Chapter Four

 

Cafeteria

Royal Varnusian Palace

1200 Hours

 

The cafeteria was fairly packed as noon arrived over the capital of Varnus. Located centrally inside the Royal Palace, it was a hub that everyone usually visited at some point during the day. And lunch time was the busiest part of the day, the time when all sorts of interesting characters showed up.

The cafeteria was huge, meant to accommodate all the Jedi staying at the palace at once. Its tiled floor was lined with tables of various shapes and sizes, to accommodate those looking for privacy or group meetings. The food bar took up a whole side of the room, offering a respectable variety of gastronomic delights for a variety of tastes and digestive tracts. With at least fifty different species represented throughout the palace, a large variation was necessary. Unfortunately, sometimes one species’ delicacy could upset another’s stomach.

Rynn sat at one of the circular tables by the wall, which was, at the moment, populated by all women. It wasn’t a scarcity of female Jedi in the Division; Jedi of all races and genders had managed to form friendships together well. It was just that Rynn enjoyed spending time with Oriana Ciorin, Lorien Kal, Calleah, and Melia Tai. Besides, there were many things that warranted discussion these days, and her friends all led quite interesting lives. Especially with Lorien’s impending delivery, and Calleah’s husband, ‘Omega’ Kira, generating all kinds of humorous situations out of everyday life.

All the women there were either Jedi or Jedi-in-training, except for Calleah, who while not Force-sensitive still lived in the palace because she was married to a Jedi. Her husband was at another table, with his usual training mates, including Draken Ar’Kell, and a new character who was making a real fool out of himself with his food. Rynn didn’t pay them too much attention, though. Also at the table with Rynn was Oriana Ciorin, with whom she got along pretty well despite her being gung-ho Gui Sun Paan’s wife. The woman was enjoying a Kaav’Klan –or Sigman – specialty, which she was using a pair of thin wooden sticks – Kev’et – to eat with. Notably missing from their group was Nadia Ispen, the woman in Xar’s “posse” with dyed white hair. Rynn didn’t get along too well with Nadia, who was always in favor of Xar’s more extreme and sometimes ruthless attempts to stamp out traitors and other enemies. She supposed that Nadia had some friends, although she certainly was more aloof and had less in common with the other women here. Even their backgrounds kept them apart – Nadia was the daughter of rich Imperials from Coruscant, and Rynn didn’t consider her to be fully rid of her Imperialistic mindset. Furthermore, the woman had already been fully trained in the Jedi arts, having been a member of the independent Force users the Jensaari before coming to the NI.

At any rate, Oriana and the other two women at the table were absorbed in conversation at the moment. Lorien Kal was beside her, sitting a little farther away from the table than everyone else. Lorien was very pregnant at this point, and everyone was so enthusiastic about the birth that at times it seemed people wanted to speed up the process. It was understandable, though. This was one of the few things that people could use to take their minds of the impending doom of the Altarin’Dakor invasion.

“Lorien, I have to say I envy you,” Calleah was saying. “I can’t imagine what it must be like. And all the attention! You’d better have that baby soon, or it looks like you’re going to explode!”

Rynn winced at the comment, but Lorien laughed lightly. “You and Omega should get busy, too. What are you waiting on, anyway?”

Calleah flushed, and shook her head. “Well, he’s not quite ready yet, with the war and all. But anyway, what’s the baby’s name? You can’t keep hiding it forever! It’s not fair that I’m not a Jedi. I bet the rest of you already know.”

Lorien exchanged knowing looks with Rynn. “It doesn’t quite work that way, Kali. But oh well. Kiz really wants to keep it a secret, but I’ll give you a hint. We’re thinking about the name Seydinl.”

“Isn’t that a Dathomiri name?” the remaining woman at the table said. It was Melia Tai, also a native of Dathomir. Unlike Lorien Kal, who had been recruited from the Singing Mountain Clan during a Division mission on her homeworld, Melia had once been a Nightsister, a member of the dark-side clan of witches and dire enemies of the rest of the Dathomiri women. But Melia was different: disillusioned with the way that the dark-siders were doing things, she’d defected and snuck aboard the shuttle along with Lorien and the Division members. Now she was firmly in the Jedi Order and rising quickly. Rynn shook her head in wonder. How Xar had managed to ally such a wide range of beings from all across the galaxy, she had no idea. Melia was fairly strong in the Force and had quickly made the transition from Dathomiran spell-songs to what they now called the ‘True Force’. At any rate, Melia was proving a quick study, having just gained her Jedi Knighthood. She was pretty, with her shoulder-length brown hair fixed into long curls, and she readily wore makeup like the rest of the modern galaxy. Few Dathomiran cultural giveaways remained in her, unlike Lorien, who still enjoyed singing and other traditions.

“Yes, it is a Dathomiri name,” Lorien nodded happily. “We both feel that we should pass on and teach our child her heritage.”

“So it is a girl,” Calleah said, grinning mischievously at Lorien’s slip.

“Oh come on now. You can’t tell anyone that,” Lorien protested.

Rynn smiled. “Don’t worry, we’ll keep her quiet,” she said, narrowing her eyes towards Kali for a brief instant before taking another sip of her mineral water.

“By the way,” Oriana said around a mouthful of vegetables, “What is wrong with your husband and his friends?” She arched an eyebrow and nodded back toward the center of the room.

Rynn turned to look, and suppressed a laugh. The men were out of earshot, but Omega was waving his hands and saying something to a man she’d never seen before. The stranger was standing up, having spilled food all over his shirt, while Draken had buried his head in his hands, laughing. Then the stranger actually picked up a piece of bread and shoved it into Omega’s face. Rynn couldn’t help bursting out laughing at that, along with the other women at the table, except for Calleah, whose face turned red.

The brief moment of laughter was over all too quickly, though. Suddenly Oriana’s expression went blank, and her eyes narrowed as she stared over Rynn’s shoulder toward the entrance. “Well, look who just showed up.”

Rynn spun in her chair, and looked to see who Nadia was talking about. Even before she did, she felt a distinct presence enter the room. There, just coming through the entranceway, was a tall, dark-haired woman in a flowing white dress. She was beautiful and dark-skinned. Her face was a mask of serenity, and she stared straight ahead, head turned slightly up as if she thought herself above everyone else in the room.

“Who does she think she is?” Oriana muttered under her breath. “I swear I’ve never seen such a snooty woman.”

Rynn nodded inwardly. It was, of course, Zalaria. She didn’t know much about the woman, except that she was an Altarin’Dakor who had returned with Xar. His lover, or at least his girlfriend, or betrothed or… whatever she was.

“The way the former Grand Master ogles after her, I’m sure it only increases the size of her gigantic ego,” Calleah said. She’d said former referring to Xar as if it were a derogatory term. Rynn narrowed her eyes, but said nothing.

“Just watch what you’re saying,” Lorien spoke up. “We don’t know that much about her, and we also don’t know how much of our conversation may find its way back to her. There’s a lot of distrust toward the AD living here with us. We don’t want to incite anything.”

Rynn met Lorien’s eyes and nodded her agreement. It was true; even now, Rynn could see a group of four Jedicon – three men and one woman – sitting by themselves at a table on the other side of the room. The other tables around them were decidedly empty. Everyone gave them a wide berth, which seemed to be fine with them - they congregated exclusively among one another, anyway.

Rynn kept an eye on Zalaria as she strode through the room, her very presence causing people to make room for her. She didn’t approach the other Altarin’Dakor, though, but instead continued through the cafeteria into one of the other rooms. After she had left, the room suddenly seemed spacious again.

“That’s one woman I don’t want to meet alone in one of the corridors,” Rynn said. Her words were met with a chorus of nods from the others.

 

“Oh stang, here comes Xar,” Draken said, suddenly wishing he could be anywhere else but his current location. Across the table from him, Omega was still arguing childishly with their new “friend”, who was patting Omega’s shoulder in a condescending expression.

“Hey man, you’ve got to learn proper manners here on Varnus. Forks are not equal to combs,” Omega continued, uselessly trying to talk some sense into the strange man who had just appeared in the palace and attached himself to the two Jedi within the past couple of days. It seemed like an eternity already. Draken was quite sure the man was insane – in fact, he was the looniest coot that Draken had ever laid eyes on. It wasn’t mental retardation, it was utter lunacy. And the horrendous fact was that Omega had taken right in with the fellow, saying that “he’ll fit right in with the rest of the guys here”. For the thousandth time Draken wondered how he’d ever gotten stuck with Omega in the first place.

Omega either hadn’t heard Draken’s remark or was too absorbed to care, because he was clearly oblivious to the Grand Master approaching him from behind. Xar appeared to have come in for some other reason, then decided to stop by when he noticed the three of them sitting together. Draken tried to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, and as Xar drew closer, he brought his hands up and shook his head in a subtle warning for Xar not to approach. Under the circumstances he had no idea what the new man might do. I don’t even know his name… “Why me?” Draken moaned.

All too soon, Xar was there, offering a professional smile for the two Jedi. “How’s it coming, Draken, Omega? Good to see you around.”

Draken smiled and returned the nod, hoping the man would leave before something bad happened. He was too late. Almost instantly, the weird man spun around to face Xar, snatching something off the table as he turned.

"I got ID card!" the man said, holding up a leather pouch with identification card and waving it around with his fingers. He brought his hands up to his mouth, forming a cup with a hole for his mouth to speak through. "I'm gonna drive a hovercaaar…" he whispered. The mad gleam in his eyes was all too visible.

Wordlessly, leaving his expression completely blank, Xar turned around and walked away. The insane man watched after him as if wondering what was the matter. Then, once Xar was gone, he shrugged and turned to look back at Omega. “I like cheese,” he said sheepishly.

Draken put his hands back over his face in shame. “I don’t even want to know,” he muttered.

“So what’s your name again?” Omega asked, jovially as before. Draken honestly didn’t know whether the man was sincerely stupid or whether he was putting on an act. He seemed to have bouts of insanity coupled with moments of sheer genius. It was completely incomprehensible.

Draken couldn’t really understand the man’s mumbled response, but it sounded something like “Mall-Duke”. Whatever that meant; Draken really didn’t care. I really need to find another position in the NI, and fast, he thought for the tenth time that day.

 

* * *

 

Main Entrance

Senate Complex, Tralaria

0930 Hours

 

The shuttle touched down smoothly onto the spacious landing pad, and Nico was down the ramp with his bags almost before it fully descended. An attaché was there to meet him with a waiting hovercar, which quickly transported the new Senator toward the massive building that was the New Imperial Senate’s main complex.

As the hovercar sped him across the broad street toward the entrance, Nico watched the scenery passing by outside the window. It was morning here on Tralaria, though due to the time difference in traveling, his body thought it was still the middle of the night. Outside, he could see the palm trees swaying gently in the tropical sea breeze; the ocean was less than a kilometer away. The air smelled of salt and maritime air. Very little land mass was present on Tralaria, but still, the native Tralarians lived in structures both above and below the water. The climate ranged from temperate to hot in the region where the NI had settled, and today looked like it would be one of the warmer days, enough that he could already feel sweat forming beneath his thick diplomatic uniform.

Finally the vehicle proceeded through one of the larger entrances and up a service ramp. There it came to a rest, and Nico exited and took the nearly turbolift up to the main level. He emerged inside a massive, multilevel atrium large enough to hold a small cruiser. The spacious interior area was brightly lit and bustling with beings of a myriad of different races. Large marble columns stood here and there for support and decoration, and in the center of the chamber, a massive skylight gave a view of the deep blue sky, shining down over a central garden with flora from dozens of different worlds.

He hadn’t been standing there long before someone came to greet him. To his surprise, he recognized the figure quickly approaching him from the central garden area. It was the Senate Secretary himself, a man who’d held that office ever since the first Diktat term under Xar, then under Ryskar D’larit. He had chosen to stay on even after the Diktat’s brutal assassination. Jan Brucmack had also been an Admiral in the Dark Lightning Strike Fleet, before and during Nico’s leadership of that fleet. Seeing his friend brought an involuntary smile to Nico’s face.

“Nico! So you made it here in one piece after all!” the approaching man said, grinning ear to ear.

“Brucmack, how are you old man? Don’t worry about me, I’m just surprised to see you’ve survived this long,” Nico said, laughing. “I didn’t know you were going to meet me personally.”

“Well, I’d thought about making a big sign with the name NICO on it, just to make sure you saw me,” the Secretary replied, exchanging hands with Nico. “Things are crazy as a Hutt on ryll, but it’s still my job to greet new representatives. I heard Alyx gave you charge of the Jedi’s representation here. How is the Division they doing these days?”

“As well as can be expected,” Nico answered. “Everything’s going at double-pace in preparation for an enemy attack. But let’s not dwell on that right now. What have you been doing?”

“Same as always, sir: trying to make sense of it all. My ex and I are getting back together… I think.”

“Well, congratulations,” Nico said sincerely. He suddenly thought of Nareni, and wondered how long it’d be until he could see her again. “I knew you two were right for each other. By the way, what do you mean by ‘things are crazy’?”

“It’s odd, but we’ve had some visitors within the last couple of days,” Brucmack said. “A group of people calling themselves the ‘Vey’ have come here and appealed to the Senate for a kind of asylum.”

“What kind of people?”

“They kind of remind me of the Altarin’Dakor human races we’ve seen. Very fair, quite different features from normal humans. Supposedly they’ve come in from the Rim. There’s only one ship-full of them, but it’s causing quite a stir. Giving Dogar headaches here with his last few days in office.”

“I wondered how he was holding up,” Nico nodded. “I heard he was really shaken up after Mizar. But then, we all were.”

“He seemed a bit better after you had been rescued.” Brucmack gave a wan smile. “But the disaster in the nebula a while back put him looking grim again. Things are definitely hectic, with Diktat elections only days away. I hope you’ve been well briefed, because you’re about to get thrown into the thick of it.”

“Who’s running this term?” Nico asked.

“Berkana from the Star Vipers, Virzixl from Sigma Prime, and Rytor, head of Intel. As you’ve heard, Dogar’s not running.”

“I’d heard as much,” Nico nodded. “Just wanted to confirm it. So, where will I be staying this time?”

“Oh, almost forgot about that,” Brucmack said, reaching into his pocket and procuring a datacard and electronic key. “I’ve got all that for you right here. Your quarters are on the tenth floor, suite 205-B. Same kind as before. Your things are already being delivered there. Also, the datacard will get you up to speed on all the issues currently on the table, including the elections. Since you’ve been a Senator before, you know your way around.”

“Right. Well, I’ll go settle in then,” Nico said, taking the items. “Are you free for lunch later?”

“Should be. Let’s hit the Deep Coral Restaurant on the first floor. It’s kind of expensive, but they’ve got the best food here.”

“Sounds good,” Nico nodded. “See you there.”

 

As Nico entered his quarters, he knew automatically that something was wrong. He felt a presence through the Force, a powerful energy in the room. He was not alone. Instinctively he turned to his left, looking deeper into the room…

And froze.

In the sitting area, sprawled out on one of the couches, was a man. He wasn’t very remarkable physically, with an average face and short-cropped brown hair. When Nico entered the man looked up, a merely half-interested look on his face. But Nico recognized this intruder - it was the same man he’d fought two years ago, on the planet Kryshran, a man he’d thought was dead. Obviously he was alive, but something was different about him now. The eyes set him apart. Nico didn’t need to see the power behind them to know that his life was in mortal danger.

As soon as Nico’s eyes fell on the intruder, his body went stiff. Vague familiarities and half-memories sprang into his mind, glimpses of the past that he hadn’t realized he’d forgotten. He remembered being spread out on a table in a dark room, the Altarin’Dakor scientists looking over him – and then this man, boring down into his mind and subconscious. But this was no man in front of him; it was something more. An alien being lived inside him. He simply happened to be in a human form – for the moment. For a brief moment Nico fought the reaction happening inside him, inside his mind. Then the alien spoke two words.

Nos Salam.”

Almost instantly, the person known as Nico was gone. Instead, his consciousness had been supplanted, suppressed by a new, underlying one. Basic enough, it could fulfill its one needed purpose – following orders.

“Good morning, my pet,” the creature said, a conceited expression on its face. “You kept us waiting. I’d expected you here sooner.”

Nico said nothing. The creature hadn’t asked him a question or given him a command as of yet. There was no reason to make himself heard.

The creature seemed to study him for a moment, then smiled and nodded. “It is about time you arrived. I have a special assignment for you here, something requiring your position within the New Imperium.”

Distantly, memories returned to Nico, though he saw them from an emotionless void. The man had once been called Rofel, a former Jedicon emissary for the Altarin’Dakor. But now he was known by another name: Queklain. A dead Warlord’s spirit had consumed the Jedicon’s body, completely overriding it. Fortunate; the creature had originally wanted someone else. Nareni. The thought was distant now, without weight. It didn’t matter.

“Tell me, will you follow my commands with undying loyalty?” Queklain asked.

“Completely,” Nico said, his voice sounding hollow distant to his ears. Inside, he screamed, struggling to get out, but to no avail. He was merely a bystander, watching this.

The creature smiled, turning to sit up straight. “Of course you will. You are here because I wish it, pet. You live because I wish it. That is why I saved you from death and made you into my servant. And now the time has come for you to fulfill your duties for me.”

Mizar. Flashes of scenes passed before Nico’s eyes, of waking up on the asteroid base, of being subjected to the experiments, the scans… But there was no anger at what Queklain had done. This personality lived only to serve the wishes of his Shok’Thola.

“You see this man?” the being asked, gesturing to his right

For the first time, Nico noticed that someone else was in the room, sitting in one of the chairs in the corner. In his state, he vaguely recognized the man as Gene Rytor, a former Imperial Moff and known in small circles for his Intelligence Network, which he’d used to the New Imperium’s benefit many times. Nico nodded at the gray-haired human, who sat with a thoughtful expression. Distantly Nico remembered Brucmack’s former words about him. Who else is running, he’d asked.

“Listen to me.” Queklain said. “You know this man. You will make sure that he becomes the next Diktat of the New Imperium. He also belongs to me, but unlike you, he serves me of his own free will. For my plan to advance further, he must be elected. Do you understand?”

Nico nodded absently.

“You will not speak of me to anyone else, nor will you reveal this man’s identity to anyone else.” At Nico’s second nod, he continued. “You will live as long as you prove useful to me. You will do as I say, and when you have fulfilled all that I can use you for, you will be extinguished.” The creature smiled cruelly. “After all, you brought me back to the living, and gave me this body. I still have to repay you in full for what you did. And you will not die until you have been totally humiliated, after you watch your friends die because you have betrayed them.”

“Yes,” Nico said obediently. Of course. That was how it was supposed to be.

“Now go about your business and prepare for the elections. When we are gone, you will not remember us. And when the time comes, you will generate support for him, of your own free will,” Queklain commanded.

Nico bowed, indicating his acceptance of the input. The two other men began to rise.

Moments later, they were gone. Nico blinked, then looked around, taking stock of his new apartment. He looked down at the datacard in his hand, and shook his head. I’d better get to work on this, he thought. Going through the election mess was going to take a long time, and he wanted to meet up with Brucmack for lunch…

 

* * *

 

Royal Palace

Varnus

1830 Hours

 

Rynn strode through the palace corridors, alone in thought. It had been an eventful day. Her mind wandered through the things that had happened, from Xar’s revelations to her about himself and Derek, to the mysterious incident at lunch. And it wasn’t even over yet. She still had her meditative training to do, which was where she was heading for now. Bren was probably already waiting for her, and she didn’t want to keep him like that. The more time they had together, the more she could learn. He seemed to know so much about the Force naturally, calling up memories from his former lifetime. Rynn wished she could live as deeply in the Force as he, someday.

With her thoughts focused elsewhere, she almost didn’t see one of the side doors opening up right in front her before it happened. She caught herself an instant too late, and as a figure emerged from the doorway she bumped slightly against the woman’s shoulder before she could move out of the way. She stepped back and looked up, straight into the face of the last person she could possibly want to see…

Zalaria. Oh, no. The thought came up on its own, followed by the sudden urge to panic. The Altarin’Dakor woman’s face turned to look down at Rynn, her gaze full of nothing but contempt. She was nothing like the haughty queen that Rynn had seen in public; here she held an air of something more primal and unchecked about her.

“Watch where you’re going,” the woman said, eyes narrowing. A chill shot up Rynn’s spine at that menacing look.

“It was an accident, I’m sorry,” Rynn explained, shrugging. “Cut me some slack, okay?”

“Just get out of my way,” Zalaria said, shouldering past Rynn roughly. She started off, without even looking back.

Shocked by such rudeness, Rynn shot a hand out to stop the woman and ask what the problem was. If this woman had something against Rynn personally, then she needed to know about it, try and settle their differences. Before she knew it, she had laid a hand on the woman’s arm. “Hold on a minute…” she began…

That was the last thing she remembered saying before the hand hit her face. Suddenly, Rynn was up against the wall, her words still echoing in the hallway. Somehow, Zalaria had spun and grabbed her by her cheeks one-handed, her mouth pinched between thumb and forefinger, thrusting her up against the wall hard enough to drive the breath out of her. The woman now held her aloft with one arm, her fingers squeezing Rynn’s cheeks together so hard her vision started to swim.

“Don’t… ever… touch me again,” the woman said, staring up at Rynn with a gaze that froze her stomach into ice. In it she should see something more than spite, more than arrogance. Her eyes held something Rynn could only describe as… raw power, coupled with wisdom beyond Rynn’s imagination. They looked… ancient. Under that gaze, Rynn felt like a little girl being disciplined by her grandmother.

Rynn grunted in pain as the pressure started to overwhelm her. She brought her hands up to grab the woman’s wrist for support, but as she did the pressure increased even further. Letting her hands drop, she tried to push back her shock and fear, and call upon the Force for calm. Maybe this woman was about to kill her. If so, she would meet her death like a Jedi, not whimpering like a child.

Then, without warning, the woman let go. Rynn dropped the several centimeters to the floor, knees buckling beneath her. She fell into a seated position, grabbing her throbbing face with both hands.

Zalaria said nothing as she turned and walked away. Rynn didn’t look up; she just saw the woman’s feet and long dress slide by, and heard her heeled boots echoing down the corridor.

A few minutes later Rynn felt well enough to stand. As she looked down the way the woman had gone, a flurry of mixed emotions surged through her. Shock. Anger. Fear. Her instinctive urge was to go tell Xar exactly what had happened and demand an apology from the Altarin’Dakor woman. But, she wondered, would the woman apologize even if Xar asked her to? Then again, would Xar ask her to in the first place? After all, rumor was that he was the one following after her. And now Rynn understood why.

In the space of that short moment, stretched out to seem like an eternity, she had felt a hint of a kind of power she’d never felt before, one she wouldn’t have even believed existed had she not experienced it personally. The way Zalaria had casually held her up, effortlessly, somehow making Rynn feel as helpless as a baby…

There was something about her that Xar wasn’t telling the rest of them. Then again, maybe it was something Xar didn’t know at all…

 

* * *

 

Grand Master’s Chambers

Royal Palace, Varnus

2100 Hours

 

“Come in.”

Xar pushed open the double wooden doors and entered the Grand Master’s office. Misnera was sitting behind his desk as usual studying his computer screen along with various sheets of flimsy. It was a duty Xar had been well-acquainted with during his tenure as leader of the Jedi. He was definitely glad to be rid of it, now.

“Xar,” Alyx said, looking up. He pulled the papers together into a stack and set them to the side.

Glancing around, Xar noticed the room wasn’t empty. To his surprise, Icis was already there, standing over near the wall next to the bookcase. Funny how he was now advising the new Grand Master as he had done with Xar. He hadn’t given up on Xar completely though, of course. On the nearby couches sat Kiz Thrakus and Atridd Xoan. Apparently a meeting of some kind had been called. “You wanted to see me?” Xar asked the Grand Master.

“Take a look at this,” Alyx said, sliding a small Holoprojector on Xar’s side of the desk. “It just came in from Tralar.”

As Xar watched, the projector activated, and a square image almost half a meter wide appeared over the desk. The hologram coalesced into a view of space, then turned to show a deep blue world encircled by a triple ring system. It was Tralaria, capital world of the New Imperium. Around it he could see countless ships orbiting in the distance, including some with the distinctive dagger-shape of Star Destroyers. As the movie continued, another ship came into view, a different design he didn’t recognize. It was oval-shaped and smooth, with unfamiliar markings and several antennae projecting from its sides. The camera recording the event listed the ship as being around three kilometers in length.

“They call themselves the Vey,” the Grand Master said, answering Xar’s unspoken question. “They arrived two days ago and requested sanctuary from the Altarin’Dakor. They came in the direction of the Rim.”

“Really?” Xar looked up, his interest piqued. “So they came out of Altarin’Dakor space? They crossed the Great Rift?”

“Apparently so. They manage to speak an accented form of Basic, so they explained their situation. It also appears they can understand Altarin’Dakor.”

“Really? What did they say?”

Alyx shrugged. “Supposedly they’re from the outer spiral arm, which as you know is AD space. They say they’ve been fighting the Altarin’Dakor for years, only now the enemy’s making a stronger push than ever before. That ship there is the only one left.” He gestured toward the hologram.

“The Vey,” Xar said thoughtfully. He’d never heard of them before, nor had Zalaria mentioned them. He’d have to ask her. “Sounds like a typical asylum case to me. What’s the big deal?” he asked.

“Well, we’re not sure if they want to stay here or are just passing through,” Alyx said. “However, the Diktat feels that due to their experience fighting the AD, they may have some viable tactics we can learn from them, and use ourselves. But Dogar doesn’t have the time right now, so he sent this message to us.”

“He wants us to handle the diplomatic side of things and see what they know,” Xar finished, seeing where the conversation was leading. “That’s why you’ve brought us together.”

Alyx nodded. “It’s been given Priority One status. The Vey will be coming here to Varnus with an NI escort. I guess we’ll have to entertain them for a while, so we need to decide how we’re going to set it up.” He looked over at Thrakus and Xoan, who nodded and began standing.

“This really isn’t a good time for this,” Xar said, feeling agitated. “Having sudden diplomatic responsibilities thrust on our shoulders when an attack could come at any moment is not a good idea.”

“Well, if you’ve got qualms about doing this, there’s one more aspect to the Vey that may sweeten the deal,” Xoan spoke up.

“Oh? And what’s that?” Xar asked.

Grand Master Misnera smiled. “It appears that the Vey are Force Sensitive… All of them.”

* * *

 

Chapter Five

 

Vectur, Varnus

Following Day

2100 Hours

 

Xar leaned back in the plush chair, staring out at the night cityscape of Vectur. Rain fell softly against the window, collecting in droplets that ran down the window beside him.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked. “We don’t know how these Vey will respond if they realize you’re an Altarin’Dakor.”

Zalaria looked over at him and smiled. “I think I can take care of myself.” Behind her, a servant finished the last tie on the back of her elaborate, flowing white dress, then stepped back and bowed low.

Sogh,” Zalaria told the servant, who promptly bowed again and took her leave. “Who else will be representing us tonight?”

“Alyx has asked several others to come along as Jedi goodwill,” Xar said. “Attrid, Kiz, Derek, Nadia, and a few others. We didn’t want to send too many, though. We don’t know a lot about the Vey, and we don’t want them to feel threatened by a lot of Jedi there. That’s also why we’re having the reception outside the palace at a different location. It’s probably the nicest, private club in the city.”

Zalaria nodded. “I’m ready.”

Xar eyed her rather openly from head to foot, yet feeling a little sheepish as he did so. “You look absolutely beautiful,” he said. He felt heat rush to his face as she looked at him, but she simply arched an eyebrow. The corners of her lips curled upwards in a smile.

Moments later, they exited out onto one of the high personal landing platforms, where a long, sleek hovercar was waiting to receive them. Xar cast a bubble of air around them with the Force, blocking out the rain and keeping them dry. They both moved into the back seat of the private luxury vehicle, and the doors swung closed as the hovercar rose into the air and sped off through the rain.

Xar looked down outside the window as they traveled, seeing the uncountable lights of the city below, bustling even in inclement weather. His city. Down there were literally millions of people, simply trying to continue their daily lives in the midst of an interstellar conflict. Many were native Varnusians, hardy people who were used to hardship and who didn’t complain when it came. They were his people. He and they were one and the same, and he held a responsibility for them on his shoulders.

“What is it?” she asked him, sensing his distant introspection.

“Do you think it’s wrong that we live like this?” he asked absently, watching as the buildings passed by below. “We’re so far above the normal people, living off the best, not in want for anything. During my young life I lived as a prince. I experienced life at the bottom later, before and after my Imperial days, but even then, the Force was always with me. But all those people out there have no such securities. How do they keep going?”

Zalaria made a noncommittal sound. “I’ve experienced life at the ‘bottom’, with my brother. I still remember exactly what it was like. It helps you stay in perspective, but I would never return there again. We were born with a gift, Xar, and that brings with it advantages, things that we could not decline, yet things we would never give up. There will always be those like us, and those in the lower classes. Accept it.”

“But our gifts also bring us responsibilities,” Xar said thoughtfully. “And… Well, sometimes they just seem so hard to bear.”

He felt her hand on his shoulder then, and a tingle shot across his skin and down his back. Then he felt warmth, the soft warmth of her life energy touching his. He felt better almost immediately. For an instant he recalled that if not for her life energy flowing through him right now, he wouldn’t even be alive. Turning back, he smiled at her, and for a moment was lost in those amazing dark eyes she had. She was right, and he knew that with her beside him like this, he could shoulder any amount of responsibility. Next to her, all the struggles he’d been through faded away to nothing. They were all worth it, because he had found her, the one he’d been searching for all his life.

He took hold of her hand and held it against his cheek, then closed his eyes as she gently stroked his face with the backs of her fingers. If only this private moment would last forever…

All too soon it was over, though. They had arrived at their destination, about twenty floors up on one of the city’s newest skyscrapers, a high-class club known as the White Room. They pulled up to the docking platform, shielded from the rain by a large awning. A staff member approached their vehicle and opened the door, and Xar followed Zalaria as she exited and moved across the broad carpet into the building.

Immediately they were greeted with serene, moody music coming from live performers playing somewhere deeper inside. Xar walked over to assess the main ballroom, where a veritable feast had been arrayed on various tables in the center of the room. He caught sight of Atridd and Nadia there, and nodded curtly at them. He saw Derek also, as the boy passed through one of the side corridors, probably exploring. He let the boy go on and enjoy himself.

They weren’t there long before they were approached by Grand Master Alyx Misnera. “Thanks for coming, you two,” he said. He pointedly seemed to avoid looking at Zalaria. “The Vey are in the next room. They’re ready to begin, and we don’t want to leave our new guests waiting.”

“I’m glad you’re handling the negotiations so well,” Xar nodded.

Alyx arched an eyebrow, and Xar felt an impression of sarcasm from the Grand Master, as if he were saying, sure you are. You know I’d rather be doing something else besides this.

But instead of speaking, Alyx turned and led them through the main chamber into an adjoining area, where four humans – or near humans – were waiting for them.

Xar immediately took stock of them, using his receptive abilities in the Force to gain readings about them. In the front was a young woman looking in her twenties, with dark brown hair that fell down the length of her back, except for the two wings of pure white that started at her temples and draped across her shoulders and the front of her elaborate royal dress. She held herself in a very queenly posture, and Xar was instantly sure that she was one of the leaders. Accompanying her was a man several years older, also with straight brown hair interspersed with locks of white, extending past his shoulders. His posture was more relaxed, yet held an air of danger at the same time. Both were quite attractive, and physically in good shape. Curiously, they both wore earrings in their ears, several elaborately shaped ones studded with jewels. The man also appeared to have some kind of gold and white beads in his hair dangling behind his left ear.

Behind them were two others. To the woman’s right was an aging man with gray-white hair and a short beard that only touched his chin and jaw. He also had a protective eye on the woman, though his was less intense and more worried. Beside him, in the rear, was a young girl, her long hair the purest white in color. Xar let his gaze sweep across them before returning to the first two.

It was their presence in the Force that he felt strongly. The woman was deeply attuned to the Force, enough that he could feel it distinctly. Xar kept his eyes mostly on the male, though. Judging from his guarded posture and penetrating eyes, it was clear that he was here to protect the woman. The most startling thing Xar felt, though, was the man’s Force power. He made no effort to hide it, and it felt like he was nearly as strong as Xar was. Alyx’s words rang strongly in his ears, now. These “Vey” were powerful.

“Honored guests,” Alyx began with the introductions. “May I present Jedi Master Xar Kerensky, and Jedi Master…”

“Vanoa Elera,” Zalaria spoke up, interrupting Alyx before he could use her real name. Xar winced inwardly and made a mental note. I’ll have to remember that name, he thought grimly. He was sure the Vey couldn’t sense deception from Zalaria, but they might sense something amiss if he or Alyx slipped up and used her real name. A small part of him, the part not overjoyed simply to be near her, wished she hadn’t come at all.

“Of course,” Alyx said, playing along. “And I would like to introduce the Royal Family of the Vey. Princess Lucia and her aide Loren, Princess Almani and her Guardian, Zoar.”

“We are pleased to meet you,” Lucia, the regal young woman spoke in a melodious tone. “We have been looking forward to it for some time.” The accent in her voice was just like Alyx said. Definitely not native to Basic, but with a full mastery of it, nevertheless.

“We are the surviving members of the Royal Family,” Lucia continued, a hint of sadness in her tone. “Zoar is my blood-brother, Guardian of the Royal Family. And Loren has been my trusted Advisor and overseer ever since childhood.” Both men gave them low bows, which Xar and Zalaria returned with respect.

Zoar, the long-haired man, nodded. “I sense much power in the two of you. I hope that your intentions here are honorable.” He kept his hands on the wide belt that held his garments together, looking as graceful as a feline and hawk combined.

“They are, I promise you,” Xar said, bowing moderately again.

“In that case, I am honored to meet you,” the old man, Loren, broke in. “It has been too long since we had allies we could trust.”

Xar extended a hand, which the man shook smoothly. “I’ve heard of your situation. Are you seeking transit Coreward through NI territory?”

“At the very least,” Lucia responded formally. “But since our arrival we now believe there is value in our developing a relationship. We do not believe in coincidences, and there may be something we have to learn from you.”

“Likewise, we feel similarly,” Alyx said. “I look forward to discussing this in detail.”

Lucia began to answer, but was interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing behind her. Her eyes widened. “Oh, I’m sorry, Almani. I forgot to introduce you. Almani is my sister,” she said, and her cheeks blushed slightly with color.

The young girl walked around in front of her sister and cast her an annoyed look. Then she turned to the two Jedi, and Zalaria.

It was then that Xar really noticed her for the first time. Her hair really was completely white, and her eyes were so blue they looked like crystals. She appeared only to be around nine or ten, but in those eyes was a gaze far wiser than her years. There was something about her that Xar couldn’t quite place, but sent a chill across his skin. He couldn’t sense much real Force Potential in her; no, it had to be something else. For some reason she was staring straight at him. No, into him. Then she spoke.

“You have a darkness inside of you. One you don’t even know about.” Her voice held a soft, even sad tone.

“What the…” he began.

Lucia spoke up quickly. “Forgive us, Jedi Master! Princess Almani has a unique ability,” she explained, looking worriedly from her to Xar. “When she looks at someone she sees the currents of the Force around them. She can sometimes see their past, or sometimes their future…”

“I can see their destinies too,” Almani said plainly. “They are images floating around you even now. There is great pain ahead, but you will eventually discover the hidden parts of yourself. You lie at the center of key events, acting as some kind of trigger for… something. I can’t make out exactly what that is.”

“How do you know this?” Xar asked. He tried to disguise his incredulity so as not to offend. Her language was far beyond what he’d expect a ten year old to use. Still, what she was saying sounded ridiculous. How could she know all that he’d had been through so far, much less what was coming in the future?

Instead of answering his question, she continued. “There is great danger ahead, but also a great capacity for wonderful things to happen. Please be careful.”

Lucia stared down at her sister with an uncertain expression on her face. “I… I must apologize. Almani has never said anything like this before. But granted, she’s never been exposed to outsiders such as yourselves. Still…” She looked up at the three Jedi Division representatives. “Her Viewings and precognitive abilities have never been wrong.”

Xar didn’t know what to say. Beside him, though, he could feel Zalaria closing herself off in the Force even as the conversation continued. Then she finally broke in. “I… think I’ll sample the dinner and allow you to begin the negotiations now.” With that she bowed and quickly took her leave of them.

Xar glanced after her. Wise move, he thought. They wouldn’t Almani making any sudden revelations about an Altarin’Dakor Warlord.

“Almani, you can go about on your own if you like,” Lucia said. Her voice had just a hint of a command in it.

The young princess looked up at her sister and put her hands on her hips. “You don’t have to tell me that. I can take care of myself. Besides, I’ve told you all I saw.” She turned to Xar. “Sorry, but I can’t help what I see, and if I don’t tell anyone, the need to do it gets so strong I can’t stand it.”

Xar smiled, glad the heat in his face was finally receding. “It’s like having an itch you have to scratch. Don’t worry about it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome! I’ll tell you if I see anything else,” Almani said, suddenly brightening. Then she turned and padded quickly away toward the food tables.

“She really has been invaluable to us in the past,” Zoar said, watching her depart. “She’s saved us from many traps by the enemy. And she’s read Altarin’Dakor captives. They always have peculiar images around them. They’re so external they broadcast all their thoughts and desires around them.”

“Interesting,” Xar admitted, looking at Zoar in more detail. Then his eyes fell to the man’s left earring, and suddenly felt another jolt of surprise as recognition hit him. A small piece of crystal dangled at the end of it, about two centimeters long. He’d seen one other before… exactly like it. It can’t be… But it is. That earring has a Force Splinter in it!

The gravity of that statement had trouble sinking in. No one else seemed to notice it. But there was no mistaking it, now. It was a Force Splinter, a piece of the most powerful Force Artifact Xar had ever heard of, the Force Shard itself. Archeology and Force lore were two of Xar’s main studies, and he knew a genuine artifact when he saw one. Besides, he’d seen the legendary Force Shard itself, when Janus, a banished Dark Jedi who used a Splinter to augment his powers, had attempted to use its power. But the Shard was found on Lyccos II, he thought. Furthermore, it had been destroyed. That planet was a quarter of the galaxy distant, in the wrong direction. The Vey had come from the Rim. How can he have a Splinter? Xar wondered. Then again, Xar suspected that Janus had been working indirectly for the Altarin’Dakor, even then. What if the Shard was an artifact left over from the Great War a thousand generations ago? Or, even more important, what if his theory about the Shard, which even he had discounted, turned out to be true? That the Shard itself was exactly what its name meant: a piece of an even larger artifact?

All this flew through his mind in a heartbeat. Zoar didn’t seem to notice Xar’s surprise, and as Alyx began to lead them through the room in discussion, Xar decided to keep quiet – for now.

 

Derek flipped through the last book in the place’s small library, not finding anything even remotely interesting in its pages. He closed it and promptly replaced it on the shelf, then made his way out of the room into the hallway.

That was when he first saw her. A pretty girl, not much younger than he, with snow-white hair and beautiful blue eyes. She appeared to be exploring, too, as she came into the hallway and looked his way. Then their eyes met.

What happened next was something he couldn’t begin to describe. Suddenly, everything came together like the pieces of a puzzle, and the other half of himself, a part he hadn’t even known was missing, slipped into place. This girl, with abilities far different from his, but all-too similar at the same time… somehow, he knew her, as if they had always been together. He smiled at her, and she returned the expression.

“You can see people like I can,” he stated. It wasn’t a question.

“Who are you?” Almani whispered. What a very pretty name, he thought.

All he could think of was how lovely she was, how completely pure and glowing bright like the sun. He knew he would normally be embarrassed at talking to a pretty girl like this, but strangely he had no fear at all. “I’m Derek,” he said simply. “You’re a very special girl, Almani. I’m… sorry about what happened to your people. I lost my parents, too.”

“How do you know that about me?” Almani asked, eyes wide. “I can see… This is incredible! The images and the colors around you… I can’t count them all! I can’t even make most of them out!”

“I’m not quite sure of it all, myself,” Derek admitted. “I was orphaned several years ago, and I don’t remember much before that.”

“You were orphaned? Then how?” she turned to look back the way she’d come, into the main room.

“Mister Xar was really nice to take me in. He brought me here to train with the other Jedi, and he gave me a family. He’s the greatest; he’s the closest thing I’ve got to a dad, and a brother at the same time.”

“Umm…” Almani hesitated, glancing down at the floor. “There’s something I want to ask you, but… I don’t know if you can tell me.”

Derek didn’t respond. He could see the indecision within her, even some confusion. He walked over closer to her, and they went to a corner of the big room to talk some more. Most of the feast spread out over the half-dozen tables hadn’t been touched. Clustered in groups around the room were other guests. Atridd Xoan and Nadia Ispen were engaged in conversation with some of the other Vey. Almani turned to look at Zalaria, who seemed to be listening in on the others’ conversation.

“That woman over there… She’s…” Her voice trailed off.

“I know. She’s one of the AD leaders. They call them ‘shock tholah’ or something like that,” he said, trying to mimic the correct pronunciation.

“What is she doing here? Is she one of the people who joined you? I don’t understand how that can be. I’m afraid.”

“Don’t worry. It’s because of Mister Kerensky, I think. She seems to like him a lot, and I know he loves her.”

“But how can that be?. She has almost as many images as you do, Derek,” Almani said. “You people are very interesting.”

“I hope we’ll get to spend more time together,” he said, grinning. “Mister Xar said we really need your help. Anyway, do you want to play a game with me?”

“Sure, Derek. I’d love to.” She smiled, and he smiled back. Taking her hand, he lead her back toward the library, where he’d left that funny-looking, checkered board game he’d found. He hoped she would be able to stay around with the Jedi for a while. This was starting to be pretty fun.

 

Grand Master Alyx Misnera led the group into the next room, where surprisingly, four more Vey were waiting for them. Each was dressed less formally, with something akin to armor underneath. Two had the same dark hair as the others, one’s was a bright blonde, and the eldest had turned almost completely gray.

“These are our Templar Leaders,” Lucia said, gesturing proudly to the four. They were all older members of the Vey, and Misnera could sense their power in the Force. Surprised, he realized they would probably measure as Jedi Master equivalents. If they were the leaders of an entire Force-wielding army, they would have to be, he figured. Now, more than ever, he wanted these people on the side of the NI.

“May I introduce Masters Madruk, Trama, Keyta, and Kaygar,” Lucia continued, gesturing toward the elders. Each inclined his head in return. Alyx noted with interest that so far, the warriors seemed to be all males, yet it was the two females who were in charge of the Vey people. Matriarchal, perhaps.

“Madruk is our Elder Templar,” Lucia explained. “And Kaygar is our instructor of weapons and combat. He teaches our Warrior Caste how to fight the Altarin’Dakor. Trama and Keyta also train the Warriors.”

“I would like to see your warriors’ training in action, if possible,” Alyx said, interested. “You may be right that we have much to learn from one another. If you’ve been fighting the Altarin’Dakor all your lives, then you could help give us a fighting chance, maybe.”

Lucia nodded her agreement. The Templar Leaders, though, especially the ones she’d introduced as Keyta and Trama, didn’t seem quite as happy about that. Alyx noticed that Xar still remained silent. He hadn’t spoken in a while, actually.

“Do all the Vey have single names?” Alyx asked. “Unlike our multiple names, you’ve only given one name for each of your people, including yourself.”

“We all have unique names, and we also carry the name of our Caste and ancestors. Our ancestral names are only used when we die. There are few enough within a Caste that there is no confusion between our names.”

“I see.”

“Our last world was taken by the Altarin’Dakor five years ago,” Lucia continued. “Ever since then, our forces have been on the run, fighting a desperate delaying action. Still, they have destroyed our ships one by one. Now we are the only one left, and our ship is damaged so that we may not make it deeper towards the Core. If, as you suggest, the New Imperium will assist us in restoring our ship or acquiring a new one, we will gladly work with you to fight against the Altarin’Dakor for now.”

“Excellent!” Alyx said, truly excited. This was exactly what he’d been working and waiting for. “I hope we will be able to formalize our agreement soon,” he continued, but his words were interrupted when one of the Templars spoke up gruffly.

“Princess Lucia, perhaps you should not be so hasty.” It was the yellow-haired man Alyx identified as Trama. Definitely one of the odder names I’ve heard, he thought. Still, Master Trama’s eyes were focused directly on the Princess “We don’t know if we can trust these… aliens yet. We overheard what Princess Almani said to him.” He turned toward Xar as he finished.

“I have no idea what she was talking about,” Xar confessed readily.

“Almani’s viewings have never been wrong,” Lucia conceded, “but they are still subject to interpretation, and we have no idea how or when her viewing will come to pass. And from the way I heard her, it sounded like there is hope for the New Imperium, even in the face of these odds they are facing. What if we are the key, and hold the decision of their victory or destruction? We fight a common enemy, Trama. And I see nothing to suggest that the New Imperium is our enemy, which means that against the Altarin’Dakor, we must be allies.”

“Do as you wish,” Trama growled out. “You are overly trusting, and that may be our undoing.”

“Enough! I will hear no more about this,” Lucia said, her face turning almost livid. “This is not a discussion to have in front of our new friends. Grand Master, we will be honored to assist you in any way possible.”

Loren, who had been remarkably quiet until now, stepped up and laid a hand on Lucia’s shoulder. “I support your decision, Princess, but I also advise you to be cautious. The Altarin’Dakor have already brushed against the borders of the New Imperium, and we do not know how deeply their influence has penetrated. We should stay here no longer than necessary. The enemy may attack at any time, and we would be a great prize for them to take.”

“I won’t abandon our allies just to save our own lives,” Lucia countered. Then she continued, more softly. “However, there is wisdom in your words. If things continue as planned, we will be gone within a month.”

“I hope that is not too long, Princess,” Loren said, the worry evident in his voice.

Misnera mused over what kind of internal issues were at play between the Vey as the group moved over to the table and sat down to begin their meal. As they began eating the feast prepared for them, Xar suddenly spoke up from his seat near the Vey Guardian.. “Zoar,” he said. “May I ask you something?”

The long-haired man arched an eyebrow. “Speak freely.”

“I couldn’t help but notice something interesting about your earring. I know that it’s a Force Splinter. Can you tell me how you acquired it?”

Zoar didn’t seem surprised by Xar’s question at all. “You are very perceptive, Jedi Master. And well-versed in Force lore. This one has been passed through my family for generations. My father wore it before me.”

Xar’s eyes widened. “Really? This is a subject I’ve been studying on and off for several years. I’d like to know where it came from. I’ve seen Splinters myself, and I even saw the Shard that the Splinters are pieces of once. But until now I only knew of a few other Splinters in existence. I didn’t expect there to be any in your part of the galaxy. Are there other Force Shards, too?”

Zoar’s expression turned thoughtful. “I know of none of these ‘Shards’ you speak of. But I know of many different Splinters in existence. This is only one of three in the possession of the Vey.” He reached up, flicking the earring with his thumb. The crystal inside glinted in the artificial light.

“I need to learn all that you know about the Splinters and the Shard,” Xar said. “If what I believe turns out to be true, then you could help uncover one of the greatest secrets of Force lore.”

Sensing Xar’s growing interest, Alyx leaned closer to his side as the man bit into a piece of fruit. “Xar,” he said quietly. “Don’t you think this can wait until later? This isn’t exactly the time to be talking about myths and legends.”

“It could be vitally important, Alyx,” Xar said, chewing carefully. The tension was clear in his voice. He was anxious about something.

Xar turned back to Zoar. Alyx listened, admittedly with growing interest.

“I have a theory about the Shard in my mind, and it won’t go away, as crazy as it sounds. We know the Splinters are really just pieces of the Shard. But think about the word shard itself. What if the Force Shard is exactly what it implies – merely one piece of an even larger artifact?”

Princess Lucia was watching them now. Returning her glass to the table, she spoke up. “You speak of a legend that has been passed through our people for generations. But, like you, we didn’t know that such crystals existed outside our own space.”

“The legend speaks of a great Force artifact unlike any other,” Zoar added. “The Shards and Splinters are all pieces of it, broken off in time beyond memory. How large was the Shard that you found?”

“About two meters in length, but quite thin.”

Zoar nodded. “As the Princess said, we never knew that similar objects existed in your part of the galaxy. I assumed that the crystals came from somewhere in our spiral arm. But if these pieces are scattered out across the whole galaxy, then perhaps the legend is true. There may be a single source for them – or at least several larger artifacts from which they were broken.”

“Do you have any idea what the source could be?” Xar continued. “Is it a device, a huge object like a statue, a natural boulder or something?”

Both Zoar and Lucia shook their heads in uncertainty. Xar sighed, clearly disappointed. Another dead end, Alyx thought.

“I wonder…” Loren spoke up in a thoughtful tone. “When I was young and our people were whole, I heard legends of a planet deep in unknown space that no one has ever been able to find. They say it moves, changes locations so it can keep itself hidden. It may not be related, but… Perhaps we should check our records.”

“Yes. If we pool our resources, perhaps we’ll be able to discover more. Your story intrigues me, Loren,” Xar said. “Why don’t we hold a meeting with some of the other Jedi tomorrow?”

“Agreed. We will discuss this further,” Loren replied. Zoar and Lucia nodded their approval.

Alyx looked over at Xar, whose face was almost livid with excitement. He always seemed to get that way about Force-related artifacts. Doubtless he was planning another crazy expedition even now. “Xar,” he began. “Do you think this is the best time for this, with the threat of the Altarin’Dakor over us? We don’t need to go chasing after mythical moving planets.”

“If we had this artifact in our hands, we could end the war,” Xar said flatly. He turned to Zoar. “Do you think you can help me find this mysterious planet you’ve heard of?”

The Vey gave a short laugh. “My friend, if it will help us in our struggle against the Altarin’Dakor, I’ll go there with you myself. But I’ll give you my final answer tomorrow.”

 

* * *

 

Xar had returned to his room for the night. As he entered, he closed the door behind him, then turned, coming face-to-face with his brother, who had apparently been standing there, waiting for him. Ho he’d gotten in, Xar didn’t know – he assumed that the guards allowed him in as family.

Rydon Kerensky wasn’t quite as tall as Xar was, nor as well-built. He had the same gray eyes and short dark hair though, but his hair was slightly unkempt, as if it had been slept on. Several days’ worth of stubble had grown on his face, as well. Rydon’s face was twisted in an unfriendly-looking smirk.

Xar met his brother’s stiff gaze without flinching. “What are you doing here?” he asked bluntly. He hadn’t seen Rydon in weeks. Last he’d heard, his younger brother had been out on the streets, drinking all night and getting into untold kinds of mischief. Then he’d come back to the palace, all roughed up and without a single credit. The Palace guards took pity on him and didn’t hinder him in the slightest.

Rydon Kerensky made a smirk and went over to turn on the lights. “I’m a prince of Varnus, where else am I supposed to live?” he asked.

“You entered my room without telling me. If I didn’t know it was you through the Force, I might’ve killed you.”

“Oh yes, the almighty Force. I feel so lucky,” his brother spat, his voice thick with sarcasm. For a moment Xar wondered if the man was still drunk, but he appeared to be in control, his eyes focused with a dangerous look.

Xar shook his head and started pulling his jacket off. “Rydon, I don’t you why you’ve been so angry toward me recently, and I don’t want it to be like that. You’re my brother, and I’ve always got time to discuss things with you. What’s wrong?” He finished hanging up the jacket and started over toward his work desk, unbuttoning the cuffs on his shirtsleeves.

“Do you really have no idea?” Rydon asked, staring at him angrily. He took a couple of deep breaths, visibly shaken by something. “I’ve seen you with her around the Palace. You, looking her up and down like some rabid dog. Stay away from her! You’ll never get anywhere with her; she’ll just mess up your life completely.”

“Who are you talking about?” Xar asked, though he already knew. He moved around to the other side of his desk, narrowing his eyes as Rydon strode across the floor toward him.

“You know who I’m talking about!” Rydon blurted. “Zalaria is not like mortal women. She couldn’t possibly love someone like you, so don’t even try it with her. I’m sick of seeing you waste your time like that. This is for your own sake.”

Xar stared in shock at his brother as realization finally hit him. “By the Core… You’re in love with her too.”

The man’s face flushed red, and he clenched his fists tightly. Xar could feel the man’s anger, and braced himself to defend himself if necessary. He wouldn’t hurt his brother, but the change that had occurred in him was dumbfounding. At first, when they’d been reunited on Kronos’ space station, he’d been totally overjoyed at finding one of his brothers still alive. Rydon was the third son of their parents; their other brother and sister had been lost in the bombing of Varnus years before. Finding Rydon alive had been an incredible blessing, yet from the moment his brother had returned with him, something had been wrong. At first Xar had thought it was simple adjusting, after over ten years living with the Altarin’Dakor. He hadn’t realized that all that time Rydon was sick because he was away from Zalaria.

“I told you not to use the Force on me like that, Xar!”

“I didn’t use the Force,” Xar countered. “This is simple inference. It’s written all over your face.”

“You just don’t understand!” the man yelled, his anger coming out fully now. “You don’t know what it was like to serve her for all those years, secretly loving her, wishing I could only please her more every day, praying that she would somehow, someday notice me, too. I was just a servant, like any other, but to be in her presence was the most wonderful thing I’d ever experienced. Then you came and destroyed everything!”

“She’s an Altarin’Dakor Shok’Thola,” Xar said evenly. “She has the ability to exhibit that effect on anyone. I know.” He held up his hand to his troubled brother’s shoulder. “Rydon, I’m sorry for what happened to you eleven years ago. I blame myself for not being there to save you. And our parents. And Cassandra and Nicolas. I wish I could have gotten there sooner. Then you would never have had to experience…”

He was cut off as his hand was thrust away, an incredulous look on Rydon’s face. “Are you insane?” the man burst out. “You took me away from paradise! Why would I ever want to come back to this filthy piece of trash you call a planet? This is like living in the dark ages, Xar! Everything I’ve known, everything I loved, is gone, and her most of all!”

Xar’s mouth dropped open in shock, and he stepped back and fell onto as sofa, putting a hand up to his head. This was not the brother he’d once known. Through those years with the enemy, he’d become a completely different person. He was an Altarin’Dakor, and Xar didn’t know who Rydon was anymore. He was simply at a loss for words.

Rydon wasn’t through, though. He continued, his determination apparently growing. “What you did was not fair, Xar! Our lives were perfect before you came and destroyed everything.”

“It’s not like I asked to be abducted, you know,” Xar shot back. “I didn’t ask for this.”

“I just don’t understand it.” Rydon shook his head, his face anguished. “Why did she pick you? What’s so special? What do you have that I don’t!?”

“I don’t know!” Xar yelled back, his anger rising back. “I can’t really explain what happened between Zalaria and me. All I can say is that it must have been meant to be. It just worked out too well.”

“Don’t give me that Jedi philosophical crap!” the man spat. “I know she’s seduced you, and somehow you’ve gotten her attention now. You always had the best of everything, and got it all before me, too. Now you’ve taken her from me. And what could I do about it? Absolutely nothing! Yet again, you get dealt the better hand. You can use the Force, and I can’t. Just how am I supposed to compete with that?!”

“Don’t delude yourself, Rydon,” Xar said roughly. “She was never yours in the first place, and you know it. I can’t help what happened, but I’m not going to leave her just because you say so. She loves me, and I can’t deny that I love her in return.”

“She doesn’t love you, Xar,” his brother said darkly. “She’s got her own plan, trust me. Better you back out before you regret it.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

“Of course you will. And now you’ve taken the last thing that matters to me. The only love that there could ever be for me.”

“Rydon, that’s ridiculous,” Xar said, feeling the man’s turmoil through the Force, almost to the point of nervous collapse. He was visibly shaking. “Take it easy. It’s a huge galaxy, and there are many other people out there…”

“NO! Don’t ever say that!” Rydon shouted, pointing a finger straight at Xar’s face. “Don’t lie to me, Xar. Zalaria is completely unique. There has never been anyone like her, and there never will be again. By some stroke of luck you managed to connect with her, even though she was born over a thousand generations before you were. You are nothing beside her. Your whole lifetime is like a grain of sand on Tattooine next to hers. There’s no one else like Zalaria.”

“I’m…sorry you feel that way,” Xar said, worried for his brother. Rydon was totally set in his conclusions. Xar didn’t know what he could do to help. How could he describe the Bond that he and Zalaria had through the Force? He could feel her presence even now, could guess her general location in the palace. That couldn’t be ignored. And obviously that connection had led to romantic feelings on both their parts. And besides, if not for Zalaria, he’d be dead. It was her life energy that was sustaining him, imbued into him the moment she’d brought him back from being legally dead. He could never let go of her, no matter what happened. Even if he weren’t to pursue a romantic relationship with her – which was next to unthinkable – she wouldn’t turn her eye on Rydon. There was nothing he could do.

“Goodbye, Xar,” Rydon said, turning to go.

Guilt and helplessness washed over Xar like a wave. “Wait!” he called out. His brother stopped just short of the door and turned back, looking askance.

“Please don’t leave like this. You’re my brother, and I’ll always love you. Look, I’m leaving on a mission soon, and I don’t know when I’ll be back, but please stay here. What I have is yours... for anything you need while I’m gone.”

Rydon just stared at him, saying nothing, for several seconds. Then finally he turned around and left the room without looking back, leaving Xar to contemplate in sadness and solitude. Why did he have to regain a brother only to lose him again?

 

* * *

 

Conference Room 401

Royal Palace, Varnus

1100 Hours the following day

 

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Alyx said. “Without having a valid, solid source of information, your chance of finding this… myth… is astronomically small. Just because you decide to go looking for something doesn’t mean you’re going to find it. It doesn’t even guarantee that what you’re looking for even exists.”

From his position in the corner of the large conference room, Icis Novitaar leaned back against the wall and rubbed at his eyes. They’d been going through this all morning. The same points and counterpoints, made over and over again. Not a single idea had proven to be worthwhile. At this point, even the Vey that were present were starting to look on edge.

Most of the Jedi Division command staff was present here in the Palace’s largest conference area. A large oval table occupied the center of the room, with a modern Holoprojector in the center. Spiraling above everyone’s heads was a hologram of the galaxy. New Imperium space, a small section near one of the spiral arms, was highlighted in red. Epsilon Sector itself wasn’t very far from Endor, where the fateful battle between the Empire and the New Republic had occurred years before. It was also relatively close to Bakura, where shortly after the Battle of Endor, Imperial and Rebel troops had combined forces to fight off the invading Ssi-Ruuk. Now a new threat was emerging, passing through the same area of space, though infinitely worse than the Ssi-Ruuk. Icis suspected that before long, the NI and the New Republic – and everyone else for that matter – would have to join forces once more.

Gathered around the central table were most of the New Imperium’s strongest Jedi. Seated or standing around the table from Grand Master Misnera were Jedi Masters Xar and Gaius Adonai, Jedi Adepts Kiz Thrakus, Ralagos Akala, and Atridd Xoan, the Vey leaders Zoar and Lucia, Jedi Templars Draken Ar’Kell and Omega Kira, then Zalaria, Nadia Ispen, Sturm Brightblade, Amleth Uiara. The fact that Icis stood alone in the corner seemed lost on most of the occupants. Still, he carefully didn’t rest his gaze on Zalaria. It wasn’t that he was afraid she would try something against him; it was that he didn’t trust himself not to attack her. He struggled to keep his composure and remind himself why he was here. More was at stake than even his own life.

Icis had given up his status as a Traveler to be here, essentially denying his own people, race, and status as a Kajeet. And that hadn’t been the only price for interacting with Civilization. The Traveler code ordered that he could only watch and observe from the shadows, never interfering with another civilization. But Icis was too caring; he had too much of a conscience. He couldn’t stand by and watch a people be totally annihilated by an enemy they didn’t even understand. So Icis had broken the rules, and continued to break them until his own people had brought him to trial. Now he was no longer a Traveler. Even worse, he was no longer a Jedi. His power had been stripped from him. Icis was now no stronger than an ordinary human being.

“The Force will provide us with the information we need,” Xar was saying. “This mission is necessary, I can feel it. However long it takes, I know we can find someone who knows where the source of the Shard is located.” Icis shook his head in exasperation. The man was in one of his moods; he was dead set on something, and nothing was going to stop him. He probably believed it was his destiny to go on this mission, even though he’d only thought of it the night before. Then again, Icis thought with a grim smile, he may be more right than he realizes.

“Let me see if I understand this correctly,” Jedi Master Gaius Adonai spoke up. “You’re looking for the actual artifact that the Force Shard you found was derived from, and made of the same kind of crystal. Something we don’t even know exists or not, yet.”

“Basically yes,” Xar nodded. “And it’s not just the source of the Shard, but also of the Force Splinters.”

“And tell me again why it’s so imperative we find this artifact now, in the middle of wartime? What makes it worth risking the safety of the New Imperium to find?” asked Gaius.

“Don’t you see?” Xar asked, looking around at all of them. “If the Shard could take Jedi Master Janus from a power level of roughly 10,000 with a Splinter to about 40,000 with the Shard, what could the source of the Shard do? Obviously, its power enhancing capability is probably proportional to its size, but regardless, we are looking at the most powerful Force artifact ever. It could be our best weapon to use against the Altarin’Dakor Warlords. But on the other hand, imagine what would happen if the AD got their hands on it? We wouldn’t have a chance against them. Surely you all see the importance of this.”

“And you expect to find this on a planet that can change its own location in space?” Kiz Thrakus asked doubtfully. “That’s the connection I don’t understand.”

“I don’t have proof that it’s there,” Xar countered. “But it’s a start.”

“To do that, you’ll have to find someone who knows where it is,” Atridd Xoan put in.

Finally Icis could stand by no longer. He had to do this. “What you’ll have to do,” he broke in, “is find someone who knows a lot about what’s going on in our galaxy. Someone who knows all the secrets, has all the ancient records, and knows exactly where to find what we’re looking for.”

All eyes turned on him, then. “And who exactly is that?” Gaius asked.

Icis folded his hands in front of him as he faced the crowd. “Most of you recall an incident we had with an enemy named Malphunoc. He was a member of the Morphioni, a race of shape-shifters who act as a guild of information brokers, artifact collectors, and technophiles. Malphunoc knew, even as isolated as the New Imperium is, about the different Force artifacts right here in the palace vault. He even knew things that we didn’t know about our own planet.

“You all know about the massive cone sticking out of the ground about fifty kilometers from here. We’ve analyzed it and found that those who built it, the Celestials as they’re called, were so far beyond us that we can’t even decipher their control panels. We think it’s based on technology similar to our repulsorlifts. And let me tell you this; these devices were on Varnus, and other worlds, long before even the Travelers roamed the stars.”

Icis let his gaze match that of everyone assembled. “I assure you, if the Morphioni know not only that, but also how to bring these repulsors out of the ground like Malphunoc did here, then they’re our best bet of finding this phantom planet you’re looking for.” He paused. “As well as anything else,” he added.

“An interesting prospect,” Alyx said. “But first we have to find the Morphioni to ask them. I thought you no longer had access to Traveler information. Do you still have contacts that can lead us to the Morphioni?”

“I can find them,” Icis said with finality. Then, pushing out of the corner, he walked around the table toward Xar. “May I speak with you for a moment, in private?” he asked.

“Of course,” Xar said, his interest clearly piqued. He rose to follow.

“What can I do for you?” the man asked once they had stepped outside into the hallway.

“Xar,” Icis began, keeping his voice quiet. He could no longer sense if someone else might be listening in. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Xar nodded after a moment. “Okay, we’re in complete privacy now.”

Still, Icis hesitated, trying to word things correctly. “For one thing, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be going with you on this one.”

Xar’s eyes widened slightly. “Well, that’s fine, but… are you sure you want to without the Force? Given our tendency to run into things, it could be dangerous for you. Besides, I thought you were going to look for a way to restore your powers.”

“This is more important. It’s worth the risk,” Icis said.

“And… What about Zalaria?” the man said testily. “I hate to bring this up, but you’ve been keeping your distance from her ever since she came back with me. I know you don’t trust her; someday I hope you’ll tell me the whole story why.”

“It’s more important than that too, Xar.” Icis clenched his jaw in frustration. It is, but not by much, he thought.

Then he decided to let it out. “I have something to confess, Xar. When we got the Scepter of Karanishma back, I was intrigued by its capabilities and tempted to use its power to see the future. I resisted it, however.” He didn’t say why he’d decided not to. Right now Xar probably wouldn’t understand that there were worse things than the Altarin’Dakor in the universe. Some things could notice you if you poked around in places you shouldn’t.

“However, I finally decided to use it, but to a very limited extent,” he continued, feeling a bit nervous for some reason. After all, it was just Xar. “I… can’t tell you exactly what I saw, but I know I have to be with you on this one… despite the price,” he finished with a whisper.

“What price?”

“I can’t tell you anymore,” Icis said. He didn’t want to risk messing with the future.

“And the Morphioni? Do you have contacts that can find them?”

Icis sighed. “I may not have the resources of a Traveler anymore, but I still know a lot about this galaxy. I know where one of them lives - if he’s still there. If he is, he should be able to help us. It is a long shot, longer than I’m willing to admit to the others, but if we must go on this mission – and I believe we must – then that will be our course of action.”

After a moment, Xar finally nodded his assent. “Very well. I’m putting my trust in you on this. You’ve never failed me before, Icis. I’ll trust that you have your reasons for secrecy right now, but eventually I’ll want to know.”

“Xar, if we make it through the next few days, you will know,” Icis said.

 

* * *

 

Draken Ar’Kell stared out across the west side of the city from his position high on the Palace wall. This part of the city still hadn’t been completely restored, and was home to some of the oldest buildings in Vectur. It was home to several suburban residential sectors where the middle class lived. As the day grew late, the orange ball that was Varnus’ sun sank lower in the sky, silhouetting the ruins against a red, hazy sky. In the distance out there he could see the primary shield generator that provided defense for the city of Vectur itself.

Beside him, Omega Kira took another drink of blue liquid from his glass and sighed. “I wonder why they chose us to come along on the mission,” he said.

Draken looked over at his friend, who held as serious an expression as he’d ever seen on him. “Well, we always do end up on these kinds of things,” he said lightly, trying to raise the mood. “Besides, we’re two of the Division’s most solid fighters with the lightsaber. I personally am getting tired of sitting around. We may not be taking on any AD, but at least we’re doing something.”

“Yeah,” Omega said, taking another sip. “But I really don’t want to leave Calleah right now. She worries about me, and especially with the war going on…” He stared out across the sky, then his gaze slowly dropped down to the street below them. His eyes suddenly went wide. “What the… Isn’t that Mall-duke, or whoever?”

“What?” Draken leaned over, looking straight down at the duracrete twenty meters below them. “By the Sith, it sure is. What’s he doing down there?” Even as he asked it, he knew it was a useless question. Over the past few days, he’d come to realize with a certainty that the man was insane. No one could guess what was going through his mind as he stood there, staring towards the sunset, oblivious to everything around him.

Then the man started walking forward, staring straight ahead, his hands straight at his sides. Draken shook his head. “Maybe he’s finally leaving. Good riddance,” he said, sneering.

“Hey! Mall-duke! Where are you going?!” Omega cried out before Draken could stop him.

But, to the surprise of both, ‘Mall-duke” didn’t turn around. He didn’t seem to have heard the Jedi at all, though as close as they were, he’d have to be deaf not to. Omega called out again.

“Hey you! Don’t you remember us? What are you doing?”

Still nothing. The man had left the road by the Palace now and was heading down one of the side streets, deeper into the ruined part of the city.

Where are you going?” Omega cried out one last time, but to no avail.

They watched the retreating figure until he was just a small speck surrounded by the city. The sun had fallen over halfway past the horizon now, and soon the man became a tiny silhouette, himself. Then he disappeared.

“Oh well. Looks like he’s gone,” Omega said, draining the remaining contents of his glass.

“Good. I hope we never see him again,” Draken said, shaking his head. “He’s one less headache we’ll have to worry about. These last few days have been torture for me.” True, it felt like a weight had been taken from his shoulders. Now if only Omega would finally grow up… “Come on, let’s get ready. We leave tomorrow, you know.”

Omega stared into the empty glass. “Yeah. Guess you’re right.” Then he let go of the glass, and Draken watched as it fell through the dusk air, down the length of the wall, and shattered as it hit the street, far below.

 

* * *

 

Chapter Six