Masters of the Force: Chapter 1

The Republic pilot was bored. Making a few last attempts to contact ships in the area via transmission, he gave up. It was no use anyway. In the Outer Regions, Malachor V - or at least what remained of it - was the last place you would want to be. Strangely enough there was a strong reply signal coming from Malachor itself - but who in their right mind would even live there?

"Any luck?" asked his co-pilot.

The pilot shrugged. He had no idea why their captain wanted them to explore this dead region anyway - something about suspicious activity on the planet's surface. A transmission from the prime station. In his opinion the only suspicious activity around here would be asteroids bashing against each other as they helplessly spun round in space.

"The prime station is not answering. It's too far here to send any transmissions at all."

His co-pilot sighed "Let's just hope our captain doesn't make us stick around for too long."

The Republic pilot noticed the panel flashing "We're getting close to the Malachor asteroid field. Better watch out for those flying pieced of rock."

The co-pilot replied "There aren't only rocks here."

The pilot looked up. Indeed before him, floating among the asteroids, was the dead wreckage of old ships. Even after all these years, the old memories of Malachor were still well preserved. He shuddered and turned away.

"Please! Please! Have marcy!" The Republic soldier was on his knees, as Verra Atarr walked forward towards him, here double bladed lightsaber's red glow illuminating the haunting dark chamber.

"Please! I beg you..."

Verra smiled. For a Sith Lord, she had a charming smile - streaming black hair, accompanied by bright blue eyes and an attractive figure cloaked in black. Not many would have had the thought of a Sith Lord show up in their minds.

As the pilot got up, Verra called upon the dark side of the Force and extended her hand. A pulsating charge of lightning shot forth, blasting the soldier back and the Sith walked forward to see his figure beat in agony on the marble floor. It was a good way for her to train her skills - her master would be pleased.

She let go for a moment, and watched the pilot statically breathe while lying on the ground. He was almost half-dead, but that was all part of fun. He opened his mouth, and weak words came forward:

"I beg you...have mercy."

Verra laughed, a bell like laugh, that echoed cold within the walls of the remains of Trayus Academy "I never thought you would fail to be so foolish as to beg a Sith for mercy". Then for a moment her eyes met with his - and she saw pain and suffering. For a moment her Jedi side called, yet she threw it away and blasted the Republic soldier with a last burst of Force Lightning. After several seconds of pained screams, the soldiers was at last silenced and Verra stopped. She walked forward and prodded his body with her shoe.

"Mistress Verra?" called a rough voice.

Verra turned to see a Sith apprentice standing in the doorway "Lord Fortem requires you to join him. The ritual is ready."

Verra smiled venomously. At last it would be done. Her master was going to go where no other Sith has before - and she would be there to witness it. She quickly exited the chamber.

The Republic pilot observed the panel "I am receiving strong lifeform readings. There is seems to be a colony down there."

His co-pilot looked at him in a puzzled way "A colony? Check those readings again."

The pilot did. The readings stayed the same "Looks like it. I cannot believe it."

"Neither can I. After all, this is Malachor...who could be down there?"

The two pilot's exchanged worried looks. They both had strong suspicions about who would dwell on Malachor - but both chose to keep their mouths shut and continued their ships passage towards the eerily green glowing Malachor V.