The Force Eternal (Chapter 2)

Jann made his way from the communications room to the isolated quarters of his guest. It was strange to be here in Fennegen. The base had been established more than five hundred years ago as a way of making the Jedi more independent from the Republic’s forces. Most Knights now rarely travelled to the shipyards and then it was usually due to ship problems that Coruscant Spaceports could not handle or as a midway station between their assignments and Coruscant. Droids did the majority of the heavy work, while various Jedi manned the entire installation. However, the facilities--built on an atmosphere-deprived moon--was defended by various squadrons of fighters and small cruisers. The lack of atmosphere prevented ship corrosion and allowed for easier work by the crews. Jann himself remembered when he had been in the position to enter the Jedi squadrons, but had turned it down. It was about the same time that Ulric Tronos came into his life and inquired in his training. His life, Jann realized, had never been the same since.

He entered Adea’s quarters and stood there thinking of all the things that Darth Masterna had made him do. Since the time of Ulric’s treachery, Jann had made a secret bargain with a known terrorist--a Sith Lord to boot--had broken said terrorist from her imprisonment in Coruscant’s toughest prison--with the permission of the President--and had gone on a number of missions designed to track down and destroy as many Sith elements as possible. Unfortunately, he knew, this had been all for naught. The Sith had never bothered to return his attacks--meaning he was either too small or he was having no effect on Sith assets.

“Are you just going to stand there and look dumbfounded?” said Adea as she rose from her seat. She too had changed since he had first met her--bound and chained to the walls with Force-dampening coils and energy binders. As the time had passed, the prison had moved her to a special holding cell that was lined with the Force-dampening material--an ore manufactured by the Jedi. Much of her rage had subsided, but even the President took no chances with her. The price for working outside of a prison had been the implantation of internal placers. They had once been used to tie slaves to a particular place--preventing their escape with the promise of certain death. Though they had been outlawed, many races still used them--specially in the Outer Rim. Since those early times, they had been made smaller and more precise. Now, one person could carry a transcoder within his body, while the other carried the receiver in his brain. If the receiver did not register another signal within ten minutes, it would explode. Correction groups had taken a liking to them in moving inmates. Jann Duvey wore it to allow Adea J’Brar some freedom and get her help.

Jann studied his companion. Adea J’Brar had smooth, brown skin; emerald green eyes, wavy brown hair and a smile that could make the toughest Hutt into a baby. She also was one of the quickest, sharpest and most intelligent fighters he had ever seen. Had the circumstances been different, Jann realized he would have made quick friends with Adea. Too bad that life had seemed to make them enemies. Even worse, now that they were becoming friends, the walls between them were being placed once again. He took a seat across from her bunk, where she sat reading some datacards containing various tidbits of information.

“Let me guess,” she said before he could utter a word, “This isn’t good.”

“No,” admitted Jann, “it’s not. The Jedi Council has gotten wind of our little working relationship and is ordering me to return you to Coruscant.”

Adea took this in before she let out a small sigh. “Too bad,” she said after a while and flashed her smile. “So, shall we leave now?”

“No,” replied Jann, “that is apparently the only bad news. They have ordered Krokukkon and I to remain here on Fennegen for a few days and wait for the arrival of another Jedi Knight. Then, the four of us are to go to Yavin...where Krokukkon and I will pick apprentices.”

Adea immediately gave Jann a look of amazement. “So, you and Krokukkon are to be great Jedi Masters?” she asked with some sarcasm in her voice.

“That’s the idea I guess,” he said, “but, for what it’s worth, I have no idea why they feel the need to do it now. Or why they still want to send a chaperone to look after us.”

“Because the Jedi Council fears you and your friend,” stated Adea in a dead tone. When Jann gave her a quizzical look, she began to laugh. She recovered enough to continue. “You and Krokukkon were Masterna’s apprentices when he was a Jedi. Now he is a Dark Lord of the Sith. Such traumas can leave deep and dangerous scars. The Council has been trying to ensure that nothing more can force you two to the Dark Side. That is why you will take apprentices.” Pausing she added, “That is why you are being forced to sever all ties with me.”

Jann looked into Adea’ eyes and she returned his stare. Understanding was flowing between the two--forcing them to accept the truth. She was a former Dark Lord of the Sith and now she was a prisoner. He was a Jedi Knight, now being forced into the role of Master. Their relationship, whatever that was, was over. For all that was worth, they also knew they didn’t like it.

The things Darth Masterna had done.

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A day later, Krokukkon saw his friend come from behind him and approach the windows that looked on platform 91. They did not know who it was that had been chosen to play caretaker to these two knights. However, the attention they had been getting for the past three years had been nearly overwhelming. Now, the Council had chosen the easiest way to forever keep tracks on them--Padawans. That should forever ensure their place in the Jedi Order. More importantly, the apprentices were the chains that would bind them and prevent their dabbling into the dark side of the Force--whether they were really doing it or not.

“It can’t be that bad,” said Jann without removing his eyes from the arriving ship. From what he saw, it was a brand new SpecLax Shipyards ship. Midsize, sleek and obviously designed for long-distance travel and combat, the towers’ registry had informed them that the name of the ship was the Silver Kiss. But they still did not know the identity of the Jedi flying the ship. This made both friends rather wary. Krokukkon simply turned to face his friend and growled twice. “And then a hairy Hutt is gonna sit on me,” was his reply.

The ship finally stopped and shut off all its engines. The two Jedi made their way down to the platform doors to welcome their fellow knight in. As the doors moved, both Krokukkon and Jann were hoping it would be someone they could at least work with. They were giving up on finding a friend, when-

“Serania?” asked Jann upon seeing their old comrade. They both moved to greet her. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m your new partner for the remainder of your mission,” she said, an honest smile flashing on her face. She hugged Jann and then repeated the action with Krokukkon, who gave her a few welcoming remarks in Wookie. Jann began to reply, “He said-”

“May you bring the fortune of the gods with you,” said Serania. “I actually took the time to learn Wookie since last we met,” she explained after seeing Jann’s startled face.

“Surprise me silly, then,” replied Jann. Serania Burtell, Jedi Knight and Inquisitor, but more than that, a friend. The three knights turned towards the corridor and began to walk back towards their quarters. “So, how have you been?”

“I wish I could say better,” replied Serania honestly, “but it just seems like everything’s going to go to hell any moment now.” Sobering up for a moment, she added, “I’m sorry about Alle. I read your reports on the way in. This galaxy is slowly going mad.”

“Well,” said Jann, “it’s not like there’s a lack of worthy people to push it. Everywhere you go, it’s all the same. And to think that, oh, about ten years ago, this was a much happier and quieter galaxy.”

Krokukkon roared and made both Jedi laugh. “Oh yeah,” replied Jann, “Happy. Yes. Quiet, I doubt. We were, after all, running around the galaxy back then and boy did we cause trouble.”

They reached their quarters and Krokukkon opened the locked room. Inside, a female figure stood to greet the entering Jedi. Upon seeing her, Serania’s blood got a few degrees colder. It was Adea J’Brar. “Welcome,” she said. “My name is Adea. I’m a friend of both Jann’s and Krokukkon’s. I hope we can be friends as well.”

“I don’t know,” replied Serania in a somewhat terser tone. “I don’t have friends locked up in prison.” Jann simply looked at Krokukkon, who rolled his eyes back. The fight they were hoping wouldn’t happen was about to start.

“Don’t tell me you’re still mad at me because I tried to take your head off all those years ago?” asked Adea with some humor.

“No,” replied Serania, “after all, I got you locked up in a tight cell. Too bad someone had to release those Force-dampening coils. They looked mighty good on you.” Both Adea and Serania were facing each other down. Jann simply stepped between them and said, “That is as far as it goes. Get it out of your systems now, because I am not getting aboard ANY ship where I have to watch one-half of the crew rip their heads off on a daily basis. Got it?”

Adea simply sat back down, while Serania turned away to find suitable place to sit. Krokukkon merely stepped aside and allowed her to sit on a bunk. Jann kept looking at each one before saying, “All right. Then here’s the deal. We are going to board the Star Flame tomorrow morning and leave for Yavin. It is a day or so from here so I really don’t want to put up with any of this. There we will meet with the headmasters of the Academy and go through the selection process for Padawans. When that is complete--and not a moment before--we will return to Coruscant to formerly request to the Jedi Council that our apprentices selections be approved. And not until that is complete will Adea return to Coruscant’s prisons. Are we clear on that?” Nods all around meant they had followed him.

“Until then,” Jann continued, “Adea is going to go through all our information on Sith locations, technology and provide us with as much data as she can on where the Sith’s leaders may be.”

“That is what I have been doing since yesterday,” replied Adea. “I’ll show you--.” Without warning several explosions resonated all throughout Fennegen and cut Adea’s speech short. “What in Yoda’s name is that?” asked Jann. Several more explosions rang before a red alert when up throughout the facilities. Without waiting to be told, Krokukkon ran out of the door, followed by Jann, Serania and Adea. They ran through the now busy corridors to the control center at the main facility. Once they stepped through, they saw a Quermian at the head of the controls’ many consoles. She was directing traffic as the various Jedi assumed battle positions.

“Mistress Etla Llan,” asked Jann through the ruckus as he avoided other Jedi, “What is going on?”

The Quermian’s high oval head turned to face the party and stated, “We are under attack! Sith fighters!” The Jedi turned and saw a good number of black-colored fighters take out many of Fennegen’s ground defenses. “We are in process of getting our squadrons in the air, but many pilots trapped. Can you assist?”

Jann turned towards Adea. “My guest. She needs--.”

Serania cut him abruptly. “I have had an internal placer installed. What is the frequency?” Seeing Jann’s questioning look, she almost erupted. “We don’t have time for this! Frequency! Now!”

Jann replied pausing for a moment, “0425587-password: ‘Ulric’.” Serania placed the information on a datapad and waited for the two seconds it took for the placer to hook onto the frequency. “Got it! Go!” The Wookie was ahead of Jann and they both turned and ran towards the squadron bays. Serania simply moved back and took a place next to Adea. No words were said and neither one recognized the other’s presence.

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Jann and Krokukkon had both had ample experience in flying fighters. But they were thinking the same exact thing, “We have never been in combat on a fighter!” This thought did not ease their troubles as they mounted the almost new G-88 Thunder Chasers. Like many of the ships, these fighters were built exclusively for the Jedi Order by AstroTech Corp. They were sleek, fast and agile, with medium-sized cockpits ahead of two wings. Mounted on each wing was a vast array of blast cannons, photon cannons and pulse cannons. Purple in color, this enabled them to blend with most of the scenery in outer space. Of course, the Jedi had never used them in combat, except to scare off a few nosy pirates off a convoy. Now, they were going to get a baptism of fire at the hands of trained Sith pilots.

The Chasers were up in the air and flying towards the cloud of fighters and their accompanying cruisers. Here, the Jedi met their first problem.

“Alright,” spoke one of the fighters, “Who is out here? Who’s leading this charge?”

This very question made every one of the knigths’ stomachs turn. The majority of Fennegen’s squadrons were not placed within the main control facility. They had their own separate installation, away from the usual bustle of the repair facilities. At best, one squadron was stationed at the center facility. The Sith fighters had taken that facility and their squadron bays out. Perhaps some of those fighters could make it out here, but, for now, it would have to be less than one Jedi squadron against what appeared to be four Sith squadrons. What made their situation worse was that no one knew who exactly had made it to a ship and out to the battlefield.

“Squadron leaders?” asked Mistress Llan, “Are there any squadron leaders?” The complete lack of sound answered the question. “Second-in commands?”

“Dante Mel Jhaman, reporting,” said one fighter, finally breaking both the silence and the fear. Jann tried to remember any Jedi with that name, but was coming up blank. Then, a Wookie’s roars broke the silence. A few moments later, Jhaman replied, “Krokukkon, is that you?” The Wookie acknowledged his presence. Jann could feel some of Jhaman’s tension ease, knowing he had a friend out here.

“No other seconds made it out here, Fennegen,” said Jhaman, “I guess that puts me in charge.”

“Correct, Jedi Mel Jhaman,” replied Fennegen Control. “Lead your fighters and defend the base. We will try to rally more troops to your battle.” With that, the fighters were once again left to their own devices. Jhaman, cool and collected, asked for everyone to identify themselves. Some of the names, Jann knew, but most were a mystery. Overall, fifteen fighters had made it out, while they were about to meet sixty for the Sith. Jann flipped on the transmission switch to talk to Jhaman. “I guess we aren’t going to take these guys out ship-to-ship.”

“No, Duvey,” replied Jhaman. “They outnumber us five to one. I don’t think even Jedi can battle odds like that out here. What we need is a plan.” Scanning ahead, the Jedi spotted a large group of Sith fighters--the ones who attacked both Fennegen facilites--and a large transport behind them. The transport was undoubtedly their base of operations, as well as their refuel center. After considering for a few moments, Jhaman spoke to the entire group. What he had in mind was an old Jedi flying technique called “The Knife.” He broke his fifteen fighters into three groups of five--one led by himself, the second led by a Cerean named De Ramun and the third led by Krokukkon. From his partner, Jann learned to Jhaman was human and that they had met their first day at the Jedi Academy. Though they had gone different ways--Jhaman to Fennegen Corps and Krokukkon with Ulric--they had tried to stay in touch. Now, fate had dropped them on the same battlefield they both would have taken--had it not been for Ulric Tronos.

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From behind the cockpits of their new RadUl starfighters, the Sith pilots--mostly humans--saw the Jedi squadron approach them. That they were doing so in an open and casual fashion seemed both foolish and dangerous to the Sith pilots.

“Perhaps they have realized that they cannot defeat us!” said one pilot.

“Or perhaps they’ve come to join our side!” said a second before being silenced by the others.

“Let’s wait until they’re in range and destroy them all. The way we’ll destroy all the Jedi!” said a third pilot.

The Sith fighters stood their ground--not advancing nor retreating. But they were also in no formation. Instead, they simply laid about and waited to ambush the approaching Jedi.

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“They look like they’re waiting for us,” commented one of the Jedi. Jann realized that too. The Sith were simply waiting for them to get close enough to slaughter the Chasers. And normally, that would have been the end result of what looked to be a poorly-planned attack. Appearances here were different however.

“Squadron Burn, Squadron Cinder,” commanded Jhaman, “drop back.” At his voice, the five fighters led by Ramun--Burn Squadron--dropped a good distance behind Jhaman and his five. The same action was repeated by Krokukkon--who led Cinder Squadron. The names had been adopted rather quickly to designate everyone’s place and coordinate the attack easier. Now, three groups of five fighters were approaching the Sith fighter cloud. This was amusing the Sith pilots to no end.

“Sith squadrons,” spoke their commander, “Jedi ships will be within optimum firing range in one minute. Prepare to destroy them.”

The three groups of Jedi ships kept coming towards the cloud of Sith fighters in an open manner. The tension building within the pilots would soon reach its boiling point. The Sith pilots were ready to press their firing triggers and level the Jedi out of their ships.

“Sith squadrons,” ordered their commander, “Att-!”

Suddenly, the two rear Jedi squadrons broke in front of the front five ships and dove right into the Sith squadrons. Krokukkon and De Ramun led their specific fighters, who followed their leaders one by one. Jann was given the anchor position in Cinder Squadron and entered the fray last. In two straight lines, the Jedi ships plowed into the Sith--firing what, at first, seemed like random shots. But all of their shots found their targets and the Sith were suddenly watching their own dissapear in plumes of yellow and red--a result of the escaping gases and fuel.

“Sith fighters!” yelled the commander, “Engage! Engage!”

Many of the Sith pilots who had been stationed in the front began to turn and pursue the Jedi. However, they were met by the blasts from their own comrades, who, in desperation, were firing without acquiring targets. The Jedi moved to and fro, avoiding the majority of these blasts. Still, they kept their straight lines. Quickly, both Ramun and Krokukkon broke through the rear of the Sith pack and turned towards their respective sides. Their fighters--most of them still intact--broke right after them and followed their leaders. Once the anchors came out, all fighters broke formation and began to pick off the Sith fighters.

The Sith commander, positioned in the transport, saw the disarray in which his fighters were fighting. The fight had quickly taken a turn for the worst. What he needed to do was pull as many of his fighters as possible and regroup them for a combined attack on the Jedi.

“All Sith fighters!” ordered the commander. “Disengage and break off! I repeat, disengage and break off!”

“Commander! Look!” yelled a subordinate to get the commander’s attention. The man looked up and immediately saw the five fighters under Jhaman’s command--Ash Squadron. They had not engaged in the fighting and had, instead, come under the protection of their fellow Jedi to pass unscathed through the firefight. They had not broken off, but were headed right for the Sith ship--which did not have large defensive capabilities.

“Sith fighters!” immediately ordered the commander. “Protect the transport! Damn it! Where are you?!”

Some of the Sith fighters did break from the fight and pursued the fighters of Ash Squadron. However, they were quickly dispatched by the other Jedi squadrons. With no one attacking them, Ash Squadron’s fighters broke formation and dove straight for the Sith transport, firing as they did. The Sith ship responded with deadly fire from its batteries. The small Chasers evaded the fire from the larger ship and the Jedi moved to remove this threat.

At the same time, the members of Burn and Cinder squadrons were slowly chipping away at the Sith fighters. While the Sith pilots may have been more experienced, the Jedi had an powerful ally in the Force. It allowed the fighters to dart in and out of the fray with near impunity. It also warned them of incoming danger and gave the Jedi pilots the chance to move away. Watching the Jedi pilots fly against the Sith was watching a deadly ballet of steel birds as they fought one another.

“Watch yourself, Cinder Three,” said Jann to another pilot--another human named Mica Moreor. The Corellian saw what his comrade meant--three Sith pilots had joined forces and were enjoying some success. They had just shot down the first two Jedi fighters lost in the fray. Now, they were coming right for him.

“I can’t shake them!” yelled Moreor over his comlink. The Sith RadUl fighters were pouncing on the Thunder Chaser with amazing speed. “They’re gonna get me!!” yelled the Jedi. Jann immediately knew what to do. He darted through the various volleys of other Sith pilots and launched proton torpedoes at the exact spot where Moreor was flying. The heavier torpedoes took a moment to reach that place in space--the moment when the Sith pilots where right there. As Jann swung away, he managed to catch a glimpse of the fiery blast and noticed that he had hit the center fighter. No smugness was present now because this was no game.

Meanwhile, the members of Ash Squadron were indeed pouncing on the larger and slower Sith transport. Jhaman and his wingman, a Dug that was named Vocilor, hugged the hull of the large ship and released their deadly volley at the command center. They managed to weaken the hull’s shields and, more importantly, destroyed the last of the ship’s defense batteries. The red signals that blared through the bridge informed the commander of this reality. He had lost the day--best to leave and fight another day. He motioned to his lieutenant and ordered, “Get us out of here! Now!”

“Sir!” replied the lower-ranked officer, “What about the fighters?!”

“Order them to retreat,” replied the superior. “Time to get out!”

The lieutenant nodded and moved to make his superior’s orders a reality. But something told him that they weren’t going to make it.

As the lieutenant moved, Cinder Squadron joined Ash in their relentless attack of the Sith ship. As the Sith fighters turned and fled, Ramun’s Burn Squadron pressed their attack and made sure that the other two Jedi groups would not be interrupted. Vocilor and Krokukkon moved through their comrades’ fire and targeted their proton torpedoes at the ship’s engines. Right behind them were Moreor and Jhaman, who had the engines in their sight. The first Jedi let loose their salvo and broke away, followed a moment after, by their comrades. The torpedoes hit the engines with incredible force and started a massive chain reaction. A plume of fire moved down the Sith transport and engulfed it in flames. The Jedi made sure to move away as quick as they realized the truth. In the space of seconds, the Sith transport became a fiery bird that dissipated into the cold of space.

Both Burn and Cinder Squadron moved back towards Fennegen. The few stray Sith fighters had been taken care of by Ash Squadron.

“Should we pursue?” asked Jann to Jhaman.

“Negative, Duvey,” replied Jhaman. “Let them flee. We have to take care of our wounds.” Speaking to his fighters, Jhaman asked, “Is anyone seriously injured?” Various pilots said that they had sustained some wounds or that their ships were damaged. Jhaman ordered these ships to return to Fennegen base. The remaining ships--eight--remained on patrol around Fennegen until the majority of Fennegen Corps joined them. Then, Jhaman ordered his squadron to return to Fennegen.

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On Fennegen, a large crowd of Jedi met the returning pilots. Wild cheers greeted the heroes as they descended. Jhaman, Ramun and Krokukkon were recognized by Mistress Llan as great leaders and commended them for their bravery. She made sure that all of the battle-weary pilots were slowly taken away to rest, but not before giving them the chance to bask in the glow of their victory and of their comrades’ admiration. All of the pilots soaked this in before leaving. Mistress Llan told the Jedi that there would be time later for a more formal commendation and that there was still work to be done. With this said, the Jedi sobered and returned to their duties. The Sith might still return.

As he walked away, Jann finally met Dante Mel Jhaman. He was a man of thirty-two. Dark skin and complection, but an easy smile and a charming personality. Jann liked him. As Krokukkon told of their run-ins in Yavin, both Adea and Serania approached them.

“Well Jann,” stated Adea, “it seems like you win this day.”

“Yeah,” replied Jann, “it’s time we got a break. This hopefully will be it.”

“Why would the Sith move against Fennegen though?” pondered Serania aloud. This immediately sobered the group. “After all, it’s always been here.”

“Perhaps they see it as a potential threat in some greater scheme,” offered Jhaman. “Something else they’re cooking, but that still remains in the shadows.”

“That would be my guess,” offered Adea. Suddenly, their reverie was broken by a loud signal. “Jann Duvey, report to Command Center! Jann Duvey, report to Command Center!”

Immediately, the small group ran towards the control room.

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The small group of Jedi poured onto the Command Center at great speed. Krokukkon and Jann formed a wall that the others nearly crashed into. The activity on the control room had not diminished a bit since the Sith began their attack. Jedi ran to and fro, while droids beeped and chirped at their living counterparts. Mistress Llan turned to the group and offered her assesment, “We are getting one large cruiser, named the Golden Hawk and accompanying ships on our scopes. They are requesting permission to land and wish to see Jedi Knight Jann Duvey.” Focusing on Jann, she asked, “Do you know what this is about?”

“No, Mistress Llan,” replied Jann as he and his friends began to remove their fighter gear. “I have no idea.”

“Very well,” replied the Jedi Master. “They are sending down one shuttle. We’ll have our answer soon.”

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Within fifteen minutes, a small golden craft descended on a landing platform. Waiting for the shuttle were Jann, Mistress Llan, Krokukkon, Adea and Serania. The two friends had returned to their Jedi robes as the expected Sith retaliation had never come. The entire facilities around Fennegen had gone on full alert. Both Jedi and Republic stations in an ten-system arc around Fennegen were now searching for the remains of the Sith squadron. This had eased some of the tension that the Jedi stationed at Fennegen had, but not by much. The golden shuttle was, however, increasing their nervousness again. Jedi fighters were circling above the shuttle--ready to defend their comrades at a sign of trouble.

Yet the golden shuttle did not deviate from its path and had even left its fighter escort on orbit around Fennegen. It slowly came to a still on the platform. After a few tense moments, a landing ramp was lowered and three figures came out. Two were very ornately-dressed guards, who wore purple robes and--what appeared to be--antiquated weapons at their sides. The Jedi assessed them to be color guard. The third person was also richly-dressed, but wore black with a single purple line running along the sleeves and neck of his robe. He was obviouly a minister of some type. They approached the Jedi with no fear.

“Jann Duvey?” asked the minister once he was in front of the group.

Stepping up, Jann replied, “That is me. What can I do for you?”

“My name is Maca Zun. I am Grand Vizier of the Kingdom of Antar Mega. We need you to come with us,” replied the minister. “It is a most urgent matter.” 

“Wait a moment!” said Serania, stepping up, “He is under standing orders by the Jedi Council! You can’t just take him.” Behind her, Krokukkon, Adea and Mistress Llan all stepped forward--backing the young Jedi. However, the minister was prepared. He withdrew a small holoprojector from his robes and ignited it. Immediately, a hologram of Master Ebbo Zommo stood before the Jedi.

“Jedi Knight Jann Duvey,” spoke the hologram, “the Jedi Council desires for you to join Vizier Zun and his delegation. Your mission to Yavin Four will be completed later. Krokukkon, Adea J’Brar and Serania Burtell will continue ahead of you.” With that said, the hologram dissipated back into nothingness. The Jedi stood there, wondering what to do next.

“As you can guess, we have gone to the President of the Republic as well and he too sees no problem with your joining us,” added Vizier Zun as he put away the projector. The Jedi stood there wondering and it was Jann who finally voiced the obvious question, “Why?”

“Ah, I am unable to divulge the reasons to you in public,” replied the Vizier, “but after we depart I will reveal my reasons to you.”

Jann turned towards his friends and said, “Well, there doesn’t seem to be much I can do. Krokukkon,” he said, turning towards the Wookie, “go ahead to Yavin and pick out your Padawan. If all goes well, I might rejoin you in Coruscant.” He nodded towards Serania and Adea and added, “We’ll resolve your situation there as well, Adea.” With that he gained a sense of composure and faced the Vizier, “Alright. Let’s do it.”

The Vizier acknowledged the young man before turning and leading him and his guards back into the golden shuttle. The rest of the Jedi watched as it left the ground and returned towards the ship it had come from. While most returned to the confines of the base, Krokukkon stood there until the ship had dissapeared from sight. Then, he turned towards the base--quick in his pace.

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Within a day, the small Jedi group departed aboard the Star Flame and had departed for Yavin Four. That trip would take the better part of their day--arriving when the academy had shut down for the night. They would then spend the following day going through the list of potential Padawan candidates that would have been already made by the Academy’s headmasters.

They were hoping this strange trip would go smoother than it had started. There were only so many adventures one could take in a lifetime.

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Meanwhile, Terturi had erupted as if by a volcano of hate. Its source? The wrath of the Dark Lords of the Sith.

“Incompetent!” screamed an enraged Darth Masterna at the leftover Sith pilots, who were now kneeling in front of them. “Utterly incompetent!” The Sith Lords paced around them.

Darth Rahn suddenly proceeded to pick up one of the pilots from his throat and hoisted him upwards. The sharpened metal talons of Rahn’s claws proceeded to cut into the skin of the pilot. He began to gasp for air as his terrorized eyes saw his blood begin to trickle down the claws of the Sith Lord. “None of them deserve to live,” replied Rahn’s metallic voice.

Darth Belian simply said, “Put him back, Rahn. The forces are united.” With that, the two other Sith Lords stepped back and into their holoprojectors, which were sealed airtight by a plastisteel wall. Within moments, large holograms of the Sith Lords appeared in the skies of Terturi. The whole of the Sith army--finally brought together by the Lords--stood in attendance. They awaited the Darths to finally reveal their plans. Then, Belian began to speak.

“Army of the Sith,” he began, “you are finally united. No longer is the Brotherhood splintered or separated by petty bickering or the crushing hands of the Republic and of the Jedi. The Sith is now one!” Wild cheering broke out through the troops and Belian allowed it to rise and then fall before continuing. “But the Jedi, weakened as they are, have managed to injure us once again. The foolish commander and pilots on whom the duty fell to level the facilities of Fennegen have failed. For that, many brave fell alongside the fools.”

Suddenly, the image changed and showed the small group of pilots that still knelt before the Sith Lords. Their comrades became gravely silent as the group was lowered one level beneath the Sith Lords’ presence. Their platform stopped on a darkened room where the pilots began to look around. Before they knew it, the walls revealed cellular disintegrators, which proceeded to burn up the entire room. The pilots did not even get the chance to scream. After a brief flash, the holovision returned to the visage of the Sith Lords.

“They were weak,” spoke Darth Belian, “and weakness will not be tolerated. The galaxy fears us, fears you. If you cannot use that to triumph, then you are not a true warrior of the Sith. Now, go and make the Jedi fear you!” With that, the entire army regained their wild cheering and began to break into groups, following their commanding officers. The holograms of the Sith Lords dissapeared from the sky and all that remained were the thousands of beings that swore allegiance to the Dark Lords.

Meanwhile, the Darths summoned Nekki before them. The Sith Knight knelt before his masters and awaited their orders. Darth Masterna spoke first.

“Nekki,” he said, “you have been a stalwart and strong follower. Now it is time to know how strong you truly are.” The young, dark, man remained silent, but gulped quietly to himself. “The Lords of the Sith feel that you are strong enough to lead. Can you?”

“All you need to do is ask,” replied the young man, who began to realize that his life was still his.

“Very well, Nekki,” replied Darth Belian. “Instead of waiting for our triumph against the Yavin Academy, we have decided to speed our plans. The attacks against Yavin Four and Coruscant will take place within hours of one another. This will make the Jedi seem unawares and foolish in the eyes of the galaxy. Since the Coruscant attack will require all our strength, you will lead our troops against the Yavin facilities. Understood?”

“Yes, master,” said Nekki, exalted and amazed at the level of confidence he had with the Dark Lords.

“Do us proud,” said Masterna, “and do not dissapoint us. The full of our squadrons await your leadership at the bays.”

With that, the Sith Knight bowed and left to take command of the Sith squadrons. The Sith Lords turned and established a connection with another of their knights. Sha-wan Merkat appeared as a hologram, which bowed before its masters.

“Sha-wan,” spoke Belian, “we are moving the attack’s schedule. Is everything made ready?”

“Yes, my masters,” replied a still Sha-wan. “All is in accordance to your orders. I simply await your presence.”

“Then prepare yourself, Sha-wan,” said Darth Belian. “We will be arriving within a few days. Make sure that there are no problems.”

The hologram bowed low as it dissapeared. The Sith Lords stood for a moment, realizing that everything they had worked for, their plans and machinations, were about to yield their ultimate triumph.

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Meanwhile, in the shadows of Coruscant, Sha-wan Merkat rose and was returning to his work, when the dark shadow appeared again. “They come, then?” it asked.

“Yes, Master,” replied Sha-wan in awe and reverance. “They’ll be here soon.”

“Soon,” said the dark figure, savoring the word. Soon could not come soon enough for some.

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Krokukkon, Serania and Adea, meanwhile, spent the night as guest of the Jedi Masters of the Jedi Academy on Yavin Four. Like many places, the fourth moon around the gigantic gas planet Yavin had a long and impressive history. It had first been used as temples for the Sith, thousands of years ago. After their destruction, the moon was forgotten by the galaxy until the Rebel Alliance discovered it and used it as their main base of operations against the Galactic Empire of Palpatine. However, after the Battle of Yavin, the Rebels were forced to leave Yavin Four. It was, once again, returned to the wild forest to consume. However, a short while later, the great Jedi Master Luke Skywalker returned and established the Jedi Academy here. Though there was much conflict and struggle, the Academy had continued--surviving even being changed to other locales. Two hundred years ago though, the Jedi Council saw the wisdom of Master Skywalker and had ordered the Jedi Academy be forever placed on the Yavin Four facilities.

Or so they were being told by the Jedi Padawan who was giving them the full tour. While Adea listened attently to the young female Menurian, Krokukkon and Serania tried to maintain a semblance of interest in a subject that both knew by heart now. However, their boredom was a mask with which they covered their concern for Jann. They had asked Mistress Llan to update them on his situation should she find anything about it. However, she had yet to contact them--meaning there was either nothing to report or nothing she could report to them. Neither choice was pleasant for them.

Eventually though, the tour of the Yavin facilities ended and the group was taken to the chambers of the Jedi Masters in charge. The seven Masters--which were all in their late years--greeted Krokukkon and Serania as brothers in the Order, but gave Adea only a small indifferential greeting. They were seated and the Jedi Master in charge--an elderly Cerean named Zarhon-Te-Brakas--presented Krokukkon with the prepared files on the various Jedi charges which they considered to be ready for apprenticeship. Names, species, genders, training, teacher evaluations; all the pertinent information was there. However, none of these young Jedi seemed to fit Krokukkon. They decided to walk to the sparring rooms--where the students where intensively training in the Jedi’s ultimate weapon, the lightsabre. The Jedi Masters began to point at students.

“That one is Letno Teverar,” pointed one Master at a young Zabrak. “He is one of the finest students we’ve had. He’s strong as any two men and able.” The last few words were said with a sense of pride.

Another Master pointed to a young female human, “That’s Mara Bendu,” she said, “of the famous Bendu family. Though she would like to wait for her mother to take her as Padawan, she has said that she will accept any able Master. She would do you proud.”

Krokukkon took all of this in stride, but began to listen to the Masters less and less. Names and backgrounds were quickly rattled to him, but he paid them no heed. He lost himself in the Force and allowed it to lead him towards someone. His eyes scanned the room and eventually settled on a young and quiet boy who was training by himself at the far end of the room. The Wookie Jedi gruffed a few questions at Master Brakas.

“That young man is Sebe Mertan,” replied the Cerean Master. “He has been a student here for quite some time. Though strong, he has never been claimed by a Jedi to train. To tell you the truth, I am not sure if he’s the right student for you, Krokukkon. Perhaps you should select someone far easier to train for your first Padawan.” Krokukkon simply replied by growling a few times. Brakas knew what the Wookie was saying. “There was no such thing as an easy Jedi to train.”

“We will ask him to join us then,” replied Master Brakas.

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Sebe Mertan sat by himself on one of the rooms of the Jedi Academy. He stood staring out its window at the ongoings of the Jedi and the students. While he did wonder why he had been called, he had long learned to not ask too many questions of the Masters who taught here. He simply knew that it had something to do with the Wookie Jedi he had caught sight of back in the training room.

The doors swished open and the same tall and woolly Jedi came in, but, on closer inspection, he realized that he was taller and woollier. The Wookie wore the brown robes of a Jedi Knight and walked in just the same way that he had perceived other Jedis to walk. Why could this Jedi Knight want to speak to him? Sebe had no idea. Then, the Wookie growled a few things.

“Greetings, Jedi Krokukkon,” replied the young man. “I am Sebe Mertan, at your services.” The Jedi Knight gruffed again, with surprise in his tone. “Yes, sir, I do speak Wookie. I had a teacher here who was a Wookie and he saw fit to teach me.”

Krokukkon simply smiled within himself. Maybe the Force knew how to lead him.

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However, not far away, the Sith squadrons were coming together at their last rally point. Leading them from an impressive cruiser, Nekki simply gazed at all the Sith Lords had bestowed on him. Power like this was intoxicating and he was making sure to enjoy every moment of it.

More than that, he was enjoying the trust his dark Masters had placed upon him. He would make sure that their trust would be rewarded. He would go to Yavin and level the place where all Jedi were taught. That would begin the downfall of the Jedi in the galaxy. Soon, they would return to their outlaw status of so long ago. The Jedi would have nowhere to run to and cower. They would all die.

“All fighter squadrons,” ordered Nekki, with a sense of command in his voice, “prepare to go to light speed. Squadron commanders, remember to begin your attack as soon as you arrive.” Pausing, he said, “Sith, attack!”

All of the fighter squadrons--a total of three hundred fighters and cruisers--stopped momentarily in space, then sped towards a distant spot in the far sky. That spot was Yavin Four.

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“I must tell you, Krokukkon,” said Master Brakas, “Sebe was perhaps the last student I would have considered for you.” The Wookie simply gave the Cerean Master a simple stare. “Not because he is not capable. Rather, because he has been passed over a number of times. He’s almost at the age where he was to be dismissed. I do not know if I can agree with your choice.”

The Wookie simply roared his reply to the Jedi Master. “I believe him to be the perfect choice. Any way, the Council will decide.”

“Yes, they will,” replied Master Brakas, futility seeping in. “When do you plan on leaving?”

The Wookie growled, “Tomorrow,” before rising from his seat in the Jedi Master’s office and leaving. The impressive Jedi strolled through the halls of the Jedi Academy past both students and teachers. His mind was, however, far and away from the bustle around him. Why had the Force led him to Sebe Mertan? he pondered. Why him? Was it just because he was the right one? Probably. But then again, there were many who were just as ready and worthy to become Padawans. Was it because he empathized with the young man and remembered how terrible he had felt during the years when his friends were leaving him behind? He doubted it, but the thought was there. Or, could it be that Sebe Mertan reminded him of his close friend, Jann Duvey?

---

That thought sprung out of nowhere to sting him. While he worried about his friend--why had that Vizier wanted him?--he also knew that he had not been a factor in his selection of Sebe Mertan.

Or had he? They were after all humans. They both spoke fluent Wookie. In Sebe’s eyes, he saw the same fire and mischief that had colored Jann for so long.

Krokukkon slowly put those thoughts aside--they were madness. The Force had guided him to Sebe Mertan. Now, he would train young Sebe in the Jedi arts and make him into a complete Jedi Knight. Why the Council had decided that this take place now or Sebe’s similarities to his friend and partner were immaterial. He would do the best job he could and one day present Sebe Mertan to the whole of the Order and make them proud.

He looked outside to where the young students were going through some more of their lessons. A large number were doing simple calisthenics. On the far side, he saw the more advanced students begin their training on Force-abilities. While the Jedi Master was easily leaping up some thirty feet into the air, the students could barely muster more than six feet at a time. Krokukkon smiled as this brought back memories of him and Jann doing this. The human had jokingly complained that it wasn’t fair for them to try and beat Krokukkon who, as a Wookie, had a size advantage. He had nearly jumped on him for saying such a thing, but Jann, deviant smile on his face, had simply Force-leapt into the air some ten feet. Soon after that, they had become the best of--.

A thunderous explosion rocketed the Jedi back into the present. It seemed to be raining fire from the sky. Explosions took out buildings and began to burn the ancient jungle of Yavin. Students and teachers were sprinting back into the covers of the facilities, but some were falling short. Several of the Jedi Masters--concerned more with the safety of their charges, were not quick enough to avoid the deadly salvos or the wreckage they were causing and fell. Krokukkon began to move with purpose, his long legs acting as pistons.

“What is going on?” yelled Serania as she approached her friend. He replied in growls. An attack, to be sure.

“Well, let’s get all those kids in here!” said Adea, in a hurry. Before they could react, she was outside. The two Jedi were quick to follow her. They found a large number of the students were blocked by two massive oaks that had fallen. The group took places and tried lifting the oaks with the Force, but to no use. Krokukkon suddenly felt a small brush of air run past him. He looked down to see Sebe remove his lightsabre and ignite it. Before the Wookie could reply, the Jedi student plunged the fiery blue sword into the oaks and cut them to pieces.

“Come on!” he yelled to the group of crying kids. Turning, he led them towards the shelter of the facility. “Master Krokukkon, I’ll take these away! Help the rest!” With that, he threw the Jedi his lightsabre back. The blue sword spun in the air before being plucked by a hairy paw. Master Krokukkon? thought the Wookie. How did that happen?

“Hey, you’re helping us or not?!” yelled Adea as she was removing various fallen structures from people who had been caught unawares. As soon as they were let up, the Jedi instructors and students began to seek shelter. Working as one, the three friends removed most of the fallen debris from their others and helped them up. Sebe came back various times and helped the more injured back. Serania eventually took notice and noted to her friend, “Some kid you chose, huh?” Krokukkon could only roar his approval. It seemed the Force was guiding them as it properly should.

Adea returned them to the here and now by asking, “Is this place defenseless?” Serania understood what she said and replied, “No. Yavin Four has a strong set of defensive batteries to protect it.” When the former Sith Lord looked at her questioningly, the Jedi only replied, “A gift from some friends of yours I think.”

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Inside the Jedi Academy, Master Brakas saw the batteries taking out fighters left and right. Though they had been caught unawares, now they were pushing whom he correctly guessed as the Sith back. He saw them pulling back in disarray, managing only defensive shots at the batteries that had them on the run. Many were the shots that missed, but some still found their mark. Eventually though, the Sith were pushed back.

“Status report!” he ordered through his comm unit. “I want status report on all sectors of this moon.” Jedi were filtering in and out as he heard through reports full of static. He turned to an aide and asked, “What is the matter?”

“I believe our communications arrays were hit, sir,” replied the aide. “We’re checking them right now.”

“Sensors?” asked Brakas. The aide replied, “Those still remain, sir.”

“Master!” screamed another aide. “Second wave of fighters, coming right for us!”

“Charge up the batteries,” ordered Master Brakas. “Inform all sectors to remain on alert.”

“Master, the batteries are not responding!” yelled the weapons aide. Brakas took a look and instantly understood what the fighters had been doing while falling back. They had been targeting their communications and batteries. Now that those had been put offline, here came the majority of the fighters.

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