Aftermath and Groundwork 1

  … …

  I eased back on the controls of the Nekebi Vhett as we dropped out of hyperspace. A smile crept onto my face as I sensed the presence of my former Master and the ex-Sith Assassin who now worked with me. Each was masking their presence to a degree, but within the eddies of the Force, it was a trivial matter for me to confirm they were within the system.

  [Anakin, we’re here. Make sure our guests are comfortable while I speak with Dooku and Maul,] I said to the boy via the Force.

  As had been common since we’d departed Dromund Kaas, he was spending his time with Sariss. While I did want to tease him a little about the fact that he was hovering over and protecting the girl, I held my tongue. He was perhaps a little too young to be teased over such things, and I didn’t want him pulling back from Sariss.

  After what that girl had gone through at the hands of her now-dead father and other members of the Prophets of the Darkside, I wouldn’t risk her retreating into a shell again. Beyond her potential with the Force, ripping away the one person who seemed able to get through to her, even if it was just to a small degree, was cruel and unnecessary torment.

  Anakin responded with a confirmation, though he didn’t speak back through our bond. Reaching into the Force, I confirmed that Karia, the only other former member of the Prophets onboard, was in the room next to where Anakin and Sarris were. HK and R2 were powered down and charging, though if anything happened, each would be active in moments, while Fenrir had remained in the cargo hold I’d given over to him and the pack he’d brought with him.

  The new tuk’ata were uncomfortable with being confined, but Fenrir’s position as pack leader was assured, so they made no move to leave the hold. Still, I was the only one to enter when it was time to feed the beasts as they obeyed Fenrir, and he obeyed me. The plan for them was to deposit them on the same continent on Gaia, where Fenrir went whenever we visited the Lokella or when I had to travel incognito and thus couldn’t bring the hulking form of the massive beast with me.

  While the beasts were easy to determine where to place them for safety – theirs and others – the issue of the Prophets, or at least the male members of the cult, had lingered in my thoughts in the days since we’d left Sith Space. An option was to deposit them on another uninhabited continent or island on Gaia; however, there were dangers with that.

  I wouldn’t be staying there for long as I had other goals to pursue, and I suspected the same was true of Maul and Dooku. While my former master might be willing to monitor and discipline the handful of surviving ex-Prophets, asking Maul to do so didn’t feel like the right call.

  Dooku knew how to manage people and train them into something useful. A fact he had proven, as much as I still disliked it, with Vosa. That bitch no longer felt like a threat to me; however, I remained wary of being around her. The memories of what she had done, and made others do, to me while I was captured by the Bando Gora would never disappear. Still, if Dooku felt she could serve a purpose, I would allow it as I trusted his wisdom.

  Using the Force to confirm where the former Jedi and Sith were, I opened a narrow-beam transmission. There shouldn’t be anyone in this system who would listen in, and we were several systems away from any major hyperspace route. However, I would be keeping secure communication with the pair just in case, and as the distance was too great for me to currently reach out to their minds via the Force, a narrow beam was the best option.

  “Confirming arrival. Will be in orbit in one hour.”

  Neither responded verbally, and instead, all I heard was a double-click over the channel. That was the agreed-upon signal, and I closed the channel.

  “Don’t you think you’re being a touch too clandestine?” Simvyl commented from the co-pilot’s chair. “From the initial scans, there’s nothing in this system. Not even an abandoned factory or base.”

  “There’s no such thing as too much security,” I replied with a smirk. “I know we picked this system for the rendezvous, but it’s still within Republic Space. We can never be too cautious over who might be listening from the shadows.”

  Simvyl sighed. “I still think you’re being overly secretive, but it is your call.”

  I nodded, accepting his words even as my fingers danced over the Vhett’s controls. She was a good ship, and one I could see myself using as the base concept for those who would one day work for me as operatives. However, it wasn’t Raven, and I was looking forward to seeing her again, to say nothing of soaring between the stars with her.

  … …

  “How are your guests behaving?” I asked Maul as I stepped through the airlock and onto the Ascendent Spear. That it was he who met me and not Dooku was unexpected, but it granted me a small chance to observe the Zabrak.

  He had flown his assigned ship, Starblade, and the prisoners assigned to his watch, to this system without incident, which was a relief. Now, I knew that because of completing the Tremors of the Ancient Sith quest, his trust in and opinion of me had risen, but I had found myself wondering how reliable the Reputation system of the Interface truly was. There was no way he considered me a Trusted Friend, as the Interface stated it.

  “They understand they are only present at my will and have wisely chosen to limit their encounters with me,” Maul replied as the airlock closed behind me. “None are impressive, though the youngest male might be a suitable apprentice once he has recovered from his time with the cult.”

  “Edre?” I asked to confirm as we moved away from the airlock. Unlike the Vhett, which was a small cargo haulier with hidden extras, or Maul’s Starblade, the Ascendent Spear was a ship that radiated class and power. Hardly a shock given she was a member of a class formerly used by both covert operatives of the Sith Empire and senior diplomats.

  Like the Starblade and the Fearless Slicer, the Spear required a major overhaul, but enough of its regal bearing remained that it was the perfect ship for someone of Dooku’s status. Once it was updated, upgraded, and given a few licks of fresh paint and items of decor, it would be a premium package with elegance and function in spades.

  The walls were all of darker blue and grey hues, which, enhanced by the lighting, granted the vessel a slightly ominous feel. Yet, at the same time, it carried an air of class and sophistication. Add in that its external lines were sleek and generated the impression of something that looked both at rest and soaring through the clouds, and it made it the perfect vessel for someone of regal bearing, such as Dooku.

  “Yes. You were right in saying the boy has potential. Not as much as either of us, Dooku, or your Apprentice, but enough to be potentially very useful for the future.”

  I smirked as we walked. “And what do you foresee in the future? Besides, one day striking down Sidious and Plagueis for deceiving you?”

  Maul grinned, exposing a few sharp teeth. “Is that not why we are meeting here instead of simply continuing to Mandalore or elsewhere?” He countered. “Your goal to unify the Mandalorians is a good one. While not able to use the Force, they are formidable warriors, and we will need their might to stand against the Republic, Jedi, and Sith. However, they cannot be all we gather under our banners.”

  “No, they and the Lokella can’t be all we use, which is, as you surmised, one of the reasons for meeting in this system.”

  “I would also consider the girl travelling with you,” Maul remarked, shifting the conversation back to the topic of a possible apprentice. “Her power is the greatest of those we spared, but the issue is her current frailty. If she cannot overcome what has befallen her, she will never be of any use to us.”

  I nodded, agreeing with the assessment. Truthfully, Maul was an option for training Sariss, as I was against taking on anyone else as a formal apprentice until Anakin was ready to stand alone, while Dooku was adamant about not taking another formal student. He might be working with Vosa currently and had shown interest in helping me guide Quinlan and Aayla, but only as an additional voice and not as the primary teacher.

  “What of Perzan?” I suggested bringing up one member of those we’d taken from Dromund Kaas who had high potential with using the Force. He was the last of those who were of an age that could be easily trained.

  Karia had potential as well, but given that she was so badly abused because of that potential and turned into a brood mother by the Prophets, it was unlikely she would have much interest in learning to harness the Force. At least until she had made some progress in moving on from the ordeal she had endured. There was also the fact that I sensed she wouldn’t wish to be removed from Sariss’ company, which I was accepting of, as the girl needed as much support as could be given to her.

  Before Maul could respond to the idea, a door before us opened, revealing the conference room of the Spear. Inside and already seated was Dooku, and he looked up as we entered. “I trust there were no complications in your departure?”

  “None bar the same irritating Republic security figure in the Korriban system,” I replied as I moved towards the table and took a seat. Maul did likewise, though he left a few empty spaces between us. “How are your passengers doing?”

  “They are currently in the main hold, having converted the area into something of a general-purpose living area. Unless I need to come to the rear of the vessel, I find it easier to remain either in the cockpit or the rather spacious commander’s quarters.”

  I chuckled, finding amusement in his need to separate himself from the women and children we’d rescued from the Prophets. It wasn’t that he disliked others, just that they currently served no purpose to him and were only transporting them, much as Maul was, at my insistence.

  “Are you still intending to submit their DNA to Republic Tracking Services to see if they have any extended family somewhere?”

  “No. After speaking to Karia, I don’t think that’d be worth it. All of them arrived on the planet over a century ago, and they know nothing about where their ancestors came from. The odds that there’d be any links in the Republic archives are, at best, slim and submitting that many requests in succession, even if it wasn’t tracked to us, would draw attention from those we’d rather not become aware of our actions.”

  “A logical choice, however, it now leaves us with twenty-two sentients that we have to find somewhere to deposit. In the case of the handful of remaining Prophets, such a location would need to be somewhere where they couldn’t be easily discovered by the Jedi or Sith.”

  “Gaia would be an option, but I am reluctant to place the former Prophets anywhere near the Lokella. Even if isolated elsewhere on the world, there is still a chance they might become an issue.”

  “Agreed, which is why Maul and I were considering a few possibilities while we awaited your arrival.”

  “You had no issue getting here?” I asked, shifting the conversation for a moment.

  “None. While the systems aboard this ship are antiquated, Anakin did a wonderful job ensuring they were restored to as close to perfect condition as any could be. However, while I am pleased with the boy’s work and find this vessel to my liking, I wish to see it upgraded and modernised.”

  “I would suggest the same for the Starblade,” Maul remarked, drawing my attention. “I look forward to the day I can once again fly the Scimitar, but the Starblade is a capable vessel with a useful design. One, like this vessel and the one it tows, few would instantly recognise if they saw them. Each of them could serve a purpose in our plans.”

  “I intend to speak with Alor Dred Yomaget about them,” I said. “Beyond needing his support to unite the Clans, having the backing of the Clan that has majority control of Mandalmotors would give us access to several shipyards capable of such renovations and other creations.”

  “They are not capable of competing with companies such as Rendili, to say nothing of the major players of Kuat, Corellia, or Sienar, but they are a proficient company. That they are part of the Mandalorians means we had already expected you to speak with them for support, though I had anticipated that you might reach out to others, such as Raith Sienar, regarding the upgrading of our new vessels.”

  “I considered it, but in the end decided against it. SST and its subsidiaries are major shipbuilders of the Republic and a voting member of the Corporate Sector Authority. That means they will side with either the Republic or Sith-crafted forces that will emerge in the coming war. The odds are good that even if the Banite Sith haven’t brought Raith to heel, they are monitoring him and his companies closely. Arriving with ships from thousands of years ago in need of upgrading would only draw attention that, for now, we should be looking to avoid.”

  “Would the same not be true of the Mandalorians? Darth Sidious is well aware of your connections to them, and I suspect he and his Master would expect you to move to gather the support of Clan Yomaget. I would expect they have operatives in the company already.”

  “I would be shocked if they didn’t,” I replied to Maul’s comment. “Both Sith Lords will be seeking to either use me as a pawn or convert me into an apprentice before and even during the war to destroy the Republic and Jedi.” I glanced at Dooku. “The same would be true of you as well, Master.” He nodded, signalling his agreement with my statement, and after that, I turned back to Maul.

  “However, if I avoid the obvious choice, then it would make them wonder what I was up to. It is better to move in the light as they expect for now, and I am sure that with these ships and a few other choice pieces of intelligence we gathered, I can not only assure Alor Dred’s support but that various projects remain hidden from the rest of the Mandalmotors board.”

  “You speak of the fragment of the Star Forge?”

  “I do. Potentially at least.” I leaned forward, placing my forearms on the table. “The Infinite Engine, and it would be wisest if we refer to it as that or some other codename we assign it, is best hidden for now. Its current form is nowhere near useful, and even at my most generous estimates, it will take more than five years before it is capable of being used as a simple shipyard, never mind a superweapon like the Star Forge was before its destruction.”

  “Is there no way to accelerate its growth, such as gathering any remaining sections of the Star Forge from where its ruins remain?”

  “That might be possible, but getting to the Lehon System would be a challenge. We did, I believe, gather the location of it from the Jedi,” Dooku nodded to confirm that. “However, reaching it would be an issue. Not only are the star lanes to Lehon barely used, but they are monitored by Republic security, and I would suspect the Jedi as well.”

  “In theory, they should be. However, if the observation is as lax as we saw in the Korriban system, then it might be possible to slip past them without drawing too much attention.” Dooku ran his hand down his beard. “If we attempt that, I suggest not using the Vhett as it is linked to entry into Sith Space. Even using a false name might not be enough, as recordings of the vessel’s entry and exit into Sith Space could be compared to travel to and from Lehon.”

  “I’m sure I can borrow another vessel from Alor Torrhen or Alor Adonai,” I remarked. “But, for now, it is probably best to avoid going to Lehon or other restricted systems. The Banite Sith are no doubt wondering what I have been up to over the last few months, as I was a no-show at the second anniversary of the liberation of Naboo.”

  That had passed while we were on Dromund Kaas, and while I had informed Padmé I wouldn’t be attending, she had been disappointed. She had spoken of how I was to be the guest of honour again, but the way she spoke made clear her disappointment was more personal than political. Given she was now sixteen, I had a fair idea of why that was, and I was pleased that I hadn’t gone.

  I wasn’t against starting something with her, but as I was planning to unite the Mando’ade under my banner, it was best for me to keep some distance from her. The Naboo might be more open to the concept of self-defence, but to learn the hero of their liberation – their term for me – had not just left the Jedi but was seeking to unify the Mandalorian Clans might cause Padmé political difficulties. Particularly if we were seen to be overly close.

  “It is unfortunate that you couldn’t attend that gathering,” Dooku observed, his hand still stroking his beard. “From reading the Holonet, it seems both Co-Chancellors attended, and questions were being asked in some sections of the media as to why the Jedi hadn’t allowed you to be present.”

  “Anything that hurts the Jedi’s reputation is of use to the Sith.”

  “And to us,” I added, drawing an approving smile from Maul. “No doubt once I reconnect to the Holonet, I’ll discover several messages from Queen Amidala and the Co-Chancellors over my no-show. I already have my responses ready, so it should ease their concerns about my apparent disappearance over the last few months, and as the Chancellors will already be aware, I will reveal to them I have left the Order over a difference of direction and opinion.”

  “I don’t like your need to remain in contact with them,” Maul remarked in a voice barely above a growl. “It would be safer to place distance between you and them.”

  “I will, but I can’t simply do it overnight. That would draw their attention more than a gradual drift apart occurring in a seemingly natural way would. One that, once I move openly to unite the Clans, they will be forced to encourage. Publicly, they would not wish to be seen as interfering in the sovereign affairs of a Republic world – even one that was forced into the Republic at the barrel of a turbolaser – while privately they would be considering how to use my people and me to advance their plans.”

  Maul growled slightly. “I continue to dislike your plan for dealing with my former Master, but I cannot fault your logic. Darth Sidious will, the moment you begin acting in ways he doesn’t expect, begin focusing greater attention on you. By drawing out a separation of interests, you can ensure that a harsher focus doesn’t fall on you, and by extension, us, until we are prepared to begin moving openly against him, his Master, and the rest of the galaxy.”

  “I’m glad you approve,” I said with a smile to make clear I wasn’t dismissing his words and instead slightly teasing him. “Returning to the Engine, the best option would be to seek a system far from regular space lanes that is rich in matter without being a place that anyone would travel to for any reason.”

  “Such systems are numerous throughout the galaxy,” Dooku commented. “The issues that I can presently see are the need for it to be somewhere remote, and ideally not already owned by any sentient or company. While there are likely numerous systems that are owned but never visited or monitored, any of them carries a risk of discovery once the Engine grows to a size not easily hidden.”

  “Purchasing a system would draw attention as well if done under your name or Dooku’s,” Maul added, echoing a thought I’d already had during the flight from Korriban. “Even using an alias might draw attention. Perhaps not from the Sith, but from those who watch such registries in the hopes of locating riches to either exploit or steal them for themselves.”

  “Indeed,” I said, copying my former Master’s tone and delivery. Dooku partially raised a single eyebrow at my impersonation but otherwise didn’t react. “Hence why I feel an unclaimed, or even abandoned, system would be best. The Engine is going to be of no use to me for many years, but if I don’t seek somewhere safe for it to grow and develop now, then the potential it represents will be wasted.”

  “It should not be overly difficult to have someone examine the Holonet for such a purpose. I would only suggest that they are not someone known to the Jedi or Sith as an affiliate of yourself.”

  “That was my thinking as well, Master,” I replied with a slight lowering of my head. “Perhaps one of the more recent members of the Lokella who isn’t known to the Order would be best. They don’t need to know why I need the information, and could easily be asked to search for other uninhabited systems to further disguise the purpose of their work.”

  “That would be the logical course of action.” Dooku paused for a moment, his hand finally leaving his beard. “That does, however, still leave the issue of the remaining members of the Prophets, along with the rescued women and children. I would recommend that the males be kept elsewhere to not risk forcing the women and children to relive their ordeals, and so the males are not tempted to commit crimes.”

  “For the women and children, I’m thinking of taking them to the Lokella. I know it’s predictable to use the group for many of my actions currently, but they are best placed to look after those survivors. They should also be able to help with guiding the women, especially to find some desire to continue living and not drown in the pain they’ve endured.”

  I took a breath, easing the bubbling fury in my core. Every time I recalled what had been done to those women and young girls by the Prophets, I wished I could turn back time to have those monsters suffer all over again for their crimes. There were also whispers saying the few remaining Prophets, all of whom were cleared by the women, should be punished as well. They might not have done anything by the time we destroyed the group, but if we hadn’t arrived, they would have.

  That idea, along with other morbid and deranged ways to further punish the already dead Prophets, was pushed down and aside. I wasn’t going to allow the Dark Side the chance to exploit my continual anger over what had happened, so it could seek a way to drag me into its abyss. I commanded myself, not the Force.

  “I would concur with that assessment. As for the males, at least those of age, I would suggest somewhere far from the Lokella. It would be unwise to leave them close to temptation, particularly if all of us are busy with other matters.”

  “Sadly, I don’t have a spare prison lying around,” I replied, trying to inject a little humour into the meeting, “and while it is tempting to simply execute those… people, I feel it would be a waste of resources. We lack fighters capable of using the Force.” I saw the twitch of annoyance that flashed over Maul’s brow. “No, I don’t think any will become a great warrior, at least not one able to stand toe to toe with the best the Mando’ade have. However, with the right training, they could be capable warriors to deploy against weaker Force users that we might encounter.”

  “You intend to eventually send them against Padawans and weaker Knights?” Dooku’s voice was calm, betraying no hint of emotion on the topic. However, the fact that he had brought it up instantly made it clear he still held, perhaps, hope that we could convert Jedi to our cause.

  “While, in time, all three of us will become strong enough to defeat members of the Jedi Council and the Banite Sith, we cannot be everywhere. Even if the Sith plan for war draws Jedi across the galaxy, we won’t be capable of taking them all down. Or at least those who cannot remove the veil that hides the truth from them.” I leaned back and sighed. “I don’t want to kill Padawans and younglings, but there may come a time when it is required, and we are busy dealing with more pressing matters.”

  “None of them is powerful, but with the right motivation, I believe they could become acceptable warriors or assassins,” Maul offered. The way he said motivation made clear his methods would be brutal, but perhaps that was what would be needed. “Before we can consider finding any use for them, they must be broken to their cores and then rebuilt. As they are now, even your Apprentice could defeat them with ease.”

  I chuckled. “Anakin is not your normal apprentice, but I concur.” I shook my head and chuckled again. “Haran, I think even a few Padawans I know around his age could defeat the remaining Prophets,” I added, my thoughts concentrating on Tedra. “Nevertheless, you are right that they need to be retrained.”

  “Perhaps an abandoned mining asteroid or even something similar that was once used by slavers or pirates?” Dooku suggested, his hand having, in the time I was talking to Maul, returned to stroking his beard. “The Lokella may have knowledge of such bases that they have either cleared and didn’t destroy or have not yet moved against. It would be a trivial matter to secure one such base and place the Prophets there.”

  “That would work, but then who would train them?” I already knew it wouldn’t be me. Once everything related to Dromund Kaas and what we took from the planet was sorted out, I intended to start moving to gather support from the Clans.

  I’d need at least forty per cent of the Clan Alors to side with me if I wanted the chance to become Mand'alor with minimal bloodshed. Of the various Alors, several, such as Anzur Varaud and Krarthog Wrajud, were on a list to be killed regardless of their support, while a few others, such as Pre Vizsla, were on a list to be removed if they wouldn’t submit to my rule.

  Truthfully, if not for Naz, I would have placed Pre on the kill-regardless list. I still expected that I would need to remove him from the board, but I hoped that doing so wouldn’t cost me Naz’s friendship and love, or that of her brother, who would assume leadership of Clan Vizsla with Pre’s death.

  “I am willing to oversee the initial stages of their training; however, I do intend to return to Serenno,” Dooku replied slowly. “I surrendered my inheritance when I became a Jedi, but the support of the Counts would be useful for gathering supplies and purchasing bodies for the coming battles.”

  I nodded in agreement, aware that even with my current funds, which had been almost six hundred billion credits before we’d entered Sith Space, I needed more money. While the Mando’ade would follow once I was Mand'alor, they alone were not enough to stand against the might of the GAR and CIS. No, I needed other worlds, peoples, and armies to side with me, along with the weaponry, ships, and equipment to outfit them.

  The Counts of Serenno, of which House Dooku was the most prominent, were rich. Stinking rich if I was being blunt. I was sure that it was those Credits, along with other sources, that Dooku had used to begin building the Separatist movement before the outbreak of the Clone Wars in the other timeline. Getting those resources, and the people who truly believed the Republic was beyond saving but didn’t support groups like the Trade Federation or Techo Union, was something that I needed to do.

  “If they are not ready by the time you wish to return home, what then?”

  Dooku’s lips twitched at Maul’s question, and I felt a faint shift in the Force. One that, while not a threat, seemed slightly concerning. “I was thinking it would be an acceptable way for Komari to show she can be of use to us.”

  I blinked at his words, and my mouth fell open; an insult aimed at that bitch forming on my tongue.

  “I am well aware of your concerns regarding her, Cameron. However, Komari has progressed well under my guidance, and I feel she is at the point where she can be of use. While her methods are… unorthodox, she is well trained in realigning the thoughts and goals of Force users.”

  “Yes. I’m aware of that,” I remarked as I ground my teeth. “I spent some time enduring those methods.”

  Maul glanced at me, no doubt wondering about the fury that was rapidly building in me. Honestly, if I could move past my issues with Vosa, I could see the logic Dooku was applying and might even approve of it. The problem, however, was that I never could truly move past my issues. Eidetic Memory ensured that I remembered every moment I spent in her ‘care’ with perfect clarity of my senses and emotions.

  “Indeed. While Komari would not resort to such methods now, she is, I feel, more than capable of finishing the training of the former Prophets that I will begin.” The slightest of smiles slipped onto his lips. “She would also be quite capable of altering the Prophet’s ideals regarding the role of a female in their company.”

  I grunted, barely able to let even a hint of amusement at what Vosa might do slip out. I wouldn’t deny that the Prophets would be getting exactly what they deserved if they chose to try anything with that bitch, but I couldn’t bring myself to support anything that involved Vosa.

  “This Vosa was not impressive when I encountered her. Her skills were lacking, and there were numerous flaws in her style. However, I can respect her efforts to turn the Bando Gora into something more dangerous than they had once been.” I glanced at Maul, not liking that he sounded supportive of Dooku’s idea. “If she can use those skills to train warriors for our cause, then I feel this is worth considering, as I have no intention of training such weak fools.”

  “And where do you intend to head instead?”

  Maul smiled, exposing some of his teeth, at Dooku’s question. “I am not sure of where I will eventually head. As a start, I seek to examine the Scimitar and oversee the upgrading of the Starblade. For the Scimitar, I believe that before we fought on Naboo, I had already located all the tracking devices and sections of code my former Master installed in the vessel, removing those I felt I could without risking angering him. I want to ensure all such flaws are removed, as the vessel is one designed for moving without being seen or tracked by others. As for the Starblade, it is, in many ways, a predecessor of the Scimitar. If it can be upgraded to the specifications I have in mind, it would serve efficiently as either a secondary vessel for myself or a ship for agents loyal to us.”

  “I’ll have someone escort you to your vessel’s location once we’ve deposited the Prophets,” I said, pushing aside for now my anger towards Vosa. There was, after all, no point in dwelling on and letting it distract me from my important matters. “If it can be cleared, then there should be no issue with you using the vessel, save perhaps the chance Sidious or Plagueis are made aware of its continued existence and move to capture it. Which is, I suspect, why you want to have the Starblade retrofitted to your specifications.”

  “It is.”

  I turned back to Dooku. “My issues with Vosa aside, I can see the logic you are using, Master, and as I am outvoted on the matter, will abstain from rejecting it.” Dooku inclined his head slightly in thanks. “However, the base where she and the Prophets are placed must be kept isolated, with only a handful of people outside of us aware of its purpose. I’d also insist that there be no way for those on the base, wherever that ends up being, to be able to leave or even communicate with the outside galaxy. I won’t risk granting her a chance to escape because of your faith in her re-education.”

  “I had already considered those requests and see no issues with them. Beyond Komari, we cannot allow the Prophets the chance to escape into the wider galaxy. If the Jedi or Sith become aware of their existence, it would lead to them learning of our recent adventures, and potentially your parentage.”

  I grunted in annoyance and brought a hand down over my face. “Yeah, that.”

  Coming to terms with the fact that I was, in some way, the child of the former Sith Emperor had plagued my mind ever since we’d left Dromund Kaas. I understood that I wasn’t his son in a traditional sense of the world, nor did I think I would ever desire power the way he had gathered it. However, the simple fact that I shared anything in common with such a person made me uncomfortable.

  I was a warrior, and while I would do whatever it took to win a battle, including what others might call underhanded or evil, I wasn’t someone who would slaughter those following me to gain more power. There was no honour in such actions. Yet the fear that I might one day attempt such a thing, or any of the other vile actions Vitiate had taken, lingered in my thoughts.

  “What are your plans regarding Jango Fett? Drawing out a bounty hunter of his skill will be difficult.”

  I stared at my former Master for a few moments. His history with Jango, or at least the group Jango had once been a member of, was a scar on his soul that I’d helped him close. I’d told him that Jango was still regarded by many as the current Mand’alor, so it was logical he would bring that up.

  “Right now, unless I miss my guess, Jango is currently holed up somewhere indirectly under the control of the Sith.” I couldn’t directly mention Kamino as Maul was unaware of the plan for a clone army, but I could at least hint at things a little easier because of his knowledge. “With his reputation, he would only take the most important jobs on offer to the bounty hunter or assassin guilds. When the time is right, I know exactly how I will bring him to me.”

  “You intend to place a bounty on yourself?”

  “I do,” I replied to Maul’s query. “If the offer is high enough and I frame it as targeting a rogue Jedi, Jango will bite. His anger towards the Order isn’t likely to have cooled after Galidraan.” I glanced at Dooku, but he showed no reaction to the mention of that mission. “Once he takes the bounty and learns I seek to unify the Mandalorians, he will come to me directly.”

  “And what of others who might seek the bounty?”

  “Practice for the real thing,” I replied with a dark chuckle. “Once Jango is dead, I’ll cancel the bounty, and with his death – so long as I make sure there are witnesses – I will be assured of the title of Mand'alor. Of course, before that happens, I need to focus on gathering my support so I’ll be busy in the Mandalore Sector.”

  “What are your estimates of how long it shall take?”

  “To get the initial support, I’d say anything from a few months to a year. It depends on how many Clan leaders I can convince before I announce my intention to the people. From there, another year at most to bring those Clans that won’t support a former Jedi as Mand'alor to heel, though I could be delayed depending on the actions of the Jedi and Republic. After that, another year at most to reform the Clans into something I can use as a true military force.”

  “The Order should not make any move against you as you gather the Mandalorians. They might, however, reach out in an attempt to discern your intentions. The moment that you move against others in the Republic, they will come for you.” Dooku paused and tapped his chin. “As for the Chancellors, it is harder to predict their actions.

  “If they were just Chancellors, then they would seek a wait-and-see attitude, with Palpatine being the more likely to suggest a peaceful conversation with you. However, as they are Sith Lords, I believe they might seek to clandestinely support you. At least if your actions can be made to enhance their plans for the future.”

  I smiled almost viciously. “Oh, don’t worry. I have a few ideas to ensure that they, the Senate, and the Jedi can’t move against me as openly as they might wish once I’ve become Mand'alor. The challenge, which isn’t as great as it could be, is ensuring they remain at least neutral until I have taken the title and sit on the Mandalorian throne.”

  … …

  … …

  “And here I thought you were dead. No calls, no messages, nothing for over two months.”

  I chuckled at the comment as Bo sashayed towards me, a sway in her step. My eyes drank in the sight of her in her armour as she moved, and I didn’t need the Force to sense the desire and need radiating from her as she advanced.

  “Clan business,” I replied with a smirk as I walked down the ramp of the Vhett.

  Bo shook her head, a smile dancing on her face. “Somehow I don’t believe that,” she commented just before she reached me. Once she did, her hands came up, slid around my neck and pulled my head down.

  As she kissed me, she ground her body against mine, or as best she could, given we were both wearing armour. My hands went to her hips and slid around her back, pulling her close as I took command of the kiss. The faint moan that slipped from her as I angled her head back was followed by her pressing even firmer against me before I broke the lip lock.

  “That’s certainly a nice way to be welcomed home.”

  Bo smiled and placed one hand on my armoured chest. “Oh, that’s just the beginning of the welcome I have in mind,” she whispered huskily before pulling back slightly.

  Around us, members of the dock crew were glancing our way, but I knew that wasn’t why she was slipping from my grasp. Bo had never been a traditional Mando’ade when it came to relationships and the rules of her culture, and it was known to many in Keldabe or connected to Clan Kryze that we were involved. I’d heard a few whispered comments about a future marriage between myself and Bo the last time I had been here, and I was sure those would only grow given her rather aggressive greeting.

  “You’re the welcoming committee, I take it?” I asked even as her eyes shifted from me, no doubt seeing Anakin slowly emerging from the Vhett.

  “Yes. My father and Alor Torrhen are busy meeting with other leaders of our people, while Naz was recalled by her father for a Clan meeting.” She paused, and her eyes narrowed. “Who’s that?”

  A chuckle slipped from my lips at her words, or more accurately, her tone. No doubt Sariss and Karia were exiting with Anakin, which was why there was a small hint of jealousy radiating from Bo.

  “Survivors from a group we encountered on our travels,” I replied even as I shifted to give her a better view of the newcomers. “I’ll go into details once we’re somewhere more secure,” I began, glancing at the people moving around the bay, “however, these are two of about two dozen that we either captured or liberated from that group.”

  “Hello, Bo,” Anakin said with a wide smile as he neared. Bo’s eyes seemed to dance with amusement as he neared, and it was easy to tell why. Sariss, as had been a common thing since we’d departed Dromund Kaas, was holding Anakin’s hand.

  She might be older than him by a few years, but she was using him as emotional support; something Anakin seemed not to mind. Given that he was the only male – be that boy or man – that Sariss was comfortable being around, I hadn’t teased him about the seeming closeness of the pair, but I knew Bo would soon enough. At least once, her rage after discovering what Sariss, Karia, and the other women and girls had gone through had settled.

  “I see you’ve found some friends,” Bo replied, stepping around me even as her hand slid down my arm and interlocked her fingers with mine.

  Anakin nodded and smiled in return, clearly not catching the light tease of Bo’s tone. “Yes. This is Sariss, and that’s Karia,” he replied. Karia nodded but otherwise did nothing while Sariss shifted, sliding slightly behind Anakin for safety. “We rescued them and brought them with us.”

  “Hello there, I’m Bo-Katan Kryze.” As she spoke, she moved closer, a smile on her face. “Any friend of Cam’s and Anakin’s is a friend of mine,” she added as Sariss avoided eye contact.

  “You’ll have to forgive Sariss,” Karia said, placing a hand on the shoulder of the younger girl. “The people that held us… they did many terrible things to us until Lord Cameron and those with him killed them.”

  “Lord Cameron?”

  I ignored Bo’s half-teasing, half-curious question. “They need to be examined by medics,” I said gently as I lightly squeezed Bo’s hand, “female medics.” As if a switch had been flipped in her head, Bo changed. Gone was the happy and amused expression, and in its place was one that carried murderous intent. “All those responsible are dead,” I added to hopefully settle her growing rage. “Several died extremely painfully.”

  “Good.” The word came out as little more than a snarl as she glared at me.

  She turned back to face Anakin and the women, though not before pushing the rage from her face. “I’ll take you to my clan’s healers personally,” she continued. Her hand slipped free of mine while she offered the other to Sariss. “Once that’s done, if you want, others and I will teach the basics of defending yourself.”

  Sariss stared at the hand for a moment before, after he squeezed her hand, she turned and looked at Anakin. He smiled and nodded in response, and if not for the seriousness of the moment and everything Sariss had endured because of her father and the Prophets, I’d have found it extremely amusing how much she clung to the boy.

  The girl nodded but made no move to take Bo’s hand. Sensing her discomfort, Anakin took the hand instead so that Bo wouldn’t be left hanging awkwardly. “Bo’s my friend, Sariss,” he said in a quiet voice, “I trust her.”

  “O-okay.”

  That was the first time I’d heard Sariss talk in a few days and one of the only times since we’d left Dromund Kaas. I didn’t know how talkative she was with Karia or Anakin, but whenever I was around, she was extremely nervous and withdrawn. Entirely expected and thus not something I was in any way offended by. Hells, I’d even done what I could to limit my direct interactions with Anakin while we travelled the hyperspace lanes to not discomfort the girl, instead sticking to mental communication with my son and apprentice.

  That did mean he’d had almost a month off from training, but it was fine. Sariss’ recovery, at least the initial steps, was the most important thing during the voyage as far as daily life went.

  Bo smiled and moved to Anakin’s side – the one opposite Sariss. She gave Karia a nod; any hint of curiosity or jealousy at the other woman having emerged from my vessel was, if not gone, then completely hidden. “Welcome to Mandalore. If you’d like, I’ll take you to the medics as well.” Karia nodded, though not before a side-eye glance my way as if to ensure it was safe and acceptable to do so.

  She would’ve noted the comfort Bo and I held for each other, but that likely factored into her accepting the offer. However, it was clear that, like Sariss and the women aboard the Spear, Karia sought confirmation from me before making a decision. I’d allowed it on the journey here and would do so as we travelled to Gaia; however, she’d have to start breaking from the habit as I wouldn’t be spending long with them after we arrived. I had too much to do here on Mandalore and throughout this sector to devote the time and effort needed to the women and children freed from the Prophets.

  “My father and Alor Torrhen are at a compound on the western side of the city,” Bo said to me, a little smile of amusement creeping onto her face when Sariss couldn’t see it. “They’re waiting to speak with you about certain plans you mentioned before you left.”

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  “No doubt,” I replied with a chuckle. “Master Dooku has others like these two with him who require attention. His vessel should be landing soon,” I added.

  Maul wouldn’t be landing, as I didn’t want the handful of members of the Prophets that I’d not killed anywhere near Bo or others, as word of what Sariss, Karia, and the other women had endured spread. While I didn’t begrudge others wanting to kill those linked to rapists, none of those I’d allowed to survive had carried out such an act, at least according to the victims, and they would pay for being former Prophets of the Dark Side by serving me in coming battles.

  Bo nodded, catching what I was implying. “How many?”

  “Sixteen in total, some younger than Sariss.” A surge of anger rose from Bo, and her eyes burned with fury. “None of them were… damaged,” I added to answer the question that had been born in her rage. “The women, however,…” I left the statement unfinished.

  “You’re sure all those responsible are dead?” I nodded, and Bo barely held back her snarl. Something I suspected she wouldn’t have if not for Sariss’ presence. “I hope it hurt.”

  “It did. The Master made sure those who survived the battle died suffering,” Karia answered, offering me a smile laced with gratitude. “The boy allowed Sariss some closure as well.”

  While her anger was still present but slowly being restrained, Bo turned her head to look down at Anakin and smiled with an odd mix of warmth and coldness. “Good.”

  Anakin smiled back, though before he or anyone else could say anything, a light growl from the top of the Vhett’s ramp drew our attention.

  “Hello Fenrir,” Bo said warmly, pushing aside her anger over what had happened for the moment.

  “We weren’t the only ones to find others,” I said with a light chuckle.

  Bo turned her head, intending to look at me for I assumed clarification, only to stop. Beside Fenrir, the eyes of one of the tuk’ata he’d claimed dominion over emerged. Unlike Fenrir, their eyes glowed red, giving them a more ominous appearance as they stood at the top of the ramp. “Shab’ni.” I chuckled at the curse. “How many?”

  “Five, including two younglings,” I answered. Stepping back to the Vhett, I moved around the foursome and stopped at the base of the ramp. “They’re not used to people yet, so I’d suggest making sure the mechanics remain back until I bring Raven over.” I glanced at Bo. “And no, you can’t take one. At least not until they’re ready and Fenrir approves,” I added, knowing well what thoughts would be racing through Bo’s head.

  She smirked. “I never said I wanted one, but if you offer, I won’t say no.” After the comment, she chuckled and then looked at me. “I’ll let you tell the mechanics, I have somewhere else to be.”

  I nodded before replying. “Fine, but make sure someone comes here to help with the others.” She rolled her eyes, as if amused and annoyed that I thought she might forget to do that.

  As she led Anakin, Sariss, and Karia away, I leaned against one of the pistons that lowered and lifted the ramp. Around me, Mando’ade moved about, several looking my way. Their expressions varied, but none seemed annoyed or angered by my presence, nor did I sense any hint of a threat within the Force.

  I’d head off to speak with Adonai and Torrhen soon, but I’d wait for Dooku to land first. Not that I didn’t trust Bo, but because of the chance someone might try to enter the Vhett without permission and thus run into Fenrir and his pack. As much as those who might enter without permission would get what they deserved when facing off against a pack of tuk’ata, I’d rather not see any warriors wounded or worse in such a pointless way.

  … …

  … …

  “I’m here at the request of Alor Adonai, and as I had to take time out of my schedule for this, I do hope it turns out to be worthwhile.”

  I chuckled at Alor Dred Yomaget’s comment after we’d finished greeting each other. “I’m sure it will be,” I responded as I gestured for him to sit.

  We were in one of the private rooms of the Oyu’baat Cantina in Keldabe, and guards were ensuring no one could enter without permission. The guards I had were on loan from House Kryze, but Adonai assured me they would obey my command. Still, to ensure that was the case, Bo had decided to accompany me to this meeting.

  She sat at my side, a knowing grin on her face as Dred sat opposite. No doubt she knew part of why I had asked for his meeting, but I was sure the extra details would be a surprise. Given how they were linked to what I’d found and learnt on Dromund Kaas, I was certain that was part of why she’d decided to accompany me, as outside of her father and Torrhen Ordo, I was keeping what had been found and taken from the former Sith throne world hidden.

  She’d tried rather impressively the last few days to learn what I was withholding, even working with Naz the last two evenings to attempt to persuade me to reveal my secrets. Thankfully, beyond being able to withstand their pleasurable form of interrogation, I was more than capable of distracting them with other endeavours.

  I picked up a bottle of ne’tra gal, one of the more expensive vintages, and poured three mugs. After handing one to Dred, I leaned back in my seat and waited for him to finish taking a mouthful before speaking.

  “As you are likely aware, I left Mandalore around two and a half months ago on a ship borrowed from Alor Torrhen Ordo.” Dred nodded, confirming he knew this fact. While we had kept it secret from many, I’d allowed Adonai and Torrhen to speak of it with a handful of others, including Dred. They hadn’t told the head of Mandalmotors where I’d gone, but left just enough hints that I wished to speak with Dred on my return, which was why this meeting was taking place so soon after I’d returned to the planet.

  “What you, along with Bo-Katan here, are unaware of is where I went.” I reached into a pouch around my waist and pulled out three datapads. “For now, I’ll not reveal that; however, while there, we located several things that I needed to speak with you about. Things that are besides the primary reason I requested this meeting.”

  “I assume because of her presence that Houses Kryze and Ordo know where you went and what you found there?”

  “They do, though my companion does not know the full details, so her reactions will be like yours.” I slid one of the datapads across the table. “On there are schematics of three vessels that my companions and I located. Each of them I would like to be upgraded and retrofitted by Mandalmotors.”

  Dred picked up the pad even as I continued.

  “I would request that the work be done in secure hangars and that those involved in the project can be trusted not to speak of their work, as I wish for the existence of those vessels to remain hidden. If nothing else, ensure that there is nothing to reveal that your company carried out the work and that they belong to me.”

  As I had spoken, Dred’s brow had risen slightly as he opened the pad and saw the details contained within it. I stayed silent as he browsed the schematics of the Starblade, Ascendent Spear, and Fearless Slicer, wanting both to give him time to look over the details and see what sort of response he would have to the files.

  At my side, Bo glanced my way even as she sipped her drink. She’d seen the Spear when Dooku had landed it next to the Vhett as she’d come to gather the other women with several trained medics. When she hadn’t been protecting the women and children who emerged with my former Master, her eyes had wandered over the sleek, polished lines of the ancient ship with interest. That interest was less in the ship itself, but in where I had found it, though, like with every other detail regarding my journey, she’d yet to discover the truth.

  “I don’t recall ever seeing designs such as these,” Dred remarked slowly as he lowered the pad. “The first is obviously a Republic concept, but the other two aren’t ones I can discern the lineage of. From the various components, it’s clear they’re all very old. Perhaps from the New Sith Wars at the youngest. Based on your statement, am I to assume all three are in a condition to be repaired and enhanced?”

  “They are. The second ship there is currently parked alongside my ship in a secure House Kryze hangar,” I replied, giving Bo a side-eye look.

  After the unloading of the women and children, I’d piloted the Spear there, and it now rested beside Raven in Adonai’s command centre. Interestingly, that was no longer in Sundari but in one of the smaller domed towns that circled the New Mandalorians' former capital. I wasn’t sure why he had moved his command out of Sundari, or at least why it wasn’t fully back in Keldabe, but the smaller settlement was accessible only to those directly from Clan Kryze, meaning, in theory, even Pre wouldn’t learn of the Spear’s presence there for a short while. At least long enough that I could secure Dred’s agreement for its upgrading.

  “You are saying it's spaceworthy?” Dred asked, a small hint of wonder in his tone.

  “It, along with the third design, travelled several weeks through hyperspace to Mandalore.” His brow rose at hearing that, though he quickly regained his focus. “The first design, sadly, wasn’t one my son and a travelling companion were able to repair sufficiently to fly under its own power and was towed to another system.”

  That system was one in a neighbouring sector. Maul, much to his annoyance, I was sure, remained there to avoid others seeing the Starblade and Slicer. The Spear, while just as old as the other two, had sleeker lines and anyone spotting it as we’ve travelled to Mandalore would hopefully think it was some form of custom design based on something made by the Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps, Mendel Baudo Shipyards or a similar company known for sleek and elegant ship designs.

  “I am impressed that your son was able to get any of them to fly. That he managed to repair two is something I think my engineers would have struggled with.”

  “Anakin’s a gifted kid,” Bo said in a voice that reminded me of a proud parent. “He’s got a knack with anything mechanical that’s impressive.”

  “I would be most interested in meeting him if you would permit it,” Dred commented, and I swore I could see the gears in his head turning.

  “Depending on how this meeting progresses, I think that can be arranged,” I replied before gesturing at the pad. “To answer one of the questions regarding those ships, they’re from before the New Sith Wars. From the days of Te Gra’tuure Mand'alor.”

  As expected, the mention of that Mand'alor – Shae Visla – drew a reaction from both. Dred’s eyes widened in surprise, no doubt mainly at discovering the age of the vessels that I was claiming were still spaceworthy. As for Bo, her hand grasped my arm at the elbow joint.

  “What?” She blurted out. “Those ships are from her era?”

  I turned to her and smiled. “They are.”

  I was well aware of what Shae Visla meant to Bo. The former Mand'alor had been her role model and hero when she was younger, and I wondered how she might react if she discovered that I had the holocron of Darth Malgus, a man whom Shae had fought beside during the Battle of Alderaan and the Sacking of the Jedi Temple during the fall of Coruscant. I knew Malgus would have no interest in telling her anything about Shae, but the image of Bo begging the holocron for information was one I’d found amusing ever since gaining ownership of it.

  Bo’s mouth slipped open slightly; her shock overwhelming her for a moment. I chuckled and patted her hand. “I’ll tell you more later,” I said before returning my focus to Dred. “As you surmised, the first design was Republic in origin. The latter two, however, were Sith creations.”

  “Where did you find them?” he asked, a hint of need in his voice, while I sensed a desire for knowledge through the Force. As if he sought to learn what secret cache I’d located the vessels in.

  “For now, that will remain my secret,” I replied with a slight smirk. “Not even Bo-Katan is aware of where I headed.”

  “He’s right and I tried extremely hard to get him to spill that knowledge,” Bo added in a tone that made clear exactly how she’d tried to persuade me.

  Dred chuckled, not even slightly put off by the sexual undertones of Bo’s statement. “Very well, though I do hope that one day others might learn where you found such intriguing relics. The chance to examine schematics of even vessels from bygone eras is one I would be a fool to pass up.”

  I nodded, keeping my amusement at his statement internal. Not least because of what was on the last of the three datapads I had with me today. “How long would it take to get an estimate on the cost of upgrading those three vessels?”

  Dred looked down at the datapad again, his fingers sliding over the screen to, I assume, examine the schematics of the trio of vessels taken from Dromund Kaas in more detail. I stayed silent, more than willing to wait for him to take the time needed.

  “At a rough estimate, you’d be looking at at least half a million Credits and at least a month, though more likely two, to have the work completed if I assigned dedicated teams to it. However, until I know the exact details of what you want added, I can’t do better than that.”

  I extended my hand. Dred understood my meaning and handed me back the datapad. Tapping at the screen, I unlocked the fourth file on the pad. This had been crafted by Maul and Anakin and covered everything that they would like added to the vessel.

  “This is the full list,” I said as I handed back the pad to Dred. “I’m not sure if everything there can be added to each vessel, but the more that can be – even if it requires enhancing the power core and other systems – the better.”

  Dred whistled softly as he read the list, which was understandable. Each ship would be looking at a hyperdrive that was at least 1.0-rated, enhanced armour, shields, weaponry, and sublight engines for its size. For the Spear, the internal elements were to be of the highest standards possible, as it would be serving as Dooku’s personal vessel for the near future. Given his eventual intention to return to Serenno and potentially reclaim his title of Count, I wanted the Spear to rival any luxury ship of that size internally while being able to destroy or escape any vessel that might conceivably intercept it.

  “This is… an impressively detailed list.” He lifted his head and looked at me carefully. “Your ad’s actions?”

  “Along with another, yes.”

  Dred brought a hand to his chin and rubbed it as he pondered the list. “Adding in all this, or at least what I believe would be possible, the cost will at least double.” He looked at me carefully. “Would it not be wiser to simply purchase new vessels and have these sold as collector’s items?”

  “It would, but I don’t wish for that. Their uniqueness is part of why I wish them to be upgraded beyond current standards. For those I intend to let fly them, I wish each vessel’s presence to signify something specific.”

  Dread chuckled. “They will do that.” He placed the pad down in front of him, a wide smile spreading over his face. “When I accepted your request for a meeting, Alor Cameron, this is far from what I expected.”

  “And what did you expect?” I probed, matching his smile with one of my own.

  He chuckled again and glanced at Bo. “Given your past actions, your closeness with Alor Adonai and Alor Torrhen, and your recent departure from the Order, I had expected a suggestion of allying our Clans for some purpose.”

  At my side, Bo grunted, though she remained silent even when Dred glanced her way.

  “I would say you weren’t too far off the mark.” I reached into the pouch and pulled out the second datapad. “However, perhaps not quite in the manner you are expecting.”

  I passed this datapad over to him and leaned back, curious what he would make of the files on it. This one contained the designs that Anakin had crafted, working from a standard base, he had generated entire lines of starfighters to serve a variety of roles. There were elements of the Z-95 Headhunter in there, but overall, the designs were ones of his own creation.

  Maul had, during some of the downtime on Dromund Kaas, looked over the designs at Anakin’s suggestion and made a few recommendations. Most of those had been adapted by Anakin, which made sense as, unlike my son, Maul had experience flying ships in tense situations and a more combat-oriented mind. It also allowed the two to grow accustomed to each other, which, given that I expected both to play critical roles in the coming conflicts, was important to ensure.

  “These are… impressive,” Dred commented calmly, his head lifting slowly as if he was trying not to lose sight of the details before him. “To craft an entire run of starfighters using a single frame as the base is one that few people have considered. There are often issues with performances when the models fill specific roles, yet from the brief examination of these designs, it seems the creator had worked to counter that in ways that, frankly, I doubt any of my R&D staff would even consider.”

  “Do they work?”

  Dred laughed. “Oh, they work. No question of that. It’s just,” he paused and shook his head in amusement. “The fact that the ideas used here are both unexpected and yet ideal is something I’d not expected to see today.” He leaned forward, staring at me intently. “Was this the work of your ad?”

  “It was. He’s always been technologically savvy to a degree I can barely understand.” Dred snorted as if agreeing with the assessment just from seeing the designs Anakin had crafted and refined over the last year. “I assigned him that project and one other as a way to encourage his gift, and after we met with Raith Sienar, he became inspired.”

  “That is certainly one word for these,” Dred said as he leaned back. “I was unaware you had met a member of the Sienar family.”

  “I travelled to Kuat not long after Naboo, and by chance, he was there also. Word of my actions helping liberate the Naboo had reached his ear, though I soon realised he was more interested in my ship than my exploits. At least initially.”

  “He is not alone in that.”

  I ignored Dred’s comment and continued. “Of course, when invited to dine with him, I accepted, and Anakin was over the moon to get the chance to meet someone of his reputation. Raith spotted my son’s gift almost instantly, and he helped Anakin learn skills I’d never be able to teach. From there, Anakin has worked on them with only suggestions from me and my droids until recently, whenwe met someone who offered the final pointers to refine the designs to what you see before you.”

  “I’ll have to run these by my design teams, but from what I can see, your ad has created something that could be worth pursuing. However, the costs of developing prototypes and testing them won’t be cheap.”

  I smirked, aware that Dred’s business acumen would rear its head once we reached this point. “I’m aware, and I’m more than willing to become equal partners in the development; at least so long as that extends to the profits generated from any future sales of these designs or any that emerge from the project.”

  There were more conditions I wished to place on the project, one of which was bringing Incom Corporation, Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps, and others onboard. I doubted there would be any issue with those companies working with Mandalmotors – most certainly not those from Naboo, as I could easily have Padmé speak on my behalf to their boards; however, none of those needed to be discussed at this moment, nor was it critical to my plans.

  Dred’s eyes narrowed at my words. “I did not realise you had a mind for business.”

  “If I’m being honest, I don’t. At least not to the level of yourself, Raith, or Chancellor Damask.” I was purposely name-dropping the Co-Chancellor, one of the richest sentients in the galaxy and former head of Damask Holdings. While the group was now run, officially at least, by a board appointed by Damask before he had become Chancellor, I hoped it would make Dred more willing to offer favourable terms. If he didn’t, he would fear the two names I had mentioned, as each of them commanded more resources and finance individually than Mandalmotors did.

  “However, I understand the use of a well-crafted and maintained weapon, and that is what Anakin had designed.” I leaned back, interlocking my fingers as I looked at Dred. “Or at least for those of his creations I’m willing to reveal currently,” I added, dangling a hook of other creations before Dred.

  Dred looked at me cautiously, his mind no doubt calculating the worth of Anakin’s designs, the potential earnings from them if they succeeded, and what else my son might’ve crafted. He wasn’t a fool and wasn’t going to bend over backwards to give me whatever I wanted for access to my apprentice, but he was shrewd enough to understand the opportunity being laid out before him.

  “I will, of course, have to speak with the board and the accounting department, but on a preliminary basis, I see no reason to reject your terms.” He extended an arm over the table. “At least those relating to the designs you’ve placed before me,” he added as I shifted.

  My hand clasped his arm, marking the initial agreement between us, and once the clasp was broken, I leaned back, smiling at how things had gone. So far, it was all as I’d expected; perhaps not as ideally, but close enough that I had no issues.

  “This proposal is one I find most agreeable, Alor Cameron. If your expectations are correct, and from what I have seen, they have the potential to be, this will greatly enhance Mandalmotors, our Clans, and our people.”

  Bo laughed, though she kept her mug close to her lips, half covering the sound and her smile. “Funny you should say it that way,” she muttered.

  Dred frowned, not understanding the meaning behind her words, even as I pulled the final datapad from the pouch. “It is for our people, more than our Clans, your company, or my son, that I requested this meeting,” I said slowly as Dred’s eyes saw the new pad emerging. I could almost see the gears in his mind turning with curiosity as to what this pad might reveal and offer, and I felt that desire radiating gently into the Force. “For too long, our people have been broken and scattered. I feel it is time to fix that and recover from both the Dral’Han and the Ani’la Akaan.”

  “There are some who would consider your Clan at fault for the latter, and your former allies for the former.”

  “They would be right to do so,” I replied, not shying away from either my connection to Revan or the Jedi. “They’d also be right to question my loyalties currently. I am only a few months removed from departing the Jedi Order and remain on good terms with both Co-Chancellors, along with others within the Republic. However, I’m not alone in having such connections. Mandalmotors has agreements with various companies in the Techno Union, the Commerce Guild, Santhe/Sienar Technologies and elsewhere that make the company friendlier with the Republic than many Mando’ade would approve of.” I held up a hand to prevent him from responding.

  “I mean no disrespect nor seek to suggest your loyalties are not to our people. Only that I am highlighting that it is almost impossible not to have some level of interaction with the Republic, the various companies in it, and other groups in the known galaxy.” I leaned forward slowly, lowering my hand in the process. “That said, I would prefer that what I am about to reveal is not mentioned to anyone outside this room, save those I might mention from this point onwards.”

  “And what is it you wish to discuss?” Dred asked cautiously.

  “At the same time I located those three vessels, I came across other items,” I replied slowly, unlocking a single file on the datapad in my hands. “Might I ask, how familiar are you with the various superweapon projects that existed in the Old Republic, or more accurately, in the Sith Empire from the same time period as the three vessels I wish to see upgraded?”

  “Only in passing,” Dred answered, his speech as cautiously slow as mine.

  I slid the pad over the table and then leaned back, again giving him time to read through what I was showing him. As he picked up the pad, his eyes widened as the overview of the project I was revealing to him was displayed on the screen.

  Of the various projects the Sith Empire had initiated, the one I was using today was the Silencer project. I had no idea if it would be as effective when applied to current warships as technology had, almost in every regard, improved in the three-thousand-plus years that had passed since the fall of Vitiate’s Empire and the other groups that had challenged the Republic and Jedi back then. However, the concept of the design was, according to Maul and Anakin, theoretically applicable to modern capital ships. Neither could say for certain, as they currently lacked a detailed understanding of such vessels, but they felt it should be feasible to at least attempt applying the project to modern warships.

  Dred took his time scanning the information before him, which was fine. There was enough in the file to whet his appetite without revealing key details of the project.

  “This…” he paused and took a moment to seemingly centre himself. “This, if it’s still viable, could be revolutionary. The rate of fire would make a single cruiser outfitted with this able to take on ten or more vessels of comparable size. At least if the energy output and reactor core were capable of generating the power needed.”

  “That was my assessment as well,” I replied, once more interlocking my fingers in front of my chest. “However, beyond the fact I lack the resources to research the project, to say nothing of creating a full-sized prototype, there is no certainty the Republic would, if they discovered the development of this, not demand it be cancelled and all research destroyed.”

  Dred grunted. “They would, of that I’m certain. There’s information missing,” he gave me a look that made clear he knew why I’d left out a lot of critical details and schematics. “However, this would change the balance of power if applied to enough cruiser-sized vessels.”

  “And all without technically violating the terms of the Ruusan Reformation,” I added with a chuckle. “Not that that fact would stop the Republic Senate and Jedi from claiming otherwise.”

  Dred nodded in agreement before, slowly, I noted, lowering the pad to the table. “Why are you showing this to me?” He asked as he made sure to keep the pad separate from the other two, suggesting he understood he wouldn’t be allowed to take that pad with him. “More accurately, why have you slowly dangled such tempting knowledge and potential income before me in this manner?”

  “You have already guessed why,” I replied with a knowing smile. “Though not the full intent of my plans.”

  Dred’s eyes narrowed and, beyond a momentary look at Bo, remained fixed on me. “You… you don’t seek just an alliance between our Clans, do you?” he leaned forward. “You want more. Much more.”

  “I do, and I already have the tentative support of Alor Adonai and Alor Torrhen.”

  He fell back in his seat, his eyes widening as he seemed to understand my goals. “Shab’ni,” he muttered loudly before shaking his head. He then ran his fingers over his face slowly, as his mind no doubt worked to run through the details of what I was intending. “You… you seek to become Mand'alor?”

  “He does,” Bo answered in an almost giddy tone. “And he will.” There was no uncertainty in her tone, nor the slightest hint of doubt that I might be stopped. She was, if I was being honest, perhaps more certain of my plans than even I was. Almost to the point of being devoted without concern that I might fail.

  As I now refused to use Observe on her, I couldn’t be certain of how great her loyalty was to me. However, I could sense through the Force that she would, at my command, burn entire worlds to ash if I commanded it. Something that was arousing, inspiring, and if I was brutally honest, terrifying all at the same time.

  “I’m not asking for the support of yourself, Clan Yomaget, or Mandalmotors currently,” I explained as if I were enjoying a leisurely afternoon meal. “I merely wish to hear your thoughts on what it would take to gain that support in the coming year or so. I’ll also preface it by saying that what we’ve spoken about up until now isn’t connected to my future goals.”

  Dred stared at me for a moment before chuckling to himself. “Not connected, you say?” He shook his head and leaned back, sighing loudly before looking up at the ceiling. “I could believe that with the request for upgrading those ancient vessels, but there’s no way you’d bring me fighter designs unless you expected war.” He brought his head forward and stared at me.

  “Those designs, they’re not for uniting the Clans, are they?” he tapped the third pad I’d brought out as it lay on the table before him. “Along with this, you’re intending to take us to war, but against whom?”

  “Anyone who seeks to suppress us,” I replied firmly. “There is chaos on the horizon, Alor Dred. The Republic is flawed, broken, and corrupt to its core. The Rim has been exploited for centuries by the Core, with the Trade Federation only being the latest example of this. Mando’ade are warriors, ones forced to their knees by the Republic and the Jedi with the Dral’Han. Now, in their place at that time, I would have done as the Republic and Jedi did. The Mando’ade were uniting under a leader and a potential threat to a galaxy still recovering from the thousand years of chaos brought on by the New Sith Wars. However, the fact that we had grown so weak to allow ourselves to be broken by that and then acquiesced to the Republic’s demands that we disarm and all but abandon our heritage,” I snarled and shook my head. “That is not something that should ever have happened.”

  “You seek war with the Republic and the Jedi?”

  “Only if they challenge me,” I replied honestly. “I don’t wish to see our people become savages, beasts who attack without rhyme or reason. That is not what we are now, nor perhaps should we ever have been. We are warriors, and we should test ourselves against those who would seek to challenge or suppress us and others. And in a galaxy as broken and in need of warriors, there are many of those.”

  “Is it not poetic that the descendant of the one who shattered our might at the Ani’la Akaan be the one to return us to our prime?” Bo added with passion. “That one trained by the Jetii helps us gain our revenge over them for the insult of the Dral’Han?”

  “I’m not as focused on our ways as you, my lady,” Dred replied slowly after taking a few moments to collect his thoughts. “Nor do I wish to see the galaxy in flames. However, as a businessman, I understand that war is good for business, and when the Clans go to war, Mandalmotors stands with them, offering our might in support of our Mand'alor.” He looked at me carefully, almost as if trying to burn my face into his memory.

  “I can’t offer you anything currently, Alor Cameron. Not as myself, the leader of my clan, or the head of Mandalmotors. However,” he paused, looked down and sighed before meeting my gaze, “I will not stand against you once you press your intent to lead our people. And when the moment comes for you to claim leadership, when the last true challenger lies dead at your feet, I will back you with everything I have.”

  I reached over the table, extending my arm. “Once Jango Fett and any other that dares challenge my rise are broken and defeated, I will give the command for Mandalmotors to fire the furnaces so that our people can rule the stars once again.”

  … …

  … …

  I sat in my quarters aboard Raven, safe in the knowledge that I was alone aboard my ship. Well, it would be more precise to say I was the lone sentient on board.

  Fenrir and his pack had moved into the converted cargo bay where he had made his den and would remain there until we reached the Gaia system. That, however, wouldn’t be happening for a while as I wasn’t scheduled to depart until tomorrow morning.

  Dred Yomaget had taken delivery of both the Ascendent Spear and Fearless Slicer to begin the process of overhauling and upgrading them. The Starblade would join them when I returned, as I didn’t wish for either Maul or the handful of remaining Prophets to set foot on the planet. The former, as it was inevitable that someone would recognise him as the Sith I’d fought on Naboo.

  Yes, some were aware that he hadn’t died and that he had remained a prisoner in the Mandalore sector for two years after the planet’s liberation. However, it was wiser to limit how many people were aware of this, and I had only informed Bo that Maul lived after some consideration.

  She hadn’t been happy that I’d not killed him in battle, as everyone believed, or that I wished her not to speak of this with anyone outside of her father and me. Perhaps it was more accurate to say she disliked having to keep it a secret from Naz until I explained my reasoning for my decision. After learning that I expected Pre to move against me during my rise to become Mand'alor and that he and others might use Maul’s non-death as a way to question my other feats, she had reluctantly accepted my instructions, though on the condition that she be allowed to one day spar with the Zabrak.

  I’d conditionally accepted that, though I’d not spoken to Maul about the matter yet, both because he was maintaining communication silence while he waited with the remaining Prophets in a nearby isolated system and because I wasn’t sure how he’d respond to the challenge. I also cou;dn/t be certain how he might regard such a challenge as a test for him or, possibly worse, as a way to test me.

  I didn’t believe he would seek to kill Bo to test my resolve, but I couldn’t overlook the fact that he might at least try to badly wound her. He might consider me trustworthy and had committed himself to my plans for now, but the chance to assess my determination was something I didn’t think he’d pass up.

  The Prophets were being kept away from Mandalore both to hide their existence and so that Bo and Naz didn’t learn that any survived their battle with me on Dromund Kaas. The pair understood war and the horrors that it brought, but, upon learning what those like Karia and Sariss had endured at the hands of that former organisation, the two female Mando’ade had all but demanded that I take them to the Prophet’s temple so that they could reduce it to ash. Even the recording of me destroying it after we took down Cronal and his minions only eased their rage a fraction, and while understandable that they wanted to brutalise the Prophets, I had plans for those that I’d not killed on Dromund Kaas.

  The two women, both of whom it seemed still – based on their actions every night since I’d returned to Mandalore – wished to carry my child, were currently escorting Anakin as he watched over Sariss and Karia. It had only been a few weeks, but already I could sense a bond developing between my son and Sariss; one that had the potential to become more than just that of friendship.

  I wasn’t sure if Sariss would ever recover enough from her ordeal to wish to be close to anyone ever again, but the way she chose to latch onto Anakin still suggested that if anyone had the chance to gain her affection, it was my apprentice. Anakin seemed oblivious to the growing attachment Sariss was forming with him, or at least had no reaction to her clingier gestures beyond allowing them to happen. Even in the Force, it seemed as if he was either unaware or not reacting to her constant need to be at his side.

  Karia was aware of it and had offered small smiles of amusement whenever the pair were around, but did not comment on the situation. The same was true of Bo and Naz, though they only remained silent when around the young pair. Whenever they were alone, and particularly when with me and we weren’t otherwise occupied, they couldn’t help but comment on Anakin’s friend.

  I closed my eyes for a moment, reaching out into the Force to determine once again that I was alone on Raven. The nearest presence was that of Bo. Given she was around a handful of moderately powerful figures in the Force, it was clear it was her turn to watch over the women and children rescued from the Prophets. I had secured a private transport to move them to the Lokella, with Dooku choosing to travel with them to ensure they remained safe on the voyage.

  My former Master was looking through logs of old mining asteroids around the Mandalorian sector or nearby for a location to deposit the former Prophets. The list he had came from Alor Dred at my request. I would purchase one of those asteroids if one met Dooku’s approval, though the purchase would be handled off the books with Credits I kept in my Inventory and through a pseudonym so that the Banite Sith shouldn’t learn of me taking ownership of the base.

  That said, even if none of those former mining outposts met Dooku’s standards for housing the former Prophets, I might still purchase one. Having an off-the-books base somewhere none were aware of could be extremely handy in the coming years. Still, all of that was a matter for another day, and with it assured that I was alone on my vessel, I reached into my Inventory and pulled out one of the two more used holocrons I had stored there.

  I took a deep breath before closing my eyes and reaching into the Force. I called it to my summons and used it to demand the holocron before me open. As I felt the gatekeeper respond to my summons, I opened my eyes and looked at the small version of Darth Malgus that was projected above the triangular device.

  Malgus stared at me carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly as I felt a prick against my mind through the Force. I pushed that prick away, making clear my mind wasn’t for him to explore. “You have changed,” he said slowly with measured words. “I sense the Dark Side has grown stronger in you and that you have both accepted and, to a small degree, mastered it.”

  “I have. The reason for that is simple. Along with those I consider allies, I journeyed to Dromund Kaas and learnt much about myself there while confronting and dominating the shadows that lingered in the Force on the planet.”

  Malgus’ brow rose at my words. “I did not realise you were aware of the planet’s location,” he said cautiously, “nor that it was in any condition to accept visitors after being abandoned for so many millennia.”

  “There wasn’t much left. Kaas City was, bar the Imperial Citadel, reclaimed by the jungle, though the Force was strong everywhere on the planet.” I paused and let a small smirk appear on my face. “My tuk’ata located and dominated others of his species such that he now has a small, but potentially useful pack.” Malgus nodded but otherwise stayed silent, understanding I wasn’t done speaking.

  “Within the Citadel, I and those with me were able to claim seats on the Dark Council.” I watched as Malgus’ brow rose higher at this revelation. Hardly a shock that the news would be unexpected, as he knew I was still fresh in my understanding of the Dark Side and knew little of Maul or Dooku. “We were able to gain access to a treasure trove of data regarding the Empire, including access to various special projects and ship designs. Even going so far as to recover and repair a trio of vessels from your era.”

  “How effective are the schematics in relation to the current galactic technology?”

  “I have someone examining them closely for me, but based on my initial examinations, I’d say that while many of the projects and weapons are antiquated, a few might be suitable for adaptation and improvement. The vessels I recovered are to undergo retrofitting to modern standards as testbeds for this project.”

  There was a nod from the gatekeeper, suggesting he approved of my choices. Before he could ask for further details, I resumed speaking.

  “We also encountered a lingering shade of the Emperor. As in the true Emperor, Vitiate.”

  Malgus snarled at the mention of the Emperor. From what I knew of his life, which came from elsewhere as I’d not yet delved into the topic with the holocron, Malgus despised the former Emperor with a passion. Something made clear by the fact that he had rebelled against the Empire on two separate occasions.

  “Before I go further, I would like to hear your thoughts on Vitiate and the Empire he crafted,” I said firmly. “From the small amount of records that I’ve found the time to read through, there are things to both admire and despise about the fallen Empire and its leader.”

  Malgus was silent for a few moments as if gathering his thoughts. A hand came to his chin as he hummed gently, pondering and preparing his response.

  “The Empire we had once served was rotten; the scent lingered over Dromund Kaas, Korriban, and the hundreds of worlds of our people. Many in the empire knew of it, some even dared whisper it, but only the strongest of the Sith, warriors such as myself, were brave enough to name the source of the rot. The very being that had founded the Empire had done so on a lie and imbued its essence with his sick, twisted, parasitical ways.”

  There was a cold, almost detached air to the gatekeeper’s words. As if he were controlling his rage and forging it into something as hard as durasteel.

  “From the very founding of the Empire, Vitiate never wished to see the strong rise. He had no interest in making the Empire great and destroying our enemies. No, what he sought was slaves to follow his dictates. Vessels from which he might steal their essence to lengthen his life. As if we were but batteries to power his unnatural presence.

  “The Dark Council, the group crafted to lead the Empire in the name of a never-present Emperor, was rife with flaws. The Lords who sat on it fought each other for power. They watched their apprentices and servants carefully, wary of the first sign of challenge to their power while seeking to exploit that same weakness in their fellow council members.

  “There is nothing to be feared about an apprentice rising to challenge the master: Power and control must be earned, claimed, and defended. However, those who sat on the Council did so only to empower themselves and not the Empire as a whole. They were nothing more than sycophants who bowed to the whims of an unworthy leader. They licked the boots of the Emperor if he spoke, bending over backwards to enact every petty, illogical, irrelevant desire he expressed. Even the plans they crafted were but toys for Vitiate to use for his mad schemes.

  “Vitiate was not a God, nor was he ever a true Sith. He was a lie; a parasite in the shell of a Sith. He preached about raising us to glory or seeing our people gain the power to bring the galaxy to its knees and shatter the Jedi into dust beneath our boots. Yet when that day was at hand, when we had the Republic and the Jedi by the throat, when I had led warriors I had trained and empowered to sack the most sacred of Jedi temples, the Emperor did not seek to destroy the Jedi and Republic beneath our heel. No, he offered them peace!”

  The last few words were almost spat out as I felt, gathering in the Force and centred on the holocron, a storm of long-brewing apocalyptic rage growing. His fists clenched hard, and I almost swore I could hear the metal of his gauntlets groaning in protest.

  “I roared at the idea of seeking peace with those who challenged us! I screamed at the Council, the Darth’s, and the Lords in the Empire, but none heard my voice. All bent their knees to an Emperor who saw them as nothing more than corpses he had yet to dispose of!”

  The gatekeeper flickered. As if the rage surging from the holocron was so intense that it was damaging itself as it spoke of events from before its creation.

  “The path of the Sith, the way of the Force, is conflict. It is challenging yourself in the crucible of war and danger. Only through pushing ourselves beyond what we know can we evolve and grow stronger. Only by overcoming our limitations can we truly break our chains.

  “Vitiate never wished for this. Nor did he wish for us to grow stronger through battle. He sought instead to reduce the galaxy to ash; to turn everything to dust and rule over a lifeless universe while resting on a throne crafted from corpses of those he had not killed as a Sith should.” His eyes locked onto mine, and I could feel the fury within the holocron struggling to contain itself, almost as if it sought to destroy itself while expressing the deepest rage of its creator. “Vitiate did not lead us to victory. He led us to extinction. He kills those who might be a danger like a coward and hoards knowledge that would see others grow able to challenge and push him. He consumed the souls of others to extend his life because he could not face them as a warrior should. Vitiate was the rot at the core of the Empire, a rot that was the core of its founding. That was why, after the Sacking of Coruscant, I embraced the truth, turned against the Empire, and truly broke my chains”

  The gatekeeper shifted, and I was sure that if he could, Malgus would be pacing with barely restrained fury. His entire being seemed to radiate disgusted rage at the Empire and Emperor he had once served. He stopped glaring and took a long breath, though it seemed to do little to settle his anger.

  “The Empire. The Council. The rules and traditions we had followed ever since that parasite gathered the survivors of the last great war… They were all lies in service to the corrosion that formed the very heart of what was formed.

  “I wanted to forge a new vision, one based on strength, clarity, and harsh if not brutal honesty. It did not matter where you came from, what species you were, or how you gained your power. All that mattered was that you were strong. That you could fight. That you earned your place in a new order. One worthy of being called a Sith Empire!”

  He stared at me intently, the presence of the gatekeeper burning with the fire of a raging star, though one that wasn’t at risk of exploding. “The future that I will teach you to forge will be one that only those worthy of it shall inherit. There will be no slaves, no sycophants, no weak-minded fools. There will only be those with the power to stand within it. True, dominating Sith!”

  As he finished, he crashed his fist in front of himself, and for a moment, I wondered when he had decided to shift the topic from one of his disdain for the Empire and Vitiate to what he once hoped to create, and now, through me, would attempt to craft from the dying embers of the Republic.

  “The shade of the Emperor that had lingered on Dromund Kaas is now gone,” I said slowly, making sure to keep my issues with what I’d learnt there buried deep. “I crushed it myself and claimed the throne of that dead and gone empire for myself. Everything that was of worth was taken from the world, be that beast, sentient, knowledge, or resources. It is now nothing more than a world soaked in the Dark Side. One free of the stain of the failures of the past.”

  Malgus stared at me intently, his eyes seemingly burning a hole through my body to my very soul. I felt the holocron’s presence in the Force grow more intense as he focused on me, trying to determine if my words were genuine or not, while I stayed silent, making sure that I projected a truthful mentality in the Force.

  For now, I would avoid mentioning my link to Vitiate. Beyond Malgus’ issue with the dead Emperor, there was no need for me to reveal that connection to Malgus and risk losing the chance to learn from his holocron. Honestly, the more I thought about it, the less likely I was to ever bring up my parentage with Malgus or anyone else, as it was a trivial and unimportant matter in the grand scheme of things.

  I’d also be making sure to never mention that I had Vitiate’s holocron in my possession. Though, to be honest, I wasn’t sure if or when I’d dare open it and see what I could learn from the being who’d ruled for centuries by devouring the life force of others.

  “I sense you speak the truth, and while there are questions I have regarding what you have stated, I find myself pleased to learn that I outlived that leech.” Malgus sighed heavily, and I felt his cold, focused fury recede. “Now, tell me what you discovered on the former throne world and how it might be of use to your endeavours.”

  … …

  … …

  “I dislike being forced to watch over these unworthy cretins.”

  I bit back an urge to chuckle and smirk at Maul’s words as I spoke to him over closed-link ship-to-ship communication. His anger was understandable as he wasn’t someone who should be used for guard duty, nor forced to endure the continuing presence of those who currently served little worth.

  “I am aware; however, you will have to endure it for a while longer,” I replied as I sat in Raven’s cockpit. “While a suitable asteroid base was located in the Thrasybule sector, it will take time to gather the materials needed to prepare it for habitation. That such work has to be done without leaving clear trails of Credits for Sidious and Plagueis to locate adds to the delay.”

  Maul growled faintly, making clear his displeasure at having to remain with the Prophets for longer than he had to.

  “Do not worry,” I continued, “Dooku will arrive soon to transfer the Prophets to another vessel in no more than half a month. Once they are done, take the Starblade to Mandalore, where I will meet you.”

  “You will take me to the Scimitar after that?” Maul asked, doing a commendable job of keeping his anger at having to remain with the Prophets out of his tone.

  “I will. How long we stay and what the next step for you would be, I’m not sure. However, after cross-referencing the Thrasybule sector with the records taken from Dromund Kaas, I have found something that might be of interest to you.” I pressed a button on the communication console and transferred the file I was speaking of.

  From the records of Dromund Kaas, I’d discovered that the planet Malrev IV was one seeped in the Dark Side of the Force. The reports stated several temples and training facilities, among other things, had been present on the world and that made it a good place to search for lost or hidden knowledge. Since I didn’t have the time to head there, not with my focus needing to unite the Mando’ade Clans under my banner, then using Maul to search various Sith treasure troves and hidden or lost locations was a good way to keep him active. It would also serve as a method of testing his loyalty, as while I felt secure that he wouldn’t turn against me for the time being, there remained the chance he could do so in future.

  “This is indeed interesting,” Maul replied after taking time to browse the overview I’d crafted regarding Malrev IV when preparing the file for him. “I expect I will be challenged on this world and have the opportunity to discover items and teachings I might otherwise have never received.”

  “And it’s a perfect chance to remove a world that the Banite Sith might seek to harvest for themselves in the coming years,” I added with the clear intent of further encouraging him to head to the planet. “There are other places in that sector that might be of interest. However, I felt Malrev was the most important, and I’m entrusting you to take anything of worth from it so we can continue to prepare for the day we strike down Sidious and Plagueis.”

  Maul stared at me through the small hologram that floated above the console. “Do not think that I am unaware of why you say things in such a manner,” he remarked slowly. “I do not need to be placated or swayed to be interested in an opportunity.”

  I chuckled. “I will remember that in future,” I said, lowering my head a touch to accept my small ploy had both failed and was unneeded. “Still, I am truthful in saying that you are the best choice for exploring Malrev and other locations. Dooku will be initially occupied with the Prophets before returning home, while I will be focused on the Mando’ade.”

  “That is true, and I must, for now, remain in the shadows to not alert my former Master of my continued existence.” He paused and rubbed his chin in a way that oddly reminded me of Dooku. “I am uncertain if Vosa will be successful in developing these fools I must currently endure, but it is a suitable use of her skills and a method to test her loyalty. I do wonder what your plans are regarding the two former Jedi. Will they travel with you as you seek to unite the Mandalorians, or will they be left to another to train?”

  “I will take Quinlan and Aalya with Anakin and me,” I replied. “I promised them I would handle their re-education in the Force, and I won’t break that promise nor risk losing their potential to the Jedi. The same will be done with Sariss.”

  “She will remain with you?”

  I chuckled and gestured over my shoulder. “She’s with me now. She was unwilling to leave Anakin’s side, and I saw no current reason to force her to do so. Because of that, Karia is also travelling with us.”

  Maul nodded and seemed to contemplate something. “If that is the case, then before I depart for Malrev IV, I will take the one called Perzan with me. The world will be a good crucible to see if he has any useful skills beyond his potential in the Force.”

  I nodded, accepting Maul’s words. Perzan had High Force Potential, and not seeking to harness that would be a mistake. Yes, he was a year older than me, but his skills and talents were pathetically underdeveloped to the point that Anakin could defeat him in a spar without having to push himself. Maul’s training would be brutal, of that I was certain, but if it meant Perzan would be capable of at least surviving against an average Jedi Knight by the time they moved to face me, it would be worthwhile.

  “If there is nothing else, I will not keep you,” Maul continued. “The longer I do, the greater the chance I might feel a need to… placate my anger towards the others aboard this vessel.”

  I chuckled and shook my head. “If you do, try not to badly wound all of them.”

  Maul sneered, amused at my words, and then the channel closed.

  “He is frighteningly quick to suggest a violent method,” Simvyl remarked from the co-pilot’s seat. “Though given what those people did to the women and girls under their care, I cannot find myself feeling any sympathy for them,” he added as my fingers flew over the controls.

  Raven turned, shifting the Starblade from view, and slowly powered up her sublight engines. “Truthfully, I don’t expect any of the former Prophets, save four, to be of much use to us going forward. Yes, they have decent potential with the Force, but their skills are woefully lacking, and they are painfully unaware of the wider galaxy and what is happening even on the most macro of levels.” I sighed heavily. “Still, if Vosa can make even one into a useful pawn, it will have been a worthwhile endeavour, and that is before considering how it would prove my former Master right about that… woman.”

  I knew that I’d have to face Vosa once we reached the Gaia system, as I needed to ensure she understood my instructions. It would also allow me to finally face the demon of my time with the Bando Gora and prove to myself that I had evolved beyond it having any control over me. That didn’t mean that I would ever wish to have much interaction with that bitch, but I could accept her holding some worth in the forces I was gathering, though the exact role she and others would play was as yet undetermined. Her overseeing the Prophets would mean entrusting her with the Fate of the Prophets quest, but as there was little downside to that quest failing, it wasn’t a major issue if Vosa proved inadequate for the role Dooku wished to grant her.

  As Raven accelerated, taking us away from the gravity well of the gas giant that Maul had parked the Starblade behind, a new alert came in from the Interface. I blinked as I opened it and read through what it covered.

  Quest Completed!

  Warrior of the Sith [?]

  Objectives:

  :a: Prove your alliance with Maul by ensuring he is one of those you take with you to Dromund Kaas. [Yes]

  :b: Ensure Maul survives until the completion of the quest Tremors of the Ancient Sith Empire. [Yes]

  :c: Allow Maul to prove his worth in battle at your side against a suitable challenge. [Yes]

  :d: Have Maul reveal the truth of Darth Sidious and Darth Plagueis to another. [Yes]

  :e: Prove to Maul that, once Dromund Kaas is completed, you still view him as an ally and not a servant. [Yes]

  Rewards:

  :a: 3000XP (+600XP)

  Pass a Challenge of Friendship with Maul.

  A Large increase in Reputation with Maul.

  :b: 8000XP (+1600XP)

  Pass a Challenge of Friendship with Maul.

  A variable increase in Reputation with Maul depending on events on Dromund Kaas.

  :c: 3000XP (+600XP)

  An increase in Reputation with Maul linked to the strength of the challenge faced.

  :d: 2000XP (+400XP)

  Risk the Banite Sith learning that you know the truth about them and their identities from whoever Maul reveals the secret to.

  A moderate increase in Reputation with Maul.

  A moderate increase in Reputation with whoever is brought in on the secret.

  :e: 3000XP (+600XP)

  A moderate increase in Reputation with Maul.

  ...

  The XP from the quest wasn’t enough to lift me to Level 38, which was hardly a shock as I needed 54000XP to do so. However, I was now over 41000XP and thus not too far from the next level up. The quest was a useful one as it granted me two completed Challenges of Friendship, which made three in total. Enough, if my reputation with Maul was high enough, that he would consider me a Confidant, at least in how the Interface termed things.

  To me, that meant he was more akin to an ally, as that was how I saw the handful of others at the same level. Of those, only Serra wasn’t currently at my side, and if I was being honest, that was the thing that continued to hurt the most. I understood her logic for remaining with the Order, and in her place, I might well have made the same choice. However, a day was coming when she would have to choose. Either she would stand with me, or she would turn her back and become a potential foe I might face on a battlefield. That was a fear I refused to consider currently, as dwelling on it only left me exposed to the dangerous eddies of the Dark Side, and I wouldn’t allow it to influence me through my feelings for Serra, nor those for others.

  Shifting my thoughts and with little to do until Raven was far enough away that we could jump to Hyperspace, I pulled up the list of currently active quests.

  Active Quests

  A Change in Path [?]

  [A]

  Beastial Revenge[?] [¤]

  [S]

  Broken Child [?] [¤]

  [A]

  Changing Fate [Anakin] [¤]

  [S***]

  Changing Fate [Miraj Scintel] [¤]

  [B]

  Dragon of Mandalore [¤] [?]

  [S]

  Duellist of Legend [¤] [?]

  [S]

  Enclave of the Engine [¤]

  [C]

  Fate of the Prophets [?] [¤]

  [B]

  Flight of the Owl [¤]

  [ B]

  Forge your own Path

  [N/A]

  Graveyard of the Sith [?] [¤]

  [S***]

  Pre-emptive Strike [¤]

  [B]

  Skilled to the Max [¤]

  [D]

  Sister of the Night [¤]

  [A]

  Te Ad's Skira [¤] [?]

  [A]

  The Promise of the Fallen [?]

  [B]

  ...

  The top quest was, perhaps, the most important one as I was thinking about the next few weeks. Quinlan and Aayla had stated they would let me retrain them, but they hadn’t confirmed that yet. Once they did, A Change in Path would end and, depending on their choices, new quests would likely be generated. Since the plan was to have them travel with me as I moved to become Mand’alor, that condition of the quest would also be achieved.

  Broken Child referred to Sariss, and while I could see why she had her own quest, it was strange that she wasn’t linked to the Fate of the Prophets quest. For the latter quest, the goal was simply to turn each of the twenty-six surviving Prophets, women, and children from Dromund Kaas covered by the quest into something useful. There were a few levels of usefulness, but if one, some, or all of the group didn’t amount to anything, then I wouldn’t be penalised. At least so long as they didn’t escape into the wider galaxy. Since they would be kept on the asteroid base, when it was completed, or Gaia, then the chances of them slipping away into the galaxy, and thus potentially being discovered by the Banite Sith, were remarkably small.

  The quest linked to Sariss was more difficult, as if I wasn’t able to train her so she could stand and fight on her own – the level it defined that mark as wasn’t clear in the description, which was annoying – then she would die. That alone was a minor problem, but the fact that it would cost me standing with Anakin was what had made me initially reluctant to take on the quest. In the end, I had because the rewards were worth trying for, and I felt that with Anakin’s help, Sariss could be a very powerful tool. The fact that one of the objectives was to encourage the pair to become closer was neither here nor there, but it did exist.

  The two Changing Fate quests were what they were. Miraj’s was, from the handful of interactions I’d had with her since I’d accepted it, coming along nicely, though if I did fail it, then it wouldn’t be a major issue. Anakin’s quest, however, was slowly becoming an issue.

  By the wording of it, I had to prevent him from falling to the Sith; however, I was already drawing heavily on Dark Side teachings and had imparted some of them to Anakin. I’d have liked it if the quest had altered to say the Banite Sith, but it hadn't, which meant there was a chance I could fail the quest simply by continuing to train Anakin in the ways of the Force.

  Now, I felt that making sure he trained as a Mando’ade alongside learning the Force would counter that issue; however, I had no way to be certain of it. That said, even if I did fail the quest by the wording of it, if not the spirit, then it wouldn’t be the worst outcome. Yes, no Jedi would survive that didn’t submit to the Sith and their Empire, but who was to say that the Sith the Interface was speaking about wasn’t me and the empire I would build with the Mando’ade at its core?

  I didn’t wish to see the Jedi wiped out, as I still considered many as my friends or, in one case, family. However, if the choice was between letting the Order remain and through it, some fallen and still corrupted form of the Republic and building something new on its ashes, I would take the latter every day of the week.

  Dragon of Mandalore was, for now, the most important quest and one I hoped to complete within three years, thus completing that objective. Doing so within a year was going to be next to impossible. Beyond the fact that I’d already lost three months while dealing with Dromund Kaas, killing Jango Fett was one of the other objectives, and I wasn’t sure if I could currently do so. Nor that if I did kill him, it would be the final step needed to confirm my rise to become Mand'alor.

  Pre-emptive Strike was linked to Dragon of Mandalore, and I felt that Flight of the Owl would also complete – if it hadn’t already – once I claimed the title and united the Clans. Pre Vizsla had to be defeated or killed, while whatever remained of Death Watch had to be destroyed, for me to complete one of the Dragon of Mandalore’s objectives after all.

  Duellist of Legend was relatively simple in concept to complete, but in reality would be hard to achieve. I had to raise my skill with Makashi to Mythic:100. I could do so simply by adding skill points to the skill; however, the reward for doing that was a joke at only 1000XP. If I took the long and proper way, then I’d be looking at a minimum of 5000XP with up to three times that based on how quickly I achieved the level. The fact that one of the objectives of the quest was to defeat Dooku in a duel only made taking the quest when it had been created a trivial matter. I was close to being able to defeat my former Master and would’ve worked to prove I’d surpassed him regardless of the quest.

  Enclave of the Engine was a simple quest in theory. All I had to do was travel to Nar Shaddaa and ensure that nothing remained of the Infinite Engine there, and if it did, destroy it so no one else might somehow gain any sliver of the power held by the legacy of the Star Forge. Since I had the coordinates on the planet where the Engine had been located, it should be a trivial matter to locate its former dwelling. That the quest would see me travel to the Smuggler’s Moon was a side benefit as I felt that world would be a good testing ground for Anakin – and if she proved useful, Sariss – to see what the galaxy was truly like once the false veneer of the Republic was stripped away.

  Graveyard of the Sith would, I was sure, involve as much time and effort as Tremors of an Ancient Sith Empire had. Probably more as Korriban was the homeworld of the Sith, both the species and their belief system, while Dromund Kaas had only been a throne world for one specific Sith empire. I just wasn’t sure when I’d have time to complete the quest, save that doing so before the outbreak of galactic war would see my rewards doubled, as had been the case with the Tremors of the Ancient Sith quest.

  Te Ad's Skira was linked to Anakin’s desire for revenge against Decca the Hutt. The one responsible for his mother’s death. There was no timeframe on when to complete it beyond before the outbreak of galactic war, but with extra objectives to get Anakin to Level 25 or 30 and ensure that Decca’s mother, Gardulla, remained unaware of who killed her son, it wasn’t one I would be rushing.

  Sister of the Night was a quest that I would only bother with if I had the time. By now, Asajj would have seen her Master die and be working to make her way towards Rattatak. The issues were that first, the world in question was a shithole even by comparison to worlds under the influence of the Hutts, Black Sun, Pyke Syndicate and other groups and second, it was at the very edge of explored space near the Unknown Regions. To reach it would take at least a month, even with Raven, and that was assuming I wasn’t delayed on my journey, or that taking into account how long it would take to convince Asajj to stand with me and not the CIS.

  The remaining quests, Forge Your Own Path, Skilled to the Max, and Promise of the Fallen, were there but had little focus. I had chosen my path, so the first quest was beginning to open up new quests for me without ever being completednor did I think it could be. The second one remained and still referred only to reaching Prodigy:100 with any of my skills. As for the last quest, I was all but certain that Revan wouldn’t be approving of my path or offering any advice on how I could prove myself to him. If I did, then great, but if not, then so be it.

  I wasn’t here to relive the adventures and life of another; I was living now to forge my own destiny.

  … …

  … …

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  ...

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