Chapter 1

The Sinyaquenta

...

A Tree and its Fruit

The world of Axxila fell within the bounds of the Confederacy of Independent Systems 'North Quadrant Territory.' Of course this was a more common means by which the people of the galaxy described the 'north.' Those who did not take to terms such as 'Rimward' or 'Coreward,' and 'Spinward.' Regardless, the world of Axxila and its vast planet-wide city bustled as any other day. Like Coruscant in the Core, Axxila was a sprawl of vast spires, and lower promenades.

The lights of the city were percolating across the currently visible stretch, as could be seen upon this side of the world. Night had fallen in this sector. Known as the 'Xil Corridor.' It was a long sprawl going for several miles or kilometers filled with residential spires, abodes and dwellings. Both on the highest levels that stabbed through the lower atmosphere, and deep into the depths and lower city beneath.

A lone figure wearing a black trench coat grasped the edges of the cloth and pulled it around himself. His human skin showed as a light brown. Blackened hair slicked back atop his head, sporting a goatee around his thin lips. Green eyes were squinted as he cast his gaze toward his left. A flood of neon lights assailed his sight. A stiff high altitude breeze whipped past him. His abode lay on the outskirts of the Xil Corridor. Nearby several bars, cantinas and clubs pronounced themselves. Spotlights whirled back and forth through the air, back and forth in sway. Small groups of beings always moved across and over walkways, paths and bridges between the spires or sectors. While the promenade areas and block shaped stores or bars were always surrounded by a few sentients outside. Mingling, chatting, wasting away in a haze of drunkenness, spice, and sexual deviancy.

Shaking his head, a low grumble rattled his throat, and he kept walking. Soon approaching one of many entrances to the spire ahead of him. His right hand pressed a few keys along a security keypad, and with a chime, the doorway slid open. He walked through, casting a wary glance over his right shoulder, and letting the door shut behind him. Like many ecumenopolis worlds, or city-sprawl planets in the galaxy Axxila had its share of crime. Even now under the domination of the Confederacy the realities of the world remained. However, Axxila was perhaps...a bit rougher than most. Especially compared to Coruscant or Denon.

Once inside the building proper, the low rumble of the small foyer became present in the man's ears. He drew a breath, sighing as he reached the turbolift shafts at the center of the building, just ahead of himself from the door. Three lifts sat one next to the other. Each provided access to a separate subsection of apartments on either carved out section of the spire on every and any level, from top to bottom.

Each lift required a key card and security pin. Which the man produced simply, injected the card into a thin rectangular, and inputting his pin code. He remained thoughtless, uninterested in all things but the arrival of his lift. A sharp sniffle sounded as he drew in another breath. His right foot tapped the floor, before the central lift arrived, and opened for him. As quickly as it came, he entered, shifting around 180 degrees and watching the sliding twin doors close after. Before the cylinder of metal shot up the tube. Rising level after level. His expression unchanged, and outward appearance unmoved but for the seemingly endless dull scowl upon his face.

Nevertheless, the lift came to a low humming stop three levels down from the top. There were three apartments on this level and every level, of course. Even the top. As one would imagine, the levels denoted a certain level of importance or wealth. Being among the top ten levels marked one as having the credits to afford it, and being on the third, he more than understood his own wealth. Even if there were few, if any, who knew him, or even of him. He was a secretive man, and oftentimes not even on Axxila. At least...not until recently. Not since the announcement of the upcoming Accords between the Republic and Confederacy.

He walked out of the opened lift and towards a final security locked door. Similar to the turbolift it required a key code and his access card. Once again, and with a soft sputter of agitation brought about by tiredness, he input a second, and different code, slipped his card in, and waited until the code was accepted.

Idly his right hand's fingers stretched out in succession from pinky to thumb. Under his wrist within the folds of his coat sleeve there lay a blade. Retractable, sleek, and thick as it was sharp. He never went anywhere without it. Memories of past uses for the tool brought an indiscernible smirk to his face. Gashes opened, flesh and sinew parting...eyes staring up at him. The horror of realization. A shiver rattled his shoulders, and he kept himself from enjoying the facsimile born of his mind...too much.

Instead, he opened his door with another retracting slide. Stepping through and into the entrance hall. The door closed and locked automatically behind him. Lights within flickered to life at his movement. Casting a warm light that lit the hall, but didn't overwhelm the tan colored walls. He was quick to disrobe from his coat, revealing a dark short-sleeved shirt that ended at his elbows. Around his waist, and down to his ankles, simple light brown leggings fell to dark boots, which he cast off his feet and set to a rack beside the door. Shuffling his sock covered feet over blue carpet through the hall into the central living space where to his left was his kitchen. A dividing counter lay between it and the lounge, which he ignored.

Moving into the kitchen, the man opened his refrigeration unit and eyed a sampling of preserved foods. Nothing immediately caught his eye, and for a long moment he clicked his tongue repeatedly. Before shutting the door, moving towards the counter against the wall beside the fridge. He pulled a small glass from his cabinet, and found a bottle of imported sullustan gin. He poured a healthy serving of the lightly tasting liquid, and capped the bottle. Turning back towards the lounge beyond the sink and dividing counter.

He came to a sudden, and hard stop. His cup jostled the liquid within from side to side. His heartbeat pounced with sudden life. He could feel his breath become elevated. A heat bloomed through his face and a tightness racked his shoulders. His green eyes widened, but he was quick to retract them to slits. His face turned to a sneering glower. He paced right, and through the entrance into the kitchen. His footsteps lightly thudded through the apartment as he paused just at the divide from kitchen tile to carpeted lounge. To his left lay the entrance to his balcony. The glass doors were shut, but he figured that had to have been the entry point.

The lights in his lounge had not turned on. A rare occasion he had not taken notice. Having fallen into the mundanity of repetitious living. A curse snarled in his mind, and he thumbed his right digits over the tip of his blade, still attached under his arm...but prominently on display. Then...he spoke.

"If you're here to rob me, then you'll find me poor sport." His voice was grave, and to the point. His left hand held his glass low at his abdomen. He maintained eye contact with the shrouded being sitting in his lounge chair. Turned to face the kitchen, someone, humanoid seeming, sat cloaked in a black robe. Their head covered in a cowl, while the barest glint of eyes within the darkness stared back at him. For a long moment they met one another's gazes. Neither saying anything. Soft breathing announcing itself, and seeming to grow louder in his mind as he stared the person down.

"You have nothing of value worth my time to take, Doctor." The voice that spoke was smooth. Masculine, but restrained and low. Almost seeming bored, but not quite there. Gentle was the best word, perhaps.

"Doctor?" The man replied, cocking his brow. "Whoever said-"

"Do me the service of not pretending you are not who I know you to be, Doctor." The voice was quick to rebuff in a flat manner. "I have come specifically to speak with you. Doctor Kalev Zalliste. Former member of several of the Confederacy's weapons development teams. We needn't belabor the point." The being pressed their right hand to their breast. "I know who you are, you know who you are. So, please…" They trailed off, motioning their hand out. Returning to silence as the man, Kalev, stared at them.

This intruder in his apartment knew him. His mind fluttered through several scenarios as to who they could be in turn. All possibilities did not bode well for him. Nevertheless, he planted a feigned smile onto his lips. Bringing his glass to his mouth he took a gingerly sip.

"Very well." Kalev began. "You know who I am, which means you have to have researched me before forcing your way into my home. Who are you, then?" Kalev pointed his glass-holding index finger up from around the glass.

"Republic Intelligence would make the most sense, or, Force help you, the Security Bureau!" Kalev mocked in laughter. Shaking his head. "With everything falling apart on that side of the galaxy it'd be any wonder if you were with either organization. What would this be? A way to hurt the Confederacy without restarting the war? Has one of my projects caused someone a little too much personal pain and anguish? Is this a sanctioned, or under wraps sort of operation then?"

"I am with neither Republic agency."

"No?" Kalev rumbled back. The being shaking their head gently in acknowledgment.

"Hmm. Well, if true, that still leaves a few options."

"Such as?" The intruder wondered. Though, for the life of himself, Kalev could not tell if they feigned interest, or not. He answered all the same, nonchalantly shrugging and slowly pacing himself closer to the patio entrance.

"There's the Jedi Order. Their knights and sages have all but disappeared from the galaxy since the Knightfall Incident." Kalev snorted a sarcastic laugh. "With everything that's happened, I wouldn't discount one of their Order seeking out agents of the Confederacy for reprisal. After all, what good did their moral superiority and Code do for them?"

"They still remain, do they not?" The intruder shot back easily, but not with spite or bitterness. More, a matter-of-fact rebuttal.

"Hmm...I suppose you're right." Again, Kalev shrugged, swirling his drink. Never letting his green eyes off the shadowed figure. "Well?"

"Well, what?"

"Well, are you a Jedi?!" Kalev demanded. "If so, I must say...with all your options in the galaxy, in the Confederacy, you choose me?! Now that seems like scrapes in my mind."

"Are you frightened?" The being cocked their head to their left. Perplexing Kalev. Not a wholly normal state to find himself. Especially with how the question was posed in an earnest sounding desire to understand. A sigh escaped from Kalev's parted lips. A stutter from his throat as words failed him. Forcing him to thrust his arms out at his sides in a show of mounting confused bafflement.

"An unknown intruder makes their way into my home and sits in my chair, asking me questions without forwardly answering mine with ease? No...no I see no reason to be put on edge."

"But, are you frightened?" They continued which made Kalev chuckle. Shaking his head as he did.

"What is this? An intimidation tactic? You want me to beg for my life? Do you think this is the first time I have stared down death? I've seen it, I've dealt it, and I've been party to it...no." Kalev shook his head. "No, I shall not beg. Nor am I frightened. In fact...I am quite...annoyed."

His voice came as a shiver. Earnest and from the bottom of his throat. His green eyes glowered in an old dark brooding rage. A hint of the man that had stalked the late night streets of Axxila in youthful days come before. Before degrees and university took him to high places, and before war allowed savage thirst to be quenched by greater means.

Regardless, the unknown intruder hummed thoughtfully. Nodding as they did so, and motioning their right hand to a sofa Kalev stood behind.

"Hmm...if you'd please, Doctor. I need only some of your time. I will answer what questions I can while here. Though, some things are too important to share even in a place such as this."

"How very cloak and dagger." Kalev grumbled. But, the intruder didn't say anything in response. Merely keeping their hand raised. Pointed with a flat raised palm toward the sofa. Though, Kalev's eyes tilted left. Glancing toward the patio sliding doorway. His pulse beat with a little rush of adrenaline. Imagining in flashes of imagery a chance to escape onto the veranda, jump onto a landing to the right and make his way to an access shaft. He had planned for a scenario like this...though not quite like...this.

Something called to him. Curiosity innate to his person. Pulling his gaze back onto the intruder who seemed unfazed and unbothered by his trepidation and tardiness in response. Kalev's right thumb continued sliding back and forth over his exposed blade. He curled his lips in thought, but...in truth he was curious enough as is. The darker part of his mind wanted to know where this would lead. It had been weeks since he had been party to anything remotely worthy of piquing his curiosity, and this? This scratched the itch just right. A foolish thing...but every now and again – what was life without some foolishness?

Kalev cocked his head to his right. Another subtle shrug showing. He brought his glass to his lips and took another slight swig of his drink. Circling around the sofa. Leaving the easy access to the patio door. Planting himself down with an easing sigh, watching the intruder; whose expression and features still remained mostly obscured in shadow, watching their hand fall into their lap.

"Alright then." Kalev answered and leaned back. "I'm listening."

"Very good." The intruder began. "We are not quite as estranged to one another as you currently believe, Doctor. We have, in fact, met once before. Very briefly."

"Indeed?" Kalev hummed. "I'm usually quite good with voices...faces, and memory. I have an exquisite mind. Far greater than the average human wretch." Kalev spoke with no discernible venom. But, the truth he felt was imbued in his every word.

"You would not recognize me." The intruder simply replied. Leaning forward in their seat. Thus allowing Kalev to see a gaunt man's face. A human. Their eyes deep and dark, their cheek bones rigid, and casting an almost skull-like appearance. Skin, just healthy enough to retain some color and resist the breaking of bone through to the outside. Kalev was not put off, but the man did seem ghostly, sickly, save for the intensity of their eyes.

"I wear a different face as you saw back then. I can return it to how it was, if I so desired. However, I do not. Instead I shall remind you. It was upon the world known as Korriban. Within a facility controlled by then Chancellor Palpatine. Your true master, Doctor Zalliste." The intruder intoned softly. Kalev could feel his brows dip. Crevasses of thought burrowing deep between his eyes as his mind went alight with memory! He did remember...and had remembered that experience ever since then. Palpatine's summons had forced him away from his chosen side in the war. Forcing him to work under the watch of the Republic. At least some aspects of that government. He and the rest of the fools sent with him meant to conduct a series of tests and experiments on a body. A female human corpse, seemingly. To discover what qualities it retained for some reason, something Palpatine was keen to understand.

Only Kalev walked away from that facility alive. The woman had not been dead. She had rattled, rasped and sprung back to life. Though...it had not been her alone. Something as Kalev had never seen nor experienced before had been within. Something of the Force? He couldn't say. It was the one aspect of the waking universe he and his science still could not quite control or know with ease. What he could say, and see was that whatever had awoken was old. It spoke with a cadence that could not be something new. It looked on him with contempt, but admiration. Kalev did not pamper nor exalt himself. He was looked on with admiration...because Kalev alone had retreated from the sight of this thing. He alone had understood the gravity of what was before him and the others, while Elga, Yegor, and Mallex had been unceremoniously killed.

Everyone in that facility died. The troopers were slain and butchered. Plastered along walls and the hallway floors. Corridors were thrashed, and bent outwards. Emplacements and turbolifts were wrent and torn. When the being had seemingly gone, troopers found Kalev sat in the room he and the others had been. His mind long lost to the world as he remembered the burning fire, the smokey tendrils, and the voice that spoke words in a language he did not know.

"Orchal ana-lér." Kalev repeated those unknown words phonetically. His green eyes narrowed as he looked upon the gaunt figure. They nodded.

"That was you. You were that...being that inhabited that woman."

"Looks can be deceiving." They replied. "She and I are not yet disassociated, Doctor. Though we may appear so, my powers are unique."

"As I experienced." Kalev nodded. Turning his head away. Feeling almost as he had in that medical room. A rare time in all his long years he felt a buzz of unease in his core. His right arm and hand had found the nearby rest of the sofa. His fingers, having left the blade under his arm, tapped at the fine wood of the sofa in discomfort. His eyes returning to the being sat before him, wrapped in their...its dark cloak.

"I...I see you managed to escape the Republic's notice?" Kalev finally offered. "I was not...privy to Palpatine's actions or movements once everything had been done on Korriban. I returned to the Confederacy and went back to helping them formulate chemical or biological agents. Though...I never forgot our meeting."

"That's good to hear." The being nodded. "I have thought of our meeting as well. More than that, I asked of you. I sought to learn more of you."

"Really?" Kalev cock a curious brow.

"Yes. Your reverence spoke highly of your intelligence. As well, I have learned much of you and your skills since the fall of Palpatine...or Darth Sidious, whatever one may wish to call that man." To that Kalev huffed a single laugh, shrugging as he adjusted himself in his seat.

"I knew Palpatine as Sidious first. I think I was one of the few in the galaxy he let in on his secret identity. He and I had similar visions for what could be accomplished when science was utilized for exploration of the unknown."

"Do tell." The being hummed inquisitively. "When I last spoke with Palpatine, your name and your history was the primary subject. Thus, how I know of you. To thus answer your question from before." Kalev nodded at that. It was obvious, though slightly disconcerting, how this being knew of him, his name and background. If he had been chatting with Palpatine...though why Palpatine had been so loose lipped about him? A question he'd never have answered now, Kalev knew.

"Well…" Kalev sighed, whipping his right hand before himself dismissively. "I'm sure you more than understand who I am and what I've done, I-"

"Please." The being cut him off. "Enlighten me again. Tell me in your own words why you worked with Palpatine. For what purpose? Your side, and his, shall help me understand the whole and truth."

Momentarily silent, Kalev could find no reason not to answer the being sat before him. He took a sip from his drink and sat it down on the nearby table at his left. Leaning forward and rubbing his hands together, his mind reeled back to when he first began his work, and to when he received invitation to work under the mysterious hooded figure of Darth Sidious.

"I graduated from the local university here on Axxila with several general sciences degrees. General for fields, but I specialize in Bio-Engineering, Genetic Studies, Chemical Design and a few minor robotics degrees. Nothing I could use to say...build a droid." He laughed. "Perhaps I could make you a hand, if you needed one."

"Fascinating." The being hummed. "So, you have quite the mind for exploring what makes a being...them?"

"Something like that." Kalev nodded. His eyes flashing to memories unknown to the being. A dark glower shadowing his brow as his lips curled. "My family comes…not from Axxila. We settled here generations ago. In truth, my family and my name, Zalliste, is prestigious on exactly one world." Kalev pronounced by raising his right index finger.

"It is a planet mired in civil disorder, chaos and death. My people are lorded over by neighboring nation states that found themselves in the good graces of the Republic thousands of years ago." Kalev paused, turning his eyes back to meet the silent observing eyes of his guest. "This may seem meaningless to you, but...to me it is why I became as I am. The Zalliste Family was always supposed to return to the homeworld. To reclaim our leadership position among our people and destroy the liberalizing tyrants of commonality, of all for one, and one for all...of all the unpalatable sayings of those who imagine themselves to be righteous folk."

"And your people are so much better than that?"

"Force, no!" Kalev grinned sardonically. "They imagine their hatred makes them powerful! They have long thought their contempt for the new and the unalike them has given them grit and tenacity! Yet, for all that power they are weak, poor, and easily manipulated. I had no false pretenses of returning and being greater. I wished to create a means by which the Zalliste name would rise to a position of power in the galaxy reserved for lords, nobles, and kings. But, there is one great block. The people of my world have blood with an abundance of midi-chlorians, but...cannot utilize the Force. It has always been of great interest to me as to why."

"And," The being began again, simply. "From these explorations, for your purpose, you began researching a means to circumvent this natural preventative measure." A statement, not a question. The being already knew. So, Kalev nodded.

"I sought to find a means by which to control a being's ability to use the Force. Once I left university I studied some of the prior work of beings such as Jenna Zan Arbor." To the name Kalev mockingly laughed. "If one wants to call the menial work she did...of any renown that's on them." He sputtered a few final chortles. Sighing as he shrugged.

"Cloning...as you may or may not know, doesn't work. At least not where those with high concentrations of midi-chlorians are concerned."

"You cannot clone a being who can use the Force?" The being asked, but it seemed more a probing question. As though they already knew the answer, and asked for Kalev's benefit.

"Oh, believe me you can! It just never works." Kalev explained. "I am a man of science. I believe all worldly things can be explained by a little scientific methodology. But, that does not mean I am a fool. There are some things in this universe I cannot crack open to look inside and see how it works. The Force is one such thing. An element outside of my knowledge, but an aspect of the universe I long to delve deeper into. It is clear to me that the Force...whatever it may be does not want us to clone beings powerful in the Force. When we do, and by 'we' I mean anyone. But, when we do, we get insanity. Clones, beings who have poor mental soundness. They crack, they break, they are born insane. Regardless of whether you let them grow naturally, or quicken their growth rate."

"So, you sought to clone a being into existence? To help you understand how you and your people could use the Force?"

"No." Kalev shook his head. "The reason why Sidious found me, was because I was studying a means by which to create Force powerful persons, or beings or whatever have you, without tempting the Force into manufacturing insane creatures. I reject the cloning notion. Sidious...Palpatine, believed that with enough time, beings could be cloned who were strong in the Force. That we could circumvent an issue with cloning that has been present for thousands of years. Since the inception of the cloning science itself. I, however, imagined a means by which we create life, without cloning. Instead, genetic manipulation. Creation! Spawning new beings, instead of rehashing the old."

"I see." The being nodded. "And...have you born success from your work?"

"I have not been given...adequate ability or time." Kalev scoffed a laugh. "Lord Sidious...he and I got along well enough. I don't know what his plans were regarding the creation of Force rich beings. He, as I said, believed outright cloning was still viable. I did not, and do not. However, before I could truly delve into the furthest reaches and possibilities of my research, he pulled me away. Placed me in the Confederacy's weapons research divisions and operations. Promising that...when the galaxy had been 'changed' by the war, I would be given more freedom to conduct my research. And then...he met you."

"Me?"

"Yes. You." Kalev nodded. "When you came...when the body of the woman you inhabited came...I was pulled away from several Confederate projects. And when you arrived, and were taken I was thrown back into the Confederacy without reason or position. Slowly roped back into weapons development. I made contact with Sidious after you were taken away, or whatever happened...I was not told. But, he simply told me that he was busy with the 'fruits' of what had been shown to him on Korriban. That, my research was...potentially immaterial to plans. Though he promised nominal continued support." Kalev showed a slightly whimsical, but defeated smile. Shrugging his shoulders as he did.

"My dreams of further research were killed. And then...Palpatine overplayed his hand. Got himself killed by Anakin Skywalker. Lost control over the Republic and the Confederacy. Leaving me in limbo. The war effort is all but done. The powers that be within the CIS have only a mind towards vast droid production to flood the border worlds and systems while they await the official peace offer and accords on...Bestine I think they're meant to take hold on? I have, otherwise, been relieved of my position and held on as an official retainer for future government work. Whatever the Confederacy calls its 'government' that is."

"Fascinating." The being began simply.

"I wouldn't use that word, but to each their own."

"Oh indeed, it is fascinating, Doctor Zalliste." They continued. "The pieces have fallen into place quite wonderfully. Regardless of what you may think." Kalev cocked a confused brow, but the being leaned forward once more.

"I, having made my 'escape' as we shall call it, from the fall of Palpatine, I have made efforts. Strives in the creation of a new position of power. I have access to all the credits one could need. I have access to armies, navies, and much more. What I do not have, as of yet, is someone who can help me in a project I have been brewing within my mind." Immediately Kalev felt himself tingle in excitement. His prior story and ramblings leading to this statement? There was an obvious connection.

"A project?" He simply repeated. "What kind of project?"

"Right up your alley, Doctor. And so much more." The being...who Kalev still didn't know the origin of, spoke. How had they come to acquire what they claimed to hold? His mind flashed back to the terror and horror left in its wake. With such raw and unfathomable power...it didn't take much for such beings to gain following and power. Especially if they had spent time around Palpatine. They'd have been in the middle of the highest political circles of the whole galaxy. Though, Kalev did not yet have reason to believe this being had accumulated as much power as they yet claimed. A part of him wanted to believe it.

"So…" Kalev started. "That's what all of this is? You've come to bring me a job offer?"

"Perhaps." The being shrugged. "If you prove worthy enough for it. So far I like what I hear. We are of similar mind, if from different starting positions."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing of importance. You began your research for your own games, and your homeworld. I come from a different position. I have different needs. I am...intrigued by different possibilities. Yet, one thing we share is a hunger for the creation of something new. New life. Born from that which was already before. Perfect in our image. Though, more notably mine."

"Of course." Kalev smirked knowingly. It was welcome to speak bluntly and be spoken to bluntly. "So, what more precisely would I be working with? Or, maybe I should ask, working on? If this is a job offer, I should know what the job would be, after all."

"Naturally." They nodded. "I have come to acquire many genetic and biological samples, but, in spite of my own knowledge and intelligence, I am only beginning to burgeon into the field you have some mastery in. I seek to watch and learn, and employ those I can trust to conduct the necessary research and development of...beings I am in need of."

"Beings?" Kalev repeated. "Multiple?"

"Yes." They simply answered. "I have many plans and many designs. Wrapped up in those things are my ultimate desires. The creation of that which would be most useful in the foundation of something far greater and grander than anything which has come before. From these machinations I...or rather we, all who join together in the purpose of foundational order and peace – shall found this new thing. You can take part in this, in your own way. And, in doing so you will have access to a freedom of credits, of tools, of necessities all. For you will be given access to that which even your mind has yet to comprehend. As long as you conduct yourself in the research and development of that which I command you, and need...then I shall give freedom to you for your own inquiries and research."

Kalev listened. Following along as the being espoused their goals in a varied manner of finely sounding words. He still wondered just who...or what this being was? Who and how could they promise that which they did? Yet, even with these questions, Kalev couldn't deny the tug he felt at the base of his skull. The yearning to conduct his research free of any blocks. Even the wants and needs of this being; though Kalev couldn't know what they wanted or needed as of yet, the ideas of something as he had seen unleashed in that facility? What could they be? What could a thing of smoke and ancient seeming horror craft in their mind, if not with their hands? It was an intoxicating promise of scientific exploration.

"It is a tempting offer. I would...well anyone would be foolish to refuse such an offer. Let alone pretend it isn't enticing on the very foundation of it."

"Then what is it that stops you from taking it up now? This very second."

"Merely a request...or statement."

"Speak freely." The being motioned their hand. Kalev adjusted himself again and cleared his throat.

"I don't know what you'll have me doing. Whatever it is that requires my expertise must be...fascinating, undoubtedly. But, where it comes to research and development I do not want societal norms and the false idol of 'morality' to stand in my way." Kalev began with a sneer at the notion itself. "I don't want to be kept from explorations of the furthest depths that science can foster. I want freedom from the common imaginations of idealouges. Keep away from me the imaginings of philosophers, monks or priests! Let them fester in the ideas of what happens to their souls when they think of naughty words or when they watch salacious videos on the HoloNet. I want freedom. Freedom from chains and freedom from being held back by them. Of course, I understand it's your show. Whatever it is you need from me...I could see it done. But, where it comes to the...end results I don't want to be held back. I want to be unleashed." Silence passed for a moment. Though it was not uncomfortable. Rather, the being eyed Kalev for a long moment. Saying nothing. Inspecting him. While Kalev's green eyes remained shadowed in his resolve. Staring back at the creature masked and robed in the outward appearance of a man's flesh.

Until, at last, a thin smile, thinner than a strand of hair perhaps, crossed Kalev's perception of the being. They drew in air and rumbled contentedly from their lungs. They raised their right hand and pressed a small button on their left cuff. Kalev watched curiously. Feeling his pulse momentarily climb. Wondering if this had all been a trap...then his comlink beeped.

"Answer that." A confused look crossed the man's face. Kalev tilted himself down to his waist and snatched up the device. Looking at it as he read the inbound coordinates. He didn't recognize them...as much as he recognized the priority channel from whence they came. Confederate in origin. Still confused, Kalev answered the call. Planting the device in the palm of his hand as the blue lines of the hologram shifted and created an image. The image of a being he recognized and he almost jumped from his seat! Certainly he stiffened at the sight.

"General Grievous!" Kalev huffed a gasp. The cyborg monster, the amalgamation of kaleesh flesh and metal, a glorious abomination that made Kalev jealous of his lacking robotics knowledge. The General stood with his hands behind his back. Pushing his omnipresent robe to his back.

"Doctor Kalev Zalliste." Grievous began with the rumble often heard in his addresses, though never by Kalev to his own person. "You and I have not had the chance to speak or work together. Though, I have access to all your records, as well as your employment."

"Yes, sir." Kalev nodded.

"The being you're meeting with has my full cooperation. Whatever they may need or want of you is wholly in the benefit and for the good of the Confederacy."

"I see…" Kalev trailed off. His mind reeling! Moments before he assumed he was being recruited outside of the Confederacy for some clandestine work with a horrific creature. Now...he realized he had been tested. And...he had seemingly passed.

"Then, I can only hope that we have found an accord for my terms, and their own." Kalev wondered, but pointedly glanced up at the being. They nodded their head.

"We have. Your terms are more than acceptable."

"Good." Grievous grumbled simply. "Pack whatever goods you may need from your home, Doctor. You leave tonight."

"I understand, General sir. Thank you." Kalev bowed his head. Grievous turned and observed the cloaked being for a moment. Nodding before he cut the communication. Ending the call. Prompting the being to rise to their feet, in turn making Kalev reciprocate a bit more quickly than he had meant.

"Save your questions for when we arrive at your new lab site." The being raised their right hand preemptively. "You shall be informed as much as I can inform you as to what you shall be working on. It shall be varied. Armies, men, women, things beyond your comprehension. From which you shall learn far more than you ever previously imagined possible. You alone among all beings in this galaxy have been offered a great gift." The being paused before adding, "Do not waste the chance."

"I most certainly shall not!" Kalev assured. Still struggling to fully comprehend what had exactly happened here tonight. Many questions bursting through his thoughts. How had the being escaped the Republic? Had Palpatine put them away? Had they escaped or been let go? Did the Grievous know who this being was? He claimed to be in league with them. So many questions...but Kalev figured they did not earnestly matter. He felt lightheaded and not merely from his alcohol either. He felt...excited. More than he had in weeks.

Kalev presented his right hand. Holding it out to the unknown being, the creature. They eyed it for a moment before Kalev spoke.

"I am at your disposal. And, I look forward to what it is you have to offer."

The being nodded. Their hair-thin smile fluttering gently. Their hand met Kalev's, it being warm to the touch and bare. Shaking but a few times before speaking.

"By your fruits you shall be known, Doctor." In kind, Kalev could only smirk.

Packing his bags quickly as a Providence-class warship loomed in orbit. Awaiting the Doctor and the being with them.

Sauron.

L's Note: OK...here we begin. This chapter is a taste of what many chapters CAN be. Short, and more scene specific as needed. There may be some chapters where there are time jumps, or some where there is an overview text rather than a first person POV, maybe there will be some with mixed formats. THIS is what the Sinyaquenta shall be. An exploration of what happens to our characters, old AND new between Arda Unleashed and what shall come later. This chapter was done fairly quickly, BUT do not expect Lord Kun to simply pump chapters out. He has an actual writing job so he may be slower or need breaks. He will write them as he can. That said, I thank all of you for reading this! Leave a review if you so wish, though In understand this is a slower chapter, so don't feel pressured to write when you have little to say. Oh and if you see any grammatical errors, let me know and I will fix them! I have gone through this sucker a few times so I think I got them...but there's always one or two, lol. :3

'Till the next!

-L

Rough Translations -

Orchal ana-lér (Greater than Man) | Quenya

Sinyaquenta (The New History) | Quenya

Edit Note: Edited/Updated 08/13/2023