Saber Forum

First off, let me begin by thanking Karm and TR for encouragement.  I would never even considered trying to write, much less posting without them.  This is my own story but I could not have done it without the supplemental material that I've read, seen, and heard about from the SW community.  I hope that all who read will enjoy as much as I have in writing it  :)

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“Koawan Vih’Torr?  The Council demands your presence.  Be forewarned: the Kage is in attendance.”

The last words from the maenowan’s mouth filled me with dread.  I’d met the Kage during my advancement into knighthood as a koawan but only as a formality.  But given recent events, I had had more than just an expectation that she’d be there.  Silently, I rose from the bed and followed the maenowan from the infirmary.  Even with the bacta treatments, it still hurt.  But it was nothing more than I’d deserved.

Even considering the gravity of the situation, the maenowan was not without compassion; without saying anything, he slowed his gait to match my slower walk.  As we walked the Halls of Balance, my own master, Maenowan D’Aylanna fell in beside me.  She looked up into my eyes, briefly grasping my left hand and giving it a squeeze.  Her presence allowed me to once again find my center, not only with the Force as my ally but that of my master—and wife—as well.

As we entered the large domed forum of the council chambers, my eyes scanned the gathered crowd.  In the front, I saw Jaim as he saw me.  His relief and concern were palatable and a large grin spread across his face.  Thankfully, he looked no worse for wear; certainly he was in better shape than I was.  He looked as if he was about to approach but D’Aylanna gave him a curt shake of her head.  His smile was gone as quickly as that.  Had it been different circumstances, I would have laughed: D’Aylanna’s small stature belied her strength, the serious look on her face transformed the olive complexion to something almost terrible to behold.  “I must learn how to do that” the thought came automatically as, and not for the first time, I looked down at my wife in wonder.  She was Hapan, remarkably beautiful and long-lived.  “And I’ve failed her” I thought to myself.  

With that, my attention focused on the members of the council sitting in a semi-circle in front of me.  Above them, upon a raised dais, the Kage sat, her face impassive and unreadable.  Drawing upon the Force, I calmed my inner conflict, seeking the Balance that had served me well since my days as a padawan.  With a final look of encouragement, D’Aylanna left my side to take her place among the other maenowans and the room became silent.  It was then that one of the masters, the Arbiter, stood and spoke.

“Koawan Zearic Vih’Torr.  The Council of Balance has summoned you.  You stand in judgment before the Will of the Force.  Before the Council commences have you anything to say?”

I was caught off-balance.  The Arbiter had used the ancient ritual forms.  Again, I resigned myself to the inevitable.

“Arbiter.  Council members.  My fellow Gray Jedi.”  As per the ritual, I did not invoke the name of the Kage, nor did I address her directly.  The forms had to be maintained.  “I am come before you to accept judgment.  May the Will and Balance of the Force guide you.  I stand ready.”

The on looking crowd collectively started.  True, I was entitled a defense.  But there was D’Aylanna, Jaim, and G’av to consider.  And like I said: I was responsible.  The Arbiter stood directly in front of me and opened his mouth to commence sentencing.

“Listian, a moment.”  A quiet yet powerful voice echoed the dome.  If I had sidestepped decorum in refusing defense, the Kage speaking the Arbiter’s first-name had broken it entirely.  “Koawan Zearic, I would like to hear from you concerning the events that have brought you here.  Plain words; you need not follow form.”

Thankfully, it took me less than a moment to regroup.  D’Alyanna’s training, coupled with the pain, focused my attention and intent.  Simultaneously, I took a breath and allowed the Force to flow through me.

“Kage, I must begin then in the last month, when during my ritual training….”

                                                ______________________________________________________

My attention was divided; Jaim and G’av separated, attempting to both overwhelm and flank me.  I inwardly smiled; my fellow koawans were skilled tacticians and near-expert duelists but they were often too careful.  In the blink of an eye, I changed forms.  Soresu became Djem So as I feinted towards Jaim only to strike at G’av’s defenses.  I knew that I could overcome with my superior strength.  Sure enough, my saber swept his away and I scored a direct hit upon his torso.  Had the saber been anything but the training blade, I would have bisected him.  Before my blade had finished its cut along G’av’s chest, I was wheeling around to attack Jaim.  Only my connection with the Force checked my momentum, again switching this time from Djem So back to Soresu.  And none too soon: Jaim’s saber locked against mine as I barely foiled his own attack.  And while he was taller than me, I had at least 45 kilos on him.  Smiling again, I started to push back, causing Jaim to switch to the defensive.  I intended to finish him quickly when he quite suddenly stepped back.  All resistance against my blade vanished, threatening to unbalance me.  Admittedly, Jaim’s move caught me off-guard and it was only through the Will of the Force that he did not strike a blow across my neck….Well, that or the fact that I had considered he would do such.  As Jaim’s cut across horizontally, I used my foreword momentum to roll under the blade, stand, and regain my offensive posture.  Soresu once again gave way to Djem So and my blade came in contact with his unprotected arm.  Upon recovery, I stopped just short of my blade upon his neck.

Clapping, G’av came up to me.  “Well brother, I see that D’Aylanna has been giving you private lessons.  She certainly is feeding you more than Jaim or I could ever eat,” he winked.  Turning to Jaim he said, “Well, at least Zearic’s last cut didn’t damage anything important.  You’re not using that head anyway.”

Jaim’s easy smile came.  “Of course you’re right, G’av.  It’s not as if I was the first to be taken out.”

Closing down the practice saber, I handed them to G’av.  “Loser recalibrates the crystal.”  The smaller koawan theatrically sighed at his “punishment,” while still giving Jaim some friendly ribbing.  It was then I felt D’Aylanna’s presence behind me.

“You know, seeing you now, I will bet you could challenge Master Tarash Noko in Djem So…”

I started at my wife’s statement, momentarily oblivious to the fact that I’d interrupted her.  “You really think I could best Master Noko?”

“…IF you would stop being so reliant upon power over speed,” she finished.  

Grinning, I leaned down to kiss her dark cheek.  “A fault I’m sure that my master can help me fix.  If only she weren’t so soft.”  

D’Aylanna’s knowing grin turned sardonic.  “Careful koawan or you might just see why even Sith fear me.”  

In good spirits, I moved beside her and we began to walk together from the Training Quarter.  Even with the impending danger of Order 66 hanging above our heads, the Gray Jedi Temple on Zenoma Sekot was secure from the Empire.  But the Jedi Purge had still thinned the Gray ranks; where the halls should have been filled to bursting with acolytes, knights, and masters of the order, relatively few were in residence.  Still, thank the Maker that the Temple had as many residents as it did.

“I did not just come to see you spar, husband.  I’ve a mystery that needs answering.”  Her light, lilting voice almost hid the worry underlying the calm.  Immediately, my senses focused, the fatigue of the training session forgotten.  “I have lost contact with the outpost on Kewda.”

“The second moon of Ossus?”  That didn’t seem significant; the temple at Ossus had been razed during the Purge but had been reestablished in secret a few years afterwards.  Contact with it, much less Kewda, was sporadic at best.  “Are you certain that their silence isn’t just one of the safety protocols being implemented?”

D’Aylanna stopped, looked up at me in that patient way that all wives adopt with their spouses.  “No husband.  When I said I lost contact, I mean in mid-transmission.”

“Ah.  Allow me to guess: you want for Jaim, G’av, and I to check it out.”

“Precisely.  The Council and I feel that a small team of koawans should suffice.  And I’ve reminded them of your success in securing some of the Clone War dreadnoughts during your last mission.”  Again, her eyes sparkled, characteristic of her amusement, no doubt of the dreadnoughts that we’d “secured.”  But when she spoke again, she was all business: “Zearic—you, Jaim, and G’av have permission to take one of the faster light freighters.  Some of the other maenowans are saying that there is a disturbance in the Force centered around Kewda.  And I…well, I’ve had visions.”

I stopped suddenly.  My wife’s visions were never wrong.  Ever.  “What have you seen?”

Hesitantly, she started slowly, talking faster as she continued; “I have seen beings wielding red-bladed lightsabers, a conspiracy across the stars, and a…sphere of blackness.”

Even after years together, I sometimes had difficultly deciphering D’Aylanna’s Basic.  Hapan speech patterns were sometimes…vague.  She’d taught me to speak the language but I still didn’t have a working comprehension beyond that of a Hapan child.  And her Basic was…idiosyncratic at times.

I nodded.  “All right.  We will be careful.  Love you.”  Leaving my wife to prepare, I thought that three full koawans could handle any threat short of a Sith.

I never knew that I could be so wrong.  Or that it would cost so much.

"..............."

I have nothing to say. Absolutely nothing. This is amazing, and you said you couldn't write. What a joke. I love how you started it out with a sense of dark and foreboding even though the character does not follow the Dark Side. The idea of a court system for the Jedi (or Gray Jedi in this case) has always interested me. Especially after I watched the Wrong Jedi arc in TCW. Wonderfully done TD. I don't know that much about the Gray Jedi, but between you and Karmack, I feel like I my knowledge of them has grown a lot. Very very good job with this. I can't wait to read more.

Whoa Zenoma Sekot...now that is interesting!! Anyway great opening, really draws you in what could a Gray Jedi do to upset his order that much, compared to the Jedi i'd imagine they are far more forgiving.  Look forward to hearing more!

Oh and I thought this bit was kind of funny
"His relief and concern were palatable and a large grin spread across his face. " I think you meant palpable, unless Jaim is in danger of being eaten!

I've been reading Karmack and Taegins stories as well, really interesting stuff, and in general great seeing people sharing their own stories.

*blush Thanks TR. Truly I am honored by your words my friend  :)

LOL. Good catch LSG  ;D. You are of course correct.  That's what I get for not properly proofreading  ;). Luckily, I have you guys to keep me in line^^

On a more serious note: I cannot stress enough the importance of our community and the sharing of minds that it enables us.  Reading Karm's and TR's entries are inspiring and exceedingly helpful in the process.  Between them (and my wife whom I used as a sounding board) I can honestly say my excitement in writing again was rekindled.

Let's see if next time I can avoid any vocabulary mistakes  :D

It was late when I read it last night, so I didn't catch the palatable, but that is funny. And thanks for reading my story.


Your welcome. You deserve them. I guess since I helped inspire you to write this that I should feel honored as well (and get back to writing my story ::)), so thank you.

Dutchman!  Wow!  Awesome beginning!  I love the "flashback" style of the story.  The opening scene really sets the stage and gives what follows that sprinkle of ominousness that makes the narrative pop.  We know SOMETHING bad is going to happen, but we don't yet know what.  Or when.

Or where.

LOL

BOO!

*jumps out of his skin* 
Yup!  Exactly!  :-)

Looking forward to more!

Thanks Karm  :)

Let me see what I can do tonight^^

“But we were unable to leave right away; certainly not as swiftly as Maenowan D’Aylanna had preferred,” I told the Kage.  “And even with a freighter that had a Class1 Hyperdrive, Jaim, G’av, and myself did not arrive on Kewda for another 9 standard days.”

“Why, Koawan Zearic?” the Kage’s soft voice held equal measures of steel and inquisitiveness.

I sighed.  “Mostly due to the hyperspace lanes.  One of the protostars in the Cron Drift obtained stellar-mass fusion, which had to be accounted for.  Unfortunately, this required us to take a longer path by almost 3.5 parsecs.  And when we’d finally arrived, we found that Kewda had an Imperial Naval presence.”

I paused to allow that news to sink in.  The Empire should not have been anywhere near Ossus, much less any of the planet’s moons.  That was one of the reasons the temple had been reestablished there.

The Kage’s orange eyes bored into my head.  “Proceed Koawan Zearic”

                        ___________________________________

“Star destroyer!” G’av’s voice, though controlled, nevertheless boomed through the bridge.

“Jaim, have they detected us yet?” my mind raced at how the Empire could have found this place.  And after the setback of our rerouted hyperspace jump, this development seemed like the reed that broke the bantha’s back.

“…No, not yet.  But I’m going to try something.  Hold on.”

G’av and I had hardly secured ourselves when Jaim put the freighter through a series of swift maneuvers that the inertial dampners couldn’t fully mitigate.  Within seconds, we witnessed the terminator of the night side of Kewda as Jaim’s expert piloting eased us into a near-polar orbit.  As seconds stretched into minutes, we all let out a collective breath.

“Jaim, I don’t know how you evaded detection from that star destroyer,” G’av’s tense voice broke the silence.  “Well, maybe they detect brain-waves and since you lost your head back on Sekot…” G’av’s growing grin helped to alleviate the situation.  Somewhat.

My own smile momentarily spread across my face.  “Jaim, great piloting.  G’av, have you been able to detect any radio traffic?”  Myself, I began by opening myself to the Force, searching for any disturbances.  My mistake was doing so completely instead of in degrees.  The darkness was oppressive, hitting me like a physical blow.  Momentarily stunned, G’av was by my side in an instant, his calming and healing touch a cool and comforting effect as he used his gift in the Force to help me.

“Brother are you ok?” G’av asked as he continued his healing.

Nodding, feeling the darkness recede, I breathed out, “Yes, thanks to you G’av.  I just thank the Maker that it wasn’t Jaim who tried to reach out to the moon.”  Jaim’s mental abilities were stronger than mine, bordering on impossible.  He could convince a crowd that a Hutt could win a beauty contest.  “Jaim, can you set us down halfway between the residences and the temple?”

“…Zearic, I don’t think that’s a good idea.  Look.”  Jaim had brought the freighter through the atmosphere and began slowly across the land as the bottom of the hull virtually scraped the forest canopy.  How he could pilot so expertly was almost incongruous with how he looked: at almost two meters tall, he barely fit in the pilot’s seat.  Yet he was the best I’d ever seen.  “Look.”

Jaim’s quiet reminder was all G’av and I needed.  From our vantage, we could see that the temple was in ruins and that the barracks continued to smolder, though no fires were raging.  And, one feature that was new, a large road had been crushed into the ground and through the trees leading to the mountain behind the temple.  There were no people visible.

“By the Maker…” G’av gave a benediction that Jaim and I echoed silently.  The grounds were a disaster, not one building stood standing.  “Could this be an orbital bombardment from the star destroyer?  It couldn’t be AT-ATs; the forest is too dense…”
“…No,” I said, “There would be craters indicative of turbolaser blasts.  This…this looks like a natural disaster, if a natural disaster was weaponized.”  As soon as I said it, a thought came to me.  “Sith.”

“Sith.” Jaim exclaimed, virtually simultaneously.  We all looked at one another.  “Do you think that Vader was here?”

Looking at the scene below, I could only guess.  “I don’t know.  But, he would definitely be powerful enough to do…this.  Question is: how did he find the temple?  The safety protocols should have precluded any such detection from Force-sensitives.”

“But it’s Vader we’re talking about,” G’av quietly reminded.  “Who knows the extent of his abilities?  I heard rumor that even the Emperor considered him to be stronger.”

“G’av, Jaim, wait.  We do not know what has happened.  All of this, right now, is just conjecture.  G’av, are your scanners picking up any life-signs?”  He looked and silently nodded.  “Jaim, you have better mental control, can you sense anything…amiss?  And be careful: there IS a disturbance; almost a….”  I couldn’t finish as I searched for the right description.  G’av put his hand on my shoulder so as to comfort me.

Jaim smiled reassuringly at me.  “Don’t worry Zearic.  I’ll take it slowly.”  He closed his eyes, his face relaxing as his focus flowed outward through the Force.  “Hmm.  Yes, I see now,” Jaim’s slow, calm words broke the silence.  “I can see why you reacted that way brother.  It’s centered on the temple.  Too many voices and one lone voice.  They are both silent and screaming.  Saying nothing and everything.  And above all: Sith.  Inquisitors.”  Jaim opened his eyes and let out a held breath.  “By the Maker….”

I silently absorbed all that Jaim revealed.  Shocked but not surprised.  Until I remembered: “Wait.  How did Vader defeat the protocols?  Even the Kage couldn’t detect Force-sensitives when last she was here.  And how could Inquisitors penetrate this deep into the temple…unless….”  Sitting up straight, my attention focused to G’av.  “G’av can you scan for low-grade thermal inducer material?  Not anything related to detonators, rather, organic compounds?”  Thoughts raced through my head; how could I have not seen it before?  “G’av?”

Slowly, he worked the computer.  After a minute he raised his head, questions in his eyes.  “Yes.  Registers as…joopa?”

I sat back, my mind reeling from the realization.  Both Jaim and G’av looked at me, the looks on their faces as if I had a gundark on my shoulder.  “Joopas, or rather joopa worms were an indigenous species to the planet Seelos where they were often used for hunting for the upper Republic elite.  When the Emperor proclaimed himself, Seelos was forgotten and as the Empire took control, records were expunged.  I’m not surprised that neither of you have heard of them, to be honest.”  I pursed my lips and stroked my goatee.

“…And you know this because…?” G’av’s question interrupted my thoughts.

“Sorry.  D’Aylanna told me about them.  Or rather, her time during a retreat on Seelos, prior to the Clone Wars.”  I turned to Jaim.  “G’av knows but I don’t think that it ever came up with you Jaim; D’Aylanna is Hapan royalty.  Not that she cares and she certainly doesn’t advertise it.”  A slow smile spread as I remembered.  “I don’t think that she would have even told me if I hadn’t tried to impress her by adhering to custom when asking her to marry me.  As it was, she wasn’t exactly thrilled that I’d found out….”  Unconciously, I thumbed the scar on my chin fondly.

The look on Jaim’s face forced me back into the present.  “How.  Do.  I.  Not.  Know.  This?”  His wry grin held amusement.  Then, looking at G’av, his face fell into a frown.  “And how is it that you DO know?!”  G’av winked and opened his mouth.

“This is neither the time nor place,” my voice cut through the mirth, causing both of my friends to recall our present situation.  “We need to find out what happened here.  Jaim, put us down in the clearing two miles east of the mountain.  Vader cut a road for a reason and we need to find out why.”

As Jaim piloted the freighter, he casually asked, “So.  Joopa?”

Shaking my head, I answered, “Right.  Joopas—worms—indigenous to Seelos.  They grow…quite large.  However they have no teeth, so they eat their prey whole.  Well, the joopa’s stomach secretes an enzyme that aids in digestion.  The only problem is, once the enzyme comes into contact with oxygen, it explodes.  Violently.  D’Aylanna once told me that she tried to help the Rebellion, but no one was listening then.  And so: almost no one knew about her detonators.”

“And to think I was going to give you a Sabacc Table Set for your wedding,” G’av’s lightheartedness attempted to lift the mood.  Unfortunately, I was having none of it.

“Unfortunately, this means that Vader somehow found out.  And, unless I’m wrong, he used it against us.”

The bridge fell silent.  The mood infected us all.  All of our friends, colleagues, and the families that were here: gone.  Even G’av’s perpetual good nature was muted.  As the freighter landed, I collected my gear, making sure to take both of my lightsabers.

“Let’s go.”

Nice continuation!  The details and bantering between friends bring a nice touch of realism and grounding to the story as well.  :-)

And ... Vader!   *gasp*

But I have to ask, and I may be exposing some of my own ignorance here: Are the Joopas canon or did you make them up?
Either way ... nicely done!  I am excited for the next installment!

Yes, great job. Very well written. I really like how you started out with the trial again, then went back to the story. It is a good way to tell a story, and one that I really enjoy. But I am also curious about the Joopas. My gut tells me they're real, but I don't know for sure.

One other comment: I don't know if you're going for this or not, but the "feel" I'm getting from this is that the format would fit VERY nicely into a graphic novel.  For whatever reason, the flash-backs to the trial/explanation are a great way to ground us into the story.

And I just realized that ... one of these guys isn't at that opening trial.  ;-)  Though that could be a red herring, so I reserve judgement and simply continue to enjoy excellent storytelling!  :-)

Heh, to answer both of your question(s): yes, joopas ARE canon
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Joopa
However, I kind of took liberties with the whole "explosive enzyme" bit.  But I figured it would be a natural progression from them eating their food whole  ;)  (So: good gut feeling TR^^).


*blush Thanks Karm  :)  I have to admit that when I'm writing, I can see it as sequential art; SO a graphic novel "feel" is exactly what I'm going for; I'm just honored for you to mention it^^

I guess I can't blame it on my gut. I just wookieepediad them, and now I know why I thought they were real. They're in SWR. ::) I guess it was just my subconscious knowledge rather than my gut. :'( Oh well, still cool that you incorporated them.

“A moment, Koawan Zearic,” the Kage’s calm, soft voice interjected when I went to catch my breath.  “How did you deduce that the enzyme detonators were the culprit?”

Realizing that I’d passed over this information, I took a breath before answering.  “Maenowan D’Aylanna had once told me that the temple storehouse was home to the organic detonators.  Once I checked that the safety protocols were in place, conventional explosives would have proven ineffective.”

Leaning back on her chair, the Kage’s orange eyes shown with understanding.  “And from this, you concluded that these detonators were used to circumvent the Guardian.”

I briefly shook my head.  “Actually, I didn’t think of that until after Jaim had confirmed that the Sith and Inquisitors were involved.  If not for that, I would not have considered that the Guardian would be a strategic target.”  I lowered my head in both thought and self-blame.  “But I should have anticipated that it would have been if not THE primary target then certainly a priority.”

When I raised my head and looked straight at the Kage, I could tell by her flushed cerulean skin that, while she held her emotions in check and was outwardly calm, she was definitely upset.  Whether over the loss of the temple or my neglect in noticing the obvious sooner, I couldn’t say.  

“Pray continue Koawan Zearic.”

            ___________________________________

We emerged from the forest to a scene of absolute destruction.  I would’ve added “carnage” but there were no bodies anywhere.  I was on point and was first to the temple square where, in the center, we found what I had expected.

“…How is that even possible?” G’av’s quiet interrogative came from behind me.  Without turning, I knew that both he and Jaim had a similar (if not exact) look on their faces as I.  Instead, I approached the center of the courtyard only stopping once I stood directly in front of the monument that dominated the square.  Standing since time immemorial, the Guardian of the Temple stood witness to the rise of the original Jedi.  The towering being had been made of the native strata of rock, a wise look upon its face, a strong torso and straight back, and arms welcoming to all.  Even natural erosion hadn’t diminished the grandeur of the Guardian, a shrine that spanned ages across time.  Silent.   Permanent.  Implacable.

Or so I had thought.  Now, of the Guardian, only detritus remained.

“So.  That’s how Vader and his Inquisitors were able to devastate the temple grounds.”  Jaim’s quiet pronouncement echoed through my head.  The Guardian had been much more than a stone memorial; in millennia past it had been constructed as a direct result of the Hundred-Year Darkness.  With the emergence of what would become the Sith, the Jedi of old constructed the Guardian.  It functioned by disrupting Dark Force Energies within a 17 kilometer radius.  A perfect defense for the Jedi Temple of Kewda.  Until now.

Kneeling around what had been the base, I looked for the tell-tale signs of organic thermal detonations.  I quickly found what I was looking for: fine, yellow-red ash originating from the front, outward and upward.  Judging by the amount of disintegration, I mentally calculated that almost all of the detonators must have been used.  The rest of the devastation?  That was entirely done by the Dark Side.

“Zearic look,” G’av beckoned me to turn my gaze towards the new road that the Dark-Siders had made.  It ran directly through the temple ruins towards the mountain, continuing into a large, dark cave of immense proportions.  “According to the scanners, the life-signs originated within the cave.”

“We must continue, brother,” Jaim’s almost silent voice was full of conviction.  “Our people are in there, somewhere.”

Looking from Jaim and G’av, we all nodded agreement and prepared ourselves, lightsabers in hand and ready to ignite.  Opening ourselves to the Force, we entered the cave proper.  The walls held unlit lamps evenly distributed leading as far as our eyes could see.  After only a few meters in, the cave forked in several directions.  Jaim and I looked at G’av, expectation and patience in equal measure as we waited on him.  His eyes half-closed, his Force vision flowed outward from him, seeing what our eyes could not.  Using the hand signals we’d grown up around, G’av quickly motioned to us that the right-most cave held multiple people.  Gripping the hilt of my lightsaber, I took point as we extinguished our electric torches and quietly penetrated further into the caves.

With our eyes adjusted to the darkness, our Force-enhanced senses were more than adequate to navigate the tunnel.  And so it was that we felt before we heard the storm troopers that guarded the large, open cavern beyond our tunnel.  Jaim hung back while G’av and I silently crept forward.  Before we entered the cavern, Jaim closed his eyes to focus on the Imperials.  “Sleep,” his whisper came out so softly that even with my Force-enhanced hearing, I barely heard him.  As one, the storm troopers slumped in their positions, several falling where they’d been patrolling only a second before.

“Excellent Jaim,” I said quietly as I walked into the opening.  Looking around, I saw that the Imperials had excavated a vast volume from the mountain.  The cavern that we had entered had three different tunnels running further into the mountain, one of them that must have extended deep into the mountain strata.  The storm troopers had been using the grotto as a combination bivouac/hoist house.  “G’av, download the computer; see what the Imperials were digging for.”

Nodding, G’av went to the mainframe databank and began working.  Besides being an accomplished knight, G’av was one of the best slicers I’d seen.  He was so good that he could break into the Galactic Bank CPU without leaving an electronic footprint.  “This has Imperial krypto-encryption, Zearic.  It’ll take me some time.”

Nodding, I turned to Jaim.  “Do you sense any other people within the area?”  

“…Zearic, I…can’t be sure.”  This gave me pause.  As I said, Jaim’s mental abilities were among the greatest I’d ever encountered.  With this in mind, I opened myself fully to the Force, anticipating trouble.  And none too soon.

Three seconds later, I felt the tremor in both the Force and the cavern.  “Jaim, G’av, RUN!”  We cleared the center of the room just as the ceiling collapsed, crushing all of the storm troopers.  Before the dust had settled, four red lightsaber blades ignited as the Inquisitors advanced upon us.  Jaim and G’av advanced upon the nearest two, leaving the remaining two to me.  

“I didn’t realize that the Jedi let fa…urrgghkk!”  As the Inquisitor spoke his taunt, I reached out with the Force to crush his larynx.  He was unprepared for such an assault and busy talking (which was why it worked so well).  D’Aylanna had taught me to never telegraph my intent, either in lightsaber combat or with the Force.  Besides: I couldn’t stand the cliché of a monologuing villain.  Simultaneously, I’d ignited my lightsaber, the rich, blue blade angled in a low-guard as I settled into Djem So, taking the attack to the remaining Inquisitor.

“Tenth Brother was a fool; I am not,” the Inquisitor’s almost feral grin was reflected in her eyes, her face contorted in rage.  True to her words, between my saber assault, I tried to attack her telekinetically as well.  She countered every attempt, parried every blade strike.  As she turned her defense into attack, I switched to Soresu to combat her Makashi.  Even focusing on defense, I barely was able to anticipate her attacks.  However, as was the case with most Makashi practitioners, she lacked power behind her precision.  As we locked blades, I subtly shifted back to Djem So and, using my strength, bashed down upon her high-guard.  Her eyes widened in both shock and fear as her own blade was forced inexorably down across her.  Her end was neither swift nor pretty but it was effective.

Looking up, I saw that both of my friends were likewise dealing with their opponents with similar successes.  G’av, the superior swordsman, continued to play with the Inquisitor as Jaim was busy defending, his Soresu impeccable.  I knew that G’av would prolong his dueling in the hope that we could take the Inquisitor prisoner.  Similarly, I knew that Jaim was only waiting for an opening to employ his Force ability.  As if on cue, Jaim evaded the Inquisitor’s cut, who overextended himself.  Swift as thought, Jaim’s fingers touched the Inquisitor’s forehead.  As if struck, the Inquisitor fell unconscious.  Smiling, I turned my attention back to G’av, only to find that he stood over his opponent who lay prostrate before him.  He looked up at me and silently shook his head, regretful.

“G’av, Jaim, are you both ok?” my concern was mitigated only slightly by the fact that I already knew the answer.  Still, I relaxed when they both nodded.  “G’av, were you able to get anything from the databank?”

“I had already written code and implemented the worm before it started raining.  Should be done by now,” G’av said as he approached the consoles.  Reaching down, he retrieved the data node.  “Got it.  Zearic, take a look at this.”

Jaim and I gathered around G’av as he handed us the datapad.  Scrolling down, I perused the information that G’av and sliced from the computer.  “From what I can see, the Imperials were block-caving.  But what were they-“

“Doonium,” Jaim said suddenly, “the Imperials found doonium here.  And a large vein if this data is anything to go by.”

We all looked at one another.  Doonium.  The primary metal for shipbuilding, especially for capital ships.  Most specifically….

“Star destroyers,” we all said in unison.  

Nice continuation!  I especially liked this tidbit:

"Besides: I couldn’t stand the cliché of a monologuing villain."

:-)

Zearic is interesting in this fight.  Alone of the three he kills his opponents.  The shift is subtle, but considering where we're at and what's going on, I find that development slightly ominous.  But also subtle and well constructed.  Its a nice touch and whether it was intentional or not, well played.  :-)

The action balance is also very good.  You don't get drawn into the trap of trying to describe the battle swing-by-swing, something that it took me a while to learn myself.  :-)  There's more than enough for the imagination to fill in, and the action level is just about right.  :-)  Its a good thing that the rock fall didn't crush the computer, though.  ;-)

Well done!  I am really enjoying this story and even with the format bringing us back to the setting of Zearic's trial before his Order, I'm still in the dark about the particulars of why he's in hot water.  I can make some small guesses but the story crafting is good enough that I really don't want to.  I'm just looking forward to the next installment!

Like Karmack, I am loving your story. Everything you do just seems to fit together to make the story great. I am thinking I may have an idea of how the story is going to go to take him to the trail, but after reading Karmack's stories, I doubt myself as to if I really do or not. Great job.

Oh yeah, the "monologuing villain" was great. ;D

“And what of our people?  You said that there were no bodies in the temple grounds,” the Kage’s voice, though quiet, echoed throughout the dome.

“We found only one in an adjacent grotto to the main cave that the Inquisitors had been using for a jail of sorts.  While the cave-in that the Inquisitors had caused had not damaged the computer bank along the wall, the other tunnels had not been so lucky.  In fact, the other two passageways were completely impassible.  It was only because Astar spoke out that we knew that there were any survivors….”

“Maenowan Astar Myrishi?  Only he?  No sign of Jedi Master Gaetana Ravine?”

I paused, both racked with pain and sorrow.  “Only Astar, I’m afraid.  And he soon succumbed to his injuries….”

“…From the collapse or from Inquisitorius torture?”  Again, the Kage’s orange eyes bored into mine.

I steeled myself.  “Kage, Maenowan Astar told me—before he died—that he’d been tortured for nine days.  That means that immediately following the communications disruption that Maenowan D’Aylanna had encountered, the Inquisitors were already there at the temple.  This wasn’t just happenstance that Vader had chanced upon the temple; the Dark-Siders knew precisely what to expect.  They first destroyed the Guardian and by the only means that the safety protocols could not counter.”  My frustration began to turn to anger.  “The Temple’s protection had been utterly compromised.  The Inquisitors also KNEW about the jamming field defending against electronic and positronic explosives.  They KNEW about the enzyme detonators and, furthermore, used them to neutralize the Temple’s protection against Force intrusions.  THEY KNEW THE GRAY JEDI WERE ON KEWDA.”

My voice boomed throughout the dome.  The Council of Balance looked amongst each other while the gathered crowd began to talk in hushed tones, creating an almost muted cacophony.  And, all the while, the Kage remained staid.  After a moment, she raised her hand and the hall fell back into silence.

“Koawan Zearic, you say that only Maenowan Astar was found.  What of the other Gray Jedi?”
               ______________________________

“Many were killed in the initial assault,” Astar’s voice was weak as he paused to cough, blood staining his lips.  “Others were enslaved to work alongside of the Wookies.”

“Wookies?” Jaim quietly interjected.  “The Empire is using Wookies as slave labor?”

After another coughing fit, this time longer than the first, the injured maenowan answered.  “Yes, poor creatures.  The Imperials worked them hard, some to death.  Along with many of our brothers and sisters.”  Astar’s last statement came out as a whisper.

“Maenowan, what of the rest of the Jedi?” G’av asked as he continued using his abilities as a healer.  But I could tell that despite G’av’s skill and best efforts, Astar did not have long to live.  The only consolation was that G’av could help to make the mortally wounded maenowan as comfortable as possible.

Wheezing now, Astar’s answer took longer.  “When Vader arrived, they took only the strong to a detention shuttle.  When he was done here, he left and the shuttle with him.”

“Maenowan.  Astar.  ASTAR!” I had to yell in the hopes of refocusing him.  “Where is Master Gaetana?”

Astar’s eyes fluttered, but he whispered, “Gaetana…don’t know…killed…she went…the Guardian…explosion…no alarm….” the venerable maenowan’s voice was barely audible.  His face had grown ashen and drawn.  I looked at G’av but the small koawan was focused completely on the maenowan and the Force.  Jaim, too, had silently opened himself to the healing properties of the Force, though in all honesty his healing abilities were even less effective than my own.

“Gaetana…” Astar’s sudden whisper started me.  “…she…told…me…you…Zearic….”

Both Jaim and G’av looked right at me.  My own shock must have shown on my face.  “What?  Astar?  ASTAR!”  But even as I spoke his name, I knew that the maenowan was gone.

“The Maker keep you, Maenowan Astar Myrishi,” G’av’s solemn voice gave benediction in homage and remembrance.  Jaim and I did likewise; meanwhile my mind raced at what Astar’s last words could mean.  I knew that I had to contact D’Aylanna and the Council of Balance.  But first, I wanted to deal with another issue.

“Jaim, bring me one of the Inquisitors.”  Both Jaim’s and G’av’s opponents were alive, if unconscious.  We’d restrained them with some of the binders that littered the room among the crushed storm troopers.  While Jaim went to retrieve one of the Inquisitors, G’av began preparing Maenowan Astar’s body for transport.

“G’av, stop.”  My anger was rising.  While I recognized the fine line between passion and hate, I did not stop myself from feeling the rage that I was controlling.  Our friends…the Temple…Master Gaetana.  I made my breathing relax as I tried to regain composure.  By the time Jaim returned with one of the prisoners, I had the outward appearance of calm.  But in all honesty, I was anything but.

Silently, I went over to the Inquisitor, grabbed her bound arms and turned her facing Jaim.  “Jaim.  Do it.”  Mentally opening himself to the Force, Jaim’s eyes lidded in concentration.

The Inquisitor’s face at first went blank, her eyes glazed over as Jaim’s mental probing began.  I’d seen him do this dozens of times, each time successful.  Jaim would find our missing friends and find out what Vader wanted.  Or so I thought.

“…Zearic, I…can’t…something…wrong…evil…” Jaim’s eyes abruptly shot open and his breath caught in this throat.  I was about to tell G’av to help him when the Inquisitor collapsed in my arms.  Convulsing violently, she began to froth at mouth while blood began to pour out of her eyes, nose, and ears.  A final bloody cough and her motionless body fell contorted in ways that were unnatural, her face twisted in agony.

“Jaim, are you ok?  What happened?” my concern for my friend outweighed my confusion, but once again my anger began to rise.

Jaim took a moment to collect himself, nodding to G’av and staring disbelievingly at the dead Inquisitor.  “I had no sooner melded with her mind when I encountered a…blackness.  No, that’s not right; a…an evil.  I…believe that this woman has—had—been…conditioned.”  Jaim looked poleaxed.  I know how he felt.

“Conditioned?  Like…a Force trance?” G’av looked incredulously at Jaim.

The taller man shook his head.  “No; I mean she had…a failsafe.”  Jaim’s brows furrowed in frustration.  “No a…trigger.  Her mind was…protected?  No, not protected.  Enmeshed.  Yes.  Completely.  Against mental probing.”  Jaim’s voice betrayed his shock and disgust.  He looked at me.  “Zearic, I’ve read about this.  In the Book of Balance.  Entry by Jonin, er I mean Maenowan Kuar Lithal.  A Sith master would use it on their padawan as a means to ensure that they could not betray them.”

I stood there, angry with myself.  I should’ve known.  Vader would never have been so trusting.  Or unwary.  I opened myself to the Force, seeking serenity while the fury threatened to overwhelm it.  After a moment, I looked from G’av to Jaim.  “Jaim, bring the other one.”

Jaim hesitated a moment before he went to awaken the last prisoner.  G’av came up beside me, his hand rested on my shoulder.  “Brother, you must calm yourself.  You are dangerously close to giving into hate.”  The words should have given me comfort, should’ve reassured me.  But Astar’s words reverberated in my mind.  Shrugging off G’av’s hand, I went over to Jaim and his now-conscious prisoner.  My purpose, my conviction of thought, lay open in front of me.  I grasped the hilt of my saber and nodded to the tall koawan.

Jaim forced the Inquisitor on his knees.  His look of utter contempt and pure hatred was not only expected but welcome, his yellow eyes alert.  I slowly walked over and kneeled in front of him, remaining silent.  My hazel eyes met his, the calm that I did not feel vacillated between control and surrender of my rage.  Outwardly, I showed none of the conflict.  Seconds passed and the silence stretched until, finally, the Dark-sider spoke.

“Lord Vader has your friends.”  The Inquisitor’s voice was full of bravado.  “They will all die.  As will you.”  His smile broadened until it resembled a rictus grin.  Still, I remained silent.  Pitiless.  Implacable.

Inhaling, my voice finely, quietly broke the silence.  “Lothal.”  The Inquisitor’s bluster disappeared, replaced by puzzlement.  Again I spoke.  “Cymoon 1.”  And again the Inquisitor looked perplexed.  I hid expectation as I spoke a third time.  “Kuat Drive Yards.”  Confusion was briefly replaced by recognition, virtually imperceptible.  But it was enough for me, if just.  I stood, ignoring the Dark-sider as I addressed both Jaim and G’av.  “They’re at Kuat Drive Yards.”

The Inquisitor began to laugh.  “You fool!  Lord Vader is expecting you! He is…urrgkk!”  The Dark-sider’s throat constricted, his face grimacing in pain as blood began to flow from his eyes, nose, and ears.  Unflinchingly, I watched as the Inquisitor fell, his body racked with spasms.  Finally the Inquisitor’s body lay at my feet, motionless.  Still, we got what we’d come for, between the data node and the dead Inquisitors.  “Let’s go.”  I didn’t talk with my friends as we returned to our ship.  Once inside, G’av spoke.

“Brother I understand why you mentioned the locations that you did but how did you guess the right one?”

Stowing away my equipment, I distractedly spoke, “D’Alyanna’s training.  My anger helped to heighten my senses.  At least enough that my perception was up to the task.”  I went to turn but G’av stood in front of me, immovable.

“D’Aylanna’s training.  Using…rage?  Brother, that does NOT sound like her instruction.”  I was twice G’av’s weight and taller by 15 centimeters.  Yet G’av stood resolute and unyielding in front of me.  “Brother, I am worried about you.”

I paused a moment, opening myself to the Force while inhaling, letting cooler heads prevail.  “You’re right G’av.  She taught me to harness passion and use it to focus my senses.”  I sighed.  “I know you’re concerned G’av.  I’m ok now, really.”  I smiled to emphasize my words.

G’av’s look of scrutiny remained.  “Did you know that would happen to the Inquisitor?”

I faced him unflinchingly.  “Know?  No, I didn’t know that he would do that, much less, say it.”  However, I didn’t verbalize that I also had no regrets.  My inner voice—sounding remarkably like D’Aylanna—warned of giving into dark thoughts but I had justified the means with the ends.  And I still had to tell my wife that her friends were missing or dead.

Brusquely, I pushed past G’av.  “I’ve got to contact D’Aylanna, tell her what has happened here.” 

G’av’s hand grabbed my arm.  “Brother.  We’re all upset and hurting.  Please do not hold onto this fury.”  His face softened as he spoke, his tone turning conciliatory.  “Please my friend.”

I relaxed, releasing my pent up anger.  “Thank you G’av.  I am better.  But I’ve got to tell D’Aylanna.  She has to know.”

A look of concern on his face, G’av smiled, nodded and went to stow his own equipment.  As I passed Jaim in the corridor, I patted his arm as I headed to the holographic comm unit.  Opening a channel, I waited while a connection was established.  A moment later, my wife’s visage hovered just before me, the hologram slightly distorted given the distance between my transmission and her reception.

“Husband,” her genuine happiness at seeing me was evident even in the poor holograph.  I couldn’t help but feel the love, both for her and being reciprocated.  Unfortunately, it was quickly replaced with grave apprehension as I gave her a full report on what we’d found.

“Astar and Gaetana dead?  Wookie slaves?  The Inquisitorious and Vader?”  Her tranquil nature was only belied by an undercurrent of disquiet.  I must needs tell the Council.  And the Kage, of course.”

“I understand.  We’ve ascertained that Vader is headed to the Kuat Drive Yards.  Once we resupply and given that we need to adjust for the new hyperspace lane we should reach Kuat in-”

“You are not going.”  D’Aylanna’s voice matched her face: stanch and adamant.  “Zearic-you, Jaim, and G’av are to return to Zenoma Sekot.  The Council of Balance is convening and I need you here.”  Her voice was absolutely resolute.  I knew that I could not tell her anything to dissuade her.

“I understand.  I will load the jump coordinates for hyperspace.  Be safe and I love you.”  She had no sooner returned the sentiment when I terminated the connection.  Breathing deeply, I joined Jaim and G’av on the bridge.  Before I could speak, Jaim’s deliberate voice sounded from the pilot’s seat.

“Lothal.  Cymoon 1.  Kuat Drive Yards.  All shipyards for star destroyer manufacture and assembly.  You think that Vader is at Kuat with the doonium and our friends?”

I paused for a moment.  “I know they are there.”  Staring straight through the viewport, I mentally considered my choices.  Or rather, the fact that I had no choice at all.

“D’Aylanna tell you if we should set course to Kuat or are we heading back to Sekot?” G’av asked.

Silently, I weighed the information we’d learned along with the destruction of the temple and the loss of our friends.  Like I said: no choice at all.

“We’re going to Kuat.  And we’re going to get our friends back.”

"Silently, I weighed the information we’d learned along with the destruction of the temple and the loss of our friends.  Like I said: no choice at all.

“We’re going to Kuat.  And we’re going to get our friends back.”

*****

And now we know a little more of what is happening.  :-)  Well written, Dutchman!  I am completely engaged in your story.  The dance of using passion to enhance abilities without giving in to rage or hatred is familiar but your treatment of it is compelling and very different.  I like it a lot.  :-)  If anything you're clearer on this point than I have been, and I appreciate that a lot.  One thing I think we would both agree on is that the motivation brought to the event is more important than what is done when it is judged as "light" or "dark".  It rather reminds me of Jesus telling us to "be angry and sin not."  Evil should make us angry, but we are not to give in to hate or rage.  Dividing the two is the key - and the rub.  :-)  ESPECIALLY for a force user!

I am greatly enjoying this adventure!  Keep it coming!  :-) 

Karm is right. Wonderfully written. It now has a sense of darkness that you would get from the Gray, Inquisitors, and Vader. Yet you still keep the fact that they are Jedi of a sort. They don't give in to their emotions, but rather embrace them and accept that they are a natural part of life. I think that is the true reason why the Jedi order fell. They had a wrong perception of emotion. I also noticed this time that the Council of Balance is on Zenoma Sekot. I could easily Wookieepedia this, but isn't Sekot the planet that moves around, and is no longer stationary. The "Rogue Planet"? If so, how did the council end up there? Amazing writing, and honestly I was trying to find a way to incorporate Sekot into my story, but it just wouldn't fit. Great job.

Until next installment friends. :)

Thanks Karm  :). I am glad that I was able to convey...how did you put it?  "...the motivation brought to the event is more important than what is done when it is judged as 'light' or 'dark'." I believe that it is this tenet that allow the Gray to evolve and thrive.  Like...

...what TR said: " They don't give in to their emotions, but rather embrace them and accept that they are a natural part of life." Exactly my friend! 
Good eye TR^^  Zenoma Sekot is indeed the "rogue planet". Admittedly having the council there is my own development ;)

Thank you both so much; as I said: I couldn't have done this without you all  ;D

Call me paranoid but I'm wondering if that Inquisitor had a little help choking up like that......
Some interesting stuff going on here, some stuff that really doesn't add up, I have hard time believing the Empire would go to Kewda for doonium, there would be better worlds to mine than that....killing the Gray Jedi would be a plus but still doesn't seem like enough...their force seems too small...and why would Vader/Inquisitors leave Astar behind rather than taken to a proper Imperial detention./interrogation facility???

I have no idea, but I look forward to finding out!

If you'll indulge me LSG, I promise that all of your concerns will be addressed  ;).

Soon. :)

Eventually. ;D

“So.  You disobeyed a direct order.  Not only from your maenowan but from the Council itself.”  The Kage’s voice was unwavering.

“I did.”  I stood as straight as my injuries would allow me.  “Jaim and G’av had no idea; the fault was mine alone.  But the Imperials had our people and I couldn’t let them suffer if I could do anything about it.  Especially after what I’d seen them do to Ast…Maenowan Astar.”

The mention of Astar’s death triggered a change in the Kage’s orange eyes.  If they were hard before, they were quadranium now.  “Koawan Zearic.  Did you not consider that Maenowan Astar had been left as a means of inducement for you?”

The Kage’s question cut through me like a lightsaber.  Indeed, I had come to ask myself that many times while I was incapacitated in the bacta tanks.  After a moment, I let out a breath that I had not known that I’d held.  “Not at that time, no.”

The my words hung in the air.  Momentarily, I stole a look at D’Aylanna.  The concern and love on her dark face shown through the anger that I knew that she held for me.  Which stood to remind me of the fact that the fault was entirely mine.  “Take what you want and pay for it” was an old Hapan saying, or as near as could be translated into Basic.  The cost I would gladly pay…except that my friends had incurred it as well.

“Koawan Zearic.  So you unilaterally decided to journey to Kuat.  I can presume that this was no small undertaking.”

I sighed.  “No.  But I thought that I would be able to sneak us in.  After boarding our freighter, I had Jaim and G’av scan for the Inquisitor’s ship on Kewda.  It took us longer than I wanted but we found it: a Sith Infiltrator.  I had G’av slice into the computer, which helped me locate the transponder.  After removing it, I transferred it to our ship, installing it to broadcast on the outboard computer.  I knew that it would allow us almost unparalleled access to the shipyards.”

The Kage’s blue face remained impassive.  “Koawan Zearic.  That was foolish.”

            _____________________________

“Zearic, this is foolish.”

Jaim’s voice was uncharacteristically tight, his usual casual inflection gone.  Piloting the freighter, the shipyards soon came into view.  Kuat, a small world, had a fairly non-descript green atmosphere.  But that was not what I was focused on.  Instead, my eyes beheld the immense metal construct that encircled the entire planet in orbit around the equator.  Kuat Drive Yards.  The Orbital Array included supply, residential, and the military zones.  One of the main sources of Imperial might, the Kuat Drive Yards produced the majority of vessels—both capital ships and fighters—that powered the Empire’s war machine.

“By the Maker…” G’av’s voice echoed what I was already thinking.  The superstructure was the largest artificial construct I’d ever seen.  Consisting of 15 modules, the shipyard proper was a hive of activity, ships of varying completion in virtually all of the drydocks.  Adjacent to them, warehouses and factories continued to produce an assembly line of vessels.  However, I was looking for one yard in particular: the star destroyers.

“Jaim, take us to the star-destroyer dock’s supply station.  G’av, I hope that our time in hyperspace gave you enough time to write the code to slice into the databanks.”  The doonium from Kewda would’ve made its way here.  If nothing else, Imperial bureaucracy ensured that there would be a data trail that G’av could find.  Once he did that, we could use our Imperial transponder to access the residential modules of the Array.  Chances were: our people would be confined in one of the Imperial detention centers there.  With a bit of subterfuge and luck, we could get them all without raising any alarms.

“Zearic, I’m in,” G’av’s voice held controlled excitement.  “Incredible; it looks like the Imperials imprisoned our friends together.  And according to this, they’re still all in a detainment cell located off of the docks.”  G’av grinned.  “Apparently, Imperial red tape has them backlogged.”

“Serendipity, indeed.”  I smiled inwardly.  Despite what the Empire did militarily, it was still beholden to one enormous, lumbering administration.  “Thank the Maker that the moffs’ collective predisposition is to govern via committee.”  Almost under my breath I mentioned, “I bet the doonium is obstructing everything.”

“Actually…I don’t see any backlog concerning the doonium.”  G’av’s brow furrowed.  “In fact, there are separate firewalls concerning doonium shipments.”  G’av looked up from the monitor.  “Zearic.  A lot.  I’ve never seen this level of convolution.  I don’t think that my worm can slice this, as-is.  I need to write more code.  I mean, A LOT more.”  

I paused in thought.  We were here for our friends…but the mined doonium from Kewda and now this?  Something was wrong.  Breathing in, I made my decision.  “G’av, get to work.  I want to know what the Imperials are hiding.  Jaim and I will get our people.”  I grabbed the web belt with both of my lightsabers, but put an overjacket on top.  We’d raided the Inquisitor’s Sith Infiltrator of some of the wardrobe.  Both Jaim and I would easily blend in.  I’d found a worn set of factory utilities that were big enough for me.  Unfortunately, the only clothes that were long enough for Jaim were that of the Kuati Security Forces.  Comically, with the wide-topped hat, Jaim towered almost two and a half meters tall.  Despite the gravity of the situation, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well now we know how Kuati security keeps this place safe: anyone who sees those ridiculous uniforms would be too busy laughing to get any fighting done.” G’av’s wry voice came from behind his datapad.  “And anything to take away the attention to your head, Jaim!” said G’av, pointing at the matching white hat of Jaim’s uniform.

“Don’t you have code to write, little brother?” Jaim’s grin belied his serious tone.

Shaking my head, I mentally readied myself as we docked.  Before disembarking, G’av handed us two datacards.  “These should give you access to all areas within the module.  I’ve sliced into facial rec systems; the databanks will identify you as resident/employees.  Zearic: you’re a “drunk and disorderly” who never misses a meal and Jaim is your clueless jailer.”  G’av’s jocular nature was appreciated given what we faced.  “I’ve also secured a corvette; it’s docked in Berth 9.  No weapons systems, but it does have a working Class3 Hyperdrive and enough room for everyone.  Deployment orders have already been logged in the mainframe so that should take care of any industrious Imperial paper-pusher.”  Absorbing everything that G’av told us, I kept worrying that there were too many moving parts.  As a result, my somber mood broke through and infected my friends.

“G’av, download the worm as soon as you slice through those firewalls.  Jaim and I will get our people out.  If something happens-”

“You’re going to be fine, brother.”  It never ceased to amaze me that G’av’s optimism was truly eternal.

I reached out to both of my friends, grabbing their shoulders.  “Zero presence.  I don’t want anyone knowing anything that we’re doing.  May the Force be with us.”  I tried not to think about the finality of that litany.  G’av hunched over his datapad while Jaim and I exited the bridge and entered into the station’s dock.

As Jaim and I walked through the halls, we adopted our cover before coming to the first Imperial gatekeeper.  The datatech looked bored as he briefly noticed us, turning his eyes back to the display monitor.  Clearing his throat, Jaim spoke.

“C’nst’ble Nuuti M’gn’s.  I h’ve ‘un f’r th’ stir; needs dryin’ out.”  Jaim’s use of Kuati idioms came across as casual as his diction was authentic.

“’Noth’r fac’ty alky?  N’t s’rpris’d, ‘specially w’th th’ w’rkload s’of late.  B’t you can’t dr’p ‘im here.  L’rd Vad’r h’s squ’ster’d th’ ‘ntire ‘tention block.”  The datatech didn’t even look away from the monitor.

Unperturbed, Jaim opened himself to the Force, gently enveloping the datatech’s mind.  “You will open the doors.”

“’ll op’n th’ doors.”  The datatech’s expression didn’t change.

“You will not remember us.”  Jaim’s voice was calm, without urgency.

“’ll n’t ‘member.”  The datatech’s eyes had lost focus, glazing over as he listened to Jaim’s “suggestions.”

Stepping through the doors and into the adjacent tunnel, Jaim gave me one of his rare full-faced smiles.  I couldn’t help but return the sentiment.  I coughed quietly before turning solemn.  “Jaim how many guards before the holding cell?”

His face intent, Jaim replied, “Only three.  But there more people in the cells.”

Not bad, considering.  Still, if our encounter at the Kewda Temple had taught me anything, I loosened my main lightsaber from the web-belt.  “Jaim.  Put them to sleep.”

Nodding, Jaim’s eyes lidded in concentration.  As with before, one lone word escaped his lips as a focal point. “Sleep.” he breathed.

Hurriedly, we both entered, just in time to see the three guards collapse to the deck.  “Good job, Jaim.”  As I rounded the station, I simultaneously produced the datacard that G’av had given me as well as opening myself to the Force.  Sliding the card into the port, G’av’s program overrode the security protocols, opening the cell doors.  Both rooms had no light emanating from them.  I pushed awareness towards the rooms as Jaim headed towards the nearest open cell.  It was with that alertness that I first felt it, almost muted but nevertheless THERE, the same…darkness that I’d felt back at the temple.  

Just before Jaim could enter into the cell I grabbed his tunic, pulling him back.  A split-second later, a crimson blade arced through the air where Jaim’s head had been.  With my other hand, I ignited my lightsaber, the snap-hiss of the blue blade intercepting another red Inquisitor lightsaber as he jumped into the room.  In quick succession, four, five, SIX Inquisitors rushed into the room, attempting to surround Jaim and I.  I knew that I had to act—and quickly—if we were to survive this ambush. 

Drawing in on the Force, I opened myself to my anger, fueling my saber strikes.  My assault must have caught them unprepared as the ferocity of my attacks had already cut down two of the Inquisitors in as many seconds.  Simultaneously, I reached out with the Force to crush the throat of another opponent as she readied a cut towards Jaim’s exposed flank.  She dropped to the ground, her lightsaber deactivating as she clawed her ruined larynx with both of her hands.  Shifting my attention from her, I then used the Force to pull multiple missiles from along the open shelves, targetting the remaining three Inquisitors.  Distracted, an Inquisitor fell under Jaim’s yellow blade as he beheaded his opponent.  Using the initiative that I’d created, I fell into a Djem So power attack, battering down one of the Inquisitor’s blade while I quickly kicked opposite at my second opponent.  The heel of my boot connected solidly just beneath the Inquisitor’s solar plexus, her breath expelling at the unexpected blow.  Knowing that she was out of the fight—at least momentarily—I turned my full attention to the final Inquisitor. 

Holding his lightsaber in the high guard, his muscles stretched his tunic taut as he adopted an advanced Djem So form.  He must have weighed 135 kilograms, so while he and I were the same weight he was also almost as tall as Jaim.  I knew that I could not overpower him like I had done many of my opponents; Djem So would be ineffective against him.  Subtly, I shifted into Juyo, D’Aylanna’s preferred style.  While I did not have her mastery, I was more than proficient in its use.  Furthermore, D’Aylanna had sparred with me exclusively using Djem So (her reasoning was to dissuade me from relying overtly upon Form V).  At the time, I had thought it superfluous; now, I was grateful that for her insistence in doing so.

And none too soon; the Inquisitor’s attacks were—as predicted—formidable, crushing in their strength.  However, not only was I prepared but he was attempting to use against me that which I was most familiar and proficient with.  It should have been a swift victory for the Inquisitor; instead, I was able to subsume his kinetic attack and add it to my own.  Finally, as we locked blades, the Inquisitor’s face betrayed his confusion.  Taking advantage of his momentary lapse, I used my opponent’s ferocity to shift balance.  Having overcommitted, his center of gravity had left him exposed whereas I had anticipated and adjusted accordingly.  Swiftly shifting and using the momentum I’d acquired, I swept my lightsaber over and down, the blue blade locking the Inquisitor’s red blade towards the floor.  Reaching out with the Force, I called upon my shoto, activating the smaller saber immediately as it reached my left hand.  The silver blade sprang to life, the point stabbing through the back of the Inquisitor’s throat.  He was dead before his corpse hit the floor.

Deactivating both of my lightsabers, I turned to Jaim.  He’d taken care of the Inquisitor that I’d kicked, binders securing her arms behind her and her feet below.  From somewhere, Jaim had found a deprivation hood and had placed it over her head.  I relaxed a bit, confident that the Inquisitor was no longer a threat although her presence was definitely a concern.  Once might have been coincidence, but twice?  I looked at Jaim who, despite a growing bruise around his eye, told me he was all right.

With the Force within me, I began to weave a healing flow towards Jaim.  While I was nowhere near as skilled as G’av, the bruise became less severe, his eyes more focused.  “Thank you, brother,” Jaim’s quiet gratitude seemed incongruous with the look on his face as he directed his eyes towards the other cell.  Following his gaze, I turned and entered the first room.  Within, it was obvious that the Inquisitors had been lying in wait.  A cursory search of the room yielded little more: beyond a datapad that had a short list of Gray Jedi, the cell had been stripped of everything in order to make room for the Inquisitors.  “Zearic, in here.”  Jaim’s voice came from the other cell.

As I entered, my eyes had to adjust to the darkness.  However, I immediately noticed the bodies.  Kneeling for closer inspection, I knew that they’d been killed only a short time ago, most by lightsaber.  The faces of the dead belonged to that of my friends.  But as I continued to search, not one of them was Master Gaetana.  I didn’t know if that filled me more with consternation or relief.

“Brother.”  Jaim cradled an orange woman in his arms, looking for all like a child next to the tall koawan.  As I approached, I saw that it was a young Togruta, Jorya Fah.  She was one of the teidowans who I had mentored in order to try out my hand at training.  Her obvious pain made me curse my decision to leave G’av on our ship.  Kneeling down, I did what I could to ease her injuries.  Her watery eyes focused then, first on Jaim and finally on me.

“Koawan Zearic?”  Her voice was weak, wet with blood.  “Thank the Maker…but…how?”  She tried to look around but Jaim gently restrained her.  After a moment, she relaxed.  When she finally turned her head, I saw that she was missing one of her lekku.  My rage ignited anew as I saw the full extent of her injuries.  Clearly, she’d undergone a full Imperial interrogation and, indicative of the violence, it had probably been carried out by COMPNOR.  Coinciding with the rise of Emperor Palpatine, the Commision for the Preservation of the New Order, had grown out of Imperial Intelligence.  What was seen as failure to pacify the Rebellion, COMPNOR decided that the relatively bloodless Imperial Intelligence was ineffective.  Members of COMPNOR were as inventive as they were violent, often specializing as interrogators for persons who were remarkably…resistant to examination.  As consummate professionals, COMPNOR interrogators were able to keep subjects in indescribable agony without killing them.  Until their usefulness came to an end.

“Jorya…can you tell me what happened?  We found the temple razed, everyone dead.”  I didn’t mention Astar; the Togruta teidowan had suffered enough to have to relive Astar’s painful death.

She looked at me, appreciation mixed with pain.  “I…was outside the temple grounds when the explosion destroyed the Guardian.  I was...almost insensate from the blast.  One of my…montrals was injured.”  I could see that her left horn ended abruptly in a jagged break.  “I…couldn’t move.  But I could…see them.  Storm troopers.  Inquisitors.”  She paused, her voice a whisper.  “Vader.”  Her eyes teared, spilling over her cheeks, lines staining her white and orange face.  “I…I…thought I was dying.  But…then…I…I saw Master Gaetana.”

“Master Gaetana was alive?  After the Guardian fell?” I looked up to Jaim as he continued to stroke Jorya’s head.  Her voice was getting stronger, my healing working, if imperfectly.

“I…yes…yes, she came…upon me.  Her…face, it was…twisted.  Anger.  No, fury.  She said…something to me; I couldn’t…quite make it out.  Take care?  I…I just…can’t…” she closed her eyes and continued to cry.  Looking down at her face, I couldn’t help but feel amazed.  Jorya had suffered pain beyond comprehension, yet she continued to fight.

“It’s all right, young one.  Peace.  Rest.”  As I went to rise, Jorya’s hand clamped around my wrist, her eyes open.  Lucid.  Angry.

“Koawan Zearic.  They…kept asking me…what I knew…about Master Gaetana.  About Maenowan D’Aylanna.  And about you.”  I felt ice down my spine.  First Astar and now Jorya.  This was no accident; it was deliberate.  When the young Togruta spoke again, her voice shook, as if in telling me, her horrors had returned.  “I…I…was in and out of…consciousness.  But they…kept asking.  And something…an…abyss?  I…I…just…I…I’m sorry koawan.”  If she was crying before, she now sobbed.

Again I reassured her.  “It’s over now, Jorya.  We’re here.  Don’t worry.  We’ll get you to safety.”  I looked up to Jaim and mouthed the word “abyss” to him.  The look of consternation on his face was interrupted by his confusion and compassion.  As to my unspoken question, he briefly shook his head.  Holding her close, Jaim lifted Jorya.  Looking around, taking in the faces of our dead friends, I mentally tallied the casualty list.  Even with all of the dead, we were still missing about 4-5 Gray Jedi. 

Leaving the cell my eyes fell on the lone Inquisitor on the floor.  Again, my rage flared.  Before doing something I knew I’d regret, I picked up her up, and locked her into the first cell.  Breathing steadily, I joined Jaim who stood protectively with Jorya in his arms.

“Jaim, can you mentally cover our presence?  I don’t want to have to explain to an Imperial agent why we’re carrying an injured ‘enemy of the Empire.’”

Jaim handed Jorya over to me; she seemingly weighed next to nothing in my arms.  She briefly stirred but then fully lapsed into unconsciousness.  I looked at Jaim and nodded.

“I’m ready.”  The tall koawan’s face drew up in concentration.  I trusted Jaim with my life.  Still, I felt as if the Dark Side was working actively against us.  I keyed my commlink with my chin.  “G’av.  Jaim and I need a quick egress.  As few people as possible.”

G’av’s voice sounded odd over the commlink.  “…Sure Zearic.  Sooner you get here, the better.  I’ll give you directions so keep your ‘link open.”

As with before, Jaim “convinced” the datatech gatekeeper that we were never there.  As G’av gave us our route back to the freighter, Jaim and I only came across two individuals.  Both times, they left the corridor remembering having only walked through an empty hall.  But it wasn’t until the doors closed behind us on our ship that I finally relaxed.  Heading to the infirmary, I set Jorya up in the mini-bacta table.  By the time I was done and had joined my two friends on the bridge, I could feel the subtle difference in gravity: the onboard inertial dampeners had been engaged.  I was unsurprised to see a hyperspace tunnel through the transparisteel cockpit.  As far as I was concerned, Kuat could not get far enough away.

“G’av, than-” Before I could even finish my sentence, the small koawan interjected.

“Zearic.  I broke through the firewalls.  Vader didn’t stop at the shipyards.  And neither did the doonium.”

“Wai…what?  How do you know?  Actually, first I need to tell you…” I told G’av about the awaiting Inquisitors and our dead friends.

“The Maker keep you…” G’av whispered, bowing his head.  When he looked back into my eyes, I could see my own anger reflected in my friend’s eyes. 

Holding up my hand to forestall him, I continued.  “G’av.  There was a survivor.  Do you remember the teidowan I was instructing back in the Sekot Temple last season?”

“The young, pretty Togruta?”

“Jorya, yes.”  Leading him to the infirmary, I told G’av everything, from the teidowan’s experiences following the explosion to the COMPNOR interrogation.  “G’av, I need your help.  Jorya needs your help.  I did what I could but my skills aren’t up to the task.” 

Laying his hands on either side of the young Togruta’s head, G’av closed his eyes.  However, when he spoke, his clear voice was cogent and focused.  “Zearic, the doonium is not here.  The shipyards didn’t even inventory it.  In fact, there has been a veritable cornucopia of doonium come through the ‘yards.  But here’s the strange part: almost NONE of it stayed here.  And get this: the amounts I’m talking about is enough for a FLEET of star-destroyers.”

“You’re kriffing kidding me…” I cursed.  “Then what is Vader doing with all of that metal?”  The question was rhetorical, so when G’av answered me, I was caught off-guard.

“Apparently, he’s having the doonium shipped to one of the Deep Core planets, called Byss.”  If G’av’s eyes had been open, he would have seen me start at the name of the planet.  Still, even preoccupied with healing Jorya, he noticed the change in my manner.  Opening his left eye, G’av questioned, “Brother?  What is it?”

In my haste, I’d neglected to relate EVERY word and detail that the teidowan had told me.  “Jorya said that she thought that the Imperials had mentioned a word; she thought it was ‘abyss.’  She must have meant ‘Byss.’”  I looked straight at G’av.  “Have you ever heard of it?”

He closed his eye again, shaking his head.  “No.  I don’t even know if there is a hyperspace lane to it.  Whatever it is, it must be a location special to Vader.  Or the Emperor.”  He fell silent, intent on healing.  After a short while, he released Jorya’s head from his grasp, letting out a breath.  “I’ve…done what I can, brother.  But…she’s strong.”  The last word came out almost as a question.  “Once we’ve got her on Sekot, the Healers can-”

“We’re not heading to Sekot; not now.”  My voice was steel, my convictions resolute.  “We’ll find a healer locally.  There is more to this than I’d even begun to realize.”

G’av stared at me, incredulous.  “Zearic, are you insane?!  Jorya could still DIE!  We have to g-”

I cut G’av off, scowling.  “There isn’t TIME.  Did you not hear me?!  The Inquisitors were EXPECTING us.  No; not us, ME.  This was deliberate.  We’ve been a step behind Vader this entire time.”  I stared into G’av’s eyes until he looked away.  Deep in my mind, I kept thinking that I wasn’t being fair to my friend; that he didn’t deserve the anger that I now directed at him.  Ruthlessly, I crushed that voice.  “This is more important than a single Gray Jedi; more important than ALL of our lives.  I intend to find out the truth about what happened to Master Gaetana and just what the Empire needs all of this doonium for.”  I made myself breath slower, calming a bit in the process.  “We’ll get Jorya to a healer, G’av.  I promise.  But we HAVE to find out just what Vader is hiding and the significance of Byss.”

Without saying a word, G’av left the infirmary.  Lost in thought as I was, I barely noticed.  But while my face was composed, beneath I seethed with anger.  And, using that anger, I honed the edge of my intuition to a fine point.  In Sabacc, there was a winning hand called an “Idiot’s Array.”  It was the ONLY hand that could beat a “Pure Sabacc.”
…Unless one used a skifter card; that is, a card that could change face values as needed by the player.  Well, Vader had laid down a Pure Sabacc and I was going to have to bluff using my own skifter card.  Easy enough…unless the skifter is detected for what it is.  Even in Republic worlds, someone who used a skifter was in for punishment.  In the Outer Rim?  You were lucky if you just lost a hand; and in this case, literally.  There was a reason that it was called an “Idiot’s Array….”

As I walked into the bridge, Jaim and G’av stopped talking and stared at me.  I didn’t care; we didn’t have the luxury of time.  “Jaim, scan our starmaps; when you find a suitable Gray Healer safehouse, we’ll dock there for Jorya and resupply. G’av: I need you to extrapolate the datadump you sliced.  I need that hyperspace route to Byss.”  Any argument that Jaim or G’av might have had disappeared.  “Vader has us playing his game.  No longer; we’re taking the initiative AND the fight to him.”  My voice lowered as I grabbed both of my friends by their shoulders.  “No more Gray Jedi die from Vader’s hand.”

Brave words.

And somewhere, the Idiot was laughing.

And somewhere, the Idiot was laughing.

Awesome ending to this section!  Nicely written.  The action was tight and I can just feel the tension building between these three as they continue.  And the mystery of Master Gaetana....  And why Zearic and D'Aylanna were singled out... 

And Byss...  And all of that metal...  (Though I suspect that might end up being a Death Star...  LOL)

Byss..   Hmmm....  Time for a dive into Wookipedia, I think. 

Dutchman, this one was TIGHT!  Nicely written and again, I love the format, the flash-back feel of the story.  Thank you and keep it rolling my friend!

Karm said it all. Great job, very interesting to see the character and plot development as the story goes on. You throw in enough twists to keep us unsure of what is going to happen next, but still retain the feeling of reality. Besides that, it was a nice long post. ;D Can't wait for more.

Thanks guys^^  I actually didn't realize that this installment was so long until I went to post it and couldn't (over the 20k character limit).  That's why I ended up breaking it where I did but it's supposed to be one continuous read  :D   :P

Thanks for the encouragement; I haven't written like this in YEARS and I now find myself excited doing so again.  I already have a (vague) map of the next story after this with (hopefully) a few easter eggs thrown in  ;). Honestly, the more I read from Karm, LSG, and TR, the more inspired I feel^^  So, lastly, thank you all  ;D

Awesome Dutchman, keep it up.  Love the inclusion of little bits from the EU like Sabbacc hands, Byss, Kuati speech.
And best of all how the story keeps you guessing...the inquisitors know they are coming but seem unable to kill Zearic...yet then he gets just enough clues and then rushes off in pursuit...almost as If someone is leaving bread crumbs for him to follow...and enemies to test him against.....

“Koawan Zearic, a moment.”

I stopped talking, waiting for the Kage to ask for clarity on some point.  What she asked next was not only natural but expected.  Luckily, I knew a few things about Ferroans.

“You have relations with Master Gaetana as well as Maenowan D’Aylanna?”

“Yes, but allow me to explain: Maenowan D’Aylanna is my Life-Mate.  Master Gaetana is…near-sister to D’Aylanna and akin to…an aunt to me.”  That last almost made me laugh; Gaetana was only a year older than I but the idiosyncrasies of Ferroan domestic life was remarkably different than most humanoid relationships.  While not originally indigenous to Zenoma Sekot, Ferroans had colonized the planet millennia before, making it their second home.  The civilization that emerged was incredibly reclusive; a household often consisted of a solitary occupant.  Whenever two Ferroans met—platonic or otherwise—they were said to have “relations” to one another.  Unfortunately, this led to quite a bit of confusion when the Ferroans first encountered humans.  “Master Gaetana and I never were…in cohabitation together.”

“I see.  So Master Gaetana’s disappearance was worrisome for you?”  Again: the question was not unexpected.

“Yes.  But not in the way you think.  Pardon me, please; I mean no offense.  You see: Maenowan D’Aylanna was closer to Master Gaetana than I ever was.  I know that she would deny it to protect me but D’Aylanna never asked me to pursue Vader in search of Gaetana.  But I also knew that D’Aylanna was worried about her near-sister.  And I would do anything for D’Aylanna.”

The Kage sat back, the orange eyes that were so rare among her species looked thoughtful.  “Koawan Zearic.  You were successful in saving Teidowan Jorya Fah.  Was she not of a relation with you and D’Aylanna as well?”

I smiled, despite the pain.  One of the few things that went right: Jorya HAD survived.  We’d found a Gray Healer thanks to Jaim.  While we couldn’t stay long, we all shared respite from the ordeals at Kuat.  The young Togruta was extraordinary: from the time G’av had laid hands on her to our arrival at the Healer’s manse, Jorya’s mood brightened considerably.  I was worried that the mental horrors would run deep but I was thankfully wrong.  The teidowan’s resilience was nothing short of remarkable.  And as far as her physical injuries, the physicians could mend her broken montral and cybernetically replace her lekku.  Before boarding our freighter, the Togruta stopped me, hesitant at first.  Then, as if worried anyone would see, she quickly threw her arms up around my neck and buried her face in my chest.  “Thankyou, thankyou, thankyoumaster.” she started crying again but I knew that these were tears of joy.  Admittedly, I had one or two myself.  Remembering Jorya’s eyes as she smiled, waving to us as we took off, I savored the memory fondly.  “Yes.  Teidowan Jorya was one of my padawans.  D’Aylanna also took her under her wing, instructing her from the Book of Balance.  And Master Gaetana had taken her on as teidowan…”

“Once Teidowan Jorya was secured in hospice, what occurred next?”

I took a breath to collect myself.  “Thanks to G’av, we had a lead…although we didn’t know it at the time.  The datadump that he’d sliced was enormous.  Even with multiple filters on and processors working, there was a veritable mountain of digital switchbacks and securities that we had to navigate.  While Jaim and I were competent enough in datatech, unsurprisingly it was G’av who finally found the clue we needed.”  I was about to continue when a wave of excruciating pain racked my body.

“Koawan Zearic.  Do you require a Healer?  Or perhaps a GraySinger?”

I was momentarily speechless as I fought off the pain.  I needed something more than the bacta treatments, or even a Healer.  “A GraySinger, please.” 

“Send word to Master Chillum; ask him if he could please spare a GraySinger.”  I closed my eyes, grateful.  Of the Gray Jedi, it was the Mak’Tor Order that had produced the most GraySingers, almost to exclusivity.  With their ability to “sing” the Song, the GraySingers had access to Force powers that even Gray Jedi Masters were amazed of.  Which, thank the Maker, included an especially potent Healing. 

It only took a moment yet it seemed an eternity.  Garbed in silver robes, a youthful teidowan approached.  Piercing blue eyes framed by a cherubic face, the Graysinger approached me and, reaching up to my face, cupped my head with both of his hands.  Gently touching my face, he spoke, his voice a serene and melodic.  “Koawan Zearic, Master Chillum has sent me to aid you.  Please, open yourself to the Force and relax.  Surrender yourself to the Song.”

Even as he spoke, my pain began to recede.  Opening myself to the Force, I wondered why the GraySinger had requested such.  But before I could think of anything else, he opened his mouth and began to sing.  I’d never heard such a pure sound.  Heat on my face, but not at all uncomfortable.  It was like feeling the welcome light of the morning sun warm your skin after a cold night or a pleasant fire that took the chill from your body.  I lost track of time but for his singing.

“Thank you Koawan Zearic.”  I had not even realized that he’d stopped.  Looking down at his face, the GraySinger smiled.

“Me?  It is I that need thank YOU.”  For the first time in seemingly months, I could stand straight without crippling pain hunching me over.  Oh, there was still pain, but I no longer felt the sickening dread deep in my stomach that I would NEVER recover.  Now I knew that with time and treatment, I would be whole again.  Well, not ENTIRELY whole…  Shaking my head, I asked, “What do you mean?”

Hands still on my face, the GraySinger smiled.  “The Song is more effective if both parties are opened to the Force.  Much of the healing that’s done is from the recipient as well as a Singer.”  Releasing my head, the youth nodded to me, the Council, and, finally the Kage before he exited the Dome.  Turning my eyes from the GraySinger, I looked from the Arbiter of the Council and up to the Kage.

“Koawan Zearic.  Are you able to continue?”  The Kage’s face remained inexpressive but I thought I detected a hint of concern within them.

I collected myself.  “Yes, thank you.  As I said, it was G’av that found a vital clue…”

            ______________________________

“What if we’re looking for the doonium in the wrong place?” G’av’s voice was introspective.

“What do you mean?”  We’d been searching the datadump for hours without gleaning anything of worth.  To say that I was exasperated was an understatement.

G’av looked from first me and then to Jaim.  “We’ve been pouring over the Imperial Navy inventories.  Purchase orders.  Shipping clearances.  Hyperspace vectors.  But what if we’re feeding the wrong rancor?  Look: here there are contradictory registers for the SAME doonium shipments.”  He keyed another dropdown menu.  “Same thing here.  And here.  But what do they all have in common?”  I shrugged.  Admittedly, my annoyance superseded my intuition.  I was about to balk when Jaim broke in.

“The Mining Guild.”  Jaim’s eyes perused the monitor, skipping down menu after menu.  “The Guild has signed off on all of this.”

“Exactly!” G’av looked incredibly satisfied.  And he had a right to be.  “The Guild has had to inspect the PURITY of ALL of the doonium.  With that in mind, we just need to cross-reference which Quality Control jurisdiction these are being sent to.”

“And from there we can ascertain the destination coordinates.  Then all we’ll need is the hyperspace route.”  I could almost kick myself for not seeing it sooner.  “All right, let’s expand search parameters, this time cross-referencing Mining Guild Quality Control for these doonium shipments.”

This time, the datapad only took a few minutes.  “And so I give you…Prakith!” G’av triumphantly sounded self-satisfied.  I clapped him on the back, feeling renewed.

“Prakith?  Are you sure?” Jaim’s voice surprised me.  Turning around, I saw that he had a look of trepidation upon his brow.  I looked back to G’av, who nodded.

“According to these search considerations, yes.  Prakith.  Why?” G’av voiced the question that I was thinking myself.

Instead of answering Jaim asked, “Do you know anything about Prakith?”

G’av shook his head but I replied, “A little.  Volcanic world, heavy Mining Guild presence.”  I stroked my beard in thought.  “Makes sense, really.”  Even as I was talking, Jaim started shaking his head.  “Sorry Jaim; what am I missing?”

The tall koawan let out a frustrated breath.  “While you are not wrong, that’s not the aspect of Prakith that I am referring to.  Do you know its galactic position?”  Admittedly, I didn’t and, after looking at G’av—who also shook his head—said as much while I turned my head back to Jaim.

“It’s a Core planet.  Deep Core.” Jaim’s emphasis on the last two words cleared my confusion.

“…So, what?” G’av looked from Jaim, to me, and back again as he asked his question.  Jaim patiently sighed, and looking at me, expected me to answer.  I held out my hands to Jaim, offering him the chance to explain.

“G’av, Deep Core worlds are notoriously dangerous and rife with gravitational influences.”

G’av stared at Jaim.  “Oh sure.  Of course.  I know all about how dangerous gravitational influences are.  Especially with Deep Core worlds.”  Exasperated, G’av looked at me.  “OK; now Zearic, for those of us who don’t fill their heads with useless stellar cartography…what the kriff is he talking about?!”

Trying to hide my grin (and failing), I patted G’av on his arm.  “With Prakith located in the Deep Core, it means that we can’t just deduce which hyperspace lane leads to Byss.  We’ll have to actually go to Prakith.  Worse, we need more than the beginning and ending coordinates; we’ll have to download the actual hyperspace route, probably from the Mining Guild itself.” 

Looking at Jaim, he nodded, “My thoughts, exact.  What do you suggest?”

I crossed my arms.  “Using the Imperial transponder, we go in as Imperial agents.  We’ll take G’av’s slicercards, gain access to the mainframe and download the correct hyperspace lane to Byss.”  I paused, thinking about the two Inquisitor ambushes.  “Actually, that AND anything related to the Inquisitorius.  I’m tired of being surprised by them at every turn we take.  I’ll bet that the Mining Guild front for the Empire will actually run an Imperial datanode.  We should be able to find an Inquisitorius itinerary among the databases.”

And, with luck, we could get ahead of Vader and his Inquisitors.  “Jaim, set coordinates for Prakith.”

Deep core is a dangerous place to be...interesting that more is happening in the trial with each chapter...

Nice incorporation of Karmack's world there. Really good post, and now I am interested in seeing what happens to Zearic to cause him so much pain.

Hey I know that guy!  ;-)

Nice cross-over reference!  And now that the two "worlds" are officially connected...  "cracks knuckles" 

LOL  In all seriousness, thanks for the nod.  I love the idea of the "singers" being primarily advanced healers and sages.  That fits closely with the thread I'm building as well, closer than even I may have realized until I really started thinking this weekend about where "Hide and Seek" is heading ... and what it might mean.

As for Zearic...  Wow.  Someone did him some SERIOUS hurt.  And probably some of it is self-inflicted.  And the Core?  *shudder*

Buckle up, folks, its gonna be a bumpy ride...  *starts hearing the "asteroid field" music from "Empire"*

Thanks guys  :D  I didn't start this story with the intent of any cross-over or continuity...but then I got to thinking "You know Dutch, you've got three awesome writers right here that you can draw inspiration from.  Besides: why reinvent the wheel?  Between Karm, LSG, and TR, the SW universe never read so well  ;)

On a more serious note: I had wanted to do a bit of cross-over for a bit (I figured it might be a bit of fun for us here on the forums, easter eggs and whatnot  ;)), so I made sure to ask Karm before hand.  TR, I had a scene that went through my head for a light bit of continuity w/ your universe as well but I would never presume to use your intellectual property without your permission (and a bit of particulars regarding said scene  ;)).  LSG...I also had an idea that would extend back 600 years  ;D  BUT, as with TR, I would not use any of your intellectual property w/o your say-so  :)

And thanks for the "thumbs up" Karm^^  I was hoping to be able to honor your idea of the Song without foisting my own interpretation to the forefront.  As for the "Singers" well...I got it from you and TR  ;D ::)

Again: I'm honored by all of you who read this but ESPECIALLY props for Karm, LSG, and TR :)

I say go for it. ;D Do try to keep in mind the timeline of my story. It is approximately 5 BBY. But other than that, do it. ;D I look forward to reading it.

Which reminds me, Teagin, what's the timeframe of your story?  I'm bridging the Battle of Endor on mine, literally just passed it.  I get the sense you're a little earlier, considering Vader is active.  :-)  And honestly the only things I can think that might need the amount of materials your character is tracking are called Death Star I and Death Star II...  ;-)

 ;)

Hmm well I have some idea for what becomes of my characters and their race in the future...
Something safer could be a memory or something... a lot of regular aethans got taken as slaves as well as my main characters, though not as powerful (though you know given they use force lightning as part of marriage ceremonies is still pretty extreme...), they no doubt had their stories too...probably very bloody and might've left long legacies (descendants to whom they passed on some of their culture?) in the places they were forced to live.

“Prakith.”  The Kage’s voice sounded pensive.  “So that’s where Palpatine and Vader had installed them.”

“Yes, Kage.”  When I was between bacta treatments, D’Aylanna had visited me many times.  I’d told my wife the particulars of our excursions to Prakith and Byss.  Obviously, D’Aylanna had spoken to the Kage for her to already know what she did.  “But, as you no doubt already know, none of us knew that they’d be there.”

Orange eyes glinting, the Kage’s face once again assumed a stolid expression.  So, the Kage DID know something about what we’d gone through already.  I had to wonder why then she was making me tell her as if she were hearing it for the first time.  Allocution, perhaps?  I mentally shrugged; what did it matter?  The fault mine and mine alone.  If only I could have saved—

“Koawan Zearic.”  The Kage’s voice interrupted my thoughts, pulling me back into the present.  “After arriving on Prakith, you located the Mining Guild’s Offices of Statistical Process Control, correct?” She continued after I nodded my head.  “You were obviously correct in presupposing that the Mining Guild was at least in cohort with the Empire.”

“Not ‘at least,’ Kage.  The Guild IS a front, a massive one, on the order of trillions of credits.  The Empire controls the entirety of the Guild’s business.  And almost no one knows.  A secr…no a CONSPIRACY this big and almost no one knows the specifics.  As G’av, Jaim, and I found out with the datadump, there were circles within circles.  I doubt that the majority of the Imperial hierarchy has any idea about this project.”  I stood up straight.  “But it was blind luck that we came across the Ci—”

“Koawan Zearic.  Not to digress, but inform the Council what else you found on Prakith from the beginning.”

No question about it now; that interruption had been deliberate.  The Kage KNEW.  “Very well.  Jaim, G’av, and I had gained access to the Mining Guild’s datanode…”

            ______________________________

My strategy had gone surprisingly according to plan: upon landing at the industrial complex, G’av and I had changed into some non-descript utilities, whereas Jaim once again donned the Kuati Security uniform, with some minor alterations.  Without the Kuati plaque, the uniform looked virtually no different than that of the Imperial Security Bureau.  With G’av’s datacard to confirm his bona fides, Jaim was given access to even the most sensitive materials.  And where G’av’s slicercard couldn’t grant us access, Jaim’s mental “suggestions” did.

“And you don’t even have to wear that hideous hat,” G’av whispered to the tall koawan.  Jaim chuckled; coming from him, that was as good as a loud guffaw.  Still, besides G’av’s genial quips, we were all alert and vigilant.  We were deep in enemy territory.  And we were about to find out just how true that was…

Sitting in the superintendent’s desk, Jaim was downloading the datanode onto one of G’av’s datacards.  With G’av directing him over his shoulder, I took the opportunity to inspect Prakith’s other ventures on the opposing databank.  Listening with half an ear to my friends, I began a search of the planet’s chief entities.  While the list wasn’t particularly long, I glanced over it without really seeing any of it.  Until I came to one entry and the blood drained from my face.

“By the Maker…” I cursed several times, looking up to see the shocked, intent looks on both Jaim’s and G’av’s faces.  “I…I’ve found it.  The Citadel Inquisitorius.”

Almost simultaneously, my friends exclaimed.  “What?!”  “But, how?!”  “Impossible!”  Meanwhile, they’d crowded around the terminal that I was looking at.

“Look.  There.”  I arose from the chair and began to pace.  G’av quickly took my seat and began typing furiously.  Jaim stood his full height behind him, watching me while I was lost in thought.

“How is it that no one knows about this?” G’av wondered as he continued working frantically.  Jaim let out a heavy sigh, trepidation spread across his face.

That’s when I spoke.  “No one knows because…anyone who does—and isn’t a Dark-sider—never leaves this place alive.”  I looked at each of my friends in turn.  “Get the hyperspace route and let’s get the hell out of here.”

“Zearic, wait.  Look at this.”  G’av moved out of the way, showing me what looked like a hololog record between a parent and argumentative children.  “There’s too much security for me to access anything important from the Citadel…but apparently personal communiqués aren’t as high-level as, oh say, structural schematics.”

Looking at the transcription, I saw what G’av meant: from what must have been junior Inquisitors, the tone of the dictation was petulant and even pleading.  Clearly there was nothing concerning the Imperial Navy or anything to do with the Mining Guild and the doonium conspiracy.  But one and all, they addressed a single person.  Ja’ce Yiaso.

I blame myself for what happened next.  With all of our attention turned towards the monitor, we didn’t even hear, much less sense, the superintendent walk up to the door.  The only warning we had was when the metal doors slid aside, revealing a short, extremely fat, balding man in an ill-fitting jumpsuit.  But even as he spied us, his eyes betrayed a discerning intelligence that his subordinates had lacked.  With swiftness that belied his obese body, he had a blaster in his hands even before I was able to ignite my lightsaber.  Instead, I jumped into G’av and Jaim, bowling them over just as the blaster bolts lanced over their heads, destroying the data terminal we were looking at.  Still stunned and my body entangled with my friends, I struggled to rise, looking up just as the barrel of the man’s blaster leveled in my face.

“Don’t even think about it, Jedi.”  The man remained out of saber range.  “All of you: up.  Get over there against the wall.”  To emphasize his words, he waved his blaster towards the far bulkhead.

“Friend.  I don’t know what you mean but me and—” G’av began.

“Shut up.  Most people might not know what a laser sword looks like anymore.  Well that ain’t me.  Over there.”

Jaim squared himself up.  “Superintendent, I am Agent Nuuti Magnus of the ISB.  These men are my Inquisitor escort.  I am—” As he was talking, a blaster bolt exploded on the floor right next to Jaim’s boot.  The fat man didn’t even bother to dispute Jaim’s claims.

“I told you: over there.  The Emperor will want to talk to you all.  And reward me.”  The man finally smiled, what little of a neck he had disappearing beneath his chins.  “I hear told that you Jedi were deadly.  Yet you three look about as dangerous as a bunch o’ baby porgs!”  He laughed.  Almost imperceptibly, Jaim moved as if to take a step forward.

But I’d had enough.  Opening myself to the Force, my anger already hot, I reached out, crushing the fat man’s throat.  As he dropped the blaster, I caught it telekinetically, calling it to my hand.  Straining to get a breath, the superintendent dropped to his knees.  His eyes widened almost comically as I advanced on him, blaster in hand.  But if he momentarily forgot his ruined windpipe, his face began to turn blue from lack of oxygen.  Finally, I crouched in front of him as he wheezed out his last, pointing the barrel right between his eyes.  The last thing he heard was me pull the trigger.

“Dammit Zearic, you didn’t have to do that!” G’av’s angry voice hissed behind me.

Without remorse I stood, towering over G’av.  “I told you: this is more important than us.”  I could feel my fury rising, but this time without any mitigating remorse.  “Didn’t you hear him?  He was going to turn us over to Palpatine!”

G’av didn’t flinch.  “You are letting your rage control you, NOT the other way ‘round.”  G’av pointed to Jaim.  “He was about to use his ‘suggestion’ after he got close enough to the superintendent.”

I folded my arms.  “Seriously G’av?  That man wasn’t going to let ANY of us close enough, let alone Jaim.”  He wouldn’t have.  Would he?  Doubt crept into my thoughts.  I’d never been cavalier about killing but sometimes it was absolutely necessary, as it had been for those Inquisitors.  But the superintendent?  I…now, I wasn’t as sure.

My consternation must have shown through on my face.  G’av’s voice softened.  “Brother, I know that you’ve been worried.  As have Jaim and I.  But you are THIS close to losing control.”

I felt Jaim’s hand on my shoulder.  “Brother, you are under excessive duress.  I understand that this…enigma has you apprehensive.  But, as G’av stated, your control has been…less sufficient as of late.  You are too emotionally invested.”

My thoughts turned inward.  I WAS quicker to anger.  This…mystery about the doonium had me worried although I still couldn’t determine anything exact.  I just knew that with the level of obfuscation surrounding the doonium, my anxiety wasn’t baseless.  Unfortunately, I was no nearer to an answer…  Still, we weren’t done here.

Going over to inspect the smoldering terminal, I had G’av grab the datapad from the superintendent’s desk.  “Is the download complete?”  G’av nodded, checking to make sure that we had the correct hyperspace course.  While G’av erased all trace of our activities, Jaim and I inspected the workstation that the superintendent had shot.  The entire databank had been obliterated, the documents destroyed.  But I still remembered the name: Ja’ce Yiaso.  And now we knew where Palpatine had established the Inquisitor’s main base.  Now that all remained was to escape off-planet without being detected; even the mere HINT that we might have knowledge of the Citadel would be detrimental.  Somehow, we had to make this look like an accident.  It was Jaim who provided the solution.

“Essentially, this factory is a series of explosions waiting to happen.  I am sure that we can find an explosive rock around here.” Jaim grinned.

G’av bent down to the data terminal.  “OK. Well, what I can do is write and run an algorithm—”

“Actually,” I interrupted the small koawan, “I have an idea.  And it’ll cause a major impediment for our ‘Guild-fronting’ Empire.  While we did our ‘inspection’ of the factory, I noticed something at the base of this very tower.  This facility, gentlemen, has set up a cortosis refinement center.”

Jaim frowned while G’av whistled.  We all knew about the benefits of cortosis.  It could disrupt a lightsaber upon contact, causing a feedback loop which would short out the blade.  Granted, with enough lightsaber strikes, the cortosis would be rendered inert and would vaporize but that took time and repeated blows.  But UNrefined cortosis ore was incredibly deadly; even the lightest tactile contact could cause death, even with Hutts.  And in every ore there was a lethal chance that it held a lethane pocket.  Lethane was one of the most combustible materials in the universe.

“G’av, can you cause a short in the filtration system, specifically in the refining room?”

G’av looked thoughtful.  “…Not from here.  I’ll have to actually be there.  The mainframe is a stand-alone.”

Of course.  And everything had been going so well before.  “OK.  Well, then Jaim and I will do a ‘probative review’ of that section.  That should divert attention from you, G’av.  Once you have control, kill the filtration system and overclock the refining machinery.  That WILL cause a catastrophic malfunction in 1-2 minutes.  From there, it should cascade into complete failure in just under five minutes.  We have that much time to get out.”  I stopped abruptly right before we exited the superintendent’s office.  “But…casually.”  I grinned.

After G’av jammed the door to the office, we took the lift to the sub-basement.  There, it was a matter of minutes with finding one of the foremen.  ‘Agent Magnus’ had the supervisor corral the workers while I did my best to look bored.  In reality, I had opened myself to the Force, alert for any raised alarms.  Nothing; well, nothing beyond inconvenienced workers making time at their job.  And none of them noticed as G’av casually headed to the refining area.  And who would?  G’av looked and—more importantly—behaved as if he belonged.

…Except to one industrious worker.  Before he could follow G’av, I intercepted him and, adopting an uninterested tone, asked, “What is the purpose of this machine?”

The worker, caught off-guard, turned and stuttered as he answered, “It’s a cortosis shield-weave production unit.  Er, sir.”  I could start to see him sweat, G’av all but forgotten.

“And, pray tell, what does it produce?” I practically yawned. 

“Er, sir, it manufactures armor with cortosis embedded into the knit fibers.”

I stopped abruptly, drawing myself up to my full height and stared down straight into his eyes.  “And why is this machine NOT working right at this moment?”  All trace of boredom and non-chalance was gone from my voice.  And from what the worker could see, I was a triple threat: an angry, ignorant, bureaucrat.  One of the most dangerous creatures in the galaxy.

“Er, no, sir.  I mean, yes sir.  The fabricator isn’t working because there’s no refined ore.  We need refined ore because the armor only works if it is.  Refined, that is.  And it takes time, to refine, that is.  The ore, that is.  Sir.”  I’d seen men who had gone into battle less anxious.  My gaze never wavered.

“And what is fabricated when the machine IS working?” I subtly touched upon the worker’s fear with the Force.  Something unseen but felt, a pair of eyes that you’re sure are following you, a breath felt on the back of your neck while you’re in an empty room.  Jaim had taught me well.

“Ah, sir, it’s armor.   I, I mean MAKES armor.  I mean…here, sir, look.”  Looking relieved, the worker went to one of the conveyors and grabbed a lone glove.  He handed it to me.  “See, sir?  It’s a glove.  I, I mean a gauntlet.  For your hand.”  My eyes bored into his as I said nothing, holding the glove seemingly without a care if it vanished.  However, inwardly, I was ecstatic.  A cortosis gauntlet?!  This was BEYOND rare.  Moving slowly, deliberately, I held up my left hand before I pulled the glove on one finger at a time.  Incredible.  The armored mitt was still supple; indeed, I had expected for it to be cumbersome but it was anything but.  And it was a perfect fit for my hand.  When I turned my head from the gauntlet back to the worker, I pushed a bit more on his fears.  Outwardly, I kept the annoyed (if weary) look on my face.

“I see.  You may go.”  The worker almost ran over Jaim in his haste to be anywhere but here.  Recovering quickly, Jaim grinned.

“Making friends, I see.”  His face turned earnest.  “I’ve sent the workers to their barracks in anticipation that ‘Agent Magnus’ will be inspecting there next.”  Jaim glanced over my shoulder.  “G’av’s back.”

Turning, I was relieved to see him.  “You OK?”  When he nodded, we all started heading to the ship.  “In five minutes, this place is going to be a smelting facility.  Jaim, we need to be in orbit in three.  Can you do it?”  I already knew his answer.  “G’av, I need you to feed the hyperspace lane into the nav computer before we hit the stratosphere.”  I still kept thinking about the Citadel and the lost opportunity of its secrets.  I didn’t even know where on the planet it was.  But at least the Gray Jedi would now know WHICH planet the Inquisitors were stationed at.  I looked at my chronometer, admiring the cortosis gauntlet above my wrist.  “That’s one minute, gentlemen.  We need to move.”

If anyone was watching, they would have seen an ISB agent with his two adjuncts heading towards their ship to depart.

But…casually.

Ah, excellent.  Good to know TR^^  Although, before I post anything, I'll send you a PM with a bit of particulars and ask at that time  ;)

Yep  ;D

Ohh, that's a good idea, LSG^^  And, like I told Karm and TR, I would PM you with particulars (and to get your permission) before I post anything like that  :)

Nice entry!  I love the way the Kage is suddenly changed from someone being informed to the one crafting the confession ... for some reason ... still undetermined.  :-)  Nicely done.  It was all about the doonium, but now its more about the Citadel...

Prakith...  *scribbles notes*  hmm....

And I am chucking what I thought was going on with this story.  You just tossed me a nice hard curve.  Well done!

I think Karmack and Taegin might need to meet at some point...  They would get along nicely...

I really need to write more on my story. I think I'm about halfway done with chapter 3, but I feel like I'm slacking, because you, Karm and LSG keep just throwing out these amazing posts. Sometimes multiple a day. I have gotten some ideas from this post that I need to add in, but hadn't thought of until now, so thank you.  I think pretty soon, all of our stories will have connected in some way or another. Can't wait for more.

Me too Karm  ;)

Yes, yes you do my friend!  And I would love to share continuity with you guys.  I would be honored  :)

I agree with this, but just as clarification, are you talking IRL, or in a story (or both)?

Taegin, no pressure.  Don't feel like you need to "keep up" with someone else.  You're doing a great job with this story, and we'll stick with you while you work it out.  Just don't quit.  :-) 

As for meeting up, I think it would be awesome to sit down with you guys in a Starbucks somewhere in RL and have a nice chat.  :-)  You don't get to see "behind the mask" very often and it would be a lot of fun to put faces and names to the personas.  :-)

As for in-universe... Oh yeah.  Crossovers, they are a-coming!  LOL  We'll definitely have to collaborate on a storyline at some point.
But concentrate on this one for now!   I am loving the story and I greatly look forward to the next installments!  :-)

Yeah TR, all joking aside, Karm's right: there's no need to "keep up;" firstly, you're doing great  :), secondly, you write at your speed^^  Besides: you can't force inspiration  :D. But, and I can't reiterate what Karm said enough: JUST DON'T QUIT!

Concerning meeting IRL: I'll be the goateed fat guy in the Jedi robes  ;). Seriously: that would be awesome!  But we might have a...geography problem (I'm West Coast; I can PM details  :)).  But we can work around that  :D

Collaboration!  Crossovers!!  Cool!!!  I am totally on board  ;D

Pretty soon here, we are just going to take over the SW universe. :D

Thanks guys. I don't plan to quit, and even have a few other stories in mind that I should write. (Not SW, but in other universes of mine). You guys have definitely helped with that.

Totally with you.  Geography: I'm in Alabama.  :-/   LOL

Anyone going to any conventions???  he he he

That's the key: Just keep writing.  I have a half-dozen other projects going these days, including a full-length novel that may one day get published, I hope.  :-)  But you should always write!  If this has spurred you on to that, then its a GOOD thing!  :-)

I'm kinda up and too the left of everybody else, so probably wont happen anytime soon. ::)



My sister is also into writing, so I bounce ideas off her pretty regularly. But I'm glad that there are others to encourage me since I am not really a writer. I like the acting side of things better.

Lol why not?  You guys are great writers  :)

o.O "other universes?!"  That's awesome TR! 

...wow you guys are amazing.  This is the ONLY story I'm working on and it takes ALOT just for that!  Regardless that's awesome!

Hehe, don't let us fool you.  Those projects are mostly just notes or (in the case of my novel) they've been in progress for YEARS!  Trust me, its not that impressive.  Consider someone like David Weber, who has dozens of published novels in at least 4 or 5 distinct universes.

Don't know abut the "great writers" thing, but hey, if you think so.

As for other universes, I have my own super hero universe (technically it belongs to my sister as well), and a Fantasy universe that I am working on.

Heh if you (both) wish, I'll qualify: you're both great writers because your stories are enjoyable  ;)

On a more serious note: TR that's amazing that you can share this passion with your sister as well  :)

Oh and Karm, my wife too has been working on her book for years; doesn't make either of your writing attempts any less great  :D

“Thanks to Koawan Jaim’s quick thinking, none of the workers were killed or even injured in the explosion.  And thanks to Koawan G’av’s sabotage, the destruction was enough to shut down the Offices of Statistical Process Control on Prakith for quite some time.  I made certain that no cortosis products would be manufactured anytime soon.”

The Kage was sitting forward, looking contemplative.  “And so: you had the planetary location of the Citadel Inquisitorius AND the hyperspace lane to Byss?”

“That’s correct, Kage.  With the route downloaded in our nav computer, we were able to negotiate through the shifting high-density stellar masses around the Deep Core.  What we found on Byss…we never expected.”  I looked at each Council member that was in attendance.  Everything that they’d known about Byss…was nothing compared to what we’d found.

When the Kage finally spoke, her face belonged to an executioner.  So, she DID already know.

“Koawan Zearic.  Proceed.”

            ____________________________

Byss.

The planet filled the transparisteel canopy of our freighter.  It was a veritable paradise: lush, serene, beautiful.  The Emperor had invited many dignitaries around the galaxy to take up residence there. It was a planet beyond compare: a verdant sanctuary that catered to the galactic elite.  But Palpatine’s reasoning in doing so was not so banal as to gratify high-society, but rather, to ensure that all of his political enemies were in one place, effectively both as captives as well as hostages.  Byss was a prison made of silk but a prison nonetheless.

It was also the beating heart of the Empire.  Surrounding the planet, a fleet of star destroyers filled the sky while an unbroken chain of Golan III Defense platforms created an encapsulating defensive net.  And, on top of everything, a planetary shield enveloped Byss.  Silently thanking the Maker, I was grateful that we had installed the Inquisitor’s transponder on our ship.  Without it, we would have been vaporized within minutes of dropping out of hyperspace.

And now: I was going to go all-in with my “Idiot’s Array.”  “G’av…I need for you to run a search.”  I paused, hoping that this would not tip my Sabacc hand.  “Time to play the skifter…” I said under my breath.  In my normal voice: “G’av, slice us into the planetary ‘net.  Data request keyword: ‘Gaetana.’”

Minutes that felt like hours ticked by while the silence of space threatened to deafen me.  Jaim chose a slow space-lane to blend inconspicuously while G’av worked between his datapad and the terminal.  Suddenly G’av shouted, “And he JUMPS Byzal Canyon!”  Looking from Jaim and back to me, he saw identical looks of confusion on our faces.  “…It’s a swoop race…obstacle…on…Najiba…nevermind.”

Looking incredulously, Jaim dead-panned, “A…tribal…thing?  From your backwater excuse of a planet?”  G’av pantomimed throwing his datapad, but couldn’t help but grin.

“…And you’re so pleased because…?” I reminded G’av.

“Sorry, right.  So I knew that I couldn’t just run Gaetana’s name through the database; too many red flags so I thought ‘what about a prisoner-requisition inquiry’ and that got me thinking—”

“G’av.” I gently prodded.

He took a breath.  “Right.  Gaetana’s in a building called the Imperial Freight Complex.”

“OK; give Jaim the coordinates to the…Imperial Freight Complex.”  Piloting us through the planetary shield, Jaim descended into the atmosphere where the star’s light diffused, making the color of the sky an unnerving blue-green.  But that wasn’t what made G’av, Jaim, and I uncomfortable (well, aside from the fact that we were deep in enemy territory); the entire planet was blanketed by the Dark Side, creating a vergence in the Force. 

As Jaim piloted us below the stratosphere, we saw that the entire landmass of the largest continent had been urbanized.  This was the Imperial Control Sector, the nerve-center of Palpatine’s Empire.  Huge industrial and administrative complexes impaled the sky, while numerous shipyards were interspersed throughout.  In one particularly large drydock, an enormous skeletal chassis of what I could only presume would be a star destroyer was being assembled.  Only, this star destroyer was completely different than anything that I’d ever seen: it would be almost 18 kilometers in length, if the framework was any indication and it was completely jet-black.  Looking at G’av I asked, “Can you get any information on that?  Without alerting the Imperials to our presence?”

G’av nodded and went to work on the terminal.  “…Bringing up ‘Sanitation.’  That shouldn’t rate anything classified.”  Despite everything, G’av grinned.  “You could say that my mind is in the toilet.”  And, despite myself, I laughed.

“G’av…” I warned but only after I’d stopped laughing.

“Right.  It never ceases to amaze me that Imperial security doctrine misses the most rudimentary of exploits.  OK, so that is something called…Project Eclipse?  No, that doesn’t sound ominous or anything, Zearic.”

Project Eclipse.  I wonder what it would become.  Mentally shaking my head I asked, “G’av…could Project Eclipse be the objective requiring all of the doonium shipments?”

G’av briefly typed on his datapad.  “No.  Even a…ship that enormous isn’t…sufficiently large enough to necessitate all of that doonium.  Must be something else, something we haven’t seen.”  He turned his head back to his terminal.

“Zearic.  Look.”  Jaim’s stoic voice came from the cockpit.  As I looked out of the canopy, I just…stared.  According to the coordinates, we were headed for a gigantic tower in the northern part of the industrial section.  I checked the display in front of me.  “…By the Maker.”  According to scanners, the facility in front of us climbed almost 170 kilometers into the atmosphere.  The top of the structure had been tethered to satellites in geosynchronous orbit.  As a failsafe, the complex was further stabilized by repulserlifts throughout.  I looked back to G’av.  “The Imperial Freight Complex?”

G’av hadn’t turned his gaze from the immense structure filling the canopy.  “Yeah.”

“And Gaetana’s in there?”  Without taking his eyes off of the construct, he nodded.  “…How in the kriffing…how are we supposed to find her?”

“I can; don’t worry brother,” G’av said confidently.  Then, “Zearic, perhaps the doonium went to construct…that?”

Even before G’av had finished asking the question, I shook my head.  “No; the superstructure is a combination of quadranium reinforced with trimantium, indicative of the grey-green patina.”  And here I thought my education in geology would be a waste of time.  “…Which begs the question: where is all of that doonium going to?” 

“G’av, what is our destination?” Jaim’s voice interrupted my reverie.  I turned my head to the small koawan.

Instead of answering immediately, G’av continued to work the consol.  “G’av?” Jaim prompted.  This time, G’av responded.

“Got it.  Jaim head to the northeast quadrant, coordinates 36852.  Zearic, according to the archive, this section belongs to the Inquisitorius.”

My brow furrowed.  “G’av, you’re sure?”

He feigned a wounded look.  “Whenever did I let you down?”  As he continued, G’av’s face turned serious.  “One of the tasks that my dataworm performs was to cross-reference ‘Gaetana’ and ‘Inquisitors.’  I figured where there’s one, there’s the other.”

I put my hand on his shoulder.  “Good thinking; I should have thought of that.”  I mentally berated myself.

G’av turned to look at me.  “Brother, give yourself some latitude.  Of all of us, this abduction hits closest to home for you.”

I thought of G’av’s words.  Gaetana’s capture was personal.  True, she was more D’Aylanna’s friend than mine but we’d become friends ourselves.  Waxing nostalgic, I began to think again about Astar and Jorya.  That made me break out in a cold sweat, especially thinking that Vader might have designs against D’Aylanna.  That I could not—WOULD not—allow, under any circumstances.  It was then that I noticed that we’d slowed.  Looking through the canopy, I saw that Jaim was in the process of docking.

When our freighter set down, I’d gathered our equipment in the bridge.  As I was strapping on my two lightsabers, Jaim came from the cockpit and grabbed for his webbelt.  G’av was already set, slicercards, datapad, and lightsaber hung on his own belt.  I still had on the cortosis gauntlet that I’d “acquired” from Prakith.

“I’ve given us ‘open portal’ accessibility as well as putting all recording programs on a loop.  These cards will identify us as new Inquisitors.”  G’av handed one to Jaim and I.  “I’ve keyed our commlinks to a secure channel so we’ll be private.  According to the datanode, Gaetana’s being held within a residential sector.”

Jaim spoke up.  “What of the other Gray Jedi?”

G’av shook his head.  “Nothing, I’m afraid.”

“If they’re not with Gaetana, then we’ll find them afterwards.  This is a stealth mission; we can’t afford to bring down the entire Inquisitorious on us, much less Vader.” The thought of confronting the Sith Lord was something that I had to prepare myself for.

“Zearic, a couple of things.”  G’av stopped me before I was about to exit.  “The doonium trail…has gone cold.  I couldn’t find any datapresence of it in any of the inventories I’d sliced.  I…I think I might have a chance if I can find a terminal in the Complex.  But like the cortosis refinery, it would be a stand-alone.”

Definitely not good news.  I let out a breath.  “OK G’av.  I know that you’ve done what you can in here.  But we need to find where that doonium is heading.  Let’s find you a datanode that you can use.  You said ‘a couple more things?’”

“You reminded me: Vader isn’t here.  According to flight logs, he was…but left two days ago.”

I couldn’t believe our luck.  I let out a sigh of relief.  “Thank the Maker…  G’av, next time, lead with that.”  With Vader no longer a consideration, I felt more confident than I had in a long time.  “Let’s get our people.”

I began to feel that our chances were not only improving but fated.  And in that I was right.  Fate.  But I was a fool; I’d become complacent of the fact that the Inquisitors were a dangerous threat.  I was so focused on Vader that I’d ignored any other considerations.  Or evidence that could have saved us all pain…

As a confident Sabacc player, I went all-in.  But I was about to learn that my skifter card had been spied for what it was.  And we would all pay for it, dearly.

"As a confident Sabacc player, I went all-in.  But I was about to learn that my skifter card had been spied for what it was.  And we would all pay for it, dearly."

Ooooh.  That's ominous...  :-)  This story feels like its coming to a head, and the tension is building.  Nicely done! 
I am finding that I have a lot invested in these guys.  That's not the easiest thing to do.  And I know (or at least I THINK I know) that at least one of these guys is going to die...  Or at the least something bad is going to happen.  I want to fix it!  NO!  DON'T GO INTO THE DARK ROOM!  CAN'T YOU HEAR THE MUSIC???    LOL

Anyway, nice entry and great build-up and cliff-hanger!  I am stoked for the payoff!  :-)

“I was a triple threat: an angry, ignorant, bureaucrat”  brilliant!  Anyway I think the device of constantly going back to the trial is really showing its effectiveness the more they zip around the galaxy, brings some stability while allowing them to keep moving.

Lol excellent Karm, just perfect!  That's what I am going for in this case  :)

Thanks LSG^^  As you say: it's intended to anchor the overall narrative...HOPEFULLY without coming off as cliché  ;)

LSG nailed it.  I love the way you're using the trail to anchor the narrative.  Flash-back storytelling can be difficult, if you don't anchor it properly its easy to lose track of "when" you are.  I don't have that problem with your narrative.  Its not cliche', its a properly used literary device.  :-) 

And I am STOKED for the next installment!  :-)

“The Imperial Freight Complex was…immense.” I related to the assemblage.  “Thankfully, G’av had been able to download a schematic detailing the Sector Inquisitorious, which he gave to Jaim and I.  Meanwhile, we’d found him a datanode to access.  As he began his search for anything regarding the doonium, Jaim and I were able to penetrate further into the Complex.  Surprisingly, the halls were virtually empty.  The few people that we did come across, Jaim was able to put them to sleep.  But we knew that wouldn’t last…”

“So…Koawan Zearic.  At what point did you realize the mortal danger that you had put yourself—and your fellow Gray Jedi—in?”

            __________________________________

“He should be asleep for several hours, at least.” Jaim intoned.  Meanwhile, I put the slumped Imperial in one of the siderooms, locking the door from the outside.

“Good job, Jaim.”  I looked at the datapad that G’av had given me.  According to the blueprints, there was a large, open section just beyond the bend in the hall.  I didn’t have to open myself to the Force; I had done so prior to departing our ship.  However, as with before, my senses were obscured.  At least this time, I knew why: the Vergence of Dark-Side energy, although that didn’t explain the previous encounters.  This time, my mistake was relying TOO much on my Force senses.  Even with the blanketing effects of the Dark Side, I could sense several people ahead.  I told myself that they must have been in the open section ahead but I hadn’t seen any detention areas in this level.  So, when Jaim and I crept up to the room, we were shocked by what we saw.

A furious lightsaber battle was going on.  Four Inquisitors were attempting to flank and surround a lone person who had their back to the wall.  The Inquisitors’ red blades cast a malevolent glow on their faces.  Faces, now that I could see them, belonged to the Gray Jedi whom I had thought were missing.  My anger burned hot; these…traitors, these…false friends, had…had KILLED almost all of the Gray Jedi of Kewda.  Jaim’s hand on my shoulder interrupted my dark thoughts; without saying a word, he pointed at the lone opponent facing the Inquisitors.  When her head turned, I saw that it was Gaetana.  In her hands, I saw that, in addition to her usual green lightsaber, she dual-wielded an orange lightsaber as well.  She was surrounded but holding her own.  Inwardly, I smiled; I knew that the Inquisitors were facing a master of Juyo.  Still, my rage boiled.  I knew what I had to do.  I HAD to help my friend.

Without a word, I flung myself towards the Inquisitors, igniting my blue lightsaber.  I knew that the Inquisitors would be prepared for a Force Choke so I thought of a technique that I’d seen in Master Chillum’s classes.  I remembered that Karmak, a powerful Silver Knight, was demonstrating a precision Force pull that targeted the spine between the cervical and thoracic vertebrae.  In the class, the analog body model fell in place, the spine neatly severed.  Absolute perfection.  But my anger, combined with my inexperience, was such that I misjudged the necessary precision.  Instead, the Inquisitor’s entire vertebral column from the neck to the base of his head exploded through his throat.  But I had no time to think upon my miscalculation; the other Inquisitor was upon me.   My opponent—the once Gray Jedi I THOUGHT that I knew—was Avvon Treboh, a maenowan battle-master.  Briefly glancing out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jaim engage another Inquisitor, former Koawan Irizon Rakshesh.  I couldn’t see the last Inquisitor; Master Gaetana was in front in my line of sight.

“So…you survived.” Avvon taunted me.  “The High Inquisitor said you would; I didn’t believe her, yet…here you stand.”  The Cerean battlemaster feinted, trying to assess my prowess.  I knew that I had to be careful; Avvon was an excellent swordsman.  But, as a Cerean, I knew that his coordination would suffer as a result of his physiology.  Even as I traded lightsaber blows, I shifted from Djem So to Juyo.

But, even given that hindrance, Avvon countered every attack, testament to his position as battlemaster.  Try as I might, I could not find any weakness in Avvon’s defense.  The Cerean suddenly went on the offensive and I found myself hard pressed.  Pass after pass, the battlemaster kept me on the defensive.  We locked blades, neither side gaining advantage.  Unexpectedly, Avvon head-butted me, sending me reeling.  The Cerean laughed as blood flowed down my face, threatening to blind me, his lightsaber a red blur.  He scored a glancing blow off my shoulder, doing little damage but igniting pain and anger in equal parts.

As I struggled to keep up my own defense, I felt my rage overwhelm me.  Without thought, I shifted back to Djem So.  Caught momentarily off-guard, Avvon was forced on the defensive.  Each strike I made, the Cerean lost ground; every swipe of my blade threatened to maim.  In my mind, I saw the holes in his defense and knew how to exploit them.  I scored a minor hit on the back of his forearm; I saw the bodies of my fallen friends.  I sliced a savage cut on his thigh; Jorya’s severed lekku and bloodied lips appeared in my mind.  I followed up a parry with a vicious slash the bisected his arm at the bicep, his now useless lightsaber deactivating; I saw D’Aylanna fall under the red blades of the Sith.  I raised my lightsaber, intent on delivering the killing blow on the trembling Cerean; I WILL MAKE THEM ALL PAY!

—stop—

A soft voice, a familiar voice, a voice that I knew as well as my own pierced through the haze of fury that threatened to overwhelm me.  No, not fury; HATE.  Forcing myself to calm, I slowly lowered my lightsaber.  Avvon’s eyes held equal fear and confusion; his lone arm up as if to fend off my blow.

—What am I doing?!—

The thought came, dread filling me.  I had come close, precipitously close, to losing myself in my hate.  Breath.  Balance.  D’Aylanna was not here, was not in danger, and would not see a man that she would not know, much less admire, with hatred in his heart.  Breath.  Balance.  Jorya was not prisoner to the Empire, was no longer in pain, and would not see a man that she would be repulsed by, as her teacher.  Breath.  Balance.  Think; think of your friends, here, now.  Jaim.  G’av.  Gaetana.

Avvon stood, his face still contorted with fear, confusion, and pain.  He made a move, I thought as if to say something or point at something…when Gaetana’s orange blade erupted from his chest.  The Cerean looked down, his eyes disbelieving, unfocused, and shocked.  But only for a moment; as the blade withdrew, his eyes saw nothing at all.

“Gaetana!”  I didn’t know what had happened.  Looking around, I saw that Gaetana’s opponent, a Twi’lek teidowan I didn’t know, lay dead at her feet.  I then focused on Jaim.  He’d been wounded in his shoulder.  Thankfully, it was only minor.  The same could not be said for Irizon Rakshesh.  His body lay on the ground; his head, over in the corner.  Deactivating his yellow lightsaber, Jaim came over to me.  Using my limited healing talent on Jaim, I turned to the tall Gray Jedi master.  She was a pretty, if severe looking woman, somewhat vulpine in the face.  I was about to question her actions when she cut me off.

“Zearic, it’s good to see you.  I’m sorry, but Avvon looked as if he were going to use a concussive Force Push.  I…I, admittedly, was distracted by dealing with Bib’neina when she started choking me.  I was panicked and…I didn’t mean to.” Gaetana’s face fell; she must have been exhausted after her ordeals.

“It’s OK, Gaetana.  I’m just glad that we were able to get to you in time.”  As soon as the words left my mouth, I became hyper-aware, fearing that we’d remained too long.  “We’ve got to move.  Jaim, I’ll take point, you stay with Gaetana and cover our backs.”

Shaking her head, Gaetana gently pushed Jaim towards me.  “No, there are no Inquisitors that way, at least for awhile.  However, the danger would come from before us.  Better that you both should be our shield.”

Nodding, I took position in front of Jaim, my lightsaber drawn.  I could sense him behind me, guarding my left flank, his yellow lightsaber in bright contrast to my blue blade.  Purposefully, we moved back into the hallway that connected us to the drydock exits.

Suddenly, my world became bright light, dizzy, and disorienting.  I was shaking my head, trying to clear my mind.  Immediately, pain erupted.  Slowly looking around, I noticed that I’d been knocked off my feet.  Jaim lay motionless several meters away.  I could see that blood flowed from his ears and mouth.  Slowly, I went through a Gray Jedi meditative technique; it helped to focus my thoughts and ignore the pain.  An explosion had caused this.  But how?  G’av’s datapad had detected no such devices, nor had I sensed anything with the Force, especially as I was scrutinizing EVERYTHING in front of us.  Jaim.  Jaim had taken the brunt of it while I had only been momentarily stunned.  Opening myself to the Force, I projected outward to the tall koawan, delicately but firmly probing.  My friend was injured, and badly.  His thoughts black, unconscious.  His emotions clouded, unreadable.  But my mind was slow, too slow.  Which was why what happened next came as a surprise.

“That’s far enough.  You’ve done wonderfully, although I didn’t foresee all.  You arrived sooner than I’d anticipated.  Although, I had thought you’d finish off Avvon yourself.  Still: the hate in you FLOWED.  I will be happy to apprentice you as my newest Inquisitor.”

Standing tall, imperious, and unscathed, Gaetana lowered her orange lightsaber.  My head was recovering fast, my thoughts clearer by the moment.  Of course.  How did I not see it?  I’d been blinded by hate.  Projecting outward again, this time towards the tall woman, I began to probe.  Gaetana must have felt my intent; making no effort to conceal her thoughts, I had free access to her mind.  And she smiled a derisive grin.  Gaetana had caused this, incapacitating both Jaim and I with a single Force blast.  And we’d walked right into the proverbial sarlacc pit without a question.  The others…the TRAITORS…had they ever been friends?  Had Gaetana?  A Gray Jedi master.  No, no I corrected myself.  There was no “Gaetana, Jedi Master.”  

There was only Gaetana, High Inquisitor of the Empire.

Whoa...    Nice twist!  I didn't see that one coming until they rushed into battle.  :-)  And even then, you had me guessing and questioning myself.  Nicely done and well thought out! 
And I love the nod!  Chillum and Karmack doing a "remote tactical technique" class...  Gray Jedi orders cross-training and sharing contacts, information.  Oh, yes, some LOVELY possibilities there!  ;-)

*bows*

But for the story: Graetana is the High Inquisitor!  I honestly did NOT see that one coming.  The battle was well written as well.  I am finding that the pacing of the narrative is the key to bringing that across.  If you try to narrate it stroke-by-stroke the reader is bogged down and it comes across clumsy.  This battle, the pacing was just right.  Frantic, fast, almost no time to think.  And then the realization from Zearic, the self-checking, the words from his wife and mentor hammering in his head...

Oh yeah, nicely done indeed!

Now ... how does he get out of the pickle?  I cannot wait to find out!  :-)

“Gaetana.  A High Inquisitor.”  The Kage’s voice echoed throughout the dome, a collective gasp of disbelief coming from the assembled Gray Jedi.  Again, the Kage’s eyes shown bright, this time with anger.  Controlled, true, but anger nonetheless.  So, she didn’t know everything.  “Yet I find it difficult to believe that she would embark in a subterfuge that would directly lead to the deaths of her confederates.”

“Forgive me, but you don’t know Gaetana.  Or rather, you didn’t have the…experience with her that I did.  When our minds joined, I saw not only the immediate events prior to her trap; I saw EVERYTHING.  She was one of the architects of the razing of the Temple at Kewda. With Astar, she’d instructed her Inquisitors to “keep him alive, just short of death.”  And when Jorya had thought she heard Gaetana say “Take care,” she’d really been telling her Inquisitors to “Take her.”  She had left instructions for the two cells of Inquisitors to ambush us: capture, if possible; kill if not.  With Vader, she helped to orchestrate this entire incident.” Having said it aloud, I felt ashamed.  I had fallen for her ruses; lead into confrontation after confrontation.  I was the dupe, Gaetana, the chessmaster.

“And how do you know all of this?”  The Kage’s question was monotone.

Involuntarily, I sighed.  “Simple.  She told me.”

            __________________________________

“And so, you’ve been my puppet all this time and I, your marionette.”  Her melodious laugh was incongruous with her evil nature.  “But, I always knew that you would come before me.”

Still dazed, I fought to regain my faculties.  Slowly, I was recovering.  I had to keep Gaetana distracted, keep her talking.  “Me?  How?”

Her lidded eyes looked amused.  “Zearic, you forget: I KNOW you.  Quick to anger, somewhat arrogant, and prone to strike out.  Overly-reliant on your strength to overpower opponents.  Intelligent, yes; but easy to manipulate.  How D’Aylanna married you is beyond me.”  Her last came out as a laugh.

“Is this what you’re about?  Jealousy?  Really Gaetana.”  Stronger now, my mind almost free of cobwebs.

At first, Gaetana looked bewildered, then she laughed.  Loudly.  “Oh my.  Zearic, you poor deluded fool.  I have no such…romantic designs with you.”  She kneeled by Jaim, checking his pulse.  Whatever she found, she seemed satisfied when she stood.  “No, you wouldn’t understand.  The Dark Lord only wants the strongest to serve him.  In that, I know you will prevail…at least with…instruction.  Then: you will serve him, strengthening the Dark Side and our Empire.”  She lazily paced towards me.

But I still wasn’t recovered enough.  Stall, delay.  I laughed.  At that, Gaetana stopped, a questioning look crossed her face.  “‘Strengthening the Dark Side?’  How can you say that when you’ve caused over a DOZEN Inquisitors’ deaths?!  Or did you ‘foresee’ that as well?”

Again, the tall woman smiled, voice filled with amusement and contempt as she spoke.  “I did, or rather, I had—how do you say—hedged my bets?  Again, your lack of perception illustrates my point: you are a fool.  I already told you: the Dark Lord wants only the STRONGEST to serve him.”

She was still too far from me.  “All of those Inquisitors?  They were nothing but…but a metric by which to gauge us?”

Gaetana’s smile deepened.  “Chaff among the wheat.  And not ‘us’ Zearic, just you.”

Closer now.  “So Vader would applaud Avvon’s death?  Really, a battlemaster?  Or is it because he was more powerful than you and you feared his position above you in the Inquisitorious?”  At that, I grinned.  “And—like you said—the Dark Lord wants ONLY the strongest.”

Now Gaetana faltered, her smile gone.  And with it, her casual attitude.  But before her thought could become action, I attacked.  Igniting my lightsaber, the blue blade threatened to impale the High Inquisitor.  But even distracted, Gaetana was a master.  Quick as thought, her orange blade sprang into existence, easily blocking my assault.  But, I’d anticipated that she would; having gone low, I was able to connect solidly with my elbow to her face.  Stunned, she retreated backwards.  Seeing the opening in her defenses, I fought furiously, utilizing Djem So.  Orange and blue blades crossed, many times coming close to their target but never connecting once…

…Until I noticed that despite the concerted attacks against her, Gaetana was smiling, and had been doing so almost the entire time.  Switching tactics, I shifted to Juyo, thinking of D’Aylanna’s training.  And I knew that I was good, very good.  My blue blade sliced through Gaetana’s sleeve, exposing the skin underneath.  But, still, she smiled.

Looking at the cut sleeve and seeing her arm undamaged, her stance…changed.  As I said: I was very good.  Gaetana was a master.  Faster than thought, she took the fight to me, attacks like lightning, yet precision unlike anything I’d ever seen.  She was even better than D’Aylanna.  It was all I could do to keep my defense between myself and Gaetana’s deadly blade.  Sweat began to pour onto my face.  Gaetana hadn’t even begun to perspire.  And still she came: her orange blade faster than any Kodashi viper.  Pressed, I clumsily switched to Soresu, trying with everything that I had left to keep Gaetana’s blade at bay.

But it was only a matter of time.  Blinding pain erupted along my arm where the High Inquisitor’s lightsaber cut effortlessly though my right-forearm below the wrist, my blue blade extinguished as it fell from my severed hand.  On her recovery, she swept her blade through my extended left leg, bisecting through the calf.  Falling, I hit the floor hard.  I saw the trauma of my amputated extremities and fought myself from going into shock.

Almost lazily, Gaetana closed down her lightsaber.  Her smile was still on her face.  “Well.  I am sorry to say that I hadn’t foreseen that.  But you should not have threatened me, Zearic.  Avvon WAS favored…but only by the smallest of margins.  And certainly not as a result of his saberwork, as evidenced by your victory over him.  Still, even a…HINT of impropriety can be fatal, even for a High Inquisitor.  The Dark Lord can be…changeable with his favorites.  It would do no good if I had a…former candidate try to denigrate my position, even before he was accepted into the Inquisitorious.”  Her eyes had a dangerous look, mirrored by the contortion of her mouth.  She ignited her saber and raised it above me.  Gaetana, High Inquisitor.  Executioner.  “Such a waste,” she intoned.

Before her orange blade fell, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye.  Gaetana must have also seen it because she arced her lightsaber to intercept a green blade, locking both opponents for a moment.  Standing toe to toe with her, G’av barely came up to the High Inquisitor’s chin.  Gaetana’s smile slowly widened before separating from the blade lock.  Both opponents said nothing as they stared at one another.  And then it began.

G’av’s Ataru was unmatched, his form infallible.  Each of his strikes was faster than the last.  And each time, Gaetana deflected.  Both combatants circled one another, orange and green blades too fast to track; strike, parry, riposte.  Even if I wasn’t fighting my body’s efforts to go into shock, I would have been unable to follow the intense dual.

But Gaetana’s skill with the saber was better still: her attacks savagely beat at G’av’s diminishing defense, his saber swinging in tighter circles around him, coming near to striking himself.  The tall woman struck, feinted, and feinted again.  G’av responded accordingly…unfortunately creating an opening in his right flank.  It was miniscule; I doubt most saber practitioners would have noticed it.  Gaetana was not “most.”  Knocking G’av’s green lightsaber aside, her next cut arced upwards through G’av’s back.  The small koawan fell hard, unmoving on the ground.  Letting out a breath, Gaetana finally relaxed.

I used the pain to focus, fighting off the shock.  G’av.  Grief as bad as my physical pain hit me.  Jaim.  The loss threatened to overwhelm me.  Gaetana.  Rage, bordering on hate, begin to rise.  A thought, not even a plan, began to form.  Again, I must stall.  What was that name?  I focused on Gaetana.

“Looks like you’ll lose standing in front of your master, Ja’ce Yiaso.”

She slowed, turning her head slightly while her eyes narrowed.  “What do you know of the Grand Inquisitor?”

Grand Inquisitor?  Interesting.  “You all bicker like children to the most powerful member of your order and think that you’ll still be in good graces.”  Yes, Gaetana, come closer.

Walking sideways, Gaetana’s smile turned into a wry grin.  “‘Most powerful?’  The Grand Inquisitor IS powerful, but he’s not the ‘most.’”  She began to casually inspect her fingernails.  When she began speaking again, it was in an almost conversational tone.  “The most powerful Inquisitor of our Order is a man to be feared, almost as much as the Dark Lord himself.  In fact, he alone has been awarded the affectation ‘Darth,’ same as our Sith Lords.  The Emperor knows why he isn’t Grand Inquisitor, but Darth Rowahn could take the mantle from Grand Inquisitor Ja’ce Yiaso.”

Even half-listening, I made a mental note.  Darth Rowahn.  Feared even by a High Inquisitor.  And Gaetana had defeated me easily.  But, knowledge was power.  Not that it would matter.  Only another meter, Gaetana.

“Who knows?  Maybe, in time, you could have attained the power that Rowahn possesses.”  Her smile vanished.  “Instead, here you die.  But, don’t worry.  I shall take care of D’Aylanna myself.”  Then she smiled, a rictus grin full of teeth.  “Open your arms wide, Zearic.”  And as she swung a killing blow down on me, she stepped forward.

Just as the orange blade descended intent on cleaving my head, I brought up my left hand, catching the blade in my glove.  My cortosis glove.  Gaetana’s lightsaber immediately deactivated, pulling her off-balance.  Before she fell on top of me, I saw a look of pure astonishment fill her face.  Wrapping her in my arms, I reached out with the Force to the stanchions overhead.  Using ALL of my effort, strength, and willpower, I PULLED.

As the metal ceiling, framing and electrical all, came crashing down upon us, I whispered to Gaetana, “Open your arms wide.”

The last thing I saw was a five-meter length of ceiling collapse.

Then there was pain.  And, blessedly, darkness.

These last two chapters were awesome. An awesome twist and surprise. Intense fighting. Anger, hate, revenge, trickery. So much going on, but still making perfect sense. Like Karm said, the fight scenes are exceptionally written. Not to fast, not to slow, but really showing what it would be like in that kind of a battle. Barely holding your own against a superior swordsman (swordswoman in this case). All tying in to make a great narrative. Not to mention the Easter eggs to Karm and my own stories. Very well written, and you were right. I did like what you did with my character. Gives me something to think about as I continue writing. I think I also just figured out how to incorporate your world into mine (even more so). I'll have to figure out the details, but I have some ideas. Anyways, great job. Can't wait for more. I'm wondering though, what Zearic (and the Kage) will do with this new information about Rowahn. ;)

Awesome TR!  Glad that you liked it   :D  As far as Rowahn, heh, you kind of anticipated a future thought that I'd had (merely in the conception phase as of this moment but, GOOD catch my friend  ;)).  As far as details, PM me and I'll be MORE than happy to oblige  :)

Those are the best two chapters yet, unbelievable…the combat brutal, the deception crushing, the struggle against himself against Gaetana…and perfect timing too, as enjoyable as hearing about them following the trail of Gray Jedi was, more chapters like it would’ve started to feel too drawn out. Really brought the A game to both these Dutchman, exceptional work.

*blush*
Much obliged my friend  :)
Coming from writers of your (Karm, LSG, TR) caliber, I am thrilled and honored  :D

Well if I'm a good writer, it is completely by accident as this is my first ever story. But thanks nonetheless. ;)

Wow!  Awesome!  The glove!  I totally forgot about the glove!  Nicely done!

Poor Teagin, though!  I thought I had beat up Karmack pretty bad, but that's just brutal.  Definitely going to leave a mark.  ;-)

And I love the fact that your evil, arrogant bad guy just CANNOT help but monologue.  They always do that!  I love it!

This is quality work. Great writing, my friend.  This is a great story.  I know you're wrapping up now, coming to the end, but I look forward even to that.
I mean, if you don't end it, you can't write the next one, right?  ;-)

ONWARD! 

“It was only when I awoke from the third bacta treatment that I was told what happened afterwards.”  I paused, looking at each assembly member.  “Jaim regained consciousness  just in time to see the ceiling crash down.  While he was in considerable pain, his injuries weren’t as serious as I’d feared.  Jaim grabbed G’av and took him back to our ship.  After he’d set up G’av on the bacta table, he returned to see if there was anything that he could do for me.  After inspecting the wreckage, Jaim was able to detect my beating heart.  Carefully extricating me using both his hands and the Force, he dragged me back to our freighter, set course for the nearest Grey Healer after Prakith, and placed me on the other bacta table.  Jaim ended up doing triage on himself and then entered a Healing Trance.  Once he landed at the Grey Healer’s manse, we were there a week.  I’d been lucky: Gaetana had taken the brunt of the ceiling crashing down upon us; I imagine it’s the only reason that I’m alive…” My eyes teared up.  “G’av…succumbed to his injuries en route to the Healer.”  Comporting myself, I continued.  “Once it was safe enough, Jaim piloted us back to Zenoma Sekot.  Between bacta treatments, I was surgically grafted with a cybernetic leg, but my arm…” I held up my right arm, showing the stump ending below where my wrist would have been.

The Kage’s orange eyes looked inquisitive.  “And what of Gaetana?  Did Jaim find her body?”

My stomach tightened.  “No, Kage.  Of Gaetana, only a trail of blood remained.  But the High Inquisitor was not found.”  And regardless of the blood, I was sure that Gaetana had survived.

A silence fell in the Dome.  Listian, the Arbiter, stood and looked at the Kage.  Her face remained impassive.  But when she spoke, her voice held the full authority of her position.  “Koawan Zearic.  You stand before the Council of Balance, the Arbiter, and your Kage.  Are you prepared for judgment?”  

That last wasn’t proper form.  Curious now, my brow furrowed.  “Yes, Kage.”  There was really nothing else to say.

“Koawan Zearic.  You disobeyed a direct command from Maenowan D’Aylanna and, indirectly, the Council.  For that, you shall be sanctioned.”  That was…not unexpected, if somewhat odd.  So I was to be restricted, planet-bound?  Before I could finish my ruminations, the Kage continued.  “However, as a direct result of your actions, the Gray Jedi know of Gaetana’s duplicity and can counteract to thwart her.  Furthermore, you personally saved Teidowan Jorya Fah.  Without your exploits, she would have perished under COMPNOR interrogation.”  Now I was truly perplexed; where was this leading?  The Kage continued.  “Koawan are given freedom absent masters for a reason.  As such, they are entrusted to utilize their own prerogative; they are not automatons.”  Orange eyes looked directly into my hazel eyes.  “A failing in the Jedi Order is a preponderance of Knights—even Masters—that know only to obey.  We Gray Jedi encourage our Knights to THINK.  To ACT.  In this, Koawan Zearic, you have acted true to spirit.  Consequently, it is for these reasons that I, Kage Oyuna Chan’dn, confer upon you the title and station of Silver Knight.”

Stunned, I stood silent.  I shook my head.  “Kage, I am not worthy of promotion.  I refuse.  G’av’s death is my fau—”

“SILENCE.”  The Kage’s voice didn’t change; her entire demeanor transformed.  “Koawan G’av gave his life in exchange for Koawan Jaim’s…and for yours.  You will not diminish his sacrifice by absconding accountability away from him.  Just as you claim ownership of your actions, so too are Koawan G’av’s actions his own.”  Her eyes softened, as did her bearing.  “Zearic, we all mourn the loss of our brother.  But we must also realize that his deeds saved both yourself as well as Jaim.  Let such grief act as homage to G’av’s character…and, if you must insist on punishment, then also as a stark reminder of the ramifications of your actions; that is, ACTIONS WITHOUT PROPER CONSIDERATION.”  At this, the Kage assumed the mantle of her position, again adhering to the forms.  “I, Kage Oyuna Chan’dn, recognize Silver Knight Koawan Zearic Vih-Torr and, by my authority, appoint unto his custody as padawan, Teidowan Jorya Fah in apprenticeship.”

I had not noticed, until now, that the assemblage had parted, creating a path which led to the inner sanctum.  A place all Gray Jedi knew well; it was a room for introspection and preparation.  When a padawan was assigned a master, they adopted the title of “teidowan” and were formally recognized.  Walking deliberately, a lone hooded figure garbed in white robes approached, stopping beside me.  Looking at the Kage and removing her hood, I saw Jorya’s face cast a sideways smile towards me.  I was so happy to see that she was recovered, her lekku having been cybernetically restored, that I heard none of her words.  It was only due to rote, that I was able to provide the formal responses.

Finally, the Kage performed the closing ceremony, calling upon Listian, the Arbiter, to write into the Book of Balance Jorya’s apprenticeship to me.  The forms observed, the assemblage was then dismissed.  D’Aylanna and Jaim joined Jorya and I in the center, patiently waiting while I thanked the Council.  Gathered together, I hugged my family to me, if awkwardly without my right hand.  After some time, I stepped back intent on talking to them all in turn; but unbeknownst to me, the Kage had approached.  

D’Aylanna motioned behind me and stepped back, pulling Jaim and Jorya with her, leaving me alone in the center of the Dome with the Kage.  “Yes, Kage?”

“Let us dispense with etiquette.  Zearic.”  The Kage showed one of her rare smiles.

Looking down at her face, I grinned.  “I understand.  Oyuna.”

She nodded almost imperceptibly.  “Zearic, I know you blame yourself.  Do not.  Without your efforts, the Gray Jedi of the Vhal’Dan Order would be imperiled due to Gaetana’s machinations.  As such, Zenoma Sekot shall relocate.  We are secure.”  Again she smiled.  And then, shockingly, she laid her hand on my arm, holding the stump of my amputated hand.  “Obligation is not a yoke easily divested of.  Let this—” she nodded to my arm, “—act as reminder of the consequences of your actions…and G’av’s sacrifice.  But do not forget the convictions that led you to these outcomes.”  

The Kage released my arm and turned to move away.  “Oyuna.” I called after her.  “What of the two datadumps that G’av performed, at Kuat and Byss?”

The Kage’s face adopted a look I’d never seen her wear: apprehension.  “The amount of information that G’av downloaded from Kuat was… colossal.  It will literally take years to decipher the data.”  Her face turned downward, looking pained.  “Unfortunately, the datadump from Byss was…corrupted.”  The Kage’s eyes met mine, sympathetic.  “When Gaetana killed G’av, her saber cut into the datapad, destroying much of the data transfer.”

Closing my eyes, I fought hard to hold back the tears.  All for nothing.  No; no, I forced myself to repeat, to HEAR, the Kage’s words: remember.  But then I focused on what Oyuna had just told me. “‘Much?’”

The Kage nodded, approval evident on her face.  “Yes.  We were able to glean a few phrases and equations from the data.”  She looked at me intently.  “Zearic, have you ever heard of ‘Project Stardust?’”

Shaking my head I answered, “No.”  Feeling exasperated, I added, “Was that absolutely everything?”  The last came out almost pleadingly.

Compassionately, the Kage reassured me, “We’ll continue to do everything we can, Zearic.  But it will take time.”  She nodded to me and departed.

Again, grief threatened to overcome me.  But then, I felt D’Aylanna’s arm around my waist; Jaim’s left hand clasping mine; Jorya’s hand soothing my right forearm.  My family.  I closed my eyes, smiled, and cried.

I thought of G’av.  And remembered.

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

And well ended.  :-)  I like the Rouge One tie-in.  Nicely done.  :-)

So, your order is THE Gray Jedi order on Zenoma Sekot!  Somehow I missed that along the way.  I like it! 
I was pretty sure G'av was not going to survive.  We'd seen Jaim in the opening scene, but I really didn't want to assume.  Well done with that one!  Its very hard to craft a good character like G'av and then kill him.  I don't know about you but I always feel a little guilty when I do that.  Survivor's guilt I guess.   But then my wife always tells me I identify to closely to my characters anyway, so maybe that's the problem. :-)

At any rate, well done!  I am looking forward to the next adventure!  :-)

Glad you caught that easter egg Karm  :D  I also left a few more threads that I can incorporate in future stories  ;)

Yeah, when I began, I'd originally intended for G'av to die.  But then, especially as I continued to write, I vacillated between him being in a coma...and back to sacrificial hero.  So I can DEFINITELY empathize, Karm; I DO feel guilty but once I'd written the last installment, I knew for Zearic's character arc to progress, it would require an event like G'av's death to galvanize him.  Thanks so much Karm, from encouragement to continually reading  ;)

BUT, as you say: onward to the next adventure!

I hate endings. But the one thing I can say, is at least there will be a next adventure. ;D And I have a feeling this one's gonna be good. I'd been seeing the hints the the Death Star throughout the story, but then with "Project Stardust", you really did it. I feel sad about G'av dying, because he was one of my favorites. Especially once he started fighting Gaetana, and using Ataru (seeing as that is my favorite fighting style). I was also wavering between whether G'av would die or not. I feel like I could sense it through your writing. I'm glad you did it though, as well as did not replace Zearic's hand. And the reason why is because with something like that, the possibility of surviving that type of thing is not high. And leaving Zearic's hand off as a reminder to what happened was a great idea.

Until the next story. ;D

Thanks buddy!  Yeah I had a hard time deciding if G'av was dead or not...but I wanted a bit of realism AND what I have in mind for Zearic's trajectory is a direct result of G'av's death.  Same thing with the hand (GREAT catch!): part of adversity is the it motivates growth and (hopefully) progress  ;)

We will see where it leads him, and if he has to change how he thinks and fights now that he has only one had to wield a saber with.

Most definitely^^  Zearic will work at training with his left hand exclusively to help break him of the habit to use power ONLY; instead this will teach him precision.  That's one of the reasons Oyuna had him sanctioned to Sekot  ;)

It's only when(or IF) he learns this that he'll get the cybernetic right hand  ;)

...And he'll need ALL his training to survive in future encounters, especially against powerful opponents  ;D

Ooh, that sounds mysterious... ;)

Good Ending...I like the interaction re his disobedience and the consequences of that, yet still his head strong actions are acknowledged as being useful in this investigation.  I guess they seem to acknowledge the imperfections of every situation and promoted on the basis of making the best with the situation they are given rather than say proving they understand some philosophical mumbo jumbo.

Only one thing to consider, it seemed to me a little odd Jaim got them out so easy...I'd have thought a ceiling crashing would've triggered a security lockdown? Though deep into Imperial territory I suppose they might be a bit asleep at the wheel with regards to such protocols, arrogant and slow to respond, or maybe mention Jaim had a difficult time given its from Zearic's POV....but that's probably just me being pedantic, just seemed like an odd jump...I should know my stories have more than a few! 

Not at all LSG^^  I really appreciate your comments. It's constructive feedback that helps me as a writer  :)

While I would LIKE to say "yeah it's Zearic's POV, etc." that is a VERY good consideration you brought up my friend  ;). And no, I don't think that you were pedantic at all.  Again, good critique will enable me to become a better author, and since I consider myself in good company (you, TR, Karm) I legitimately appreciate all of your responses  :)

No worries mate.  One of the more interesting things I've found through feedback you guys have provided me is that different people tend to pick up on different aspects of your story, and often in ways you don't expect...e.g. I hadn't anticipated the positive reaction I got from Soryu's chapter, to me he was like Lyr (which I was also surprised you liked!) a bit of a 'filler' to see things other POV couldn't...made me re write some other chapters I had for him a bit to emphasize some of the comments I got from you guys.

I'd have thought Valens massacring and mutilating people would've been more of a shock to the system, but it seemed to go unnoticed, perhaps because I've set my characters up as having a culture so radically different to the Republic already it wasn't unusual.

Anyway to sum up you can't predict what people pick up on, but what you can do is take it all on board then adapt what you write in the future on the feedback you get.

Lol SO true! That's why I enjoy the feedback: completely different perspectives than I thought!  BUT it allowed me to write a better piece  ;).  Well stated, my friend^^

Diverting a bit...

I think Valen's actions don't shock us as much for two reasons.  First, we don't SEE it (visual) so there's a layer of insulation within our own perception of the event.  I have a visual that my mind created for the the events, but ironically after thinking about it I realized I'd somewhat sanitized the event a bit in my own mind.  Visually I was focused on Valens, not his targets, so what he was actually doing to them didn't register quite a strongly.  Second, he was killing "bad guys", so there's a touch of justice/vengence there that strikes a chord with me as an American.  I tend to fall more into the category of someone who looks more at what a person is doing than necessarily why, for the simple reason that its often not possible to know why.  So he's using force lightning to kill his oppressors.  Not going to shed many tears for those oppressors.  And I like to root for an underdog anyway.  :)

So....  Wrong thread, but that's kinda my take on why we didn't react as strongly to Valen's ... outbursts.  LOL

as for the ending...  Honestly, I was caught up in the story and I didn't notice it.  I guess I just assumed that Jaim used the confusion of the moment to get his friends out. In retrospect it might be something that could have been addressed in the closing narrative, but most likely if you did have that explanation and were trying to publish your editor would probably edit it out anyway as TMI.  LOL

Don't mind me! Just bookmarking! :) I love what you have here so far, Dutch! :D I can't wait to finish and head off to the next one :) I have to ask though... Is this the same Gaetana Inquisitor who was in "Shadow of the Outcast"? I feel like there was a Gaetana High Inquisitor there too, though I could just be tired and mistaken

That was awesome! And I've been able to answer my own question finishing lol. Onto the next! :D Bravo, Dutch!

Yeah.  Pay attention to Gaetana.  She keeps popping up...   ;-)