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| - JEDI ENCLAVE ON HAPES Grandmaster Katarn is discussing the sudden disappearance of his apprentice, Jaden Korr, with his other two apprentices. "I don't understand it. He was supposed to return two days ago... when he sent me a subspace message about having completed his mission." - Katarn mused. "Do you think the Sith could have abducted him?" - one of the apprentices asked uneasily. "I don't see how. Denon is within New Republic space, and intelligence reports haven't traced any RTSE activity to that sector. Not to mention, if the Sith were involved, I would have sensed a disturbance in the Force, like the one I did when Master Horn and his apprentice confronted Darkon." - Katarn shook his head. "Master... you don't suppose he could have..." - the other apprentice began uneasily, not sure whether or not to complete the question. Katarn sensed the question in her mind, however: "Defected to the SIth?" - he finished for her. The first apprentice began an angry retort, railing on the second: "That's absurd! How dare you even suggest--" - before Katarn stopped him with an upraised hand: "It is a valid question, unfortunately. However, I know Jaden. More to the point, Jaden was personally responsible for resolving the Ragnos crisis, four years ago, and stopping Tavion's mad scheme to resurrect the long-dead Sith Lord. He knows first-hand what the Dark Side represents, and he would have never willingly embraced it." - he stated with conviction. "Yes, Master." - the second apprentice relented, but not sounding fully convinced. As Katarn left the room, talking a walk along the enclave courtyard, he was still deep in thought: 12 HOURS LATER - BOGDEN SYSTEM A New Republic task force, under command of Admiral Bel Iblis, was assembled between the two Bogden moons, making final preparations to launch the counterattack against the RTSE frontline. Consisting of 18 MC80 Star Cruisers, 30 Assault Frigates, and over 60 Nebulon B Escort Frigates, it was an impressive sight. Although the Senate had expressed misgivings about reassigning so many ships at the same time, Bel Iblis was adamant that a force of sufficient strength was necessary to break through the RTSE defenses. Furthermore, he was familiar with Fleet Admiral Rajko's fearsome reputation as a master strategist, and was not about to underestimate him. "Message from the forward scout units, sir - they have detected battlegroups of RTSE vessels in all the systems directly bordering the Neutral Zone. The focal point seems to be the Myrkr system." - the communications officer aboard the flagship of the task force, the NRV Twin Suns, reported. "What other systems are in the primary RTSE defence perimeter?" - Bel Iblis asked. "Phaeda, Ithor, Null, Wayland, Aquaris, Trisspias, Contruum, and Donovia, sir. Those eight comprise the main perimeter, and each of them houses at least one RTSE battlegroup." - the officer replied. Bel Iblis was silent for a minute, thinking: "A decentralized perimeter... with only a single battlegroup in each of the systems, we could easily take any one of them, should we commit a large portion of the task force to it. That would give us an immediate beachhead, but would also allow the RTSE to converge on our hold from multiple vectors - all the surrounding systems. We would be forced to fight a flanking battle and would eventually be driven back. On the other hand, if we try a standard multi-prong advance, on all the systems in the perimeter, we would have to fight a relatively even battle at each one, taking heavy losses, while keeping the RTSE pinned down. Until they can bring reinforcements... Neither option really agrees with me. Still... with Katarn's Jedi Adepts and their Battle Meditation, we should have an advantage in an even battle. Alright... the second option it is!" - before turning to the officer: "Give the order. The fleet is to move out by battlegroups to attack each of the perimeter systems simultaneously. Groups 1 and 2, we will attack the focal point, Myrkr. Groups 3, 4, 5 will invade Ithor, Null and Wayland, respectively. Groups 6, 7, and 8 will converge on Aquaris, Trisspine, and Contruum." "What about Donovia and Phaeda, sir?" - the officer inquired. "Those are on the very edges of the perimeter, and their defense contingents' response time will be down. We will focus on the rest first." - Bel Iblis answered. "Understood, sir. Transmitting the orders..." - the officer nodded, bending to his task. The fleet began to separate as per Bel Iblis' instructions, each segment entering hyperspace for their target systems. Little did they realize that the RTSE scouts were nearby, and that their hypervectors were already being transmitted to the RTSE main staging area on Myrkr, and Fleet Admiral Rajko, giving him advance warning of the attack. SERNPIDAL The Despair, along with a small portion of the 62nd ES Fleet, exited hyperspace at Sernpidal, looking to establish a command post in the Prime Galaxy within reasonable distance of RTSE territory and as a launching point for future attacks. The planet was war-torn, and was self-governed, but very repressed as a result. All that the locals had in orbit were two Venators, a dozen Acclamators, and a small space station; easy pickings for a well-established military power.As the first round of maser beams from the Despair disabled the space station entirely, the ES forces present knew that this was going to be nothing more than a drill. 12 hours later, the ES had taken control of the capital city, or what was left of it, and were surprised by the hospitality of the citizens there. They spun tales of repressive, abusive treatment at the hands of their former government, and welcomed the new arrivals with open arms. As the planet's populace and resources were quickly accounted for, a new governing body was set up, albeit a somewhat temporary one until more adequate officials arrived. The whole process had taken just over a day, and everyone was pleasantly surprised at how quickly things had moved along. With nothing more to do, the troops returned to orbit, already preparing to regroup with the main 62nd fleet for a strike... BACK ON NAR SHADDAA It had been nearly two days since the difficult mission to destroy Gargonn the Hutt's operation on Sleheyron, and his base ship, the Geyrin. Following their narrow escape, Kiara, Shade and Scrambler tried to return to the Dominance, only to find it gone... along with Kiara's Preybird fighter, the J'Sai, still in its hangar. They concluded that either Fett had somehow managed to return before they did, and ordered the Gunship back to Coruscant, or the Black Sun did that themselves, immediately upon mission onset. In any case, that left the three with a modified sensor-stealth capable Escort Shuttle in their posession. During their hyperspace trek back to Nar Shaddaa, Kiara had learned a bit more about her new companions. The slim Rodian mercenary was actually named Ruusan. A natural infiltrator and information gatherer, his path had taken him throughout Hutt space and beyond, working for many shady operations before becoming a freelancer for hire. With his acid wit and sarcasm, he also had a way with words. The insane Cathar hacker had kept mostly to herself, but she did tell Kiara her name - Fareeni. Alternating between her two states of unpredictable, yet creative madness, and rigid control, as usual, getting anything else out of her was anything but easy. However, her strange interest in Kiara's "destiny" remained obvious, and Kiara was resolved to learn exactly why that was the case. Aside from giving them her name, Kiara also had not told either of them much about herself, despite their (Ruusan's in particular) curiosity. When he tried to get her to divulge any more in-depth detail, Kiara would simply say in an introspective tone, before ending the conversation on the subject: "You know as much as you need to about me. Some things are better left unsaid." Upon their return to Krexon's facility, all three of them had to get medical attention, though Kiara's injuries were the most significant. As usual, she never once complained about them during the two-day journey, despite the considerable pain she was in, much to the astonishment of both of her new companions. Now in Krexon's office, Kiara is discussing with him the future of her ongoing contract as the plant's chief of security. "So, how did the mission turn out?" - Krexon asked. "Successfully." - Kiara replied shortly. Krexon smiled at that, before saying: "Yes, that much I figured out myself... was it as much of a challenge as you anticipated, my dear?" - in a smooth voice. Kiara's expression briefly twitched into a smile. "More." - as she thought: "You just don't give up, do you?" - before adding: "Anyway, did your boss transfer my payment for the mission?" "Absolutely... 11,000 creds, as per your contract. And BEFORE you ask, yes - your 8,000 for the attack is there too!"" - Krexon grinned, before adding: "You know... Xizor was really impressed by your performance in the mission. He indicated that for a mercenary of your skill, the Black Sun could offer plenty of opportunities..." "I can see where this is going..." - Kiara thought, before leaning back in her chair and speaking in a cynical tone, her eyes never leaving Krexon's from behind her sunglasses: "Skip the recruitment speech and just say it straight - he wants me to become a permanent Black Sun assassin. I told you before - I like to stay independent, and neutral. And being known in the business as a Black Sun insider is not exactly what I'd call maintaining neutrality. He wants to hire me on a temporary one-job basis, fine. But I won't tie myself to an organizaton like the Black Sun - or any other, for that matter." Krexon's face turned hard, as he intoned ominously. "Listen... Xizor's not someone you can easily say no to. Besides, think of the advantages: you'd have a steady salary, not counting the extras for any jobs taken, all the weapons and equipment you need would be provided in advance; you wouldn't have to finance them." - before he added: "Anyway, why the concern, Kiara? You took a long-term contract with me here, right?" Kiara leaned forward, her own voice now hardening: "Semi-contract, Zeltron, as a security chief of a minor fighter-manufacturing enterprise on the periphery of Black Sun influence. With an option to back out whenever I feel like it. Now... I know the advantages I'd have as a full Black Sun operative. And I know the attrition rate of Black Sun operatives at the hands of ambitious bounty hunters and rival organizations' assassins the higher in rank they advance." "Come on... you face rough odds every time you're on a mission! How would this be any different?" - Krexon asked, not convinced by Kiara's reasons. "It's different. Because those are necessary risks. This would be an unnecessary one, and I've learned long ago that taking unnecessary risks is a good way to push your luck past the breaking point!" - Kiara stated, then added, seeing the expression on Krexon's face: "But let's just say I have my reasons not to push things too far... and those reasons are my own." - her voice strangely distant, as she thought: Krexon studied her for a long moment, before replying with a sigh, shaking his head slightly: "You've worked for me for three months now... and I still don't understand you, Kiara. Believe me, I would like to... but I'm sure you knew that already. Anyway, I'm not stupid enough to try to force the issue, but I'm warning you... Xizor doesn't take no for an answer." Kiara nodded. "That's for me to worry about. Wouldn't be the first time I had to deal with someone who doesn't take well to rejection." "I'm sure it wouldn't..." - Krexon smiled, knowingly. - "Well, if that's all, I---" - before Kiara interrupted. "There's something else... I'm ending the contract." - she stated. Krexon, just getting up from his chair, froze in midmotion. "Excuse me?" "I'm resigning my commission as your security chief. It's been interesting, and I've even enjoyed it at times... but I think it's time to move on. Besides, given Xizor's interest, it would be best to disappear off the scope for awhile." - Kiara answered, her voice emotionlessly neutral, as usual. Krexon seated himself back down, before exclaiming: "Kiara, you can't do that! You're the best merc I've ever hired - the only security chief I've ever had that I could really depend on to get the job done! Look, if this is about a raise, I can--" - before Kiara interrupted with a soft sigh: "It's not about a raise... No need to take it so personally. I told you - I've even enjoyed it at times. But it's over." - getting up herself, on her way to the door. "What if I won't take no for an answer?"- Krexon demanded from behind her, one hand hovering above the intercom button to call for his mercenary guards to hold Kiara, the other on his blaster holster, his voice hard, but with just enough underlying sadness for Kiara to pick up on it. Kiara stopped in her tracks, before turning halfway around, her own right hand dropping to her DL-44, but not drawing it. "It's not worth it... Krexon. I've made up my mind." - before adding with a slight smile, her tone suddenly lighter: "Don't think you could handle me, anyway! So long..." - as she walked out. Krexon stood there for another few seconds, before letting out a long sigh, and moving his hand away from the intercom. He slumped in the chair, thinking: "BLAST IT!!! How can I just let her go?" - before speaking softly out loud: "Good luck out there..." ~~ After making a detour to pick up her commission for the mission accomplishment and the repelled attack earlier, Kiara made her way to her quarters to pick up the rest of her things, before stopping by the temporary quarters Ruusan and Fareeni were assigned to. "Well, it's over. I plan to look for work on Sernpidal. The two of you are welcome to join me if you want - or stay here and try a job with Krexon or one of the other crime-bosses on this cesspit." - Kiara began without preamble. "Sernpidal... mmm, yes, rumours have been floating around about some kind of military takeover in that sector. Could be some work for mercenaries out there." - Ruusan nodded thoughtfully. "Of course. Where there's schism, our kind will always find work. So, I take it you're interested in tagging along?" - Kiara asked. "Sure. What about you, Fareeni?" - the Rodian asked the Cathar hacker, who was silent for the time being. "Now that your destiny had began to unfold, slayer, how could I miss it?! Waaah! I shall join you too! And, you shall need a Mistress of cyberspace at your side, to defeat any electronic adversaries seeking to waylaid you!" - the Cathar woman croaked, her madness flaring. Kiara's expression twitched into a smile, as she nodded. "Your hacking skills will come in handy, I don't doubt that... okay, that's settled. Let's go." Minutes later, as their Escort Shuttle was leaving Nar Shaddaa, on the way to enter hyperspace, Kiara asked Fareeni, making sure Ruusan was out of earshot: "Tell me something... all this stuff you keep saying about my destiny... how you guessed where I'm from, and who I am... what is it that you see?" The Cathar woman stared at her for long seconds, that same hooded look coming to her crazed eyes. Finally, she spoke: "Nothing is transparent anymore, Slayer... the shadows are nearly upon you! Waaah! You think you've escaped their sight... but how can you escape those who live to hunt?! Waaah! You must be ready..." Now, Kiara had finally understood the metaphors Cathar was using, and she leaned back for awhile, considering the implications. "You're sure about that? Can you tell me when will they catch up?" - she finally asked, in a rigidly controlled voice. Fareeni took Kiara's hand, looking intently at it, long enough to make Kiara nervous. "The shadows are elusive, Slayer... but you do not have long to wait." - she whispered in an ominous tone, releasing Kiara's hand. Kiara nodded, fire suddenly appearing in her eyes. "I'll be ready." - she said in an ice-cold, ruthless voice. With a streak of light, the Escort Shuttle made the jump to hyperspace. NAR SHADDAA, THE OUTSKIRTS As Kiara's Escort Shuttle was lifting off Krexon's landing plaform, a shadowy, hooded individual was observing through the macrobinoculars... "There is no doubt... it was her! Even without the clan markings or tatoos, a discerning eye recognizes a Nightsister by her stance, and walk, when it sees one... Kiara, daughter of Tainel, one of the last survivors of the Clawthorn royal bloodline! At last, a two decades-old death debt shall be complete." - the individual thought, before vanishing like a shadow in a darkened doorway behind. Approaching an unusual-looking portable communications terminal, the individual sent out a message on an extreme-low band subspace frequency, bound for Dathomir. MYRKR - RTSE DEFENCE PERIMETER FOCAL POINT Having received advance warning about an imminent multi-pronged attack from his scouts, Fleet Admiral Rajko had dispatched several interdictors to waylaid certain elements of the New Republic task force from reaching their target systems on schedule, thus allowing his forces to focus on less of them at once. "Sir, Waylaid Unit 1 reports success in interdicting the fleet headed for Ithor!" - a voice sounded from the portside crew pit aboard Rajko's flagship, the Zatornik. "Excellent. Remind them that their job is simply to delay the enemy as much as possible. They are not to engage, and are to retreat if the enemy attempts to attack them." - Rajko replied, voice glacially calm. "Waylaid Unit 3 has just interdicted the force bound for Trisspine!" - another voice sounded out. "Well done. Any report from Waylaid Unit 2?" - Rajko asked. "Negative, sir... they haven't sent an update on their progress when they should have." - the officer retorted. "Mmm... dispatch a scout to their projected coordinates to investigate." - Rajko ordered, slightly concerned, before adding: "Meanwhile, the rest of their forces will be arriving at their target systems within minutes! Are our defence units ready?" - he asked. "Ready and eager, Admiral! We should have company here on Myrkr any moment now..." - the officer replied. Nodding, Rajko opened a fleet-wide channel: "Battle Alert! Energize deflector shields and power up all weapons! BG24 is to reconfigure into a standoff formation in the planet's upper atmosphere. The planetary mass-shadow will revert them to realspace out of their attack range, denying them the first strike in this battle, and giving us an initial advantage. BG30 is to stay concealed on the far side of the planet, then execute a flanking attack on their advancing line as they proceed to engage us. All fighter squadrons, launch immediately and begin a CSP around the ships. Bomber squadrons on launch-standby!" As a chorus of acknowledgements echoed from the link, Rajko turned to the comm officer: "Transmit instructions for the rest of the battlegroups to be ready, as well." "Yes, sir." - the officer saluted. Minutes later, the NR ships began reverting at Myrkr... ~~ "Transiting to normal space - now!" - a lieutenant reported to Bel Iblis aboard the Twin Suns. "Acknowledged." - Bel Iblis replied, thinking: "The element of surprise should be complete!" - just as starlines faded out, and the giant globe of Myrkr appeared in the forward viewport. The planet... and over a dozen RTSE warships arrayed in formation before it, fighters already launched. "Sir?!" - the lieutenant exclaimed, surprised. "I see them... looks like we haven't surprised them." - Bel Iblis thought, remaining outwardly calm, thinking: "Rajko, you're good..." - before issuing the orders: "All ships, reconfigure into point-advance formation! Fighter squadrons, launch! A-Wings, engage the Gavran fighters directly! X-Wings, intercept any bombers heading for our ships! B-Wings, commence bombing runs on their heavier warships, but try to stay away from those Munja frigates... all forces, engage!" Meanwhile, the Battle Meditation Adepts strategically stationed on several ships in Bel Iblis's fleet began their meditation efforts... The two fleets converged on one-another. With their superior firepower, RTSE Kurgarin and Karas warships had an advantage in direct battle over the competing MC80's and Assault Frigates. However, the superior fighter numbers of the NR fleet were offsetting that advantage... ~~ "Screening Group 2, provide cover for the Kolja and Udar!" - Rajko exclaimed, as he saw a large number of B-Wings converging on the two Kurgarin destroyers in his battlegroup. The trio of Munjas, comprising Screening Group 2, began to move as per instructions - but it was clear to Rajko they wouldn't arrive in time. Even as he watched, the mass of B-Wings slipped past, and unloaded their massive torpedo payloads on one of the Kurgarins, causing massive damage, before the pursuing Gavran fighters could catch up. Minutes later, the heavier ships finished off the crippled Kurgarin. "Udar has been destroyed, sir!" - the sensor officer reported, unnecessarily. Directing a pair of Karas cruisers to seal the hole left by the destroyed Kurgarin, Rajko's face became increasingly pinched, as he thought: ~~ "We've breached Quadrant 4, sir!" - the sensor officer aboard the Twin Suns reported, pointing at one section of the RTSE disposition of forces. "Send half a battlegroup through the hole! Let's keep up the pressure..." - Bel Iblis ordered, smiling: ~~ The intense battle continued, with the RTSE losing ground slowly but steadily to the NR, despite the flanking attack executed by Fleet Admiral Rajko's second battlegroup, hidden behind the planet. Losing five ships, as opposed to the two of the New Republic, it was increasingly clear that the system cannot be held. After an hour, Fleet Admiral Rajko's force was down to less than 50% of its strength, an entire battlegroup of 12 ships lost, with two more from the second battlegroup, while Bel Iblis's fleet had lost only 6 ships. The RTSE Zatornik, moderately damaged, was squaring off against a pair of Assault Frigates... "Shields down to 23%, Admiral! Hull breaches across 17 decks, and we've lost the smart-fire control!" - the engineering officer shouted from the starboard crew pit, over the hooting of alarms. "Switch to manual targeting and focus fire on the nearer Frigate! Emergency power to shields!" - Rajko shouted back, before turning back to the master tactical display. His face darkened. "I will have no choice but to order a retreat... the situation is untenable! But it is only a single battle... not the war. There will be another day!" - he thought. Just as he was about to open a fleet-wide channel, the tactical display had shown one of the Assault Frigates harrassing his flagship destroyed. "A consolation prize, at least..." - he added a thought, before opening a channel: "Rajko to all surviving ships: divert all power to shields and engines, and prepare for pre-lightspeed maneuvering! We'll regroup at Wayland." As he looked over the disappointed faces of the officers on the bridge, he added: "One battle doesn't make a war, gentlemen. However, there is more to our enemies success here than simple tactical skill... I have no doubt of that. And I intend to find out what precisely that is!" - he growled ominously. Minutes later, the remains of his battered fleet escaped into hyperspace, on their way to Wayland. "Sir, here are the reports on the other engagements..." - an aide approached his command chair, bringing a datapad. "Details?" - Rajko asked, not certain he wanted to hear the answer. "We've lost Null and Trisspine, sir. Our forces are still holding their own at Aquaris, while the attacks on Contruum and Ithor were repelled, due to delay in arrival of the forces we managed to interdict!" - the aide reported with optimism. "Well, at least our tactics have proven effective..." - Rajko reflected, before answering with a question: "What about Phaeda and Donovia, Ensign?" "No reports of any attack, sir... it seems the NR fleet focused on the inner systems completely." - the aide answered. "Even better!" - Rajko thought, before adding: "Send a transmission to Phaeda and Donovia battlegroups to send some ships to aid in the defense of Aquaris. We will push them back there, as well!" "Yes, sir." - the aide replied, moving to relay the orders to the comm officer. Half an hour later... The battered Zatornik and the slightly reduced BG30 have arrived at Wayland, and the protection of fixed installations there. With reinforcements from deeper RTSE territory on the way, their position was secure for the time being. With the attack on Aquaris repelled as well, the New Republic success was not nearly as complete as it seemed at first. Fleet Admiral Rajko was just writing a report for Lord Darkon, when a chime sounded on the doors to his ready-room. "Enter." - he called out. The doors opened to reveal a pair of Acolytes standing there, a part of the ship's contingent of Force using troops. Without preamble, one of them began: "Admiral, we have a likely explanation for the lack of initiative our forces displayed in the battle." This got Rajko's full attention, as he stood from the desk and approached them. "Continue..." - he intoned, voice more than curious. "During the battle, we could sense the drain of determination on our crewmen and troops. And it was through the Force. At a guess, we believe the Jedi have been influencing the battle on a large scale! The drain did not affect us, with our sensitivity to the Force." Rajko's fists clenched, as he ground out: "I suspected there was more to their success than what it seemed... those insidious vermin! Tell me... how can we protect ourselves from this effect?" "At the moment, I don't think we can... we have no idea how the effect works! I suppose Lord Darkon would know, though." - the other Acolyte answered. "And he couldn't possibly arrive here in time to aid us in the next battle..." - Rajko mused, before suddenly asking: "But that would imply the Jedi were actually aboard the enemy ships during the battle?" "Undoubtedly, sir... I doubt the effect could have been that pronounced otherwise." - the Acolyte replied. At this, Rajko smiled a gird-for-battle smile: "Then at our next encounter with the enemy, we will take the battle to a new level - make every effort to board their ships, find these Jedi pests who are diminishing us, and eliminate them!" Both Acolytes grinned eagerly at that, before one of them replied in a vicious tone: "With pleasure, Admiral... they won't know what hit them! For Blood And Death!" Rajko replied to the battlecry, before both Acolytes left his office. About to finished with his report to Lord Darkon, he added another section to it: Finished with the report, Rajko filed it, then dispatched it on a coded channel directly to Korriban. TITANIA General Patricia Reynolds' Pacu, along with what was left of her once-proud assault fleet, entered the system. Aboard the Dungeon, Patricia was finishing a report with the ES Chief of Staff. "... and our weapons lost much of their speed as they approached, around 60% or so. That was when I gave the order to fall back." - She finished, her dissatisfaction evident in her voice. "You did all you could. Clearly we underestimated the TEC presence in that sector. We won't attack again until we learn what exactly they have installed there." - The Chief responded, dreading already the report he'll have to file. GATEWAY, SE PRODUCTION FACILITIES The shipyards of Gateway were particularly busy today. Many different types of Star Destroyers were being produced, from MKI, II, III, and even IIII, along with the dreaded Titan, to smaller craft like the Gladiator and Victory-series. But above all else, a massive ship was just coming off the line to serve as the Gatekeeper's new flagship: the Arkun, a redesigned Eclipse with more focus on firepower and less on strike craft carrying. Already crewed, the gigantic ship was on its way to Komm, to await the Gatekeeper's orders... AKATES STAR SYSTEM As the mess was cleaned up, the TEC celebrated their victory. But they knew they had a few factors in their favor: The planetary shield, which had many effects on not only the planet, but the TEC structures in orbit. Darth Sicol, the Gatekeeper's 2nd apprentice, who was there to assist versus the ES for the time being. Even with the shield, minus Sicol's power in the Force, they would have lost. For the time being, however, they could celebrate. SERNPIDAL In the day after the invasion, and subsequent takeover, a more permanent government had been established planetside, while the fragment of the 62nd fleet had gone with the rest of the 62nd, who had shown up during the night, to a different planet. The Despair was still in orbit, and would remain so until the next day, when Remus would meet up with the Sith'ari Lord Darkon at Kril'Dor. Down on the planet, the remaining ES troops were cleaning up any remaining strongholds of the previous government. One spot in particular was giving them a headache. So much so that they commed the Despair for assistance. What they got was unexpected: "I'm on my way." - Remus said, interrupting the conversation between the Captain and the Field Commander. Half an hour later, Remus was on the scene, stunning the ES troops. "What's the situation?" - He asked, noticing his men were taking cover behind a row of overturned dumpsters. "Sir, the enemy is holed up in that building." - The Field Commander said, motioning to a building overlooking them that seemed deceptively silent. "Every time we approach, they try to mow us down with automatic blaster fire." - His subordinate added. "They have several blaster cannons mounted in various places. We can't get a good look, because if you look up, they'll shoot you!" - A trooper added, motioning to a dead one beside him with his helmet blackened. "You stay here. I'll take care of this..." - Remus mumbled, somewhat excited to have someone to fight again, albeit very briefly. With that, Remus vanished from sight, using a Force Cloaking technique that hid all his signatures. Stepping out into sight, the former government's troops did not see him. Walking into the building, he immediately found himself facing two men with carbines. He walked around them, and decloaked. Before they could notice him, two simultaneous, and silent, lightning bolts struck them in the back of their heads, killing them instantly. Moving on, Remus walked up the stairs, and found himself surrounded by hostile troops. "Hands up, intruder!" - One of them ordered, as the rest pointed their carbines at him. Before they had a chance to even think about firing, Remus had drawn his lightsaber, which was black, and spun in a quick circle, cutting all 6 of them in two.Now the rest of the building knew what was happening, so Remus needed to be quick. He raised a hand, and used the Force to cut out the lights... 20 or so troops ran in, but even with his lightsaber on, they could not see Remus: he was dressed in mostly black, with the rest being dark colors, and his lightsaber was black, and modified not to make a humming sound. "Where is he?!" - One of the men demanded, walking right past Remus, who could see in the dark quite clearly. "I don't know!" - Another shouted. "Somebody hit the emergency-GAH!" The man didn't get to finish his sentence, as Remus had cleanly sliced his head off. "Wha?" Someone fired a blind shot, but in the darkness, it just hit the wall. There were several death screams, followed by thuds. "Hello?" - The lone survivor, who happened to also be the last one in the small building, asked. Silence. Suddenly the lights came back on, and Remus stepped into the room, lightsaber still active. The survivor, knowing he was done for in a fight, fell to his knees. "Please don't kill me!" - He begged. "Are there any other bases on the planet besides this one?" - Remus asked with zero emotion. "No! This was the last one!" Remus did not respond to that, rather he put away his lightsaber. "So, you aren't going to kill me, right?" - The survivor asked. "Had you stayed loyal to your men, even though you speak the truth, you would have lived..." - Remus growled. With that, he kicked the man right in the heart with the tip of his boot, which happened to have a spike on it, killing him instantly. 5 minutes later, he was out of the building, and back with his men. "The guns are knocked out. Get in there and see if there's anybody I missed." - he said, then began the long walk back to his transport. "Transport, inform the Despair, upon my return, we make for Kril'Dor." ZIOST, RTSE MAIN SHIPYARDS The Blood Sanctum, after spending the last five days under repairs from the massive damage it had sustained in the Battle of Mon Calamari, was finally ready to depart. Not a trace of damage could be seen along the magnificent superdestroyer's menacing silhouette, as it lay suspended in the largest berth in the massive shipyard complex, built entirely around Ziost's largest moon, the size of it rivaling a Death Star. "Release the docking clamps, and take her out." - Admiral Zavron intoned from his command chair, after taking a look around the wide bridge. "Yes, sir." - the helmsman responded. With sublime grace, the majestic leviathan moved out of its berth, and accelerated away from the shipyards. Upon joining Battlegroup 13, which Lord Darkon intended to take along with him at the meeting with Remus Von Grath, the Blood Sanctum entered hyperspace, en-route to Korriban to pick up Lord Darkon. KORRIBAN, RTSE IMPERIAL COURT - AUDIENCE CHAMBER Lord Darkon was just discussing the latest report from Fleet Admiral Rajko with the Korriban Governor. "My Lord, if I may be so bold, I don't think it's wise for you to attend this meeting when your presence is clearly needed on the battlefront to unravel this mystery of how the Jedi are influencing our forces in battle." - the Governor stated dubiously. "I am already almost certain what is involved in that... the Jedi must be applying some form of Battle Meditation. I must admit, this move is considerably more cunning than what I've usually come to expect from them - but I was under the impression the art of Battle Meditation had been lost millennia ago. Regardless, the stop-gap tactic the Fleet Admiral had come up with should allow our forces to maintain relative parity until I can join them - which shouldn't take more than two days, since I shall expedite this meeting as much as possible." - the Sith'ari replied, before adding: "Has my flagship left Ziost?" The Governor consulted his datapad, before replying: "Yes, my Lord... Admiral Zavron's report indicates it should arrive within the hour." "Excellent. You are to take charge of all the training efforts in our academies here in my absence... and to apprise me of any further developments on the process of forming a permanent RTSE government on Mon Calamari." "The preliminary pacification reports indicate most of the planet is under our control, and the populace had generally accepted the shift in power." - the Governor offered. "I expected nothing less... but surprises still may be possible." - Lord Darkon mused, leaving the royal chamber. 45 minutes later, his shuttle had left the surface, arriving into high orbit just in time to meet the Blood Sanctum and its battlegroup, which had just reverted from hyperspace. Upon landing in the Blood Sanctum's main hangar, a full honor-guard was there to meet Lord Darkon, along with Admiral Zavron. "My Lord, I am pleased to report that your flagship is once again functioning at its full potential." - Zavron said, bowing, as Lord Darkon stepped off the shuttle's ramp. "You have done well, Admiral. What is our ETA to Kril'Dor?" - Darkon asked, not breaking stride as he came alongside Zavron. "Just under a day, at top hyperspace speed. So, you still plan to attend the meeting, my Lord?" - Zavron asked. "Yes... if our old adversary the Gatekeeper is indeed at large once again, it would be wise to have an ally to stand alongside us against him - particularily with the Jedi and the New Republic also there to contend with." - Lord Darkon replied as they reached the turbolift. "I'm still concerned about this Von Grath's interest in the alliance, however, my Lord. He must have an agenda of his own." - Zavron mused, once inside the turbolift. "Possibly... one more reason why a face-to-face meeting is the most auspicious way to evaluate him and his intentions." - Lord Darkon nodded, before changing the subject: "What report from the scouts along the hyperlanes to the Core Worlds? Have they detected any hyperspace signatures passing from the direction of Mon Calamari at the time of the battle?" "In fact, there was one... very faint, likely coming from a sensor-stealthed vessel. It seems your theory was correct, my Lord... whoever had abducted Deathstrike, had managed to take her off-planet without us noticing. The scouts haven't been able to trace the hypervector, however, except that it seemed to lead in the general direction of the Outer Rim."- Zavron replied, before adding: "I am confident your apprentice is still alive, my Lord." - in a reassuring tone. "I know she is... for I would have felt a disturbance in the Force were she not. And when our current agenda is concluded, along with the issue of Jedi Battle Meditation, I will track her down myself... and deal with whoever had abducted her!" - Lord Darkon nodded, his voice grimly determined. Soon afterwards, the turbolift arrived at the command deck, and a short walk later, the two had entered the bridge. Minutes later, the Blood Sanctum and BG13 had entered hyperspace, on course for Kril'Dor. ~~ Meanwhile at Kril'Dor, the Despair had just arrived, after a day of travel, and was seemingly alone... Remus stood on the bridge, looking out at the stars in a thoughtful pose. He had already deduced how the conversation was likely to go, and he didn't like it. He was not fond of Sith in general, although Sith'ari, in his mind, were much easier to understand and get along with. He still had has doubts about the RTSE, and rightfully so, judging by past Sith-controlled empires, which had a nasty tendency to betray their allies, as he knew all too well, having personally witnessed them doing so. But over the years, he head developed several unusual senses that seemed to tell him when something was about to happen. He could almost see the future, without having to use the Force. He had no idea why, but he made good use of it. But something that disturbed him slightly: When dealing with the dark side of the Farce, it was always much harder for him to detect what was about to happen, where as with Jedi, as he wrote in a diary, 'You can see it coming miles away.' His sense telling him that the Blood Sanctum would arrive within a day's time, he decided to put his thoughts aside and do something productive with his time. UNKNOWN REGIONS The ancient starfleet was once again rebuilt, and having already spoken to his ES allies, the insectoid-like creature, Korsul Rakorun of the Vasari, had given the order to make for ES space to finally regroup. For the first time since their near-destruction at the hands of the unknown enemy, the Vasari were a force once again, and Korsul was determined to prove useful this time... DATHOMIR, SACRED MOUNTAIN STRONGHOLD, GRAND CLAN HALL OF THE NIGHTSISTER CLANS "Is it not her destiny? She did manage to elude our assassination squads for over a decade. That requires... strength." - the Huntress asked. "Are you questioning me, peon?! Your only purpose is to obey, or die, Zaiya! Do not test my goodwill." - the Matron, a vicious looking old woman in an elaborate robe and adorned with a lot of bone-made jewellery, snarled at the cowering Huntress, before adding: "Both she and her miserable sister cheated the death that was ordained on their family and clan leaders! That shall not be tolerated. They have, and always shall remain, outcasts. And outcasts are beneath contempt, or any worth of existence. Am I understood?" "But why now... after over a decade, Matron?" - Zaiya asked, confused. "Simple. Until now, they have remained invisible to us. And though her sister remains far out of our reach... for the moment, Kiara is another matter. Our spies in the space controlled by those bloated Hutt slugs have learned the location of her whereabouts! Thus, the hunt must resume. You have been given the privilege of leading an assassination squad to end her. Do not fail me, peon!" - the Matron exclaimed in a menacing voice. Zaiya bowed low to the ground, knowing better than to issue another question, which may be interpreted as a challenge, and exclaimed: "At once, Supreme One!" - as the Matron dismissed her with a wave of her hand. Zaiya hurried out of the grand clan hall, glad to be away from the Matron's scrutiny, while thinking: "A death-debt over two decades old? What is the point?! I shall try to find out more about the circumstances behind it, before I assemble my minions. My instinct tells me there is more to this than meets the eye. Perhaps there is a way to use this to my advantage, yet..." - as she walked to her rancor, mounting up, and heading in the direction of her village. TATOOINE, SOMEWHERE IN THE DUNE SEA... Almost a day had passed, with Jaden Korr and Deathstrike wandering the unending sea of sand, trying to find anything resembling civilization. An hour before midnight, local time... "I just don't understand... why would this Recluse go to this much trouble to abduct a Jedi and a Sith, and then simply leave them stranded on a backwater world like this one?" - Jaden muttered in a tired voice, exhausted by the lack of water and the relentless heat, followed by equally intense cold of the desert night. "I'll be certain to ask him that... just before I snap his neck!" - Deathstrike retorted quietly, considerably less exhaustion evident in her voice, a result of her more intense Sith conditioning, and using the pain of her injured shoulder as a goad. "And this suppression of our Force power... could it be a part of some sort of trial for us? A test?" - Jaden continued, walking to a nearby formation of rocks, and leaning heavily against them. "You know, Jedi... perhaps you should focus more on trying to navigate this desert, seeing as you're the one with a better sense of direction here, and less on asking useless questions that cannot be answered at this point!" - Deathstrike hissed irritably, turning around and seeing Jaden leaning against the rocks. "I know my way around tunnels... but this is different! No details to remember..." - Jaden protested, breathing heavily. Waiting for a few more seconds, Jaden still leaning against the rocks in the meantime, Deathstrike finally snapped: "Well?! Do you intend to stay there for the rest of the night? Let's go!" "I've got to get some rest... I'm exhausted! Been walking through the desert for eleven hours now, without water..." - Jaden muttered tiredly. "Typical Jedi... a little exertion and they fall apart!" - Deathstrike thought with a smirk, approaching Jaden: "So have I... and I could go on for another eleven, if that's what it takes to find water and shelter! For someone trained by the famed Kyle Katarn, your endurance is sadly lacking... Now get moving before I leave you behind!" - she snapped contemptuosly. "I can't... my throat feels like a dry sponge! I need some water." - Jaden retorted in an irritable tone, while thinking dejectedly: "If I had shown this kind of weakness during my training, Lord Darkon would have killed me where I stood!" - Deathstrike thought, fighting off a powerful urge to kill Jaden, before growling: "Your throat will feel like a squeezed sponge if you don't start walking right now!" - stepping within striking distance of Jadem, while stiffening the fingers of her right hand for emphasis, about to snap off a piercing strike to his windpipe. As he looked into Deathstrike's eyes, Jaden could tell she was serious. With a tired groan, he got off the rock pile, saying: "You really need a change in attitude, Sith..." - walking on. Deathstrike smiled at that, before answering: "And so do you, Jedi. Because with the one you have now, your chances of survival here are between slim and none!" - her voice slightly condescending. Just as Jaden was about to throw an angry retort, she continued: "I know a few things about survival in a desert, having spent most of my life training on Korriban. At the moment, you're suffering from heat exhaustion, which would get a lot worse in the morning, when the temperature jumps back up! And so will your thirst. If you had stayed here to rest for the night, you would have had no strength left to travel in the morning, when the heat would have made travel a lot more difficult than it is now!" Jaden looked at her incredulously. "So, you actually care about what happens to me? A Jedi? Why?" "You got me out of that cave, Jaden... and I don't like being indebted to anyone! Least of all a Jedi..." - Deathstrike replied shortly. "I... see." - Jaden muttered, but a lot of conflicting thoughts were running through his head. They walked in silence for another half-hour, through the night desert landscape, punctuated by an occassional rock formation, before suddenly reaching the edge of a cliff. Far in the distance, the glittering lights of a settlement could be seen. "Finally!" - Jaden exclaimed softly in tired relief, sitting down. "It should take about two-three hours to get there... I can keep going that long!" - he thought. "Well, looks like we---" - he began to say, before Deathstrike suddenly crouched down, putting a hand over his mouth. "Silence!" - she hissed in a barely-audible whisper. "What is it?" - Jaden asked quietly once Deathstrike removed her hand. "We're not alone..." - she whispered, looking around, her sixth-sense instinct in that area flaring. "I don't see anything... how do you know?" - Jaden whispered, looking intently around himself. "Trust me... I know." - she muttered, before getting back up to a half-crouch, and sneaking off. "I'll scout around... stay quiet!" - she added over her shoulder. As Jaden climbed slightly down the cliff to stay out of sight, Deathstrike backtracked along their trail for about fifty meters, moving among the rocks in the area, staying low and quiet. Suddenly, she began hearing very soft voices... Dropping prone, and crawling to a relatively large rock, she took a careful look over it. About a dozen figures in ragged greyish robe-like garments could be seen, speaking softly in guttural voices, and armed with heavy-looking spiked melee weapons. "Tusken raiders... tracking along our trail! No doubt they've traced us for hours now, waiting for the right moment to pounce... 13 of them. If I weren't tired, and my shoulder didn't hurt this much, I could take them by surprise! But as I am now... I don't think so. Not 13 of them, in any case... And the Jedi can barely walk, much less fight." - Deathstrike thought grimly, crawling back down the rock. She made her way back to the cliff's edge, where Jaden was still waiting just below the edge. "Well?" - he whispered anxiously. "Tuskens. Over a dozen, not fifty meters behind." - Deathstrike replied in a whisper. "Great... I've dealt with them when I was still an initiate, here on a training mission with Master Katarn. They're not bad with those Gaffi sticks of theirs!" - Jaden muttered, before adding: "I don't think we can fight them as we are right now." "Agreed. And I don't think we can hide, either... desert hunters usually have a good sense of smell. We'll have to climb down this cliff and hope for the--" - Deathstrike started, before Jaden suddenly interrupted: "Wait! Master Skywalker once told us how his old master, Ben Kenobi, had scared off the Tuskens with a Krayt Dragon scream... he even showed how it sounded. I think I can do that..." - already cupping his hands to his mouth. "What if it doesn't work?! You'll only draw them to us!" - Deathstrike hissed viciously, stopping him. Jaden glared at her, before pushing her hand away, and speaking in an angry whisper: "What's the alternative? Climb down this cliff? Do you really think we could do that in a state we are in right now? I'm exhausted, and your left arm is half-crippled!" Deathstrike glared back, before she reluctantly nodded. Nodding back, Jaden cupped his hands around his mouth and released the scream. The terrible yell echoed through the air for a few seconds, before Jaden released another one. For a dozen seconds, nothing could be heard. Then suddenly, the distant echo of guttural screams reached them. Climbing back over the cliff again, Deathstrike took a closer look... to see the distant figures of the Tuskens fleeing through the rocks, away from them. Turning her head at Jaden, she grinned: "I'm almost impressed... Jedi! Even if I would have liked better to slaughter them..." "-Almost- impressed?!" - Jaden asked incredulously. Deathstrike didn't reply, her smile only widening, before she turned to climb fully back over the cliff's edge. Jaden followed suit, shaking his head slightly. Making their long way around the cliff, the two finally arrived to the lower plateau, on the way to the settlement. After another two hours, they had finally arrived at the outskirts. Finding a cantina, that was only minutes from closing, and satisfying their thirst with a lot of water, which the bartender had agreed to provide free of charge after a little "persuasion" from Deathstrike, they managed to sneak into the basement unnoticed, and finally get some sleep. ~~ Somewhere else on Tatooine... The Recluse, still following their actions through the Force, nodded. ABOARD THE BLOOD SANCTUM... After a day-long journey, the Blood Sanctum had almost reached its destination... "We'll be reverting to normal space in 3 minutes, my Lord." - the voice of the helmsman suddenly echoed from the starboard crew pit. Lord Darkon nodded, stepping toward the forward bridge viewport, before addressing Admiral Zavron: "Admiral, inform the battlegroup to slave their nav systems to ours... I want us to arrive simultaneously in the system." "Yes, my Lord - transmitting instructions." - Zavron replied. In two minutes, the Blood Sanctum reverted from hyperspace at the edge of Kril'Dor system, with the ships of BG13 arrayed in a perfect formation around it as it did so. "Reversion successful, my Lord... we're in a perfect point-advance formation with the rest of the fleet." - Zavron reported. "Initiating a deep scan of the system, sir..." - one of the officers called out from the port crew pit. "Reading a single contact deeper in-system, in orbit of Kril'Dor itself. Preliminary scans indicate at least a superdestroyer-sized vessel." - the officer reported. Zavron approached Lord Darkon. "The Ekatra's mysterious Master, do you suppose, my Lord?" - he asked. "Very likely. Even from here, I sense a massive focal point in the Force aboard that vessel." - Lord Darkon replied, before turning to the helmsman. "Set course for the contact. Shields up, weapons powered. All the ships are to remain in-formation with us. If this is a trap, now would be the likely time to spring it." - he ordered. "Yes, my Lord." - the helmsman replied. As the Blood Sanctum advanced, Lord Darkon decided to send a Force message to the unknown ship: There was a pause, and then the darkest voice Lord Darkon had ever heard responded back: Lord Darkon smiled to himself, before replying: Remus snickered for a few seconds, before saying: With that, at least 40 Krevace Stealth Cruisers decloaked in flanking positions around Lord Darkon's battlegroup. Lord Darkon turned to Admiral Zavron. Zavron nodded to the implied order, before addressing the sensor officer: "Details?" "Moderate armaments, light shielding... none of those ships is anywhere near a match for one of our Kurgarins, but they outnumber us approximately 3 to 1. And that superdestroyer appears to be slightly superior to the Blood Sanctum in a direct one-on-one fight, sir. Putting it all together, we're very evenly matched with them at the moment." - the officer said. "Good. A balance of power is always a good way to ensure equitable negotiations of an alliance." - Lord Darkon nodded in satisfaction, before again addressing Remus through the Force: Turning to one of his men on the bridge, he said: Lord Darkon turned to the sensor officer. "Display a topographic map of Kril'Dor's surface." - he ordered. "Yes, my Lord." - the officer replied, pressing a few buttons. A moment later, a detailed map of the surface appeared on the main tactical display on the bridge. Lord Darkon pointed at a small, unassuming, isolated island just south of the equator. "There. Transmit coordinates to their bridge. Admiral, you're in command while I am engaged in these talks." "You intend to go alone, my Lord? I don't think---" - Zavron started, before Darkon cut him off, in a steely calm voice. "I was not asking for your opinion, Admiral. Carry out my orders." "Yes, my Lord!" - Zavron snapped his hand to his chest. Several minutes later, Lord Darkon's personal infiltrator craft left the Blood Sanctum, entering Kril'Dor's atmosphere. "Sir! The Blood Sanctum has just trasmitted the coordinates!" "Good. I will arrive as soon as Darkon does." - Remus responded. "But Sir how are you-?" "Do not question me. Do as you are told..." - Remus warned ominously. After a rather pleasant flight through Kril'Dor's atmosphere, Lord Darkon's ship approached the chosen island. As the sensors indicated, it was small, no more than a kilometer in diameter, surrounded by crystally sparkling sea in the night sky - since the island was on the planet's night side at the moment. "How quaint... a perfect place to shape the history of the galaxy!" - Lord Darkon thought, with an involuntary smile, as he landed the ship in the center of the island. Hopping out of his ship's cockpit, Lord Darkon walked a few steps, before stretching through the Force, crossing his arms and awaiting the arrival of Von Grath's ship. What Lord Darkon got was rather unexpected. There was a massive lightning strike, not 10 feet away, that came from literally out of nowhere. The strike kicked up a black fog that stayed in that area for a few seconds. Then all at once, the fog vanished, and there stood the Kamen, Remus Von Grath. "Well... you certainly are not the kind of person to use conventional transport methods." - Lord Darkon remarked dryly, his face not showing any sign of surprise, since he could sense a disturbance in the Force a split-second before Von Grath appeared. "In any case, here we are... two people with a vision, facing a common adversary. At least how your emissary on Mon Calamari had outlined the state of affairs." - Lord Darkon added in an evaluating voice, his piercing reddish-violet hued Sith eyes never leaving Von Grath's. Remus, under his melmet-mask, smiled a bit, though his purple eyes did not show it: Lord Darkon had passed the first test, even if he didn't realize it. "When you are as busy as I am, you need to approach alternate tactics to get yourself around." - He said, deliberately hiding any emotion he had, which, granted, was close to nothing anyway. "To your point, Sith'ari, we have more than one adversary in common, and soon to be multiplied, no doubt. I have had my fair share of battles with the New Republic, as well as the Jedi." Lord Darkon nodded, his voice turning reflective... "Yes, the Jedi... misguided idealistic fools whose ideology is as much of a waste to the galaxy, as their existence is to the nature of the Force. By their overly selfless attitudes toward others, they in fact promote weakness, subservience and dependence. To a pragmatic observer, it should be obvious that such consequences are far more dangerous to any society in the long run, than any of the so-called "evils" the Sith brought. At least the True Sith, not the pathetic pretenders such as the likes of Palpatine. However, the Jedi have never proven more than a persistent irritant to me. A constant remainder of the correctness of my vision. And the New Republic is simply a shell that surrounds the Jedi, just as Jedi teachings are the shell that surrounds the hearts of those weak at the core." - before he added, voice hardening noticeably: "However, the Gatekeeper is quite another matter... he had proven a direct, and unambiguous threat to my vision, as well as the future of the Reborn True Sith Empire. And unlike the Jedi, he does not balk when it comes to doing what has to be done to gain the upper hand in a war. Were he not my sworn enemy, I would in fact admire him for such unwavering conviction. But he is... and as such, must be destroyed at any and all costs." - he finished. "I understand the Gatekeeper was once your apprentice, from what your emissary had told me?" - Lord Darkon asked then, voice once again turning evaluative. "That is correct... the Gatekeeper was once my apprentice. I taught him everything he knows about the Force. But somewhere along the line he went crazy. He betrayed me, and founded the Shadow Empire. We've been warring since..." - Von Grath stated, remembering several of their direct battles. "I'm not sure where he got the idea that he created the Force, either... perhaps a symptom of his illness? Who knows... But I do agree. He must be stopped. He must be killed, along with both of his apprentices, and his entire family." - He said, his voice growing stronger and gaining conviction. "But he is not alone in his quest to destroy us... as I mentioned, he has a family. A father, Harrington, a brother, Kane, whom you've met. His two apprentices, Darth Sicol, a powerful Force user and excellent fleet commander, and Lord Splinch, one of the nastiest men you will ever face in direct combat." - He concluded, then raised a hand. "Do not let your personal feelings cloud your judgement. Blindly rushing the Gatekeeper again is going to get you killed, and the RTSE wiped out." - He warned, his voice not showing any traces of doubt. Lord Darkon nodded. "Indeed... that would make a quintet of rather powerful Force users, including him, against the two of us. However, my powers lie equally in martial skill and Force ability, thus I am confident I could deal with any one of them on any terms I choose. And I have trained an apprentice, whose martial skill rivals my own, even if her Force abiltiy leaves something to be desired. Along with many hundreds of lesser disciples, each of them reasonalby proficient in the Force, as well as direct combat." - he said. "What about you, Kamen Von Grath? I trust you also have certain assets at your disposal, besides your own power?" - Lord Darkon inquired. "Of course. Apart from my own powers, which the Gatekeeper at one point in his life called 'Unholy,' I have an entire military at my disposal, along with countless Ekatra. I designed my starships personally, and may I say they could be the best of they're respective catagories." "But... my Senate is holding me back..." - Von Grath said through gritted teeth. "They believe my methods are too brutal. That I am too inhumane. Too demonic... Their stance baffles me, because before they arrived, we were winning the war, and keeping the Gatekeeper and his allies in check." "But once the politicians arrived..." - He began. "Not that it matters. I'm going to personally take care of them. Then I can go back to leading my military, uninhibited. But... Lord Darkon... as you may or may not know... Our forces may be stronger, at least most of them, but the Gatekeeper has us severely outnumbered once again. For every one of my Pacu Star Dreadnaughts, he has 20 Super Star Destroyers... Alone, neither of us would be able to win without sustaining insurmountable losses. Even if we won alone, we would be vulnerable to whomever decided to strike next..." - He said, forcing his point. Lord Darkon smiled at that. "Wars are rarely won by numbers alone... I have fought him, and I know how much he relies on the "strength in numbers" strategy. His forces are powerful, but his tactics are crude and inefficient. He seemed to always choose a headlong, direct approach to a fight. Diversionary attacks, decoys, traps, sabotage, specific fleet formations... none of those methods ever seemed to be applied in his predictable and straightforward plans. With proper planning and strategy, our combined forces could defeat him. And on a purely military basis, I have discovered that a properly executed attack of several bomber squadrons can defeat even the most powerful ship." Then Lord Darkon added in an insidious voice: "And sometimes, the best attack is to destroy your enemy from within..." - with a wicked smile, thinking of the many infiltration missions he himself had executed when he was younger, and still building the foundation of his RTSE among the wreckage of the Galactic Empire and the teetering New Republic. "And today, as a leader, I still recognize the incredible value of such clandestine, shadow tactics... which is why I have trained my apprentice to be as much an expert in them as I was. This exquisitely executed invasion of Mon Calamari is just the latest example." - he thought. "You haven't fought him recently, Darkon. I have." - Remus bluntly said, and left it at that. "Now, let us stop beating around the bush." - He said, his tone suddenly turning dead serious. "If one of us tried to take on the SE alone, at this stage, we would either die, or be too crippled to finish the job once we got close. I need an answer, and I need it some time this century." Then he raised his head slightly, and continued: "My Ekatra are trained with Battle Meditation..." - He added. "Then you should already have a psychological advantage over the Gatekeeper, Von Grath. As a matter of fact, the Jedi have just recently began using Battle Meditation against my forces, to some effect. Temporary, of course, since my people have already came up with makeshift tactics to neutralize that advantage, and when I join the battle there, I will effect a more permanent solution." - Darkon retorted, before adding thoughtfully. "However, it wouldn't hurt for my forces to have something similar at their disposal for a time... here is my proposal: If you loan me a few dozen Ekatra for use on some of my warships, I'll reciprocate by dispatching my elite covert-ops strike force to the Mudara Galaxy, and the Gatekeeper's Shadow Empire, to scout out the most significant military assets he has; shipyards, industrial worlds, key defense installations, Tibanna gas production facilities, and the likes of those. Once identified, the strike force will begin by infiltrating undercover operatives to all those assets, who will relay data about their operation to your forces. In case of defense installations, it would be the specific command codes required to deactivate their shields, for example, or power down their weapons. In case of manufacturing plants or shipyards, my agents could even sabotage them to a degree, diminishing the Shadow Empire's production ability temporarily. And of course, my strike force would maintain a permanent presence in the Shadow Empire, and will be available to assist your forces in direct assaults, as well." - before he added, sensing Von Grath's doubt: "Normally, yes... the Gatekeeper would be expecting such a move, if the RTSE were actively engaged with him. However, since at the moment, he isn't expecting an attack from us, the move will take him by surprise, especially with your forces keeping his attention diverted. The element of surprise would be on our side." "So, yes... your offer of an alliance is accepted, Von Grath." - Darkon concluded, while thinking: "You make a valid point... very well. But before we head on the warpath, I believe we will need to know our respective forces..." - Remus said. "Precisely what do you have in mind by that?" - Darkon inquired. "Simply put, I would like to get to know your Empire. Know the inner workings of it, know its strengths, weaknesses, and other things. That way I will know when the time is right to call on you... And of course, you would get to see the same of my faction." - Remus answered. Darkon's face had taken a suspicious look at that. "Why does it seem like he is interested in a bit more then just an alliance? To actually know our strengths and weaknesses?! I dont like that kind of overly open collaborative relationship... because he could use the information he gains about the RTSE to inflitrate his spies and agents into our midst! Let's see just how much he really wants this idea..." - was his thougt. Finally, he answered: "That is perheps something to think about at a later time, Von Grath... but for now, perheps it would be more prudent to focus on purely military aspects of an alliance? After all, we are both in the midle of a war." Von Grath had some thoughs of his own: "Certainly." - He said. "Where do you wish to start?" Lord Darkon's expression didnt change as he thought: "One thing first, Von Grath..." - he said, his voice cooling slightly - "If this alliance is to be succesful and productive, I would apreciate it if you would refrain from making any more of these unnecessary tests of my inteligence, bicause I migt decide to take it as an insult. And I assure you, you do not vant that." - he said bluntly, watching Vong Grath intently for a reaction to this. Von Grath grinned sadistically under his helmet-mask. "Then perhaps don't leave your mind so open for me to pry into, Darkon. I can sense your thoughts as you think them. I'm not as easily manipulated as you might want to believe..." - He said, his voice devoid again. "And I advise you against trying any sort of physical attack against me... It might be the last thing you ever do..." - He warned, his voice suddenly turning dark. "But, apart from these tests, that you have passed, may I add, we are going to need to coorporate if we are ever going to make useful allies..." "I don't like being tested..." - Lord Darkon growled in icy cold tone, seting up a mind-block through the Force so Von Grath couldn't read any more of his thoughts. Suddenly, he made his move: Decided not to resort to the Force at this point... yet, Lord Darkon kicked Von Grath to the head, a simple, efficient, direct, unstopable heel-kick to the forehead, powerfull enough to rip off Von Grath's helmet and send it flying backwards off his head. If he were any human, Von Grath would have been knocked unconcious, perhaps with a light concussion. As he was, he only staggered backwards two steps, slightly dazed. Before he could regain his balance, Lord Darkon swept him of his feet by a low-sweep kick. "Dont test me again." - he sayed in equally icy tone, as Von Grath landed on his back to the ground. Von Grath reached back and picked up his helmet and put it back on to cover his face, which looked like something out of a horror flick. Then he stood up. "You should not have done that..." - He growled, his voice now echoing throughout the area. Charging forward faster than a man a quarter of his size, Von Grath smashed into Darkon, body-to-body. The impact knocked Darkon to the ground, and sent him rolling several times in the dirt, with his chest aching more than it ever had in his life. Jumping up several feet to avoid a leg sweep from the Sith'ari, Remus landed right beside him and delivered a single, powerful, closed-fist punch to Darkon's chest area, sensing the weakness there. Not giving him a chance to sweep him again, he did a backflip and landed 10 or so yards behind where he was previously. "I like pain! Pain is my ally in battle..." - was Darkon's thought, hoping lightly back on his feet. Using a special Teras Kasi breathing technique to fortify his lungs and abdomen from potential upcoming strikes to the chest, Darkon approached Von Grath in a stylyzed form of half-crouch stance, quick, yet fluid and elegant, allowing for instant evasion in any and all directions if necessary. Von Grath tried to attack directly again. Lord Darkon twisted to the left as his opponent was almost on him, pivoting 180 degrees in place as Von Grath's charge took him alongside, and planting a piercing elbow-strike to connect hard with the half-demon's rib cage, directly to one of the ribs. Von Grath staggered sideways with a slight moan, one of his ribs breaking with a soft crack, as Lord Darkon straightened up, and planted a powerful snap-kick at the back of Von Grath's neck to the spine, sending him sprawled face first to the ground, again slightly dazed, where a human would have been unconscious, or perhaps even with a broken neck. Steping back four steps, Lord Darkon again assumed a ready-stance. Von Grath quickly stood up, not showing any sign of pain or discomfort, something that made Lord Darkon feel slightly uneasy. Just as he was about to attack again, Von Grath faked right, doubled back left, then leaped right almost as quick as Deathstrike would and nailed Darkon across the face with a roundhouse kick before he could even raise his hands. As Darkon sprawled to the ground again, then quickly stood up, Remus leaped through the air like an acrobat, his elbow busting Darkon's nose open, and subsequently shattering it, sending him abck down, as Von Grath landed in perfect formation on his feet several yards away in a defensive stance that Darkon did not recognize. Remus stood back again, and said, with no trace of pain: "You seem to have underestimated my physical ability, Sith'ari, like so many before you." Some blood flowing from his broken nose, Lord Darkon was back on his feet almost before Von Grath landed. Charging directly at Von Grath, Lord Darkon opted for a direct debilitating combo this time... Von Grath tried to atack, but Lord Darkon's forward charge suddenly became a low roll, not giving up forward momentum, as he came back up directly in front of his opponent, planting a powerful one-two-tree combo with stiffened fingers to Von Grath's gut, solar plexus, and throat, sending him gagging backwards, some blood flying from his mouth, windpipe compressed, half-paralysed. Before Von Grath could recover, Darkon struck out with a quick snap-kick to the inside of hiz right elbow, almost dislocating it. Von Grath stayed on his feet, his right arm now twitching uncontrollably below the elbow, az Darkon backflipped, again assuming a ready stance. "I never underestimate anyone... but I dont overestimate them, either." - Darkon said, his voice steely calm, in spite of the pain in his broken nose. As quickly as Von Grath began to show the effects of Darkon's attack, he stopped. He stopped gagging, stopped twitching, and seemed perfectly normal. "This scuffle is going to get us nowhere." - He concluded after contemplating attacking again. Applying Force Heal on his broken nose, and regenerating it within moments, Lord Darkon nodded. "Admittedly, that appearst to be the case. However, it did give us an opportunity to evaluate one-another. The Reborn True Sith Empire seems to have found a worthy ally." - he stated, approaching Von Grath and nodding slightly. "Nothing like a direct match to convince the other party of one's resolve." - he thought, the mind-block preventing Von Grath from reading anymore of his thoughts. Then he continued, his voice back to evaluative. "In any case, shall we return to our discussion? I intend to join my frontline forces as soon as the following day, and it would be useful to have some of your Ekatra and their Battle Meditation on my ships by then. While in hyperspace to our destination, I'll send an order to my Fleet Operations Annex to dispatch the covert strike force to Mudara Galaxy immediately. Once there, they can coordinate with your forces, and begin infiltrating the Shadow Empire. Of course, since travel between galaxies takes time, I don't expect them to arrive sooner than half a month's time from now." "Yes. That will work. And once the SE decides to officially attack you, then perhaps you will discover just how useful us Ekatra can be." - Remus said, already looking forward to teamwork. "Perhaps so. And once my elite units arrive to assist in your efforts in the Mudara Galaxy, you might discover the value of unconventional warfare." - Lord Darkon retorted with a slight friendly smile, before adding: "Anyway, I am on a rather tight schedule, since my forces are battling the New Republic as we speak, so if you could arrange the transfer of your Ekatra to the Blood Sanctum, we can both be on our way. I look forward to personally evaluating their effectiveness." "It will be done at once." - Remus stated. "That would seem to conclude our discussion, then. I will contact you via Force message when I'm back aboard my flagship, and ready to receive the Ekatra. My elite strike force will be underway to the Mudara galaxy before the end of the day." - Lord Darkon stated, and with a formal nod of farewell, climbed back into his infiltration craft's cockpit. Lifting off, the small ship shot into the night sky.
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