All
Falls Down
Prologue
The steel cylinder fell to the floor, creating a loud clatter that echoed
throughout the nearly empty chambers.
Obi-Wan trembled as he realized he had clumsily dropped it, and hastily
snatched it back up into his hands. It had been five weeks since he had last
held the weapon in his hand, five weeks since he had wielded its ethereal,
viridian blade against that horrifying dark warrior. The link Obi-Wan once had
with his master had been severed so suddenly, so ruthlessly. Even now, it still
bled endlessly, creating a fountain of strife and agony within the young
Knight. He had attempted to hide this upwelling of emotions for the duration of
his stay at the temple, yet it remained an impossible task.
Master
Agony beckoned for sorrow to join him, and yet again Obi-Wan descended into a
sea of despair. Had he failed so miserably? Crimson flashed as he once again
looked upon his masters corpse. His minds eye filled with tears as it
analyzed that tragic moment, when the Sith Warriors blade skewered his
masters chest.
No!
It was only for a moment that he had to endure that unbearable agony. The agony
dissipated, only to be replaced by this intangible blanket of despair that hovered
like a demon in the mist. It lurked about during Qui-Gons funeral pyre-
Obi-Wan could feel the demon burning holes through him as he exchanged
pleasantries with various Jedi Masters.
Why were you unable to kill me, Jedi?
It mocked. It taunted. It ridiculed.
What is it you seek?
Vengeance.
You had your chance. Obi-Wans expression flickered with disdain as the
demon lowered its hood, revealing the face of the warrior that had slain his
master. You failed.
With that, he was dispelled into darkness. Obi-Wan shuddered. Every
confrontation with that demon left him more insecure, more vulnerable and
exposed. Three things he had grown to hate over the past few weeks. He
responded to this newfound sense of weakness by distancing himself from the other
Jedi at the temple. The gap between Obi-Wan and the Order was growing.
The council had refused to believe his claims that Qui-Gons murderer was
indeed a Sith warrior. They instead insisted that it
must have been some sort of rogue Jedi. Master Windu, as stolid and calculating
as ever, named five high-end Jedi Masters that had left the Order in the past
four years. Even Yoda could not see merit in Obi-Wans claim; he only noted
that the identity of master Qui-Gons slayer was shrouded in mystery.
To make matters worse, Obi-Wan was then made to testify before the Senate
concerning the events that had transpired on Naboo and Tatooine. He related to
the senators how the Federation attempted to kill him and his master and how
they witnessed the invasion of Naboo. He later chronicled the escape through
the blockade and the reasons why they were forced to land on Tatooine for
repairs. He gingerly told them of Qui-Gons fall and of the rogue Jedi who
had kidnapped Queen Amidala.
The Senate, as usual, had erupted into heated debate and meaningless squabbles.
After Chancellor Vallorums enforcer brought the chamber to silence, Senator
Lott Dodd scornfully deposed Obi-Wans testimony. He claimed that Queen Amidala
had never left Naboo and had instead signed a treaty with Federation executive
officer Nute Gunray. Using manufactured proof and evidence, the senator
quickly disproved Obi-Wans account. The senate once again erupted into madness
as Senators from numerous planets and systems declared their support for the
Federation.
Obi-Wan, standing at the center of the Senate floor, was
left hanging out to dry. Even Senator Palpatine of Naboo could not voice his
support of Obi-Wans story, there simply was no proof! Obi-Wan had no evidence;
he only had his sworn word and testimony.
Should his testimony have not been enough? The Jedi have served the Republic
for many millennia. It was a testament to the changing times that a Jedis
sworn testimony had no holdings in the Senates chambers. Obi-Wans jaw gritted.
It disgusted him. He had sacrificed his entire life, his freedoms and his
responsibilities, to serve the Republic as a Jedi. Yet in spite of that, the
Senate held him in such low regard.
Yet he understood why. The Senate did not serve the people; they did not serve
for the common good. They worshipped the golden credit. Those wretched Senators
pursued their own vices- vices that Federation money and fringe-world blood had
paid for. Obi-Wan had always thought highly of the Senate, yet in that single
moment when he stood surrounded by their angry voices, he could sense the
corruption that lurked beneath.
Obi-Wan knew from then on that something had to change. He believed that he
could no longer serve an institution so corrupt- that the Jedi could no
longer serve an institution so corrupt. Yet when word of Obi-Wans blunder in
the Senate quickly spread about the
Why? Why did no one care?
Obi-Wan had been on the precipice of making a decision all week. Now he was
ready. He reverently placed his masters lightsaber down upon its pedestal and
stepped away slowly. It was time to let go, time to let go of everything.
Chapter I
Part 1 of 2
Huntress
Thirty Months later
Jedi Sentinel Siri Tachi tentatively shuffled her way through the crowd. The
Theed Spaceports small auxiliary landing and loading sites were offline, thus
shunting many of the smaller freighters and passenger ships to the main landing
bays. As a result, the spaceports halls were extremely congested. The sheer
volume of people attempting to get in and out created massive headaches and
long lines. Some of the pile-ups occasionally resulted in violence. A few rowdy
boys stepped on each others toes and a few petty disagreements degenerated to
fisticuffs and wrestling matches that only added to the chaos and traffic.
Siri couldnt wait to get away from them. She had a strong dislike for
assignments on densely populated worlds, but especially for planets like Naboo.
Similar to many worlds in the sector, Naboo was a Federation annexed-world, and
it was crawling with those industrial/commercial vermin that assumed the title
of Trade Federation Official.
Naboo had once been a peaceful, serene world, free of the Federation and its
blasé corruption. After only two and a half years, the Federations
smoldering touch had already ravaged much of Naboos surface. Lush, jade
forests had been converted to fields of stumps and stubs, pristine lakes had
become convoluted messes and rolling hills of beautiful green plains were
conquered by smog-churning factories.
Nothing was left of Otoh Gunga, and the native Gungan culture was in shambles.
Many of the Gungans had fled Naboo altogether, seeking to build new lives on
oceanic worlds such as Mon Calamari or Manaan.
The Naboo, in comparison, were fortunate, yet they too had suffered terrible
losses. The reclusive Nubian artisans and peaceful villagers were robbed of
their idyllic lives when Federation battle droids forcefully relocated them
from their secluded villas to the bustling cities.
Naboo culture suffered. Monuments and buildings that, for many millennia, had
stood as testaments to Naboo architecture were torn down to make room for
machinated factories and commercial storehouses. Statues of ancient, virtuous
kings and queens were replaced by images of Nute Gunray or other Federation
executives.
Siri let out a slight sigh of relief as she exited the crowded spaceport. The
actual streets of Theed were much less crowded, and Siri liked it that way.
Fewer people meant that she had more space to work, and less chance of being
detected. As a sentinel and a tracker, it was her duty to ferret out and
apprehend criminals without attracting any kind of public attention.
This mission wasnt very different from the norm. A terrorist was raiding and
looting several of the industrial-commercial encampments on Naboo. The Council
had charged Siri with the task of apprehending him. This terrorist was
different. The Council believed him to be a powerful Force-adept, and most any
Force-user outside of the Order was a top priority to the Council.
She had departed from Coruscant immediately after receiving her orders. The
journey to Naboo was rather lengthy, but it gave her ample time to study up on
her target. The terrorist Siri sought was named the Keeper by Naboo locals.
Siri was intrigued by the title and was spurred to further study the origin of
the name.
She learned from a Naboo encyclopedia of culture that Keeper was short for
Keeper of Shadows. The Keeper of Shadows was a mythical figure, a bladed
warrior that wore a crimson-obsidian mask and stalked his victims at night.
Using his unique set of blades and a potent ability to vanish into the
darkness, the Keeper of Shadows sought vengeance for the oppressed and punished
those who persecuted the poor. His tale obviously held very strong influence
over Naboo culture, as the face paint worn by Nubian monarchs is very similar
to the mask the Keeper wore.
This terrorist who was named after the myth behaved no differently. The victims
of his slaughters were always high ranking Trade Federation officials, the type
of vermin that were infamous for abuse and graft.
Even superficially, the terrorist masqueraded as the myth. Survivors of his
wrath described the crimson-obsidian mask that covered his face. He carried a
circular blade that looked exactly like the fabled myths blade, and his
ability to suddenly vanish into darkness was almost mystical.
But there was no magic involved. Siri knew that. The Keeper had a powerful
ally in the dark side of the Force- it was obviously the source of his power.
Defeating him would be no easy task at all, but finding him would be even more
difficult. She remained confident in her skills and ability to resolve this mission,
but there was something elsewhere that bothered her something elusive.
She only wished
Her mind was wandering again. This mental digression was becoming a bad habit
of hers, and her meandering thoughts were beginning to distract her. She hated
to admit it to anyone, even herself, but Obi-Wans recent withdrawal from the
There were times, many times, when she wondered what Obi-Wan was doing on
Dynara VI. She missed him, oddly enough. His dry wit and warm smile had always
done much to comfort and reassure her. These past two years had been hard, and
she knew she would have appreciated his support.
Perhaps she just felt lonely. She was always sent on solo missions, and she
rarely spoke to other Jedi at the
Siri sighed. She would have enough time to think about such matters when she
returned to the
THE KEEPER STRIKES AGAIN
Siri scowled as she read on. She hadnt seen this report yet.
Thirty-two killed in factory sabotage. Approximately five hundred thousand
credits in damages done.
Siri slowly placed the paper back on the stack with the others. It was time to
get to work.
Chapter I
Part 2 of 2
Huntress
Later that Night
Siris neck craned as her face absorbed a gentle night breeze. From a perch
atop a factory spire, her sentinel senses blanketed the entire district,
combing each alley and building thoroughly. The slightest tingle in her mind
could alert her of any life form present. So far, she could only detect a
number of guards on the ground level. One was stationed in a nearby watchtower,
but he was on the verge of falling asleep.
Movement!
Three hundred meters due south, something was moving, and it was too fast to be
a guard. Siri focused her senses. The force radiated from this life form with
burning intensity, this must be her target. Siri unhooked her lightsaber.
Her prey was near.
The Jedi Sentinel hastily made her way down the spire. She leapt off and landed
on a nearby rooftop. She took a few seconds to carefully mask her force
signature. Stealth was her strongest ally; she couldnt risk detection by the
Keeper. Hoping she had averted detection, she rose up and charged across,
jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Her target was coming up; the Keeper was one
hundred meters away and closing.
Siri came to a sudden stop as she reached the edge of a rooftop. There were no
more rooftops left to transition to, only a wide courtyard. Siri could see
clear across the open garden, and a dark figure standing in the moonlight.
The Keeper.
Shrouded under the cover of a jet cloak and a dark hood, the obsidian mask
covered his face. The face painted on the mask truly resembled that of a Nubian
monarch. It was coated in jet black, a strong contrast to the monarchs pale
white, with facial features such as eyebrows, lips, nose and eyes well defined
by the shape and colors of the mask. A crimson dot manifested upon each cheek,
and the traditional scar of remembrance divided the lower lip.
Siri paused to analyze the blade the Keeper carried in his hand. She had seen
so many pictures of it, and it truly was unique. The weapon was circular in
shape, with a diameter of approximately sixty centimeters. The outer
circumference of the weapon was a razor sharp edge, with a small points spiking
out at regular intervals. The Keeper carried the blade in his right hand as he
quickly made his way across the wide courtyard. Siri made sure to note the
other weapons he possessed- a pair of small daggers strapped to the waist and
another to his boot.
The Jedi Sentinel lay in wait. He came near. Without warning, Siri leapt over
the edge of the roof with her violet saber lit and attacked the Keeper. Caught
by surprise for a moment, the warrior of darkness leapt back several bounds and
dodged Siris precise strikes. Siris unwavering execution kept the Keeper
falling back.
Siri made a thrust for his chest. The Keeper deflected the blow with his
circular blade. It was obviously constructed with a cortosis weave, a metal so
powerful that it would not falter to a lightsabers burning energy.
Batted away by the Keepers decisive block, Siri recovered and moved to strike
again, but was met with a strong kick to the face. She staggered back a bit,
losing her balance in the process. The Jedi hastily rolled away as to avoid
another attack from the Keeper.
Siri hopped back up to her feet and found that the Keeper was already in a
running retreat. She moved to give chase, but his cloak flared up as he turned
about and unleashed a hail of knives. Siri dropped low to the ground and
concentrated her Force powers to stop all five blades dead in the air. They
drifted away before harmlessly falling into the grass.
She quickly rose to her feet and saw the Keeper, about twenty meters away,
running towards a dark alley. She ran after him, heart pounding with
excitement. Drops of perspiration rolled down her forehead as she entered the
shady alley.
The Jedi came to a complete stop.
He had vanished. The moonlight could barely illuminate the narrow alley, but
from what she could see, he was gone. She stretched out with her sentinel
senses; they yielded no answers.
Youve come to destroy me, Jedi?
The voice was a hoarse whisper in the darkness. She could feel it float through
the air, alive with a seething, burning anger. He could not be far. He was
hiding somewhere in this alley, that was for sure.
Ive come to apprehend you for your crimes, Keeper. Siri responded to the
darkness. She slowly made her way down the alley, investigating every alcove
and dark corner.
I have sworn to avenge the crimes that the Jedi refuse to
punish.
Avenge? Avenge how? Her eyes narrowed. He was near. By killing
innocent people?
There is nothing innocent about the Trade Federation. A whispered yell echoed
down the narrow alley. I thought you would know that, Jedi.
A murderer is a murderer, Keeper. It doesnt matter why you commit-
Foolishness, Jedi! I do what I can to combat corruption! You Jedi merely lie
in wait and serve the pitiful vices of the filthy Senate. You are not servants
and protectors of the people!
And you are?!
More than you would ever understand. The Naboo seek to be free of this plague
that is the Trade Federation, and I am their Liberator. The Keeper fell into
silence. But I have no quarrel with you or the Jedi Order. I suggest you back
down and leave my territory at once.
No. You are coming with me to Coruscant so that you might face trial for your
crimes.
So be it.
The Keeper suddenly sprung out of hiding. Siri could immediately sense him. He
was right behind her! Her violet blade flared to life as she spun around and
blocked the Keepers circular blade from slicing at her neck. She slowly pushed
the Keeper back, all the while having difficulty navigating her attacks around
the circular blade.
The Keepers cape flared about as he slowly took control and asserted more
aggressive attack stances. His blade sang as he repetitively attacked Siri and
gradually tore down her defense.
She surged back as the Keeper overextended. Finding a huge gap in the Keepers
defense, she surged forward and unleashed another volley of precise strikes.
The Keeper instinctively rolled away and dodged the attacks. At the peak of her
tirade, Siris purple saber plunged though the inner hoop of the Keepers
circular weapon. She quickly realized her mistake as the Keeper yanked his
blade back, taking the saber clean out of Siris hand.
Siri backed away from the Keeper as he made several swings for her. She was nearly
forced into a corner before she found her way around him and ran to recover her
saber that lay on the ground. Just as she summoned the saber back to her hands,
the Keeper unleashed another hail of knives. Siri dropped to the ground, but it
was no use. She growled in pain as she felt one of the small weapons dig into
her back. She ignored the stinging wound and activated her lightsaber.
The Keeper brought on another salvo of attacks, and each time, Siri was weak to
respond. Her sentinel senses quickly alerted her of the poison that was
spreading from the knife that was still impaled in her back. Sentinel training
and conditioning had granted Siri partial immunity to most kinds of poisons,
but this toxin was extremely potent. No doubt that most any other humanoid
subjected to it would have been paralyzed by now. Her Force powers aided her
immune system in fighting the poison, but it was a losing battle.
Control over the muscles in her back was rapidly deteriorating. She could feel
her strength begin to melt away as every movement became an intense struggle
against her sluggish muscles. Everything was going numb, yet she refused to
capitulate. She stubbornly tried to fight on.
The Keeper suddenly stopped his rampage and brought his guard down. Siri struggled
to take advantage of the situation, only to realize that her strength was
completely gone. Her mind was screaming for her body to act, but it refused to
comply. The cold grip of paralysis was absolute
The Keeper stepped forward and shoved Siri. The paralyzed Sentinel fell to the
ground with a loud thud. A few seconds later, she felt the Keeper depart. It
was only when he was gone that she realized she was lying in a pool of crimson
liquid. Siri gasped. There was a huge gash in her abdomen she blacked out.
Siri?
The Jedi Sentinel stirred in her sleep.
Siri Tachi, can you hear me?
Her eyes slid open in a cautious, discreet manner. The light from outside
obviously hurt her. It took a few moments for her pupils to contract and
adjust. When her senses finally awakened, she realized that she was lying on a
bed in the center of mid-sized room and looking up at unusually high ceilings.
How do you feel?
I Siri squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed at them for a few moments. She
looked up at the person who had obviously been nursing her back to health. Obi-Wan?
Siris caretaker smiled brightly. You seem glad to see
Perhaps I am, Siri smiled. What are you doing here, Kenobi?
I was on my way back to Coruscant from Dynara VI when I got a transmission
from Master Windu. He told me about your mission and suggested that I come and
assist you.
Well, what took you so long? I could have used your assistance a few hours
ago
A few hours ago? More accurately, you could have used my assistance a few days
ago.
Siri scowled. Ive been out for that long?
Yes, you have. I found you unconscious, paralyzed and bleeding in a small
alley. The person you fought obviously left you for dead. You probably would
have died if I had not have found you when I did.
It felt like I was going to die, Siri acknowledged. She added gratefully,
Thank you, Obi-Wan.
Siris blue eyes met Obi-Wans azure gaze. He looked changed. She hadnt seen
him for two and a half years, so she could have expected that, but she never
expected him to appear this weathered. He kept a fairly well trimmed goatee,
but the rest of his facial features looked as if they had been roughed and
hardened by a few years of tough living. Several scars had accumulated across
his face, the most notable being the large gash that traced across his left
cheek and a long cut directly under his right jaw. Obi-Wans hair was fairly
unkempt, but it had grown to a shoulder-length that would be considered a
natural look for most Jedi Knights.
How have you been? Siri asked. The gash in her abdomen wasnt completely
healed, she could tell by the way the flesh in her midsection moved when she
tried to sit up. She gradually got her back resting against the headboard and
eyed the tray of food sitting on the night table just out of her reach. Obi-Wan
picked up the tray and placed it down on the bed right next to Siri.
Ive been on Dynara VI, he replied casually.
I suppose Ill just have to assume it was a very rough experience, Siri said
as she took a bite out of her sandwich.
My mission on Dynara VI was to help some of the settlers establish their
colonies. Dynara VI is a very tough place to live, the climate was too arid,
and some of the wildlife was very dangerous.
That sounds like lots of fun, Siri commented sarcastically. Why did you go?
I mean, you volunteered
I just needed some time away, thats all. Obi-Wan sounded evasive.
Two years alone?
I needed to be alone, to to figure things out I suppose. He fell silent for
a moment, and Siri could see the uncertainty marred upon his face. I just knew
I needed some time away from the
Siri always knew Obi-Wan to be such a strong person, yet the past few years had
scarred him so badly, both inside and out. She could see it now, in his sour
expression and in his weak posture, but it was most apparent in his eyes. His
steel blue corneas were a projection of his internal insecurities and
uncertainties.
How have these past thirty months been for you, Siri?
Besides now? Good and injury-free. Im sure that you cant say the
same.
Obi-Wan grinned. These scars were only flesh wounds.
Whos to say this isnt? Siri boasted as she tapped her abdomen. Her
expression soured as her entire midsection howled with pain. Siri nearly
squirmed out of bed, but Obi-Wan quickly pinned her down with one hand and stopped
her movement. A strong contraction could have easily reopened her wound.
Please dont do that again, Siri, Obi-Wan said, slightly annoyed. It took me
quite a while to patch you up and stop the bleeding.
I dont know why you didnt just use the Force.
I did. Obi-Wan said sternly. But Im obviously not a very potent Force
healer, now am I?
Oh, how sweet of you, Obi, Siri teased. Trin would be so proud.
Obi-Wan laughed. Listen, you need some more rest.
If I needed more rest, then why did you wake me?
Well, um, Obi-Wan glared at the now-empty tray, people tend to die when they
go without food for more than two days, so I figured that a meal would be a
legitimate reason to wake you.
Siri grinned sheepishly. She gingerly laid down in bed as Obi-Wan picked up the
tray.
One more thing, Siri, Obi-Wan said. When I found you, you didnt have a
lightsaber with you.
He mustve taken it, Siri replied. I keep a spare one in my travel bag.
And where is that?
Brightstar Inn. Room
Access key?
Ill retrieve it for you.
Wait, Obi-Wan. Exactly where are we?
Far north of Theed, in one of the few wildernesses that the Federation hasnt
touched yet. My friend Salazar has extended his hospitality to us. This
is his cabin.
Hello Salazar.
Obi-Wan nodded absent-mindedly as he stepped out of Siris room.
Salazar nodded back lightly. He was a giant. At
Salazar was, indeed, classified as a humanoid, yet he held an extremely unique
appearance that set him apart from the Rodians and Twileks that flooded most
of the galaxy. He had two arms each with four fingers and two legs that ended
in hoof-like feet, but no mouth or nose. His eyes were solid black, but Obi-Wan
noticed how they would occasionally glow blue or red. Salazars scaly,
reptilian skin was a coarse gray. The braids that grew out of the back of his
head were so long that they could nearly touch the back of his knees.
How is your comrade faring? Salazar had no mouth or vocal cords, but
instead communicated using telepathy. His voice that he projected through his
telepathy, the voice that Obi-Wan heard in his head, had a commandingly deep
pitch.
Shell be fine, Obi-Wan answered promptly. She just needs another day of
rest.
Im anxious to meet this
Tachi. Siri Tachi.
Yes. Siri Tachi, your comrade. Shes a Jedi, like you?
On the contrary, youll find that she is very much unlike me.
Perhaps that would explain why you are so very attracted to her, The
Protoss mused.
Obi-Wan frowned. Salazar always had an alarmingly strong sense of intuition. Such
abilities were normally attributed to the Force sensitive, yet Salazars Force
signature never indicated that he was empowered in such a way. Obi-Wan had not
done a scientifically accurate blood test to measure the Protoss midi-chlorian
count. Yet he was fairly sure that his own Jedi senses would be able to detect
a force sensitive being, especially one that appeared to have as much raw power
as Salazar.
Im not sure how you came to that conclusion. Obi-Wan replied as his mind
snapped back out of deep thought.
Come now, Obi-Wan. We both know that Human denial cannot deceive my empathy.
Siri and I are good friends.
You havent seen or spoken to her in over two years, and that is why your
thoughts have so wantonly betrayed you. Your feelings for her are so very
strong, yet you constantly try to bury them. Are these feelings so shameful
that you must endlessly try to lock them away?
No, Obi-Wan said grimly.
Then why do you hide them? To be honest, I sense that she may well have some
of the very same feelings for you.
I know! He snapped. Obi-Wan glanced away momentarily and gave a weak sigh
that any of his contemporaries would have easily recognized. Ive known for a
long time, and Ive felt this way for a long time, I think both of us have.
I would imagine that Siri is, by your Terran standards, a very attractive
woman. Both of you have mutual feelings for each other. Why are you hesitant to
pursue-
Because we cant, Obi-Wan said sullenly. The Jedi dont court.
And why is that?
Because because our code forbids it.
Then the Jedi are mad, methinks, Salazar chuckled.
Thats funny, because sometimes I think the same way Obi-Wan fell into a
long silence. I I love her.
Good, at the very least you can admit it.
What does it matter? She and I dont have a future together. Siri is far too
dedicated to the Order to risk expulsion over something like this.
Are you?
Obi-Wan frowned. You ask too many questions, Protoss.
Salazar rarely used any facial expressions. Occasionally his eyebrows flared,
and sometimes he frowned, but otherwise it was incredibly difficult to read
him. Yet there were moments when Obi-Wan swore that he saw him smile, even
though technically thats impossible since Salazar had no mouth.
Why did you inquire so strongly about this?
Because, in my four hundred fifty-seven years of existence, one of the most
important things I have learned is that family is worth fighting for,
Salazar paused. I fought numerous battles and Ive seen, firsthand, the
horrors of war. Many of my brothers have fallen in battle, and the devastation
and agony of combat can remind you of how the simplest things in life can be
the most important.
Youve fought in many battles?
And I have lost very few, Salazar boasted. He chuckled lightly before
continuing, have you ever been to war, human? There are things that I have
seen, things that have terrified me; images that haunt my dreams. Yet I can
look back upon it with pride and say that I, along with my Templar brethren,
fought honorably to defend our people. I see that you have not fought the same
battles as I have, because your people have not known war. Yet we are similar
because you perform many of the same duties I did when my people were in a time
of peace.
So you were more than just a warrior?
As a Templar, it was my duty to keep the peace and protect the homeworld.
Ultimately, you and I are both civil servants. Yet while you fight and struggle
everyday to protect the families of many, you are prohibited from having a
family of your own.
Thats the Jedi way. Obi-Wan looked away as he picked up the access key to
his speeder and slowly walked towards the door. I have to go. Its a long ride
to Theed.
Obi-Wan. The Jedi stopped cold. Do not be so
fearful of your feelings for her.
To this, Obi-Wan responded with a vacant gaze and a detached nod. His
expression once again degraded into uncertainty as he stepped out of the cabin.
Salazar watched stoically as the young Jedi departed. His eyes glowed with
vibrant shades of teal and azure as he struggled to divine the truth behind
Obi-Wans uneasiness.
Chapter III
Part 1 of 2
Fallen Angel
Terrorist attacks, bombings and assassinations had rocked Naboo for the past
few months. The Federation reflexively tightened its grip over the planet. Two
Federation battleships were dispatched to bolster the security forces holding
Naboo. All major urban centers were reinforced with legions of droid guards;
Theed was practically strangled by the patrols and security checkpoints.
Yet the masked marauder never failed to find a hole in the Federations
security. It seemed that the harder the Federation tried to stop the Keeper,
the more monumental their failures became. The crimson-obsidian mask struck
from the shadows, and none could withstand his fury.
The Keepers success caused more damage than the Federation could ever hope to
assess. His exploits inspired defiance in the hearts of average citizens.
Curfews were violated, ordinances were dishonored and brawls erupted.
Determined residents assaulted armored sentries armed with little more than
metal rods and bare hands.
Amidst this chaos that seemed to erupt daily, there was one residential borough
where the residents seemed to have an affinity for defiance. It was midnight; a
full three hours past curfew, yet several dozen people had flocked towards a
back alley that branched off of a rarely used side street. A middle-aged man
stood atop a rusted garbage can with a torch in hand, indoctrinating the crowd
with his visions of rebellion.
My brothers and sisters, my country men and women, I stand before you a broken
man. A hollow shell of the proud individual I once was. You have been my
neighbors for many, many years, you know of my struggles, just as I know of yours.
The students once called me Professor Garret. I taught political sciences at
the University, before the Federation came. When they did, they demolished the
university. My classroom, where I had instructed for nineteen years, was
destroyed. The speaker eyed his wife who was standing amidst the crowd. And
I we, my wife and I, lost our daughter in the camps.
She was only fifteen.
A hush descended as the speaker took a long pause. He scanned the crowd for a
moment, examining the broken expressions marred upon their faces, before
looking back to his wife, who had tears pooling in her eyes at the mention of
their precious Elayah. Weve all lost somebody in the camps, the speaker
continued, Jono, your son was only nine, but I remember him being diligent and
kind enough to help me build my backyard fence when I broke my knee.
The Federation has taken so much from us, our loved ones, our homes, our way
of life. Look around you! This place called Theed was once glorious and
beautiful. But the houses that many of our ancestors had crafted by hand have
been destroyed, replaced by these monstrosities. He motioned towards the
massive apartment complexes and housing projects. Our museums, our schools,
our monuments and architecture theyre all gone!
Yet in spite of everything the Federation has robbed us of, we still sit here,
enslaved by their greed and corruption, waiting lethargically for some kind of
miracle to save us. And I ask you, who will save us? Queen Amidala? The
professor scoffed. Queen Amidala sold us into bondage the moment she signed
that accursed treaty with the Federation. And then she vanished, abandoning us
in our time of need. No one has so much as heard from her in over two years!
That is all I have to say concerning the traitor queen.
I ask you again, who will save us from this turmoil? The speakers eyes were
alive as he received feedback from the crowd. Senator Palpatine? The
Federation recently had him removed from office! There is nothing he can do to
help us. Or what of the vaunted Supreme Chancellor Valorum?
My years of studying political science tell me that Supreme Chancellor Valorum
fits neatly in the breast pocket of the Trade Federation! He pounded his chest
with his hand, inspiring a few cheers and cries from the crowd. More and more
people were flocking to his makeshift podium.
There is only one person who has stood for us, one person who has fought for
our freedom. That person, that warrior, is none other than the Keeper. The
speaker merely mentioned the name, and the entire crowd erupted into cries of
approval. Yet there is only so much the Keeper can do. We must be the
change we wish to see in our lives. We must fight on, and follow the
example so bravely set by the Keeper.
The crowd erupted into cheers of approval as numerous men and women pledged
their lives to fight the Federation. But the jubilation was short lived as the
cheers suddenly died down and an unnerving hush descended upon the crowded
street corner. The assembly, which was now composed of over sixty people,
turned to face the south side of the street, where a patrol of seven battle
droids stood watching, armed with repeating blasters.
Curfew is enacted, the lead droid said. All citizens are to remain indoors
until dawn.
No! The professor shouted as he saw a handful of people move to leave. We
stand together!
This is your final warning, citizens. Disperse, or be terminated.
We shall not fear! He declared strongly.
Not one person moved as the droids raised their weapons to fire. Four of the
three droids were suddenly swept up into what looked like a whirlwind. A few
seconds later, they clattered to the ground, irreparably damaged. The three
other droids turned to face their new enemy that emerged from the shadows of a
dark alley. They unleashed their fire upon the cloaked figure, but it was no
use. He raised his left palm and absorbed the blaster bolts with relative ease,
then bounded forward with his circular blade to finish off the remaining
droids. The crowd watched in awe as he turned to face them.
Take the weapons; youll need them for the upcoming weeks, the Keeper said.
Destroy whats left of the droids, and disperse before another patrol comes.
The crowd watched reverently as the Keeper turned to leave.
Wait! The professor stopped him. Wh-Who are you?
I am the iron hand of justice, the Keeper declared as he turned to face them
again. And what I do tonight, I dedicate to the memory of your fallen loved
ones.
A moment later, he was gone.
* * * *
A black, hooded figure skirted through the shadows. No amount of armed
guards or trained sentries could detect the intruder. Scanner sweeps were
useless, patrols were helpless and sensors were blind to the evasive actions of
the shadow stalker. She edged around numerous patrols and scaled the walls of
the communication center before dropping down into the complex through a
ventilation shaft.
The shaft brought the infiltrator straight into a refresher. She analyzed the
room, recognizing it as empty before stepping towards the nearest exit. As she
turned towards the door, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Giving
in to momentary vanity, she paused to evaluate her appearance.
She lowered her hood and revealed her features to the reflective glass and
smiled smugly. Years of training in the dark arts had not weathered or changed
her appearance. Her face was still angular with high cheekbones, her
mocha-colored skin was still smooth and soft and her broad smile was still
pearly white.
With her emerald-green eyes, long black hair, and innocent smile, the casual
observer would easily dismiss her as just another ingénue, pretty girl.
Few would ever come close to guessing the truth, that she was a violent
murderess bent on destroying the Trade Federation.
Avenger, she hissed her title proudly. The dots of balance were painted on
her face. The scar of remembrance, was as well, however it was divided by a
fine, blue line. The left side of the scar was fiery crimson red while the
right was deep obsidian black. The Keeper, her accomplice, companion and lover,
had released her from the darkness. She was a blade of justice, and indeed,
justice would be served.
The Avenger slowly backed away from the mirror. She slipped her cloak back on
and replaced her hood, hiding her identity under its cover. Reaching out with
the force, she toggled the nearby switch, cutting power the lights in the
refresher.
There was no more time for procrastination, her objective was near.
Chapter III
Part 2 of 2
Fallen Angel
Daultay Dofine reclined in his luxurious mechno-chair. As a starship captain,
Dofine had garnered much favor the eyes of Trade Federation Viceroy Nute
Gunray, and it had made the largest difference when it was time for
reassignment. Commanding a droid control ship had its perks, but it paled in
comparison to the rank of Planetary Governor.
The Neimoidian grinned smugly. From this throne room in the
Yet he still had his obligations to fulfill. Naboo was both crown jewel and
workhorse of Nute Gunrays empire, and as such, the Viceroy had extremely
demanding quotas for Dofine to meet. The new line of factories constructed on
the outskirts of Theed was operating at one hundred percent capacity, producing
two hundred new battle droids an hour.
If only security could deal with that masked menace. That terrorist was the
only true threat to Federation rule, and he was incredibly hard to kill. The
damages he caused were enough to set the production timetable back by six
months, and some of the personnel he killed had proven most difficult to
replace.
But beyond that, the governor gave it little more thought. As tenacious and
resourceful as the Keeper was, Dofine was confident that he could not breach
the palace walls. Dozens of sentry droids, not to mention live guards, occupied
every corner.
Dofine shuddered. A cold breeze entered his suite. The mechanical chair crawled
over to the window, and Dofine slammed it shut. It was only then that the
dreadful realization dawned upon him: he had not opened the window earlier that
night. The governor reached for his side arm, leaping out of the hulking
mechno-chair and instinctively calling for his guards. There was no answer.
The governor edged towards the door and cautiously opened it. He found the
decapitated bodies of the two guards as well as the broken remains of six
droids that had been stationed outside of his throne room.
Dofine cringed in horror as the intruder who had so brutally disabled security
emerged from the shadows. Face-to-face with the terrifying obsidian mask, he
attempted to take aim at the black figure, but his movement was cut short by a
fan of knives.
He wailed in pain as half a dozen of the blades impaled his chest. Dofine
collapsed as he felt the cold grip of paralysis engulf his bodily functions.
Brooding in darkness, the masked figure shook its head stoically.
Have you anything to say, Dofine? The obsidian mask asked.
P-please, dont do this! Dofine could barely speak; the paralyzing poison was
beginning to weaken his jaw muscles. I-I have credits. Anything, anything you
want. Spare me, and Ill make you a very rich man! Please!
You cannot buy your way out of your crimes, the Keepers stoic body language
evaporated as his malicious, whispering hiss echoed down the empty hallway,
You can only pay for them.
No. No! The Neimoidians pitiful cries for mercy intensified. Please, let me
live. Show mercy! I I can give you Federation secrets- the locations of all
our factories and installations on Naboo.
Secrets? What secrets? The Keeper asked cryptically. Save your breath. I
know all of them.
Please, is there nothing I can do to stop you from doing this?
What I want you to do now, the obsidian mask turned away from Dofine, is to
think hard upon everything you have done. Contemplate just how many Nubian
lives you have ruined, how many Gungan cities you have destroyed. How many
families you have split apart how many fifteen year-old girls you ordered
tortured to death by your battle droids.
Dofine struggled to reply, but he could not, as the poison from the knives had
paralyzed his tongue. He could only watch, in a helpless, stunted silence, as
the Keeper raised his circular blade.
You ordered at least one, and that alone is enough to condemn you to a most
foul and excruciating punishment, yet I am merciful. I will spare you your
limbs; I have come only to take your head
* * * *
Tidris Serko paced about on his bridge. His battleship, the Essedro-Kahmaya,
had been called upon by Daultay Dofine to reinforce security with its army of
battle droids. Tidris did as ordered, reporting to Naboo, activating his
droids, aligning them with the central computer of the nearest control ship and
deploying them to the surface to serve as added security for the planetary
governor.
It was his fourth day of assignment over Naboo, and he couldnt be more bored.
With the operations done, he secretly longed for reassignment. There was money
to be made, and while commanding a battleship did pay quite well, Tidris only
wished his job could be more stimulating. Pacing about the bridge of his ship
was not very engaging.
The Neimoidian sighed. Perhaps he only needed a new hobby to better pass the
time.
Sir, the Captains tactical advisor spoke up. Were receiving a transmission
from the surface. The
He turned to face his tactical advisor. Why do they wish to interface?
They wish to upload software upgrades for our turbolaser targeting systems.
Tidris gave an apathetic nod. Very well. His advisor
gave a nod of compliance and proceeded with the order. Tidris took a seat in
his chair as he contemplated potential new hobbies. Perhaps he could learn to
play virtual chess. No, that wouldnt work. Hed have no real opponents, and
playing against droids can get quite boring. What about art? Photography or
sculpture maybe? Bah, leave the art to the artisans. Perhaps the best diversion
could be found in a nice, thick book. The only question was which book to read?
What author?
Tidris silent musings were cut short as the entire ship shook violently.
Lieutenant, whats going on?
Sir, our impulse engines have engaged at full speed. Our orbit is
destabilizing!
What? The captain snapped his fingers, and the bridge view screen flickered
to life, showing an image of the blue-green ball that was Naboo. Naboo was
growing bigger by the second. Disengage the impulse engines, now! Get us back
into high orbit.
Im trying, sir! The computer wont respond.
What? That is impossible! Tidris leapt up from his seat, his face alive with
panic. The image of Naboo was growing larger and larger. He marched over to the
forward console and yanked the pilot droid away from the computer terminal. He
scornfully looked back at the tactical advisor. Dont just sit there, you
moron! Help me try to override the computer!
Tidris worked furiously, pounding the keys of the console, but every command
string he punched in failed. After nearly seven unsuccessful attempts, a new
message appeared in the console screen.
ACCESSING PROGRAM: Avenger
Tidris red-orange eyes blinked as he looked up from the console screen and at
one of the status indicators to his left. Power to life support had been cut
completely. He turned around to find his officers gasping and choking for air.
The captain gagged as the realization dawned upon him. There was no air to
breathe. He doubled over, falling before the view screen. Naboo was so huge
Chapter IV
Part 1 of 2
Demon
Following the arrival of the Trade Federation, the Naboo had staged a poorly
planned rebellion that was ultimately crushed by the steel of the droid armies.
Much of Old Theed was destroyed by the fighting; many of the grand
architectural monuments leveled by Armored Assault Tanks or mowed down by
destroyer droids. Only the
The Brightstar Inn was one such eyesore. The building itself was very poorly
designed, and from the outside, it was filthy. The inside was no different, but
Obi-Wan wasnt surprised. These types of low class
motels were best fit for traveling vagabonds like the Jedi. Given the meager
amount of credits the Council allocated to each mission, the Jedi couldnt
afford any better than these types of dirt hostels.
Obi-Wan shook his head as he made his way inside. Now wasnt the time to
contemplate the stinginess of the Jedi Council or the Senate that funded it. He
had to retrieve a few items from Siris room before checking her out of the
A weak night breeze flowed in through the open window on the opposite side of
the room. Something wasnt right; Obi-Wan could taste it in the air. He ignored
the light switch next to him and instead waited a few moments for his eyes to
adapt to the darkness. Siri had obviously been researching before she left, as
the entire room was practically canvassed with newspapers and documents about
the Keeper.
Obi-Wan cautiously made his way over to the bed. Underneath, he found Siris
travel bag. He rummaged through the bag for a minute, finding spare clothes,
power cells, various tools and a lightsaber- everything Siri would need.
Obi-Wan pulled out the saber and clipped it to his belt before snapping the bag
shut and strapping it to his back.
The Jedi Knight cautiously stepped over to the open window, careful not to make
any noise. Obi-Wan peered out the window, and his Jedi senses picked up another
scent. He climbed out and onto battered roof of the
They say the Jedi always work in pairs.
Obi-Wans muscles coiled. His senses blanketed the rooftop and detected
nothing. The scent that beaconed to him had dissipated. Yet the voice was
nearby. Keeper.
Youve left me no choice, Jedi. The voice was full of malice and anguish. I
told you. I warned your partner. Yet both of you have so earnestly sought my
wrath.
Show yourself, Keeper. And well let battle determine a winner.
You are different from your partner, so very different. She showed herself to
be little more than a pawn to the vaunted Jedi Council. You, young prodigal,
are much, much more.
Obi-Wan remained silent.
You do not serve the Council blindly; you are not keen to do the bidding of
the Senate. You seek only to do what is right and just. You are very much like
I will never be like you.
Yet you are.
Ive never murdered anyone!
You have. You do. The inner recess of your mind is home to numerous vicious
acts that your Council would never accept.
A figure emerged from the darkness on the left. Obi-Wans face crumpled with
disdain. It was such a familiar sight. It was the demon that had haunted his
dreams and blanketed him with despair. The murderer lowered his hood, revealing
that menacing crown of horns and those scarlet tattoos. Obi-Wan felt his entire
body fill with fire, his legs coiling to strike as the demon stood silently mocking
and ridiculing him.
He could contain it no more. The time to avenge his fallen master was at hand.
Two and a half years worth of bottled anger exploded into a furious rage as he
bounded towards the hapless Zabrak. With his azure blade entrenched in his
right fist and Siris violet blade carried in his left, he unleashed a burning
salvo upon the demon.
Is that the kind of justice you seek, Jedi?
Malicious laughter echoed across the rooftop as Obi-Wan withdrew and realized
that his masters murderer had vanished. An illusion! The burning flame
of his unbridled anger intensified as he realized he had been deceived.
Would the Council approve?
Show yourself! Obi-Wan barked in response to the astringent comment. He
thrashed about furiously, searching for his enemy.
Such anger, young prodigal, such rage that fire that burns within you, it
immolates your soul
Enough games.
Is that enough? Your thoughts are your weakness. Your feelings are strong
Siri Tachi.
No! Obi-Wan suddenly felt drained of energy. His anger faded and turned
to anxiety as he became blindingly aware of his most vulnerable feelings, and
how translucent he had made himself appear.
Youve sought something from her for the longest time.
Shut up! Shut up!
But Jedi dont love, do they? You bury your feelings, yet you dont kill them
completely. You allow them to thrive. Do you secretly nourish and nurture them
in hopes that she may someday recognize them and be with you? That she might
violate her deepest commitment to the Jedi Order for you? Bah! Foolishness!
Obi-Wan seethed with rage as the anger washed him again and again. His entire
body burned as if the smoldering flame was going to incinerate him.
Yet Siri has proven herself to be the greatest threat to my dominance in a
long time. She may only be a pawn, but she is proven to be a powerful one. I
should have killed her-
NO!
Then, when I am done with you, she is mine
Obi-Wans eyes flickered as he realized that the Keeper was right in front of
him. He moved to block. Too late! The Keepers circular blade struck Obi-Wan in
the chest. The Jedi gasped, and both sabers fell from his hands and hit the
ground with a clatter.
The Keeper retracted his weapon and swung again. This time, Obi-Wan heard his
sternum crunch and crumble away as his heartbeat weakened and he collapsed to
the ground. Another malicious laugh echoed across the rooftop, and the Keeper
was gone.
* * * *
Obi-Wan bounced back into consciousness. He sprung up from bed and immediately
grabbed his chest. It was still in one piece, there were no cracks or gashes.
There was not even a drop of blood. Obi-Wan sighed with relief as innumerable
beads of cold sweat dripped down his face. It was only a dream. No, not a
dream, but a vision. It must have been. The force was guiding him, or warning
him maybe.
Obi-Wan got up out of bed. He had fallen asleep in Siris room, on her bed.
Everything was where he had left it. The newspapers were still canvassed about,
and Siris travel bag lay on the floor leaning against the wall.
Then, when I am done with you, she is mine
Obi-Wan shuddered. Siris saber was still clipped to his belt, and he knew she
was defenseless without it. This weapon was her life, and he held it in his
hands. He had to return to her. He needed to be by her side, to help her, to
protect her. The Keeper had made his threats, and Obi-Wan would not allow him
to succeed.
Chapter IV
Part 2 of 2
Demon
Siri drifted back to consciousness, jerked into the waking world by a
bloodcurdling howl of pain. She felt the cries echo through the Force, so many
voices screaming in a chilling unison.
Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan? Siri gathered the will to rise
out of her bed. She stumbled about her pitch black room for a few seconds
before guiding herself to the light switch and to the door. She called out for
her companion again, her voice echoing down the hallway. The entire hall was
dark with the exception of the light coming from the door at the far end. She
limped down the hall and opened the door.
Siri?
Siri blinked, dumbfounded as she came face-to-face with the giant of an alien.
Are you Salazar?
Yes, I am, the Templar replied. Obi-Wan told me that might awaken,
but he never expected you to arise from your bed.
Well, I- Siri stopped abruptly as she cringed in pain. She clasped her
stomach.
You should not be up and about. Salazar helped her down into a chair. Obi-Wan
prepared some food for you before he left. Do you wish to consume it now?
Yes, Siri nodded. Thank you, Salazar.
The Templar disappeared into the cabin, leaving Siri alone for a few minutes.
The Jedi Sentinel recovered from the sharp pain in her abdomen and analyzed her
surroundings. Tall trees stood amidst the moons in the horizon, bathing in the
pale light the shone down upon them from the heavens. She was surrounded by a
beautiful arboreal paradise- this was obviously a side of Naboo Siri never saw
in Theed.
The foreground was filled with smaller shrubs that had adopted numerous vibrant
colors. They practically glowed with beauty in the moonlight, and Siri couldnt
help but adore them. These shrubs and bushes werent growing here naturally;
she could easily see the way the dirt and rocks around them had been so
meticulously arranged over painstaking amounts of time. This was a garden.
Salazar returned with a tray of food and a tall glass of water. Salazar placed
it on the table before Siri and took a seat across the room from her. He
silently watched as she ate.
Is there anything else you need, Siri?
She shook her head nonchalantly. Nothing.
Youve been staring at me since I served you that food, Salazar
observed. Do you find me to be peculiar?
In all honesty, yes. When Obi-Wan told me about you, I assumed you were human.
Besides, there arent a lot of mouth-less telepathic
aliens in the galaxy
Understandable. You seem curious. Is there anything you wish to know?
Is this your garden?
I have maintained this nursery for fifteen years.
These plants are beautiful, Siri remarked, enamored by the vibrant colors.
They are a species native to my homeworld. I was pleasantly surprised when I
learned that they were able to take root here. The Protoss fell silent as
he looked about. I first settled on this world because it bears a striking
beauty similar to that of my own homeworld. It was serene, peaceful, and
beautiful.
You seem sad when you say that
It is a true pity that beauty does not last forever. The Trade Federation,
with their legion of mindless machines and smoldering touch, has succeeded in
stripping Naboo of her resources and ravaging her beauty. Arboretums like this
are becoming a rarity.
The Trade Federation is driven by their greed for profit.
Indeed. Greed is what drives them to dishonor the land, the Protoss said.
The humans that once prospered here and safeguarded this land were not like
the Federation. Rather than ravage the planet, they adorned it with their
architectural wonders and monuments. Theed was once a gem, a great credit to
the Naboo and their ingenuity. Now, Theed is barren; everything the Naboo once
strove to make beautiful has been reduced to ash by the Federations smoldering
touch
Siri maintained a reverent silence as the Protoss voice trailed off. The
content of his long monologue could have easily inspired anger and hatred
against the Federation, yet Salazar spoke them in such a stolid, calm manner,
as if he were merely making casual observations. But it was clear to Siri that
he was no casual observer. As shown by these plants he had so meticulously
maintained over the years, Salazar was as connected to this world as any
Nabooian or Gungan- he had adopted this as his home, and the Trade Federation
had turned his life upside down.
How do you know Obi-Wan?
I met him here two years ago. His arrival coincided with the Trade
Federations first incursion on this world. He was a stalwart warrior, seeking
to halt the Federations advance towards Theed.
That sounds a lot like Obi-Wan, but I cant help but feel that hes been
changed.
After seeing him now, I too believe he has changed, but I am not keen as to
how. You should be able to sense it, for you have known him longer than I, and
you are his closest friend.
I am?
You hold him to be your closest friend. Why do you think he would not hold
you in the same regard?
There are things he hides from me, things he doesnt speak to me about.
There are things he hides from everyone. If left unspoken, these things will
prove to be very unhealthy for him, Salazar paused. Obi-Wan has done
very much for me in the past, and I am very concerned
for him now. He has turned to me for advice in the past, but I feel that you
are only person who can truly aid him now.
Youre right. Siri nodded. She wanted to speak to Obi-Wan, as soon as she got
the chance, she would. Siri clearly remembered the conversation they had only a
few hours ago. His sour expression and his weak posture she wanted to know
what he was hiding behind those steel blue eyes.
Chapter V
Part 1 of 2
Conclave
Nute Gunray, Shu Mai, Wat Tambor, San Hill, and Passel Argente each took seats
at a rectangular table. One could only imagine what twist of fate had brought
these five immensely powerful beings together on the long forgotten world of
Korriban.
So, Argente, Gunray began as he took a sip of his ale, how fare things on
Corellia?
Good, he responded. As Magistrate and Senator of the Corporate Alliance, he
commanded a considerable amount of power that even rivaled Gunrays. Senator
Garm Bel Iblis is my newest trophy. I made him an offer he could not refuse
I take it you offered him his life, the Viceroy chuckled.
Indeed, I did, Argente replied with a twisted grin.
The Neimoidian took another sip of his ale. What of your exploits on
Chandrila, Tambor?
The hulking Skakoan adjusted one of the knobs on his metal-plated chest. A
technophile through-and-through, Tambor was Foreman of the Techno Union and
overseer of numerous factories and technology plants. The Chandrilans have
proven most difficult. Senator Mon Mothma cannot be bought, but fortunately,
her term is ending, and I have purchased enough votes to ensure Mothma is not
re-elected to serve in the Senate.
What of your exploits, Viceroy? The question came from San Hill,
Chairman of the InterGalactic Banking Clan.
All is well in the Federation, Chairman. I have my top official overseeing our
golden project on Naboo.
Yes, good, Shu Mai replied. President of the Commerce Guild, Shu Mai had a
knack for spinning profits out of the hardship of others. As you know,
Viceroy, we have all invested a lot of money in Naboo.
Of course, Madam President. Gunray gave the Lady Gossam a respectful nod.
Soon the new factories and foundries will be producing legions and legions of
battle droids.
Its a relief that we are on schedule, Hill said, If the Supreme Chancellor
were to learn about the nature of our factories before they are in operation,
there could be some dire consequences.
I like the Supreme Chancellor just where he is, Gunray said boastfully as he
took another sip of his ale, in the roll of my pocket book.
That last comment inspired a roll of laughter from the assembly of power
players. The door at the edge of the chamber slid open as the Viceroy placed
his now-empty glass on the table. The assembly of five immediately rose to
their feet in respect for the hooded figure that came walking through the
doors. In one united voice, they uttered the words Lord Sidious and bowed
reverently.
Lord Sidious, followed by his ever-loyal apprentice, Darth Maul, acknowledged
his subjects with a simple hand gesture. The five corporate masters had long
ago pledged their loyalty and their souls to the dark lord in exchange for
golden credits and the spoils of deceit. They were now unconditionally shackled
to the Sith Master, as shown by their submissive bows.
My lady and gentlemen, the Dark Lord said as he paced towards his seat at the
head of the table, so good of you to come.
It is an honor to be in your presence, Lord Sidious, the Viceroy said. Gunray
was the Dark Lords eldest and most powerful pawn, and his rank among his peers
showed.
My friends, Sidious said as he stood at the head of the table, I would like
to be the first to welcome you to the new Galactic Senate. The sideshow
that airs daily on Coruscant is little more than a vibrant display of master
puppetry. He made a gesture with his hands, imitating the actions of a
puppeteer manipulating his puppets. After a few snickers from his assembly of
pawns, he took a seat at the head of the table. Now, we shall discuss the real
business of the galaxy.
The assembly of five bowed to the Sith lord in unison
once more before taking their seats.
How fares Naboo? The Dark Lord turned to his top pawn.
Well, my lord, the Viceroy replied. My overseer reports
that we had a few minor setbacks, but I assure you everything is going as
planned.
Good. It is only a matter of time before the Jedi discover the truth
behind our puppet show, The Dark Lord said. However, if our timetable holds,
by that time we will have enough battle droids to overwhelm them before their
feeble senses can realize the truth.
Lord Sidious, my associates on Fondor are working feverishly to finish their
latest Artificial Intelligence constructs. Foreman Tambor reported. However,
they have encountered a few delays.
I want those constructs completed. My droids are to have to have the most
advanced Artificial Intelligence available when they enter battle. The Sith
Lords lips condensed in annoyance. Youd best tell your men to redouble their
efforts, Foreman. Perhaps Lord Maul can assist you in motivating them.
There are many ways I can assist, master, the Dark Lords apprentice grinned
evilly.
Yes, my Lord. Tambor bowed tactfully.
The meeting was suddenly interrupted by the buzz of the Federation Viceroys
communicator.
I told you not to interrupt me when I was in my meeting, Gunray hissed into
the communicator, showing his apparent annoyance at the interruption.
But sir, its important, concerning Naboo.
All eyes ears were suddenly focused upon the Viceroy. He spoke into the
communicator, Yes, what is the news?
One of our battleships was sabotaged, sir. It went down somewhere in the
southern hemisphere of Naboo.
What? The Neimoidians indignant response echoed through the chamber. Small
drops of panic began to trail down his forehead as he realized that Lord
Sidious focus was directly upon him. How was this allowed to happen? Get
Daultay Dofine on the line at once!
Sir, I-I cant, sir. Governor Dofine is dead. The voice trailed off, and
Gunray sat in stunted silence. His shocked expression was openly displayed to
the entire assembly. They found his body sitting on his mechno-chair in the
Palace throne room, and they found his head five blocks away, resting in the
hands of a statue.
A statue?
Your statue, sir. The Neimoidian blinked dejectedly as he switched off
and pocketed the communicator. He looked up at the assembly. Five sets of eyes
were trained upon him, and the hooded Dark Lord did not appear pleased.
My lord, I assure you that I did everything in my power to try and prevent
this. This occurred through no fault of my own!
Relax, Viceroy. Lord Sidious measured tones did little to hide the anger
that was swelling underneath. The price of failure is death, but apparently,
the failure was Dofines, not yours.
Y-yes, my lord, the Neimoidian stammered, I will do everything in my power
to ensure it does not happen again. I will quadruple security on Naboo.
I understand that the party responsible is some kind of Nubian nationalist
terrorist, Sidious said coldly. The Viceroy nodded. Lord Maul will deal with
him soon enough. The quadrupling of security will not be necessary.
Chapter V
Part 2 of 2
Conclave
Two Days Later
Siri took in a deep breath. It was her first day up and about after recovering
from that nasty injury. It was still not completely healed, however. On the
surface, there was only an unsightly scar, but underneath, Siri could still
feel the movements of unhealed flesh rubbing against each other. She sighed.
Her Force powers could only do so much to aid the healing process; even the
human body had limits that the Force could not exceed.
Alright, Obi-Wan said, so exactly how do you have this figured out again?
The two Jedi were canvassing a
Basically, the Keeper broke in through one of the external ventilation shafts,
and crawled down through this duct. Siri motioned towards the vent in the
ceiling of the refresher. She slowly studied the room, feeling out every crack
and crevice through the Force. He then made his way to the main control room
where he used the computers to access the battleship in orbit.
Sounds feasible, Obi-Wan replied. You think he got out the same way?
Most likely, but I still dont understand Siri sighed. The battleship
crashed and the governor was murdered at the about same time. How could the
Keeper be in two places at once?
What if there are two of them?
What? No, that cant be. We would have sensed it, by now.
Dont be so sure, Obi-Wan said. You said it yourself- he
up and vanished the night you fought him.
Yes. Siris brow furrowed. Thats true that he did, but I still had a
general feeling for where he was.
Of course you could get a general feeling for where he was- he was talking to
you!
Irritated, Siri cut him a sideways glare. Suddenly Im not surprised that you
spent the past two years wandering alone, she bickered. She hated being
corrected by him. She hated it two years ago, and she certainly still disliked
it now.
How far am I from breaking your last nerve? He asked earnestly.
Too close. Siris eyes narrowed. As your friend, I advise you to back down.
Obi-Wan grinned in return. In all seriousness, Siri, isnt there anything you
can tell me about what the Keeper looked like? His build, his height, estimated
weight maybe?
Well, he was about your height, maybe an inch or so taller. Her eyes narrowed
as she consulted her rather hazy memory of that night. And he had the same
build as you.
Obi-Wan blinked. So thats to say he was fairly well built, then?
No, not really, she said condescendingly.
Obi-Wans lips formed a twisted grin. So this scrawny man, he beat you
in personal combat?
Maybe he did, she bantered. But that doesnt mean that I cant beat you.
Obi-Wan snickered. Finally feeling that he had had enough, he motioned towards
the door. Come on, Siri. Lets go find something to eat.
Hold on for a second, Siri said as she continued to investigate the
refresher. Theres something here that could be of some use to us.
Siri, weve been here for four hours, Im pretty sure you checked everything.
Well, if I did, I would have already found this. Siri said, holding a long
strand of black hair in her hands. All of the communication centers staff was
Neimoidian, and Neimoidians dont have hair. Siri packed the strand of hair
away into a sterile evidence container and pocketed it. You see, the smallest
clue can make the largest difference, and you cant argue with me about that.
Siri, Obi-Wan began as he led the way out of the complex, Im fairly sure
that you and I can argue about the most nonsensical thing for hours and never
pause to think about how pointless it is. We could probably argue about
something as asinine as why the ocean is blue.
I think youre right for once, Obi-Wan. Maybe we ought to stop arguing. It
could make our relationship more pleasant.
Since when did I say we should stop arguing? Proving you wrong is always fun.
Siri glared at him. You know, sometimes I really just want to hit you.
Very lady-like, Siri, Obi-Wan said sarcastically.
You really drive me crazy, she replied. He gave her a nod. She smiled back
and slugged him in the arm.
Obi-Wan twitched as he absorbed the blow. Siri smiled smugly as Obi-Wan cradled
his arm defensively, hiding the pain with a genuinely amused, but deviously
wide grin. Slowly, the grin melted away, replaced by an entranced, longing
gaze.
Siri knew that gaze. She had seen it a few times before, but whenever she did,
it was only for a fleeting moment. Whenever he would look at her like that, he
would immediately turn away, as if trying to hide his vulnerability from her.
Sentinel senses didnt miss much the Obi-Wan Siri knew then was a very
by-the-book sort of Jedi, a trait that always seemed to explain his reluctance
and evasiveness when it came to this matter.
So when she met his entranced gaze, she expected him to look away. Indeed, the
Obi-Wan she once knew would have somehow broken eye contact, but the Obi-Wan
who stood before her did not. Instead he leaned in and kissed her, violating
every rule of the Jedi Code he had once held in such high regard.
Siri didnt resist, she didnt even pause to think about what was going on. She
instead deepened the kiss, feeling her own hidden desires surface as she encircled
him with her arms. Slowly, the kiss ended, and she rested her weary head
against his shoulder. It was then that he began to reveal his shrouded feelings
and protected secrets to her sentinel senses.
She closed her eyes. It was so much to take in. A floodgate of emotions came
crashing down as she felt overwhelmed. Obi-Wan was
swirling with complex feelings. Pain and despair were very much alive in his
mind, coupled with a fair amount of anger. Yet beneath the smoldering flame of
those destructive sentiments, there was a love that shone brightly and vividly.
Her eyes suddenly opened as she realized that this undeniably powerful emotion
was directed at her. She couldnt understand why this was such a surprise to
her, she had always suspected that he felt this way, yet to have her suspicions
(or rather, her hopes) confirmed like this it was almost surreal.
Siri kissed him again, and she felt herself afloat, in some hidden, clandestine
place that the vagabond Jedi were never supposed to
visit.
The feeling of euphoria was suddenly cut short. She felt Obi-Wan tense and
flood with fear as she ended the kiss. It dawned upon her as she realized that
he was afraid of what would happen when this moment was over, of what the
Council would do. Moreover, he wasnt afraid for himself, he was afraid for
her. The thought that this could hurt her or that this could end her career as
a Jedi her filled him with more fear than Siri could have ever imagined.
Obi-Wan stepped back, and Siri saw a single tear drip down his face. She
reached out to him, but felt his mental shields go up as he took a few more
steps back.
Obi-Wan, she called to him and he responded with nothing more than a solemn
shake of the head. He ran off, leaving her with nothing but the haunting echoes
of those loving kisses.
Chapter VI
Part 1 of 2
Exalted Angel
Later that night
Siri Tachi groaned in exasperation. She had maintained a state of heightened
awareness for the past five hours while trying to find her partner. She had
combed the entire city, dodging droid patrols and bounding around sentry posts
in the process. Yet for all her efforts, Obi-Wan remained hidden. Somehow, Siri
had expected this. The Jedi dont train their Sentinels to hunt other Jedi,
after all. She was disappointed by her failure nonetheless. Part of her had
always assumed Obi-Wan would be an easy catch. It appeared her assumption was
wrong.
There was no more time to dedicate to this pursuit. Her mission, the Keeper,
was out there, and she had wasted far too much time on this chase after Knight
Kenobi. Obi-Wan would return when he is ready, he is too dedicated to
his duty to abandon the mission or is he?
Perhaps long ago, before Qui-Gons demise, Obi-Wan had been completely
dedicated to the Order and to being a Jedi. Now, Siri wasnt so sure. What she
felt, what she learned when Obi-Wan lowered his shield was disturbing. In his
two years of wandering, Obi-Wan had re-wired his entire way of thinking;
unlearning almost everything the Jedi had taught him in the process.
Deep below his stoic, Jedi-like demeanor, Obi-Wan harbored a smoldering rage
that burned and singed his spirit. He had honed his anger, wielding it like a
spear, seeking to impale his enemies with it. Yet amidst a crowd of faceless
foes, there was one particular adversary that the spear of rage had always been
trained upon, the dark figure that was symbolic of evil, the demon that
blanketed Obi-Wan with despair.
Master Qui-Gons murderer.
The source of Obi-Wans anger was a hunger for revenge. Beyond that, he had
great frustrations with the Jedi Council and a pungent spite for the Senate,
but both of these destructive feelings were extensions of his thirst for
retribution.
Despite his inner rage, Obi-Wan never allowed his anger to manifest in tangible
ways. Obi-Wan had been behaving as his usual, long-suffering self; Siri could
recognize the significance of that now. It was disturbing to see that he never
allowed himself to find peace with his rage, or that in his two years of
wandering he had never released it to the Force. Instead, he had fed it and
nurtured it.
What if he used it? Siri came to a long, weary pause as she considered
the destruction that would result if such a catastrophe were to occur.
I shouldnt have let him run Siri suddenly silenced her thoughts as she
felt a disturbance in the Force. An armed patrol was coming her way fifteen
battle droids and two droidekas.
Hey, lady, a voice beckoned. Siri turned around and found a young man
standing at the end of a dark alley. You come to be enlightened?
Theres a droid patrol coming, Siri said, we should get indoors.
Yeah. The young man opened one of the doors in the alley. You
coming or what?
Siri glanced about one more time before following him in. The young man led
Siri down several flights of stairs and into a large basement area where
several dozen people were seated before a middle-aged man standing on a
makeshift stage.
Professor Gs speaking tonight, the young man remarked as he took a seat on
the floor.
Siri nodded silently and took a seat nearby, becoming a member of the eagerly
listening audience as Professor Garret exhorted his audience to rebel against
the Federation. As a Jedi and a keeper of the peace, Siri normally would have
stopped such rabble-rousing, but seeing as how it would benefit the Trade
Federation, she was not compelled to do so now. She simply waited, hoping to
give her tired body a rest while the crowd cheered the professor on.
Over the course of an hour, Garrets topic slowly changed. Before long, he was
no longer exhorting his audience to rebel against the Federation; he was
telling them how to rebel. Drawings and tactical plans were presented,
illustrating the calculated routes of various patrols, the locations of sentry
posts, and weapons lockups used by the droid army.
Movement! Siris mind snapped to attention as her senses alerted her to
tremor in the force. There was a massive Force signature nearby, and it was
pulsing with dark side energies. It couldnt have been the Keeper; The Keeper
would not have broadcast his powers like that when he knew someone was hunting
him. It definitely wasnt Obi-Wans Force signature either. Siri shook her
head. She could not assume anything. Only through investigation could truth be
learned. She slowly made her way towards the door.
Hey, hey, where are you going? The young man asked. Its only gotten
started.
Siri glared back at the Professor standing on stage as he continued to speak to
the crowd gathered. I thank you for your hospitality, but I really need to get
going. The energy signature was coming closer; it was on the roof of this
building. Siri tensed as she ruffled her cloak, unintentionally revealing the
lightsaber hanging from her belt.
Hey! Youre a Jedi! The young man growled. He backed away from Siri
cautiously; his eyes ablaze with a mix of wonder and anguish. Youre a
fraggin Jedi!
The young mans accusation brought an unnerving hush about the room, and drew a
scowl from Siri. Suddenly, the entire audience shifted its focus away from the
good professor and transfixed it upon the knight. Her right arm separated
quickly from her body, a steel cylinder entrenched in the grip of her hand.
Whatre you doing here, Jedi? A man asked. His expression twisted with spite.
Finally decided to help us? Where were you when we were dying in the camps? Or
when the Federation was leveling our homes? Where were you then, Jedi?
The spiteful mans comments inspired a round of hateful profanities from the
crowd. Obscene gestures were flashed as the crowd chaotically roared curses and
condemned the Jedi Order. The Professor watched stoically from his stage and
shook his head disapprovingly at Siri.
We know why youre here, Jedi. The Professors voice was not particularly loud
or severe, but it served to hush the crowd. The Jedi serve only one master,
the Senate. And we all know just what the Senate has done for us in the past
More chaos and pandemonium rose from the crowd as Professor Garrets voice
trailed off. Their profanities were redirected towards the Senate.
We know what kind of action the Senate decided to take when we were invaded-
they did nothing. So what are you here for? To enforce the Senates will? His rhetorical question went unanswered for several minutes.
Two young men sporting well built upper bodies appeared next to the Professor,
both armed with heavy repeating blasters.
Dont do that, Siri said with an unsavory expression on her face. Her right
hand twitched involuntarily as her finger threatened to activate the violet
blade of her saber. Youll just get somebody killed.
Somebody will get killed? The Professors eyes narrowed. Just how many
somebodys have been killed because the Jedi didnt intervene? I thought the
Jedi were a righteous breed. But it turns out youre no different than the
Bureaucrats and the Senators- youre owned by the system His grave voice
trailed off for a few moments. Some Guardians of Peace and Justice you Jedi
turned out to be.
There is only one Iron Hand of Justice! Someone roared. The crowd erupted
into chaotic cheers again and Siri found herself quietly slipping out of the
basement through one of the back hallways, disoriented and disturbed by the
rally she had just witnessed.
Chapter VI
Part 2 of 2
Exalted Angel
A black flame in the Force, the Keeper stood with both
arms spread out, the circular blade held in his right hand. From a nearby
rooftop, Siri watched as the Keepers Zabrak adversary circled him. As dark, if
not more so, than the Keeper himself, the Zabrak was a projection of terror
through the Force, with crimson and jet tattoos painted across his face.
The two demons came to a mutual pause, analyzing each other, needling each
other through the Force. The Zabrak matched the Keepers stoic stature with his
hateful eyes, baring his teeth like a fearsome beast in the heart of the
jungle. The beast lowered his head, pointing his crown of horns at adversary.
His form was a mock bow, a spiteful show of disrespect.
Without warning, the beast of a Zabrak leapt forward. As he surged through the
air, a steel cylinder slipped out from under his cloak, and a crimson blade of
energy flared to life.
Dark Jedi.
Siri tensed. The corruption she felt through the Force was palpable. The
Keeper, solid as a statue, suddenly became animated. His circular blade
whistled and sang, combining with the hum of the crimson lightsaber to weave a
twisted serenade of evil. The serenade came to an abrupt end as the circular
blade drew blood from the beast.
The Zabrak backed away, saber clenched in hand. A long, shallow cut stretched
diagonally across his chest.
Beneath the tear in his cloak, blood dripped from the superficial wound.
Consumed with anger, the Dark Jedi let loose a howl from beyond. In his rage,
he ripped away a large portion of his sliced tunic, revealing the left side of
his chest, which, like his face, was painted with crimson tattoos.
The masked warrior did not move; he stood still as stone, refusing to
acknowledge his enraged foe. The Dark Jedi lifted his lightsaber before him. He
depressed the activator button on the hilt and a second blade hummed to life
from the opposite end of his saber.
Siri gasped. A double-ended saber? Such exotic weapons
were tools of the Sith, blades of the dark side. The
Dark Jedi leapt headlong toward the Keeper, who met the onslaught with a flurry
of blocks and deflections. Wielding his weapon like a baton of fury and rage,
the Dark Jedi never hesitated to attempt to impale his opponent with one end of
his staff.
Greetings, Jedi, A soft, feminine voice beckoned.
Siri slowly turned around. Nearly seven meters away on the same rooftop, a
dark, willowy figure stood at attention with a curved sword in hand. Thin
braids were twisted out of the long dark hair that stretched out from under her
cowl. Occasional spots of crimson, azure, and obsidian paint colored her face,
the willowy figure radiated darkness from under her hood.
Who are you? Siri asked.
Surely you know who I am The figure responded. You sought out the Keeper, therefore you sought me out as well.
So youre another terrorist masquerading as a myth?
Perhaps. She peeked out from under her cowl for a moment, flashing her
emerald green eyes. I am the Avenger. You have something of mine. I advise you
to return it.
I have nothing, Siri declared. Her eyes narrowed as she stepped forward. You
sabotaged that Federation battleship, didnt you?
I have no shame for what Ive done, she replied fearlessly. I did it in the
best interests of my people.
You commit murder for the people of Naboo?
As if it is such a shameful thing. The Avengers head lowered, and her
emerald eyes once again hid under the cover of her cowl. I will steal, murder,
and even die if necessary for my people. The Avenger touched the scar of
remembrance painted on her lower lip. I salvaged Naboo from the first time of
great suffering. Now Naboo has entered a second, and I endeavor to do the same.
It is what we have always known to do, what we have always done. No one will
stop us, not even you, Jedi.
In one sweeping motion, the Avenger cast away her cowl and cloak. With a strong
upward swing, the scabbard of her curved blade flew off, arcing directly for
Siri. In the time it took for Siri to activate her lightsaber and deflect the
projectile, the Avenger was already upon her.
The Avenger wielded her curved blade with incredible skill and mastery. Her
acuity and agility was incredible. For every move Siri made, the Avenger had
two- one to block, and one to counter. She could not challenge the speed and
dexterity of her opponent.
With a flurry of curving, arcing slices, the Avenger kicked the saber of Siris
hand the forced the Jedi back. Temporarily incapacitated, Siri stumbled and
rolled away. The dance of light and steel came to a pause. The Avenger stood at
guard, sword towering over her head. Siri, lying at the edge of the rooftop,
slowly collected herself and summoned her lightsaber back to her hand.
The violet blade hummed to life once more as Siri stood at guard. She glanced
over her shoulder. The Keeper and the Dark Jedi were gone.
She sensed her adversary drawing close, and turned to face her. Cold durasteel
clashed against violet light as the deadly dance resumed. Siri moved to assault
what she thought was an opening in the Avengers defense, only to have her blow
deflected away. Before Siri could raise her guard, the Avenger arced around,
producing a shallow slice on the left side of Siris face. A longer, deeper
incision was made in Siris forearm. It was followed by a well-placed kick to
the chest.
The Jedi Sentinel fell and skidded back across the rooftop, a result of the
Avengers power kick. The violet blade flickered away and rolled out of her
hand as she came to a stop some four meters away from the Avenger. Siri tried
to get back on her feet. The tip of the Avengers blade was at her throat.
Give it to me, she ordered sternly.
Siri defiantly shook her head as a tear of blood dripped from the open wound on
her face. The Avenger raised her blade to deliver a killing blow, a
decapitating strike, but was stopped herself in mid swing, redirecting her
blade to meet the azure beam of energy that had hummed to life behind her.
Jedi! The Avenger leapt back in surprise, placing
some distance between herself and her two foes.
Obi-Wans expression flickered with anger as he first eyed Siri then the
Avenger. His furrowed brow did little to belie the fury that stirred beneath.
Siri, are you alright?
Im fine, she replied as her right hand clamped down on the slice in her left
forearm.
Ablaze in the Force, Obi-Wan bounded toward the emerald-eyed Avenger. Sapphire
blue hummed and clashed as Obi-Wan took a furious offensive. His powerful blows
easily defeated the Avengers supple blocks and parries. As her defense
crumbled, Obi-Wan delivered a powerful punch that sent her sliding back.
When the Avenger rose back to her feet, Siri saw that the blood dripping from
her upper lip had smeared the scar of remembrance. For all her speed and grace,
the Avenger was as fragile as she was agile. Obi-Wans eyes, drunk with rage,
pressed their focus upon his opponent. He roared back into battle, sapphire
blade waving with fury.
Siris gaze narrowed as she watched Obi-Wan move with such fury. Azure energy
hissed and hummed, vibrantly displaying what Siri had come to fear most about
Obi-Wan- his temper.
Slowly, Siri shifted her focus from the enraged Kenobi to the wound on her arm,
which was now bleeding profusely. Healing energies streamed through the force
as she gently channeled it into her wound. Slowly, the blood flow began to ebb,
and the broken ends of her skin began to meet and erase the shallow cut.
Siri suddenly stopped. A crackling hiss echoed across the rooftops, followed by
the sparkling zap of electricity. Her head craned up and gawked at the broken
form of Obi-Wan Kenobi, who was lying in defeat. Several meters behind him, the
willowy figure of the Avenger towered triumphantly.
Obi-Wan!
Another crackling hiss echoed across the rooftops as Obi-Wan howled in pain.
Moonlight revealed the source of his agony- red strips of lacerated flesh and
torn skin across his back. Siris brow furrowed as she summoned her saber back
to her hand. The violet blade hummed back to life, and she leapt into battle,
ignoring the blood that still dripped from the open wound on her arm.
Chapter VII
Part 1 of 2
Hope and Fear
The Jedi Sentinel ducked and rolled towards her adversary as another crackling
hiss snapped over her head.
The Avengers new weapon had proven to be very effective against Knight Kenobi
thus far- a long strip of light, ultra-flexible metal cable that was broad at
the handle and tapered toward the tip. The Avenger honed the weapon well, using
it to whip her opponents at a distance. Every time the cable clapped or struck
an object, it released a spark of electricity.
Force electricity.
Siri rolled again, avoiding a potentially catastrophic strike from the shock
whip. Holding the whip in her left hand and the curved blade in her right, the
Avengers willowy form loomed over the rooftop. Siri wiped the sweat from her
brow and lunged. The dance of durasteel and violet light began once again.
The hum of the Jedi saber and the whistle of the Avengers blade combined into
a deadly chorus. Every block, every parry, every deflection was just another
note in the broken cadence of havoc and agony.
The chorus suddenly halted as both combatants paused. A meter and a half of
open ground separated the two warriors both now panting with fatigue. Lines of
stress appeared as a scowl manifested upon Siris face. The Avenger was grim as
she unveiled her advantage.
Three meters of metal cable hissed through the air before cracking with a
vibrant spark of blue energy. The Jedi Sentinel once again dove out of the way
as the Avenger cracked her whip several more times, charging the air with
electricity.
The hiss and crack of the whip suddenly ended as the Avenger lunged through the
air, sword firmly entrenched in her right hand. Siri struggled to her feet and
deflected a few blows before receiving a strong kick to the back that sent her
twirling away. The whip hissed through the air again, and Siri grimaced as it
snaked around her right wrist.
Pain gripped Siri as Force electricity coursed through the metal whip and into
her body. Siris muscles tensed and contracted as the static surged through her
system. The Avenger jerked back her whip, releasing Siris wrist and forcing
her to fumble her saber. The Jedi Sentinel collapsed in agony.
The Avenger spun around, directing her whip towards the other Jedi who was
lying face down on the ground. Obi-Wan barked in pain as he took the lash on
the back. His lightsaber hissed to life, bathing the roof with a sapphire glow
as he rose to face the Avenger. His eyes, fierce and drunk with rage, glared
her as his left hand pumped into a fist.
Paralyzed by pain, Siri could only watch and analyze Obi-Wans form. Blood was
still dripping from his lacerated back, but he paid it no mind. She could feel
the dark side energies that were swirling within him, energies and powers that
had allowed him to transcend the pain. Effortlessly, he leapt into battle.
The Avengers whip hissed through the air but missed its mark as Obi-Wan ducked
underneath the blow. Ablaze with an unholy strength, Obi-Wans azure blade
struck the Avengers sword. His off-hand batted at hers, knocking the whip out
of her grip.
Siris eyes gleamed as the whip landed a meter or so away from her. The pain
had not yet subsided, but Siri tensed as she struggled to focus through it. She
ordered every last nerve and sinew to obey as she squeezed every ounce of
willpower she had left into retrieving that whip.
Her eyes glazed with a sense of newfound discovery as the muscles in her right
arm finally began to work again. Her left did the
same. The Jedi Sentinels focus waxed full as the she slowly moved the whip
through the Force, guiding its handle into her weakened hands.
Siri turned her focus to the battle, where cortosis and azure light danced a
deadly tango. She eagerly waited for her moment to strike. Siris eyes
narrowed. Her right arm tensed as she snapped the whip forward.
The Avenger, blind to the strike, suddenly howled in pain as the whip struck
her on the hand. The severity of the laceration caused her to drop her sword.
Siri cracked the whip again, this time using it to grapple the Avengers blade
and whisk it away.
Unarmed and injured, the Avenger barely found a way to evade Obi-Wans assault.
She edged around his azure blade before leaping back and putting several meters
between herself and the enraged Jedi.
Brooding in anger, the Avenger glared at Siri, who was still holding the metal
whip. You dont know how to use that, she sneered to the Jedi.
Are you going to fight? Obi-Wan said. Or run?
The Avengers eyes narrowed as she unveiled a short sword. It was curved like
her previous weapon, but it had only half the length.
Your efforts to strike me down, young prodigal, will only give me more
power over you than you can possibly imagine, the Avenger hissed.
Obi-Wan was visibly taken aback by this statement. His
expression softened and his eyes wandered and it seemed for a moment that the
red flame of his rage might falter. His gaze suddenly sharpened and refocused
upon the Avenger. The flaming rage had not abated, instead it had been fanned.
The azure lightsaber and the short blade of cortosis clashed repeatedly. The
Avenger, with her short blade, was at a clear disadvantage, yet she still had a
few moves and maneuvers that caught Obi-Wan off guard. She pelted the Jedi with
a strong kick before retreating to retrieve her long sword.
Siri attempted to strike again with the whip, but her strength had dissipated
into the immobilizing pain from the electrocution. She could only watch as the
Avenger, holding a curved blade in each hand, leapt into battle against
Obi-Wan. Siris jaw tensed as Obi-Wan slowly began to lose his ground.
With a renewed sense of vigor, Siri ordered every strained, paralyzed muscle in
her body to function once more. Slowly, stubbornly, the weathered muscles
animated. Siri pumped her fist around the whip before snapping her arm back and
swinging it into the air directly towards the Avengers back.
The Avengers neck craned as she heard her whip hiss through the air. With
frightening agility, she dodged an incoming swing from Obi-Wan and sidestepped
the blow from the whip. Dropping the short blade in her off-hand, she sprung up
and snatched the whip from out of the air.
Siri gasped as the Avenger tugged on the whip and yanked it clean out of her
hand. By the time the Avenger landed on the ground, the whip was firmly
entrenched in her left hand and she lashed Obi-Wan with it. The Jedi Knight
howled in pain as the whip tore open a new wound on his back. He turned around
to counter attack, but was quickly met by a clean swipe from the Avengers
curved blade.
Blood dripped from the tip of the Avengers sword as the blade sliced clean
through Obi-Wans triceps. Conquered by the weakness produced by such a
disabling blow, Obi-Wan was helpless to defend himself
as the Avenger pelted him with a kick to the face that sent him collapsing to
the ground.
The Avenger kicked Obi-Wan again and slipped the whip around his neck, creating
a noose. She hoisted him up with the whip and pressed the bloody edge of her
blade against his throat.
You have something of mine, give it to me, the Avenger ordered to Siri. Her
cold, emerald eyes betrayed nothing.
Siri lowered her head submissively. Her right hand, still stained with blood,
reached into her pocket and retrieved the small evidence container. Within it,
was the single strand of hair that contained the secret to the Avengers identity.
It does not have to be this way, the Avenger said. She relaxed her sword hand
and lowered the blade away from Obi-Wans throat. You and I arent very
different, you know
Im not like you, Siri spat.
On the contrary, you are. You have a very strong sense of what is right and
what is wrong. Surely, you know that what they are doing to my homeworld is
wrong yet you do nothing to aid me and you do everything to help them.
Its more complicated than that.
Then simplify it! The Avenger hissed. Never mind the politics that
convolute. Focus upon the truth! The truth is that there are only two choices-
the choice to do the right thing, and the choice not to. Within you there is a
conflict as to where you should chose to stand. With every passing moment you
begin to question to legitimacy of your mission to apprehend the Keeper and me.
I know it, I sense it
I
Shed your allegiance to the Senate a servant is as corrupt as the master she
serves. Her majestic emerald eyes flared in the moonlight as she placed her
sword down on the floor. She extended her free hand to Siri. Join me. You
know, you understand that my cause is about doing the right thing. Together, we
can end Federation reign, we can end the corruption!
Siri gazed into the Avengers emerald eyes. There was no deception in her tone,
no malcontent; the Avenger was earnest and insightful in her speech, Siri could
not deny that. In her heart she had felt the conflict the Avenger had so aptly
described. The fiery conviction she felt when she first met and fought the
Keeper those many nights ago had long faded, replaced by uncertainty and
questions concerning her mission. She sighed. Her mind was weary; her heart was
full. The Federation factories and curfews weighed heavily on her mind, as well
as the Nubian Rebels who demanded freedom.
But most of all, Obi-Wan was on her mind. Of all the occurrences on Naboo, the
rebels, the Keeper, the Avenger, Obi-Wans revelation weighed heaviest upon
her. She wanted him, she needed to find him Siri
blinked and began to shake her head as her gaze, concentrated upon the battered
Obi-Wan Kenobi, who was still held in the noose of the Avengers whip.
No, Siri uttered as her expression condensed into a frown. Beads of sweat
dripped down her face. Im not going to join you. No.
The Avengers eyes narrowed as she tugged on the whip and tightened the noose.
Obi-Wan, who had been in a nearly unconscious state, began to squirm and yank
at the metal cable tied around his neck.
Give it to me, the Avenger ordered
Siri reluctantly relinquished the evidence container, tossing it to the
Avenger.
We will meet again soon, Jedi, she said as she released Obi-Wan from her
death grip and recovered both of her swords. Real soon.
With that, she was gone
Chapter VII
Part 2 of 2
Hope And Fear
P-please! Please, dont hurt me! The cries of the young child echoed down the
alley.
The childs eyes filled with terror as he gazed into the shaft of a MBX-45
Trade Federation stock blaster rifle. At that moment, even the most hardened of
warriors would have hesitated.
But the droid that held the rifle was no warrior. It was a machine- designed to
fight, manufactured for war, deployed to destroy. Created to
kill.
It exhibited certain warrior traits- honor, duty, devotion. But this is all an
illusion, the droid has no honor, it only appears honorable because it has not
been programmed with an ego to dishonor itself with. It performs its duty
because its programming left no room for disobedience. It appears devoted
because it was programmed to kill and, if necessary, die in the progress.
The droid was no warrior. A cold simulacrum, it was an insult to all the true
warriors who upheld their honor, performed their duty and devoted themselves to
it. It was a product of the cowardly, which were too afraid to fight their battles
themselves.
The droid prepared to open fire, to tear the child apart with blaster bolts,
when it suddenly stopped. Its head craned and was met by a hissing crackle. The
boy screamed as sparks of electricity danced about and the droid collapsed to the
ground, little more than a large pile of scrap.
He looked up and found a dark, willowy figure standing in the distance, holding
the whip that had created that hissing crackle and had destroyed the battle
droid. He froze, stunned in awe as the figure approached him.
Are you alright? A soft, feminine voice asked. Her emerald eyes gleamed with
compassion as she knelt down next to the boy, placing her hand on his
shoulders. Are you hurt?
The boy shook his head slowly before pointing to the battered body that lay
behind him. My sister they shot her
The boy watched as the willowy figure knelt next to the body of his sister. The
older girl was still alive, shaking and shuddering deliriously when the
stranger began to treat her. Slowly, the girls burns faded, replaced by pink,
newly healed skin. With a deep breath, the girl sat up, and the last traces of
her pained delirium faded.
I She looked into the emerald eyes of the woman who had saved her life.
Thank thank you.
The woman in turn nodded. What were you two doing out here at night? You know
of the patrols. You should get indoors, its dangerous during curfew.
This time, it was the girls turn to nod. She rose to her feet and took her
brothers hand. Thank you so much I can never repay you.
There is no need. Just get indoors, where it is safe.
Wait, what is your name?
My name? The woman asked. Youd know me best as the Avenger.
The girl blinked first then nodded. She recognized the name from the folklore
and the myths. Youre more than an Avenger youre an angel
The Avengers expression tensed with apprehension as she nodded hesitantly. She
had been once now, she wasnt so sure. Go.
Without argument, the girl and her younger brother left. When they were out of
sight, the Avenger let out a long, deep sigh. She was thoroughly exhausted. All
of her muscles hurt, and the laceration on her right hand was swelling
severely. She took in several short breaths as she gathered what energy she had
left and continued her trek through the dark streets and alleys.
After several minutes of running, she came to the end of a long, narrow
passage, which cut away from one of the smaller alleys. Without hesitation, she
opened the door at the end of the passage and quickly entered.
Youre late, a voice beckoned from the corners of the one of the dark rooms.
I was delayed, she replied. The dark figure she spoke to was sitting in the
corner of the room. She approached him and took a seat at his side.
Jedi? The Keeper asked.
They are strong, especially the male.
Obi-Wan The Keeper hissed. His voice was weak and strained.
You were correct, he is full of anger and rage, but it is the girl, Siri, who
interests me most. We can make her into one of our allies.
Now is not the time to focus upon the Jedi, they have become the least of our
concerns.
The warrior you fought on the rooftops?
Sérana The Keeper whispered. The Sith have
returned, Sérana
She shuddered. Her emerald eyes glinted with hope and fear as she glared at her
husband. Are you certain?
He was powerful, capable The Keepers voice was growing weaker and weaker.
I could not defeat him
Are you hurt?
There was no response.
Mathias. The Avenger placed her right hand on his shoulder and began to scan
his body with her left. Using what energy she had left, she concentrated
through the Force, using it to identify her husbands injuries. She felt the
injury, the depth of the damage done. He had been stabbed clean through the
abdomen twice. But it was not an open wound; the blade had burned through,
instantly cauterizing the wound. This was clearly the work of a lightsaber.
The Keeper remained silent, only the sound of his breathing could be heard.
Mathias, the Avenger called his attention. Mathias, hes dying.
I know, the Keeper replied. Hes outlived his usefulness anyway. This body,
its not strong enough to fight the Sith.
Do you have a replacement planned?
Yes. The masked warrior nodded weakly. Its only a matter of securing it.
Chapter VIII
Part 1 of 2
Love and Hatred
Siri groaned as she breached the threshold of her hotel room. Somehow, someway,
she had garnered enough strength to get back to the Brightstar Inn with Obi-Wan
in tow. Her tired muscles shaking as she lifted and placed him upon the bed in
her room.
She immediately began to strip away his tunic, revealing the severe gashes and
lacerations that mapped his body. Siri could tell which wounds were produced by
the slice of a blade and which were inflicted by the crack of the whip.
The blade cut cleanly, producing slices that bled continuously. The whip on the
other hand, did not cut, but rather functioned to tear skin from flesh. Where
the whip struck, the wound was jagged and the bare flesh which had been
stripped of its skin coverings did not trickle. Instead, blood gushed freely.
She gently raised Obi-Wans left arm and analyzed the most harrowing wound he
had suffered. The massive cut that sliced clean through his left triceps was
nearly four centimeters wide. Through the chasm of the gaping gash, Siri could
see severed muscle strands and at the center of the wound, white bone which had
been scored by the blade.
Delicately, Siri set his arm down at his side and walked to the refresher to
retrieve several hand towels and a medical kit. She took a seat at Obi-Wans
side on the bed. She slowly cleaned and administered treatments to each wound,
working with to an easy, patient cadence. Obi-Wan stirred as she bandaged his
lacerated back and the cuts that stretched across his chest.
Siri raised his left arm, analyzing the wound once more. Obi-Wans eyelids slid
open, revealing those vibrant azure orbs. He said nothing as Siri liberally
applied the life-preserving fluid to the wound on his arm. His eyes, however,
spoke volumes of pain and agony as they glinted and focused upon the massive
gash.
Taken aback by his pain, Siri revealed a compassionate, comforting smile as she
wrapped the bandages around his arm. Obi-Wans lips crowned into a weak smile,
and the pain in his eyes slowly faded, but there remained an abstract shadow of
uncertainty.
We have to talk, Siri.
The Sentinels focus shuffled for a moment as she set his arm down and began to
pack away the medical kit. You need rest; we can talk in the morning.
No, Siri. I need to talk to you now.
Alright. She nodded apprehensively as she turned to face him. But first, I
need to know, what happened out there?
His brow tensed questioningly. I fought the Avenger as best I could.
But how you fought your anger was so alive, so powerful. It scared me
I did what I had to do.
Such anger leads to the dark side
A frown strained upon his face as he shook his head. No I His voice was
dazed and bewildered. His right hand pumped into a fist as he looked away.
Obi-Wan, whats wrong? Siri asked. Her apprehension intensified as she slowly
placed her hand on his shoulder. Her disarming expression failed to yield
anything from his strained face.
Weve changed, Siri, he said at last, breaking a long silence.
What happened to you on Dynara VI?
Nothing His weak voice trailed off. Like I said, I just took the time to
think and be away from the temple to figure things out.
And thats the problem, Siri replied. Youve been alone for too long
Obi-Wan. You dont have to be alone anymore. Talk to me,
please just tell me whats wrong. Trust me.
Obi-Wan took in a deep breath. It was a rough place, Dynara VI. Life revolved
around those moisture vaporators. Occasionally, one would overload, and the
settlement would be short on water. When that happened, people lost their
opportunities to bathe. All water had to be saved for drinking, and sometimes
there wasnt even enough for that. Some died from heat stroke. I tried to save
them, but the Force cant undo dehydration. It was a tough existence.
But you speak as if you miss it
I would have rather been there than be at the
Siri nodded silently. She knew of what he spoke- his scrutinized testimony
before the Senate. That event was a dark mark in Jedi history. She knew it, and
all of the Jedi knew it. It was the day that the Senate refused the counsel of
the Jedi Knights. In many ways, Obi-Wan had been the direct victim of that
incident. The Senator of the Trade Federation practically spat upon him, and
now that was the anchor of a heavy personal vendetta.
There was one person I always thought of, living out there in the desert.
Qui-Gon?
Obi-Wan nodded. He was my master, the closest thing to a parent I was ever
allowed to have. Before I lost him- no, before he was taken from me, he told me
that my training was already complete, that he was proud of me and confident
that I would be a great Jedi Knight yet
In many ways you still needed him, Siri said.
I think I still need him now, Obi-Wan replied. Siri watched him carefully as
he zoned out for a moment. The revelation seemed to resonate within as he
silently lost himself in his thoughts. I thought of you Siri. On the deserts
of Dynara VI, struggling against dehydration the thought of you gave me
strength, a will to go on.
Siris cheeks darkened as she took in a sharp breath. I thought of you a lot
too, Obi-Wan. I missed you.
Yes, but Ive always had feelings for you, Siri. You know that. Youve known
that.
Siri grinned weakly. There were times when you were easier to read than a view
screen display with giant size text.
Obi-Wan smiled. I suppose isolation hasnt helped, because now my feelings are
stronger.
What happened earlier
Shouldnt have happened, Obi-Wan said. I ran because I wanted to protect
you. Thats also why I followed you.
I dont need you to protect me, Obi-Wan, Siri said sternly.
I know, but I cant seem to help myself. His eyes closed for a moment. I
never should have come here; I shouldnt have volunteered for this mission.
Theres too much history between myself, Naboo and the Federation. It puts the
mission at risk. And theres too much between you and
Nonsense. Youve done a lot to help me, Obi-Wan.
Perhaps I have, but I came here for the wrong reasons. His eyes opened as he
refocused his gaze upon her. I was on a ship back to Coruscant being debriefed
by the Council when Master Windu mentioned your name. I volunteered for the
mission. I didnt care for the specifics or the details they gave me. I just
wanted to see you. I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to ask you for something
impossible. By coming here, Ive only put you at risk. And I dont want that.
Somethings really wrong, Obi-Wan, Siri said as she slowly began to caress
his face. Youve got your problems and your pains, and I want to help you,
because because I love you.
His expression softened and his features relaxed for a moment, but quickly
tensed as he jerked away to resist her caress. She could feel his anxiety burn
through the Force. I cant- we cant a Jedi can know no love.
And we are Jedi, I know. But were human, too. Her azure eyes were gleaming
with hope. Were still people, and people fall in love, people people are
vulnerable.
Youre willing to risk expulsion over this?
Im willing to risk expulsion for you, for us. There was no hesitation
in her voice, no uncertainty. She leaned in and kissed him, lying down next to
him in bed. His right arm, his good arm, slipped around her as they locked lips
in a powerful, passionate embrace. Once their lips parted Siri rested her head
against his.
Every thought became a whisper through the Force as their minds touched. Siri
could feel and understand every pain that reeled within him, every agonizing
thought and sentiment. His insecurities, his fears were all translucent to her.
Details of Qui-Gons death and his monumental failure to protect his master- to
avenge his master- were revealed.
Siri tensed as it once again came upon her, the pinnacle of Obi-Wans fears,
the demon that coated him with despair, the demon who had murdered Qui-Gon.
Flowing from Obi-Wans memory, the demon appeared to Siris minds eye as a
clear image of a black and crimson face topped by a crown of horns.
Hes here.
Chapter VIII
Part 2 of 2
Love and Hatred
Lord Maul stumbled aboard the Sith Infiltrator. The onboard computer hummed to
life as it sensed its masters dismay. Small medical droids powered up as Maul
limped to the cockpit.
The small orb shaped droids served many purposes. Lightweight and maneuverable,
they could hover amidst large crowds of people unnoticed, which is why the Sith
Apprentice often used them for scouting and reconnaissance in urban areas. But
Maul found ways to refit the droids to serve other purposes as well.
Occasionally, they performed maintenance work on the Sith Infiltrator. Other
times Maul used them as torture droids. On rare occasions, times like these, he
even used them for healing and medical purposes.
The droids buzzed and hummed as they began feverishly to repair the grievous wounds
their master had suffered. Numerous cuts and gashes in addition to a handful of
bruises mapped Mauls body, injuries which his droids could repair with ease.
One serious wound that the droids would not be so easily repaired.
Maul cradled his left arm as he took a seat in his chair. He glared at his
wrist which was knotted by a makeshift tourniquet. Where his hand had once been
only a bloody stump remained. The Keeper was a cunning warrior and a powerful
adversary. During the battle, the masked warrior had sustained a fatal blow but
somehow recovered enough energy to strike at the Sith Apprentice, destroying
his lightsaber and severing his left hand in the process.
Maul grimaced as one of the small hover droids began to cater to his arm. When
the Keepers blade whistled and severed his hand, it produced a jet of blood
from the severed appendage. The image was fresh in his mind. In his time, Maul
had killed hundreds, but he finished his prey with the sizzle of the
lightsaber, a weapon that did not draw blood, but cauterized as it cut. So, the
sight of that crimson fluid spilling everywhere was unsettling.
The Sith Apprentice relaxed in his seat as the droids slowly began to seal the
wound. The battle had cost him his hand and saber, but he knew that the Keeper
would have died from his wound within the hour. Maul reclined in contentment.
Soon, he would have to attend to other matters. He would have to create and
equip a new synthetic hand to replace the severed one. The construction of a
new lightsaber would also be high on his list of things to do. Most
importantly, he needed to contact his master, Lord Sidious, and inform him of
his progress.
The Sith Apprentice scowled. Contacting the master was something he could do
now, and the sooner it was done, the better. Dark Lord never liked to be kept
waiting. With his remaining hand, Maul typed several commands into his console.
A few moments later, the holoprojector hummed to life, creating a miniature
caricature of the Sith Lord. Draped in black cloak with his face shrouded by a
long cowl, Lord Sidious appeared to be as broody as ever.
What is thy bidding, my master? Maul bowed his head in submissively.
Have you made progress in your pursuit?
Your will has been done. The threat has been quelled.
Are you certain?
Maul paused for a moment contemplating everything that had occurred in the
battle with the Keeper. Bright flashes of glinting cortosis and glowing crimson
saber stirred through his mind as he relived each heated stroke of the battle.
His stream of recollections suddenly ebbed as he craned his head to address his
masters pointed question. I mortally wounded him in battle.
I see. The Dark Lords face was mostly hidden under his cowl, but his
apprentice could see the way his lips twisted in stern scrutiny. But did you
personally see him die?
Once again, Maul came to a pause as he realized the cold truth. No master, I
did not see him die, the Sith Apprentice admitted regretfully.
The Dark Lord nodded stoically.
Mauls thoughts stirred as silence conquered the moment. He had expected a
stern rebuke, perhaps even some kind of punishment, for his failure to ensure
that the mission was completed. It surprised Maul that his master had instead
opted to silently contemplate the situation.
He wears a black mask and suit, and wields a circular blade, an ancient
weapon, Sidious observed.
The Force is strong with him, master.
Yes, I know. Sidious jaw clamped. He is a threat to all of our operations
on Naboo. He could be our undoing.
Maul nodded sternly. Do you wish me to continue the hunt?
No. Sidious command was cold and absolute. His true power is beyond your
reach, even beyond your understanding, my young apprentice. You have injured
him and perhaps weakened him momentarily, but in truth there is little you can
do to effectively combat him without me.
You will come here to Naboo, master?
There are other matters that require my attention, but I will join you within
the next few days. Together we can destroy this Keeper.
You know his weakness?
I know his history, and the truth behind his character. It is enough to
overturn his strength, and perhaps even turn him to our cause.
Yes, my master. Maul bowed his head reverently.
So it is understood then. Good, Sidious said contentedly. Now, you are not
to give chase to the Keeper or his accomplices nor are you to hunt him down.
What you must do until I arrive is defend the most vulnerable and sensitive
areas of Naboo from the Keepers hand. Do not allow him to destroy any more
factories or cause any new delays in production.
* * * *
The breathing of the two Jedi slowed to a calm pace as they began to rest.
Holding her lover in her arms as he slowly fell into sleep, Siri knew there was
something she needed to tell him, something that would add to the burden on his
already weary soul. The demon who had murdered his master was here, on Naboo.
She had seen him doing battle with the Keeper amidst the rooftops; he fought
with such rage and power, drenched with dark side energies. This Zabrak warrior
of such ferocity and strength had slain Qui-Gon Jinn; he was the object of
Obi-Wans two year search. Siri knew, yet she was hesitant to speak of it.
The Knights pure hatred for this Sith had created a
black taint on his heart, but now, she could understand fully the source of his
spite. The day Qui-Gon fell, Obi-Wan lost the only father he ever had. The pain
and agony of that loss had created a sense of mistrust that led Obi-Wan to
distance himself from the other Jedi and to escape to the far reaches of the
galaxy on a long, isolated mission.
Siri had felt his pain as if it was her own, yet this did not change her fears
and anxieties concerning the matter. It was Obi-Wans temper that she truly
feared. The dark side channels rage through the spiteful lust for revenge. She
had already seen him give into its twisted wiles once, how severe would it be
when it offered him what he truly desired?
The Jedi Sentinel closed her eyes as she decided not to tell Obi-Wan of the Sith threat. She merely cradled him in her arms, rocking him
into a comforting sleep that his weary body desperately needed and rightly
deserved. Still, the specter of uncertainty haunted Siri, and it was hours
before her body gave way to exhaustion and slipped into an uneasy rest.
Chapter IX
Part 1 of 3
Haunting Echoes
Later that night
A gentle night breeze whistled through the forest. Various nocturnal creatures
scurried about or winged their way through the fog-dense atmosphere. The dark
silhouette of a three and a half meter tall giant sharply contrasted the misty
light projected through the trees by the moon. An ikopi spied the dark image
before silently retreating away to the bog.
Salazar knelt down to analyze one of the small flowers that was beginning to
blossom in the moonlight. His eyes glazed a multitude of colors as his
four-fingered hands encircled the blossoming plant. The flower began to bud at
an accelerated rate, blooming under the power of the Protoss glowing eyes and
the incandescent glow of the triple Nubian moons.
An uneasy pause descended upon Salazar as he continued to gaze into the petals
of the flower. Was this what he had been reduced to? A
florist? No longer was he a warrior or defender, not even an explorer.
The flowers of this strange human world were all that remained that truly
interested him. Was this the result of his thirty years in exile? He had been
isolated from his own people for so long that it was difficult to tell anymore.
This strange hobby was the all there was to console the burning loss in his
heart, the shame that would eternally scar his name. Death before dishonor had
once been his pledge, now he was nothing more than a disillusioned zombie,
contemplating broken promises and tinkering with alien flora.
Salazars expression condensed as he looked up from his work. An ominous
feeling of dread encroached upon him as his eyes looked up to the triple moons.
Reluctantly, the Protoss stretched out with a power he had not used in over
thirty years, a power he was made to abandon the day of his banishment.
Abstract echoes of agony and wails of confusion streamed through the Force.
Like ripples in a pond, the wails had converged upon each other, creating a
maelstrom. Riding the waves of turbulence, a single, well defined voice echoed
through the Force.
Obi-Wan! Obi-Wan!
Salazar contemplated the voice slowly. It was howled as if a stern order, a
fierce command filled with panic and distress. Salazar did not know the voice
well, but he was certain he had heard it before. Slowly, his memories yielded
the image of a long-haired, bearded Jedi.
Qui-Gon Jinn.
Salazar had met Obi-Wans mentor only briefly, but the sage human master had
left quite an impression on the exiled Templar. He was the wisest human he had
ever met, and news of his death had displeased Salazar. Why would he-
No!
Obi-Wans raging voice brought a scowl to Salazars face. His scaly skin
glistened in the moonlight as he continued to probe the Force for answers.
Blurred images of crimson fury clashing against azure ferocity and ethereal
green washed up from the tumultuous waves of the Force maelstrom. The crimson
fury was held, manipulated by a murky dark figure. The maelstrom twisted his
facial features into such obscurity that only basic colors of red and black
could be derived from the blur. The blades of azure and emerald were wielded by
a faceless warrior.
The dance of light and rage came to a grinding halt as images began to bleed
together in a corrosive muck of haphazardly mixed colors. The wails of agony
were replaced by ephemeral whispers in the wind. Suddenly, calm came. The
whispers ceased. All of the colors faded to black. Strands of crimson began to
manifest across the desolate image and varying shades of gray appeared,
defining the facial features of a Nubian death mask.
At last, we shall have our revenge
With that chilling, hoarse whisper, the disjointed vision terminated as
abruptly as it had begun. Salazar could barely recognize the voice that echoed
at the end of the vision. It was a faint hiss barbed with malice and spite. It
was Obi-Wans
Salazar stood still, contemplatively gazing out into the fog. With his right
hand, he began to strip away the upper portion of his tunic, revealing his
chest and torso. Three letters were burned across his chest, scarred patches on
his gray scaly skin. From right to left, a C, an H and a D had been
burned in by laser branding.
His trembling fingers converged upon the C that had been inscribed upon his
chest.
Consort! You have associated yourself with enemies of the Protoss, and for
this you, and those who served under you, will forever bear this scar of
dishonor!
An overwhelming feeling of shame came upon him as he removed his fingers. Slowly,
he set them upon the H that had been branded alongside with the C.
Heresy! The crime of consorting with the Dark Ones.
This badge of disgrace will forever stain your name as well as that of your
tribe!
Salazars head swayed as he once again tasted the acerbic feeling of disgrace
which had fermented within for over thirty years. The D had been branded on
the other side of his chest, and it was twice the size of the others, set in a
deep blue ink.
Dark One! You consorted with them and committed heresy as they have. Now
their fate will be yours as well! Banishment from the home world and
suppression of your Templar strengths- such is the price for straying from the
Khalas light.
A cold breeze swept through the woods as Salazar removed his hand from his
chest. The stern voice from his dark past faded as he looked away. That bitter
taste of disgrace melted as his mind veered away from the past. Now he
contemplated the future, specifically the dire fate of his tormented friend,
Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Salazar turned his attention away from the flower he had labored all night to
find until he found a small sharp rock lying on the ground. Without a hint of
hesitation, he pressed the sharp edge of the stone against the skin of his
chest. Blue blood began to drip down his chest as he mercilessly tore and
ripped at his skin, removing the three badges of disgrace he had chosen to bear
for all these years.
When it was done, he cast away the sharp stone and wiped the blood from his
chest with his tunic. The astringent pain from the laceration was building, yet
Salazar refused to acknowledge it. He turned around and began the long trek
back to his cabin on the other side of the woods. Once home, he would begin a
long meditation to recover and recalibrate his long-forsaken powers.
Chapter IX
Part 2 of 3
Haunting Echoes
The Next Evening
Siri stirred in her sleep. Her lips shaped into a smile as she drifted in a
state between sleep and consciousness. Slowly, her mind awoke to the outside
world, and her muscles tensed with activity. A pleased sigh escaped her lips as
she stretched out with her right arm.
A frown of confusion manifested upon her face as her query came up empty.
Obi-Wan? Her eyes slid open as she looked to her
right. His side of the bed was empty, only a pair of ruffled pillows and a
tattered blanket stained by a few drops of blood remained. Siris confusion
melted away as she saw Obi-Wan sitting near the window on the other side of the
room.
Siri slowly sat up in bed and analyzed the intense expression on Obi-Wans face
as he wordlessly looked out the window. She rose from bed and joined him at the
windowsill. They had slept all day, and now, the waning evening sun was slowly
falling into the horizon, giving way to a field of vibrant stars and the Nubian
triple moons.
Obi-Wan? Siri whispered as she placed her hand
around his shoulders. Is something wrong?
He blinked, shutting his eyes to the outside world for a moment as his right
hand found hers. Yes. Obi-Wan leaned his head against her shoulder, coming to
rest in her arms. A long silence ensued as they continued to gaze at the waning
sun.
I had a vision last night. Obi-Wans voice broke the stillness.
You had a vision?
It was intense. Like being born again.
What did you see?
His brow condensed with conflict as the fading sun filled his azure eyes. The
reflection betrayed the shadow of a dark curse that gripped his soul. His eyes
met once again met hers. The Sith. I saw the Sith.
Siris brow tensed she tightened her grip on his shoulders. The man who killed
Qui-Gon
He was no man, he replied, his voice cold and his expression stony. His
squared jaw shook as his gaze focused upon the setting sun. I saw him in my
vision. A light of crimson fury.
What happened?
It was the night of Qui-Gons death He said sadly. I fought him then, and
in the vision, it felt like I was fighting him all over again.
How did it end?
It ended without any definite victor. Everything faded to black, and as it
did, suddenly I knew. I felt his presence through the Force. Hes here.
Hes here Siri echoed. Her system flooded with dread as faint images of the
Zabrak menace streamed from her memory. The flow of terror ebbed as she reset
her focus upon Obi-Wan. Are you sure?
I know it. It was a searing flame through the Force. Thats when it became
clear what I have to do. The sun had finally fallen beyond the horizon, and
its waning beams fleeing with it, leaving the two Jedi in darkness. I have to
destroy him.
Her gaze narrowed as her possessive embrace tightened around Obi-Wan. You
dont have to-
No. He shook his head in absolute defiance. I must. This began two years
ago, and I must finish it.
Alright. Siri nodded reluctantly. In the wake of the setting sun, Obi-Wans
eyes had flooded with fire. The azure color of his corneas was nearly
obliterated by the glint of hunger and ambition. His speech was laid out in
cold, measured tones that filled her heart with tension. We can do this
together, Obi-Wan.
I have to do this alone.
No, Siri objected. You dont have to do this alone. I want to be with you,
and I want to help you.
This is between me and him.
You werent able to defeat him before, what makes you think you can now?
Because now Im ready for him, Ill fight him and Ill destroy him, Obi-Wan
replied. You cant be involved, Siri. I dont want you to be hurt, Siri.
Trying to protect me again?
He shook his head as the bravado faded from his voice. I know,
you dont need me to do that, but I cant help but be concerned for you.
I dont need your protection, Obi-Wan. And dont argue that this is your fight
because I love you, and that makes it mine as well. We are both part of the
same Jedi family. I want to be involved; I want to help you Im
devoted to you, live or die, dont you understand?
I know, Siri, and I dont doubt that. I love you too, and I understand
your devotion. But you simply must understand that youre all I have left.
Obi-Wan blinked. The voracious flame in his eyes had faded, returning them to
their once natural blue color. Without the hazy lust for revenge obscuring
their depths, Obi-Wans eyes projected a gentle sadness and a genuinely
vulnerable fear.
Obi-Wan, are you sure you can do this? Youre hurt
The wounds will heal. I can do this I can destroy him.
Alright. Siri sighed sharply and gave a reluctant. Her capitulation was quick
and subtle as her embrace weakened. If you dont want me
involved, what do you want me to do?
Go to Salazar. See if you can establish contact with the Council. Tell
them well need a contingent of Knights here soon. The situation is going to
fall completely out of control soon.
Siri scowled. How?
Youve seen the guerillas, the rebel preachers. A revolution is coming.
The Federation will put it out, Siri replied.
It will be a massacre. The Sith are involved.
On which side?
The Federation, Obi-Wan answered, hunger once again lighting his eyes. The
Federation has been in with the Sith from the
beginning. The Council needs to stop them.
Well never be able to crack at the Federation, not without the approval of
the Senate.
Damn the Senate! Obi-Wan spat. Theyre not a help to anything or anyone
anymore. If they interfere, it will be too late for Naboo, for us all. The
Council has to help us.
Siris brow furrowed as she contemplated all of the things Obi-Wan had told
her. The Federation-Sith conspiracy could it be true? How could the Council
have not known about or even suspected this?
How are you so certain of all of this? Siri asked.
It was the vision. There was more to it than just a fight- things were
revealed to me. Obi-Wan paused. A ghost told me
A ghost? Siri asked quizzically. Qui-Gon?
Obi-Wan said nothing in response; he gave no nod of confirmation or a glance to
affirm her question. Instead, he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.
She gently placed her right hand over his heart as she nuzzled her face against
his. The constant thump of his heartbeat served to once again remind her of his
human weaknesses.
Im afraid, Obi-Wan, she announced suddenly. Her right hand balled into a
fist over his chest. Im afraid of what youre becoming. And every time you
pledge to destroy the Sith, I can feel you move further and further away from
me. I know I cant stop you from doing what you have to do, but the Sith can die and still win, Obi-Wan. It doesnt take much
for you to become like them.
I love you, Siri, Obi-Wan said as he squeezed her hand. He slowly slipped out
of her embrace, rose to his feet and began to get dressed. Siri wasnt quite
sure if it was his unreadable expression or his brooding silence that sent
chills up her spine, but the fear she felt deepened as she saw his eyes darken.
Ill find you when this is done.
Chapter IX
Part 3 of 3
Haunting Echoes
Later that Night
* Later that night *
Not a single creature stirred as Siri stepped out of her speeder. A dozen
meters ahead, the dark outline of Salazars cabin stood amidst a backdrop of
trees. The forest was deathly silent; all of the creatures seemed to be in an
ominous hush as they watched the Jedi Sentinel make her cautious strides.
The look of hesitance and regret was about her. It was a mistake it was wrong
to let Obi-Wan go, she knew that was certain. There was no choice in the
matter; she could not stop him without confronting him. In confrontation, she
ran the heavy risk of incurring his anger, and it was his anger she feared.
How had things come to be this way? Anger is the quickest path to the dark
side, and fear is a tool of darkness as well. Had they both fallen so far that
they were now ruled by such petty emotions? Siri shivered. She felt more alone
than she ever had before. The teachings and wisdom of the Jedi council felt so
distant, the words of Master Adi blurred in her memory.
Siri scrambled to recover those fading memories. She did not know what she
could ever say to the Council when- if- she finally returned to them. She was
supposed to obey her orders, but now she had nearly joined the enemy of the
Jedi by questioning them. A Jedi shall know no passion nor love nor anger. Yet
now she felt all these things and so readily gave in to them.
The deepest bond of her commitment to the Order had been so thoroughly violated
by her pledge of loyalty to Obi-Wan. An intimate binding attachment had been
formed between the two Knights. How would the Council respond? Would she be
expelled? Part of Siri did not care to speculate. The feeling of being with
Obi-Wan, of holding him, of loving him, was enough to justify expulsion. She
merely wanted to be with him, and if the Council would not allow for that, then
she could not accept their judgment.
The disorienting swirl of abstract images that floated about in her mind was
all she could truly fathom. It was Obi-Wans cold expression of uncertainty,
and the dark flame in his steel blue eyes. It was the hissing crack of the
Avengers whip as it sizzled through the air. It was the hateful, toothy grin of
the Sith warrior. It was the crimson-obsidian mask of
the Keeper
Were these the things that now defined her existence? This
eternal darkness? Someplace between Obi-Wans pained desire for revenge
and her own dark impulses, the answer manifested itself. Her training, the
heart and soul of her being, was being undone by this struggle, by this love
affair. Still, with this in mind, she could not resist.
Siri?
Her neck craned as she switched her focus from her feet on the ground to the
Protoss sitting on an old tree stump. Wearing a gold-colored power suit,
Salazar appeared to be dressed for war. Siri was not at all familiar with Protoss technology, but she could feel the immense flow of
energy coursing through the suit, it had to be a weapon. She acknowledged him
with a nod.
Are you alright? You seem distressed.
I She blinked as her body went rigid. Im in love Salazar.
Love? His tone was slightly amused. Then why
are you so distressed?
Im going to be expelled from the Jedi Order, Siri said sorrowfully. I did
something very foolish.
Yes, love is as impulsive as it is empowering. Yet ultimately, it is one of
the few things that can truly set you free.
Obi-Wan She sighed deeply. A long pause came as Siris gaze wandered about
the forest. Several minutes passed before she refocused on Salazar. What are
you doing here, Salazar?
I was waiting for you, He replied.
Yes. But why are you here on Naboo, living like a hermit in the woods? What
happened to your people, your home world?
That, my Jedi friend, is a long and complicated story.
Siri took another look around. We dont seem to be doing anything right now.
She took a seat on the ground. Tell me.
Salazar nodded hesitantly. If you truly wish to know, I will satisfy your
curiosity.
Siri showed a weak smile.
Long ago, there was a great war among my people. Our empire disintegrated as
individual tribes declared war upon each other. Hatred took root as Protoss
slaughtered Protoss and the fields of our home world, Aiur, were stained with
blood. The damage done to our culture and way of life was extensive. The war
lasted for thousands of years, and it would be remembered as the Aeon of
Strife.
Why did this happen?
Salazar gestured to the dark braids that streamed out of the back of his head. Many
humans assume that this is hair, but it is not. These appendages are extensions
of my brains telepathic functions, and I once used them to create a communal
link between myself and other Protoss.
Siri glared at the braid-like appendages. I dont understand.
You have an understanding of the Force, Siri, it is
the root of your power.
She nodded.
I am also joined to the Force and have learned to manipulate it; however I
also have a different feel for it. These appendages are a natural part of Protoss anatomy, and through it, we can all reach each other
through the Force. This primal link had served unify the tribes for countless
millennia, and it is believed that the ego caused the link to break down.
I see. She nodded slowly.
The Aeon of Strife finally came to an end when a philosopher named Khas
rediscovered the primal link. When he tapped it and felt the raging emotions of
hatred emanating from every Protoss, he realized the folly of our people. He
created a new religion and way of life, a rigid system of behavior known as the
Khala. Khas used the Khala to teach many Protoss how
to access the primal link and successfully unified numerous tribes. Under the
Khala, the role of tribes was reduced and replaced by a three-caste system. The
industrious artisans and workers became known as the Khalai, the stalwart
warriors and enforcers were the Templar and administrative statesmen and elders
were the Judicator. Years passed, and these tribes forged into a new empire ruled
by a council of Judicator called the Conclave.
You dont seem to like the Judicator very much, Siri noted.
His eyes narrowed. The Judicator are exalted
politicians who often seek to enrich their own position.
So I take it the Conclave is your rough equivalent to the Senate?
They are our leadership, he said sternly. Moving on, these tribes
forged together by the Khala under the leadership of the Conclave created a new
empire flourishing with prosperity. It was at this time that many wounds of the
war healed, the beauty of Aiur was restored and we rediscovered some of our
principal technologies, such as the ability to travel the stars. It was also at
this time that I was born.
When did you become a warrior?
I was born into the Templar caste- it was my destiny to be a warrior as my
father and mother. However, I never anticipated that my life of duty would be
as twisted as it was. You see, there were a handful of tribes that refused to
submit to the Khala for they feared that their individual identities would be
erased to further Judicator rule. For years, the Conclave kept these tribes a
secret from the rest of Protoss Society for they feared that the aberrant
influence of these rogue tribes could spread and ultimately lead to a breakdown
of the Khala, the empire and the beginning of a new Aeon of Strife. However,
the time came when they could no longer hide the truth. The Judicator ordered
us Templar to exterminate the rogue tribes.
Thats horrible.
Those tribes, known as the Dark Templar, were Protoss, as we were, and after
the Aeon of Strife, the prospect of killing another Protoss was so terrifying
that we could not bring ourselves to destroy them. Rather than exterminate the
rogue tribes, we chose instead to find new ways of hiding them from the
Conclave.
You feel very strongly about this, Siri noted.
I was more involved than my other colleagues, on personal levels. The
depth of his voice let up as softer tones defined themselves. Siri noted the
way his eyes shimmered between lighter and darker tones of blue. I took it
upon myself to spend time with the Dark Templar tribes, to learn their peaceful
way of life, and I grew to enjoy the simplicity of it. The initial pity I had
for them grew into respect, and eventually, love.
Youre putting things lightly, Siri said. Theres more than that, isnt
there?
Yes, I fell in love with a female from one of the rogue tribes. I was very
young, and as I said before, love can be very impulsive. My courtship of her
was cut short because catastrophe struck- the Conclave learned of how we had
been hiding the rogue tribes. Word of the Conclaves outrage spread about quickly, and I learned that the Judicator elite guard was
coming to deal with the rogue tribes.
What did you do?
Many of my Templar brethren, fearing the Conclave and their Judicator
lackeys, decided to back down and submit to the Conclaves judgment. I,
however, was stubborn, defiant and in love. As the elite guard came, I blocked
their patch, and when I refused to move, they took me into custody, and I was
taken before a tribunal. The Judicator ruled that I was guilty of heresy and
punished me aptly. They suppressed my Force powers and banished me from Aiur.
What happened to the rogue tribes? To your lover?
I do not know, Salazar said sadly. The Conclave banished me before
they determined the fate of the rogue tribes.
What do your feelings tell you?
I cannot trust my feelings they tell me that the Conclave executed every
last one of the Dark Templar. The poignant sadness in his voice deepened. I
sincerely hope my feelings are wrong.
I hope so, too, Siri said. Silence descended upon the forest as both Jedi and
Templar contemplatively stared off into the sky.
Chapter X
Part 1 of 2
Keeper
Unrest gripped Theed. Numerous droid patrols could not control the various
guerillas wandering about at night, spreading word of the rebel agenda from
household to household. Legions of battle droids and stockades of weapons did
little to control the anguish bred amongst the Nubian people. With each passing
moment, the tension scale tightened and tightened sending the delicate balance
of peace closer to teetering into insanity.
Amidst the unrest, a weary soul treaded lightly, skimming the rooftops with
great precision. With each successful attack, she wove greater tones of courage
and bravado into the hearts of the rebels. She was the hope for Naboo. And she
was not alone.
The Avenger took several deep breaths as she sat down on a secluded rooftop,
resting her back against a protruding chimney. Whip in one hand and sword in
the other; she had just escaped an ambush. Security was tighter than ever, and
this nights exploits yielded no success.
Both fists loosened, releasing the weapons they held. Small amounts of blood
gushed from the singed flesh on her right arm as she began to wrap it with
pieces of her torn cloak. The Avenger worked in utter silence, her glowing
emerald green eyes analyzing he wound gently through the Force. When her work
was done, most of the bleeding had stopped, and the pain had been suppressed by
Force manipulations.
Her focus shifted from her wound as she slouched against the chimney top.
Emerald eyes gazed out into the night sky, absent-mindedly taking note of every
star that twinkled in the distance. All three Nubian moons were absent, leaving
the stars to illuminate the world below.
The Avenger looked down at her hands. Stained by blood, riddled with cuts and
covered with calluses, they had been weathered by the intensity of numerous
battles. A gold ring encircled her left hands ring finger. Once, long ago, it
symbolized the nuptials between herself and her husband. Now, it was much more.
She contemplated the meaning of the ring as she gently toyed with it. Deep
within its jade gems rested the fragmented portions of her soul.
Im sorry, Lané, she whispered glumly. A weak gust took her words as
she once again looked up to the sky. You are too young, too young to ever be
involved in this this horror.
The emerald glow faded from her eyes and starlight reflected her corneas true
mahogany color as they filled with tears.
I cant undo what we have done or what we have seen, and it hurts you, I know.
I wish I never involved you in this nightmare. You deserve better than this,
Lané, much better. Her whispers came to a stop, as did the flow of
tears. Her eyes once again began to glow with an emerald luminescence. I can
only hope that you survive the battles to come. Youre my daughter now, and I
will take care of you. I swear it, Lané.
The Avenger let off a soft sigh, wiped the tears from her cheek and rose to her
feet. The willowy figure of her seventeen-year old body cast a long shadow on
the starlit rooftop.
Sérana?
Slowly, she turned around. Mathias?
The Keeper held silent for a moment before striding towards his wife. His
gloved hand was placed gently on her injured arm. What happened? How were you
hurt?
The factory was a trap, Mathias, she said gravely. They knew I was coming.
The Sith are making their presence known.
Theyve been hunting us, she said.
No, he replied. I havent run into the Sith since I severed his arm two days
ago. They arent hunting for us, theyre lying in wait.
But why?
Hes waiting for help, the Keeper said.
His master is coming, the Avenger said gravely.
We must resolve our unfinished business with the Sith, Sérana. He
paused. It has been over a thousand years, but there can be little doubt that
they remember me or my relevance to their kin. When Chainer came here so long
ago and left this power, I knew it would only be a matter of time before the Sith returned to reclaim it.
The Avenger blinked. Perhaps it is time
No, he reciprocated sternly.
Mathias-
No! He snapped. The Sith have returned to
destroy me, and I will not allow them to.
The Sith were the ones who empowered you in the first place, Mathias.
I know, he replied. They helped us to fight against the oppression, helped
us make order of chaos. Chainer gave me power, I cannot contest that. But now,
the Sith have returned and they are the oppressors. I
will not allow them to destroy everything we have struggled to create here.
Dont you remember the sacrifices I made for the good of our people?
She took in a sharp breath as his words evoked a pain in her heart. Your sacrifices? You forget they were mine as well.
Sérana, I havent seen my face in so long, I cant even remember what I
used to look like.
Neither can I, Mathias, she replied sadly. Neither can
Or what of our children? Do you remember them?
Barely- just just glimpses and flashes, thats all. Her jaw set as tears
began to well in her eyes. We had a son and two daughters: Kael, Alésra
and Leihla.
They sacrificed for this cause, and if-
No! Sérana snapped. Her brow condensed with disgust as tears dripped
down her face. You gave up on them. You sacrificed him!
He died for something greater than themselves.
Mathias, he was our son-
And through him, I did the greatest work either of us could have possibly
imagined. I gave Naboo salvation. The Keeper fell silent for a moment.
Sérana glared at him, her emerald eyes filled with tears of anger and
fear. And all this, all this around us, all that once stood and glorified
Theed and the rest of Naboo- it was all through my design! Because of my work! My sacrifice! Mathias let out a deep sigh from behind his
mask. He backed away from his wife, hands clasped together before him.
Sérana shook her head bitterly.
Memories haze over the years, but there is one thing I remember with absolute
clarity, an image that haunts me whenever I wake. It is the look on Kaels face
when he realized what I had to do. Did you think that was easy for me,
Sérana? He was my son, too. An uneasy breath escaped his lips. He was
my son, too.
She turned her back to him. Her brow furrowed with contempt. The ends always
justify the means for you, dont they, Mathias? She
asked bitterly. Ive loved you, and now, you wont let me anymore. You never
seem to know when enough is enough. Our time is done. Its done! Dont you
understand?
No, our time will never be done, he replied. Such is the price Ive chosen
to pay. These powers, these abilities are now mine, and I will not
relinquish them to the Sith, or the Jedi, or anyone
for that matter. And I will not allow the Sith
and their Federation lackeys to destroy what little is left of Naboo.
A long silence followed the Keepers outburst. Sérana took in a deep
breath. And how do you propose to defeat the Sith?
I will confer with council, he said. The grove of gnarled
trees.
His declaration sent a chill up Séranas spine. The Avenger let out a
deep sigh, her breath filtering into the wind. Ive used my talents and
strengths to stand by you for a long time, now. Perhaps a time will come when I
no longer will.
Is now that time, Sérana? He asked.
The Avenger said nothing to respond, she merely looked off into the horizon, a
bitter expression of dissatisfaction on her face.
I will make demons rise out of hell if necessary to defeat the Sith, Mathias hissed. The cold, absoluteness of his voice
did not give way to any kind of doubt or hesitation. I will finish this once
and for all.
She remained silent as the Keeper walked away, fleeing into the darkness. She
only wept silently as the blurred images of her long lost children flashed
through her mind. Sérana began to finger the gemmed ring on her left hand
again, applying gentle pressure to the fragile object of antiquity. She knew
what could happen if the ring broke or shattered.
She had had enough. Enough killing. Enough
death. Enough fighting. The Force would set her
free
But she suddenly stopped, remembering the stifled cries from the young girl
within.
Chapter X
Part 2 of 2
Keeper
* Several Hours Later *
Salazar looked about the woods with uncertainty. His eyes flickered blue as he
analyzed the shadows and darkness surrounding his cottage. One look up revealed
to him that all three Nubian moons had disappeared from the nights sky.
Something was terribly wrong here.
Siri?
The Jedi Sentinel, who had fallen asleep on the porch of Salazars cottage
lying on a small cushion stirred.
Siri. Salazar elevated the intensity of his
telepathy.
What? The Sentinel rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she glared at the
towering giant.
Did you feel that? He asked. There was a disturbance in the Force.
She closed her eyes and stretched out with the Force. She definitely felt it.
Something was amiss, and it was coming from the woods. What is that?
I dont know. Ive never felt it before. It cant be some kind of animal
Salazar paused. Perhaps it is the Sith you spoke
of.
Or the Keeper, but I doubt that he would radiate his force signature like
that. Siri rose from bed and began to collect her gear. I should investigate
right away.
* * * *
Siri trudged through the forest, silent and alert of whatever dangers awaited
her. Her jaw tensed as she felt a vague object through the Force, a presence of
darkness she knew all too well.
A gentle night breeze rustled through the leaves. Siri exhaled slowly. The
atmosphere was thick, and the deep breeze rustling the leaves sent a cold chill
up her spine as she continued to probe the woods for answers. The dark side was
pulsing through the trees.
Suddenly, she saw a flash of silver.
Siri twisted around, meeting the cold blade of cortosis with her purple blade
of energy. The Keeper retracted his weapon and swung again, assaulting Siri
with a balanced attack stance. Siri blocked and parried, carefully negotiating
around the wide circular blade as best she could.
Siri scowled as the fighting came to a pause. This was not the same foe she had
faced before in Theed. The Keeper moved much slower and clearly favored his
right over his left. Throughout the entire exchange, he had not as much as
moved his left arm to punch or grab at his opponent. Siri wondered why.
Without warning, Siri attacked again, more aggressively this time. Her violet
saber cast deep shadows through the branches and woods as she steadily advanced
upon the rapidly weakening Keeper. She stabbed at him, only to have her blow
batted away. Swinging about, she made full use of her momentum to deliver a
stern back kick to the Keepers midsection, which sent the Nubian warrior
stumbling back.
Siri refused to slow her advance. The Jedi Sentinel surged forward once again,
slamming against the Keepers defense and eventually using her full force to
knock the circular blade out of his hand. Without hesitation, she surged
forward, stabbing for his chest. The Keeper twisted around, dodging the blow
before snapping forward and grabbing Siris wrist. With his durasteel grip, he
wrestled the saber out of her hand, elbowed her in the face and kicked her
away.
Siri stumbled back several steps as blood began to gush from her nose. She
wiped the blood away and reset her focus upon her adversary. The Keeper stood
attentively, brooding in darkness. He still had not moved his left arm at all.
The Jedi Sentinel charged again. Both unarmed, the two warriors fought with
bare hands. Siri boxed, but the Keeper negated her attacks with his right side,
evasively dodging and blocking her attacks. Siri spun about, landing a kick on
the left side of his body. The Keeper stumbled back and Siri capitalized by
springing forward and delivering a power punch to his left arm.
The Keeper howled in pain. Siri grabbed him and slammed him against a tree
before landing a pair of strong punches to the chest. Sensing the utter
collapse of his defense, she reached forward and yanked away the obsidian mask.
No Siri gasped as she backed away. Her heart, which had been racing from the
heat of the battle, skipped a beat as she glared at the face, which had been
hiding behind the mask. She looked to the Nubian death mask, lying only a few
feet away on the ground. Her gut wrenched and her heartbeat twisted into a
sporadic jumble as she continued to stumble back. No, it cant be.
Get out of my way, Siri, he hissed. The voice was cold and resolute, full
with a silent rage. I dont want to fight you.
Obi-Wan Her blue eyes locked on his. All this time it was you? You killed
all those people?
I do what I must.
You cant- Siri stammered. The tone of absolute panic was rising in her
voice. Youre a Jedi.
His eyes narrowed and his gaze twisted with rage. Im no Jedi.
No, Obi-Wan, you are, She insisted. Youve just forgotten.
Im not a Jedi! He roared angrily. The blue color of his corneas vanished,
replaced by a deep crimson hue that spoke tones of darkness. Siri shuddered. I
havent been one for a long time, Siri. It took me a while to realize, but it
is truth. Ive sacrificed so much for the Jedi ideal, and theyve repaid me
with nothing. Whatever happened to the idea of an extended Jedi family? When I
returned from Tatooine, orphaned by Qui-Gons death, I didnt find comfort in
the
You left to be in a place where you could be even more isolated from the people
who cared.
Dont you understand, Siri? He asked. No one cared.
I cared! I care. She stressed. I was looking for you as soon as I heard, but
you had already left!
It doesnt matter, Obi-Wan replied coldly. The outlandish crimson hue of his
eyes deepened to deep black. The Keeper has promised me what the Jedi could
not give.
No, Siri gasped. Its not worth it, Obi-Wan.
Im going to destroy the Sith, he spat.
At the cost of your soul? Youre willing to sacrifice
everything youve worked so hard for, your entire lifes struggle to satisfy
some impulsive thirst for revenge?
No, not revenge. He set his gaze upon the obsidian mask lying
several meters way from him in a bed of dead leaves. Though still, the object
seemed to hypnotize him with an unworldly sway. A cryptic grin manifested upon
Obi-Wans face as he once again faced Siri. Ive been promised justice.
Obi-Wan, listen to me, Siri said. She calmed her erratic, shallow breathing
to a calm steady rate as she slowly approached him. Its not too late to turn
back.
Obi-Wan stirred as she drew closer. The palpable tension seethed through the
air as her nervous, quivering hand met his.
Dont do this, she pleaded. Im sure I can talk something out with the
Council- make some arrangement. You can be granted absolution-
Absolution? His good hand balled into a fist, rebuffing her caress. I dont
want absolution. I have vindication!
Dont do this, she begged. Please, dont do this.
Siri, just stop. Stop worrying about what the Council thinks, or what the
Senate thinks- think about yourself, about your own feelings. What do you think
is right? A long silence trailed his question. Cant you see? Our entire
lives, the Council has enslaved us. Theyve made us follow their rules and
regulations, made us bow to them and call them master, and theyve sent us
from one side of the galaxy to the other on some endless bantha chase. But when
the credits are down, and lives are at stake, they never show. Sure, they have
enough time to send us on diplomatic missions, exchanging pleasantries with
Senators over cups of Corellian ale, but no time to stop massacres on
Federation-controlled planets.
A cold breath of despair escaped Siris lips. The cold tone of his voice and
the fiery glow in his eyes indicated that there could be no turning back.
Instinct and training both underscored what would have to be done. Her chest
heaved with pain as she gazed deep in his eyes, both ablaze with rage.
And what about us? He asked.
She felt her heart sink deeper as Obi-Wan placed his good hand on her shoulder.
If the Council knew about us, about what we have done we would be expelled,
he said. I cant even begin to comprehend why they are this way. When Im with
you I feel I feel complete. But that doesnt matter, because the Council would
never allow it.
Please, her soft voice was a pained whisper in the night breeze. She squeezed
his hand with urgency as her tear-filled gaze met his crimson glare. Please,
dont do this. Its not too late to turn back.
No, I cant turn back, because that would mean turning away from you, he
rebutted. If we return to the Council, to the
Youve already turned away from me. Siri choked on her tears. Youve fallen
so far that you cant even see it
Obi-Wan sighed. We dont have to go back. When it is done, and I destroy the Sith, we can be together, Siri. There can be us. Just take my hand.
Chapter XI
Part 1 of 3
Illusionary Mask
The Jedi Sentinel drew back instinctively. Her head was spinning, her heart
churning and her chest throbbing with pain. The entire world was darkening
around her as she locked her gaze upon his deep crimson eyes.
No, her hoarse voice whispered. No.
Obi-Wans eyes narrowed tragically as he probed her with his crimson orbs. It
was in that moment of vulnerability that she felt Obi-Wans true character
surface. It was only for a fleeting moment, but she saw the crimson haze
flicker away, revealing the tortured azure below. A tear dripped down her face
as the azure was once again buried. She knew what she had to do
Siri snapped forward. Her right fist slammed hard into the left side of
Obi-Wans face. The defenseless Keeper stumbled back as she followed with
another punch and shoved him. He tumbled into the trees.
Her instincts were about her, screaming and roaring out of control. She turned
around and ran.
The screams and roars grew louder the faster she ran. The forest was a mural of
gray and black; a dark, monochrome nightmare. Siri slowly came to a stop and
rubbed her temples.
Her head hurt so much.
Sapphire eyes analyzed the forest as malicious whispers echoed amidst the
trees. Siri trembled as she continued to rub her aching head. Blood was flowing
from her nose again. The migraine was getting worse.
The trees were shouting now, whispering roars and screaming obscenities in some
ancient, archaic language amidst the blackness of the forest. Siri looked up
from her hands and gradually began moving again. She had to get away, away from
the shouts and the roars, away from the trees.
Trees were everywhere.
Among the whispers and roars, one single screaming voice stood out. The
screeching voice intensified the pain in her head tenfold. Siri buried her face
in her hands, furiously shaking, hoping the nightmare would end. Her blind dash
came to an abrupt halt when her foot caught on an exposed root.
The Jedi Sentinel barreled out of control, rolling down a small incline before
finally falling face down on the forest floor. Blood was dripping freely from
both nose and mouth.
It doesnt have to be this way, Siri.
The migraine ceased instantly. The trees fell into a hush. The sound of her
thumping heart and the whistling wind were the only things Siri could hear with
continuity. She coughed up some blood, staining the forest floor with deep red.
Are you going to kill me, Obi-Wan? She lay absolutely still face down on the
ground, not rising to her feet or rolling over to face her lover.
There was a long silence, only the whistling wind spoke cohesively. It doesnt
have to be this way Obi-Wan whispered again. It doesnt have to be this
way.
It doesnt, Siri echoed. She rose slowly, first to her knees, then to her
feet. Slowly, she turned around to see, Obi-Wan, his eyes drunk with crimson
fury. She hesitantly opened her arms to him, and he deffered to her, submitting
to her deep embrace. Tears continued to stream from Siris eyes as she
tightened her arms around him and kissed him.
Siri Obi-Wan whispered. His whisper turned hoarse as her grasp tightened
around his left arm. He let out a panicked roar of pain as Siri clawed deeper
into the old wound. Seeing that she had paralyzed her adversary with momentary
agony, Siri drew back her left elbow, slamming it hard into Obi-Wans jaw.
His crimson gaze flickered as he fell to the ground with a shove. He rolled
away from Siri and struggled back to his feet, fuming with absolute fury. The
Jedi Sentinel met his defensive stance with a charge. Obi-Wan met her with a
kick. Siri quickly backpedaled, dodging the kick and retaliating with a slug to
the chest. Obi-Wan absorbed the blow with a gasp.
Siri drew her fist back as her gaze met his. The crimson orbs flickered with an
unholy intensity as his expression twisted with hatred, hatred which sundered
every last piece of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Siri stumbled back as the trees began to
whisper again. The migraine struck full on, and the Keeper sprung forward.
The world swirled into a twisted mirage as the warriors coursed through the
air. The two dropped into the ground with a crash as the Keeper pinned Siri
down with his elbow. Siri squirmed out from under his weight with a hard shove
of resistance. The Keeper slammed down into her collar bone with his elbow.
Siri jerked in pain but somehow freed her right hand and once again slipped her
grasp around his carved-up left arm.
Siri burrowed her fingers into the bloody fissure, evoking another pained howl
from the battered Keeper. Conquered by pain, the Keepers strength melted away,
and Siri slipped out from under him, nailing him across the face with a sturdy
punch. She pushed him away, all the while maintaining her durasteel grip over
his damaged arm.
Obi-Wan squirmed uselessly for a several seconds before turning to lie face
down on the floor in pain. After a few minutes, Siri released his arm from her
grasp and rose to her feet. A few moments of calm elapsed as the chaos in her
mind subsided. Both of her hands were caked in blood; it was smeared all over
her tunic and on the dirt of the forest floor.
Her gut wrenched as she looked down at Obi-Wan. The left sleeve of his shirt
had long been torn away revealing his wounded arm. The shallow pool of blood he
lay face down in appeared jet black in the darkness of the forest. The wind
howled as Siri crouched down by his side and placed her hand on his neck.
He was still alive. She gasped. He was still alive. More tears dripped from her
swollen, bloodshot eyes for she knew that this was not the end of the
nightmare. Obi-Wans fate had been sealed. Siri leaned over to collect the
battered warrior in her arms.
Obi-Wan suddenly rolled over with a roar of rage. The crimson orbs of energy
flickered lividly as metal glinted in the darkness. Siri groaned as she felt
the blade pierce her stomach.
She doubled over, falling to the ground. With both hands she struggled to
staunch the scarlet fluid flowing freely from her abdomen. The monster towered
over her, sneering coldly with the bloody weapon in hand. Pain tore through her
as she looked into his eyes.
He stabbed me. The shock washed over her as the entire world began to blur. He
stabbed me.
Obi-Wans hateful face soon disappeared, covered and replaced by an even more
terrifying image. The Nubian death mask looked down upon Siri with an air of
triumph. The Keeper suddenly stirred.
Everything was blurring. The migraine was coming back,
the trees were once more beginning to whisper. She wrenched and hacked as the
blood continued to pour from her abdomen. Obscure images of the outside world
trickled through Siris sundering mind.
Back, Demon!
The obsidian mask of terror retreated to the forest in the face of the gold
towering beacon of destiny.
Siri! Siri! A deep voice beckoned through the endless black of the
forest. Hold on, Siri. Im here, hold on.
He he stabbed me, she gasped deliriously. Tears further blurred her vision
as she squirmed under the care of the alien, reptilian four-fingered hands. He
stabbed me.
Relax, Siri. Youre going to be fine.
We have to destroy him. We have to destroy him.
* The Next Day *
Salazar took a seat on a withered log, which he had felled the night before. He
had sapped strength and power from this small patch of forest, draining it of
energy through the Force and harnessing the power to aid his dying comrade. The
Templar looked to his charge with concern. She seemed peaceful, resting in the
bed of leaves he had placed her in.
When he found her last night, her life had been little
more than a wavering candle flame in the Force. Indeed, the night had been a
turbulent one for young Siri Tachi, yet with Salazars aid and some intangible
strength from within, she weathered the darkness and had survived to taste the
following dawns light.
Sal Salazar? Siri awoke.
How do you feel?
She blinked a few times and clasped her abdomen. Where there had once been a
deep gash gushing with scarlet, there was now only a faint scar. Her broken
nose had also been restored. Incredible, was her excited response. I I feel
incredible.
Excellent, he said. It would appear that your body was more receptive
to Templar healing than I had anticipated.
No, its more than that. You didnt just heal me; it seriously feels like you
took several years off my legs. I feel younger, even stronger than before.
Siri rose to her feet. Salazar nodded silently before looking around. Siri
suddenly became aware of their surroundings, the radius of dead, decayed plants
and felled trees. A scowl came to her face. What happened?
This was the price of your restoration, Salazar replied dismally. Siri
fell into a silence as she watched Salazar analyze the death and decay. He was
visually pained by the sight of such desecration. In that moment, she truly
recognized what he had done. These trees had been stripped of their
midichlorians, not only destroyed, but purged clean from the Force.
Siri nodded solemnly, thoroughly awed by the raw power of the giant standing
before her. Thank you, Salazar, for saving my life.
You are my friend, Siri, a rarity in my life of solitude, he said with
utmost sincerity.
The Keeper?
Obi-Wan is the Keeper, Siri, you know this,
Salazar said tragically. Siri looked away despondently as her excitement melted
into sadness. He considered her with hopeful tone. Your love is not slain,
Siri.
Yes, what has happened to Obi-Wan is worse.
As long as he lives and draws breath, there is hope.
He stabbed me, Salazar, she whispered, her heart booming with pain. Hes
turned his back on everything he believed in, everything he once was.
Everything I loved about him is gone.
Yet you still love him.
Silence took root as Salazar took a seat on a decayed stump.
He is a part of you, Siri, Salazar said. And I will not allow you to
give up hope and destroy yourself in the process.
Salazar, please dont stop me from doing what I must do, Siri insisted. He
is an abomination.
I was told the same of the Dark Templar, Salazar replied. I do not
have a truly deep understanding of Obi-Wan and his illusionary mask, but I know
that there is much more than what meets the eye.
Im still going after him.
I know these woods very well, and have spent the better part of my time on
Naboo exploring them, Salazar replied. Ill go with you.
* Later That
Night *
The peaceful, green trees once again took their more
sinister forms as the sun descended in the horizon. Darkness commanded the
trees with an iron fist, bending them and corrupting them with the Force.
Salazar led through the forest and Siri followed, all the while looking about
intently, analyzing the rough images and shapes of the forest in the darkness.
A scowl manifested upon her face as she noticed that the trees were beginning
to thin. The moon and stars suddenly became visible as layers and layers of
branches thinned overhead. Salazar suddenly stopped.
This is the beginning of the great everglades, he said. Ive never
strayed into that section of the woodlands.
Nows a better time than ever, right? Siri said as
she trudged into the dark waters. Salazar watched her for a moment as she waded
through the reeds before following.
The sound of the two sloshing through the shallow, stagnant waters and the
reeds bending in their wake echoed through the trees. Siri trudged on,
undaunted by the cold of the water or the whistling of the wind through the
leaves of the few trees that hung over head. The water steadily deepened until
she was waist deep in the sludge, and the reeds seemed to tower over Siri, they
were almost as tall as the trees hanging in the distance. Siri suddenly
stopped.
Can you feel that? Salazar asked.
Siri exhaled slowly as she looked off into the dim woods. Beyond the reeds, a
pair of old, gnarled trees stood in the background, illuminated by the
moonlight. Her eyes waxed full with an azure hue as the Force whispered to her
with beguiling tones of darkness.
This was a place of evil, of that she was sure. The Keeper was here. She
stepped forward.
Wait! Salazar commanded.
He reached forward and pushed away the reeds which stood before Siri, revealing
the ancient, marble statue which had been standing behind them. Both Force
users analyzed the statue with a curious eye. A life size replica of a
well-built man who appeared to be in his mid to late thirties, it stood erect
in a triumphant stance with a piercing gaze that seemed to rain doom upon all
intruders.
We must go, Salazar said with a tone of absoluteness as he slowly
stepped back from the idol. There are demons nearby
He is here, Siri snorted. I will face him.
No! We cannot expect to defeat him here. This is his place of solace, his
place of dark power.
A malicious laugh pierced the atmosphere, racing through the branches and
rolling through the reeds.
You are only partially correct, Templar, the Keeper revved. This is a place
of dark power, but I would never have the audacity to claim it as my own.
Then whose is it, Keeper?
This place existed before I built that statue to honor it; it existed before I
was even born. My forefathers knew it as the Bog of Gnarled Trees, a place of
demons and darkness, a place they dared not intrude upon. And so it was for
hundreds of generations.
Enough games, Obi-Wan, Siri said.
A chuckle echoed across the canopy. Siri heard the rustling of leaves and could
make out the form of a black figure moving amid the branches in the distance.
The dark figure emerged into the moonlight, taking a seat on one of the gnarled
trees illuminated branches.
You speak of someone long dead, the Keeper said. Poor girl, you still dont
understand yet, do you?
Then there is more to your illusionary mask than we first believed,
Salazar declared.
You are the first brave enough to follow me here. I feel obligated to
enlighten you. The dark figure fell silent as the leaves continued to rustle.
The two gnarled trees seemed to whisper into the night as their branches shook
and swayed with dark side energies. Over six thousand years ago, before the
great hyperspace war, Naboo was uncharted territory to the Republic. We were a
planet within the boundaries of the mighty Sith Empire, yet the Sith Lords
never paid us any mind. We were our own primitive, isolated planet, with our
own problems.
There was no true Nubian nation, our peoples were
divided into hundreds of different nation, all of them fighting and
slaughtering each other over petty disputes. All forms of genocide and
atrocities were committed as we foolishly continued on our route of
self-destruction. This dark period was remembered as the times of great
suffering, and it was at this time that I was born, a prince of Joria, one of
the small warring nations.
My childhood I can hardly recall any pleasant details, only the fields of
blood and the marshes stacked with the bodies of my fathers enemies. In time,
I married and I raised three children. Then my father was killed and I ascended
to the throne. Yet I was met with derision by the local nobles. The soothsayers
and fortune tellers knew I was different from my forefathers, that I would
bring the winds of change.
Indeed, I did. I longed to end the endless conflicts between the different
Nubian nations; I wanted to end the killings. I tried hard to make peace with
my neighbors, yet they had no desire for peace and hated me as thoroughly as
they had hated my father. The neighboring nations perceived me as weak, and relentlessly
attacked
I I cannot describe with words what they did to her. But when I saw what had
been done, I solemnly swore to myself that I would never allow them to do that
to another Nubian girl again.
It was on the night of Alésras burial that Darth Chainer arrived. Old
and weary from his years of fighting, Chainer had come to Naboo to die. Yet
despite his apparent mortality, Chainers great power had not diminished. I
fervently begged him to aid me, to help me bring order to the warring Nubian
states. Chainer could care less about the war and the revolution I was trying
to start, yet he offered to help- at a price. The dark lord had mellowed in his
dying days, and he had one last desire that, due to his lifetime of misdeeds,
could never be fulfilled. He wanted innocence, so that he could be at peace
with the Force.
If the price of Naboos salvation had been my life, I would have gladly paid
it. Yet the price Chainer had set was more, much more. He asked me for my soul.
I refused. Then, in the next month, my other daughter and my wife were both
murdered. I changed my decision.
The exchange was made. His power became mine, and my soul his. Minutes after
he died and I buried him between these two gnarled trees. Then I proceeded to
wreak havoc on my enemies. The Sithly powers changed me from Mathias, King of
Joria, into the Keeper, dark lord of Naboo. I destroyed the warmongers and engineered
a fragile peace among the Naboo. When my work was complete, the period of great
suffering had finally ended; I honored it with the scar of remembrance."
I returned here to pay homage to Chainer, and the demons took me. The gnarled
trees, which had for centuries represented the true darkness of this place,
seized me. For thousands of years, I was one of them.
And it is only now they allowed you to awaken from your slumber? Salazar
asked.
That would be correct, Protoss. I saved Naboo from
the first period of great suffering, now I will save it from a second. The
Keeper rose to his feet. I have related to you the truth of my existence, and
you will not stop me from doing what I must do.
Obi-Wan- Siri said.
Obi-Wan is dead! The Keeper shouted. Do you
understand?
No Siri shook her head vehemently as she palmed her lightsaber. No, this
cant be.
Come now, mortals, the Keeper said evilly. The two gnarled trees were
whispering again, their branches twisting and shaking in the wind as the leaves
began to chant profane prayers. The Force streamed with corruption as the
Keeper began to relish the ancient power passed on to him by the Dark Lord.
Your lives are in my hands.
Siri prepared to strike, but stopped as Salazars four-fingered hands held her
firmly in place. She looked up at the giant with an expression of utmost
frustration. He did not return her gaze, instead focusing his eyes upon the
Keeper.
A roar echoed through Siris mind as the massive Templar propelled himself through the air and towards the Nubian death mask. A
pair of tapered azure energy blades sprouted, one from each arm, as Salazar
engaged the masked warrior. Siri watched in awe as azure energy clashed against
circular cortosis.
Run! Salazar howled as he tossed the Keeper into the dark of the swamp.
The Keepers angry roar could be heard echoing across the reeds. Run, Siri!
Run!
No, Siri growled as her violet lightsaber hissed to life.
No, Siri, Salazar affirmed. His tempered eyes glowed deep blue as he
gazed at her. The menacing roar of the Keeper was drawing closer and closer. Dont
stay here. Youre going to get yourself killed. If we both die here, who will
run to fetch reinforcements from your order? The Sith
are still lurking about as well. Go!
Just then, the Keeper sprung out of the reeds and pounced upon Salazar. The
Templar howled in pain as the circular blade traced lines of blue blood across
his face. The giant fell into the swamp before ripping away the Keeper and
tossing him into a tree. Blue blood washed in with the stagnant bog water.
Run! Salazar commanded again. Siri let out a shallow breath as she
watched him turn away to fight the Keeper. The adrenaline faded from her
system, replaced by a jaded apprehension that intensified as Salazar stepped
into the black of the forest. She
deactivated her lightsaber and finally began running.
Chapter XI
Part 3 of 3
Illusionary Mask
The sound of the two fighting warriors and the chorus of ravenous demons slowly
faded until distance silenced the sounds of horror. Still, the dark shadows of
the forest could not comfort Siri as she ran through the woods, her heart
pumping horror and pain through her veins.
Her head was spinning; the events of the past two days had turned her
once-stable life upside down. Every element of solidarity had disappeared. She
had turned her back on the Order and she had abandoned Salazar in the heat of
battle.
Obi-Wan Obi-Wan was dead.
Dead. Thats what the Keeper said, and Siri
knew it to be true. Obi-Wan had stabbed her and tempted her with the dark side,
turning his back on everything he once believed in. The Obi-Wan she once knew
was truly dead, replaced by a power-hungry revenge-driven monster.
Siri slowed to a walk as she came to the clearing were Salazars cabin stood.
Salazars resuscitative therapy had healed Siris body, but it did nothing to
help the greatest of the pains that plagued her. Her heart ached. What Salazar
said was true, Obi-Wan was a part of her, and now she
was beginning to feel the true pain of that loss.
Hold Jedi.
Siri looked up and met the gaze of the emerald-eyed Avenger. Her left hand
balled into a fist as her right palmed her lightsaber.
Wait, Siri, the Avenger said. Im not here to fight you.
Then why are you here? Siri asked. You and the Keeper have already taken
everything from me, what more do you want?
I want to help you, she replied.
Siris expression twisted into a maniacal grin as she let out a bitter laugh. Help
me? Azure eyes belied her inner rage. Rage, which had been building as a
side-effect of past days crippling sadness.
I once asked you to join me, now I wish to join you.
What kind of cruel joke is this? Siri asked. What do you want from me? Absolute submission? Yes, you beat me and yes, youve taken
everything from me. Isnt this enough to make you happy?
I once told you that you and I are not so different, the Avenger began to
explain. Mathias, the Keeper, is damned beyond redemption. I I love him, but
I understand now that it is time to let go. Our charade has played on for
thousands of years and I am weary, I want rest. But your lover, Obi-Wan, is not
beyond redemption.
Siris eyes flickered with interest as she focused upon the Avenger.
I know its hard for you to trust me, considering all the ways Ive wronged
you, but please give me a chance, the Avenger said again.
Wait, before anything else, Siri said. Tell me more about who
you are.
Thats a very long story The Avenger replied. I am, or rather, I was, a
queen. Thousands and thousands of years ago, Naboo was splintered into numerous
nations, and Mathias was a king of one of those small nations. I was his wife.
Siri nodded. I know the story of his rise and fall and how he gained his power
from Darth Chainer.
He told you, the Avenger replied.
But he didnt say anything about you, only that you died.
She scowled for a moment as she apparently collected her thoughts. My name was
Sérana; I was named after my paternal grandmother. Unlike Mathias, I was
born with a natural attunement to the Force. I learned a few tricks, but my
power was mostly dormant at that point. After they killed me, my power
activated and allowed my spirit to live on.
Siri nodded. This seemed plausible, as the sighting of apparitions, both Jedi
and Sith, have been reported before. And you began
possessing bodies?
I did, Sérana said. But Ive never possessed anyone who resisted my
influence.
So you only possess those willing to give their body to the cause?
Yes.
So, is your plan to possess me? Siri asked.
Between the two of us, we have enough power to defeat the Sith,
Sérana said. If we unite, we could destroy them.
The Sith? What about Obi-Wan and the Keeper? You said
Obi-Wan could be redeemed, didnt you?
Mathias the demons of the dark side, the gnarled trees, keep Mathias
imprisoned, Sérana explained. They like to keep him around as their
special company. But there are times when they can no longer imprison his
spirit; times when Naboos freedom and safety have been threatened. That is why
he was released recently, to fight the Trade Federation threat. I have no
doubts that when the Federation is dealt with and Naboo is free and safe that
the demons will once again imprison him. When his spirit sapped back into the
gnarled trees, Obi-Wan will be free of his influence.
Are you sure? Siri asked.
I am sure, Sérana replied. I remember when the trees first took him
so many years ago. I remember holding his empty body as it died and decayed
without his true spiritual presence There is still hope for your lover, Siri.
Siri looked up at the dismal Avenger. You seem very sad
I am. I love- I loved Mathias once. He was a charming young man and I a
single young woman. I loved him then, when he had a soul, a loving sense of
humor, a strong character. I loved him enough to marry him. I had fallen in
love with a man, but I never anticipated that there would be such a beast
within. The wars came, and his evil emerged as a result of it. He became
colder, sterner and more distant.
Séranas shimmering green eyes flooded with tears.
I knew what was going on, I saw him changing before my eyes, but I never
stepped up to do anything, I never tried hard to stop him, Sérana said.
I was too afraid of what he was becoming to confront it. I didnt stop it.
But youve fought on his side for so long Siri said. Why are you going to turn
your back on him now?
Because enough is enough, Sérana replied. For the past six thousand
years, my restless spirit, clinging to a love we shared for a previous life,
followed him blindly. I helped him slaughter and massacre his enemies and eliminate
all opposition to peace. I always knew it was wrong, and I was always disgusted
at what we had to do, but I never questioned him. I followed him, I loved him,
but after six thousand years, I finally accept that he no longer loves me back.
He loves his duty to Naboo now, he loves killing.
You seem tired of living.
I am. Without love, I have no real reason to live. I want my spirit to
harmonize with the Force, I want to be free.
Do you know how to free yourself? Siri asked.
Yes, Sérana replied.
They why havent you already done so? Siri asked. Why are you still
here trying to talk me into joining Forces with you?
Because of Lané, Sérana replied.
Lané?
The Avenger motioned to herself. Lané. She had
been born Force-sensitive, but her parents did not allow the Jedi to take her.
Two and a half years ago, she was a fourteen year-old student who had a loving
family and excelled at all her classes. But the Federation came, and her happy
life was shattered. Her mother died in the camps and her father was interned to
a separate came thousands of miles away. If I leave her, shell be damned here,
along with the rest of Naboo. I will not abandon her in this way. She deserves
a much better life than that.
And that would entail the liberation of Naboo? Siri asked.
Which would also mean the destruction of the Sith,
Sérana replied. Siri nodded. Sérana stepped closer to the Jedi
with her hand outstretched. So, will you join me?
Chapter XII
Part 1 of 4
Sunder
The Templar Praetor and the Keeper of Shadows locked blades in a seemingly
endless battle for supremacy. The winds howled through the trees, adding to the
cacophony of whistling cortosis and humming azure energy. Water sloshed, reeds
tumbled over and trees splintered as the two colossi demolished everything in
their path.
The battle came to a weary pause as the Keeper flipped away, neatly landing in
the branches of one of the gnarled trees. Salazar looked up at him from the
murky bog shallows.
I dont quite understand you, Salazar The Keeper said. Salazar felt the
brazen gaze of the Obsidian mask transfixed upon him, struggling to divine his
secrets. Why do you continue to fight?
I do what I must.
What you must? The Keepers voice seemed to sour. Dont you realize that
your life is finished already? Your people cast you away. You might as well be
dead to them. What do you hope to accomplish here?
I know that my two eyes will never lay hold of Aiur again, Salazar said
tragically. I shall never see the lush forests or pristine oceans. I will
never again grace the great hall of my ancestors, or visit my fathers
longhouse. I will never see my mothers nurturing eyes, or hear the attentive
salutes of young warriors and recruits. I know all of this.
Yes, home and family are the most important elements of life, arent they?
Indeed they are, Keeper.
You have lost both home and family, the Keeper said. Yet you struggle on?
Why?
It matters not how much you have lost, or how much pain you have suffered.
Life carries on. Salazar focused his gaze upon the Keeper. His eyes took on
a deep crimson glow as he pondered just how far Obi-Wan Kenobi was buried under
the Nubian death mask. To surrender, to capitulate, is to be weak. To draw
breath is to find strength.
Strength without meaning? Life
without purpose?
To live is to suffer, but to survive is to find meaning in the suffering,
Salazar said. A long silence ensued as the two warriors continued to stare at
each other. The Keeper looked away, and for a moment, Salazar could feel the
emotional veil waver and sunder as traces of human vulnerability escaped. Obi-Wan-
I have purpose! He snapped. The Keepers cool, confident tone dissipated,
replaced by the vivacious, angry voice of a young man struggling with his own
issues. I have meaning.
And your family? The glow in Salazars eyes
transitioned from crimson red to vibrant yellow, to a deep jade green, and back
to azure. Do you even realize how much you have hurt Siri? Stop this,
Obi-Wan!
If you suffer long enough, you will find meaning Obi-Wans voice was bitter
and raspy. I survived to find my purpose. I have a singular purpose.
That is a lie, Salazar replied. There is more to life than revenge.
I have purpose!
She loves you. She wants to be with you. Is that not purpose enough for your
life?
I will kill them kill them all Obi-Wans raspy voice broke away as he
unleashed a devilish howl from beyond.
Twigs and branches snapped as the Keeper launched himself from the tree and
downward towards his Protoss adversary. Every trace of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his
human vulnerability disappeared behind the Keepers obsidian mask.
Salazar raised his arms to combat the Keeper of Shadows.
Streaks of blue and jets of red streamed through the air as blades sliced flesh
and lacerated skin. Hollow echoes of Obi-Wans howl were spilling through the
trees of the forest, and traces of the young Jedis anger emanated from the
Keepers obsidian mask. The black artifact, with its menacing face, held
dominion over the body that wore it, and with striking malice, it directed the
hatred of the young man it controlled.
Suddenly, a great discharge of dark side Force energy rocked the bog. Obi-Wans
howl once again echoed through the trees, followed by the Keepers cool,
malevolent laugh. Salazar lifted both arms and raised a Force shield to defend
against the blast that would have otherwise obliterated him.
A deafening silence settled upon the bog. Salazar stirred weakly, demanding his
near-crippled limbs to begin working again. The Keeper stood calmly on the
other side of the bog, arms folded across his chest. The Obsidian mask set its
eyes upon the battered Templar. With a simple gesture, he commanded the
circular blade to his hand.
You are, without doubt, the greatest warrior I have ever fought, the Keeper
said as he stepped closer. But your skills make you no different than those
who came before you. You too have fallen. It is done, Protoss.
I think not!
Salazars desolate frown shifted into surprise as the feminine voice streamed
through his mind. Was this how he would greet oblivion? With
insanity? This could not be that voice. It couldnt possibly be her.
Could it?
Another Protoss swept in from the trees. Unlike Salazar, she was not suited up
in a golden combat suit, but was clothed in simple dark robes. A single crimson
energy blade extended from the device mounted on her right wrist. With a wide,
arcing swing, she forced the menace back.
Tiana? Salazars eyes flickered to a sky blue
color.
Salazar! We must go! Just as she screamed this, the Keeper mounted a
counter attack, slicing into the flesh of her upper left arm. Tiana flinched
for a moment before countering with a hard elbow to the jaw. With a push
through the Force, she sent the Keeper flying back through the air and into the
reeds.
The Keeper rose again with a discernable expression of annoyance about him. The
Protoss lifted her off hand and clamped her four fingers shut into a fist.
Crimson bolts of energy snaked their way around the Keeper, wrapping him in a
cage of electric agony.
The gnarled trees roared indignantly as the Keeper fell to his knees.
The Keeper suddenly raised his hand, weathering the pain with support from the
gnarled trees. Feedback jetted through the Force and manifested into bolts of
crimson lightning. Tiana staggered back in pain as she struggled to repulse the
electricity. Bolts deflected everywhere, creating a whirlwind of electricity.
Salazars eyes pulsed from lighter hues of orange to deep red as Tiana and the
Keeper staggered within the maelstrom of crimson lightning. In that moment, his
willpower seemed to overcome his injuries, and he rose to his feet to aid the
flailing Tiana.
Salazar wrapped both arms around her with a sense of extreme urgency. An azure
Force shield raised and protected both from crimson feedback bolts. Behind
Salazars Force shield, Tiana felt free to intensify her attack.
The crimson maelstrom swirled out of control and doused the Keeper electricity.
The masked warrior staggered as wave after wave of crimson electricity struck
him. He didnt seem to respond too well to Dark Templar energies. He fell back,
momentarily incapacitated.
Lets go.
* * * *
Tiana, how is it that you are alive? Salazars eyes glowed with wonder. I
thought that the Conclave would have put you and all the rest of the Dark
Templar to death.
The Conclave did not kill us, Salazar, Tiana replied. Instead, they
exiled us. The Dark Templar were cast out of Aiur,
just as you were.
And how long have you been searching for me? Salazar asked.
Ever since I was banished, she replied. Her gaze met his, and there was
a long silence as they seemed to reacquaint themselves to one another. Intimate
thoughts and images were shared as they reestablished the deep psychic bond
which had once defined their existence.
I missed you, lover, Salazar whispered tenderly as he swept her into his
arms. Now, I have meaning, I have purpose
Indeed, now that we are together again the void in my heart is filled. I feel
complete again with you here at my side.
They stood together in silence among the trees of the forest. Both retreated
away from the outside world and its hardships, taking refuge within the safe
haven of their own minds. In this isolated place, they found their psychic bond
and communal link. Here, free from the limitations of their physical bodies,
they made their intimate rendezvous.
We must leave, Salazar, Tiana said. My ship is not too far from here.
Is there a place for us to go? Salazar asked.
A wonderful place, Tiana replied. The exiled Dark Templar have found a new planet to colonize and settle as our new
home. We call it Shakuras.
Salazars expression betrayed happiness and wonder as he received images from
Tiana through their bond. The images of Shakuras showed a dark, twilight world
dipped in wonderful shades of blue and indigo. It was very different from the
jungles of Aiur, but the rocky landscape held its own mystique. The oceans of
Shakuras held a strangely sad beauty, its waves were mesmerizing.
We should go now, Salazar, before that demon finds us again.
I want to go, I will go with you, but I cant quite yet, Salazar replied.
Why? The sooner we are clear of this rock, the better, Tiana said. This
Republic is dank with corruption, and I have no wish
to be anywhere near or involved in it.
Yes, I know, but I have commitments I must uphold. I must destroy the Keeper,
the demon we fought earlier.
Tiana frowned. Why? Is this Keeper truly of any concern to us- Wait!
What is it? Salazar frowned. Tianas eyes shimmered as their crimson hue
fluctuated from lighter to darker tones. Salazars bewilderment faded as he
silently realized that she was picking up on some kind of disturbance in the
Force.
The two lovers were both Protoss, yet hundreds of generations of genetic
isolation had bred them to be different. Salazars Templar blood and Tianas
Dark Templar blood coursed with different energies, and it was safe to say that
they naturally perceived and manipulated the Force in different ways.
Seven minutes of silence passed. Tianas embrace on Salazar seemed to tighten
as her body tensed with fear.
Youre right, Tiana said. Her voice was raspy, it seemed as though it
had been weathered by shock and terror. We must destroy him- them. All of them.
What did you see, Tiana?
This world, Naboo, its not our world. Its not Aiur and its not Shakuras. We
have no relation to it, just as we have no relation to this
The Keeper is a corruptor of the Force, Salazar declared.
Indeed he is, but he is not the only one here. There is another coming, he
was in my vision. And while the Keeper is a corruptor of the Force, this new
abomination I saw is far worse. His perversions are appalling. The vision was a
chronicle of the unspeakable horrors he will commit if he is allowed to live,
Tiana revealed. His name is Sidious.
Chapter XII
Part 2 of 4
Sunder
* Two Hours Later *
Haunting chimes from an antiquated Nubian clock indicated it was midnight.
Huddled atop one of the Palace rooftops with a detachment of battle droids,
Darth Maul watched as his masters shuttle made its final descent.
Maul knelt down as the shuttle landed and the passengers began to disembark.
The first three passengers off were little more than personal aides and
assistants to the Dark Lord, people of such irrelevance that Maul barely took
time to familiarize himself with their appearances, much less their names. The
three aides bowed deeply to Maul before kneeling next to him.
The next set of passengers to disembark was two high-ranking Neimoidian
Federation officers. They did the same as the aides before them- bowing to Maul
before kneeling next to him.
A few moments passed before the Dark Lord himself emerged. Hooded in his usual
black cowl, Darth Sidious stepped down the shuttle ramp triumphantly, as his
procession of followers slumped to the floor in submission. With both hands
clasped together, he eyed his young apprentice.
Arise, my friend, Sidious commanded. Maul did as commanded. Has our guest
arrived?
Mauls expression formed into a bewildered frown. Our guest?
Im here, Sith.
Maul immediately drew his saber. Within milliseconds, both crimson blades were
lit, and he was ready to defend his master.
The Keeper, the masked warrior who had severed Mauls hand only a few nights
before, stood atop the Sith shuttle. His right hand
carried the circular blade. While his left held a metal spear decorated with a
pennant of the Nubian flag. Maul glared at the makeshift flagstaff intently as
a gentle breeze sent the ensign fluttering in the air. Twenty-five battle
droids had also raised their weapons and took aim at the masked warrior.
Relax, my friend, Sidious said to Maul. I have arranged this. Droids, leave
us. Sidious looked to his band of aides and followers. You are dismissed.
The droids did as Sidious had ordered and filed out in a disciplined manner.
Maul deactivated his saber and slowly stepped down from his defensive stance.
The aides and followers did the same, and after a few minutes, the three dark
side Force adepts were alone on the rooftop.
I take it you received my invitation, Keeper, Sidious said.
Your perverse thoughts and personal collection of sadistic horrors do not
intimidate me, Sith, the Keeper snapped.
Yes, of course they do not. One can only imagine the horrors you have
witnessed in your thousands of years of existence. Sidious paused as he
analyzed the Obsidian mask from under the cover of his hood. Such horrors will
be necessary to purge this Galaxy, to transform this Republic into an Empire.
There is much power to be shared and divided, Keeper.
I care not for the Galaxy or for the Republic which you seek to make into an
Empire, the Keeper declared stubbornly. He subtly waved the makeshift
flagstaff in his left hand. I care only for Naboo. And you will pay for what
you have done to my people and my land.
If there can be no agreement between us, then so be it, Sidious spat with
utter disdain. I never expected you to join me anyway. After all, it is a
Sithly power that runs through your veins and fuels your strength. I have come
to reclaim that strength.
The blood contract was between Chainer and me. His power became mine, no one
elses.
Then I will destroy you and take the power from you, Keeper.
You are obviously mistaken, young fool, the Keeper hissed spitefully. I will
destroy you as I have destroyed all my enemies.
The Keeper launched himself through the air, jetting towards his target at the
speed of a blaster bolt. The Dark Lords apprentice intercepted him with the
wave of a lightsaber. The Keeper landed on the ground with a stomp, circular
blade and metal spear slicing through the air and clashing against Mauls
crimson blades.
Sidious backed away and circled the two fighters while laughing sadistically.
The Keeper wielded his spear with incredible expertise. With the pole arm in
his left hand, he poked at Maul from a distance, and every time the spear head
shifted through the air, the Nubian flag affixed to its pole spun as well,
creating a disorienting swirl of colors.
Feeling that he had probed his enemy enough with the spear tip, the Keeper made
one last stab before attacking with the circular blade. Maul blocked and
deflected the Keepers close range slices, but never saw the elbow that hit him
in the face. The Keeper masterfully kicked the Sith
apprentice in the chest, and as Maul stumbled back, he brought his off-hand
weapon around, bludgeoning the side of Mauls head with the spear shaft. The
Keeper immediately drew the pole arm back and made another stab at his
adversary. The Sith apprentice howled in pain as the spearhead
jetted into his left eye. Black blood streamed down his cheek as he stumbled to
the floor, clutching the bloody eye socket.
The Keeper turned around; both weapons held high. The Keeper tensed with hatred
as he faced Sidious. He drew back his left arm and hurled the spear at his
hated enemy. The Dark Lord did not move, he did not respond to the attack in
anyway, he simply stood still as the spear flew right past his head, grazing
his cheek, before slamming into the wall behind him.
The spear, impaled in the bricks of the palace wall, stood straight with the
Nubian banner hanging down from its shaft. Crimson streaked across the flag.
The Dark Lord cupped his hand around his cheek, catching much of the blood in
his palm. Sidious shot the Keeper a foreboding look of disapproval as he
clenched his hand into a fist.
It was truly interesting to see the comparison between Sidious and the two
other dark side adepts. Mauls dark power was fueled by his rage and anger, two
things so absolute that they defined his very existence. The Keeper too was
fueled by anger, but his greatest strength was his lust for revenge and the
hatred for those who had wronged him. Sidious, on the other hand, was not
fueled by such petty emotions. Sidious strength mainly came from the sadistic
glee he felt every time he hurt someone, every time he destroyed someone.
While Maul and the Keeper had fallen due to their own emotional weaknesses,
Sidious had been born of pure evil and malice.
Sidious fist opened, revealing the bloody palm as blue sparks began to dance
between his finger tips. The sparks culminated into a ball of azure energy. The
Dark Lords sadistic gaze narrowed as corruption spilled forth from his energy
ball in his bloody palm, stinging the atmosphere with its toxic charge as it
snaked towards its masters adversary.
The Keeper raised his left hand to the storm, greeting the lightning with an
unnerving calm. The bolts of crackling lightning sundered and split apart into
jagged darts of azure energy as they deflected off of the Keepers gloved hand.
Sidious raised his other hand, and commanded a separate stream of electricity
to manifest itself. The hateful bolts appeared as commanded and sparked through
the air, singing everything in their path- everything except the Keepers palm,
which appeared immune to the ravages of azure electrical energy.
The Keepers stoic, solid form maintained the convex lightning shield. Each
moment required greater concentration than the last as the power of Sidious
assault rose. A bellow from the Sith Lord indicated that he had poured all his
might into the assault. The Keeper half-heartedly grinned beneath the Obsidian
mask. Now was the time to reverse the assault.
The masked warrior retracted his hand and brought down the lightning shield. He
threw the circular blade into the stream of lightning. Like moths to the flame,
the bolts of azure energy coursed into the circle of cortosis, heating it with
the sadistic glee and raging malice of the Dark Lord.
With the flick of his wrist, the Keeper commanded the blade to seek his enemy.
Sidious eyes widened as he stared at the blade which was flying right towards
him, spinning bolts of electricity about as it sliced through the air.
Immediately, he hit the deck, and the weapon flew overhead, slamming into the
wall behind him with such Force that it burned a neat gash through the bricks.
The blade circled the rooftops, lighting them with its azure glow before
spinning back into its masters hand. The Keepers grip on the weapon tightened
as azure sparks danced around the bladed ring.
Without a hint of hesitation, the Keeper launched himself towards the Sith
Lord. Maul once again raised his saber to defend his master. The Sith
Apprentice stared dumbly as his attempt to block was foiled by the Keeper. He
gasped as the Keepers blade cut clean through the crimson energy blade of his
lightsaber. The saber flickered several times before shorting out completely.
Energy sparks mischievously danced around the circular blade. Taking full advantage
of Mauls astonishment, the Keeper kicked him dead in the face.
Die fool! Obi-Wans voice roared. The Keepers iron will lost
control as Obi-Wan surfaced and began devastating the Sith Apprentice with bare
fists. Obi-Wan savagely beat Maul, mercilessly pummeling the Sith Apprentice
until his Zabrak blood and teeth were scattered across the rooftop. Obi-Wans
durasteel claw clamped around Mauls neck, and he lifted the Zabrak into the
air as if he were a rag doll. He raised the circular blade in his right arm and
prepared to deliver the final, gutting blow.
Obi-Wan! Obi-Wan! No!
His focus shattered for one moment as the ever familiar voice beckoned to him. He
looked away from his squirming adversary to face the source of the voice and
was confronted by the Avenger.
Obi-Wan scowled underneath the Keepers mask. The Avenger looked different. Her
once mocha-toned skin was now pale, and it directly contrasted the black of her
suit. Her azure eyes were a clear match for her blonde hair. Her lower lip,
painted with the scar of remembrance, moved so gracefully when she mouthed the
word no.
Fool! Sidious roared.
Obi-Wan and the Keeper both tuned back into focus. They dropped Maul and turned
to face the Dark Lord, but it was too late. Azure Force electricity bathed the
warrior and two voices cried out in pain as Sidious laughed sadistically.
Chapter XII
Part 3 of 4
Sunder
No! Siri screamed. Her heart sank as the Keeper/Obi-Wan buckled to his knees,
thoroughly electrocuted by Sidious corruption.
What The Keeper gagged on his own words. What have you done?
Electricity can do some of the most magnificent things, cant it? Sidious
chuckled. His bloody hand tensed into a fist, and the crimson liquid oozed
through the crevices of his palm. Blood was still gushing from the gash on his
face. Chainer was not only my predecessor, he was my ancestor. By his blood,
you created a contract that tethered your essence to his power. By my blood, I
have undone it.
You The Keeper gasped, doubled over and fell into oblivion. As his body
slumped on the floor, the obsidian mask slipped off. Every last trace of the
Keeper sundered; all that was left in the unconscious, masked body were the
broken remnants of Obi-Wan Kenobi and the ever-corrupting ancient power of
Darth Chainer.
Mathias Sérana whispered as she felt him depart through the
Force. His essence was no longer anchored to reality, and his soulless nature
prevented him from harmonizing with the Force. An air of sadness echoed through
her as Mathias vanished into oblivion, never again to return. Yield control
to me, Siri. Ill handle this.
You have come to fight as well? Sidious asked.
I have come to free my people, the Avenger answered.
Very well. Sidious raised his hands, but suddenly
stopped as the unconscious, unmasked body stirred. Three sets of eyes focused
on Obi-Wan as he slowly rose to his feet. The Avenger relinquished control to
her host.
Obi-Wan! Siri called to him.
Obi-Wan glared at her. His blue eyes, drunk with rage, regarded her with
contempt. Siri felt her heart continue to sink as his unbridled anger flowed
through the Force.
Good! Sidious hands clasped together as he analyzed the young Jedi who had
emerged as the Keepers broken shell. Yes, use your anger. It will give you
power beyond imagination
What do you want? Obi-Wan asked Sidious.
To teach you, my friend, to teach you, the Dark Lord replied. In time, you
will call me Master.
Obi-Wan nodded slowly as he caught sight of Maul. His expression twisted with
hatred as he clamped his grip on the Keepers circular blade.
Yes, I can feel the hatred swelling in you now Sidious grinned with glee.
Hasnt he caused you enough pain? Enough loss? Take
your ancient weapon, strike him down with it. Take the revenge- the justice
that you so rightfully deserve.
No! Siri screamed. No! Obi-Wan dont do this. If you do, there will be no
turning back. Please, please dont do this! Its not too late.
Dont listen to her, she only wants to deny you the justice you deserve,
Sidious whispered into his ear. She wants to bring you back to that council
where you will be forced to bow and call everyone master. She wants to limit
your power. Dont listen to her
Obi-Wan! Siri shouted. Dont listen-
Shut up! Obi-Wan snapped.
Siri jerked her head back as if she had been slapped. A river of tears streamed
down her cheek as she continued to stare at him, hoping that he would grin or
smirk or in some way show that he did not mean what he had said. There was no
hesitation on Obi-Wans part, there was no apology. He turned to face Maul and
launched himself at the hapless Sith Apprentice.
Mere seconds later, the Zabraks headless body slumped to the floor, resting in
a pool of blood.
NO! Siri screamed in horror. Obi-Wan turned around to face her and she felt
her gut wrench as she laid eyes upon the abomination her lover had become. Blood
stained his suit, and a sadistic, self-satisfied grin manifested upon his face.
His body radiated pure dark side energies. His eyes were blue, no longer under
the crimson sway of the Keeper, yet she saw that they were also hollow and
empty. It occurred to her pained senses as she fell to her knees that Obi-Wan was dead. She could feel her heart being compressed in the
iron maiden. Obi-Wan was dead.
Good! Good! Sidious applauded with pleasure.
The sickening laughter of the old man sent shockwaves through Siris broken
heart. She looked up at him and felt an overwhelming amount of anger and hatred
towards this man who had corrupted Obi-Wan, who had destroyed her life. Her
Jedi instincts assumed control and quieted the rage and hatred, yet it could do
nothing for the sadness that was steadily destroying her.
You have proven yourself worthy, my young apprentice. Your hatred has made you
powerful, but your trials are not done yet. Sidious paused. Siri blinked as
the Dark Lord pointed his finger directly at her. Kill her.
Yes, my master, Obi-Wan nodded.
Siris broken heart skipped a beat as she saw Obi-Wan raise his weapon. She was
done. She wanted to capitulate, to forfeit her life. There was nothing worth
living for anymore. The pain she felt was so monumental, so caustic that she
wanted it all to end. She wanted it to finish.
Run! There was a voice inside that kept her from doing so, a voice that
screamed to her to run. Run, Siri! Run!
It was Séranas voice.
Chapter XII
Part 4 of 4
Sunder
Sidious watched as Siri streaked off into the distance, followed closely by his
new apprentice. The Dark Lord let out a sigh of contentment. Tonights business
was finished in good order. The Keeper had been destroyed, and soon that fool
Jedi would be dealt with as well.
Sidious glared at the broken remains of his former apprentice. Mauls head and
body were separated by several meters of blood stained pavement. A part of
Sidious, the politician, Palpatine, pitied Maul. The carved-up Zabrak seemed to
be such a waste of talent and strength, a squandered resource. Despite this,
Sidious knew and understood that this was the way of the Sith,
the way of his predecessors, the way of his ancestors The weak perish to make
room for the strong. Maul was weak, and his passing gave rise to a new
apprentice, a strong apprentice.
The Dark Lord closed his eyes and pinpointed the location of his new
apprentice. Yes, he could feel the corruption and the hatred emanating from
him. He was a phoenix of blackness in the Force, a thing of utter rage and
hatred. It was beautiful.
Sidious eyes suddenly jetted open. He felt ripples through the Force.
Abomination!
Sidious stepped back. A scowl manifested upon his face. He felt the whispers
through the Force, they were all chanting, raging
cursing him with anguish and rage. Sidious spun around and was greeted by
Salazar and Tiana. Both Protoss stood atop the Dark Lords shuttle and looked
down on him with silent contempt.
Who are you? Sidious asked.
We are here to put an end to you, you accursed abomination, Tiana spat.
Sidious frowned with disgust as he stepped back and raised his hands to the
heavens. Hatred and rage streamed from the Dark Lords fingertips. Salazar
slipped his right arm around Tiana and held her close before raising his left
to the torrent of blue lightning. An azure globe flashed and absorbed the
energy.
Red sparks danced between Tianas fingers. Her brows condensed into a scowl as
she balled both hands into fists. Crimson bolts of electricity streamed up from
the floor and encased the Dark Lord in an iron maiden of crimson energy.
Sidious howled in pain as his body absorbed the electricity. Both hands balled
into fists as his own stream of azure electricity
ended. With a roar, Sidious conjured another wave of lightning, but this streak
was more violent and random than the previous. Bolts flew every which way,
carving fissures in the floor and knocking bricks out of nearby walls as well
as hitting Salazars blue shield.
Salazar began to waver under the pressure. He looked down at Tiana, who was
resting against his shoulder. Her eyes shimmered from their natural crimson
color to a deep blue. Salazar nodded at her silent communication and
acknowledged her plan. His naturally blue eyes transitioned to a deep crimson.
Tiana raised her hand once more, and the Dark Templar energies which were
stewing within her manifested in the form of dark red electricity. Her solid
stream of crimson lightning struck the Dark Lords azure lightning in a
fantastic display of sparks and electricity. Salazar immediately retracted his
hand and lowered his shield. He stepped behind Tiana and placed both hands on
her shoulders. His scarlet gaze began to lighten to shades of purple and indigo
as he poured what power he had left into his lover.
Tiana let loose a might roar through the Force. Templar and Dark Templar
energies clashed and collided within her and the stream of red electricity
began to dilute with bolts of azure and blue. Her azure gaze transitioned to a
deep purple as she channeled Salazars strength into the crimson electricity.
She could feel his thoughts meld and whisper together with her own. In a moment
that seemed to last forever, their minds touched and every muscle, bone and
sinew in the two Protoss bodies strained to maintain the bond.
Suddenly, every haphazard crimson bolt and every jagged azure bolt braided
together, creating a single indigo ray of reversal. The ray jetted clean
through Sidious stream of jagged lightning and surged through the Dark Lord.
The Sith Masters raging scream echoed across the rooftops.
You fools! Sidious howled. There was a massive hole
in his abdomen where the indigo ray had pierced through him. His quivering
hands tensed into fists as he struggled with all his strength to maintain his
form. You-you think youve defeated me? Do you do you KNOW WHO I AM?
With a gasp, the abomination fell face down on the floor and disintegrated into
nihility.
* * * * *
Siri ran as fast as her legs could take her. She leapt from rooftop to rooftop,
with Obi-Wan in hot pursuit. Feeling that she had finally gotten a good
distance away from the Palace and the Dark Lord, she dropped into one of the
numerous alleys and prepared for battle. When Obi-Wan followed her down, Siri
surrendered control of her body to the Avenger.
Obi-Wan raised his blade circular blade to attack. The Avenger replied with her
curved sword. The two cortosis weapons met with a loud clang that echoed down
the narrow alley. Both warriors drew their weapons back and struck at each
other again and again. The Avengers emerald eyes shimmered as they continued
to trade blows.
The combined strength of Knight Siri Tachi and Sérana the ancient Nubian
Queen proved to be a match for Obi-Wan and his newfound Sith
powers. Every exchange proved how evenly they were matched as whatever
negligible advantages they gained from one exchange was lost in the next. The
duel came to a stop as the two fighters stood several meters apart.
Why are you doing this, Obi-Wan? The Avenger asked. A moment later, the
emerald glow disappeared from her eyes. She was Siri Tachi once again. Why?
Just talk to me. Please just talk to me
Its incredible.
What is? Siri asked. The way you butchered that Zabrak?
He deserved it and you know it!
How can you decide who should live and who should die?
He decided Qui-Gon should die! Obi-Wan shouted. He was a murderer, so now
hes received his due punishment.
You did all that to avenge Qui-Gon? Siri frowned sullenly. Its ironic.
Youve done all this to honor Qui-Gon, yet youve in so many ways dishonored
him. Youve unlearned everything he struggled to teach you, youve become what
he never wanted you to be.
This isnt about Qui-Gon, he hissed.
Of course it isnt. It never was. This had nothing to do with your love for
your Master, or the pain you felt because of his death. They took something
from you, so you just had to take something back, right?
I do what is right.
Siri sighed. Have you become so blind that you cant see
what youre doing is wrong?
You wouldnt understand, Siri, not yet at least. Obi-Wan paused. This
power, the dark side, its its incredible. The strength that flows through my
veins- I cant even describe it to you. Im so much more powerful than I ever
was as a Jedi. And its because because the Council always hid this from us! They
never wanted us to unlock our true strengths; it was all another form of
control!
Its wrong, Obi-Wan its wrong.
Thats more of that Jedi nonsense talking! Obi-Wan bellowed. Cant you see?
They bred that foolish notion into our bones to keep us from realizing our true
potential! To keep us from rising up when we realize that we are more powerful
than they are, that we have no reason to take orders from them!
No Siri whispered.
Siri, Ive seen you. You have your own hidden strengths and powers. Ive felt
them. If you learn to embrace them, you could be as powerful as I am, if not
more so. Obi-Wan cast away his weapon and drew closer to her. Ive felt your
anger, your hatred for Sidious. We can destroy him!
Siris tearful gaze met Obi-Wans.
Sidious thinks he can control me, hes a fool. He only stands in my way.
Together we could kill him and take his power. We can do it, Siri!
Siri shook her head stubbornly. The tears of sadness slowly transitioned to
tears of anger as her patience began to wear thin. Its wrong, Obi-Wan. Its
all wrong
But it doesnt stop there we can destroy any and all who get in our way! Obi-Wans
eyes shimmered with evil as he grinned devilishly. The Jedi
Council.
No. Siri gritted her teeth.
Master Windu and Master Yoda! They wouldnt even stand
a chance against the full fury of our unleashed powers.
No! Siri shouted. Her hands balled into fists as an inner anger began to
rise.
We can kill them all! All of them who have deceived us! Obi-Wan grinned
evilly as Siris expression soured with anger. He was receiving the results he
wanted. Even Master Gallia.
NO! Siri roared.
The mention of her former master forced her temper to explode. Siri completely
lost control. In those seconds of insanity, she drew back her weapon, the
Avengers curved sword, and attacked Obi-Wan. It was only a few moments after
the tantrum that she finally realized what she had done. The Avengers curved
blade was impaled clean through Obi-Wans chest. Blood was on her hands and
smeared against her clothing. She felt her heart stop as she looked him in the
eye.
Why? She wailed. Why did you do this? Why? The mix of sorrow and anger was
too much for her system to handle. The tears pouring from her eyes blurred her
vision, and her fluttering lungs muffled her speech. We could have left the
Order. We could have been together we could have been together! WHY DID YOU DO
THIS?
Siri stumbled forward, fell into his arms and cried into his shoulder. With his
draining strength, he managed to hold her for a few moments before wavering and
collapsing against the alley wall. The two sank to the alley floor as life
continued to drain from Obi-Wan.
Im sorry, Siri Obi-Wan gasped. Im so sorry
Siri felt his embrace go limp and his pulse melt away into oblivion.
I love you, she sobbed. She squeezed his hand desperately, hoping that it
would somehow instill life in him, wishing that she could give him life just as
easily she had taken it away. I
still love you