"Remember the trust you place in me, and know that I will betray you, just as soon as you betray me. In truth, I have not even a bit of interest in these power plays, practically mandatory among the Dark Council. Not only that, they mainly personify, what I believe to be everything, that's wrong with our Empire. I believe we must have strong alien alliances, rather than shunning them. I believe our Empire must also be tempered by tolerance, and respect."
"Then we agree."
"If so, then I would like to give you an offer. I would like to serve as an aid to your reign as our future Emperor."
"That is definitely open to discussion, my friend."
"For now, we focus on the now. Be mindful of the Jedi. They are fools, but they are capable fools."
"Thank you for the warning Malgus. And don't worry about my companions. The droid does nothing that I don't tell it to, and the Dark Jedi already knows that my patience for him, is close to non-existent. In any case, I will speak to you again, when I return to Dromund Kaas."
Malgus took a bow, as his holo was cut. Rar'bell spoke up. "My Lord, how can you possibly talk of wanting to find some peace with aliens? Those disgusting creatures are an insult to humans, not just in our Empire, but across the galaxy."
"And therein lies our hypocrisy, Dark Jedi. The true Sith are not humans themselves, and yet they join those of us who are, in believing alien races pathetic. If we are truly to conquer this galaxy, that, along with many other details, much change. CID, help me devise our strategy. Hunter, I've uploaded the coordinates, to a safe landing house. Take the ship there."
The blade's crew went about the captain's orders. As his ship dropped out of hyperspace, he spoke to himself. "Corellia. My home. I must complete this mission, quickly, Or I may have trouble even completing this one."
Half an hour later...
Terecept meditated for the remaining ten minutes, of his ship landing on Corellia. "Statement: Master, This home is long abandoned, and too perfect to land at. Query: How did you know to come here?" CID asked his Master.
"You already knew who I was, my friend. This is my homeworld. When the Jedi were nearly brought to extinction, and I sent myself into exile, this is where I lived, in this very house. It has also been abandoned, for over half a decade. No one will notice us here, until it is far too late."
"Statement: There is one thing I wanted to ask you first, Master."
"Go right ahead."
"Query: Do you sense the Jedi?"
"Yes, I do. I can sense four Jedi on this planet. If there were less of them, I would be able to determine why they seem so familiar to me. I guess I'll have to end them, to determine who they are. I may not like Hunter, but his ability to hide both mine, and his own Dark Side Presence, will prove invaluable, for the rest of this mission."
"Affirmative: It will more than likely come down to that, Master. Conformation: You wished to perform the first part of the mission, on your own, correct?"
"Yes. This gang's hideout shouldn't be a problem. They have a full readout of the CorSec Force Academy. I will take this, for my own. They haven't used what they have, so they probably don't have the numbers on their side. I will tear through them all."
"Conclusion: Tear through them all, like lightsabers through cannoks, Master!"
"Gladly. I will contact you, when I have what I need."
With that, Terecept exited his ship. As he took in the view, he had missed for so long, he used the Force to retract his helmet. He could go for up to ten hours, without the breathing support provided by his helmet, provided he didn't enter combat. Even then, he could make it, for up to eight hours. He wanted to see his beautiful homeworld, with full, natural vision, at least one last time. After his nostalgia passed, the Dark Lord set his helmet back in place, and entered the garage of his old home. He pulled the cover off of a speeder bike. Unable to remember where the keys were, he used Force Lightning to power up the Engine, and left his old home heading to a cave, thirty miles west of CoroNet.
Meanwhile, back at CorSec Academy...
Nimas and Raymond sat guard, for the General. Varus was talking to them, telling them some of his war stories, about the Academy, the men and women in CorSec, and their training. Nimas seemed to be lost in his senses. "And that explosion wasn't even planned, or expected. But it still saved all of our asses." The General finished his rather incredible story, from an attack to Balmorra, during the Civil War. He then looked to the distant young Jedi. "Everything okay with you, son?"
"Hm? Oh, right. I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" Raymond asked his old friend? "You look out of it."
"Well, General, if I may ask, there are gangs on this planet. Do you have have any spies within any of these gangs?"
"Only within the ones we know have a layout of the Academy. Many of these gangs are no threat to this building, even in it's current weakened state. But one day, they may very well be one. We need to know when, and if that day ever comes."
"If Darth Terecept comes, these gangs could become targets. Could you tell your spies to contact me, should he ever attack them."
"I'll get right on that."
The general proceeded to send his spies the message.
Meanwhile at Terecept's targeted cave...
He parked a mile away from his cave, and walked the rest of the distance. He briefly thought about how it might be smart to take his time, and do this quietly. He pushed the thought out of his head quickly, realizing that this was a simple gang hideout. "They may have numbers on their side, but they also big guns, and no training to use them." Terecept thought to himself. "They may be able to handle CorSec, but they've never faced a Sith Lord before. This shall be a small chalenge. Still, lets see if I can't sense them." He reached out, with the Force. "92. Not bad. But they won't be able to mobilize fast enough." He walked to the entrance to the cave. At first glance, one could believe the gang full of fools, as no type of door is there. But one who is both experienced, and observant, can see the traps, explosives, and hidden security cameras. "Nothing to keep me from disabling them, however." He shot purple lightning at the various traps, silently disabling them. Almost silently.
"I think I just heard something." A voice from within the cave, said. "I'm going to check the entrance." The gang member went out of sight of his friends, and into Terecept's sight. "Who are y-" He was being choked, and was lifted up off the ground. "Er- Sith Scum." Terecept chuckled, then remorcessly snapped the man's neck.
He walked into the cave. "Did you find anything, Jeremy?" A gang member asked, as Terecept became visible, by shade.
"His own death." Terecept coldly stated. He lifted up the two men, and slammed them together, cracking their skulls, and killing them instantly. He continued deeper into the cave, stabbing a man in the chest from behind, and electrocuting two more, before they could even fire off a shot.
"What the hell was that noise?" A voice said.
"Do I smell smoke?" Another said, commenting on the dead men.
"Let's see what's going on!" A third stated.
Terecept waited for them to see him. "SITH! BLAST HIM!" He activated his lightsaber, and deflected the shots. He then pulled a boulder out of the ground, to protect himself from the shots. Leaping into the air, Terecept landed between the three men, an with one swift 360 motion, killed them all.
"That sounded like a lightsaber. The five of you, with me!' Terecept deactivated his lightsaber an Force-jumped to the top of a ledge. "These men are dead. Where is that damn Jedi."
"This is not the work of a Jedi." Terecept said from above. He activated his lightsaber, covered the blade with lightning, jumped down, and slammed it into the ground, causing lightning to come out of the ground, and killing five of the men.
A sixth had lost his nerve, breaking apart from the group. Upon seeing the Sith, he ran to warn the others.
"Let them come. I will kill them all." Terecept said to himself.
As the sounds of battle raged throughout the cave, Deeper within the cave, the resident CorSec spy went to the security center, to look at the footage. When he saw a lightsaber, he immediatley realized what was happening, and contacted Nimas Borde.
Twenty minutes later...
92 men became 8. Despite the time taken Terecept had barely broken a sweat. One scared out of his mind, fool fired a shot to Terecept's chest. The shot hit, but did nothing. "A blaster pistol shot tends to do nothing to armor like this, fool." He said, as he threw his lightsaber the gang member's heart.
"Forgot that the difference between Jedi and Sith, is that Sith don't usually tend to negotiate." The apparent leader stated. "What do you want?"
"What I want, I take. And the rest of your pathetic gang cannot stop me." He unleashed Force Lightning on the six men. They all fell, dead, to the ground, after a minute. Terecept walked over to the gang's computer. "Don't move! I'm Don-"
"Farlius?" Terecept cut him off.
"How-"
He was cut off again, but this time, by the Force. His pistol was blasted out of his hand, and he was pulled at a high velocity, right up to The Sith's face.
Outside the cave...
Nimas was right outside the cave entrance. He was alone, as he didn't believe he had time to gather his brothers. They contacted him, before he could enter. "Nimas, where are you?" Caros asked.
"I'm sending you coordinates to a gang's base. They have a layout of the CorSec Academy, and Terecept is here. He wants that layout."
"Nimas wait for us."
"No time. If I don't stop Terecept now, Varus will die."
"Nimas no!"
He cut the call.
On the other end...
"Dammit!" Caros yelled.
"Are you okay, Master Jedi." Corporal Renner asked.
"Contact my friends. Tell them to meet me outside. Darth Terecept is here."
"Should I tell the General to organize a task force?"
"No, me and my friends can handle this."
"Yes sir."
Caros waited for his friends, at the speeder. They took off, heading straight for the cave.
Back at the cave...
"This is my final act of mercy, Don," Terecept started. "And my final service to my homeworld. Now go."
Farlius was released from the Sith Lord's grasp, still clearly stunned by all that he had learned about Terecept, and all that the Sith had filled his head with. And that he was even still alive. He ran away, as fast as he could. He ran into Nimas, on his way out. "Jedi!" He said.
"You must be the CorSec spy. How did you survive?" Nimas asked.
I manage to escape, unnoticed. You have to stop this Sith, he's killed fucking everyone."
"That's why I'm here. Go, take my speeder bike, head back to the Academy. I'll handle this."
"Thank you, Master Jedi. Please stop him. Save Corellia."
The spy continued to make his way out of the cave.
Terecept downloaded the layout, and sent it to CID, along with orders to fly by the Academy, and fire a middle at the General's office. They were to then circle around, head back to the house, and wait for him. He suddenly heard a lightsaber ignite, from behind him, and heard a familiar voice speak. "Your path is at an end, Sith Lord." It said.
Terecept turned around, and saw the all too familiar Twi'lek, holding his purple lightsabers, with a death grip."Ah, so this is why the presence I felt from you Jedi, seemed so familiar." The Dark Lord started. "Hello, Nimas."
"How do you know my name, Sith?"
"You cannot yet sense it? I knew Hunter was a Master with his ability, but this is redicoulous. Come, as a final service, to an old friend, step into the light of the cave. I shall do the same, not to strike at you, but to show you whose face lies beneath this mask."
Nimas slowly walked into the light, still uncertain if the Sith was only tricking him. Terecept soon followed. "Brace yourself." He said, as his helmet slowly started to retract. When it was fully drawn back, Nimas couldn't believe his eyes. Even through all of the corruption on his face, he could still recognize his old friend.
"Griffin?" He asked.
"Yes."
"But...But your dead. You died on Korriban."
"I almost did. My Master, Darth Odysseus found my body, brought it back to Korriban, and made me his appreentice."
"Why stay with the Sith? You know they punish even one failure, with death."
"I have never failed my Master, Nimas. And he truly believes that I will surpass him, rule over our Empire, and under my rule, we shall finally exterminate the Jedi, destroy the Republic, and rule the galaxy."
"The Sith have never done that, and they never will. Where is the Griffin who spent all that time, protecting his brothers? Where's the Griffin who formed a bond of brotherhood, between Caro's, Matilin, Raymond, and myself? Where's the Griffin who married the woman he loved, and at his vows, swore that he would protect whatever family they made together? Have you killed him, Terecept?"
Hesitantly, the Sith Lord spoke. "Y-yes, I have." He forced his helmet back over his face. "And now, I shall kill you." Terecept drew his original Sith Lightsaber, with a curved hilt, and charged after Nimas. The two former friends met each other, blade upon blade, in a furious exchange. Terecept, who during his time as a Sith, formed a deep affinity to the Juyo form, attempted to stoke Nimas down quickly. However, he learned that his old friend had became a master of Soresu, and he was finding it difficult to break through his guard. The two old friends fought each other for ten minutes. Terecept realized that Nimas wasn't already dead, because Griffin was fighting to keep him alive. He had to silence his former self.
After a brief pause in combat, Terecept closed his eyes, and allowed his senses to serve the purpose of his eyes. The strikes of his blade, became less like that of two friends, who didn't want to hurt each other, and more like that of a Sith Lord, killing a foolish Padawan. His strikes began to personify the Juyo, Fast, aggressive, destructive, unpredictable. And they began to spell the end of the battle. Nimas had taken cuts to his face, midsection, and Lekku. Now, he took on to the leg, and immediately afterward, Terecept cut off his hand, and Force Pushed him to the ground. Terecept gripped him up, and was about to throw his lightsaber, through his former friend's heart, when he was interrupted.
"Drop him, Sith!" Another familiar voice shouted.
Terecept turned around, still lifting Nimas off of the ground. "This reunion was rather unexpected. Nimas, Caros, Matilin, Raymond."
"I don't know how you know our names," Caros started. "But we know that General Varus was blown up, in his office. We know it was by your ship. And we know we're going to stop you, here, and now."
"I give you a choice. Obviously, Nimas is in too much pain to move." Terecept then slammed Nimas back on the ground. He then started to rip the ceiling's rocks off, and prepared to drop them on the defenseless, immobile Nimas. "Here's your choice, Jedi: Stop me, or save our friend. Choose now." He said, as he suddenly dropped the rocks. The Jedi chose to save their friend, as Terecept got away. It took all three Jedi, to keep the rocks from falling on his head. They rushed over to him afterwards. He was unconscious, but still alive. They had failed in their mission, but they were all still alive, at least. They left the cave, and returned to their ship. As they flew out of Corellia's atmosphere, they saw the damage that had been done, to the CorSec Academy, and had a moment of silence, for poor General Varus.
In the Snowblind's medbay...
The three Jedi stood by their brother. He still had yet to regain consciousness. "This Darth Terecept just keeps on becoming more, and more violent." Matilin stated.
"And viscious." Raymond added.
"Hopefully, Nimas will be al-" Caro's started, but was cut off, when Nimas's eyes shot open, and he started to shake. His friends tried to keep him steady. "Nimas, relax! You're going to be alright, we're going to get you to Coruscant!"
"Guys," Nimas started, in a clearly pained voice. "Terecept... Terecept is... Griffin."
"What?!" They all said, at once.
"Nimas, Griffin died on Korriban." Caros said.
"No... He's alive. Raymond, use your ability, see what I saw."
"If you wish it." Raymond emptied his mind, and tapped into Nimas's memories.
"You cannot yet sense it? I knew Hunter was a master with his ability, but this is redicoulous. Come, as a final service, to an old friend, step into the light of the cave. I shall do the same, not to strike at you, but to show you whose face lies beneath this mask."
Nimas walked slowly into the light, still uncertain if the Sith was only tricking him. Terecept soon followed. "Brace yourself." He said, as his helmet slowly started to retract. When it was fully drawn back, Nimas couldn't believe his eyes. Even through all of the corruption on his face, he could still recognize his old friend.
"Griffin?" He asked.
"Yes."
Raymond left Nimas's mind, "Force, he is alive!" He yelled.
"No," Caros started. "If he's a Sith Lord now, then Griffin Walker is dead."
"No Caros!" Nimas interrupted. "You must... Hear this. When I mentioned... Griffin's brothers, he didn't care. When I mentioned our bond... He didn't care. When I mentioned his wife... He... Cared. There is still hope... For Griffin."
"And... I think I may know who has the best chance of saving him. "Caros stated, as he went to go call the Jedi Temple."