What You Leave Behind

[TheDutchman]

You know, with all of the disparate threads in this chapter, it could have easily have been a forced mess.

THIS was anything but!  Everything wove together organically, the suspense ratcheting up with each scene.  Again: this is better than most books that I've read, and CERTAINLY better than the movies!  LSG and Karm have given us not just a SW action/adventure but a true Greek tragedy wrapped in a Sci-Fi veneer.  Outstanding writing!  Considering those differing POVs, there are multiple antagonists, even those who are not enemies.  Cliff thinks he's doing what's best for M'Tzigon and some of his arguments hold water...but without moderation, he's not helping either. 

I also thought that Ry's revelations were completely natural within the narrative; no deus ex machina here!  Again: great job guys!  This story keeps getting better and better 

And this is the best kind: always leaving the reader (certainly me  ) wanting more!

[Lord_S_Gray]

You know, with all of the disparate threads in this chapter, it could have easily have been a forced mess.

Thanks Dutch! Glad it worked a lot was happening as everyone came home but the narrative had already.built common threads of Chiss Droids and Oblivion material to bind the characters - thanks to Karm for Karmack section which combined everyone of those elements really well but kept a solid Mak'tor feel about it.

[TheDutchman]

Thanks Dutch! Glad it worked a lot was happening as everyone came home but the narrative had already.built common threads of Chiss Droids and Oblivion material to bind the characters - thanks to Karm for Karmack section which combined everyone of those elements really well but kept a solid Mak'tor feel about it.

Well let me say that you guys succeeded!  I'm really amazed at how well these details dovetail effortlessly within the overall narrative, testament to great writing    Speaking of...

I'd meant to highlight this:
"we didn’t see much, but enough to know a dozen of them could turn the tide of a war,” Jaim explained oblivious to the historical import of his words"

I LOVED this easter egg to "Schisms!"   

[Karmack]

Thanks Dutch! Glad it worked a lot was happening as everyone came home but the narrative had already.built common threads of Chiss Droids and Oblivion material to bind the characters - thanks to Karm for Karmack section which combined everyone of those elements really well but kept a solid Mak'tor feel about it.

Thanks LSG!  You've been keeping us honest!  But this one is coming together nicely.  With everything in motion and all the disparate parts moving, its been a blast writing and collaborating.  :-)  So ... on to the next one!  More to come, more pieces put into play, and closer to the (seemingly) imminent confrontation....

[Karmack]

Chapter 22: Statesmen and Warlords
Part 1



M'Tzigon - Council of Balance Chamber - The Archive

"So, Silman, is this what your great "Wilberforce" has come to?" Master of Blades L'Gan'Zane thundered from her seat.  The smart wall behind her displayed imagry from the charred remains of Coopersville as well as the spreading debris field that used to be Orbit 3.  "We survived nearly fourty years of Imperial Tyranny and civil war with little or no damage, but in a year of..."

"Three years, actually." Silman interrupted, the calmness of his voice in conflict with the flashing of his eyes.  "Plus an additional two if you count the preliminary intelligence gathering operations.  All done with the full knowledge and support of this council."

"So you blame us?" J'Nor'Kroven, Master of Balance, managed to keep her voice as level as the Kage's.  "We supported you because we thought it was covert and in-house!  Knights, with healers in support in a passive intelligence gathering role!  We never expected you to deploy half the navy in support of it!"

"Calmly, Masters, calmly." Ju'Li'Lus, Master Healer and final member of the council in attendance, tried to settle his friends.  He flooded the room with a calming motif even as he spoke, and unlike the rest his eyes and emotions were as calm and placid as his voice.  "First, Silman is right, we knew what he was up to, in general if not all the details, and if you read the reports that were filed everything is laid out in detail."

"In the fine print, perhaps..." J'Nor fired back.  "With everything heating up, who had time to read it all?"

Julius only arced his eyebrows in response. 

Silman jumped into the gap.  "Masters, this is neither here nor there.  For good or ill President Alvarez has declared Martial Law with the support of the Assembly.  Under the provisions of the 7th Amendment the duties of Minister of Defense devolve to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff so that the Kage may be free to lead the Knights."

Silman paused, his face working slightly as his eyes flashed.  "What no one expected was the unilateral action General Cliff has taken against Meanowan Ka'A'Mack specifically as well as the Mack clan as a whole.  We must respond to this..."

"Respond?  You could try apologizing and supporting Cliff.  At least he seems willing to defend this planet!"  J'Nor snapped.  "This ... Wilberforce fiasco ... is bad enough.  But then we get word that a team of two Knights and three agents were taken by Casino security on Canto Bite trying to steal the holocron of a Jedi who is more fantasy than fact!"

“I have full assurances from Meanowan Karmack that the Jedi Soryu was in fact very real.” Silman replied quietly, bracing himself mentally for the response even as he said it.

“Oh Karmack says he’s real! No doubt Odjina told him himself.” J’Nor’s face was the dictionary definition of incredulity, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“I must admit…...” Ju’Li’Lus broke in “...some of the reported events on Vyth stretch credulity at first glance.  No doubt Karmack has gained a new level of understanding of the Ancient One, but speaking to Odjina himself and then surviving a thought bomb?”

Silman was about to reply when he suddenly realized that it did sound, on face value utterly unbelievable.  "I know it sounds improbable, but Cliff's response is reasonable?

 You would have me support Cliff by rounding up Clan Mack and confining them all?  We all read Master Karmack's report.  Whatever else happened, he was ambushed on Vyth.  He sought no confrontation there..."

"No, but it sure sought HIM there.  Why?" L'Gan asked quietly, pinning Silman with piercing eyes.  "What drew Mendax to him there?  How did she even know he was there?  And why does Cliff have four of those new battle droids stationed around his home?"

"I ... don't know." Silman replied.  "Cliff hasn't shared his reasoning with me..."

"Karmack threatening to kill Cliff wouldn't have something to do with it, would it?" J'Nor continued.

"What?  He did no such thing!" Silman snapped back.  "Their conversation apparently became heated but..."

"But nothing, Silman!  I know Karmack is your friend, but he's also a powerful Knight.  With this new insight he's gained into the Ancient One that power is down-right scary!  And if his abilities disturb me, imagine how they are viewed by Cliff!  He turned a man into a statue without even a glance!  I can't do that.  Du'An can't do that.  You can't do that.  And he's not exactly one to follow rules.  At best, the man is a loose cannon of the highest caliber.  At worst..."  J'Nor left the statement hanging, allowing each of the other council members to finish it with their own personal worst nightmare.  Even Silman, long Karmack's friend, looked shaken as he thought through a worst-case scenario.

"OK ... Let me talk to Cliff.  We can request that Karmack be ... removed from the equasion, in return for lifting his vendetta against the rest of his Clan.  That should reduce friction between the Knights and the Men-At-Arms and allow us all to get past this internal squabble and focus on the main goal of securing the planet."  Silman looked around the room, saw ascent in the eyes of L'Gan and J'Nor. 

Julius, however, looked troubled.  "Master Healer, are we agreed?"

"So its to be exile then?" Ju'Li'Lus asked in reply. 

"No, not exile.  I ... have a mission for him.  One that will likely take him some time to complete." Kage Lo replied.  "And with a little luck, by the time he returns this will all be a distant memory."  He sat straighter.  "Is the Council in agreement?"

"Aye"
"Aye"
"Aye"



M'Tzigon, Sierra, Men-At-Arms HQ

"...so that takes care of force coordination." Cliff made a few notes and handed the data padd back across the conference table to Kage Lo.  "The Knight's command center in the Temple is fully integrated into the planetary net.  Having your Knights assume responsiblity for the M'Skigon Province and the adjacent vales will greatly shorten the lines the Men-At-Arms need to hold around the Avron vale and the M'Ar'Quette."

Silman glanced at the padd, which had the frequencies and keys for their communications.  "Thank you, General."  He watched as Cliff shifted, eager to finish his business with his former boss and return to other matters.  "Before I go there is one other matter I wished to discuss with you..."

"No." Cliff's voice was flat, his eyes flint.

Cliff kept his face and voice neutral.  "No ... what?"

"No, I will not release Meanowan Karmack from house arrest." Cliff spat it out, his anger rising.

Silman sat back, crossing his legs and adopting a relaxed pose.  "I never expected you would, General.  I don't agree with you, but I understand your reasons for confining him."  He glanced down at the padd again before continuing.  "No, I am more concerned with your action against the rest of the Mack clan."

Cliff forced himself to relax in his chair.  "What of it, Kage Lo?"

Silman leaned forward now.  "General, it is both unjust and unfair! How can you hold an entire clan responsible for the actions of one man..."

"One man?" Cliff cut the Zabrek off.  With a few deft key-strokes he transferred another set of files to Silman's padd.  "That's the report from Canto Bite.  Note the charges!  Attempted murder ... assault ... attempted rape ... sexual assault ... grand theft ...  It reads like a wrap-sheet from a Nar Shadda gang-banger!" Cliff didn't even bother to hide the contempt in his voice. "And everyone in this list - every single person, Silman - is tied to your 'super wizard'."

Silman suppressed his own anger, using the time it took to open the files and scan them to make sure he had his own emotions fully under control.  "I would like to debrief Koawan Arnor's team, to ascertain the veracity of..."

Cliff's hand slammed down on his desk with a crack like a rifle shot.  "No!  Silman, don't you get it?  These people lied to you, they lied to me, and they're well on their way to drawing this planet into a full-scale war with enemies unknown while simultaneously threatening access to the one viable force-multiplier available to us!  You're lucky they're ONLY locked up in a cell!"

Cliff clenched his jaw.  "Very well, General.  Confine Karmack if you must.  Ar'Nor'Mack and Du'An'Chillum for certain.  But ordering every member of Clan Mack to disarm and stand down?  Now?  This is unacceptable."

Cliff sat back, a sour look on his face.  "Bloody Macks..."  He sighed, and his flinty eyes softened ever so slightly.  "Very well, Kage Lo, I will ... take it under advisement.  In the mean time, those members of Clan Mack who are not part of Meanowan Ka'A'Mack's immediate family may retain their weapons and positions within M'Skigon."

Silman Lo rose and extended his hand, which Cliff took.  "Thank you, General."

"Of course, Kage.  Just keep those bloody Macks under control,"  Elax Cliff's smile was meant to take the sting out of the comment, but his eyes were again flint. "Or I will."

The Kage returned his smile - and the flinty gaze.  Both men maintained the vinere of civility over a core of hostility, willing to pretend to get the job done. 

"Understood.  I'll have Danny run a communications check with your staff when I return."

"Excellent!  I'll tell Colonel Ta'Re know so she will be expecting Knight Da'Ne's call."

Cliff watched the Zabrek Knight turn and leave, counting to five before he dropped the fake smile from his face.  He depressed a button on his desk comm.  "Colonel Ta'Re, can I see you for a moment?"

"On the way, sir." came the immediate response.  Moments later the Militia Colonel was standing in his office.  "Sir?"

Cliff leaned back, arms crossed.  "Expect a call from Kowan Da'Ne, he'll be setting up a comm check between the Knight HQ in M'Skigon and CIC." 

Ta'Re nodded, making notes on her own padd.  "Very good, sir.  Anything else?"

Cliff made a face.  "Yes ... send the modification we discussed to General Order Two-fourty-four."  The General sagged back in his chair.  "Whatever else, the Kage is right ... damn him and his wizards!"

Colonel Ta'Re only nodded.  "Yessir.  Any modification to two-fourty-two or three?"

The General turned to look out the window at a Militia formation training hard.  "No.  No other changes."

"Dismissed."

[Karmack]

Chapter 22: Statesmen and Warlords
Part 2



M'Tzigon System, Deep System Patrol

Jan'a was reaching up to shut down her computer for the night when the admittance chime sounded.  With a sigh she stopped, leaning back wearily.  "Enter."

The door whisked open to reveal the face of Master Sargent Ram'Ond'Blake.  Blackie (as he was known to the Marines aboard the ship) had inherited the position of senior NCO in the small and still depleted company of Marines aboard the Hornet when To'Mas'Crin was killed in action during a raid in the Magatesso System.  Since then he'd acted as Jan'a's XO and 2nd platoon leader as well as the unit's senior non-commissioned officer.  Normally the big man would have accompanied his interruption with a sheepish look, but today his face was blank - and his eyes troubled.  "Ma'am, we just decoded new messages from central.  You ... need to see this."

Jan'a sat up straighter, opening herself to the force.  The humming tension ringing in the song from the Sargent immediately assaulted her senses and injected a sense of urgency into her mood that had been missing.  She waved him into a seat as she pulled up the latest message traffic.  "HQ ... Three new general orders...  242, 243 and 244(m)..."

She opened the first and started reading, a knot of dread slowly growing in the pit of her stomach.  "General orders to all fleet units ... integrated Mak'Tor Knights are relieved of duty ... stripped of official rank ... transported to Lunar 3 for debrief and eventual transport to the Temple..."   With growing dread she closed the first and opened the second.  "To all fleet units ... all members of the Mak'Tor clan Mack are relieved of duty ... transported to Lunar 3 for debrief and re-assignment to M'Skigon Militia units..."  She closed it and moved her pointer, hovering over the last, not sure she wanted to open it.  With a deep breath she set her jaw and clicked, opening 244(m).  "General order to all Men-At-Arms... All appended members of the Mack clan are hereby relieved of all duties, stripped of all rank, and are to be transported to Lunar 3 for immediate interment..." 

Jen'a opened the attachment and saw that Major El'Lynn'Mack was included in the short list of what appeared to be the immediate family of Meanowan Ka'A'Mack. She sat back, not wanting to believe what she was reading.  Command - General Cliff, as the acting Minister of Defense he was the only one with the authority to issue fleet-wide general orders - was separating the Knights and members of the Mack clan specifically from general duty and deployment, segregating them for duty with the M'Skigon Militia only.  In addition the Knights weren't just being re-assigned - they were being stripped of all rank and unceremoniously returned to the Order, like so many unwanted temporary employees!

Jan'a pushed her shock and emotions down and turned toward her second.  "You've read these?"

"Yes, ma'am." Blackie replied, his deep voice grave. 

Jan'a tensed.  "So ... what are your intentions?"

Blackie blinked.  "I intend, ma'am, to follow your orders." His face softened.  "I'm a Marine, ma'am, and as far as I'm concerned, so are you.  You've led us through fire and blood, and this..." he thrust his chin toward the screen "...is bantha poodo.  If you'll pardon the expression, ma'am."

Jan'a read the sincerity in his eyes and felt the tension in the song drop as he spoke.  The knot in her stomach loosened just a bit, but the situation was still serious. 

"Thank you, Blackie, for the support.  Unfortunately, I'm not the Captain."  She rose, her hand unconsciously brushing her saber hilt as she did so to make sure it was where it belonged.  "Lets go find out if he's on board with our little rebellion, eh?"

*****

The conference room felt crowded.  At the head of the table sat the Captain.  Tellingly, Major El'Lynn'Mack, his XO, maintained her normal position immediately to his right.  To his left sat Major B'Lain'Throwd, commander of VF-2, the "Jokers" and the Commander, Air Group (CAG) on the Hornet.  With him was his own XO, Flight Lieutenant Jace'N'Cam.  Across from Jace sat Jan'a, with Sgt Blake at her side.  Master Healer K'Lain rounded out the group, seated at the foot of the table opposite the Captain.  Each had a copy of the new General Orders on-screen before them.

"So, you all know why we're here.  The question is, what are we gong to do about it?"

B'Lain gave Jan'a a bleak look.  "Well, Captain, I'm not sure what options we really have.  Master Healer K'Lain doesn't hold official rank and he isn't a Knight, so we can probably ignore them in his case, but as far as Jan'a and the Major are concerned..."  He shrugged.  "I don't like it, but I don't see where we have a choice but to comply."

"There's always a choice, Major." K'Lain replied.  "There are orders, and there are orders.  If I remember my studies, however, there are certain steps that must be taken before an officer can be relieved of duty ... or stripped of rank." He cast a friendly look at El'Lynn, who sat cross-armed and defiant next to the Captain.  "These orders do neither, and are therefore illegal, exceeding the authority even of the acting Secretary of Defense."  K'Lain turned back to B'Lain with a wry grin.  "And you're wrong, Major.  I am a Knight.  I haven't been active in some time, but I retain the rank of Koawan in the Mak'Tor order."

"So ... if we follow these orders, we lose our XO, our Marine commander, and our ship's doctor.  Nath sighed and leaned forward with his elbows on the table, hands folded in front of him.  "I find this to be ... unacceptable."  He looked at B'Lain, his face a mask.  "However, I also see no alternative but to comply."

"What?!?" El'Lynn exploded to her feet.  "How could you?  You know this is an illegal order!  It's bad enough being related to him, but to have him destroy my career..."

"Sit down, Major!" Nath's voice was calm but it carried a note of authority that brokered no argument or disobedience.  "I said we had to comply.  I didn't say how quickly."

El'Lynn sat, her eyes uncomprehending.  "Sir?"

"We are on a deep system patrol.  I imagine it will be some time before we're in a position to ferry anyone to Lunar 3.  Hopefully by the time we are in position this will have passed.  If not, we'll make the proper protests and file the proper paperwork to stall while we figure out how to fix it.  In the mean time, nothing on this ship changes."  His eyes moved from person to person as he spoke.  "You're still my XO ... and you're still my Marine company commander ... and my ship's doctor.  Understood?

Slowly all heads around the table nodded, and Jan'a managed to suppress a shuddering sigh as the knot of anxiety in her belly dissipated fully.  Whatever craziness was happening elsewhere, the Captain had their backs.

The Jokers were wild...

  *****

Captain Nath watched his officers leave the briefing room and inwardly heaved a sigh of relief.  He'd been worried that the orders would tear his crew apart at the seams.  Instead, his "solution" seemed to have had the opposite effect.  They were bonded together, all Jokers in a stacked deck, facing the world...

El'Lynn reached the door, paused and closed it without stepping out.  She turned, her eyes troubled.  "Sir, may I ... have a word?"

"Certainly." Er'Wyn waved her into the chair.  "Caf?"

"No, thank you." The Major sat stiffly, her back straight and her hands folded together on the table in front of her.  "Sir I ..."

"Spit it out, Ellen." Nath grated.  "No sense in prolonging the agony."

"Yessir."  She took a deep breath and met his eyes.  "Sir, there's ... a disturbance in the force.  A massive one.  Something bad is coming.  Soon."

Nath sat his own mug down and grinned.  "I thought you didn't go in for all that 'wizards and warlocks' stuff, Major."

"I don't, sir.  I've never been a fan of my cousin or his methods.  But in this case..."  She turned and looked at the bulkhead, her eyes opaque, seeing something only she could see.  "I'm no singer, but I'm strong in the force.  Stronger than most Knights.  I left the Squire program because I didn't want to be a second-string..."  She stopped, sighed, focused back on Nath.  "I hate being in his shadow.  I'm as strong in the force as he is, he's said as much, but without the ability to sing..."  She shook her head.  "But Master Karmack is right, sir.  There's a storm coming, and based on what I'm feeling in the force, its almost here."

Nath leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.  "I understand.  So, are we talking weeks?  Days?"

El'Lynn swallowed and shook her head.  "More like hours."

[Karmack]

Chapter 22: Statesmen and Warlords
Part 3



M'Tzigon - Temple Precinct - Mar'Shall neighborhood

The massive sentinel twitched, its attention drawn to a swirl of disturbed leaves.  Optical sensors zoomed in, augmented by thermal imagers.  Magnetic resonance scanners and EM detectors focused on the area as well, probing the swirl of disturbed air on to find....

....a small chipmunk, which stopped dead in the dry leaves again as it sensed the movement of the Dark Trooper's massive head.  For long seconds the two stared at each other: One cataloging the small woodland creature, measuring its temperature and noting the rapid heart rate, increased respiration and hormone release consistent with a fear-induced fight-or-flight reaction while the other simply froze for long seconds, temporarily paralyzed by abject terror.

[ THE CREATURE WILL RUN ]  the Dark Trooper concluded, micro-seconds before the chipmunk did in fact break and run, scrambling to get back into cover.

[ NO THREAT - PERIMETER SECURE ] The droid stated on the tactical link it shared with its three companions.  Satisfied, the four returned to their standard perimeter scan.

In the doorway of Karmack's residence, a shadow rippled the air slightly ... and smiled ...

***

Karmack relaxed as Zearic maneuvered through the narrow streets and alleys to reach his home.  They'd had a brief conversation via HD after his initial talk with Silman, insisting that he needed to see him ASAP.  Zearic's stealth skills were very, very good, and if Karmack couldn't truly get into the programming of the droids he could certainly summon a small disturbance ... and the odd chipmunk.

He smiled as Zearic Vih'Torr slipped into the room.  The Meanowan had grown since he'd seem him last...  Literally, as it turned out.  Karmack was already aware of the healing Zearic had undergone in the deep core.  He had no details, but Silman had passed on the highlights he'd learned from the returning Vhal'Dan Knights.  The physical changes were obvious to anyone - it wasn't every day that someone literally grew new limbs - but the deeper changes...  As Karmack gripped his hand he could feel the minor notes that had inflitrated his song, giving the normally cheerful Meanowan's melody a somber undertone.  "Zearic!  Welcome, my friend.  I'd invite you out ont the patio to enjoy the air but..."

Zearic chuckled.  "I understand.  We've all heard the stories about your Kage's fight with just one of those monsters.  Four seems to be overkill..."  The big man's eyes twinkled as he studied Karmack for his reaction.  For his part, Karmack looked toward the titan nearest his home ... and let a small, deadly smile play across his lips. 

Zearic's smile lit his face.  "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Karmack opened the fresher and grabbed two bottles containing a dark cola chilled nearly to the point of freezing.  He tossed one gently to Zearic, who caught it while using the force to keep the carbonation from an explosive escape as he removed the crimped lid.  "Thank you.  Even with the 'Buried Presence' techniques its a long walk up a steep hill to get here."

"Unfortunately Cliff's sentinels out there have denied anyone who wants to visit any easier path."  Karmack took a long pull on his own bottle, studying his friend. "Zearic, you look well.  Better, frankly, than I expected."

Zearic held up the bottle with his restored right hand.  "This ... is not important.  Mendax is.  We must find her and destroy her."

Karmack kept his face impassive as he studied his friend.  He'd known from Silman's call that he'd been restored physically, but seeing it with his own eyes, feeling it in the force...  It was strange.  Since they'd first met Zearic had been without an arm and an eye.  Now, he was ... whole.  No, more than whole.  He was utterly fit, in perfect health, and his presence in the force was ... stronger.  Not just more powerful, but sharper.  Like when he'd fine-tuned the Ancient One...   "Not important? Your body is healthy - you're healthier than you've been since I met you - but you've changed.  You know it, and you know that I know it."  Karmack set his bottle down and perched on the arm of the couch.  "Your native force ability has been augmented..."

How could he possibly know that?  Zearic's eyes narrowed, his arms crossed as he turned to face his friend.  "Its not important; Mendax is.  Our focus must remain on her."

Karmack was undeterred.  "Come on Zearic!  I'm a singer.  Your song has always been clear, but it was often ... of lower volume, shall we say?  But now its like a beacon in the force, as strong as D'Aylanna, or Silman ... or mine."  Karmack grinned.  "Don't tell me you haven't noticed!  I'm just curious as to how all of this happened?"

Zearic squelched his anger, felt the pull of the nocte as it harvested the emotion.  His hand dropped unconsciously to touch it as he took another drink from the frosted bottle.  He exhaled explosively at the end.  "Good cola...  Look, Karm, its not...   Yes, I've noticed.  I hear you've added some tricks to your kit bag as well?"

"Now THAT'S a loaded question..." Karmack replied. His eyes fell to the dagger Zearic continued to touch.  Not the Tenebris as he'd assumed, but slimmer and even more deadly looking.  Made for a human hand... In the hopes that it would help Zearic open up he gave his friend a quick run-down on his interactions with Odjina's ghost, and how they had ended. 

Zearic's face and eyes had hardened by the end of the tale. "So, there's no doubt?"

Karmack shook his head. "None.  She's alive, and stronger than ever."   Karmack fixed his eyes on Zearic.  "I needed to be sure, so I went to Geonosis on my way back from Vyth.  I just wanted to verify whether she was still buried there or not ... but instead I found myself observing two figures in black armor, surveying the site of our battle.  They were using one of those orbs to record what had happened, and when they came across Mendax..."  Karmack finished his drink, his mouth dry at the memory.  "They ... retrieved her remains.  It had to have been they who reanimated her."

"But ... why?  Why would they do something like that?" Zearic nearly whispered.  His eyes were fixed on something only he could see.  She left you for a reason...

Karmack's forehead crinkled as he sensed Zearic's emotional shift.  "According to the larger one, they did it as a rescue.  He even quoted the Book of the Way to me..."

Zearic's eyes widened.  "Wait, what?  You spoke with him?"

Karmack nodded.  "I didn't realized we were actually in phase until he spoke to me.  Scared me half to death..."

"What did he say?"

Karmack swallowed.  He considered prevaricating ... but decided against it.  Truth, Karm, always the truth...  "He ... offered me a deal.  He would eliminate Mendax ... if I would give him a copy of the Ancient One."

Zearic blinked.   "A copy?  All he wanted was a copy?  Why didn't you give it to him?"

Karmack was taken aback.  "Give it to him?  Zearic, the man's people resurrected a Sith Lord.  You've seen their power first hand.  Another of these Armored monsters ripped memories from Ken's mind as if he were tearing pages out of a book!  Beings capable of that kind of violation can only be described as evil.  How could I give them the key to even more power?"

Zearic's voice was nearly a growl.  "Take what you want and pay for it.  These people may be powerful but they're no danger to us!  Mendax is!"

Karmack felt his own anger rising now.  "Mendax?  These people are immensely powerful!  Worse, they have little or no sense of morality!  Handing them the Ancient One would  make each of them a walking weapon of mass destruction!  Remember what 'Black Armor' did to Ken?  There's no way to restrain such power.  We would be utterly at their mercy."

"You have access to it now."  Intense blue eyes drilled in fierce hazel, neither man dropping his gaze. "In fact, you are probably the only person alive who can properly harness the Ancient One.  You have already become a 'walking weapon of mass destruction'."  Zearic stood taking a step towards Karmack.  "You decide unilaterally how to employ that weapon. We are at the mercy of what you consider to be the moral use of it.  How.  Is. That. Different?"

Karmack stood facing his friend and he wanted to scream in frustration!  How can he not see it?  How can he not see the danger...  He remembered what Andisdottir had said to him on Commenor, about becoming a living 'Death Star'.  Had he?  Was he?

That's when Karmack heard it.  The fragment of a melody, close yet distant; familiar yet alien and wild...

Slowly Karmack focused on it, tracing it.  It was woven into Zearic's words, his arguments...  Take what you want and pay for it...  A practical philosophy.  Some would even say an immoral one, or at least amoral.  But under it...   There!  He found it, deep down, resonating in Zearic's very core.  As he'd found the Song of Vyth in his own.  But there's more...

A memory motif flowed through him, sub-vocalized to avoid interfering with what he was hearing.  Slowly more of fragments rose to the surface of his mind.  A riff connected to Ken when he'd returned home, his mind raw from the 'delve' of 'Black Armor'.  It had been there on Commonor when he'd met with Andisdottir ... and in the tune Cha had hummed while Silman had fought for his life against a killer droid.  It had been on Vyth when Odjina showed him how he fell to the being named Valens ... and again in the renewed power of Mendax.  And it had been on Geonosis when he'd spoken with the figure clad in darkness.  And now it was here.

In Zearic.

It was all connected.  The melody was all around him, infecting and twisting, manipulating and per-empting Karmack's every move.  The dark warrior had no name, no species he could point to, but Odjina had known the name Valens.  Was it possible, after six hundred years, that this Valens or his descendants were the Oblivion Armor beings?

Karmack came back to himself.  Zearic had barely moved: Karmack had seen it, sensed it all in an instant of time.  He stepped back, putting distance between them.  "What have they done to you?"

"Who?" Zearic replied.  He mirrored Karmack's move, his hands dropping to his saber - and the Nocte - as his eyes narrowed, searching Karmack's eyes desperately for an answer he wasn't sure he wanted to find there. 

Karmack kept his voice level but his saber was in his hand now.  "You know who, Zearic.  The ones who gave you back your limbs, your eye, reset and fine-tuned your connection to the force.  The ones in black."

Shock rolled through Zearic's mind.  How?  How did he know? He'd told no one - not even Jaim - what had happened to him in the mine.

Karmack continued to move, circling now.  "What else did they do when they repaired you?"  Karmack's saber ignited with a scream, the golden light of it's blade casting menacing shadows around the room.  "Why did they do it?  What instructions did they give you?  'Take what you want and pay for it,' right Zearic?  You wanted your body whole, your connection to the force restored and enhanced - I've sensed the flares of envy and jealousy from you watching others train, the longing as  Jorya outstripped your abilities - what did you promise them in return?"

Zearic turned like a turret to face Karmack.  His own saber blade sprang to life, blue and deadly.  In his left he held the black dagger in a reverse "assassins" grip, the blade extending back along his forearm.  "I don't know what you're talking about..."

Karmack's eyes narrowed.  "Yes you do.  I can hear it, Zearic: I can hear their song.  It resonates within you."

"I KNOW!" Zearic's voice exploded as his emotions suddenly flooded the force.  "Yes, I was regenerated by the one we call 'Black Armor' - or someone else enough alike to be him.  No, they didn't give my any messages or missions.  But they gave me this."  Zearic held up the new dagger, slim and deadly, and again Karmack could feel it drawing in the power and emotion of his friend.  "It was ... a replacement for the Tenebris.  With it and my 'find tuned' force abilities I was able to fight my way out of the mines in the core."  Zearic looked long at the naked, black blade before he re-sheathed it. 

Zearic slowly circled his friend in a ready stance, his weapons in defensive positions.  "I don't know why they did it.  Kindness?  Blackmail?  To use me as an agent?"  The big man shrugged.  "Maybe none.  Maybe all.  But I can tell you this, Ka'A'Mack, Master of Song: I made no deals.  Nothing was demanded of me, and nothing was offered.  I give you my word." Hazel eyes met blue and Zearic settled his shoulders.  "Either accept it, or lets get on with it."

Karmack met those eyes and sensed his friend's anger and frustration ... and utter sincerity.  The melody was still there, something still festering under the surface, but for now...   Karmack relaxed his stance, shut down his blade and returned his saber to his belt.  "Your word is always good with me, Zearic.  Accepted."

Zearic stood for a moment longer before he also relaxed, sheathing his weapons and extending his hand.  Karmack took it, but even as he gripped his friend's true right hand it's mere existance as flesh and blood reminded Karmack he would still need to keep a close eye on his friend.  He trusted Zearic had not consciously made any deals, but he didn't trust 'Valen's People' not to have left something behind."

"Now ... Mendax..."



Outer Rim, Pelgrim system, not far off the Correllian Run

The room was lit with the red orange blow of Mendax blade, the Qixoni crystal pulsing with barely restrained rage.

Misrum and Orfa took up position on either side of the command room on Zearic’s Bane – summoned by the Mistress both longed to kill – but not before they were rid of each other.

Mendax smiled at their presumption, they were second rate thugs whose ambition outstripped their abilities – but they had their uses.

“My loyal servants…” she kept the blade lit as she turned to face them.  “Soon we will destroy the False singer, the Hapan whore and the fat imbecile Zearic….not just them the entire Mak’tor order…”

She was obsessed with revenge Orfa had realized, Mendax' undoubtedly capable tactical mind turned to a goal that could only end in death and disappointment – Orfa was not so limited in her vision. 

As Mendax began outlining the plan of attack Orfa felt the rage radiating off her mistress – oh it was understandable – to be crushed to death twice by the same interloper was galling…but to waste o mch time and energy on killing them…Orfa had more than enough people to hate in her own past, but she didn’t let that define her future.  She would carve her own path in the remorseless galaxy – be a Pirate Queen in her own right, show them all she wasn’t just a Twi’Leki sex toy.  As Mendax detailed Orfa’s target the only thing she could think of was how best to twist the situation to her advantage – Mendax had been indispensable in helping accumulate a solid group of Raiders and Pirates under Orfa’s command, now her usefulness was offset by her insanity and it was time to break loose.

Misrums hand never left the Tenebris.  They both want to kill you…  It spoke from the depths of his soul, the true knowledge of his heart.  She’s sending you on a suicide mission….  His role was detailed, he would take the flagellants and Red police he had recruited straight to the heart of the lightsiders…he may even get a chance to avenge Mellichae.  They don’t know just what you’ve become…what you can do now… it teased his ambition and inflated his ego.

With the Tenebris I can slay them all…take their life force into myself…become greater than Mellichae, greater than Mendax…do what she never could and destroy Zearic…do what Mellichae failed and unlock the Ancient One!

Mendax noted their traitorous thoughts but didn’t care.  “…when the ritual is completed all those drawing on the Light side will be ripped to pieces – the Mak’Tor mountain with all its relics and weapons will be defenseless as the pathetic Men at Arms flee from our power with their noble Knights bloody corpses.”

It was an utter lie.  The only one who would survive the thought bomb would be her.  Once she had her revenge Misrum and Orfa’s usefulness was at an end.  All the knowledge of the ancient Mak’tor singers locked in the Mountain vaults would be hers – she would need no one but herself…

Orfa felt the Nikto’s gaze linger on her…the weight she had felt from hundreds of male eyes before…he thought he could kill Mendax and then take her as a slave as he hand intended on Dantooine – fool! That dagger was controlling him not the other way round...

Misrum smiled as he looked on his future prize…he hadn’t forgotten how she had humiliated him in front of his Sith Sabres on Dantooine…he would make her pay for months with every part of her body for that…

“Are we agreed?” Mendax asked

“Completely Mistress…” they said in unison.

  ********

“Friends the situation is dire…” Gingal pointed toward the projection of the planet that filled the Elinga’s cool white and cream briefing room  “This system, M’tzigon has been usurped by a former Inquisitor, Ka’Ah’Re’Mack a.k.a 'The Mad Singer'…”

Mendax repressed her smile – for days Bidis, the Church of the Dark Side maniac had been spreading rumors of the False Singer's atrocities during his sermons to Rebels and Imperials alike – the petty and weak turned to a higher power in times of stress and need.  Mendax turned to her own power.

“He has we understand acquired advanced Imperial Battle Droids that cow the population into submission along with his necromantic arts,”  His fin waved behind him to Mendax.  “It is up to us to provide cover for Jedi Master Gaetana to infiltrate and defeat the mad warlord – with the Requiem and out new former Imperial Allies we have the numbers to hold his fanatical warriors who pretend at being Jedi back, Colonel Misrum will lead the ground assault whilst Colonel Orfa takes the Lunar facility and brings its turbo lasers onto our side with her auxiliary troops.  Captain Nyder will pilot the Requiem from the edge of the system in to draw their ships away.”

He slurped up in the dry air and ugly Mon calamari habit Mendax was tempted to void him for at times.

“You will receive your squad deployment plans and particular objectives in the next hour…dismissed…”

“Might I add,” Mendax said smoothly,  “May the Force be with us All.”   

And may it serve me Only

[TheDutchman]

MAGNIFICENT!

Once again, for as busy as this chapter was, the flow was perfect!  THIS is the way that you should do multiple POVs: you keep the suspense primed even without overt action while we get to see all of these threads begin to weave together in an incredibly cohesive narrative! 

The fact that our heroes are surrounded by antagonists on all sides only makes their own disparity in ideologies that much more poignant: if they don't find some common ground, the weight of everything against them is going to become a crushing obstacle, one VERY difficult to negotiate...or confront 

Which also includes the divided groups within Mendax's side (which, BTW, is wonderfully and deviously brilliant characterizations: they may be Sith but they are anything but loyal, well, to the most minute of points  ).

I feel really sorry for ANYONE associated with the Mack Clan as they aren't at all responsible (or culpable) for General Order(s) 242, 243, & 244.  VERY despotic of Cliff I must say...

GREAT job both of you!

[Lord_S_Gray]

The fact that our heroes are surrounded by antagonists on all sides only makes their own disparity in ideologies that much more poignant: if they don't find some common ground, the weight of everything against them is going to become a crushing obstacle, one VERY difficult to negotiate...or confront 

Yeah a house divided cannot stand.  Karmack even though being the nominal 'Hero' of the story is a very polarizing figure even among his own, Ellen isn't keen on him, nor is Cliff and most of the Council of Balance

I think the most telling bit for that was this line...

"No, but it sure sought HIM there.  Why?" L'Gan asked quietly

He's seen as less noble knight facing the dark than agent of chaos within their own ranks pulling them into conflicts they don’t understand, and frankly they are correct - no matter how pure Karmacks motives his actions are having consequences and causing division on a huge scale - perfectly illustrated in almost coming to blows with Zearic - a lot of suspicion and mistrust on both sides and all of it absolutely justifiable.  And once more Karm is faced with the question of why he is pursuing such advanced powers, hopefully coming from a friend this time he will not push it aside quite as easily.

That’s what makes this narrative so interesting though, they are genuinely Gray Heroes, maybe mostly light but their actions and the consequences can be pretty shaded - they almost don't need antagonists as at this point they are tearing themsevles apart to the point that arguably the ‘Bad guys’ are more united than the ‘good’ in spite of the open secret of wanting to kill each other.

[TheDutchman]

Yeah a house divided cannot stand.  Karmack even though being the nominal 'Hero' of the story is a very polarizing figure even among his own, Ellen isn't keen on him, nor is Cliff and most of the Council of Balance

I think the most telling bit for that was this line...

"No, but it sure sought HIM there.  Why?" L'Gan asked quietly

He's seen as less noble knight facing the dark than agent of chaos within their own ranks pulling them into conflicts they don’t understand, and frankly they are correct - no matter how pure Karmacks motives his actions are having consequences and causing division on a huge scale - perfectly illustrated in almost coming to blows with Zearic - a lot of suspicion and mistrust on both sides and all of it absolutely justifiable.  And once more Karm is faced with the question of why he is pursuing such advanced powers, hopefully coming from a friend this time he will not push it aside quite as easily.

That’s what makes this narrative so interesting though, they are genuinely Gray Heroes, maybe mostly light but their actions and the consequences can be pretty shaded - they almost don't need antagonists as at this point they are tearing themsevles apart to the point that arguably the ‘Bad guys’ are more united than the ‘good’ in spite of the open secret of wanting to kill each other.

VERY well said LSG!  One of the things I really enjoy is taking story tropes and turning them on their heads.  Perfect example: "Gray Heroes" is more than just a double entendre; they are fallible people who are doing what they think best...which is rarely "black" or "white."  Wonderfully intriguing storytelling!  Again, my compliments to you both!

[Karmack]

Yeah a house divided cannot stand.  Karmack even though being the nominal 'Hero' of the story is a very polarizing figure even among his own, Ellen isn't keen on him, nor is Cliff and most of the Council of Balance

I think the most telling bit for that was this line...

"No, but it sure sought HIM there.  Why?" L'Gan asked quietly

He's seen as less noble knight facing the dark than agent of chaos within their own ranks pulling them into conflicts they don’t understand, and frankly they are correct - no matter how pure Karmacks motives his actions are having consequences and causing division on a huge scale - perfectly illustrated in almost coming to blows with Zearic - a lot of suspicion and mistrust on both sides and all of it absolutely justifiable.  And once more Karm is faced with the question of why he is pursuing such advanced powers, hopefully coming from a friend this time he will not push it aside quite as easily.

That’s what makes this narrative so interesting though, they are genuinely Gray Heroes, maybe mostly light but their actions and the consequences can be pretty shaded - they almost don't need antagonists as at this point they are tearing themsevles apart to the point that arguably the ‘Bad guys’ are more united than the ‘good’ in spite of the open secret of wanting to kill each other.

Yes, the question will be pressing to him, no doubt.  :-)   Interestingly, its not just Karm pursuing the powers - its almost like the power is pursuing him as well.   Left on his own, Karmack would have remained content to simply be what he was before - a strong singer and force user in his own small community, a father and husband, and most likely as he grew older a healer.  Or perhaps as he matured a leader in his Clan and Order.   

But a 'super weapon'?  Never.  But what began as an abstract research project hoping to find a more potent defense for his home has become very personal, and he will have to come to grips with it.  To coin the phrase: "With great power comes great responsibility."   Without really meaning to do it, we've kind of kicked off that classic "super hero" theme - you have this unimaginable power.  Now, what are you going to do with it?   That's the question that's going to be pressing on him, once the immediate crisis passes.

but first ... Mendax ...   

[Taegin Roan]

Yeah, absolutely amazing guys. So good to see everyone (especially Zearic) back in action. I don't know why, but whenever Zearic and Karmack are together in a scene, it just instantly becomes a favorite scene. I have to say though, this whole story has started having a very similar feel to Schisms. Everyone is fighting for what they think is right, and trying their hardest to protect their planet/family/community, and it just causes them all to fight each other. Very good writing guys.

And then there are the Jokers. They just fit so well in to everything SW. Yes, officially they are good guys, but at the same time, their allegiance is really to themselves and to their crew. Keep each other safe really, and so the "Jokers are wild" phrase that is repeated so often is amazing, because they are. They are supposed to be a bit of a wild card, and that is exactly how they act. Disobeying a direct order from Cliff while at the same time, doing what he said, just not immediately, it fits them so well.

And then there is Mendax. And this line sums it all up perfectly.

"But first. . . Mendax. . ."

[Lord_S_Gray]

But a 'super weapon'?  Never.  But what began as an abstract research project hoping to find a more potent defense for his home has become very personal, and he will have to come to grips with it. 

Took his first steps into a larger world? Much to his regret though.  its a strange cause and effect thing, had he not pursued it would he have gained attention from outside - would Karm just have been ignored and as you noted left to a life of a regular Maenowan? Probably...but that isn't what he did, now he's stuck in a vicious cycle of having to keep raising his abilities to meet the new threats thrown at him...Problem is he is only human.

Everyone is fighting for what they think is right, and trying their hardest to protect their planet/family/community, and it just causes them all to fight each other. Very good writing guys.

Pretty much the essence of every war in history from the POV of the guys on the frontline - Union or Confederate, Prussian or British, Roman or Carthaginian - out there to protect their way of life and family back home.  Once one group feels another state/tribe/empire is a threat to them conflict becomes inevitable....and will NOT stop until they feel their homes and families are safe once more.

"Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam"

[TheDutchman]

Yeah, absolutely amazing guys. So good to see everyone (especially Zearic) back in action. I don't know why, but whenever Zearic and Karmack are together in a scene, it just instantly becomes a favorite scene. I have to say though, this whole story has started having a very similar feel to Schisms. Everyone is fighting for what they think is right, and trying their hardest to protect their planet/family/community, and it just causes them all to fight each other. Very good writing guys.

And then there are the Jokers. They just fit so well in to everything SW. Yes, officially they are good guys, but at the same time, their allegiance is really to themselves and to their crew. Keep each other safe really, and so the "Jokers are wild" phrase that is repeated so often is amazing, because they are. They are supposed to be a bit of a wild card, and that is exactly how they act. Disobeying a direct order from Cliff while at the same time, doing what he said, just not immediately, it fits them so well.

And then there is Mendax. And this line sums it all up perfectly.

"But first. . . Mendax. . ."

Thanks TR!  And you've hit on one of the biggest points of contention: who is right.  Either Karm or Zearic?  Neither?  Both? 

I just have to reiterate that it's a privilege working with both of these gentlemen and the wonderful narrative that it affords way.

"Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam"

EXACTLY LSG!

I think that Cato the Elder would look upon these conflicts in much the same way...and as far as Karm, Zearic, and the Mak'Tor are concerned, they are going to war with Mendax and will not stop until they "salt the ground" with her ashes.

[Karmack]

Took his first steps into a larger world? Much to his regret though.  its a strange cause and effect thing, had he not pursued it would he have gained attention from outside - would Karm just have been ignored and as you noted left to a life of a regular Maenowan? Probably...but that isn't what he did, now he's stuck in a vicious cycle of having to keep raising his abilities to meet the new threats thrown at him...Problem is he is only human.

Pretty much the essence of every war in history from the POV of the guys on the frontline - Union or Confederate, Prussian or British, Roman or Carthaginian - out there to protect their way of life and family back home.  Once one group feels another state/tribe/empire is a threat to them conflict becomes inevitable....and will NOT stop until they feel their homes and families are safe once more.

"Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam"

"...and will NOT stop until they feel their homes and families are safe once more. " - Hitting the nail on the head.  :-)

Part of the point of the Jokers is the view that I have absorbed from many of the combat vets in my life (and I know several, thanks to the recent wars).   Specifically, the guys on the front lines tend to fight for each other.   In the Civil War, it was a combination of pride and not wanting to let your fellows down that kept men in line as they hammered away at each other with withering fire.  It was your buddy that kept you on the firing step in trenches and pushed you to stay close in the advance.  We cite abstracts like liberty, justice, etc when we talk about fighting, but in the end its always to protect our buddies and those we love.  The Jokers are just a little more extreme about it, as many elite units tend to be.

As for your other comments, LSG, you're absolutely right about Karmack.  When he steps back from this fight I have no doubt that many are going to be just a tad afraid of him ... including himself.  Maybe the only people who won't be will be the 'people of Valens'.