44 Chapter 5.2: Through Passion, I gain Strength.

Space, ???

Nadia PoV

I was worried...over the last few days there had been.... a creeping horror swirling around... an unease I couldn't shake. I tried to meditate as Kal taught me but the feeling only got worse as the day's past.

After the failed negotiations with the Chiss Ascendancy, something that had become the norm after the rift had joined the republic, I wanted to get back to Coruscant as soon as possible, but we couldn't. The hyper drive had run into a problem as we were returning, making the trip take 3 times as long.

I just wanted to get back to kal!

...no

I took a calming breath as I calmed my emotions.

"There is no emotion, there is Peace."

I kept repeating the words mentally as I calmed myself down. I had slipped there; Kal would be disappointed. He expected much of me and I wouldn't disappoint.

I wouldn't...

But that little slip in emotions had proven that, I should probably stop meditating for today, I just couldn't concentrate.

I let out a small sigh as my body gently started to move back down towards the meditation table I had set up. Carved from the royal oak of the palace, it was specially gifted to my family for their service over generations.

The reason I used it though was how conductive it was too the force, I found that I could focus my mind and powers faster by being in its proximity.

It was sad in a way that our planet did not have many force sensitives. Though I guess in the past we would not have known about them if they did appear. I myself was only luckily discovered by Kal during our travels. I would always consider it the best decision of my life to become his apprentice, I wish the others of my species could feel the wonders of the force. Though I had heard recently that there were more force sensitives being discovered by the royal family after recording my experiences and training.

The future was looking bright.

I smiled as my mind turned to the future, though there was the war, it was starting to cool down, with the emperor on the run and the Sith reorganizing from within I could soon take more time for myself.

Hopefully I could convince Kal to also relax with me.

My eyes opened as I took in the room. It was clean, varnished with more wood from Sarkhai, the basis for our technology, some of the best defensive technology in the galaxy, though we didn't share it much. I heard father talk about a possible deal the republic was trying to strike with us for the material, but that was far off in the future.

Just as I went to stand, that's when everything went wrong.

The bad feeling amplified by a hundred as my mind drifted, I felt light headed as I swayed on my feet. I reached out to grab something and luckily steadied myself.

The force almost screamed in my ear as I felt the only other presence aboard rush in my direction.

What happened?

*Beep*

I shook my head to clear my thoughts as the door opened up and Deela rushed into the room. She had a panicked look in her eyes as she stopped dead in the room, her eyes frantic.

I tried to compose myself even though the force swirled around me, wavering in worry... pain... heartache...

I could feel the dark side as it thrashed at the edges, but didn't move further.

It had never been so close before; I had never felt such strong emotions try and impose themselves onto me.

What was going on?

This wasn't normal.

The weirdest thing though was how those dark feelings seemed to ebb and flow back and forth. This was the clearest I had felt the force since the bad premonition had set in. It ebbed in for a second, before ebbing back... as if... waiting.

But for what?

Finding my voice again, my eyes turned to the woman before me. Her heart rate was up and she looked undecisive as she prepared to give me bad news, I could already tell.

"What is it?"

I didn't want to dance around the subject, the force was already telling me whatever she had to say would be bad. I saw the look in her eye change as she took a deep breath and somehow kept her voice steady as she delivered the news.

"Ambassador Grell, I just intercepted two messages one on your personal comms frequency, while the other was a wide broadcast to the holo-net."

The uncertain look entered her eyes again as her voice lowered.

"The first message is from the barsen'thor but... it was sent 4 days ago, because we were so far out from the central regions it just reached us...."

My frown only got worse as I digested this news.

A message from Kal?

I was supposed to return to Coruscant around 7 days ago, but had been delayed, even then the only reason he would specifically send me a message would be if he was being sent on another mission, one that he couldn't wait for me for.

It might have co-ordinates for a rendezvous.

But that didn't explain why Deela was so frazzled.

"... The second message I decoded is from sarkhai, minister Grell's personal frequency. It's marked urgent and code black in Sarkhai language, it is going out live now..."

My eyes widened at those words as I quickly moved past the woman and into the comms room. Code black was an imminent threat to Sarkhai, I needed to see this message right now damnit!

Even as I moved through the ship my mind shifted through both pieces of news. There was no way, both these messages weren't related. It was possible that Kal had heard of an imminent threat to Sarkhai and was trying to warn me, while at the same time going out to help.

It could only be the Empire!

If there was an imminent threat to Sarkhai, the only force that could muster a strong opposition to our advanced shielding tech would have to be the major player on the galactic chess board.

Why were they attacking my home world though?

It didn't matter.

All that mattered was that I had to get there as soon as possible. I didn't look back as I started to bark out orders.

"Deela, change course immediately for Sarkhai. Push the hyper drive to it's max, I don't care if its destroyed I want to be there yesterday."

"Yes Ambassador!"

She quickly ran to the cockpit as I reached the comms room. There were two beeping lights on the consol, one for each message. I thought about it for a second before quickly pressing on Kal's message.

Though my father's message was live, Kal's would probably have more information about the threat. Once looking at that I could contact my fathers to figure out the situation. We were closing in on the outer rim, so we were relatively close, I hoped we would be able to make it in time.

*Beep Beep*

A small smile came to my lips as a small projection of Kall appeared before me. He was wearing his brown jedi robes, his lightsaber clipped to his belt and just in sight. I always did think he looked dashing in his robes... Along with his shaggy hair and trimmed beard.

There is no emotion there is peace.

Smiling for a little longer, it soon disappeared from my face as I took in his rigid body and haggard eyes.

Something was definitely wrong.

"Nadia, I'm sorry we couldn't wait any longer for you to come back, but the mission is urgent this time..."

He let out a sigh as the force once again ebbed towards me, the negative feelings in the force wanting to surround me, make their way in... lure me to the dark side.

I pushed them away even as a pit settled in the bottom of my stomach.

"...The republic received news 1 week ago that the emperor's wrath along with Darth Marr of the dark council have gone missing. As you know they were going after clues about the missing emperor. This sent the Dark council into dissaray. *Sigh*"

The emperor's wrath was missing?

That could not bode well, he was a powerful Sith as well as an influential one.

But what did this have to do with Sarkhai?

"5 days ago, a new powerful force calling themselves the eternal empire appeared, they have been causing havoc and invading both empire and republic-controlled worlds. We believe that this power is being controlled by the old emperor..."

My eyes widen in surprise as I quickly connected the dots. If this so-called Eternal empire was attacking both republic and Empire worlds, not only were they a powerful force, capable of attacking both galactic super powers, they were most likely the ones attacking Sarkhai!

But as my mind made that connection, my body also started to feel cold, a shiver travelled through it as my eyes snapped back to the recording, a feeling was telling me.... I had to pay attention to his next words.... I would regret it if I didn't listen.

"...Just yesterday a plan was formed, between the high council and the senate. SIS have located, their home world as well as their main base of operation. Something called the spire, where the throne room of the emperor is located..."

The dread in my body only spread faster as I felt something through the force it was faint, a connection I never really focused on but had been there for a while, something I depended on... something connecting me to...

"...A strike team is being put together. Me and the rest, the hero of Typhon and his crew as well as Major Yoon and his troop. We'll all be heading out to confront the emperor and put an end to his reign once and for all..."

No...

No.....

The dark side crashed against me again wanting to take root, but I pushed it back.

There is no emotion, there is peace.

"... I tried to stall a little longer for you to get back, but we have to go now. The more time wasted, the quicker they could find our spies and ruin the whole plan...."

The world seemed to slow as his small body turned and seemed to look me right in the eye. His own eyes apologetic, but firm in their conviction, a small hopeful smile on his lips.

"... I'll see you when we get back. Qyzen thinks this will be his biggest contribution to the score keeper yet..."

He let a small laugh out as his eyes brightened, but my heart could only feel pain as the connection I felt began to burn hot in agony and despair.

"... May the Force be with you."

'I'm sorry Nadia.'

Those whispered words, slowly filtered across the force and into my heart as the connection I felt was gone. The pain, the agony, the disquiet I had been feeling over the past few days just disappeared.

I felt my heart clench as I slowly began to realize what just happened.

The dark side once again rushed towards me and though I didn't give in, I didn't force the feelings away, and they seemed to be in no rush, relishing in sticking to my body, trying to get a reaction out of me.

But I was numb, my mind blank as the holo-recording petered out, the last image, Kal giving me a bright smile.

My hand almost robotically reached out and tapped the other message my father appearing before me, I think my face was wet.

His appearance was ragged, his eyes red as the building around him was crumbling.

"I repeat this is an emergency message to any republic force in range. Sarkhai requires immediate assistance! I repeat, Sarkhai required immediate assistance!"

Anger began to build within as I took in the ragged sight before me, my hands clenching by my sides, the force seeming to buzz in my ear.

"The invading force has not responded to our request to surrender and our major cities have been bombarded from orbit. Our defence fleet is gone. We require any and all immediate assistance that anyone can provide."

His eyes looked tired as he barked a few orders to those behind him before turning back.

"The Royal family was killed in the first bombardment; the schools and hospitals were targeted next. We have not been able to contact any of our allies in the Rift Alliance, I fear that they as well have been targeted by this enemy. All our refugee ships are being shot..."

The room around me began to tremble as the force lashed out from my body, the consols around beginning to crush in on themselves, but I didn't care, all I could focus on was the influx of new information, the force whispering in my ear.

'Bastards, they'll pay for this.'

'Rip them apart'

'Use your anger.'

"... Sir, incoming transmission from the invaders! What? Bring it up!..."

My eyes shifted, my ear pricking up at the new voice that entered the comm, his brash arrogance and self-importance fuelling my own hatred further.

"People of the galaxy! I am Knight Lunaris of the Eternal Empire. Rejoice for we have deemed you worthy to be ruled by our great empire."

"Sir, this is going out all over the holo-net."

My hands moved on their own as I brough up the current holo-net feed beside the current projection, a new face appearing before me.

The man before me was broad shouldered and tall in statues. I couldn't see his face because he wore a golden set of armour, as well as helmet that covered his head. He stood on the bridge of his ship as he addressed the rest of the galaxy.

"Resistance is futile. Our armies are prepared to decimate all resistance that you could possibly hope to bring. To demonstrate this, I invite you to look below."

An image of my home world appeared as I stared in horror at what had become of it.

My world was a lush planet filled with trees. Trees that could grow so fast and were so durable that we had built one of the best defensive technologies in the galaxy and reached the stars soley off their research and development.

All year round the trees grew and were cared after, I would even compare it to Kashyeek in the size of our beautiful landscapes and flora.

But the image before me....

The planet was burning!

Ships rained fire from the heavens, lighting up over a quarter of the planet in fire, the dark smoke curling through the atmosphere.

'kill him.'

'I'll kill him'

'Death is too merciful.'

"All those that resist the Eternal Throne shall perish. Commence bombardment!"

'NOOOOOOOOOOOOO'

My mind mentally screamed out as I watched the ships begin another wave of fire. The force swirled around me in a deadly fashion as the room was destroyed.

"Sir the Shields can't hold much longer!"

"Everyone evacuate!"

But all that stopped.... everything stopped, when I caught sight of my father looking up in horror and his transmission cutting off.

'no.'

Another connection in the force flared in pain and agony as I felt it go deathly silent.

This couldn't be happening.

'No'

The dark side swirled around me, clinging, whispering in my ear.

'Revenge'

There is no emotion, there is peace.

'He must pay!'

There is no emotion, there is peace.

'Kill him'

There is no emotion, there is peace.

"Long live the Eternal Empire! Hahahahahahaahaha!"

His laugh reverberated out of the comms, my eyes lighting in fury, my mind bailing for blood!

He WOULD PaY!!!

Finally finding the right moment as my eyes locked onto the projection of the rest of my burning planet, those dark thoughts, feelings, wants, needs... revenge...

The dark side converged.... and I let it.... I needed it..... I wanted it....

I would get my REVENGE!

'No Nadia don't. There is no emotion, there is peace.'

NOOOOOOO!!!

I couldn't a take it anymore, I let out a scream of frustration, of anger, of pure hatred.

Everything around me becoming blank as the ship shook to my own pain.

"AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"

*****************

Space, Phantom

3rd Person PoV

Nadia's eyes snapped open a deep red as she felt the presence above her, the one that had disturbed her fitful sleep. Acting on instinct her hand snapped upwards to push the person away while the other grabbed her lightsaber and swung around.

There was a hiss as it was ignited and swung towards her opponent, but they were not idle either. A suffocating presence squashed down on her addled mind as a slender hand smacked away her hand and clamped onto her neck in a vice grip. The same vice grip was applied to the hand holding her lightsaber the light igniting the room in a deep ominous orange.

Red eyes starred back as Vaylin looked down at her, her power flaring.... daring her to continue. It was only then that Nadia snapped out of her sleep fuelled rage and calmed down. Her hand untensed and the force uncurled from her being.

The two continued to stare at each other for a few seconds before Vaylin finally let go of her neck and moved back from her bed. Nadia had a scowl on her face as she sat up. Before she could ask what the hell Vaylin was doing in her room, Vaylin herself spoke up as she turned to exit.

"The emperor wants us gathered in the conference room and asked me to grab you."

Any words that Nadia had on her mind slipped away as she quickly sprung out of bed and got ready, donning her armour and clipping her lightsaber, she would not make him wait.

She wanted to put what had happened in the dream out of her mind, but it continued to flash through her eyes, that fateful day when she lost the most important people in her life, the most important person...

It was just as she finished clipping her lightsaber to her belt and looked to exit the room that she stopped and quickly spun around. In the corner of her eye, for just a second she could have sworn she saw 'him'.

He was blue.... a bit transparent.... but it was definitely the Barsen'thor.... Kal

Her powers escaped her for a few seconds at the bittersweet memory lashing out in anger at her surroundings, though she quickly reigned it in, taking a deep breath. Continuing to look around the room for another few seconds confirming that there was no one else there, she shook her head in self-contempt, in derision of her fantasy.

'I'm starting to see bloody ghosts'

Making her way out of the room Nadia quickly started to hear the small discussion going on in the central area. "I've been slicing into the holo-net to find information on the target. It was surprisingly easy to find the information we needed." The rest were gathered already, Vaylin, Mace, Ayillh and Ashara. Ayillh was front and centre as she spoke to the rest, gesturing towards the holo-table before her.

On it there was a 3D replication of a building Nadia knew fairly little about, the Jedi temple. Though she had travelled with the Barsen'thor for quite a time, they had rarely gone to Coruscant or Typhon where the main temples were located.

"I was able to find the publicly released records of the architecture of the Jedi Temple on the holo-net. The original schematics publication date goes back a few hundred years, but it does have recent updates, all the way up to 5 years ago, all available to the public."

Nadia frowned at this information but it was Ashara that spoke up, their faces matching. "That's stupid, the Jedi would never let such information be seen by the public during the war." At the same time Nadia was also starring intently at the layout before her.

"Not to mention it doesn't seem to have changed too much from the one time I visited, though there are added rooms and adjacent buildings. The core of the temple seems to be modelled the same, even built upon." The others gave Nadia a few looks as she joined them, but said nothing, looking instead at Ashara for confirmation of her words.

Though Mace held his gaze, his eyes looking through her as she made her way closer. Though no one could tell, there was a calculating look in his eyes, his force powers silently reaching out to probe her.

Ashara gave the schematics another scrutinizing look before nodding her head. Unlike Nadia that hadn't been to the temple much in her travels, Ashara had been trained on Both Typhon and then Coruscant after it was rebuilt, before finally ending up at Taris where she turned to the dark side. Looking through the schematics she could already note the similarities from her own time.

Ayillh nodded at both their words as she highlighted a few areas inside the main building. "That's because it is built upon the old temple. Though it was destroyed with the invasion of the eternal empire, after it was rebuilt they haven't been many invasions on such a large scale."

"These highlighted areas are the parts rebuilt and expanded from the original design, as well as the rooms, living quarters, medical areas and training rooms that accommodate the Younglings and Padawans." Ashara frowned once again.

"Younglings and Padawans? But there are too many rooms. How many reside in the temple?" Ayillh gave her an almost predatory look, anticipation or rather opportunity laid in her gaze. "Though there are no conclusive numbers, I would have to get access to one of the Jedi's holocrons which track such things, I would say around 85% of the orders young reside in the building."

This drew a visible gasp from Ashara and dumbfounded look from Nadia, Ayillh pressed on as she addressed Mace.

"From the information I've gathered this is the Jedi's main temple in the galaxy. The Coruscant temple is where they bring back all younglings and padawans for training, what the empire wouldn't have given to have such an easy target to completely wipe out the jedi order."

The opportunistic glint flared brightly behind her eyes, ones honed from years of counter terrorism and working in imperial intelligence. "If the temple was taken out there would be a complete collapse of the Jedi order from my estimates. They would have no central command structure and if we could find and assassinate any masters left their culture and history would easily follow after given a few years and careful planning."

Mace who hadn't spoke up since the start of the meeting and was still looking in nadia's direction finally turned his head away as he replied, shaknig his head in disdain as he looked back to the temple schematics.

"No, we have our set goal. To destroy them now would be... disappointing." Turning to look at both Ashara and Nadia, both thinking on the current state of the jedi order, he continued.

"You both have to remember, the Jedi have faced no real threat in millennia, they are not in a period of war. Outside of a few dark Jedi attacking the temple none have dared threaten their hallowed grounds on such a large scale. Why then would they keep the layout and working secret?"

That brought perspective to both women as they contemplated the stupidity of the order. To them it was unthinkable to have the temple schematics on the holo-net, with free access for the public. Such information that in their own time was highly guarded, was treated with utter disregard. Imperial intelligence, a rouge Sith lord, hell a bounty hunter could have used that information to plan a devastating attack.

But they were in a new era, though it was still stupid of the Jedi to leave such information out for public perusal, the jedi temple was at best considered in modern times as a monastery for religious monks with strange powers. Not a military target of high importance.

Seeing that they understood Mace turned back to the table speaking slowly as he stared down at their next destination, his voice deep in its contempt of such a weak enemy.

"It is a showing of the jedi's Hubris that they do not consider an incoming attack."

"Or their Ignorance"

"I would say arrogance."

"The Jedi have truly fallen so far."

Everyone had their own thoughts on the ineptitudes of the Jedi of the era, and each voiced their opinion as they studied the building before them. Seeing that the meeting was getting side tracked Mace spoke once more to focus the group.

"Enough. Everyone, study the schematics and memorize where each of your objectives are located. We'll be landing just before the night cycle and I want to be out before dawn. If that was all..."

The question was left open ended. Mace did not expect anyone to speak up at this point in time, everyone had been briefed on their objectives well before they stepped foot on the Phantom and each understood what they had to accomplish.

So it was with surprise that when he turned to address Ayillh the hesitant voice of Nadia spoke up.

"Master...." Mace stopped in his current action as he turned his attention back to Nadia, waiting for her to continue while at the same time seeming to stare through her, into her very being. Other might have found it unsettling, his eyes looking into a person's soul, but everyone onboard had worked with Mace for years.

Even with this fact though Nadia was still uncertain and hesitant in her approach, everyone else in the room had turned when her voice sounded, Ashara's eyes one of question, Ayillh's a stone-cold mask with no emotion calculatedly looking her over, while Vaylin's showed a clear contempt of questioning 'her' emperor and his ability.

There was almost a suffocating pressure that came from all those powerful beings looking her way, but she pushed through, a certain doubt flickering through her mind, and even though she had been around long enough to know, not to question his plans, another small rebellious side reared its head looking for answers.

"How do you plan to enter the holocron vault? Only a master should know the code to enter."

Mace didn't answer her question for a few seconds as he continued to stare at her, to really look through her force signature.

He could make out her doubts.

He could make out her rage.

He could read her like an open book and he could see the force as it swirled around her.

It was agitated, rage filled, ruffled... he knew the moment she walked through those doors that the force had shown her something.... something that had shaken her to the core.... something that had started to make her doubt her path... but beyond all that he could see a moment coming.... this trip to Coruscant... it would be a deciding moment in her life.

A moment where she could finally break the chains that weighed her down, the chains that bind her.

But it was something she would have to do herself, outside influence would make her weak.

He would not tolerate a weak, shadow of what a Sith could truly be.

Whether she would become a true Sith or not would be decided tonight!

A small predatory grin slowly made its way onto his lips as he finally replied, anticipation for the coming night building.

"I have fought too many jedi over the years to not know their minds and thoughts I would like to force my way in and destroy the entry to their so-called vault, but it would be too much of a hassle to kill every last Jedi. I shall handle this a bit more subtly, I'm sure my wife would appreciate the effort."

Nadia thought on his words and didn't question them, there was a certainty in his voice that left no more room for questions. Seeing that she had been sated for now, Mace then turned to Ayillh.

"Has everything been arranged for?" The agent gave a nod, pulling out a small data pad and handing it over for him to look at. "Yes, I syphoned a few credits from some interesting illegal funds I found, untraceable I'm sure, but I did leave a few crumbs towards an easy decoy, just in case. They'll be there when we land."

"Good. I'll be meditating in my room before arrival." Mace gave one more look around the room, his gaze lingering on Nadia before turning on his heel and leaving the room, Vaylin slowly trailing behind. The rest watched them as they left before turning back to the projection, each finding their own objectives and memorizing their routes.

Ayillh herself went over to a consol on the side and pulled up another projecting, one of a high-rise building locate on Coruscant, a certain penthouse suit highlighted.

Because while the others would be going to the Temple for their prize, she would have another objective to carry out, another Sith to torment.

*****************

Coruscant, Space port.

3rd person PoV

The sun was just setting on the horizon and the night lights of Coruscant was lighting up as Durham Zalis stood bored as he waited in front of the hanger. As a simple Duros trying to make a living on Coruscant he had taken many odds jobs in his life, hell he's even been part of one of the lower-level gangs for a short while before he got out and started his own business.

His business was cargo transport. After have saved enough credits to get his own hover-rig set up it wasn't hard to begin gaining a client base and earning credits. He had been at it for 10 years now and was hoping to retire in a few more years with his steady profits.

Once retired he was hoping to move to some other godforsaken planet, maybe starting a farm or some other job that was steady and peaceful. If he was being honest with himself, he just didn't want to see another city in his life.

Coruscant was enough for one life time thankyou!

Just recently he had heard Naboo was a good place to stop at, after the invasion from the trade federation they were taking their security very seriously, while at the same time not completely industrializing the whole planet.

'Yes a very nice place to retire, picturesque landscapes, no type of advanced buildings, paradise.'

He quickly came out of his delusions though as he waited for his next contractor. The prices on Naboo were expensive, if he wanted to swing retirement there, he would have to save a lot more. 'though....' he thought to himself. '... this job could help plenty.'

The current job that Durham was on, was well paying, almost suspiciously so. It was anonymous like most jobs on the planet. The contractor needed him to deliver some cargo to one of the lower levels, he had already checked, it wasn't too low that he might find trouble, and the pay was the same as noted before very good, around 6 regular jobs put together.

Durham was no stranger to jobs like this, the extra credits were usually to make sure that no questions were asked and everything was kept off the books. Honestly if the price was any higher, he would have turned it down.

Extra pay was nice, but he knew his limits, too much money was dangerous and could easily take his life. But the sum given was just under his threshold. He'd also been around the block before; he knew when to spot a fishy listing.

This job looked like it was on the up and up, or so he thought.

The only fishy note if he wanted to get technical was that they hadn't listed what they wanted transported, usually jobs like this would have the item listed. Even if it was a complet lie, they listed something to draw the person in.

The only details he got, that he had to worry about or arrange was that they needed his biggest rig, the faster one too. But if he kept his head down, mouth shut, he figured he would get through the contract all that closer to his paradise get away.

So here he stood in front of hanger terminal 26B waiting for his contractor to arrive. The message said they would get there almost 30 minutes ago, but he'd seen no air traffic making their way over. He had even been able to take a peek inside when he got impatient, there was no ship already docked, meaning he just had to wait it out.

'Just great, their running late. Just my luck.'

As that thought crossed his mind, he heard the hum of an engine in the air. Looking up, he hoped to see who he'd been waiting for, but alas the skies were clear, though he could have sworn he heard some type of engine pass over. He must have been imagining things, or that's what he chalked it up to.

Durham had been having a few bad nights of rest.

It was another 20 minutes later when he heard the unmistakable opening of the hanger's main entrance. Frowning to himself he looked over and a bad feeling crept down his spine. Being a gang member for the teenage years of his life, he had quickly accumulated a danger sense of sorts.

You couldn't live on the lower levels without one and right now.....now his danger sense was screaming at him to get the hell away!

It was so sudden, one minute he was fine the next his senses were screaming at him to run, but his body wouldn't move.

He was like prey in front of a predator, but instead of fleeing when in danger his body had already figured out there was no way out and it could only cower and wait for either mercy...or death.

Many thoughts ran through his mind as he finally caught sight of the people exiting the building. Though it was only a small group of people that walked forward their sheer presence engraved itself into his mind right away.

The one at the front was a man with broad shoulders and a tall build, wearing a dark menacing armour that he could just make out covered by an even more menacing black dark robe. The thing that scared him the most though was the mask. It stared right at him as they made their way closer. The eye behind the mask chilling him to his core.

Averting his eyes naturally from the ones in the centre, he took note of the 2 females at his side. One looked human while the other was a Torgruta, both also wearing armour sets. What really confused the poor Duros was the fact that they were wearing brown flowing robes that instantly reminded him of only one organisation, one mystical group that inhabited this world and also enforced law.

The Jedi.

'Were those Jedi? Who is that in the front? What do they want from me? Why can't I move?!'

These thoughts spun in his mind a mile a minute as he caught sight of the lightsabers hanging from both the jedi's hips. If there was one thing that was known on Coruscant it was not to mess with a Jedi.

Sweat had already started to fall like rain down his forehead as the figures got closer and closer. It was only at this moment that he caught sight of the last figure trailing behind the man. It was another woman.

Unlike the others she was wearing a black dress that hugged her body, her lightsabers on clear display, but it wasn't that which drew his attention no...it was her eyes.

The blood red the glowed as she looked at him almost made him void his bowls.

It was the tiniest of smirks that was on her face that frightened him the most.

Finally, the group of 4 arrived before the Duros and looked at his prized cargo-rig. The work of his labour for years. The man in front and clearly the leader spoke up, his voice deep a calm.

"This is our transport?"

"Yes...."

It was with utter terror that Durham heard a fifth and finally voice come from behind his frozen body...

"...it has all the equipment you'll require."

It was also as her voice fell that Durham for the first time also felt the cold steel of the knife that was pressed up against his neck.

He knew what was about to happen, he dreaded what was to come. He tried one last gamble to ask for mercy, from what he knew Jedi were supposed to be merciful.

But as he opened his mouth...

"Good let's go."

...the only noise that came from his mouth was a gurgle as his lungs started to fill up with blood. His eyes ballooned as he started to lose strength in his body. None of the 4 paid him attention as they boarded his craft and got ready to leave.

As Everything began to go dark around him, the sun completely cresting the horizon he felt his body being shifted....no pushed over the edge of the platform and as the wind rushed past his falling body.... finally.... blissfully.... darkness consumed him.

Ayillh watched the body for one more second as it dropped to the lower levels of Coruscant to join the other numerous bodies below as she joined the others. Tapping a small depression on the side of her knife, the blade buzzed to life as it began to vibrate at high frequency, disintegrating the blood left on the blade and leaving it in pristine condition.

After another few seconds the blade was as good as new as she slotted it into one of her many slots. Her mind already turning to her next target.

*****************

Courscant, Jedi Temple

Mace PoV

I looked up at the temple as we arrived at the steps. I took a moment and took in the sight before me as disgust welled up inside. As always, the Jedi had focused on the grandeur, the spiralling towers an ostentatious sight as well as sickening.

How easy would it be to destroy such flimsy ivory towers, where from what we had obtained their main councils met, with their high council situated in the Center pillar. The arrogance, the stupidity, the disappointment in such weak enemies.... Had the jedi fallen so far?

Were they so pitiful already?

Even when they had won the war!

Hot anger flared through my blood at such a thought, but I contained it, channelled it, preserved it for later. Now was not the time. I had already wasted too much time on these people.

It was in the end... disappointing.

Here I was standing in front of their temple and not a one could sense me...or at least knew that their enemy was close. Back in the war to get so close to their main compound without raising an alarm was a job best left for one of the assassin's.

My eyes swept the front and noted the 2 guards at the front doors. Though the big double doors were closed, there were smaller doors on the side for entry that had to be looked after. It was disgraceful that such a temple, didn't have more guards patrolling outside.

Is this what the Jedi have degraded to?

Was it really a wonder the Force came looking for a Sith at this point?

I shook my head in disappointment as I slowly made my way up the steps. I had thought to be more subtle in the approach, I didn't really want to waste so much time here, but after seeing the lacklustre defences I couldn't bring myself to care anymore, or rather I wante to test how far they had truly fallen.

Focusing my mind for a second I locked in on the 2 guards as they finally seemed to notice our approach. The fact they didn't immediately call for backup was...insulting, is the word I would give. It was a mistake, one that would cost them.

"The Temple it's soo.... dark."

Ashara spoke from my left trailing just a step behind me. She was right. Anyone efficient in the force could tell that the temple before us had been infected with a dark side taint. Blame it on the fact they had set their temple up on one of the greatest dark side nexuses in the galaxy.

It was an interesting effort by the jedi to cleanse the world and bring the galaxy to greater equilibrium. It had been working in my time, the scars of the war and focus of the order had actually started to heal and change the planet, but now...now it was ten times worse if not more.

Jedi Hubris at its finest that they either had forgotten their mission, stopped when they thought it was done and now, just seemed to not notice.

How pathetic.

The Guard on the left started to make his way towards us as we got closer, we all still had our power reigned in, like I said it would be a waste to spend so much time here if we caused a major disturbance in the force.

I had other plans to complete.

"Halt. State your Business here at the temple."

I said no words to the being before me, he was beneath me and.... at the same time no reply was necessary. Nodding my head in confirmation I watched as the feelings of the guards jumped in fear as Ashara dashed forwards.

*Snap Hiss*

With the force behind her movements there was only a blur of movement and a flash of light blue as he lost both his hands and the same light was then plunged into his chest. Ashara was experienced enough to know to forcefully chock any scream that might come out as, with another snap of the lightsaber the body fell to the ground.

Walknig past the dead body my eyes locked onto the fear filled ones of the last guard as he reached for his waist. He couldn't make it though as Nadia appeared behind him and also silenced him, her double-bladed lightsaber fizzling through his chest, a dark orange illuminated his mask as the force left him.

His body twitched as it struggled to live, the force in his body slowly leaving. I looked on in silence as Nadia moved back to my side.

I said nothing as I waited.

After 2 minutes though I had confirmed my thoughts and finished my test.

There was no rushed movement inside the temple, there was no warning in the force that danger was approaching...it was just quiet.

Had the jedi fallen so far they couldn't feel the loss of life on their own front steps?

Did no one truly notice?

I shook my head once more as we made our way to the door, stopping just before we entered. I frowned as I felt a small build up in the force as it rotated around the group. It wasn't just me that it was interacting with, it was also the others.

I felt a presence that was... familiar one that I hadn't felt in such a long time... something that shouldn't exist in this time. But stranger things have happened.

It was as we stepped into the hallowed halls of the Jedi temple that the force finally surrounded us, each I could tell pulling the others in certain directions, all but Vaylin. I wanted to let out a sigh as its intentions were obvious. It was the same when I faced that Jedi on Naboo, the one that it didn't want killed.

I felt my frustration bubble to the surface.... but this was part of the 'deal'. I almost growled as the others looked for me in direction. They could easily feel where the force was pulling them. I would let them go for now.

"You know what to do, finish your objectives then..." I felt annoyance slip into my voice as I spat out the last sentence. "... see what the force is guiding you to. Meet back here when you are finished." My tone was final and low as I made my way forward.

I would never regret my decision to make the 'deal', but 'it' would have to remember that I was not like a Jedi, a puppet to its whims. Pushed too far and I would break the chains it's ladened me with.

"Nadia."

I could feel her still as I spoke up, my eyes turning in her direction. I could tell it was almost time, the force swelled around her in a cacophony of power, hinging her towards one of two paths.

Our eyes met as I gave her all she would need in her coming moment.

"Remeber this apprentice. You are close to completion of your Sith training, soon you shall join the ranks of a true lord."

Anticipation and trepidation appeared in her eyes as a small part of her, I could tell, still fought the idea of turning into a Sith, I could now tell where it came from, figure out what the force had shown her, but it was up to her to take that final step.

"Always remember the code and it shall guide you.

Peace is a lie, There is only Passion

Through passion, I gain strength

Through strength, I gain power

Through Power, I gain victory

Through Victory my chains are broken

The Force shall free me."

Leaving those words, I turned away from her and made my way forward, Vaylin trailed behind me as we made our way deeper into the temple. It was another few minutes later that I finally reached my destination.

I had already memorized the schematics of the temple and knew exactly where I was. It was funny but fitting that they would be here in the library, just before my main objective.

It was quiet as I made my way forward to stand at the entrance of the vault, no a soul in sight, but I could feel them getting closer they were....

I let out a sigh as I turned away from the vault before me.

"I know you're there; it may have been a long time but I would know your presence anywhere. Come out."

*****************

Courscant, Jedi Temple

Ashara PoV

I took the temple in for the hundredth time as I walked out of the archive section, now that my objective was complete, I could find out whatever the force wanted with me. I stretched my mind into the force as I felt it out, letting it show me the way.

I could feel master a few floors below along with Vaylin, though their presence was hidden from the Jedi, I knew their personal signatures in the force and could see through the cloaking they used. It wasn't anything innovative, a sufficiently powerful force user would be able to see through it.

Another test he no doubt wanted to give the Jedi.

Wait....

There was also another presence down their though...

I frowned as I concentrated on it for a second. I had felt it before, a long time ago, when Mistress was still alive. But I couldn't place it.

I continued to think about that force signature as I made my way forwards, I could already feel the pull of the force. It wanted me to go in a certain direction.

Towards the... southwest... the training facilities?

Having memorized the temple plans, it wasn't hard to tell where the force was pulling me. Though the southwest district also housed the headquarters of the Jedi High council... but the force sent another nudge, I could feel that it wasn't pointing me in that direction.

No....

I could feel a presence in the force.

I wouldn't have noticed it, but it seemed to be highlighted in my senses.

It was small weak. Definitely not at full power.

Either they were injured.... or they were still growing.

A small smile graced my lips as I made my way forwards, I could hear a beat in the force as I made my way forwards, I knew exactly what the rhythm was...it was battle. I would be fighting someone, but then the question became who?

There weren't many in the temple that could give me a fight, or that's what I liked to assume after facing that Jedi master. Their use of the force was good, but definitely not combat proficient on Tatooine and if he was considered a master, then there would be scant few that could take me in a fight.

It was sad really.

I was starting to understand why Mace was so disinterested in fight these Jedi, they were just so.... weak.

There was no challenge, there was no fun... excitement... pleasure in the premonition of battle.

Not to mention that.... My eyes drifted around as I slowly made my way forwards. Yes, I was being extra careful not to draw attention to myself, but of the scant few people that I saw from a distance none approached me to ask questions.

I may be wearing a Jedi robe, but I had already noticed that none of the others were wearing armour. A stupid decision and a rather lax attitude as I was currently infiltrating the temple.

The architecture was almost the same really from back in my time, not much in the colour had changed, not to mention the halls ways. Though they were a lot more pristine now, then they were during the war.

I lost myself in the past as I let the force drag me forward, my mind getting stuck on the littlest of things as I moved. I felt for just a moment there as my mind started to calm down and I took the temple in for what it was, the deep sadness that dwelled underneath....

I would never get to see all my friends from millennia ago...

Everyone that was with me when Mistress was still alive, the original crew was all gone...

The Sith were all gone, the alliance dust, the Jedi... different... peaceful.

"E-e-exscuse me M-master. I-I-I need your help."

It was as my mind was wandering that a small voice spoke from just in front. My body stopped on reflex as my eyes drifted down. The force gently telling me I had found half of what I was looking for.

In front stood a small child, one of my own species. Her two montrals and lekku were tiny, denoting her young age, her eyes big, blue and innocent as they starred up at me. I couldn't help but release a small gentle smile as I squatted down to talk to her and take her in.

She was almost a spitting image of myself really, with blue montrals and orange skin, I couldn't help but think back to the time I was still a youngling myself, walking through the temple looking up to the Jedi in admiration.

Keeping my voice gentle, I made sure I had eye contact before speaking, I could tell the child was a bit afraid. She must have stayed out past curfew and was afraid that I would tell the master that was looking after her clan, though I had no such intention. I slowly started to feel out the force and its intention as I spoke to her.

"Hello Youngling, what can I help you with?"

Though she was obviously nervous, the young Torgruta, spoke up and didn't stutter this time, probably because I was being so gentle.

"I was hoping that master could help me back to my clan." I gave the young girl a teasing look as I conspiratorially leaned towards her and exaggerated my movements of looking around the hall to make sure no one was around before whispering in a childish voice.

"And why are you out of your clan room after curfew, hmmm" That only seemed to make the girl even more nervous as she looked down in shame, her stutter returning.

"I-I-I wanted to go p-p-peak on the training hall to see if anyone was practising with their lightsabers." My smile only got wider as I looked down at the nervous girl. I could completely understand when I was a youngling I also wanted to watch the knights and master's practice with their lightsabers, they were so glamourise back then, something so far out of reach in the way they moved, the deadly dance they portrayed as they fought each other. It was why I excelled in my combat course as a padawan, it was why I was always the best in my class.

"So, you snuck out?" My voice almost came out in a laugh as I raised an eye brow in question. The girl looked down again, all but admitting her guilt. Seeing that the girl wasn't going to respond after a few seconds I made up my mind and decided to stop teasing her.

I still felt the tug of the force and I began to understand what it wanted, a small connection started to form between us.

"Ok..." The child looked up in surprise as I spoke, probably thinking I was going to scold her for doing such an act, but I just smiled down at her as I continued. "... I'll show you." This obviously confused her, something I was aiming for as I grabbed her small hand and began to move towards our new destination.

"Show me?" There was almost a visible question mark above her head, or at least I thoughts so when I saw her confused face, as she tilted her head as we walked. I just stopped myself from laughing out loud as I explained patiently.

"Yes, you wanted to see some lightsaber practice, I'll show you." I could almost see the stars in her eyes as I motioned towards my belt where my lightsabers swayed. I could tell she was happy right away and even though it was obvious, she was clearly trying to reign in her emotions as the Jedi taught, though she was failing.

She had a huge smile on her face and almost seemed to be dragging me towards the practice area as we went.

"Woah slow down their child." There was a small laugh behind my voice this time, that seemed to finally snap her out of the mad rush towards the practice facility, though we only slowed down a little. Going back to a normal pace I finally asked the question that had been on my mind, something I knew I would need to remember.

"By the way youngling, what's your name?"

Having been bribed with the idea she was about to go see real lightsabers combat the child replied quickly enough, her voice bright.

"Ashoka Tano master!"

"Ashoka Tano?" I nodded, the name rolling over my tongue as we moved forwards, it would take a while before we reached the practise rooms sooo...

"So why are you so interested in lightsabers?" The girl turned back to me for a second as her eyes lit up.

"The other day master Dubo, brought us over to see Master cin-cin-dralg to teach us lightsaber combat." I frowned at this information, though it had been millennia the girl before me was young... too young.

She and her clan shouldn't have been up to lightsaber combat yet, had they changed their teaching methods in my time gone? I quickly voiced the thought before Ashoke could continue.

"But aren't you too young for combat training?" It was the first time I had seen anything close to a frown appear on the young girls face as she became timid.

"Master dralg, said we would be learning early because of what happened with Knight Secura and Knight Kenobi. Something about the...sith."

Her voice came out as nearly a whisper as she said the last word, clear fear in her eyes. Her body twisted and looked around the temple as if a Sith were about to appear out of thin air, which I found pretty funny, with the current situation.

But I had to play my part. I placed my hand gently on her shoulder, comforting her as we walked. I felt her shoulders untense as I did so.

"Don't worry youngling, the Sith won't hurt you." She nodded at my words but I could still tell she was frightened. It was sad in its own way that the jedi inspired so much fear in the Jedi younglings. Back in my day we may have feared the Sith a little, but we grew with the knowledge we would inevitably fight and eventually beat them.

It was so different now.

I was just as different...

Quickly trying to switch subjects to keep her distracted I spoke up again.

"But that still doesn't explain why you are so interested in lightsaber combat." I looked down and smiled to myself as I watched what only a child could do, as she almost instantly overcame her fear and started to talk about what took over her thoughts.

"It was Knight Secura! She was one of the ones that faced the Sith and she gave us a demonstration and it was sooo beautiful, especially when she used two sabers! I want to be like her one day!"

My thoughts flashed to the only Jedi she could possibly be talking about, the Twi'lek I met on Tatooine, and gave a small smile. She found her technique beautiful? Well, she did have to admit, her technique wasn't bad, but there was still a lot of room for improvement.

Not to mention she had just started to practice Jar'Kai, from what Master spoke of at Naboo.

I felt a Twing in the force as we finally got close to the training grounds, my thoughts turning as I sensed the presence that was about to exit the room, I couldn't help but let my smile get wider.

Placing my hand on Ashoka's shoulder in a comforting gesture my eyes gleamed in sadistic pleasure as the door before us opened.

The occupant I could tell had just done a warm down after practice, her lightsabers hanging from her hips.

I could feel Ashoka still in surprise at the occupant, while I finally spoke up drawing their attention as well as.... was that anger I could feel.... no.... utter hatred?

Ohh how interesting.

"Hello Knight Secura."