AN: As always, thanks for the support for this story. Once again, I will thank FractionalSith, Tracyn, and Dragomi125 for their assistance in editing/being a sound board for each chapter.
MaySail199 -Once again, thank you for your kind words. Happy to see you enjoyed the wedding, Kastor and Anakin's words, Padme and Anakin's interactions, and the continued presence of the Mandalorians and the Antarian Rangers.
Chapter 60 - The Cradle of Darkness
Obi-Wan had sensed it towards the tail end of the previous evening. Siri had too. Their wedding was what they knew it would be, a small window of peace, and now it was time to get back to the growing darkness. Still, as much as neither of them wanted to take advantage of his friends' kindness, they both knew that their friends would kill the both of them if they didn't enjoy one last peaceful morning for just the two of them, something clearly they had planned to give them, seeing as how they hadn't been called for first thing.
Being who they were, even with the revelry and the late night before, they were still up fairly early, which meant even with their last little bit of time dedicated to themselves, they were still making their way through the Temple only a few hours past when the earliest risers would have gotten up.
"Ah, the newlyweds are up," a voice said from behind them, and they both turned to see Allara smiling. "So, how are the Kenobis this morning?"
"Wonderful," Siri answered with a sigh, though she smiled a bit, "but now, it is time for us to hear what you decided to spare us from last night."
"We believe we've found Granta Omega," Allara answered gravely and without preamble, wiping the smiles off their faces completely. "Intelligence suggests he's on Korriban. However, there is another reason why we were about to summon you to the large debate hall."
"The large debate hall?" Siri asked with a frown, and Allara nodded.
"It's better for you to just find out there, with everyone else," she said, and then walked with them there, and then they listened to what the High Council was proposing, and how it affected all of them.
Obi-Wan and Siri both exchanged glances. Promoting their Padawans to Knights? Obi-Wan grimaced. He honestly thought Ferus was ready, but was Anakin? He had grown a lot in the past months, but had he grown that much?
"We know this is a major decision," Mace said, "but we feel that with the state of the galaxy, and the return of the Sith, that we need more Knights. To help allay some fears, we intend to enact a majority of the Emergency Protocols, which means that these young Knights who pass the Trials will still have some oversight."
"For the younger Padawans, we plan to only Knight a quarter of them at this time," Ki-Adi said. "This will be a test since we want to proceed with caution. Should this first group pass their trials, and show signs of being able to handle the burden of Knighthood, the rest of your Padawans will follow, save for those few whom you are adamant are not ready."
"For that reason," Plo said, "we are asking for those who feel their Padawans are on the cusp of Knighthood, even if you do not fully feel they are yet ready. We understand that we are asking much, but we need to put our trust in the next generation, and this is merely the first step."
Obi-Wan grimaced. Plo's words hit him right in the center of his argument. Obi-Wan didn't feel Anakin was ready . . . but he was close, real close. Anakin had the skill and power for Knighthood. Sure, Anakin needed to dig deeper on his studies, both with a lightsaber and into the Force. Everything came so easy to him, and his power was growing so quickly that he had a hint of arrogance about him . . . but that wasn't uncommon in young Jedi . . . or younger people as a whole. Age and experience would help to soften that. No, skill wasn't Anakin's problem. It was maturity . . . and yet, in the past months, Anakin had shown great leaps in his maturity. He was working with Ferus better, handling his emotions better, and was doing a better job – for the most part – of following instructions. So, if the Council was looking to promote Padawans that were on the cusp of Knighthood . . . could Obi-Wan really hold Anakin back . . . and not have Anakin resent him?
He could see his own dilemma reflected on his wife and many other masters' faces. They couldn't afford a lengthy debate on this. It was time to make a decision.
*The Will of the Force*
Tru held his lightsaber, its glowing shaft buzzing. He turned it around, looking at the flame-colored ray, which gave his silvery skin a rosy tint.
"I adjusted the flux aperture for you and rebalanced the handle," Anakin Skywalker told him.
"Thanks! It feels great." Tru deactivated the lightsaber and tucked it into his belt. "I may have built this lightsaber, but you sure keep it humming." Tru looked down at his utility belt. "Liquid cable — check. Comlink — check. Aquata breather — check. And . . ." Tru reached into a small slit in his belt and withdrew a small bag. He swung it in the air. "Mmmm . . . some Terratta to eat on the ride."
"Check." Anakin caught the snack Tru tossed to him and popped it in his mouth. "Obviously, you've thought of everything."
Suddenly a head peeked around the corner of Anakin's quarters.
"Terratta strips? And nobody invited me?" Darra Thel-Tanis held out a hand and the bag sailed into it, with the help of the Force.
"Show off," Tru said, grinning.
Anakin was a bit surprised to see Ferus walk in with her, but compared to years past, Anakin didn't mind seeing him at all . . . and honestly welcomed him.
. . . Obi-Wan would never let him hear the end of this if he heard that out loud.
Ferus and Darra slid down onto the floor next to him and Tru, and both chewed on the candy, Darra with vigorous appreciation, but she'd always been that way.
Still, they'd all changed over the years. Darra still had a bright sense of humor, but she had a newer maturity and a hardened sense of purpose around her. It was a consequence of when she'd been wounded on Haariden, so long ago. She'd told Anakin that the incident had brought death so close that she'd made friends with it. It was a joke that Anakin had trouble accepting.
Tru too was less playful than when Anakin had first met him. He took things more seriously, spoke less, seeming more like his master, Ry-Gaul, at times, and in some ways he reminded Anakin more of his master, cautious, and focusing on the details.
To Anakin, Ferus was the biggest change though. For starters, he was more relaxed, less judgmental, and he actually showed a sense of humor, but whereas Anakin and the rest of his friends had changed, but were more sure of themselves, Ferus seemed less sure of himself. He seemed to doubt himself more and more as the years went by . . . it was something that Anakin had liked not so long ago, but now? It just worried him.
"Something's up," Darra said. "All of our masters are in the Council room."
This was news to Anakin and Tru. They exchanged a glance.
"And here I was worried that because of the wedding we might get sidelined," Anakin said jokingly.
"You know our masters," Ferus agreed with weary fondness.
"Well, maybe we can finally catch Omega, and that can be our wedding present to the Kenobis," Darra said playfully. "I have a feeling we'll be leaving the Temple before the day is out." She stretched out her legs. "I'm ready."
"Well, you seem to have all the information," Tru noted. "You hear anything else?"
Darra shrugged. "Rumors are going around – something about Jedi apprentices. I don't know what though."
"We'll know when we're supposed to," Ferus said calmly, and Anakin, Tru, and Darra all rolled their eyes before laughing, and Ferus sighed.
"But what do you think it is?" Anakin asked.
Darra shot him a mischievous look. "Do I look like a Council member? Moons and stars, I hope I'm not that grim! You'll just have to wait to find out."
"They're not all that grim," Anakin said with a snort.
"Yeah, Master Shan is really nice," Tru agreed.
"One Council member is not grim," Darra said with humor.
"Master Ti is nice," Ferus offered up. "Master Koon as well."
They started to get into a playful debate about ranking the Council members by grimness when all of their comlinks went off.
"Well, I guess it's time to find out," Ferus said solemnly.
The four Padawans filed into the room, and stood next to their respective masters. Anakin was long past being nervous from having to stand in the Council room. However, he did feel a heavy presence in the room. Darra might have joked about the Council members being grim, but even Allara looked the part today.
Anakin noticed Kastor, Fay, Garen, Clee Rhara, and Asuna in the room as well.
"You will be the first Jedi coalition to go after Omega," Mace said, looking at each of the Masters and Padawans in turn. "He is our top priority at this time, and whatever resources you need are at your disposal."
"Granta Omega has been located," Shaak Ti said, taking over. "He and Jenna Zan Arbor are on Korriban."
The four Padawans gave a start, and Anakin could sense dread rise up in all of them, having heard stories of just how dark Korriban was. Upon Kastor's return to the Jedi Temple, tales of the Sith homeworld became all too common again. And with the Sith Empire on the rise, Korriban's threat was even more real and even more terrifying.
"We believe he is there to meet up with our hidden Sith," Plo Koon said. "However, it is still unknown whether there is any involvement from the Sith Empire. So, you will be accompanied by Master Shan, who has experience on the planet, and his fleet, which will be led by Lady Lok and Master Fay. A Judicial Task Force, led by Master Rhara and Knight Muln, will be reinforcing Lady Lok's fleet. As you know, the Senator of Kalevala perished in Omega's attack, but the new Senator, Tal Merrick, has pushed for the Mandalorian government to support the mission to capture Omega and Zan Arbor, and they too have dispatched a small Task Force to assist, which will fall under Lady Lok and Master Fay."
Anakin and the other Padawans glanced at Kastor, Asuna, and Fay, the former of whom gave them a friendly wink, but they all noted his rather tense smile.
"Now, we come to a piece of news for the Padawans," Mace said, his intense gaze roving over the four Padawans, who all tensed. "Because of our concern for the state of the galaxy, and the return of the Sith Empire, the Council has made a decision to speed up the process of apprentices becoming Jedi Knights."
Anakin found it difficult to keep his face neutral as excitement surged through him. He knew what was coming. He was going to be allowed to undertake the trials! He was ready. He was more than ready.
"This is a major decision, and so we have decided to proceed cautiously," Allara said. "Only a quarter of your year group will be Knighted. The four of you in this room are among that quarter. Once you return from this mission, you will undertake the trials for Knighthood."
Anakin felt his emotions swell, elation rising, and Allara shot him a look, knowing but stern. He couldn't help the mild swallowing, but mercifully it wasn't a loud sound.
"While I know you are excited, we are putting a lot of pressure on you," Allara continued. "We believe in each of you, but do not let this go to your heads. Those who were not chosen will have the same opportunities based on how you all perform. You being chosen does not reflect negatively on those who were not. We are trusting in your maturity in this matter."
"Ready the ships are. Careful you must be on Korriban," Yoda said solemnly. "May the Force be with you all."
*The Will of the Force*
Obi-Wan sat in front of the nav computer. It had been two days, and they still had another day to go before arriving, but Obi-Wan couldn't help but check, trying to foresee potential problems, and finding comfort in knowing their exact position. The Mandalorian navigation officer was still looking at Obi-Wan with exasperation but didn't complain aloud.
Siri came up next to him. "No more checking the space chart. You'll burn out the screen."
"It never hurts to triple check," Obi-Wan said with a smirk, eyeing his wife.
"It hurts me," Siri said, her blue eyes glinting. "All that precision gives me the shivers."
Obi-Wan grinned and laughed.
"Besides," Siri continued. "You could be enjoying time with your wife."
Obi-Wan laughed. "Have we not enjoyed time together the past two days?"
"Are you saying you're sick of me?" Siri shot back, one eyebrow raised.
"You know I'll never say that, love," Obi-Wan said, "even if I hate you at times."
It was Siri's turn to laugh. "We should have used that in our vows. That would have really messed with some of the stuffy masters in the Order."
"I think we've given Kastor enough trouble in smoothing over our relationship," Obi-Wan said with a grin. "I think our wedding was perfect, and now we can just enjoy a marriage we couldn't even have dreamed of ten years ago."
"Sounds good to me," Siri said, leaning in and kissing him softly before pulling back. "Now, no more navigation charts. At the very least, you can come with me to watch Kastor thrash the Padawans."
Obi-Wan chuckled.
"Fine," he agreed. "I admit, I do find a sense of joy in watching Anakin get humbled . . . even though I really shouldn't."
"You know you humble him in duels too," Siri scoffed.
"Yes, but we duel so much that he's got a feel for my style," Obi-Wan replied. "He thinks he's close to getting me . . . and he is . . . but while he beats all his peers, and even has beaten a fair few Knights, he has never beaten Kastor."
"First, if Anakin can beat you, he has a shot at beating Kastor," Siri said, "and he hasn't beaten you. I am willing to brag that my husband is probably among the top ten duelists in the Order, just like Kastor is."
"Oh, you're willing to brag?" Obi-Wan asked, amused, but also a bit flattered.
"Of course," Siri said with a playful nod. "I have to cancel out your self-deprecating humbleness."
Obi-Wan laughed.
"Well, I appreciate that, love, but you might be reaching. I'm not sure I'm in the top ten."
"Kastor, Master Drallig, and Master Windu all agree your mastery of Form III is unmatched," Siri said flatly. "Master Yoda has complimented your abilities in Form IV. Kit said he believes you match him in Form I. Anakin gets complimented on his Form V, which you taught him and match. Accept it, love. You're a phenomenal duelist."
Obi-Wan sighed, before he grinned. "Well, you're able to keep up with me . . ."
"Because I'm the better duelist, love," Siri said with a grin, patting his cheek mockingly.
"Is that so?" Obi-Wan responded dryly. "You haven't consistently beat me in years."
"I just let you think that," Siri said blandly.
Obi-Wan snorted. "I hate you."
Siri beamed. "Well, sorry to tell you, love, but you showed a real lapse in judgment and wisdom and married me, so you're stuck with me now."
"Lucky me," Obi-Wan replied dryly, getting a snort from Siri, but he was smiling. "Alright, let's go see how the Padawans are doing."
"Siri Tachi, you're a miracle worker!" Des called over as Siri dragged Obi-Wan out.
"It's Kenobi now!" Siri called back. "And I know!"
Obi-Wan sighed, hearing laughter and chuckles from the room they were leaving. "Did Des really ask you to get me off the command bridge?"
Siri laughed. "No, I came looking for you myself, but you know Des."
"I do indeed," Obi-Wan agreed as they made their way to the training room.
They entered the training room and saw Kastor dodging a blow from Darra, while fending off another blow from Tru. The two Padawans were striking fast, working together fairly well, but not perfectly, and Soara was calling out instructions and advice sparingly.
Obi-Wan took a look at his fellow Jedi around the room, noting that it had been six years since they'd all worked together like this. Unlike back then, when most of the Padawans had been rather fresh, and even the Knights had been younger, now the years had hardened them all, making them more focused and intent.
Soara and Darra had just been caught in the middle of a fierce interplanetary war, and Tru and Ry-Gaul had been on a series of extremely dangerous undercover operations dealing with the Hutts. Just looking at the two Padawans, as they attempted to best Kastor, he could see the change in their bearings, the intensity with which they were trying to win, a far cry from how the two friendly and more cheerful Padawans used to in practice duels. Darra had a sadness in her eyes that hadn't existed when he first met her. Tru was more cautious, less eager to take risks. Even on the sidelines, he could see it in Ferus and Anakin, though of course with the two of them, he'd watched their growth, for good and ill.
They were all past the days of being a young Padawan, thinking of a life of service and adventure, dreaming of all the successes. Years of accumulated failures, disappointments, and heartbreaking losses had imprinted on them, giving them memories they'd wished they'd never had. A Jedi's life was sacrifice, and the path was much more complicated than one realized.
Even his fellow Knights and the Masters weren't untouched. Ry-Gaul seemed paler, and he spoke even less than before, which was really saying something. Soara was softer, oddly, and had grown almost tender with Darra. Obi-Wan knew that letting her go onto Knighthood was probably harder for Soara than for most. He'd never witnessed it, but he wouldn't be surprised if Darra, like Siri had with Adi, called Soara 'mom' in a both joking yet serious manner. Garen seemed more weary than he had in all the years that Obi-Wan had known him, and while he was still quick with a joke, there was a sadness behind those jokes that hadn't been there in the past. Even Obi-Wan's beautiful wife was leaner, her edge sharper, and her frustration was more prevalent than her humor. And of himself? Obi-Wan knew that while he wasn't old, he felt far older than he should with a strange weariness in his bones, keeping him in a constant state of vigilance . . . something he knew at least the three Masters understood.
Obi-Wan saw the same sort of grimness and worry in Clee that he saw in many of the other Jedi Masters on the Council. The darkness rising was revealing more and more horrors of a possible future and serenity was seen less and less among even the Masters in the Order. Fay hadn't changed much outwardly, but those who knew her best could see the worry in her eyes at times, and could tell that her and Kastor's attachment and reliance on each other had grown far more in the past few years. The easy proof was her greater involvement with the Order, and the more common frequency with which she was involved in operations dealing with Kastor or his interests. Kastor was one of the few that seemed to have actually gained greater serenity and peace of mind, though that had happened more in the last couple months. He'd been the one weathering a lot of the pressure over the years, but now that the Sith were, for the most part, out in the open, and he had gained Allara in his life, a lot of the pressure had come off his plate, with others helping to hold the burden. It was nice to see.
"Control my center!" Kastor instructed, ducking under a strike from Darra, and using the Force to throw her back, before parrying Tru's blade. "Push me off balance, and strike hard!"
Darra decided to take Kastor at his word and used the Force to attempt to literally push him off balance, and Kastor chuckled as he just managed to use the Force to counter her attack, which did push him out of his position with Tru leaping forward to strike at him.
Obi-Wan felt a sense of mischievousness flow through his bond from Siri, and she made her way over to where Ferus and Anakin were observing and whispered something at them, getting a devious look from Anakin and a sigh with a small grin from Ferus. Obi-Wan grinned as the two Padawans leapt into the ring, gunning for Kastor.
Kastor laughed, drawing his shoto blade, and having to increase his speed, athleticism, and showcasing his flexibility considerably to keep up with the four Padawans. He dodged, leaping around, holding off the assault, not staying still for a movement.
"You're going down, old man!" Anakin taunted.
"They'll speak of your loss for years to come at the Temple," Darra called out playfully.
"He's going to make us pay for that," Tru muttered.
"Ah, they get told they're getting Knighted and suddenly their egos shoot through the ceiling," Kastor said with a snort.
"Kas, you know Anakin always had an ego," Obi-Wan called out dryly. "Darra's just along for the ride."
Anakin made an exclamation of protest while Darra cackled. Tru and Ferus both pushed forward, hoping to head off Kastor's counter, but the wily old master anticipated it, and seized Ferus with the Force and threw him at Anakin and Darra. All three went down in a tangle of arms and limbs.
Tru jumped in between Kastor and his friends, and re-engaged, but Obi-Wan could see the nerves reflected on the young Jedi's face. Kastor swung swiftly and relentlessly, using the hard strikes that were characteristic of Djem So, and Tru finally faltered when Kastor knocked his blade from his hand and then gave him a swift jab, removing him from the equation.
Anakin and Darra surged forward, the amusement having left their faces, but Kastor was still grinning wide. He met each of their blades, spinning, and moving quickly, using the Jar'kai variant of Soresu to keep up with the two offensively minded Padawans. Ferus had let them lead, choosing his moment to strike and he jumped over the battling trio, landing behind Kastor and he attempted to strike, but Kastor managed to thwart him, backing out, and letting Ferus's attack fly by him, putting Ferus in the way of Anakin's strike.
Darra wisely held off, and Kastor decided to let them regain their bearings, and smiled as the three Padawans all nodded at each other before they started to unleash a concentrated effort to bring him down. Obi-Wan admired the effort, marveling at how much better it was compared to their efforts when they were young Padawans. Anakin and Ferus were showing how far their relationship had come, with all the time they had worked together in the past couple years, and Darra was a great third for them, augmenting Anakin's offensives, and taking advantage of Ferus's defensive style to strike more boldly.
"They've grown," Soara murmured, having sidled up next to him. "Anakin's finally becoming the warrior I thought he could be, and he's finally grown past his ego . . . mostly."
Obi-Wan and Siri both chuckled, and Soara grinned.
"Ferus is as well-balanced as always," Soara continued, "and of course my Darra has always been a talented duelist."
"Your Darra?" Siri asked with a smile.
"Yes, my Darra," Soara said firmly, smile still in place. She rolled her eyes fondly. "Blame Kastor."
"He gets blamed for enough good things," Siri said with a haughty sniff. "He doesn't need any more."
Obi-Wan snorted.
"Well, I don't think the Padawans will be feeling too charitable towards him pretty soon," Obi-Wan observed, as Kastor managed to knock Anakin out when he overreached, but Anakin falling was the lynchpin that led to the defeat of the remaining two.
"Still, they have grown," Siri agreed with Soara's words, and Obi-Wan's earlier internal assessment. "I'm proud to have seen just how much."
"Well, that's good, Kenobi," Garen said, moving up to them and smiling at Siri, who couldn't help but smile at the last name. "Because it's your turn to face them! I think Anakin gets first crack."
Anakin's eyes glinted as he eyed Siri. "This is going to be fun, Master."
"Still too big of an ego," Siri taunted. "Sorry, Obi. Clearly the rest of us need to teach Anakin what you cannot."
"Good luck," Obi-Wan said with a snort, knowing he'd enjoy the spar, and finding himself glad that Siri retrieved him from the command bridge. They still had a ways to go, but this was a better way to spend their time.
*The Will of the Force*
The Jedi were all gathered on the bridge when they came out of hyperspace and got their first look at the planet. Korriban loomed in their vision, a large planet with blood-red clouds obscuring its surface. They stood, looking out into dark space. There were few stars out here, and no other planets.
"There it is," Obi-Wan said. "So isolated that it makes up its own system. Marooned in space, as though the other planets have chosen to hide from it."
Siri sat astride a chair, planting her hands on her knees. "Don't be so poetic. It's just a planet where some old Sith bones lie."
"A planet we must be very careful on," Kastor said grimly. "It is a great source of evil. I suspect we'll find ourselves in the Valley of the Dark Lords. The Dark Side is strong there."
They had all heard of the valley from their earliest days as students at the Temple, and had used tales of the valley to scare each other as younglings.
"Korriban is rare, even among Sith worlds," Kastor continued. "It has always been Sith. This is the homeworld of the Sith race, from which our ancient enemies took the name and adopted and twisted the culture. Unlike other Sith worlds, this one has never recovered . . . and probably never will. It simply waits for new Sith to reclaim it and rebuild its legacy of horror and pain. I didn't think it was possible, but it feels as though the weight of its Dark Side presence has only gotten heavier over the millennia since I was last here . . ."
There were a few shudders around the room.
"The Commerce Guild has opened an office here," Siri observed, looking at the holo-chart on the planet.
"They're offering incentives to get corporations to open branches in the Dreshdae spaceport," Obi-Wan said. "I've been studying the files. Of course it is a world with no taxes, and that's a Commerce Guild issue, but it's still strange."
"They are just trying to gain influence on major corporations," Siri said. "Keep them in their backyard so they can control them. It's the same old dance."
"I disagree with you there," Kastor said. "I suspect this has something to do with the Sith. Companies like the Commerce Guild have set up offices in places like this, but Korriban only draws interest either because they believe credits will be flowing from here soon . . . or because it's so remote you can do things that the rest of the galaxy won't approve of."
"The former of which would fit with what we know of the Sith Empire, and possibly even our hidden Sith," Soara said. "The latter of which reflects the worst in the galaxy."
"So, who lives on Korriban?" Ferus asked.
"Three types of beings," Siri replied, checking them off on her fingers. "One, those who are forced to live there because of work. Two, those who have been stranded there. Three, those few who choose to be there, and who we will have to watch out for."
"How are we going to find Omega?" Anakin asked. "Dreshdae isn't large, but he and Zan Arbor will be in hiding. And Korriban is huge. They could be hiding out anywhere."
"I don't think he's come to Korriban to hide," Obi-Wan said. "He's come for a reason. My guess is that he's been invited. He's succeeded in his goal — he's attracted the notice of the Sith."
"If he isn't in Dreshdae, he'll only be in two other places," Kastor said quietly. "The planet is very dangerous outside of Dreshdae and there will be few locations for him to hold up in. Two places come to mind and I sincerely hope I'm wrong on both."
They gazed back at Korriban, and all could feel the Dark Side emanating from the planet's surface. It had a sick sweetness to it, something that seemed to pour through his veins, attracting and repelling him at once. It was the most complicated surge of the dark side he had ever felt. It was a struggle to clear his mind with the dark influence.
"Yes, now you're starting to see the danger of this world," Kastor said quietly, gazing at all of his fellow Jedi. "Let's get onboard the Ebon Hawk. The rest of our team should be ready to go."
*The Will of the Force*
The Ebon Hawk approached Dreshdae, which had been built on a plateau in the middle of the largest mountain range on the planet. The port was a huddle of buildings cramped together with no effort at orderly design.
Upon landing, they found the platform deserted except for a small number of cruisers behind an energy fence. There was no one to check them in and no one to care. The landing area itself had been recently refurbished, but it had been a hasty job and already the platform was pitted and scarred.
"Not exactly Belazura," Darra said, as the Padawans stood on the ramp to the Ebon Hawk together, looking out over the spaceport.
Obi-Wan, Siri, Soara, Ry-Gaul, Kastor, and their squad of Mandalorians and Antarian Rangers had already made their way onto the platform.
"We've seen worse," Ferus said. "I hope."
"Of course we have," Anakin agreed.
"I don't think so," Tru disagreed. "I'd say we've finally made it to the worst the galaxy has to offer." He said this cheerfully as he wound one flexible arm around his back to fasten the strap on his survival pack.
"I don't think you'll be finding any Terratta strips here," Darra teased Tru. "I have a feeling we'll be living on food capsules. I wouldn't trust the food on this planet."
"I never get the good planets," Tru whined, making a comical face.
They were joking now, wanting to displace the odd tension they all felt.
"We've come a long way from the Galactic Games, that's for certain," Ferus said. "Remember how nervous we were on our early missions?"
"Sure," Tru said. "I still am." He looked out at Dreshdae, and the humor drained from his face. "Especially here."
"Hey, we're almost Knights!" Anakin said, trying to bring their spirits back up. "We've got this!"
"I wish I had your optimism," Darra said.
"We just need to think of this like any other mission, and maybe add some stakes," Anakin said.
"Stakes?" Ferus said flatly.
"Sure, or competition," Anakin said with a grin. "Make it fun. See which of us captures Omega first, or if he uses droids like in the past, we can see which of us takes out the most droids."
"This is serious, Anakin," Ferus said with a frown. To his credit, Ferus's objection wasn't as domineering or condescending as it might have been mere months ago.
"No, he makes a good point," Darra said hesitantly. "It could be a good way for us to help take our minds off of how horrible this place is."
"I don't know," Tru said, just as hesitant. "There's a lot riding on this mission."
"Exactly!" Anakin agreed. "We need this mission to go well, both for the galaxy and for us! So, let's try and add a little competition in it which will help us get our minds off of Korriban itself."
Darra smiled, but Tru and Ferus still seemed a bit hesitant.
"Come on, I know it's habit for you now, but at least try to stop being a stick in the mud," Anakin said, smirking at Ferus, and his rival snorted before sighing with weary resignation.
"Fine. I'll beat you in this competition of yours."
Darra whistled appreciatively and Anakin actually grinned.
"We're moving out," Kastor called over, and the four Padawans exchanged glances before they started following their Masters and the rest of the team out into Dreshdae, leaving one Ranger, Jaa Beren, and a Mandalorian, Khan Harend, with the Ebon Hawk. Rhys immediately went off in a different direction with three other Rangers and Mandalorians, while Koba went off in another, with his team.
The rest of them moved down a narrow unpaved street, with a light gray rain falling on them. Dreshdae was a hodgepodge, a drab spaceport that had grown and shrunk without regard for utility or beauty. Until recently it had been a collection of temporary buildings made of plastoid blocks or cheaper metals that rusted with age, and everywhere they looked, they could see buildings in various states of disrepair.
Sprung up around them was a collection of newer buildings, most of them clustered near the Commerce Guild's Dreshdae Headquarters. The Guild had spared no expense, building a multistoried edifice with durasteel facing in a multicolored iridescence that was supposed to sparkle in sunlight but instead looked cheerless in the drip of rain.
Although Dreshdae tried to present itself as a typical new, brash city struggling to grow, the strain showed. There was no disguising what the spaceport had been and would slide back into again — a dark, dangerous, lawless place. Undercurrents of its evil past bubbled up through the cracks in the stone facings and the hastily erected walkways. Beings hurried through the streets as if anxious to find shelter. No one lingered in the cafes. Anakin didn't hear one snatch of conversation, or one burst of laughter.
"Our contact is a businessman named Teluron Thacker," Obi-Wan said. "He's done favors for the Jedi in the past, and he agreed to help us if he could. The meeting place isn't far."
Anakin felt a touch on his shoulder and turned. No one was behind him. Perhaps it had been a leaf brushing his shoulder — but he knew, of course, that there were no trees on Korriban.
Another touch — Anakin whipped around. He began to pick up a whisper. Then another. He couldn't make out the words, only the intent. Someone was baiting him, cajoling him, laughing at him… or was it his imagination? Was it just the wind whispering through the stones?
Suddenly the light side of the Force swirled, and Anakin felt some warmth chase away the voice and the cold feeling, and Anakin let out his breath that he didn't realize he'd started holding. He turned back around seeing Kastor and Obi-Wan having moved next to him, watching him with concern.
There was something insistent about the voices. Something that urged him to answer. Although the feeling made him anxious, he also wanted to face it. He wanted to get to the root of this dark power… to match himself against it… to prove, once and for all, that he was as strong as it was.
"It's the Dark Side, Anakin," Obi-Wan said.
"I'll shield you all to the best of my ability," Kastor said, "but you'll have to dig deep and find your own self-peace to ignore it when I can't."
Anakin nodded, hearing what they weren't saying. He couldn't fight it, like he wanted to.
"I understand, Masters," Anakin said, and the two Jedi nodded and continued to lead the way down the path before they stopped outside a small cafe.
Obi-Wan stopped, frowning, looking hesitant. He double checked his communicator, and saw it matched the coordinates. However, it was in serious disrepair, and half the roof was caved in.
"What is it, Master?" Anakin asked.
"Teluron Thacker is a prosperous businessman," Obi-Wan said. "Why would he frequent this kind of place?"
"You think it's a trap?"
"I'm not getting a warning. But still…" Obi-Wan shook his head.
"He's willing to help us," Kastor said, "but that doesn't mean he wants to be seen doing so."
"True," Obi-Wan agreed.
"One of us should go in first to check it out," Siri said.
"I will," Ry-Gaul said solemnly, before he strode forward, pushed open the rusty metal door, and disappeared into the darkness. The rest of them didn't have to wait long before Ry-Gaul reemerged and said, "He's here. All clear."
They followed Ry-Gaul into the cafe, and Obi-Wan agreed with Kastor's original assessment. Clearly their contact knew that nobody else would be here, and he could meet them in secret. Other than their contact, the only other person was the bartender.
Teluron Thacker was a tall humanoid with pale skin and the soft look of a being used to spending time indoors, sitting down. He greeted the Jedi with a nervous nod and drew his red cape around his body.
"Thank you for seeing us," Obi-Wan said.
"The Jedi helped my home world of Eeyyon," Thacker said. "I pledged to help whenever I could."
"How do you find yourself on Korriban?" Siri asked.
"Just lucky I guess," Thacker groaned. "I angered my boss. Such a little thing, but she was so touchy. So I didn't check references and the deal went bad. What's a few million credits? The next thing I know, I get handed an assignment to open an office on Korriban." Thacker shuddered. "I haven't slept through the night since."
Obi-Wan signaled to the bartender to bring a round of drinks. In such a place, it was better to place an order, even though he wouldn't touch anything they were pouring. He waited until the bartender slammed down a pot of grog that slopped over the rim, then dropped a pile of not-too clean mugs onto the table.
Thacker leaned over and whispered. "I wouldn't drink that if I were you."
"Thanks for the tip," Siri said. "What can you tell us about the two beings we're pursuing?"
"Only that they are here," Thacker said. "A human man and woman have been seen. They match the descriptions perfectly. I checked the one hotel and several guest houses, and they aren't registered."
"They wouldn't use their real names," Obi-Wan said. "Did you give descriptions?"
"Well, I said a man and a woman, traveling together," Thacker said.
"Did you try anything else? Is there a database for arrivals and departures?"
Thacker shook his head. "Nobody really keeps track."
"Have you looked into whether any businesses here are a cover for Omega's enterprises?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Well, no," Thacker said. "Naturally I want to help the Jedi. But it is not wise to ask too many questions on Korriban."
"Why?" This question came from Ry-Gaul, and it stopped Thacker in his tracks.
"Uh, because." Thacker shrugged, trying to appear uncaring but failing completely. "Because that's what everyone says."
Obi-Wan exchanged an exasperated glance with Siri. It was clear that Thacker wasn't going to be much help. He was too intimidated by even the rumor of possible problems.
"I should warn you about something. You know that the Commerce Guild has its own army? Well, there's a division here," Thacker said. "They say it's out of necessity, to protect the business workers from petty crime, but spider and surveillance droids are everywhere. If Omega and Zan Arbor have any contacts in the Commerce Guild, they could have access to all the surveillance information, which means they could see everything."
The Jedi all exchanged grim looks at the actually useful piece of information. Unfortunately, they knew that Omega did have contacts with the Commerce Guild, meaning their army was quite likely at Omega's disposal.
"Zan Arbor has expensive tastes," Obi-Wan said, thinking of information that might help them get something more from Thracker. "She is most likely not too thrilled to be here. There doesn't seem to be much luxury in Dreshdae."
"It's a stinking rot," Thacker agreed.
"Yet there are business executives here, creatures used to having the best of everything," Obi-Wan said. "There must be something for them. If you're looking to buy special items, where would you go?"
"There's a loose kind of black market," Thacker told them. "Run by thieves, of course. Supplies are low, there are no stores, and it's hard to even find essentials, like blankets or thermal capes, even though this dump of a rotting death-hole freezes your bones. They rob when they can — from the better buildings, the offices. No hotel room in the spaceport is safe. They've made some hits on ships coming in with supplies for the Commerce Guild executives."
"So how do you get in touch with this black market?" Obi-Wan asked.
"It's on the outskirts, in a plaza that's in ruins — that is, if you can tell ruins from the rest of these crumbling, cracked-up excuses for buildings." Thacker's darting gaze flicked to the ceiling. "I can give you the coordinates. If you want something, go at dusk. Ask for Auben. She's the best of a bad lot — she won't cheat you and she knows everything that's going on. I've bought a few things from her myself. But watch out for the army — the executives in the Commerce Guild are tired of buying back their own items. They want to smash the black market."
The Jedi nodded and stood.
"One more thing," Thacker said. "The army isn't your only concern. Auben might be less than cooperative. She won't trust you. And she's heavily armed."
"That won't be a problem," Obi-Wan assured him.
*The Will of the Force*
Fay stood on the bridge with Asuna and Des, prepared to help mobilize the fleet or their forces depending on the situation. The fleet was nothing to scoff at, with Kastor's fleet, the Mandalorian Task Force, and the Judicial Task Force all being arrayed and ready. This fleet was overkill to ensure that Omega would not escape again. They'd already locked down the airspace around Korriban, to ensure that nobody left.
Kastor's normal fleet still consisted of the Darasuum and both Diamond-class frigates, and currently Reaper squadron was deployed, ready to intercept any ship leaving. Basilisk squadron was already prepped for deployment, and the Mandalorians and Antarian Rangers onboard were ready to hop into the five Kom'rk's as needed.
The Judicial Task Force had an Invincible-class dreadnaught, two Hornet-class carriers, two Centax-class heavy frigates, one Arquitens-class heavy frigate, three Consular-class corvettes, and two DP20-class gunships. Between the two Hornet-class carriers, the Republic had two squadrons of starfighters and two squadrons of bombers, and their starfighter squadrons were set to rotate out with Reaper squadron periodically, but both were ready for quick deployment if needed.
The Mandalorian Task Force had a Keldabe-class battleship, two Mandalorian cruisers, and three Crusader-class corvettes. They had two squadrons of Fang-fighters, and a squadron of PTB-625 bombers, also prepped for deployment, and ready for periodic patrols.
"Al'verde, multiple contacts coming out of space," Jynna Vale, one of the Ranger support staff, called over. They'd adapted to using 'al'verde' like the Mandalorians did, instead of saying 'captain.'
"Get me communications with the other Task Force captains," Asuna ordered, as a large fleet of ships came out of space opposite of where the joint Task Force was arrayed. "Keria, scan those ships and tell me everything you can."
The unknown fleet consisted of five capital ships: one Invincible-class dreadnought, two Bulwawrk-class battlecruisers, one Lucrehulk-class carrier, and one large dreadnought of an ancient design, yet larger than it had originally been four thousand years prior. Fay recognized the Interdictor-class destroyer from the archives. There were also two Bakura-class destroyers, two Wavecrest-class frigates, two large supply ships, four Bayonet-class light cruisers, two droid carriers, four CR70 corvettes, and four DP20 gunships.
"Al'verde, we're getting hailed by the command ship," Maro Olen, the communications officer, called over. "The ship's identification is the Dying Sun."
"That's the command vessel of Darth Glovoc," Fay said, and Asuna nodded at her in understanding.
"Let it through," Asuna called over, and Fay moved next to Asuna as they got their first look at the ancient Sith Lord.
He was humanoid, with light skin, yellow eyes, and wearing dark armor, with a cowl over his head.
"You have occupied Sith Empire territory," Glovoc said. "We demand you leave at once or face destruction."
"We are here to apprehend two galactic criminals," Asuna responded, her tone cool, unphased. "Once we have accomplished our goal, we will depart at once."
"You seem to think that we are willing to entertain you by allowing you to act within our borders," Glovoc said.
"You seem to think that you showing up now makes these your borders," Asuna responded coldly. "We have no desire to fight you here and now, but if you want to interfere, we will give you a fight that your weak Empire is not prepared for."
"You are overestimating your abilities," Glovoc responded calmly. "I will give you twenty minutes to pull your forces off the planet and depart."
The communication ended abruptly, and Fay looked at Asuna.
"Intelligence tells us that this has to be a very large portion of the Sith Empire's fleet," Asuna said. "Perhaps all of it. They're going to give us that whole twenty minutes because they won't want to fight us. If we leave without a fight, they'll use propaganda and claim a victory. If we fight them though, they will likely win and that will be just as good. Des, have two of the Komr'ks loaded only with Mandalorians with jetpacks. Have them prepared for boarding operations. The other three will be prepped to drop on the surface and assist the team below."
"Understood," Des said. "I'll ensure Njonne and Ghatul are in charge of those sections."
"Maro, alert Rhys Dallows, and tell him that we'll be sending down Arlon in his N-1. Arlon will take over as team lead, while Rhys gets his ass in that starfighter and reports back to the fleet," Asuna said.
Fay nodded in agreement to that call. Rhys's skills as a pilot were in much greater demand than his job as a team leader and foot soldier.
"Have Vana prep Basilisk squadron for deployment, but we won't deploy until the last minute. We don't want to start this battle prematurely," Asuna ordered. "Now, get me the other ship captains. We need to plan how we'll array the fleet."
Asuna looked at Fay, and Fay nodded, acknowledging she'd be ready for battle meditation.
"Fay, get a hold of Kastor and brief him on the situation," Asuna said grimly. "In twenty minutes, we're going to be fighting for survival."