Sho followed Tarak further down the lower levels of Coruscant than he had ever gone before. They slowly made their way through eerie tunnels, dark corridors, and long forgotten mining shafts. The air hung heavily with the stench of neglect.

Tarak's voice sliced through the ominous silence. "This is level 1299, where the light no longer reaches and darkness has made its dwelling…Yet hope endures."

They stood in front of a massive door with a symbol of a Coruscantian hawk-bat in flight. Sho watched the Paladin enter a code on her wrist com. The metallic sound of a lock and bolt being undone echoed through the corridor as the door slowly opened.

Inside, a dimly lit chamber revealed a small assembly of resistance fighters, raggedy outfitted with a defiance in their eyes. A Cerean male approached them, his eyebrows furrowed as he eyed Sho cautiously. "Another survivor of Order 66, I presume."

Sho nodded solemnly and responded. "I was at the Temple when it fell."

"This is Thi Xon Yimmon, leader of Whiplash…", introduced Tarak. "...They are part of an already growing resistance and specialize in exporting exotic cargo offworld."

The Kel Dor cocked his head to the side at Tarak's over emphasis of the words exotic cargo. "Even Jedi?", Sho asked skeptically.

"Especially Jedi.", Thi answered confidently…

…Coruscant's Surface…

After several days of planning and making arrangements, the Whiplash leader, along with Tarak, brought Sho carefully to the surface where their contact waited for them. Although Sho originally had deep reservations for the plan, his attitude changed as he stood before the Senatorial Delegation from Kel Dor. Representative Saar Rook approached them.

Sho had been introduced to the Ambassador by Master Koon and knew him to be Force sensitive as a Baron Do Sage. He bowed to Sho, Tarak, and Xi. "Koh-to-ya. We must move quickly. All Representatives of Dorin are to be expelled from the Senate…".

"Expelled?! Why?!", asked Xi.

"Emperor Palpatine has issued a formal eviction himself. We, along with most 'non-human' species, are to leave or face imprisonment. Our transport awaits. Put these on.", said Ambassador Rook as he handed Sho a uniform like those of his entourage. Changing quickly, he shook The Whiplash leader's hand and thanked him for his help.

Sho turned to Tarak who hugged him fiercely. "May the Force be with you. Now go.", she whispered into his ear.

He held on for one last moment, said his goodbyes, and then turned away, joining his fellow Kel Dor. "Do exactly what you are told.", commanded the Senator. Surrounded by guards, staff members, and fellow delegates, Sho and Rook allowed the entourage to usher them cautiously to their designated landing pad.

A squadron of Clone Troopers were waiting to intercept them with blasters at the ready. "Halt! Identification inspection. All Kel Dor are to be processed.", ordered the commanding officer.

Sho's heart raced as the troopers scrutinized each member of the delegation. One of the troopers had an identification transmitter displaying images of the few Kel Dor within the Jedi Order, which he held up alongside each member of the entourage. Sho clenched his fists, trying to remain composed.

"Sir, how the hell are we supposed to identify any of the Jedi we are looking for? They all look alike.", whispered one of the troopers to the Commander.

The officer nodded in reply. An image of Master Plo Koon flashed on the screen, labeled "Deceased." Sho's eyes fixated on the display, battling the surge of grief and anger threatening to overwhelm him. With immense effort, he suppressed his emotions, concealing the turmoil within.

The Commander sighed in frustration. "You are cleared for passage. Move along.", he barked at the delegation. Relieved, Sho exhaled silently as the troopers allowed them to continue, unaware of the Jedi hiding in plain sight among his own kind.

They boarded the transport which took off shortly after. Viewing the planet below, Sho wondered if he would ever see Coruscant again. The primary engines came online as the transport jumped into hyperspace, speeding towards an uncertain future…,

…Al'doleem…

Master Kirak watched as Eras disappeared into the distance. "The Force will be with you…always.", he whispered to himself.

The old man, sensing the impending darkness found solace in the familiar embrace of meditation. Seated on the highest overlook of the ancient Jedi sanctuary, his weathered hands folded calmly in his lap. Closing his eyes, Kirak delved deep into the Force, seeking guidance and clarity amidst the encroaching shadows.

Opening his mind, a chilling vision unfolded before him. Amidst the swirling mists, a figure emerged, clad in armor as black as the void between stars. The ominous presence exuded an aura of malevolence that sent shivers down Kirak's spine. A horrifying sound of mechanical breathing reverberated all around him.

With unwavering resolve, the Battlemaster focused his thoughts, channeling the Force to seek insight into this foreboding apparition. "Who are you? What do you want?", his voice echoed through the ethereal plane. He sensed the figure's intent, its insidious purpose to extinguish any remnants of the Jedi Order. Despite the impending danger, Master Infil'a steeled himself, understanding the sacrifice he might soon be called upon to make.

The old warrior's eyes opened, revealing a piercing stare into the distance. The Monastery droid had been silently watching with concern. "What is it?", inquired Arex. "Something is coming…something dark. Prepare the mountain's defenses.", commanded the Battlemaster. Evil had come to Al'doleem…