Star Wars: Darkside of the Force [Fanfic]

[Nik Steevi]

So it begins. Welcome to Episode I of the Darkside Trilogy. This will charter the life and times of a Jedi Knight living in the Star Wars universe over one hundred and fifty years before THE PHANTOM MENACE.




A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...


It is a time of peace in the Old Republic. Long gone are the days of the sith war and for thousands of years the Jedi Knights have devoted themselves to studying the infinate mysteries of the force.

However, even in this day there are battles to be fought and won. The sith may have been banished, but there are still those who follow the dark ways. Qel-Oon Jarr, a one time Jedi padawan had recently fallen from the order, when he was seduced by the darkside.

Little does the galactic senate realise that he is about to set a string of events into motion that could sow the seeds of their downfall. The Jedi council is aware of his disturbance and so must decide wheather or not to send Jedi knights to interfer with his plans.

Thrust into this situation are Nik Steevi, a padawan learner and his Master JanTarn Marl. Together they will unravel a mystery, which will change their very conception of the force...

[Nik Steevi]

Nik Steevi stalked the hallowed floors of the Jedi archive, looking absent mindedly through the rows of ancient holocrons. He had been sent there to study for his upcoming assignment, but found himself contemplating the force instead. His master, JanTarn, had warned him endlessly about the future and how he shouldn't try to predict it, but he couldn't help himself.

From the view of the casual observer Nik appeared to be just like every other Jedi padawan in the library. He wore loose jedi robes of natural earth colours and had his jet black hair cut short, save for the long braid of hair that ran down over his shoulder - a sign of his padawan status. Yet Nik didn't feel the same. He couldn't explain why, but the force treated him differently to every other padawan. Most of them had had to learn to control their powers over years of training, but Nik had been able to control his from birth. Moving objects with his mind was child play to him even at three years of age and by now in his late twenties he didn't even need to consciously try.

Perhaps his aptitude in the force was the reason why his mind often wandered from the point. As Master Yoda would say:

'Your head screwed on right, it is not...'

The little green taskmaster had a way of putting things bluntly and his humour was often apparent. Yet despite his constant mocking, Nik relished any time he could spend with Yoda because no one knew more about the force and the future than he did.

The padawans train of thought was broken by the arrival of the archives human librarian Kustar Helios, his long grey hair bouncing merrily along with him.

'Do you require any assistance, young padawan?' He asked inquistively, making sure to lean up close.

Nik smiled at him, knowing full well that JanTarn had probably instructed the old librarian to make sure he was carrying out his research.

'I don't believe so Master Helios,' he replied, bowing gratefully, 'But if I do you'll be the first person I shall seek.'

Wrinkled eyes squinted at him for a second before their owner returned the bow.

'Very well...However, Master Marl would like you to be swifter in your search.'

Glancing off to the left he spotted another Jedi who looked like they required help, so he bounced off to help them in his usual manner. Nik watched him go and sighed.

I'd best do as JanTarn wants he thought, placing his hands inside the folds of his sleeves and walking off towards one of the many reasearch desks in an aisle running down the centre.

He passed the bust of a famous Jedi and sat down in the available seat. The screen on the wooden desk before him switched on and he keyed in the search data he wanted. A map of the galaxy breifly flashed on and a section highlighted itself in red. It zoomed in to show the desired sector and then scanned further to show a specific planetary system.

Erindau... he mused the name over in his mind, but didn't find anything remarkable about it. Using the force he took control of the key pad and brought up all available data on the planet.
It was habitable, if not a little cold for his taste and it supported a large mostly human population. It's political history was fairly stable, it had been a long standing member of the republic and had its own representatives in the senate. Nothing unusual there and as he checked further he could find little of interest. At least not anything that would warrant he and his Master paying an 'urgent' visit. "Ours is not to reason why" JanTarn would say.

He switched the computer off and made his way towards the archive exit. Data collection didn't seem very poignant anymore and he was better off going to the training rooms to practice his lightsaber skills. Helios didn't notice him leave as he was too wrapped up in talking about the teachings of an old jedi master to a couple of younglings. The old man was like a child himself when he talked of such matters.


* * *

JanTarn Marl was a tall imposing figure. Now of some years, his head was beginning to bald on top, whilst whisps of whiskers were beginning to appear on his chin. What was left of his once dark hair, now grey, was tyed back tightly with a leather band.
Clothes of the jedi looked distinguished upon him, and they were well worn from years of faithful service in the republic.

This master of the Jedi arts stood at high altitude on one the Jedi Council chambers balconies. By his side, sat upon the wall, which protected knights from falling, was Master Yoda. His wrinkled ears twitched ever so slightly as he thought.

'So it is Erindau then?' JanTarn asked with no impatience. They had been standing silent for several minutes, having just disscussed the situation.

'Erindau it is. Seen it I have.' Yoda replied at length.

'If the darkside is there then how is it you are able to see the future with such clarity?' JanTarn question was honest, but he didn't doubt Yoda's ability in the slightest.

'Qel-Oon Jarr. There he is not, but someone on Erindau. Lead you to him they will.' Yoda tapped his wooden cane against the stone barrier.

JanTarn looked out at the perpetually busy traffic of Coruscant, which filled the bluest of skies and contemplated Yoda's words.

'As you say Yoda. My padawan and I shall carry out our mission. He should be in the Jedi archive. I have sent him to research our destination.'

Yoda chuckled as he often did when he was amused and used the force to call over his little platform. It obeyed his command and he shifted his tiny frame onto it.

'Sense him there I do not. Your padawan restless has he become. In the training chambers you shall find him.'

JanTarn heaved a deep sigh and chuckled also.

'I should have guessed...'

The two masters walked back into the tower.


* * *

[Nik Steevi]

Nik shifted his centre of gravity, spinning effortlessly through the air over his opponent, before landing nimbly on the opposite side. His azure blue lightsaber cut a swift arc, but was parried by another energy blade, this one a deep green. A young female Twi’Lek wielded the green lightsaber with some expertise. Her eyes were a vivid blue, but her skin was a dull grey and her robes were a darker cream than Nik’s, which were almost white.

Nik faded back from a swift counter attack, finding it extremely easy to dodge and then block. The air sizzled as the two blades met and then held. Using all his strength he forced the green blade down until it almost singed the black metallic floor. Then he switched directions suddenly, causing the Twi’Lek to lose her balance and topple forward. Although she regained her balance quickly, Nik was even quicker. He summoned the force and wrenched the lightsaber from her hand, calling it to rest in the palm of his.

‘I win again.’ He said with a broad grin. Extinguishing the green blade he tossed it back to its owner, who caught it and then spun it around her index finger.

‘I see you’ve been working on your reflexes Nik.’ The twi’lek said attempting to hide her irritation at his smugness, ‘However speed isn’t everything, you know. Efficient lightsaber movement is the best way to fight a battle.’

Nik regarded her for a moment and contemplated her words. He’d known Sasse Elija since he was a small child and her master, Even Piell, had always been concerned with grace and efficiency. It seemed to have rubbed off on his apprentice. Her lightsaber handle was also a reflection of that technique, form III combat, having a very plain silver and black design. The handle of Nik’s lightsaber reflected his style, white and gold, with dynamic looking power cells and activation switch.

‘Efficiency is one thing Sasse, but I’d rather catch my opponent off-guard with sudden changes, than put them in awe of my blade.’ He replied courteously, switching off his blade and attaching the lightsaber to his belt.

The two padawans walked over to a small bench, which was the only mark on an otherwise featureless room. On it were their cloaks, which the picked up and threw over their shoulders. Heading for the exit, Nik began to ponder about Erindau.

‘I hear you’re going on a mission shortly.’ Sasse said, straightening the belt around her waist.

‘Yes. I’m permitted to say where I’m afraid. Although I seriously doubt my lightsaber will be needed. It should be a fairly routine assignment.’ Nik replied.

‘You should always keep an open mind, my apprentice. You never know what may happen.’

JanTarn stood in the open doorway to the room. His face was stern, but tranquil at the same time, with his hands folded into the sleeves of his robes. Sasse immediately bowed as a traditional sign of respect to a Jedi Master. She also realised that Nik was in some measure of trouble, especially when her senses told her that the young padawan had tensed up.

‘Good day Master Marl.’ She said pleasantly.
JanTarn returned her bow, ‘Indeed padawan Elija. I wish to have words with Nik if you please.’

Acknowledging with a nod, she put her cloak on and left the room, leaving Nik and JanTarn alone. Once he was sure that Sasse was gone, JanTarn spoke slow and deliberately to his apprentice.

‘I take it your research on Erindau is complete, my padawan?’
‘Yes master...’ Nik replied, putting his robes back on his broad shoulders. His answer had been truthful; there had been little of interest to know about Erindau.

‘Good,’ JanTarn smiled, ‘then we shall proceed to the planet at once. The council has made all of the necessary preparations. Come.’

The old master knew well that Nik had done very little research on the planet. He would just have to discover things as they came along because their was no time to instruct him on all of the finer details hidden within the information in the archive. Disappointment wasn’t something he usually associated with Nik and now was no different. His apprentice had done just as many others would have done.

They left the training room and Nik fell into step with JanTarn. He felt a little guilty all of sudden, beginning to doubt his previous answer.

‘Master…to be honest…’

[Nik Steevi]

If people are looking at this please could you post some replies and tell me what you think...I'm looking for anything. Thanks.

[Nik Steevi]

Chapter 2


The empty void of space was lit only by the twinkling of a million distance stars, each one glistening like a gem. It was hard to believe that that any of the innumerable species that lived out there actually existed. If it were not for the constant flow of the Force in his mind Nik would have trouble believing it too.

He sat cross-legged on a cold metal floor, staring out through the window of a red republic cruiser - The colour a sign of its diplomatic immunity. Recently, it had dropped from hyperspace to approach Erindau so the stars had ceased to stream like they did when travelling faster than light.

Master JanTarn had told his apprentice to meditate and try to realise his the error of his research attempts. Nik thought by now that his master would have recognised how his punishment was more for a child than an almost fully trained Jedi Knight.

JanTarn arrived through a door to Nik's left and kneeled down next to him.

'We're coming up on Erindau now.' JanTarn said, 'have you realised your error my padawan?'

Nik was slightly irritated by his question because the answer was obvious. He decided to humour his master.

'Next time I should research more thoroughly.' Nik said. However, JanTarn's replied was not as he expected.

'No. Next time you do what I tell you.'

JanTarn got up and looked down upon him with judgement. Only then did Nik realise his true error - he had betrayed his master's trust.

'I'm sorry master. I didn't mean any disrespect.' He said lowering his head.

JanTarn smiled and helped him to his feet. Then they walked to the cockpit together.

Piloting the ship was a young, enthusaistic male human. This was Captain Rarkes and he was obviously excited to have Jedi on board his ship. As the two Knights entered he turned in his seat to welcome them back.

'Everything’s okay up here Masters. I'm just laying in a landing vector. Do you wish me to contact the administration at Horta Senatorial?' He said in a flurry hand gestures.

Incarcerated in the rear of the ship, Nik hadn't met Rarkes and found him quite amusing. The pilot's co-operator didn't. In fact, he looked annoyed at his Captains antics and Nik could detect a hint of embarrassment. The co-pilot just checked his instruments and steered the ship.

'Yes. Open a channel to the Head Memorandria.' JanTarn replied, indicating with his hands in a fashion that made Nik think he was using a mind trick. He wasn't however.

'Of course. At once.' Rarkes said quickly turning to the communications to find the right frequency.

'Memorandria? What is that Master...Some kind of ruler?' asked Nik flicking his braid over his shoulder.
'They are the head of state.' JanTarn replied, but his voice was distant. Something had caught his attention up ahead.

The fertile globe of Erindau floated before them like an enormous emerald encompassed by a sea of Black Ocean. On it's outer atmosphere sat a solitary object.
From the republic cruisers current distance JanTarn could not tell whom or what was aboard, but there was a murmur in the Force. It stung at the back of his mind and wouldn't go away. Nik was also beginning to sense it and he squinted at the object to get a better view.

'Captain...' JanTarn said, touching him on the shoulder. The pilot looked up at him and then followed his gaze.
'Odd.' Rarkes said, 'The signature on that ship doesn't match anything used by the Republic or any species in the Republic.'
'Smugglers perhaps?' Nik suggested, but that seemed unlikely. Smugglers wouldn't hide in plain sight and they were outlawed in Republic space.

As the cruiser moved in closer towards the planet the ship began to break out of orbit. By the time they got near the outer atmosphere it had jumped into hyperspace. Master JanTarn decided that it was best forgotten for now and that the mission should be concentrated on. With that Rarkes contacted the Memorandria and brought her hologram up in the ships main chamber. Both Nik and JanTarn proceeded into the room to talk with the planetary leader.

The blue tinged image of a frail old woman flickered slightly due to a less than perfect transmission. Nik study her momentarily and didn't notice anything remarkable about her, plain clothes, straight hair. She and her planet were alike.

'Welcome to Erindau, exaulted Jedi of the Council.' The woman bowed as she greeted them.
Nik's face creased in confusion and even JanTarn was taken aback.
'Thank you Memorandria, but we are not members of the Jedi Council.' Said JanTarn as diplomatically as possible. The leader seemed to squint at him for a moment, then spoke again.
'Accuse my mistake, I was under the impression that the best Jedi Knights would be sent to answer out plea.'
To Nik she sounded rather full of herself, but he kept quiet. JanTarn tried to reassure her that the problem would be dealt with and that Master Yoda had choosen them personally to deal with their complaint.
'That is accepted and please call me Iirim. We await your arrival with anticipation.'

With that her transmission cut out and the holo-image faded into nothing. Nik turned to JanTarn and spoke his mind.
'She seems rather keen to have our help. You really haven't told me the full details of this mission, have you?'
JanTarn began to walk back to the front end of the ship and Nik followed.
'We are here clean up a mess made by the Republic and us. We're also here to find information on the whereabouts of Qel-Oon Jarr.' JanTarn said matter of factly.
'What?!' Nik blurted, almost tripping over his cloak in shock.
'And you believed that this mission was going to be dull didn't you?' JanTarn said with a slight chuckle. Nik picked up his feet and drew level with his master.

'More hoped really.'

[Nik Steevi]

The Republic cruiser loomed over the surrounding streets of Horta city. The urban area, sprawled for miles made up of thousands of small low-level houses. The Jedi’s ship had parked at the centre of a large open square, in between two statues of battling carnivores. As the gangway retracted a small entourage of Horta Soldiers marched up, with a senatorial representative in their midst.

JanTarn waited at the top of the hatch with Nik. Both pulled up their hoods as they began to walk descend the fully locked down ramp. The old master whispered to his apprentice, reminding him to be as courteous as possible. The apprentice gave him a reassuring smile.
As they reached the grey stone paving of the road, the two Jedi were stopped by the troop of soldiers and their charge. The military men parted to allow the senatorial representative through. The Jedi Knights bent low in respect and then rose to meet his expecting gaze. Face creased with worry and middle age the man looked slightly ill at ease in their presence. Nik could feel something emanate from the Force – the briefest of warnings perhaps? Had JanTarn felt it also?

‘Welcome. Esteemed Jedi. I am Senator Ferrio. I shall be escorting you to the Senatorial chambers to meet with the…’ He paused for the briefest of seconds, almost as if he didn’t know the right word, ‘Memorandria.’
JanTarn nodded under the cowl of his cloth hood, ‘Thank you. Please. Lead the way Senator.’

Ferrio turned away and walked in the opposite direction to which he had come. The two Jedi followed at his heels, with the senator’s escort dropping in at theirs. Travelling slowly through the city streets, Nik was mystified by the lack of people about. Estimating the time of day to be around noon, it was inconceivable that no one should be up and about.
‘Where are all the citizens Senator Ferrio?’ JanTarn asked. Obviously he had been thinking the same thing. The man ahead did not look back at them and replied with a hint of nervousness.
‘They are…all indoors. Since the incident they have been afraid to venture outside.’

Fair enough Nik thought. He turned his attention to the local architecture and wondered at the exquisite carvings, which lined the street. Most seemed to be a variation on the same theme; two fierce carnivores battling to the death.
‘Senator,’ He said before pointing out the nearest statue, ‘Do these have a symbolic purpose? They are marvellous works of art.’
‘They are symbolic of our way of life,’ Ferrio replied, again without turning, ‘since anyone can remember the two class of our society have been at war: the Cavaliers and Artisans. We the members of the Cavaliers have always been dominant. The Republic however ensures that the lower class is well provided for.’
Steevi found it odd that a world like this had been brought into the Republic, but what had the archive said? A stable political history? He guessed that he was not the one to make judgements.
‘We shall be arriving at the senatorial chambers soon.’ Ferrio said, although his tone meant ‘don’t ask anymore questions’.

* * *

The chambers were much grander than the surrounding city, expanding up to the heavens so that their top was clouded by mist. The two Knights of the Republic stood side by side in a huge audience coliseum, with Erindau dignitaries seated all around them. In a boxes to their immediate right and left stood soldiers with long lances. Each was decked out in ceremonial armour and looked tensed for action. Directly ahead stood the leaders of the planet, made obvious by their ornate robes of pure gold and hair of snowy white.
JanTarn unveiled his face and Nik followed suit. A murmur arose in the surrounding audience, although the Padawan didn’t know why. They were all humans, it was not as if he and his master were Wookies.

A broad chested man, one of the leaders, took to the floor and walked slowly up to them. Nik didn’t think that anyone as muscle-bound could be of ruling gentry’ class.
‘Jedi…’ he muttered his voice deep and scornful, ‘I am Prelaete Enzance. Ruler of the Erindau people.’
What?! Nik exploded in his head. If he was the leader of Erindau then with whom had they spoken? His master was plainly shocked, although he hid his surprise under a veil of Jedi tranquillity.

‘Where is Memorandria Irium?’ He said calmly as Enzance began to pace around them.
‘I’m afraid that Irium has been dead for sometime…’ Enzance replied with remorse, which quickly turned into viciousness, ‘killed by two members of your order in cold blood. The hologram you saw was the same message of friendship broadcast to them.’
Another murmur spread through the chamber, this one stronger than the last and more menacing. Nik couldn’t believe his ears and was unable to stop himself from speaking.
‘That cannot be true! No Jedi would kill an unarmed innocent!’ His voice was indignant, but it only served to stir up the crowd. Their dark mumble turned into vengeful shouts. The Praleate raised his hands for silence and JanTarn gave Nik a stern look that prevented him from defending the Jedi further.

‘Enough lies, Jedi!’ Enzance accused, ‘you shall pay for your order’s crimes. Guards seize them!’
The armour-clad sentinels, which had stood motionless suddenly leapt into action and charged towards the two Jedi. Nik instinctively reached for his lightsaber, but JanTarn stayed his hand with a squeeze at the padawan’s elbow. The guards grabbed hold of them roughly, slapping their wrists into energy binders. Their lightsabers were also quickly confiscated.

‘There has been a dreadful mistake,’ JanTarn said, keeping his calm. ‘There must be some way for us to resolve this peacefully.’
Enzance spat at his feet.
‘You threw away any chance of peace when you attacked us. Take them to the cells. They shall be executed pending trial.’
The soldiers began to lead them from the chamber, amidst rapacious applause. JanTarn stopped a moment to appeal one last time.
‘You are Republic citizens, the Senate will not stand for this. You must allow me to contact the Jedi council!’
The Praleate turned a deaf ear to him along with the cheering crowd.


* * *

Both men were thrown roughly into a dank cell and the door was jammed shut behind them. Nik got up and pulled off his slime-coated robe. He had managed to fall in a puddle of something that smelt worse than an animal’s dung. Draping the cloak over his shoulder, he helped Master JanTarn to his feet. The older Jedi had just missed the puddle and hit solid rock, a graze marked his forehead.
‘Master are you alright?’ Nik asked.
‘Yes Nik, I am unharmed.’ JanTarn replied, dusting himself off.
Nik took a look around the cell, which was dark and gloomy, with only the small slit of a window. It was also intensely cold, so he put his rank smelling robe back on and just ignored the odour.

‘You know Master. I have a bad feeling about this…’ Nik sighed heavily.
‘Qel-Oon Jarr has definitely been here.’ JanTarn replied, ‘and it seems like he anticipated our arrival.’
‘You don’t say…’ Nik said sarcastically.

You don’t say…







Chapter 3

Nik paced about the cell, his nerves getting the better of him. JanTarn sat on the damp floor, his eyes closed, deep in meditation. He had tried to urge his padawan to join him, but Nik was far too worried about the situation to contemplate anything other than escape. The young man stopped circling and slumped down into a sitting position next to his master.

‘What’s going on Master?’ He asked, with a hint of frustration.

Opening his eyes, JanTarn turned himself so that he sat facing Nik. ‘That I do not know. My meditation has told me little about this world, except that it does exist.’

‘Why did we not detect their intentions?’ Nik said worriedly, ‘They were obviously hostile, surely the Force would have been screaming at us.’

‘Maybe it was, but we were not aloud to hear it.’ JanTarn replied.

Nik pondered his master’s words. How could the Force have been blocked like that? Was it Qel-Oon Jarr? He asked those very questions, but JanTarn shook his head.

‘Even Master Yoda could not completely cloud our perceptions and Jarr isn’t a fully trained Knight. I suspect that something else is behind it.’

The young man sighed and collected a handful of dust. Blowing it from his palm, he tried to use the Force to manipulate the tiny grains of soil. They obeyed his commands with surprising ease and that left him even more confused. Whatever was blocking the Force was centred on the people and not their world.

‘It would be best to get some sleep Nik. I have a feeling we’re going to need it.’ JanTarn ordered, gathering up the folds of his cloak to better insulate him against the increasing cold.

Outside the sun was beginning to set, casting a brilliant red glow across the horizon. The only window in their cell, a thin slit, cast a tight beam onto the floor. Once the sun completely vanished the cell would fall into total darkness. Nik tucked his braid into robes and wrapped himself tightly in his insulating cloak. This mission had certainly taken a turn for the worse and he longed to be back on Coruscant. If Master JanTarn could read his thoughts, he would have been very displeased. Focusing on the task at hand was what a Jedi was supposed to do, not look away to distant times and places.

‘We are going to escape aren’t we Master?’ He asked.
‘Eventually Nik,’ JanTarn replied calmly, ‘But I want to find out more about what has been happening here. The trial should provide ample opportunity for that.’

Nik smiled. As usual JanTarn wasn’t the slightest bit bothered by the situation. His Master could have been stuck in the belly of a Kell Dragon and would still have been calm and collected. Perhaps, he would be like that someday.

* * *

Nar Shaddaa – The Vertical City – was Coruscant on miniature scale, but instead of representing peace and justice, it represented cruelty and corruption. The moon was ruled by the Hutts and was a haven for smugglers, mercenaries or those who did not wish to be found. Two such people stood up high on the roof of a spindly building, their dark clothes blending perfectly with the shadows. Between them was a small floating barge, held by a red plated protocol droid, TeeEee-seven.

The droid’s servos creaked uneasily as it attempted to steady the barge and it’s precious cargo, which was shrouded beneath a black cloth, only the general shapes visible. As the droid struggled for control the taller of the dark figures, the one to the left, raised its hand. The trolley instantly regained balance.

‘Thank you sir.’ Said the droid in a metallic tone.

The man chuckled, his voice deep, but soothing.

‘Thanks from a droid…how entertaining.’ he mused. A thick black hood pulled over his head obscured his face and the rest of his strong body was cloaked in an identical fashion.

‘You should not have brought it.’ The man’s companion said in a distinctively feminine voice. She too was shrouded and her features indeterminable.

He turned to face her, but said nothing before turning back again. Ahead of them was a landing pad; designed for small transport craft and they were expecting their visitor anytime now. Unfortunately, Ruddlaa the Hutt had an aptitude for belatedness that bordered on the extreme, even for meetings he arranged himself. The hugely obese slug probably had to be levered off his throne by servants and taken to his ship by heavy load lifters. To make matters worse, Dark Jedi were not the most patient of creatures, even those who’d once been Jedi Knights.

Just then the sound of a shuttle’s engine filled the area and a bottle-nosed transport began to descend from the night-time sky. Intense light blared out across the area and illuminated the two dark warriors.
As the ship came into land, the male Dark Jedi issued an order to his droid. It obligingly nodded and then trundled away from the landing pad, towards a door leading inside.

Once the deep tan coloured transport finally settled the hatchway opened and a ramp slid out. Down the ramp marched a column of tough looking mercenaries of assorted species, each carrying a Blaster pistol. Following them was a bounty hunter dressed in dark crimson Mandalorian armour and carrying an arsenal of weapons. This was Xeron Stifft, Ruddlaa’s personal body guard. The two Dark Jedi had dealt with him several times through the course of their business deal with the Hutt. He had an intense dislike of Jedi, dark or otherwise and was very dubious about his master’s involvement with them.
Finally, came Ruddlaa himself, sitting like a blob of jelly upon a repulsor-lift platform. His huge orange eyes gleamed with ruthless intent and uncontrollable greed. To tell the truth both Dark Jedi loathed their slimy counterpart and would have nothing to do with him had he not possessed that which they required.

Ruddlaa’s entourage approached the fallen Jedi and the bulbous leader greeted them in Huttese.

‘Qel-Oon Jarr and Saarena. Welcome to Nar Shadaa. I trust your business on Erindau proceeded as planned?’

Jarr smiled beneath his hood and replied deeply.

‘Yes. We even left the Jedi Knights a little gift…’

* * *

[Nik Steevi]

Okay so I haven't updated for nigh on a century and no one is replying but that won't stop me. Here is a lot at once.


Energy binders clamped tightly around their wrists, the two imprisoned Jedi stood in the senatorial chamber once again. This time around, the crowd of representatives was absent. In their place was row upon row of judges, dressed in dark green cloaks, with matching hats. Even without the Force to guide his senses Nik could tell that they were deeply angered. Praleate Enzance loomed over them, standing upon a high platform. He raised his green robed arms and began to talk. JanTarn listened intently to every word he uttered, looking for some clue as how to get out of this predicament.

‘Jedi. You are charged with the responsibility for the murders of seventeen Erindau citizens. According to our laws your punishment shall fit your crime. Therefore you shall be executed at dawn tomorrow in the central square along with the republic pilots who brought you here...’

Rarkes and his co-pilot? What did they do? Nik thought to himself, but dared not ask why. It wouldn’t have mattered because they couldn’t possibly get into anymore trouble. Taking his eyes from the judges, Nik took a glance at the soldiers flanking him on either side. Two objects, one gold and the other red and silver hung on the belt of the nearest guard. It was their lightsabres and for a brief second Nik considered calling them with the Force and using them to escape. He decided against that course of action, partly because JanTarn didn’t want to leave just yet and partly because it might lead to extra deaths on the Erindau citizen’s side. Enzance continued his speech.

‘Furthermore, it shall be requested that Erindau be withdrawn from the Republic and the jurisdiction of the Jedi Order. I will make it a personal quest to rid our neighbouring sectors of their influence as well…’
It’s amazing how quickly everyone turns against you despite all of your previous good deeds, isn’t it? Nik thought with a small smile, which faded quickly in case someone noticed. This Enzance character is going way too far. I hope we can find Qel-Oon Jarr quickly and end this nonsense.
He glanced across to JanTarn and could sense that his Master was contemplating other matters. Nik guessed it was about Enzance’s threat to withdraw Erindau from the Republic. The current Supreme Chancellor, Ullar Theodar, would not be a happy Rodian.

‘In addition to the crimes of murder, it will be pressed on the Galactic Senate that compensation should be given for the artefacts stolen by the two Jedi.’
‘Artefacts?’ JanTarn said out loud, causing the nearest soldier to butt him with their lance. The older Jedi ignore the jab of pain and continued. ‘What are these artefacts of which you speak?’

For the first time since they had met him, the Praleate looked confused. He obviously hadn’t expected them to know nothing about the artefacts.

‘Our most sacred devices. Taken from the temples on the city outskirts.’ Enzance stated.

‘The Jedi Order has little interest in material wealth and certainly not an interest in stealing the artefacts of other cultures.’ JanTarn replied, as calm as ever. Nik felt it was time for him to speak.

‘If these two people took these items are you sure that they were even Jedi Knights?’

Praleate Enzance saw that he was beginning to lose control of the room. Several judges were whispering amongst themselves, discussing doubts.

‘Enough!’ The muscular ruler shouted. All sound ceased, except his echo, ‘The Jedi will be punished and that is final. This trial is over. Take them away to await their deaths.’

The guards flanking the prisoners jabbed at them with their lances and they slowly walked towards the exit. Nik, his hands bound, itched his nose with great difficulty and then spoke quietly to JanTarn.

‘I believe it is common in a trial to have some kind of defence.’

JanTarn was able to raise a small smile on his stubble-covered face.

‘Indeed Nik, but it the trial has been of great use to us. We now know more about what Qel-Oon Jarr was doing here. All that is left is to escape. Our best chance would be during the execution.’

* * *

Qel-Oon Jarr sat comfortably in Ruddlaa the Hutt’s luxury apartments in Nar Shadaa. Fine silks of red and gold, swathed the room in a multitude of different light patterns. The Dark Jedi had lowered his hood so that his darkly tanned skin and bald-head were visible. Running up the base of his neck to the top of his forehead was a deep scar. It had been cut some time ago in a fight against a Jedi – his former Master. Jarr had won, but paid the price.

Sitting cross-legged next to him was his partner, Saarena. A beautiful female human with flaming red hair cropped at her shoulders. Upon her left cheek was a black tattoo and her lips were of the same colour. Their first meeting had been in the Jedi Temple of Coruscant. Since that day their fates had been linked through the Dark side of the Force.

Ruddlaa stuffed something live and squiggly into his huge mouth and swallowed. Jarr could sense the creatures life ebb away through the Force and it gave him a small sense of pleasure. The slug belched loudly and reached for another delicacy, many of which were lain out on a table before him.

‘We have upheld our side of the bargain, Hutt. You had better hold up yours.’ Saarena warned Ruddlaa, staring at him intently. Her mind powers would have no affect on the lump, but her eyes were unsettling enough.

‘Of course.’ The fat blob replied in Huttese and called a droid servant over.
The droid was a CZ Secretary droid, with a white body shell and brand new. It was business droid, which were common throughout the galaxy and usually toiled away at a host of mundane tasks that sentient beings would find mind-numbingly dull. If it were not for these droids many major corporations and crime organisations would certainly grind to a halt.

‘What is your wish master?’ It asked politely.

Ruddlaa said something in Huttese that neither of the Dark Jedi recognised and the droid nodded. It walked off, out of the room. It returned moments later with Xeron Stifft, who held a box in his arms. The container was ornately carved with symbols of relating to ancient Jedi arts; even the depiction of a lightsabre wielding human was present.

Qel-Oon could sense the power of the item inside. It sent shimmers of energy through Force like a cascading waterfall. He breathed in deeply through his nose and tasted the purity of its power.

‘Give it to us.’ He demanded, but Stifft did not release it. Instead, he placed his load upon Ruddlaa’s table.

‘There is one more thing…’ Ruddlaa said with a sly grin, ‘The artefacts you acquired from Erindau were certainly fine pieces, but they will not fully compensate me for the loss of this item.’

Both of the Dark Jedi rose and Stifft reacted quickly, pointing wrist gun at them. The droid decided it should leave and excused itself.

‘What are you suggesting?’ Saarena asked with contempt.

‘I want to be part of what you’re going to do. I feel there would be profit in it…and you will need all the income you can get to create your own Dark Jedi academy.’ The Hutt placed a short, slime covered hand on the ancient box.

Qel-Oon Jarr thought deeply. They had two choices; take the box by force, killing the Hutt and his guardian or accept his offer and allow him to extort them. The first would be easy to accomplish, but the Hutt was right about needing funds. It wasn’t like they’d get a grant from the Senate. Once their academy was established and they were training Dark Jedi he could be disposed of quickly.

‘Your proposal is accepted, Hutt.’ Jarr hissed, ‘However if you make any attempt to double cross us…’

His lightsabre was drawn up into his palm, and the red blade activated. In a split second, he slashed the end off the bounty hunters wrist gun, almost taking his hand with it. Saarena made a small smile as she admired her partners work. She wasn’t particularly happy about their continued association with Ruddlaa, but she trusted Qel-Oon’s judgement.

The Hutt and his bodyguard got the Dark Jedi’s message and allowed him to pick up the box. It felt warm in his hands, despite the fact that it emanated no detectable heat. Inside was Jarr’s destiny and also that of the Jedi Order. With this box and its contents he would sow the seed’s of their doom. He couldn’t help but laugh.

* * *

Deep in the cells of Erindau, Nik and JanTarn felt a tremor in the Force. It prompted Nik to wrap himself up even tighter in his cloak. Master Marl looked to the ceiling and closed his eyes, trying to sense the source.

* * *

Even further away, a meditating Yoda heard Jarr’s dark laughs.

‘Begun it has…’ The little master murmured. He got up from his stool, called his cane into his hand and headed for the Jedi council chamber.

Chapter 4


Nik was beginning to get a little worried. It wasn’t because of the jeering crowds that surrounded him hurling objects or that he’d been separated from JanTarn. He was worried because when the time came to escape, innocent bystanders might get injured in the crossfire. When Enzance had said a ‘public execution’ he had meant it. Practically everyone in the city had come out to watch, finally leaving the safety of their houses.

As promised by the Praleate, it was a dawn execution. The sun was just beginning to poke up over the horizon and the sky was starting to brighten. Enzance himself was seated a little distance away inside a specially constructed private box. It hung suspended from the taller of the two huge beast statues in the square, so that the man could look down in god-like judgement.

A guard led Nik roughly through the ranks of citizens. The noise was deafening, but Nik had to concentrate on the task ahead. JanTarn was likely to give him a signal without warning so he had to be prepared for anything. A fruit flew from the crowd towards his face, but before it struck he stopped its progress using the Force. The pulpy mass splattered on the ground.

At the centre of the congested square stood a wooden platform and four blocks, each with a razor sharp blade dangling above it.

Beheading…? My favourite…Nik thought, conjuring up a smile. He and his guardian reached the platform steps and he was pushed up onto the main deck. JanTarn was there already, standing tall and proud and without a hint of worry as usual. Captain Rarkes and his co-pilot looked a little more shaken, they already had their necks over the blocks and blades dangled precariously above them.

‘Good morning Nik,’ JanTarn said nodding at his apprentice.

‘Good morning Master,’ Nik replied.

The guards prodded the Jedi roughly towards the two blocks on the stage. They were made to kneel and were then tied to wooden slabs with rope. The large crowd began to cheer and Enzance’s voice boomed out from concealed speakers.

‘Executioners you may begin.’

Two men dressed all in black, their faces covered by veils climbed onto the platform. The first was tall and broad, but Nik guessed that he wouldn’t have matched up to JanTarn. The second was small and from their walk they seemed more feminine than masculine.

Suddenly, Nik’s senses were bombarded by a relentless surge of emotion. Not from himself, but from the crowd. The Force was screaming at him so powerfully that it took a few moments to quiet it. The hostility from the people was now obvious and he could even sense the past deception of Enzance and his intense anger. Nik angled his head as best he could and raised his voice to talk to JanTarn.

‘Master! What ever was cutting off the Force has gone!’

‘Yes, Nik! I have felt it too, be ready for anything! Focus your concentration and the Force on the blade above your head!’ JanTarn replied back to him, having to shout over the cheering cloud.

‘What are you going to do?!’ Rarkes screamed, ‘help us Jedi please!’

He better calm down you he’ll kill himself…Nik thought before concentrating

The black covered executioners moved in front of the two Jedi and knelt down. The taller of the two, held out a black bandannas to Nik and JanTarn.

‘You should wear these. It’ll help the final moments pass more quickly.’ The man’s voice was husky, but soft and controlled. Not the kind of voice Nik had expected to hear, it was too trustworthy. He also didn’t sense emotion from the man. At first he thought the Force blockage had been restored, but he could still feel the crowd and even the other executioner. If the other one was a woman then they were full of anxiety and many other emotions that Nik had little time to contemplate.

‘We’d prefer not to.’ JanTarn said to the executioner.

‘In that case just keep your eyes on the belt.’ The executioner pulled back his black coat and put the bandanna’s on his belt, where three other objects dangled. Each was metallic and cylindrical. They were lightsabres and two of them belonged to Nik and JanTarn.

The young padawan glanced curiously at the masked face and through the veil he saw an eye wink. Standing up the ‘executioners’, moved to either side of the blade mechanisms and began to operate the controls.

A Jedi Knight…? Nik pondered. That would explain the man’s lack of apparent emotion. Had he been sent by the council to rescue them? Surely not. They wouldn’t have been able to send Jedi so quickly to a system as far out as Erindau.

‘Nik. Once the blades are dropped I will hold them,’ JanTarn instructed quickly, but quietly. Nik heard him perfectly over the crowds din because his Master was emphasising his words through the force.

‘You must call your lightsabre from our friends belt and remove and free us.’ JanTarn finished.

Nik nodded and then everything happened at once.

Praleate Enzance ordered the drop and the executioners complied. The four metal blades began to fall, but stopped dead as JanTarn held them with the Force. Rarkes and his co-pilot shouted in surprise and the crowd gasped. The executioners pulled the veils from their faces to reveal a dark skinned man and a beautiful blond-hared young woman. She pulled a blast from inside her outfit and fired at the guards on the stage, who hadn’t even begun to react to the danger.

Nik looked to the dark man and caught sight of his lightsabre. Pulled by the Force, it spun end over end and activated. Brilliant flashing blue energy, slashed inches above the four prisoners heads and cut the blades from their mounts. JanTarn willed them forward and they clattered against the platform.

The situation became suddenly hectic as the crowd nearest the Jedi turned and fled. Men, women and child fell over themselves to escape the square. Enzance, looking from above, jumped of his throne and shouted at his soldiers.

‘Capture the Jedi! Those executioners were Artisan spies!’

Armoured men from all over the area rushed towards the freed Jedi and their helpers. The woman tossed Rarkes and his co-pilot a Blaster each and all three opened fire. The captain seemed to have regained his composure and was eager to get some pay back. Nik recalled his spinning lightsabre and the dark skinned man threw JanTarn his. The man then withdrew his own. Golden yellow and pulsating orange blades joined Nik’s azure blue.

‘I’m Jovan Mohktar.’ The man said, spinning his lightsabre to deflect an oncoming barrage of energy fire that the soldiers lances were producing.

‘Nice to meet you!’ Nik shouted, directing an oncoming blast up into the sky.

‘Now is not the time for introductions.’ JanTarn warned as more soldiers poured into the square, pushing through the diminishing crowd of civilians. ‘Try to aim the fire away from the attackers. We don’t wish to give Enzance anymore cause to hate us.’

The three Jedi backed up to the centre of the execution platform, with the three Blaster holders in their midst. Armoured soldiers advanced quickly and began to clamber onto the wooden stage. One lashed out with his lance at Jovan. The Jedi dodged, cut the weapon in two and kicked the man from the platform and into some of his companions. Despite the combined skills of three Jedi Knights the numbers were beginning to get overwhelming and there was only so much they could do without causing any real harm to their attackers.

Rarkes’s co-pilot was suddenly hit by a Blast and he slumped to the ground. Nik pushed the offending soldier with the Force and bent down to the crumpled man. Pressing two fingers to his neck, he realised what the Force had already told him. The co-pilot was dead. These soldiers were not messing around. He whirled his lightsabre back into the fray.

‘Tula where the hell is Yoss?’ Jovan shouted at the young woman.

She spoke into a comlink on her wrist.

‘Yoss! We could use a pick up here!’ She said with urgency.

A man’s voice blurted something back and the link closed. The woman aimed her Blaster at a soldier and caught him in the leg.

‘The others are on their way!’ Tula called.

No sooner had she spoken then a droning was heard overhead. A chunky Erindau transport craft flew into the square and hovered low over the Jedi’s position. An airlock on the side of the ship, slid open and several strong cables were thrown out.

‘Get on board!’ Jovan shouted, deflecting another shot.

‘After you Captain!’ JanTarn said to the pilot. He gratefully took hold of a rope and began to climb up.

* * *

Enzance watched with horror from his private box and banged fiercely on the transparasteel window. His aides attempted to calm him, but he brushed them off.

‘They’re escaping! Get them! Kill them if you have to!’ He shouted, his face turning red.

* * *

Meanwhile, Rarkes had reached the Erindau transport and was pulled in by its crew. An old looking man leaned out of the opening and beckoned to the Nik and JanTarn with his arm.

‘Nik. You go first.’ JanTarn ordered.

Nik nodded, tensed his muscles and leapt up into the transport using the Force to disobey the normal laws of gravity. He stayed on the edge, his lightsabre ignited to repel any incoming attacks. JanTarn pulled closer to Jovan.

‘Get up there old Master!’ Jovan said, easily dispatching a round of blasts. The soldiers were beginning to run out of charge and many had fled after having their weapons dismantled.

Not arguing with his rescuer, the older man leapt up to the transport. Nik helped him aboard and he deactivated his yellow bladed lightsabre. The transport began to draw away.

Down on the ground, Jovan caught hold of Tula by the waist, deactivated his lightsabre and then ran to the edge of the platform. Soldiers chased them, firing what little they had left, but Jovan still eluded them. He jumped towards the transport, propelling himself and his friend with the Force.

Nik realised that they weren’t going to make it and reached out for them. His hand clasped Jovan’s and he struggled to hold the two rescuers combined weight. JanTarn knelt down and took an outstretched palm of Tula and together Master and apprentice pulled them into the ship.

The transport accelerated away from the square and rocketed off into the blue sky.

* * *

Enzance fumed in his box and pulled the hat from his head. Tearing the thin material in two, he turned to his frightened aides.

‘Find them or I shall have your heads. This is not what Qel-Oon Jarr wanted. If he finds out I failed…’ Fear crept into the strong man’s voice, ‘then my life won’t be worth living.’

* * *

A sleek black craft ripped through the fabric of space and deposited itself from hyperspace. A huge ring surrounded a small diamond cockpit. The central portion broke away and thrusters propelled it away from its moorings. It cruised toward a huge orange gas giant, or more specifically the inner moon, which orbited it: Yavin 4.

Yavin 4 was located in a quiet backwater region of the galaxy, nestled discreetly on the very edge of the outer rim. It was without doubt the most beautiful and vibrant place in the galaxy, for it didn’t just support life, it teemed with it. Wreathed in jungles, the moons surface was criss-crossed with broad, slow moving rivers and vast volcanic mountain ranges.

Qel-Oon Jarr adjusted the controls of his modified Jedi Alpha-2 Starfighter. He had stolen in from the Jedi temple during his escape from the order. Saarena sat behind him, her legs squeezed tightly in to her chest. The ship had originally been a one-seater, but Jarr hadn’t the means to buy another craft for his partner. Instead he had removed many of the non-essential drive systems to create a second seat.

‘Locking in co-ordinates,’ Saarena said, tapping at the controls to her left. She brushed back a strand of red hair and looked up at the ever-growing emerald globe. Her anticipation was growing almost as quickly. Everyone who had ever become a Jedi knew about Yavin 4 and anyone who embraced the dark side cherished it.

Aeons ago, the moon had been a barren, cold world orbiting its violent gaseous mother. Jedi explorers eventually arrived and at the height of their power these Jedi set about planting the seeds of life and nuturing them. They built a city on the largest of the moon’s four continents and established a weather control system to help stabilise the planetary climate. The Jedi were forced to leave, but they left droids to look after their creation.

Foolish Jedi…Saarena thought, a small laugh tickling at her throat.

Qel-Oon glanced back at her for a moment and then returned to piloting the starfighter as it began to brush at the atmosphere of Yavin 4.

Saarena recalled how Yavin 4 had become a haven for the dark side. Naga Sadow discovered the isolated and forgotten moon. Some said it was by accident, but perhaps it had been the will of the Force. Sadow established a base on Yavin 4 and in the final years of his life, Sadow and his followers began to build huge temples, powerful focal points for the dark side of the Force. Beneath one of these temples – the Sith temple of fire – Sadow hid his ship.

Saarena was angry that the ship was no longer there. Exar Kun, perhaps the most famous Jedi to fall from the order had found it and used it before his ultimate destruction. He had also been possessed by the power of Freedon Nadd – another powerful sith. All of his feeble Jedi training had made him arrogant and he couldn’t resist. Proof that the dark side was stronger, despite what the Jedi thought.

Jarr was attempting to gain some of this power, as was she. Even now as the starfighter sheared through the upper atmosphere, Saarena could feel the dark side drawing her in. She embraced it; she wanted its seduction. The artefact they had secured from Ruddlaa was a mere taste of what was in store for them. This was their destiny.

The fighter settled down in a tightly cut clearing in the jungle. Creatures of all descriptions scuttled or ran for cover from the intense noise and heat. After the commotion had died down, the cockpit slid open and Jarr hauled himself out of his cramped seat. Black robes blowing in the breeze, he reached down and took Saarena’s hand. He pulled her up and out, then let go and dropped to the damp ground. A small sharp toothed lizard hissed at him, but had to stop as Jarr used the Force to strangle it to death.

‘This place is imbued with living creatures,’ Jarr said in disgust, ‘They think their pitiful existence can drown out the dark side energy.’

The dark Jedi ducked up the main fuselage and pulled open a storage hatch. Inside was the box they had obtained from the Hutt. Its energy washed over him and he knelt for a few moments to take in its sweet aroma from the Force. Saarena pulled her black cloak tightly around her frame and talked swiftly to the black astrometric droid on the ship’s wing. It was perfectly camouflaged against the starfighters own colour.

‘Arthree-Eeeseven, transmit co-ordinates to Ruddlaa in deep space using an encrypted comlink.’ She ordered.

The droid beeped once then whistled. A small hole opened in its domed head and a circular transmitting dish transformed out. It swivelled and then locked into place. Jarr brought the box out from under the ship and began to walk towards the edge of the clearing. Saarena gave the droid a final order.

‘Tell that Hutt to pick up our hyperspace ring. We don’t want anyone to know a starfighter is here.’

She hurried off to join Jarr. They walked purposefully into the undergrowth, in the direction of the temple of fire, or what was left of it.

* * *

Nik sat at a long wooden table, head resting in his hands and without his long brown cloak. He and JanTarn had been taken back to the Artisan’s headquarters, but the moment they got there they’d been treated with some hostility. It wasn’t suspicion or distrust, but mainly wariness. These people knew what Jedi Knights could do, after all their own ranks encompassed one.

The padawan rose from his seat and paced the room, his fingers poised about his belt in case his lightsabre was needed. He knew without any doubt that someone was watching him. The Force pointed out the west wall as the likely viewing point. The apparently solid wall was probably mirrored, with camera installed behind it.

Master JanTarn coughed lightly and Nik quickly stopped his nervous pacing.

‘There is no need to fret Nik.’ The wizened old warrior said with a hint of amusement. He carried a bundle of cloth under his arm, which he tossed to Nik, ‘They took the liberty of washing this for you.’

Nik felt slightly embarrassed at being caught worrying, but grateful put his cloak back on. It felt dry and slightly warm, a vast improvement.

‘Where have you been Master? I was beginning to…’ Nik started.

‘Worry?’ JanTarn suggested, raising an eyebrow at his apprentice.

‘Wonder…Master.’ Nik corrected with a smile. He walked over to his teacher, who put an arm around his shoulder.

‘I’m glad you are so alert Nik, but I feel we are in safer hands now.’ JanTarn told him as they walked from the darkened room and into an even darker stone corridor.

* * *

The two Jedi entered another room, this one bristling with computer terminals and readouts. Weapons racks lined one wall, mostly filled with Blasters of various descriptions. Jovan Mohktar stood with his arms folded neatly into his sleeves, looking down over a map of Horta City. Nik hadn’t had the chance to study this mysterious Jedi fully when he’d rescued them from execution, but now he took a closer look. He guessed that he was around thirty, human and dark of skin. A thin layer of stubble coated his head and also his chin. Nik noted that he wore an odd variation of the Jedi’s standard robes, which was mostly brown with highlights of red and black. The man’s lightsabre handle was slimmer than most, almost dagger-like in construction and decorated in blue and silver.

Around the map with Jovan were three other people, who Nik guessed were the leaders of the resistance and also Artisans. Of the three he did recognise one of them, a woman with braided blonde hair. She locked eyes with him for a moment as he approached and he felt a curious sensation through the Force. A surge of positive feelings and hope, which abruptly cut out as she looked back to the map. Her clothes were not that dissimilar to those of her executioner disguise, except tighter and of an armoured material.

The other two people were men, one human and the other not. The human was old, his face creased by a thousand worries and strains and his hair bleached by years of living on the run. Nik sensed the man’s weariness, but also an intense determination and limitless compassion. The padawan felt that here was someone they could trust and rely upon.

The final person was a Cerean, with a large elongated head, which was covered by an armoured helmet. There were many Cerean Jedi; some of which Nik knew personally and had even trained with occasionally. Se-Kay-Umpira was a close friend and Cerean, back at the temple. The pair of them often sat down for a quiet drink and to discuss the teachings of their respective masters. However, this particular didn’t seem much like Jedi material, Nik sensed impatience, scepticism and a controlled sense of loathing. It seemed to be directed at Jovan in particular, whereas he regarded the other two with a sense of comradeship.

Nik established all of this within the short time it took for him to walk from the doorway to the map table. JanTarn had probably come to similar conclusions, although they were likely to be more balanced than his own.

The four resistance members registered the two Jedi’s arrival at the table and a space was made in between the Cerean and the young blonde woman.

‘Good of you to join us, Jedi Master. Thank you for collecting your learner, he should be included in this meeting also.’ Said the old human, his voice soft and compassionate.

JanTarn nodded with courtesy.

‘We are in your debt and would be honoured to help you in any way that is within our power as representatives of the Jedi Council and the Republic Senate.’ He replied.

Jovan seemed slightly irritated by JanTarn’s manner and rolled his eyes in a ‘yeah, whatever…’ fashion.

‘Allow me to introduce myself and my compatriots.’ The old man said, gesturing to his partners. ‘You already have already met Jovan and Tula…’

Jovan nodded with a grunt and the woman offered her hand. Nik took it and shook it thankfully. After all, these were the people who had rescued them from a grizzly death. Not that it would have happened, he was confident that he and JanTarn would have been able to escape on their own.

‘And this is Atar Baroc, our tactical expert and one time bounty hunter…’

The Cerean folded his arms over his broad chest and looked at the Jedi with distaste. He obviously wasn’t a fan.

‘I’m Yoss Venheart, founder of the Artisan Resistance group – Freata.’ The old man finished.

JanTarn introduced the two of them as he had to the Erindau senate, then important matters took control.

‘Why did you save us from execution? Surely you would believe that we are enemies.’ Nik asked.

‘Because we know the truth and we’re not as blind as the ordinary citizens.’ Atar said roughly, as if the question had been insulting.

‘The Jedi Order didn’t send those two people here. They were dark Jedi. I believe you know one of them – Qel-Oon Jarr.’ Jovan added.

Nik looked at JanTarn, whose face stayed unchanged, his motives entirely hidden. These people seemed know an awful lot about matters, they perhaps shouldn’t.

‘Yes…’ JanTarn said after a brief silence, ‘We were sent to Erindau to find him, although it seems that he has already left. I take it you recognised him Jovan?’

‘It wasn’t that long ago, that he was a Jedi Padawan in the temple. I met him once…although I didn’t recognise his partner. Some red headed human female with a tattoo on her cheek.’ Jovan answered.

JanTarn’s face creased with an unidentifiable emotion then quickly normalised. Nik found it curious, but didn’t press his master about what was wrong.

‘Do you know what they were doing here and where they went?’ Nik asked urgently.

‘They broke into the sacred temple on the outskirts of the city and stole an array of Erindau artefacts. The memorandria tried to stop them, but you know what happened to her. The items they stole were very valuable, Enzance once tried to sell them to a private collector…some Hutt named Ruddlaa, but Irium prevented him from doing so…’ Yoss told them, moving away from the table to pick up a pot of steaming liquid. He poured a cup and took a sip. Remembering his manners he offered them the pot.

‘A drink?’ He asked.

‘No thank you,’ JanTarn said apologetically, ‘About the Dark Jedi…?’

Tula took over from her leader. He voice was soft and calm, but a deep current of negative emotion flowed underneath.

‘We think that it was Enzance who invited them to the planet. He wanted rid of Irium and tricked her into thinking that they were Jedi Knights sent by the council to carry out a routine inspection. Obviously, they killed Irium and he took power…’

Jovan cut in.

‘When they departed, they left a strange device behind. They knew real Jedi would have to show up and they had to slow you down. Fortunately, they weren’t aware of my existence and I was able to track down the device so we could destroy it…’

That was why the people’s emotions suddenly flooded out to us… Nik thought, rolling his long braid in between his fingers.

‘I wasn’t able to track their ship as it left orbit, but our intelligence believes they were headed for a meeting with that Hutt Yoss mentioned.’ Jovan added, switching the electronic map to show a picture of Ruddlaa in all his fat glory, ‘If you can find Ruddlaa, you can probably find your Dark Jedi.’

JanTarn gave Jovan a grim smile and nodded.

‘Thank you. We must travel back to Coruscant to consult the Jedi Council and inform the Senate of the real situation. Enzance cannot be allowed to continue his rule over this system, he is in league with the dark side and a danger to the Republic.’ The Jedi Master boldly stated.
‘What will you do now?’ Nik asked the resistance members.

Yoss looked at Atar and Tula who gave him a look of concern. They had achieved a great deal, they had rescued two Jedi from their enemies and helped them in their quest. However, it had put them in a predicament. The Cavalier forces would now be searching for them and it wouldn’t take long for their temporary headquarters, which resided underneath Horta City to be discovered.

‘We want to come with you.’ Yoss finally said. Nik was plainly startled by this, but attempted to hide it.

‘And why do you wish to come with us to Coruscant?’ JanTarn asked honestly.

‘We’re outlaws here…I know its something I’m especially accustomed too, but if they find us we’re as good as dead. Our little stunt’s going to make them look even harder.’ Atar said gruffly.

‘If we can plead our own case to the Senate then it may help, especially with the backing of two respected Jedi. Also if you’re going to get off this world you’re going to need our help. The authorities still have your cruiser and we’ll need it to get to Coruscant. None of our ships have hyperdrive capacity.’ Yoss offered them his hand hopefully.

JanTarn looked to Nik and Nik looked back. Should they accept his offer? It was true that they still needed help to recover their ship, but Jedi were not supposed to become involved in the politics of other worlds. Jovan knew what they were thinking and looked sceptical, almost as sceptical as Atar.

‘Agreed.’ JanTarn said, taking Yoss’s hand. They shook firmly and the oldest man smiled.

‘Good. Let’s get started.’ He said.

* * *

Try reading that!!:crack