…On the Planet Corellia…

With Scraps walking him through the process, Eras was nearly finished with the upgrades. His focus on linking the last commands between the central computer and Scraps's droid brain was interrupted by an alarm coming from the bridge.

"Talk to me Scraps. What is going on?", Eras asked as he stepped off the lift.

"I have intercepted intel…", Scraps relayed. "...Imperial forces are mobilizing on Coruscant with the orders to depart for Dorin."

This was exactly what Eras had been dreading. "Estimated time till their arrival?"

"Calculating...approximately 1.15 rotations, assuming standard Imperial procedures are followed," Scraps replied.

"And how long until our upgrades are complete?" Eras pressed.

"1.36 rotations," came the response.

The new captain of the Shadow Stalker slowly nodded to himself in resignation and gave the order. "Time has run out. Fire up the engines."

Eras took the helm, initiating the ship's systems for departure. With a thunderous roar, the Stalker's engines surged to life, lifting the vessel from the hangar floor. The ship edged slightly forward.

"Captain Eras," Scraps interjected, "might I suggest opening the hangar bay doors before departure?"

Grumbling curses under his breath, Eras complied, narrowly avoiding collision as the hangar doors parted. With growing confidence, he guided the ship forward. Emerging into the open expanse, Eras engaged the thrusters, ascending toward Corellia's skyline. Maneuvering into the traffic lane, the Stalker broke free from the planet's gravitational grasp.

"Well done," Scraps praised.

Exhaling a held breath, Eras keyed in Dorin's coordinates. "Prepare for hyperspace jump," he commanded.

"Coordinates locked," Scraps confirmed.

With an easing forward of the throttle lever, the stars outside stretched and blurred into streaks of light as the ship surged forward, plunging into the swirling maelstrom of hyperspace. Exhilaration filled Eras as the fabric of reality warped around him. For a moment, time seemed to stand still…

…The Planet Dorin…

Unable to rest, Eras had spent most of his time continuing with the upgrades and preparing for his encounter. Questions swarmed his mind. "Where do I start? What do I even say once I find this Jedi?" His attention was brought back to reality as Scraps announced they were dropping out of hyperspace.

As the Stalker breached the threshold of Dorin space, Eras gazed at the viewscreen in awe. The planet lay before them…just out of reach. "Full stop, Scraps.", he commanded. Though Eras had thoroughly studied the intel on Dorin, he was unprepared for the sheer magnitude of the two surrounding black holes that cast shadows over the dust stormed planet.

"Scraps, assess the gravitational fields. We need a safe passage through.", Eras ordered.

"Analyzing...", responded Scraps as he processed the complex data. "...Navigating through the gravitational anomalies will be difficult, but not impossible. Initiating course adjustments now."

The Shadow Stalker moved forward, maneuvering its way through the treacherous currents. The gravitational forces tugged at the ship, threatening to tear it apart. Eras was grateful the ship's course correction sensors were now back on line. This was going to be rough flying. After what seemed like hours, the Stalker finally broke the planet's upper orbit.

"Prepare for atmospheric entry," Eras said, his hands steady on the controls. "I'm taking her down."...

…Dor'shan…

Eras decided to start in the Capital city of Dor'shan. "Keep in contact.", he commanded Scraps as he tested his wrist com. Donning the Clone helmet, he left to consult the Baran Do Sages.

As Eras entered the ancient temple, an air of tension and uncertainty surrounded him. The Sages, masters of the Force, regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Sensing their apprehension, Eras approached them non-threateningly with his hands visible after laying his blaster on the ground.

"I seek aid in finding a Kel Dor of the Jedi Order. His name is Naan Sho.", Eras spoke as boldly as possible.

"Indeed? News throughout the galaxy gave word the Order had fallen and was all but destroyed…", the lead Sage spoke. "...Any survivors are wanted traitors according to the Empire. Do you believe he is here? Why would we harbor a wanted criminal?"

"He's in danger, and I made a vow to help.", Eras pressed with candid honesty.

The Baran Do Sages exchanged cautious glances before the leader once again turned to him, his eyes piercing through Eras. "You are either very brave or very foolish to confess such treasonous intent…"

"I am desperate.", said Eras as he removed his helmet to look the Kel Dor in the eye despite the low oxygen levels of the planet.

The Sage stared back silently for a moment, assessing the young man's intentions. "...You are neither Jedi nor Sith…," he observed, his tone neutral. "...and yet, though we sense both the Light and the Darkness within, there is no malice."

Eras nodded respectfully as he donned his helmet once more. "Please, help me find Naan Sho."

After a moment of silent deliberation, the monks appeared to come to an agreement. "Follow me.", commanded the Sage.

Eras was led through a labyrinth of corridors, finally arriving at a sealed entrance leading to a secluded chamber. The Baran Do monk held a hand out, motioning Eras to be still. "Let the truth now come to light.", he spoke as he opened the door and stepped aside.

The door closed behind Eras as he entered a dimly lit room. A light from a narrow hall towards the back drew his attention. It led to a large chamber where a Kel Dor knelt at its center with his back towards the entrance.

"Yours is a presence I have not felt before.", he said as he turned. The Jedi tensed and drew his lightsaber in horror and rage as he leapt to his feet. "A Clone?! Traitor!"

"Wait…I am not a…", stammered Eras as his words were drowned out by the roar of the Jedi now charging him with his blade. Producing his own hidden lightsaber, Eras deflected the attack.

"Impossible! Clones are not wielders of the Force. What twisted abomination has the Empire created?", the Jedi asked accusingly. The crackle of their blades reverberated through the ancient temple as Eras attempted to reason with the Kel Dor amidst their fierce duel.

The battle intensified as both warriors demonstrated their mastery over the seven lightsaber forms, their movements calculated and precise. Despite Sho's relentless assault, Eras remained steadfast in his desire not to harm the Jedi Knight.

"STOP!", shouted a voice from the chamber's entrance. Eras stepped back from Sho who raised his weapon to strike. "ENOUGH!", commanded Sar Rook. Sho hesitated, his soul aching with desire for vengeance over the Order's fall. Eras's blade retracted.

"Who are you?!", barked Sho aggressively. Standing completely defenseless, Eras tossed his lightsaber to the Kel Dor. Sho caught the saber in one hand, keeping his own blade pointed at Eras with the other.

"Infil'a's design?", he spoke in astonishment. Slowly, Sho lowered his weapon as the shame for his giving into his anger set in. "Your prowess in combat does your Master credit. I...I'm sorry," Sho whispered, his voice laden with guilt. "I thought you were one of them."

Eras removed his helmet. "It's true. The Empire's reach extends far."

"Farther than you both realize.", interjected Rook. "Three Imperial Star Destroyers have entered the system. You both must go…now."

The Baron Do Sage held out a pack with Sho's belongings. Realizing the futility of arguing, Sho clasped arms with Sar Rook. "Do not forget the ways of your people.", Rook said fondly, motioning them to follow a passage that would lead them to a secret side entrance of the Temple.

Sho bowed in acknowledgement. Turning to Eras as he donned the distinctive Kel Dor rebreather mask, Sho nodded his readiness to depart. Eras tapped his wrist com. "Scraps, prep the ship for takeoff."...

…Greeted by the cover of night, the newfound compatriots swiftly made their way through the winding back alleys of Dor'shan. "How far is your ship?", whispered Sho as he followed Eras.

"Not far. Look sharp and stay close."

Yelling could be heard close by as the pair were confronted by the destructive sound of Stormtroopers forcefully turning over nearby residences in search of the Jedi. As they neared the docking bay where the Shadow Stalker awaited them, Eras motioned for Sho to pause. Heavy footsteps heading in their direction echoed through the alley, accompanied by the unmistakable whirring of Imperial droids.

Eras cursed under his breath as he grabbed Sho by the arm, pulling him into the shadows of a nearby backstreet. Peering cautiously around the corner, he watched as a squad of Stormtroopers marched past. Eras's heart pounded in his chest as he silently urged them to move on, praying that their presence would go unnoticed.

The sound of the patrol faded into the distance as they stopped behind some large crates overlooking the unlit landing pad. The silhouette of the Shadow Stalker was visible by the random spotlight fly-by of an air patrol searching menacingly throughout the city. "Scraps. Keep to silent running and open the secondary hatch.", whispered Eras into his wrist com. Without a response, a carefully concealed hatch softly opened in the underbelly of the Stalker's aft section.

They both remained still. Eras raised his com once more. "On my mark, fire emergency flares to the following coordinates. Set a 15 second delay before flare activation…now." Several devices shot out of the Stalker, lost in the darkness of the night sky.

Following the delay, several things occurred simultaneously. Roughly half a klick away, the area lit up as bright as day, revealing several patrols nearby, who turned and began double-timing it to investigate the disturbance. All Imperial air support broke off from their search patterns to aid them. Meanwhile, Eras and Sho sprinted across the landing pad to climb through the Stalker's hidden cargo hatch.

As they slipped into the hold, Eras quickly sealed the hatch behind them, muffling any sound that might give away their position. "Scraps. Power up the main systems and scramble our signature.", commanded Eras.

"Impressive…", observed Sho.

"Koh-to-ya! You are too kind.", responded Scraps.

"...Most impressive.", said the Kel Dor in amazement.

"No time for introductions.", interrupted Eras, motioning Sho to follow him to the bridge…

…Baran Do Temple…

Accompanied by a squadron of Stormtroopers, General Janor Deridus strutted through the entrance to the Temple, where Saar Rook (in full Coruscantian Sentatorial robes) greeted them cautiously. "Ko-to-ya. Welcome to Dor'shan, how may we be of service?", he asked formally.

"Senator Rook, the Empire has reason to believe a fugitive Jedi is being harbored here.", Deridus spoke in a mockingly concerned tone laced with accusation.

"That is most disturbing. Please feel free to search throughout the Temple. The Baron Do Sages do not harbor criminals.", responded Rook who calmly motioned the General and his entourage to enter.

"We shall see…", quipped Deridus as he turned towards an approaching figure in black. "...Lord Inquisitor…", he bowed and made way for the menacing devil…