[STORY] Vaiken Prime

[Jeh'Kant Kai]

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They were probably close to a minute away from their last breath but unfortunately it was expedited due to the ‘supervisor’ that had now joined this jamboree. Picking out the sound of a lightsaber humming down a corridor was one of the easiest sounds for Jeh’Kant to recognize. This sound in turn caused Jeh’Kant to focus his attention toward the hallway that this lightsaber-holding individual originated from. It definitely had to be some sort of shindig, gathering, or get-together because soon enough more people joined fashionably late. Over two hundred troopers gathered at the gate, witnessing their Commander and comrades suspended in air gasping for their final breaths. Yet they still forced themselves into defensive positions regardless of what was occuring. It was impressive. They allowed themselves to feel no fear or feel any certain way towards the death of their Commander or their brethren. The Dark Jedi, clad in dark and red robes, came to halt at about fifty meters with a rather interesting taste in helmet — “Mandalorian Beskar, huh? Cute.” he said to himself out loud as he nodded his head in approval.

The Dark Jedi came to speak and blurted out the word Jedi again and it was followed by the audible sound of necks all snapping at the same time, echoing throughout the area and drowning out the next few words the Dark Jedi said. “Jedi?!” Jeh’Kant yelled out in a panic tone yet with a playful smile plastered across his face. He had strengthened the Force Choke grip yet kept the lifeless bodies exactly where they were. The floor essentially cleaned itself up or through Jeh’Kant’s doing but it was safe to say that the dance floor was quite literally clean and ready for this party, though unnatural nonetheless. The Force began to take shape around him in similar fashion to the Dark Jedi, protecting himself and maintaining similar properties that were unique to Jeh’Kant. What were they? The Dark Jedi may come to know, but for now everything appeared normal. Jeh’Kant could hear the excitement in the Dark Jedi’s voice but it also told other things because of his accent.

“Woah, woah, woah” Jeh’Kant said after the Dark Jedi had finished. “This show isn’t free, man. You’re going to have to pay” he commented in regards to the Dark Jedi enjoying what he was witnessing. “But we can chat all you want. I won’t charge for that, just make sure you bring some tea. Althouuuuugh,” Jeh’Kant visually glanced towards the crimson lightsaber in the Dark Jedi’s hand. “I don’t think you want to sit around and drink tea to chat, you look like you want to dance and if that’s the case I’m all for it just make sure you — turn the music up!” Jeh’Kant chuckled as he yelled out the last bit in excitement. “And in regards to joining you guys,” He looked at the outfit up and down. “Not too shabby. Tell me more, do you guys have health benefits?” ​

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[DarthVerus]

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Counselor Rotas, Hand of Verus​

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Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

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Listen as you read​

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The dark Jedi was certainly amused, if not impressed by the antics of the young Jeh’Kant Kai but he also learned one certainty about him—he was no longer a Jedi. Far from it, to be fair. If he thought that he walked a fine line in between or somewhere in the gray, he was widely mistaken. Murder, deceit and all of his actions so far have only led him so much closer to the dark side that he could hardly claim to be a Jedi. Rotas chuckled as Jeh’Kant paid attention to his prized helmet. It had been with him for a long time, ever since he joined the Order of Bogan. It was a gift given to him by someone who also used to teach the young former Jedi, Cain Farr—or rather, Verus. It was ancient if anything, but the alloy still held the same tenacity as it did when it was once forged on Mandalore. It belonged to a member of the Mandalorian Death Watch, who served under Darth Maul. The said member died by the hands of Ahsoka Tano herself, and his death left an echo in the Force that was once imprinted on the helmet. It was long gone, but Rotas had sensed it and once saw a dying glimpse of the troopers’ life. Tragic, almost. The dark Jedi’s head nodded as if in acknowledgement of the young man, however instead of talking, the former Jedi should focus his senses on the Force. It was being fed from, all the time. Even the barrier that Jeh’Kant erected was being gnawed at, sapped and weakened as it formed. The power affected the entire corridor, as he gnawed away at the Force in its every corner.

”Alright, alright, alright… I ain’t gonna pay, but thanks for the entertainment anyway. You ain’t no Jedi after all. And as far as dancing goes, I enjoy ’em with a lil chatter. And about that health insurance… Power, kid. We got more power than anyone in the galaxy, or the Tengeans for that matter. You know we’re gonna blast ’em to death soon too? Also… What if I told you that Cain is still alive? And that I know exactly where he is?”

The dark Jedi spoke, as the air in the corridor only grew colder and harder to breathe by the moment. They stood in a stand still, like in an old western flick. And not only that, the crowd behind Jeh’Kant was ready to shoot him at any point. Rotas fed on all the Force about, and simultaneously communed with the dark side of the Force as it told him tales of things that were to come. Rotas, albeit motionless, was more than prepared should the young former Jedi look to strike the man adjacent to the dark side of the Force.​

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[Jeh'Kant Kai]

MASTER JEH'KANT KAI, THE CHOOSEN​

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Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

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Jeh’Kant chuckled as he listened to what the Supervisor had to say in response. What he was saying was comedy, it truly was. It was hysterical to the point that Jeh’Kant’s hand shot out of his sable scarf that was draped around his shoulders and slapped onto the top of his head all while he laughed hysterically. His fingers ran through the front-end of his hair as it became messy by his own doing. It was looking as if Jeh’Kant was completely losing it, but it was far from the case. However, it was amusing to see that someone could match his sense of humor in these dark times. Oh, the joy. It was sensational. Jeh’Kant would begin to feel the Force around him diminishing as the barrier was being sapped and weakened, but it was nothing. It was trivial because immediately as it happened, his power surged through and the barrier formed stronger than what originally it was going to.
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"Vaapad is more than a fighting style. It is a state of mind, a path that leads through the penumbra of the dark side."​

Wise words from Master Mace Windu. Not many understood what he meant by that — “a state of mind”. Jeh’Kant meditated upon it until finally he understood and created his own version, one that did not require a lightsaber or direct combat, but something entirely different. As the Dark Jedi before him mustered his strength to drain Jeh’Kant of his power, he would not only find that unsuccessful but find that he would be met with the same effects yet tenfold. Jeh’Kant had accepted the rage and anger of the platoon that just witnessed their Commander and brethren be slaughtered and now he had accepted the Dark Jedi’s use of the Dark side of the Force. He had taken it all in. All the anger, the rage, the disgust — all of the negative emotions and power into the innermost center — and let it fountain out upon them. He had no fear. The darkness had no power over him, but he had power over it. It wasn’t getting cold now, it was getting warm.

“You don’t get it, do you?” Jeh’Kant finally said out loud. “You throw around those words so lightly — ‘Jedi’, ‘Sith’, ‘Boglan’, ‘Asha’ —” he mocked, his tone slightly changed “But in the end, those things don’t matter. It’s about finding the balance. Too Dark, one cannot see, too Light and one becomes blinded.” Jeh’Kant began walking closer toward the Dark Jedi and with each step he became closer to the Dark Jedi, the light in the area would flicker and shift violently. The x-axis and the y-axis of the world would be distorted and overlap one another as if he was staring at a nauseating image or movie making it challenging to see Jeh’Kant. “And in regards to Cain, yeaaaah, I don’t believe you. Because if that was the case, they wouldn’t have sent someone as weak as you. Regardless, I’ll be nice. I won’t even use my lightsaber. Come, Supervisor” Jeh’Kant’s arm would slowly extend barely a quarter of its entire motion before he gestured with his hand, essentially inviting the man. “I’ll take your weapon once you’re through with it."​

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[Canaan Jackal]

1049 ABY, 12th Day of 11th Month (Duel In The Corridor)

The mention of his deceased master leaving the lips of the Dark Jedi before him did indeed leave an impression upon him, although not quite in the way that the Oroki might have perhaps expected. Rather than becoming thrown off at the foe’s ill-chosen provocations he merely ignored them altogether, because despite the apparent wound in his heart that Avanna Sol’s death imparted on him, he was still a warrior who spent his entire lifetime learning to let go of the things around him. As sad as it may have been, what was done had already occurred and therefore was considered irrelevant to the Stenax to think back upon given his current circumstances. Instead, he would focus upon doing his duty utilizing the knowledge passed down to him to guide him through this situation along with whatever information his opponent was so willfully offering him to process and later take advantage of.

Not once during their brief exchange of words did Bereon’s eyes nor his mind’s eye ever leave his adversary. He had been able to perceive the Counselor using the Force to erect a barrier of protection not unlike what he had just done, however the intentions for doing so were very likely to be different considering that he was fully aware that he couldn’t take the initiative in the duel due to the unfavorable environment, and more than likely his opponent could sense this as well. Yet this in and of itself was something that he could use to his own advantage if the opportunity presented itself. Not unlike his compatriot in Jeh’Kant who also utilized a Form VII variant, the basis of Trispzest was rooted in a combination of Juyo along with the native aerial dueling styles of the Sky’tri. As such it also held a heavy emphasis on the use of one’s internal emotions to dominate a bout. It also emphasized giving one’s physical self over to the Force and allowing it to empower them no matter what form it took, even if that meant giving in to the darkest parts of themselves.

So be it then…

His perception would be made to deepen even further as the Force would begin to flow through him and empower his limbs to an obscene degree, it would appear to the Jedi Master that time had appeared to slow, and right as his opponent would begin his lunge Bereon would already find himself leaning back into a crouching position and using his legs to leap straight back to avoid the initial stab. His wings outstretched behind him before launching forward to offer an additional boost of speed backwards to also just barely evade his opponent’s now extending blade by mere inches before Bereon would then dig his clawed toes against the ground to catch his momentum, causing sparks to fly, as he found himself skidding just about ten feet beyond his initial point of entry. The total process of this also roughly took about two tenths of a second, but with the added benefit of anticipation along with the initial distance afforded him the chance to escape harm's way for now. And if the Dark Jedi paid even closer attention, he would begin to note that the color in the eyes of his opponent had begun to suddenly change…

My turn…

Meanwhile the smoldering door that had appeared to sail harmlessly overhead began to spark as it too skid simultaneously at that time against the metal floors creating a level of friction high enough for Bereon to telepathically heat up the molecules in the air to turn those sparks into a blaze, and in turn a blaze into an inferno that began to wind its way back through the six by eight meter corridor at an incredible rate from the Counselor’s rear. However, this would not be the only surprise the Dark Jedi would face as he would just as quickly find a second inferno of equal size created through the same process from the sparks created from Bereon’s evading maneuver dashing wildly towards him at a similar speed. It was a basic pinscher maneuver to catch his opponent at an impasse so as to make him stop his assault to focus on guarding himself, lest he be consumed by the rage of the flames that would now trap him in from both sides of the corridor if he did nothing.

"Perhaps your statement was indeed accurate. You might have known my Master, but you don't know me from a single grain of sand," Bereon asserted with authority.
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[DarthVerus]

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SB-33, the Greatest Astromech in the Galaxy​

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1049 ABY, midnight, 12th day of 11th month, Clumsy Droid Action​

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SB-33 ventured through the maintenance tunnels clumsily, nearly tripping over cables and tubes that decorated the tunnel all across, as if forming its walls. They appeared like endless, thick vines of different colors and a variety of size, length and width—as if a technological jungle. After a meticulous journey of stumbling, almost breaking tubes and cutting wires SB-33 then finally reached the vent that’d allow him access the entrance to the central control room, however, the vent couldn’t be opened from within. It could be easily deduced that this safety lock was invented solely for security reasons. But although the safety lock was surely a fine invention, the fuse box next to the vent reduced the logic of having a safety lock to a net zero.

”Bleep beep boop, beep beep.” (Heh, this should be easy. These idiots are stupid.)

SB-33 produced what he often did, happy beeps. However, SB-33 had little to no data or knowledge on which fuses operated any specific circuits. They weren’t marked with any aurabesh, nor did they correspond to any of the wire colors present. The best bet was to try, even if it meant certain death. He already accessed the fact that the central control room was manned by troopers, and even worse, many of the Knights of the White Hand—warriors capable of matching Tengean Knights and even the Jedi in combat skills. If he merely cut his way into the room, he’d be blasted and hacked to pieces. Thus, all he could do was try. Or rather do, as someone would say. SB-33 then used his scomp link to access the fuse box, unplugging the third of the twelve fuses present in the box. The effect was more or less unwanted. The fuse operated the manual security systems, meaning that the automated measures were put in place. That meant trouble for his Jedi colleagues if anything, activating the laser shields in the main corridor and various other measures. Alarms would be turned on all across the base and would echo far outside its premises, and all of the personnel in the main control room would rush forth from the room as if in panic or determination. The vent to the control room opened, and the droid would then proceed to enter the room while his colleagues would have to deal with security challenges…​

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Counselor Rotas, Hand of Verus​

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Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

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Listen as you read​

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The Dark Jedi quickly realized that his foe at hand wasn’t of ordinary quality, at all to be fair. He felt that the Force was indeed strong with him, and it was no wonder that Cain had once chosen him as his apprentice. He couldn’t let his thoughts wander, however. He felt that his attempt to utilize his technique, or rather, the dark side of the Force seemed to fail as he only felt his own power waning shortly before he halted asserting his power into the premises of the corridor—doing so as soon as he felt the effects of his own technique turning on him. His barrier still held up, however, replenishing itself in but half a second. ”He’s powerful in the Force alright, he ain’t no pushover. Seems like he knows what he’s doin’ too.” He thought to himself, processing his feelings while trying to deduce what was going on. ”If he ain’t.. Is he cutting me off? Nah.. Whatever he’s doin’, he’s doing with his mind alone. Quite the trick.” He thought to himself, while accessing his thoughts entirely to the present and the Force itself—allowing it to guide him in whatever was to come. He witnessed the young man laughing, talking and now walking forward. He didn’t falter or take a single step further or backwards, he retained patience. He retained his minds’ eye so deep within the Force that he would see all things in clarity even if his opponent tried to alter the reality about him, whether in the physical realm or his mind. His mind was trained to withstand things far more terrifying than sheer illusions. His mind had been tortured, broken and rebuilt by dark side magic, and his body reshaped and tortured through alchemy. He was a far different man than who he was when he was a mere Jedi, in all aspects. He kept his mind shielded from such things, as he did keep himself shielded physically as well thus far—not allowing any attack past his shield if such was to be. However, with the loud alarm sounds beginning to echo through the base, he knew he wouldn’t need any defense of his own.

”Yeah, I won’t be needing one either, pal.”

The moment he began uttering his words, a laser shield of purple color suddenly emerged between them, just five meters in front of Jeh’Kant and still twenty meters away from the counselor. It covered the entire height and the width of the corridor, cutting Jeh’Kant and the counselor off from one another. And as soon as he had uttered his words, he as if disappeared from sight and had traversed to the large, octagonal chamber at the other end of the corridor in but two tenths of a second, using the Force to vitalize each and every single cell of his body. And as soon as the laser shield was erected, the troopers at the gate began to shoot at Jeh’Kant with precision and focus—all of the hundreds of red laser bolts now coming at amazing speeds towards the Jedi who was stuck between a wall he couldn’t merely cross. He’d have to break the generators in the roof for him to have any chance of moving forward, as there would be no way forward below or above.​

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Counselor Izil, the Snake of Udunn​

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Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, the Snake against the Winged Beast​

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In the meanwhile, the duel between Izil and Bereon became far more heated. The counselor still retained his stance, and he had well anticipated that the winged Jedi of old days could only move backwards to defend himself. And through the Force, he would have already anticipated his fiery pincer attack and had foreseen himself being engulfed in flames. It was, nonetheless, nothing he had to worry about. He retained his stance, with his light whip that missed its target flailing in the air as if a serpent. He smiled, almost disregarding his opponents’ tactics as the third, crimson eye on his forehead would begin to glow brightly as soon as his opponent began moving backwards, as if staring into the very heart of his enemy. Simultaneously, his entire body, along with every piece of clothing and equipment he had on would be engulfed by a thin but a glowing layer of purple Force energy just as the flames approached him. He allowed the flames to engulf him as his opponent well intended, not before noticing that his eyes began to shift in color as it seemed. He however disregarded this as well. All that his opponent did, and would do going forward, would fail and die in vain. The flames didn’t seemingly do any harm to him, but instead, it would seem that all of the energy contained in them would be absorbed—leaving the counselor utterly unharmed. He replied to his winged enemy without noting anything of what he’d done thus far, appearing rather amused of what he’d done.

”I indeed knew your master. She was weak, and so are you.”

He uttered in cold, unapologetic tone as he’d do nothing but stare at his opponent, as especially his third eye seemed to be fixated on the man who was once a Jedi.​

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[Jeh'Kant Kai]

MASTER JEH'KANT KAI, THE CHOOSEN​

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Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

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Unfortunately for the Supervisor, he was no longer in charge. Everything he had envisioned, imagined, and done in that short time since his power had been subdued was merely a facade. It was his imagination running wild because the moment it appeared that the world had begun to move across the horizontal and vertical axis, that was the moment that the Supervisor had already been defeated. That spinning effect, the one that would induce unexplainable vertigo, was the Supervisor’s head falling and spinning off the Supervisor’s body. Jeh’Kant was aware of the helmet made out of incredible material which was why he had sliced horizontally across the section just above the shoulders, allowing a clean cut through. The lightsaber hummed viciously as it twirled through the air before dissecting through the mid-section of the Supervisor’s body and then just above the knee-caps. Three slices — clean like butchers at a butcher shop shop or a surgeon with a scalpel — the image contingent upon whose side you were on.

Miscalculations had been made from the very beginning. Yes, the Supervisor had taken Jeh’Kant by surprise by utilizing Force Drain, but Jeh’Kant quickly countered with his approach to Vaapad. Jeh’Kant not only harnessed the power but brought it back upon the Supervisor ten-fold so whatever defenses the Supervisor had thought upon would’ve foiled before even coming into existence. As for the rest of the soldiers, they would’ve met their demise as well. The floor had been set clean, literally at that. Therefore the weapons that had been taken from the floor had been used by Jeh’Kant to hide behind the troops and they would be unleashed upon the troop before they could even fire the weapons. As that was left was merely Jeh’Kant standing as he used his Precognition to be warned of danger after he had sliced the Supervisor, who would meet his demise almost immediately after his imagination had him running out of this very room. With that being said, he’d begin to tread through the hallways before the lasers had even activated, making his way toward Bereon Vry. Hopefully.​

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Missed Details

• Jeh'Kant had filled the room with his Force
• Jeh'Kant had "cleared the floor, literally" -> This was him using the Force to remove the weapons that had previously been held by the enemies he choked.
• Jeh'Kant and the Supervisor have similiar stats, and are in the same range for Midi-Chlorian counts, it truthfully doesn't make sense that he was able to withstand the Force Drain after having it returned back on him tenfold. Even more powerful than before. It was said he was able to recover it within half a second, as well as his body or mind was created from the Dark Side, if we're going by T1 Guidelines that doesn't really work.
• While the Mental Illusion was not stated, he was hinted at towards especially by the writing and Jeh'Kant's appearance changing.

 

[Jeh'Kant Kai]

MASTER JEH'KANT KAI, THE CHOOSEN​

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Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

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Jeh'Kant only took a few steps before he had realized he had forgotten something. Perhaps it was the adrenaline wearing off but he almost immediately returned his playful disposition despite the numerous bodies surrounding him. Just as he walked forward, he immediately pivoted on his heels and did a full 180 coming back to the recently deceased Supervisor. "How silly of me! I almost forgot the fashion statement." With no Supervisor in control, everything would turn into chaos and therefore — Jeh'Kant right hand extended out towards the former Supervisor as the Mandalorian Beskar Helmet would remove itself from the Supervisor's and fall into the hands of Jeh'Kant. The same would happen with the lightsaber as well as the long cape, which would wrap itself around Jeh'Kant as if it had a mind of its own.

As the helmet was lifted, Jeh'Kant would stare at the Supervisor's face recognizing it as someone familiar from the Jedi. "Huh," he thought to himself out loud, mainly thinking about his words about for former Master wondering if they were true. While doing so Jeh'Kant would hook the Supervisor's lightsaber onto his utility belt and slowly place the Beskar Helmet ontop of his head. Now, he had assumed the position of the Supervisor and with the mental attacks he had bombarded the Supervisor with, he had some more information regarding this place and their mission. For good measure, Jeh'Kant would use the force to pile a few bodies ontop of the Supervisor, effectively concealing him from any onlookers without having to dig. And it was then when he would once again do a full 180 pivot on his heels and start walking around in menacing fashion.​

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[Canaan Jackal]

1049 ABY, 12th Day of 11th Month (Duel in the Corridor)

Whilst the sudden burst of chaos in the base that was most likely on the part of his comrade’s droid’s interference signaled to both former Jedi that SB-33 had managed to reach the designated point, Bereon had found himself in the meanwhile unable to take any ounce of focus away from his current foe, whom up to this moment in time had managed to remain a step ahead as it would appear after their initial exchange. And with the surge of activity from every enemy present now acting due to the change in the situation, it would be safe to assume that resuming this duel much further would only cause future complications if the winged giant intended to make a clean getaway anytime soon. However, he was not necessarily coming away empty handed as he had managed to gather a bit of useful information regarding the Counselor’s combat prowess.

So far, he had come to note that the Counselor seemed to be rather particularly gifted in the area of precognition, which when paired with the natural inborn gifts of the Oroki made him an enemy that would prove extremely difficult to catch off guard. Additionally, he learned that his opponent appeared to heavily favor Form II Makashi, and wielded a lightsaber that allowed him to extend its reach at any moment via a hidden lightwhip function. Although, to his chagrin, Bereon would’ve much rather preferred an enemy who perhaps was this capable yet had a much lesser propensity to be this vocal in nature as the Dark Jedi was proving to be. Well two could play that game.

“Perhaps if you’re one to define power as merely chasing the coattails of another being whose shadow you hide behind as a frightened child might, then I suppose I can understand how’d you’d come to rationalize such things,” he quipped in return as he gave a mocking smirk of his own. “Although I suppose that’s a bit unfair of me considering your species already teeters at the edge of extinction, and you even lack a home world to go back to. But I’ll tell you what though, prove your words correct by defeating me here and now, and I MIGHT consider what you say as having a measly resemblance of truth,” He concluded as his eyes slowly but surely continued to turn brighter with every passing second.

In all actuality though, once everything regarding the currently unfolding events had been accounted for in Bereon’s mind it was actually him who would now be forced to take the initiative in this fight lest he risk potentially being captured. Though on the bright side he could sense through the Force the essence of the Dark Jedi’s companion ceased to leave an echo, indicating Jeh’Kant’s successful triumph over his own adversary along with several other enemies prior. In that regard the mission could now be considered to be more or less successful at this point in time. As such Bereon’s objective role in the matter had suddenly switched from infiltration to containment.

Following along as a segue to his jeers the Dark Jedi would then perceive an immense recount of those times within Bereon’s thoughts along with the visions of his ancestral home world and people’s absolute annihilation, apparitions of their uncountable ghosts crying in pain and despair, their broken emotional states of absolute sorrow and misery physically palpable to the senses. And there the Dark Jedi would stand reliving every bit of that terrible moment in time. Though in nature the manner of this technique was illusory, its intended use in this duel was much more sinister as he was essentially forcing his opponent to recall all of his own thoughts and emotions from a very real event in his own past from way back then.

Meanwhile in those exact same moments he would begin his own assault, taking his ten foot saber staff with both hands in an orthodox over under grip typical to wielding a long spear, and lunging in with a series of alternating stabs and slashes, in particular thrusting at his opponent’s exposed liver before sweeping downward towards the Counselor’s right leg, before rotating in a one eighty in the opposite direction of the sweep to deliver a decapitating strike. A feat that he would manage to accomplish all within the blink of an eye as the Force continued to flow through his body at an ever-increasing rate as he was now beginning to freely allow himself to be given over to all the negative emotions that were overwhelmingly coursing throughout the entire base.







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[DarthVerus]

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FORCE VISION—The Lightsaber of Counselor Rotas, the Hand of Verus​

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Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Truth​

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Listen as you read​

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As soon as Jeh’Kant would pick up Rotas’ lightsaber, he’d feel the full weight of what the kyber crystal within has withheld for the past two decades—from Rotas fall to the dark side, to his eventual death which he knew would come. The Force, through the crystal, would show him many visions of which some could be seen with clarity, some still covered by the veil of shadow. First one was the image of a young boy, a Jedi Padawan, Ajar Rotas, sparring another padawan that was far more aggressive and powerful than him—Cain Farr. ”H-Hey take it easy pal! This is a practice session!” the boy stuttered with fear and terror in his voice, it as if trembled as he was holding his lightsaber horizontally held in his left hand as his arm was postured straight above his head, looking up with teary eyes as Cain battered his lightsaber against his while Ajar was already on his knees, struggling to stand up. They were in the practice chamber of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, while other students sparred there as well. ”I said stay on your KNEES!” Cain growled at him, while suddenly a Jedi Master came to pull Cain away as if in anger. Ajar remained on his knees, now in full tears and in doubt, wondering what wrong he’d done to his compatriot.​

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The vision would then take Jeh’Kant to an unknown village on a lush planet, brimming with life. It took him to a time roughly a decade after the Great Intergalactic War, where Ajar had taken refuge. He was defending the village from the forces of the Order of Bogan, and Lord Verus—who in fact, was, Cain Farr. Ajar was once more on his knees, defending Verus’ battering strikes just as he’d done decades prior. And he was just as powerless, just as full of doubt. Verus spoke to him through his mask, with nothing but ire and disgust. ”You were weak then, and that weakness still remains.” Ajar tried his best to defend, but he soon saw his left hand cut off, and he saw himself lifted up in the air through the Force, choking and gasping for breath. In the end, all four of his limbs were cut by Verus’ lightsaber, and Ajar found himself unconscious once more.​

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Next, the vision would take him to a planet of dark and ominous nature, not brimming with life but with fire and ash. Ajar was now bound and floating in a tank filled with green liquid, awake and as if in panic. He couldn’t speak through his breathing tube, but he could see all of his limbs grown anew. A culmination of dark side alchemy and cloning technology. Through the tank, he could once more see the man who had just cut off all of his limbs—Verus, unmasked, revealed to be Cain Farr. He panicked even more, understanding that the boy who’d beaten him into submission during his childhood was now in total control of him—and that he had fallen to the dark side. Months later, he’d receive his Mandalorian helmet from Cain as a gift and a means of hiding his identity from whatever remaining elements of the Alliance or the Jedi. ”Your fall to the dark side of the Force has now been complete, Rotas. Henceforth, you will do all of my bidding. If I will command you to march to your death, you will do so. If I will command you to destroy my enemies on my behalf, you will do so. And if you fail to respect my orders… I will burn you in the flames of Udunn, only to repair you again, and again, and again.”

End of vision. With this knowledge, Jeh’Kant was to venture further into the base and into the conference chamber of Admiral Raius—where Rotas had intended to take their battle.​

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Counselor Izil, the Snake of Udunn​

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Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, the Bird in a Cage​

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The duel, as short lived as it was, would be coming to a fitting end. Izil’s only objective was to capture the Jedi, and he knew well that the Jedi was now in his grasp. The Jedi was foolish enough to think that measly flames or pathetic imitation of the dark side of the Force would be enough to fend off what was always going to come. Izil was forged in the flames of Udunn, his soul and mind broken and rebuilt thousands of times under the hammer of Lord Verus and the God King Bogan himself. Izil, unlike his supposed partner in Rotas, was far from a pushover. And although he’d sensed his death in the Force, it didn’t matter to him even in the slightest. Rotas was weak, intended to be disposed of eventually. Izil, however, had skills and traits that no one else had. The Oroki weren’t only capable of seeing the presence of midi-chlorians in others, but their connection to the Force altogether was extraordinary compared to many other species of the galaxy. The closest to them were the Loth-Wolves, as they shared the same trait. The connection to hyperspace. Unlike the Loth-Wolves, however, the Oroki couldn’t create hyperspace tunnels or utilize it for bare travel between one point to another. However, they could access it regardless of where they were, allowing them to phase between dimensions while leaving false images of themselves in realspace, or even capture others in hyperspace. And that was exactly what Izil had prepared Bereon for, the glow of his third eye was a foresign of what was to come. Before Bereon would find himself speaking his first word or even foolishly attempting Dun Möch on someone far more accustomed to the dark side of the Force than himself, he’d find his bare eyes staring into the bright blue and white lights, as if seeing himself creating a simu-tunnel and jumping into hyperspace. It was in fact Izil who ”jumped” them there, and while their position in realspace would remain the same as they wouldn’t, in fact, travel in hyperspace, the effect was the same. Izil, native to what hyperspace did if one was exposed to it, was fine with what it offered and didn’t require shielding of any form. However Bereon, exposed to hyperspace without being accustomed to it, would suffer from what effects it would bring. It seemed as if the corridor he was in had turned into a brimming sea of bright lights and the reality about him warped indefinitely, everything from seeing to breathing became far harder. But this would end soon with him falling unconscious.​

---

​

---

The technique that Izil utilized was one native to the Oroki, called Hyperspace Entrapment. Hyperspace Entrapment is a technique native to the Oroki species, who have an unnaturally powerful connection to the Force. It is believed that they developed the ability as a way of escaping from the predators of their native planet Yoomi, allowing them to end unnecessary combat situations in short amounts of time by rendering their targets unconscious or in many cases, inducing lightspeed psychosis due the unnatural nature of being exposed to hyperspace.

Not unlike the Loth-Wolves native to Lothal, Oroki are capable of accessing the hyperspace naturally but can not use hyperspace for travel in a similar manner. Instead, they utilize their access to the hyperspace merely to phase between realspace and hyperspace temporarily—moving between two dimensions while leaving a living mirage in the realspace. That allows a select Oroki to avoid physical harm in realspace while appearing like they are still present in the realspace. They aren’t capable of using the ability on a constant, however, demanding enough recharge time (3 posts) for them to access hyperspace once more. Using their third eye, Oroki are capable of using the Force to influence other targets within their field of vision (a maximum of three targets regardless of power level) to phase with them, however with the high probability of select targets suffering from negative effects of being exposed to hyperspace. It was enough that the Oroki could detect their midi-chlorian signature alone.

Izil walked forth now while in hyperspace with his lightsaber whip still flailing in the air in front of him, towards Bereon who would likely find himself exhausted within less than a tenth of a second. If he was to even try to wield tutaminis, he’d merely tire himself out. He was exposed to something he had no means of adapting to immediately.​

---

Points: (For Bereon)

• The said effect is the same that the Rebels (Kanan, Ezra, Sabine) suffered from after their first experience of hyperspace tunneling. They were unconscious, on the other side of the planet. The second time they seemed much more accustomed, indicating that they had adapted to it or that there’s an continuity error.
• Hyper-rapture or Lightspeed psychosis are effects of being exposed to hyperspace.

 

[Jeh'Kant Kai]

MASTER JEH'KANT KAI, THE CHOOSEN​

---

Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

---

---

What would’ve been a simple touch would ignite decades of memories to be bequeathed onto Jeh’Kant, whether willing or not. His mental landscape became preoccupied with the image of a young Jedi Padawan training against another. This was before Jeh’Kant’s time, yet one of them seemed familiar due to his physical traits. It was Cain. The lightsabers hummed violently as the young Cain assaulted downward with incredible force. His movement was different, this was not the Cain that Jeh’Kant knew. This Cain was consumed by rage. Another Master entered into the training arena and quickly took Cain away and all Jeh’Kant would see was the young Padawan on his knees with his eyes full of tears. Jeh’Kant could not tell if genuinely felt sympathy for the child or whether it was because it was his memory and the emotions he was experiencing were Rotas.

The scene before his eyes shifted into a lush planet, filled with vitality and brimming with life. However, what occurred before his eyes was very much the opposite. One could say it was the balance. The same strikes from the scene before, yet this time a masked individual. Jeh’Kant didn’t know who it was but it was almost as if it was whispered to him in the Supervisor’s voice — Lord Verus, Master of the Bogan. Rotas' hand was sliced off and not before long, he was lifted into the air before all his limbs were sliced cleanly as if a surgeon performing surgery. The carpeted greenary of the planet was now stained with the blood from chaos.

The scene dimmed away as if Jeh’Kant was the one losing consciousness. Slowly and slowly until it was blank but soon after a fiery hue would softly infiltrate the darkness. From the end of the hallway Jeh’Kant would see a soft green hue that illuminated the hallway gently. Jeh’Kant made his way there before turning into the room. What he would find was Rotas bound in a liquid green tank. Slowly awaking before the panic set in as he watched his limbs grow anew. Jeh’Kant merely observed. All these scenes were rollercoasters of emotions mixed with his own thoughts. Jeh’Kant would walk toward the tube watching the man struggle with what was becoming of him as he would follow his gaze to someone who was also watching the same thing.

Jeh’Kant would make his way towards the man dressed in the same clothes as the man from the second scene. Unmasked, yet familiar. Jeh’Kants eyes blinked even harder as if he were seeing a ghost. “Impossible.” He whispered to himself as he became closer until he was an inch away from the man. His eyes looked him up and down as reality began to set. First, it was happiness. Under the helmet, his eyes had become red as tears would begin to build up. Followed by anger and then followed by the realization that their enemy this whole time had been his former Master.

The scene would begin to melt away and once it had, Jeh’Kant would remain standing in silence. He did not move an inch or make even the slightest sound. It didn’t even look as if he were breathing. As he stood there, a million things ran through his mind as he tried to process everything that he had just witnessed. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be afforded the time as Bereon's dwindling essence was alerted almost immediately by the hypersensitive Jeh'Kant Kai. Which forced him into action as he made he way into the next chamber acting as if he hadn't just seen what he saw.​

---

 

[Canaan Jackal]

1049 ABY, 12th Day of 11th Month

It had all happened much too fast for even the once premier assassin of the Jedi Order to comprehend. His senses with the drastic change in environment had been shot to hell, and before he knew it, he had gone from mounting a true offensive to stumbling all over himself as his body was only now recognizing the shock that it had received from being forcibly drawn into hyperspace, and worse at that considering he had not experienced any prior exposure. The entirety of his massive body felt as if it was being crushed by the tremendous forces acting upon it, whilst he became mentally disoriented by gazing upon the infinitely rapid passing lights. He couldn’t even so much as muster a word whether physically or telepathically. And before he knew it his very sight would begin to go in and out.

It felt as if the whole world was spinning about, and he had no sense of direction or where he was. His lightsaber pike would then slip from his hands as his body no longer had the strength to stand let alone hold on to anything. Yet above all else the number one thing that stood above his disorientation or pain was the sheer exhaustion. Every action became physically and mentally draining within this space. Even actions as simple as breathing became another tax upon his failing physicality that his body could no longer afford. And eventually even just simply remaining awake at all no longer became possible. All the Counselor would witness were the empty eyes of the unconscious being that he had successfully managed to subdue sprawled out before him.

The duel had been concluded decisively, with the once mighty Bereon Vyr having finally fallen in battle…

Is this the end...

However, upon opening his eyes again he found himself in a place that he did not recognize. He was no longer in the corridor of the enemy base on Vaiken Prime, nor could he sense the presence of the Counselor who defeated him. Actually, he couldn’t sense anyone or anything here at all. And when he stood up to look around there was nothing there. Just pulsing illuminations amidst an endless void.

Am I dead?


​

 

[DarthVerus]

---

The Force​

---

1049 ABY, Night, 12th day of 11th month, The World Between Worlds​

---

Listen as you read​

---

---

The Force works in many mysterious ways. A Jedi, a Sith, no one could truly understand its workings fully. The Force was time, it was space, and it was all the things in between, beneath and above them. It bound all the living things to its cosmic will, guiding and determining their destinies. The World Between Worlds, or the Vergence Scatter was one of the more mystifying aspects of the Force that few had a grasp of. It was where all time and space connected, all the billions upon billions of events that have ever unfolded resided there, and all the smallest of moments within those moments themselves. Those who were nearing death often had to trespass through this place, but was Bereon dying? Perhaps not in the sense of dying physically, but perhaps a part of Bereon was indeed meant to die—or perhaps he was meant to walk a path that required him to die, so that he could be reborn.

The sight of the swirls and blinding lights of hyperspace soon turned into a realm of glistering stars and millions of pathways and sounds. It was still, harmonious, but endless. Bereon would find himself waking up on one of such paths, visible to him due to its light blue hue of light—lights that carved a clear path ahead of him, but where would that path lead? Bereon would have to follow that path to see it for himself. Countless voices could be heard amidst silence, echoing across the space that seemed infinite, but finite all at the same time. ”You were the chosen one!!” could be heard as if from miles away, but still as if right next to Bereon. ”Darkness rises… And light to meet it.” could be heard from another direction. And amongst those voices, a silent whisper could be heard, as if calling for him. ”Bereon.” a soft, female whisper. He couldn’t see her, but he could hear her. All he could do was to follow the path ahead.

In reality, Counselor Izil had already taken Bereon hostage and aboard his shuttle that’d depart for the Corellian system immediately.​

---

1049 ABY, Night, 12th day of 11th month, Vaiken Prime, The Conference Chamber​

---

---

Jeh’Kant, now posing as Counselor Rotas, would have quite a job ahead of him to act his part well enough to survive. He’d have to buy time for SB-33, who was in the midst of downloading the much wanted plans and schemes of the White Hand and the Order of Bogan as a whole—while on the other side of the base altogether. As he’d enter the chamber, he’d find it much different than the rest of the base altogether. Much older, ancient, it had lasted there for eons. And what would come disturbing to him was that in this room, the Force had no place—it was utterly disconnected from it. And it was on purpose. The base was built upon and around the ruins of an ancient prison, built and crafted eons ago by the Mortis gods to imprison one unwanted member of their family—Abeloth, the Mother. It was due to her that the presence of the Force on the planet felt chaotic, undecided. Much like herself. This chamber was her vault, where she spent hundreds of thousands of years. It was how the gods had ensured that the most dangerous among them couldn’t escape. As he stepped into the chamber, he would be met by a squadron of the Knights of the White Hand—elite soldiers adherent to Admiral Raius. Their prowess in combat equaled even that of the Jedi, having practiced their lightsaber forms and wielded armor and weapons made of the unbreakable Tengean steel.

”Sir Counselor, we commend you on your successful defense. Admiral Raius will report to us shortly about the proceedings of the Battle of Corellia. He will call us through the holo terminal.”

The captain of the knights spoke to the Jedi in disguise, with their vibro-blades of Tengean steel visible as they always were.​

---

 

[Jeh'Kant Kai]

Counselor Rotas, Hand of Verus (disguised)​

---

Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

---

---

Counselor Rotas would walk into the chamber comfortable and poised as always. He stood there adamantly as he awaited for the Admiral to appear on the holo terminal and merely nodded his head towards the Knights of the White Hand while speaking, "What can I say, it was not entertaining in the least." he smirked "Lord Verus will be disappointed to hear about this." He was then quiet as he waited for the Admiral to join them.

Jeh'Kant, however, maintained his distance and closely watched the Knights through the helmet he wore. He was also concerned about Bereon and SB33, but he had to remain in character in order to extract more information out of their enemy. What was intriguing was this void of a chamber that hindered his Force abilities. He couldn't sense anyone in or out, it were as if were a void. ​

---

 

[DarthVerus]

---

Admiral Raius, Leader of the White Hand​

---

Vaiken Prime, 1049 ABY, Night, 12th day of 11th month, Beginning of the End​

---

Listen as you read​

---

---

The Knights merely nodded to the Jedi-in-disguise, as they quickly moved into two ranks that’d form a path for the Jedi to move further into the chamber that’d contain a large holoterminal. As the knights moved into ranks, silence quickly struck the base. Suddenly the wailing alarm sounds ended, and all the hassle that seemed to run amok across the base ceased to be. Troopers began to gather into the room, a platoon of them as they formed into ranks across each side of the octagon-shaped chamber and as they entered, the doors leading in and out of the chamber closed. If Jeh’Kant was to survive, he’d have to act well. He was surrounded, in a space where his powers were utterly nullified and he was vastly outnumbered. The end of the alarms also signaled that SB-33 could well be in danger, and with Bereon already out of play, Jeh’Kant could well be on his own. As the ranks formed and silence fell, the holoterminal began to glow as it started projecting a living image of a man who was roughly two meters tall, wearing a very decorated uniform and glowing charisma. He appeared to be older than sixty years old, but his eyes seemed as fiery as ever. His facial expression was stern, emitting command and authority that few possessed. It was Admiral Raius, the leader of the White Hand. He appeared to be standing with his hands behind his back, coupled with a very commanding posture.

”Ah, Counselor Rotas. I already heard of your success. Counselor Izil also only just reported that he had captured one of the Jedi who had tried to infiltrate our base. It seems that our trap had indeed worked, shame that it required as many casualties as it did.”

Admiral spoke with a calm, nearly disturbingly calm tone while his voice appeared to be slightly burnt, perhaps an effect that had come with age. He took a mild, unnoticeable breath in between. He proceeded to speak once more, retaining his composure.​

---

---

”Our troops have successfully taken Corellia and the entire system under control, their defense fleet has been utterly erased. Coruscant will not commit their fleet to help Corellia because otherwise, they’d be left defenseless. We have effectively taken control of the entire galactic core in one fell swoop. And soon, Lord Verus will arrive with the Star Forge. Our armada and resources will be increased one-thousand fold. Soon the mistakes of the Galactic Alliance and the Jedi will be corrected.”

As Raius spoke of the success of his forces on Corellia, the troops in the chamber began to vocally chant—Jeh’Kant could only hear them uttering ”Raius, Raius, Raius” as if fanatically, they clearly worshiped him like a god. And it was no wonder, most of them had served him for more than two decades and he was the greatest military mind the Galactic Alliance had seen through its history. It was his disappearance that led to its defeat, after all.​

---

 

[Jeh'Kant Kai]

Counselor Rotas, Hand of Verus (disguised)​

---

Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

---

---

Counselor Rotas, without even an ounce of hesitation, walked down the pathway toward the Holo-terminal. The sounds of the alarms vanished and that could possibly arise as an issue. Either the alarms had been tampered with to give the illusion that the enemy had been subdued or the enemy in fact really had been subdued. The former being the more consistent with the story as Counselor Rotas appeared before them as victorious and Jeh'Kant had noticed that Bereon Vry's essence had been fading before he entered in this room. SB-33, he had no idea where he was or what he was up too but hopefully it was something good. More troopers entered into the room and Jeh'Kant was surrounded yet he did not fold under the pressure. This is where diamonds were formed, this was where he would stick to his impersonation even stronger.

Click! The Holo-Terminal connected and before him was Admiral Raius, perhaps the Greatest Military Mind in recent history. He congratulated Counselor Rotas on his victory against the Jedi while also confirmed Jeh'Kant's suspicion that Bereon Vry had been captured. "Unfortunate, yet necessary." Counselor Rotas responded to Admiral Raius, "Who knows what could've happened had they been allowed to remain." The Admiral continued speaking after Counselor Rotas as Jeh'Kant remained focus on what he was saying. By the time Admiral Raius was done, the entire room began to chant his time in unison creating a bit of a rumble in the vicinity from the sheer number and strength. Counselor Rotas glanced around with a smile under the helmet as he nodded in unison.

"I guess congratulations are in order for you as well, Admiral Raius!" Counselor Rotas said out loud, "However, we can not celebrate just yet. Much remains. So I ask, what is our next mission?"​

---

 

[Canaan Jackal]

1049 ABY, 12th Day of 11th Month (World Between Worlds)

It was a voice that even after all this time he could still recognize. As if a moth drawn to fire, he doggedly pursued the voice that had called out to him as his every step was then made a light to forge a path ahead. In the meantime, his senses were overwhelmed from the seemingly infinite echoes, memories, and glimpses into moments in time that constantly filled his mind’s eye as he continued on. It was as if this place was giving a summary of all that was and is. With every step he would witness flashes into pivotal moments of several bygone eras highlighting several conflicts between the perpetually warring factions of the Light and Dark, along with the many cycles of birth, death, and rebirth of many civilizations and the worlds they inhabited. However, as the voice that called out to him grew clearer in tone the mysterious plane seemed to respond and began to replay the echoes of his own memories. Memories that he often agonized upon during his exile on Coruscant from before the war.

What manner of place is this?

Before he knew it Bereon began to realize something. He began to now feel overwhelmed by an enormous amount of emotion, but not in his current state, yet as his younger self as the mysterious plane without warning had brought him back to a time when he was but a mere youngling of no older than six. And at this moment he found himself alone and afraid in a forest world that at the time he was entirely unfamiliar with. Sobbing he pulled his knees into his body wondering if the winged woman had died, or perhaps abandoned him as his parents did when he was an infant on Stenos.

“Master where are you?” a child Bereon said, crying to himself.

It was unknown as to what purpose this plane suddenly had to make him relive this memory, yet here he was without warning. Cold, scared, and alone.




​

 

[DarthVerus]

---

Admiral Raius, Leader of the White Hand​

---

Vaiken Prime, 1049 ABY, Night, 12th day of 11th month, Beginning of the End​

---

Listen as you read​

---

---

The admiral retained his poise without as much as blinking an eye as he listened to the Jedi-in-disguise, but one thing had been clear to him already prior to their encounter—he knew it wasn’t Rotas he was talking to. But, he was willing to play the game regardless as an opportunity to study his adversary. He indeed acted his part well, but Raius had already received the information regarding Rotas’ death from his colleague, Izil, in the report prior to this conversation. Therefore, the only viable conclusion was that the Jedi took his chance to impersonate Rotas to further infiltrate their ranks. The soldiers in the base were likely oblivious to this fact, however, Raius was more than willing to test the Jedi.

”Ah, but dear Counselor, I thought you already knew our next step? I must refresh your memory since it is understandable that sometimes, in the heat of action, a person can become.. Forgetful.”

Raius spoke with a commanding yet calm tone, as if belittling the Jedi-in-disguise or rather Rotas—in front of all of the troops without so much as caring what they’d think. His demeanor didn’t, yet, change for one bit.

”The remaining forces on our base will rendezvous with our forces on Corellia after Lord Verus will arrive. The workings and the means of the Star Forge are intricate, but the end is simple—it uses the star of a planetary system as fuel for creation of any form of technology. For us, it means an armada that will be able to control the entire galaxy and further, conquer Tengea and seize their resources. Whatever Bogan wants from there is none of my concern, however, their resources will restore our vastly depleted galaxy.”

Raius spoke with command and authority, yet there was disturbing calmness to his voice. He had oversimplified the plans ahead. As the Corellian system had fallen hostage, his plan was to broadcast the situation to the entire galaxy and reveal the corruption behind the Spacing Guild, the Hutt Cartel and what remained of the Galactic Alliance and how they allowed the galaxy fall into the hands of the countless petty warlords and that all of the deprived resources have fallen into the hands of the corrupt, evil senators. With the Star Forge, the Order of Bogan and the White Hand could provide technology for the civilians that’d enable them unlimited food production, starcraft and energy among other things. In fact, the White Hand intended to save the galaxy from corruption—in its own twisted way. Raius only sought to correct the mistakes of the Galactic Alliance, believing that the galaxy required power that the Star Forge and the Order of Bogan could provide.

”Seizing of the Corellian system is already complete, so all that remains is the creation of the fleet. And that fleet is already being created, and will be complete in a few hours after Verus arrives. Such power, in one single station. Don’t you agree?”

Raius spoke with witful demeanor. In the meanwhile, unbeknownst to Jeh’Kant, SB-33 had successfully escaped the base and had already gone back to their ship to try and reignite Huyang’s operating systems.​

---

The Force​

---

The World Between Worlds, 1049 ABY, Night, 12th day of 11th month, Death and Rebirth​

---

---

The scenery about Bereon switched yet again, with the glistering void turning into a lush, green wood with a thick, permeating mist flowing all about—blocking all visibility if one tried to look any further than twenty meters. It felt as real as the world would feel in reality, everything seemed to be tangible, touchable, but still the world and reality felt as otherworldly as it felt in the space from before. It felt as if the past and present somehow collided here, and it wasn’t certain if this moment and space really lied in the past or if it was merely an illusion of it, a mirage.

The young Bereon, alone and abandoned, would be met by a voice from behind him. A familiar voice, the voice of his old master, Avanna Sol. She stood tall as she was, six foot and eleven in height, wearing her light brown Jedi robes. Her green skin appeared youthful as ever, appearing far younger than she had in her death. Her pitch black hair seemed to shine under the starlight of the skies, but what she lacked compared to what she had in life were her wings—something that was easy to point out.

”Hey Ber, it’s nice to see you.”

She lamented with a warm, soft voice, smiling towards her old apprentice as she stood but five meters apart from him. He must have many questions, and many that need answering.​

---

 

[Jeh'Kant Kai]

Counselor Rotas, Hand of Verus (disguised)​

---

Vaiken Prime, midnight, 1049 ABY, 12th day of 11th month, The Duel at the Gate​

---

---

Counselor Rotas smirked in response to the Admiral's attempt to belittle him. Counselor Rotas merely stood there listening and by the time the Admiral was done, he quickly responded. "Alright, alright, alright" he said as he began walking through the exit after the first word and there by the last. "A lot of power, got it. We'll move along with the next set of the plans. Now that we got rid of the Jedi scum, this should be a cakewalk." By the time he was at the door, he stopped and stood facing with his back to the Holo-Terminal. It was like he had paused and was shifting through his thoughts before he pivoted on his heel and stared at everyone "Well, you heard the man! Lets get on with it now!" Startled and frightened they all began maneuvering in march towards the exits after the man too had exited.​

---

 

[DarthVerus]

---

Admiral Raius, Leader of the White Hand​

---

Vaiken Prime, 1049 ABY, Night, 12th day of 11th month, Beginning of the End​

---

​

---

The Admiral observed the Jedi-in-disguise with amusement, playing the game proved fruitful at least in the form of entertainment. He gathered enough about his mannerisms and certain tactfulness to come to a conclusion that Izil was honest, and that Rotas had indeed died. And the only person that’d likely dare to impersonate him is the person that killed him. His previous poise broke as a sudden smile appeared across his face, he finally decided to reveal his cards in favor of doing what Rotas failed to do—eliminating the Jedi. Just as the Jedi-in-disguise turned around, before getting to say his orders, Admiral Raius quickly took his turn to speak.

”Counselor Rotas, before you go..”

He lamented with a playful and commanding tone all at once, as if already indicating that he knew that he wasn’t who he pretended to be.

”Counselor Izil also informed me that you, in fact, died. And that information is likely already being shared with Lord Verus. I always allow a chance for small misunderstandings and misjudgements, however I do have to ask you to remove your helmet to confirm Izil’s false claims.”

Raius spoke openly and with clarity in his tone, he didn’t waver and as the admiral had spoken, the Knights of the White Hand and the troopers within the chamber all seemed to ready themselves—as the tension within the room became rather thick. Raius revealed his cards, but not without allowing the situation play with a tint of comedy.​

---

 

[Jeh'Kant Kai]

Counselor Rotas busted out into quite the laugh, “Hahahaha!” His voice boomed throughout the room. “I ain’t know the Admiral had a sense of humor.” Counselor Rotas blurted out loud as he playfully smacked a trooper’s shoulder. The trooper grabbing his shoulder as he whispered “ow” under his breath lightened the mood. So did his laugh. However, it was still tense because of the Admiral’s commanding tone. With his back against the wall, what would Counselor Rotas do?

“Ain’t you supposed to be the greatest tactical mind in the galaxy?” Counselor Rotas questioned as he walked toward the Holonet Terminal. With his head slightly tilted to the side and his eyebrow raised, something none of them would see but surely visualize, he’d come to a stop just before the keyboard for the Holonet Terminal. “So what you’re telling me is — a Jedi defeated me, Counselor Rotas, Hand” he purposely raised his voice at the last word to hint at the absurd remark made by the Admiral. “Of Verus! And then proceeded to take my clothes, take off his clothes, put on my clothes, and not only that but also take my helmet and—” just before he finished he took handle of his lightsaber and raised it above his head igniting it like a spark as it illuminated the room in a crimson hue. There was a slight pause before he started speaking again. In that time, he chuckled out loud hysterically as the lightsaber retracted into its regular state. It was hitched back onto his belt as he hovered over the keyboard. “Tell me, does that even sound like a Jedi to you?”

The question was rhetorical, but it was enough to ease everyone’s tension in the room. “Besides, this helmet was given to me by Lord Verus himself. Only HE is capable of giving such a command to me. So either, give us the orders or I’ll speak with Lord Verus myself.” Counselor Rotas would patiently wait for the Admiral to speak. However, if there were anything other than the orders he would turn off the Holonet Terminal immediately.