Star Wars: Rising of the Union

Rising of the Union was the author's first ever attempt at a Star Wars fanon piece. First written in 2002, three years before the birth of Star Wars Fanon, Rising of the Union represented the author's imagination and joy through Star Wars.

As you will see, many of the names and places used in Rising of the Union were later re-used for the current Sith Order of Decreto storyline, although on most occasions, the characters backgrounds have changed significantly.

Please remember, that this is the author's first ever attempt at a fanon piece, and should not be taken as an up-to-date view of his current writing skills. The story has not been altered in any way, with the exception of wiki formatting and represents the first true imagining of the life of Darth Abeonis.

Please, enjoy. Darth Abeonis Sith Council Sith Campaign 03:05, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

Escape from Kowak
“Quick, run!” Shouted Gransa from behind Abeo. Abeo chucked his bags into the shuttlecraft. Explosions were going off everywhere and thousands of people were falling to the ground. “Now Abeo, listen to me, when you get the Cetarni station to seek out a man that goes by the name of…” Upon saying this a huge column fell from the roof of the Great Plaza and hit the ground creating a huge cloud of smoke blinding Abeo from seeing Gransa. “Gransa, Gransa!” Abeo shouted. “GO!” shouted a weak and mysterious voice.

The Black Sun rises in the Sky
Upon arriving at Birenu station in the Cetarni system, rumours were already spreading that Thrawn; the Chill who attacked Kowak was on his way there. Abeo settled in his very ‘un-roomy’ quarters in the northern sphere of the station, it was a small room. It had one large ‘window’ if you would call it that; it was more of a giant force field of a rectangular shape. The room had a small bed, a viewing screen and some wooden chairs, and a private room for the Lavatory. In the wall was a Protein resequencer for food and drink. “Not exactly the Jedi Temple, but it looks alright,” he said to himself. “No its not is it.” A low voice replied from the doorway, Abeo turned to see who was there. “Grey walls, no decorations, almost like home.” the man stated. “Who are you?” Abeo asked “I’m Pantene, Pantene of house Arterious.” he replied “A Yagoan, here, why?” “Well you could say I’m passing by.” He replied.

Pantene was a tall humanoid with long black hair and two eyes, well two blue, one green. He wore an armoured suit with a strange insignia on it. On each of is cheeks were three gills and under his chin an outward pointing claw, which was quite short, suggesting he was in his thirties. “Anyway, what’s a human doing in a Cetarni space station, and what’s your name?” Pantene asked. “Well,” Abeo replied “I came from Kowak after escaping the Imperials.” “I see.” he replied “Funny!” “Anyway, what happened to your eye?” asked Pantene “Shrapnel, and my name’s Abeo, Abeo… Abeo.”

Meeting the Boss
Over the next two weeks Abeo and Pantene got to know each other a little better and on the fifteenth day Pantene finally asked Abeo a question. “How would you like a job as a cargo runner for my boss hmm?” “Well, I don’t know, I mean how much does it pay?” Abeo replied “Well, if you’ve got the skills you been boasting over the last two weeks than this will be as easy as catching a Gundark!” “Do you think your boss will give me living quarters?” “My boss, give you living quarters, you must be kidding, and he’ll be giving a ship of your own to live in!” “Oh really?” Abeo replied sarcastically. “Usually it’s a Correllian freighter, but for you, he might give you something else, if you past the test.” “Test? Wha.. What test?” Abeo asked as in a state of Shock. “Oh just a little puzzle, to test you abilities under pressure, that’s all.” Abeo looked as if he would decline at that second, and was about to, were it not for Pantene. “Come on, its easy, just a little puzzle, and no ones ever failed, even a Clak’Dor Bat could get through, if it could walk.” “Hmm, yes, if it could walk.” Abeo replied. “Come on, you know you want to!” “Oh, Oh okay!.” Abeo grunted.

One the next day the two left on Pantene’s new vessel, which he had won in an archaniac lizard game the day before, of course he had renamed it the Arterious, which was suiting for him. The two loaded up the supplies a couple of hours before take off and they also loaded up a couple of crates of Sumpian spices.

In the cockpit the two were beginning to talk. “Listen, if you want to rest you may as it’s going to be at least twenty-six hours before we get there,” Pantene said out of the blue. “About 27 parsecs.” Abeo replied “Don’t kid me, I bet 20 credits it’s at least 35 parsecs, I’ll even check my navigational computer.” Pantene replied. Pantene did check his computer and a couple of seconds later he turned it off. “Well,” Abeo asked, “How long?” “27 parsecs!” Pantene replied in a grunted voice as he handed Abeo the money, “Don’t worry it’s only a bet after all, I’ll most probably be owing it back to you by the end of the year.” Abeo said sensing Pantene’s disappointment at losing the bet. “Now, if you don’t mind I’m going to have a rest, night.” “Night.” Pantene replied still in a grumpy manner. The next day Abeo awoke to find himself alone in the sleeping quarters, he looked out the circular window to see a densely packed Jungle. “Computer, Location?” Abeo shouted into the air. The Computer then replied; “Location, Omwat” “Computer, where is Pantene?” “Pantene is not onboard” “Yes but where is he?” “Pantene is not onboard” “Oh forget it” Abeo grumbled to himself “Please restate question” the Computer asked “Oh shut up!” Abeo shouted at the Computer “Please restate question” the Computer asked again “Computer mute audio” Abeo shouted. “Hmm, I know” Abeo walked to the other side of the room to a small button on the wall, he pressed down on it and began to speak. “Abeo to Pantene” he said, “Abeo to Pantene, come in Pantene.” “Pantene here, I’m outside in the landing pad control booth, I’ll be coming back in a second, stay there and get suited.” 5 minutes later Pantene came walking in through the ramp door in a strange manner, he was quite happy and was no longer upset about losing the bet to Abeo. “Come hurry up Abeo! We’ve got to be there, were already late.” Pantene cried out as Abeo was walking out of the door to the cockpit

It took 15 minutes to get to a small platform where they waited for a Skiff to pick them up. Upon being picked up the what started talking about what not to do in front of the Boss, when they arrived it was spectacular, the main door was made of Juns, a tree from Endor which reached on average to the age of 2500, but some even reached the age of 5500 years, the main gate was made of one tree and they spanned it to five stories high and three wide. The hallway leading up to the door was paved in one giant plate of golden marble spanning the same width of the door and almost double its height. Every few paces a small cave made to the height and width of a man of about 45 was dug in for guards to stand watch and each guard was armed with a Mark VII Blaster and an Imperial side Blaster, about the size of a Colt 45. Pistol. There were about 30 of these along the passage. When they finally reached the doors two guards stepped out from the alcoves and into their way. “Onto de bakne!” the first guard stated “State your purpose!” the second guard then translated “Were are here to see the Boss, my name is Pantene.” Pantene then replied in an annoyed voice “Benla de nakne to na!”

And upon saying this 30 guards came out of their alcoves from all along the passage and walked up to the door in single file until the formed a long line the width of the passage way behind Pantene and Abeo. The two front guards walked back into their alcoves leaving Pantene and Abeo standing there with 30 guards behind them. Then with a sudden burst of air the two large gates slowly began to creek open. “Thank god, I thought it was over for a second.” Abeo said to Pantene “I agree, this must all be new since I last left.” “When did you last come here then?” “5 years ago.” When the doors formed a suitable open for them to pass through, Pantene and Abeo both walked in side-by-side alert for anything. “HALT!” cried a strange looking man from the top of the Grand staircase ahead of them. “Guards,” he cried, “Check them for weapons” Upon this command two more guards, less heavily armed came up to them from behind the staircase, as they approached a large clash could be heard from the giant Juns door behind them. “Raise your arms!” the two guards shouted simultaneously, Pantene and Abeo raised both their arms. They were then pressure checked by the guards; a minute later the guards had finished finding nothing. “Nothing on them, SIR!” the two guards shouted, again, simultaneously to the man up the stairs. “Leave us, leave us now!.” the strange man shouted to the two guards who then headed back to there alcoves under the staircase “Follow me” he said in a calm voice, so Pantene and Abeo followed the man up the staircase, and through a second hallway, again lined with guard alcoves until they reached a pair of doors, which to were made of Juns. They entered the elevator until they reached the top floor.

The doors opened into another small passage, this time aliened with not alcoves but statues of Gargoyles. They carried on walking until they reached another pair of door, these ones made of pure gold, with a strange pattern the same on each door. “Names?” the man asked. “Pantene.” replied Pantene, “Abeo.” Abeo replied with a small sigh. “Stay here until asked for.” the Man ordered. The man then walked through the Golden doors into a small airlock like room with a second pair of golden doors, the doors were then closed. “Not much for small-talk, are they?” Abeo sighed “They never are.” Pantene replied “COME!” a loud voice demanded and upon this order both of the golden doors opened, Abeo and Pantene slowly walked through.

It was amazing, a grand carpet at least 1 metre squared lay across the floor, its detail to magnificence to explain in this tiny book. The walls were pure gold in plated Juns, and the room was completely symmetrically, but the peace was shattered by a loud voice.

“Dontrak unla posni da bontaa koona, posna lenta jau simpar!” cried a large voice, but what Abeo saw was no man, it was, Kerath the Hutt.

The Tests
“Dontrak unla posni da bontaa koona, posna lenta jau simpar!” Kerath cried again On the left of Kerath was a protocol droid. “Who are you and why do you wish to speak to his lordship, speak now or die.” the droid translated “My name is Abeo, Abeo of Kowak, I have come for a place under you services my Lordship.” Upon hearing this Kerath began to laugh loudly and uncontrollable as did his guards in the room with him for several seconds. “Hintasna gonak daboe in shataen sinoma.” Kerath replied. “Why should Kerath the Hutt give you a job under his service” the Protocol droid translated. “Because I know the Republic, and its trade routes, I can help deliver your cargo to any location in the galaxy, even Coruscant itself, if that was your wish.” Abeo then replied. “But toney nuka goh de bontinasla?” Kerath asked “And what if I don’t give you a job” the droid translated “Then,” Abeo replied pulling out a blaster he had nicked of one of the searchers as they were leaving and pointing it at Kerath. “I’ll just have to kill you, all of you.” Upon hearing this a shadowed figure in the corner of the room drew his blaster at aimed at Abeo. “Ina do fanta binu, you sinka lina.” Kerath replied in a comical manner. The shadowed figure holstered his figure and walker out of the room through a side door. “His Lordship likes your style, you’ve got spunk boy.” translated the droid. “Intran fagna len pa dintani, duo the hisna inla du pinsa.” Kerath replied in a calm voice. “If you can complete two tests Kerath may give you a job, go through that door there.” The droid pointed to a door on the other side the room, “beware, this is your last chance to back down.” “No, see you later Kerath.” And within a few seconds Abeo had passed through the door. Pantene who had been watching walked up to Kerath. “This one is strong Kerath, is it wise to do this?” Pantene asked “Bena gonta fonska gen poovfe.” Kerath replied “I must agree with you Kerath.” Pantene then replied Abeo was calm; he paced the ground until he reached a narrow beam of light across the hallway, he stopped. “Ha, I’m not that easy Kerath,” he said to himself

He walked through the beam of light, nothing happened, he carried on walking until, ‘CLICK’, Abeo didn’t move. He was standing on something, possibly a mine, he had to be careful, one false move and… The it struck him; he picked up a fairly large rock and carefully moved it towards his foot, kneeling down he prepared, foot ready, rock ready, and… ‘tut’. “Few, close call.” he spoke to himself “Ahh!” cried the guards sighing. “Benga henis fonee.” Kerath spoke “Yes, he is smart, but there’s still one more test.” Pantene replied. Abeo approached a jarred door made of Juns, “Boy Kerath sure likes Juns.” Abeo sighed. He slid through not being able to fully open the door, and boy was he close. The entire room was mazed with spikes and other contraptions that would definitely hurt. And across the room, no more than that mysterious figure from the Great Hall. “Boba Fett?” “That’s right.” Fett replied, “That’s me.” “I fought you were dead, when Jabba died you fell into the Sarlac pit.” “I did, but my armour kept me alive, and I soon blasted my way out of that, thing.” “But, why are you here.” “Unimportant, but if you must know, I’ve come to regain my reputation and eliminate my trophy prize.” “Who?” “That’s for me to know, but, it seems I’ll have to deal with you first of all, a small test.” And after saying this Fett’s Jetpack ignited and he soared into the air. Suddenly Abeo was being shot at with dual blasters at an alarming rate; fortunately he was able to dodge most of the blaster fire until Fett came down to Abeo’s side of the room, and the battle commenced.

Fett redrew his blasters only to have them knocked out of his hands by Abeo and his quick hands, Abeo then spun around as quick as light kicking Fett hard in his visor-helmet and blinding his view then, Abeo kicked into the air a large pole a grabbed it from midair, he spun around once more the opposite way and, ‘Crash’. It went right into the back of Fett’s Jetpack, seconds later he had lost control and was soaring up into the sky until he smashed through the glass roof of the room and out of sight. Abeo sighed a sigh of relief, “That was close,” he said to himself. “Dueo phoe paney henali buda forca?” Kerath asked Pantene “I don’t know my Lordship” Pantene replied “Menare done the goe!” “Yes my Lordship, I will ask him”

Abeo was stuck in the room until he noticed a large metal pipe that stretched from on side of the room to the other, and to the exit. Abeo noticed that the walls of the room were jagged and rough, and could be climbed up. He walked up to the wall and started to climb, he climbed until he reached the top and was in line with the metal bar, which unfortunately was behind him, he, making sure not to fall, turned round so he was facing the metal bar ready to jump, he would only get one chance at this. Ready to jump and, push, he jumped and just grabbed the metal bar, though unstable he slowly slid across until he reached the other side of the room and climbed down the jagged wall. “Excellent,” Pantene shouted as he walked up to Abeo, “absolutely perfect, and the fact you defeated Boba Fett himself, a great bonus for you and..” “Junta..” Kerath interrupted “Phooey don ouey penta linare, tuner simper forca?” “Tell his Lordship, do you still want this job.” the droid translated. “Yes, of course.” Abeo shouted. “Phooye yintun Junstar il elle dans les hentaniaar.” “His Lordship Kerath has decided to accept your request for a position in his ranks.” the droid translated “Junti alle yune the runina kaka Coruscent perua pon lenta paeruni Ossus.” “Kerath will give you a ship and request for you to deliver a shipment to Coruscent.” the droid translated, “I thought it had something to do with Coruscent.” Abeo grumbled to himself. “The shipment must be delivered to Coruscent by the turn of the month and can be picked up from the planet of Ossus, look for man called Stryk, he is a Suble-Hutt, and he owns a bar in the city of Ossus Prime, it will be easy for you to find.” the Droid continued. “I will come with you on the shipment run, show you the ropes so to say, and give you some advice, Lord Kerath has said you can have any ship you want from his Store of about five thousands, I’ll show you them now. Get your stuff from my ship and meet me in Cargo bay 24 at midday, I’ll show you all the ships you want.”

The Cargo Bay
“All packed, great, well here you are, bay 24” Pantene shouted as Abeo came walking through the massive ten tonne blast doors. “Come up to the control booth and take a look at the inventory.” The room was massive with thousands of starships each divided into different sections classed as Light, Medium, Heavy and Genosome. Abeo walked up to the elevator and pressed down the ‘Control Booth’ button and slowly he began to elevator up. The elevator was small and tight with only enough room to stand up straight. Eventually Abeo reached the top and stepped out, the elevator immediately dropped twice as fast as it had risen with a ‘clash’ as it hit the ground. “Come on, hurry, the Inventory is up.” Pantene demanded in a loud voice. Abeo ran to the Control Booth and dropped his bags outside the doors and walked in. On the Computer the Kerath Insignia was in the background. “This is it?” Abeo replied sarcastically “Well yes, of course” Pantene replied. Pantene touched the screen and up came a small menu with four small section in Huttsee. “Go on, pick one. Light, Medium or Heavy?” Pantene asked “What about Genosome?” Abeo replied “Oh no you cant have that!” “Why not?, its in the bay.” “It requires genetic information to be built!” “DNA?” “Yes!” “Well why not?” “Its, its… of forget it,” Pantene was certainly frustrated “Oh come on then.” Abeo followed Pantene through another door into a small room with a chair in the middle. “Sit down!” Pantene said, Abeo sat down in the chair. “Put your hand on the red orb by the chair and wait for ten seconds, then remove it.” This Abeo did. “Is that it?” Abeo asked. “Yeah, that’s it, come follow me.”

The Ship
Abeo followed Pantene into a large room with a huge glass cube in the centre. Pantene walked up to a computer on the wall and typed in… “8…7…7…2…3… and…5.” Pantene walked up to another computer console and removed a small chip. He walked up to the glass cube and slid the chip into it through a small post box shape gap. Pantene then walked back to Abeo, then faced the cube as Abeo was doing. Slowly, from the chip a blue smoke appeared and quickly filled the cube. Then a small green liquid appeared from the chip, it dripped for about fifteen minutes until it covered the base of the cube in a thin green layer. The blue gas seemed attracted to it and almost instantaneously vanished into the liquid turning hard and solid. “For an hour or two the solid slowly changed into the template of a vessel, it was shaped like a triangular prism, but curved. On each side were two protruding claws. The forward two held two tri-static torpedoes each, both rechargeable. As well as a compliment of twelve highly dangerous disruptic dual-titanic pulsar phasers, or something similar. Then, all of a sudden, the vessel disappeared. “What!” Shouted Pantene, “What happened, where is it?” “Its still there,” Abeo replied “Its.. Its hiding, because its frightened” “Frightened?, how is that possible, its only a ship, not even the Genosome vessels are suppose to feel.” “Well it does, and its feeling terrified right now. Maybe I could reassure it that we are safe.” “WE! are safe, hey, that vessel’s the one with four tri-statics and 24 dual-titanics, and your telling me were safe!” “Just, keep quiet now, O.K.” “Fine, I’ll keep quiet.” Abeo knelt down by the edge of the glass cube and closed his eyes. For the next minute or two he knelt and stayed silent, saying nothing. Then, all of a sudden out of nowhere, the vessel in the cube reappeared. “What just happened?” Pantene enquired at this moment “I told Xerces that were not here to harm her.” “Xerces, you’ve named it?” “Please, don’t refer to her as it, her name is Xerces.” “Fine, sorry Abeo, sorry Xerces.” Pantene walked up to the console and pressed another button, and slowly, the floor began to rise. The roof retracted and light came through. It took a while for the floor to rise and lock on the surface. The cube cracked, and then exploded into thousands of shards of glass spraying the surrounding area. “Ok then, lets get loaded up.” Pantene said. Pantene, Abeo and several others began loading up supplies into Xerces cargo bay, they arranged their quarters, toured the ship and even discovered that an experimental Hyperdrive system had been installed. The T-456, you could travel from Coruscant to Chandrila in a matter of ¾ to 1 hour with this engine. They checked the bridge. It had a Captains chair in the centre, two chairs in front of it to either side. One for Weapons, and one for Flight Controls. The Seconds chair was situated on the far right hand side of the bridge, next to a console. Presumably for Ship diagnostics and internal sensor sweeps. The Captains chair had a small computer attached to it to give the Captain 100% control of Ships systems and diagnostics. The Glass at the front of the bridge was designed with an experimental armour plating system designed to withstand the pulls of space. “Fine,” Said Pantene, once Xerces had been loaded up. “All packed up and ready to go?” “Yep.” replied Abeo “Great, now, lets get out of here.” And with that, Xerces lifted off and began to leave the planets atmosphere. “Punch in the coordinates for Ossus, we need to be there within a week.” Abeo shouted. “Punching in coordinates,” Pantene replied loudly. “Hey, maybe we could get a crew for Xerces when we get to Ossus, that’s were all the best star pilots are.” “Yeah, maybe.” And with that the Hyperdrive engines engaged and a sudden jolt of power sent Abeo, Pantene and the Xerces flying into Hyperspace.

The Journey
“Run Abeo, Run!” “No, don’t, I can’t live with out you!” “RUN!, RUN!”

Abeo jumped out of bed, it was all a dream. Abeo had been having dreams like this of late and only recently were they becoming this prolonged. Abeo, seeing the Galactic clock was pointing to 18 O’clock at night, got changed and went up to the bridge. “Couldn’t sleep?” Pantene enquired when he was sitting in the Weapons chair. “No, had another dream. They’re getting really weird now.” “How so?” “I dreamt I was on some planet covered in sand, It had Binary Suns. But I’ve never been to a planet like that before.” “Well, the only planet I know of with binary Suns is Tatooine, but …”

A shocking jolt sent Abeo and Pantene flying through the sky. Pantene hit his head on the Captain’s chair. Abeo hit his on the bulkhead. “What happened?” Abeo shouted. Pantene crawled up to the ships sensor panels. “Were under attack!” Pantene shouted in reply. Another jolt knocked Abeo back of his feet. “By whom?” “Checking.” Another hit. “Were being attacked by Thrall Pirates!” “Thrall pirates?” Abeo asked himself in surprise. “Here, but I thought they were situated around Ord Mandell?” “They are.” Pantene replied.

Two Thrall Light Attack Cruisers pulled round in formation for another pass at Xerces when one of the Thrall ships disintegrated into nothing when hit by Tri-static torpedo. The remaining Thrall cruisers surrounded Xerces. The lead ship hailed Xerces. “Patch him through.” Abeo ordered. “Yes Sir.” Pantene replied sarcastically. The screen activated. On the other side was an Iridonian; he had several horns perturbing from his head. His left eye had been gouged out somehow and his right was scared. His left ear was completely covered by Earrings and his lips were pitch black. He spoke with a deep voice. “Unknown vessel. Prepare to be boarded by a Thrall landing force!” He demanded. “Who are you, what do you want from us?” Abeo shouted in anger to the Iridonian. “You are in Thrall space and are herby declared a prisoner of war.” “Prisoner of War, what War?” “The Colonial War” “We are not involved in your petty war, we are a neutral party. If you board us you will be declaring war on the Union.” Pantene raised his head quickly and looked at Abeo. “Abeo,” Pantene whispered in Abeo’s ear “What exactly is the Union?” “What is this Union of which you speak?” Demanded the Iridonian. “It is,” replied Abeo “The strongest, largest and most influential galactic empire in the galaxy!” “Sorry to disappoint you, but you would be describing the Republic” “It would seem so, wouldn’t it.” The Iridonian looked worried, what if the Union was stronger, Larger and more influential than the Republic, this could be a serious problem. “If you move, we shall destroy your vessel!” The Iridonian shouted nervously. And with that, he cut of the communication. “What now?” Pantene enquired. “Now, we wait” Abeo replied

It took several hours for the Thrall to contact Xerces. And this time, the Thrall were a little more forthcoming. “We have decided that you are a neutral party in this matter and will let you on your way.” Replied the Iridonian. “Thank you Mr….?” Abeo enquired. “Davon, Captain Davon” “Thank you Captain Davon.” Abeo replied “Now, with out further ado, we shall be on our way to Ossus. “Ossus!” Davon shouted “Your going to Ossus?” “Yes we are” Abeo replied questioningly. “Why?” “Nothing, just, be careful. There are rumours of increasing Imperial movement in the area. We think that Grand Admiral Thrawn is preparing to occupy the planet.” “Thank you, we shall take this in mind. Good bye”

And with this, the cut communications and Xerces began to move back enroot. Devon and his fleet disappeared into Hyperspace and Xerces continued on his journey. Two days later Xerces entered orbit around of Ossus and began preparations to land. “We got word from the officials, were allowed to land in landing bay 68. Just south of the city centre.” Pantene told Abeo as he entered the bridge. “Great, it’s all fitting to plan.” Xerces landed in Ossus Imperial and shut herself down.

Ossus Prime
Abeo and Pantene walked out of the Landing Bay and into the reception. “Welcome to Ossus Prime customer. What, may I enquire, is the nature of your visit?” Enquired a droid from behind the receptionist desk. “Business” Abeo replied, “I’m a Cargo hauler” “Thank you, what is it you will be transporting?” “Merchandise, Ceramics.” “Thank you, when will you be leaving?” “Look” Abeo shouted, “What has my business got to do with you?” “I am sorry, but it is my occupation to know the nature of your visit. It is a new law.” ”Law, what law?” “The government of Ossus has declared that all visitors, business or otherwise must be checked before entry to any city is permitted. As declared by our new Imperial master.” “Imperials, they are here?” “Yes, yes they are. Do you require any more information?” This was a problem, if the Imperials controlled Ossus; it was likely that Stryk was being tagged. “I’m not sure,” Abeo stated out of no were. “Thank you. Please, enjoy your visit to the city of Ossus Prime” And with that the droid shut down.

Abeo and Pantene walked through the large double doors and into the hall. It was lined with shops and stalls selling everything from model Gundarks to Death sticks. At the end of the hall stood two Storm troopers guarding the doors. Two other troops were patrolling the hallway. Abeo and Pantene walked up to the far end of the hall. They were stopped at least five times being aliens trying to sell them items. When they got to the doors, the Storm Troopers stopped them. “Halt!” What is your business here?” Demanded one of the Storm Troopers. “Like I told the reception droid. I’m a Cargo hauler. I’ve been told to pick up some Ceramics for my employer” Abeo replied. “Do you have a security card?” “Security Card, what for?” “It is needed to enter the city. If you do not have one, you may not enter.” “And what if I was to enter the city without a Security Card?” “Any attempted break in would be reported and you would be incapacitated by the guards.” “Hmm, where can I get a Security Card?” “If you were meant to have one, you would know.” Abeo walked away. Pantene enquired as to how they were going to get a Security Card. Abeo replied… “There” as he was pointing to an Imperial General on the far side of the room.

Abeo and Pantene walked up to the Imperial Officer. “General?” Abeo asked the Officer. “Yes what do you want? I’m busy right now. Make an appointment. To late goodbye” He replied speedily. Abeo was extremely angry. “General!” He shouted, drawing his attention (and that of all the citizens and guards in the room) “You will refer to me as Admiral Pisen of the Star Destroyer Xerces!” “May I?” Asked the General Politely “See your ID tag then?” “You may. But I must speak to you. Take us somewhere private” “Yes sir, this way” The General Lead them into a small room near the doors and locked it. Ten minutes later Abeo and Pantene walked out of the Room wearing Imperial Uniforms. Abeo wore that of an Admiral, Pantene that of a Storm Trooper so that his face was covered. They returned to the two Storm Troopers.

“You two!” Abeo shouted two the guards who jumped to attention “Let me pass now. Open the doors!” “I’m sorry sir,” He stopped “But… I need to see your ID tag. Do you have it, Sir?” “Of course I have it Soldier, do you think I’m stupid or something?” “No, No of course not Sir, its just…” Abeo showed the Strom Trooper the ID tag he had taken from the General, him being such an expert at security he was able to alter it to suit him. Acknowledging the ID tag the Soldier opened the door. Abeo and Pantene walked through.

It was spectacular. The courtyard floor was made of white marble and centred with a flowing fountain reaching some 30” high. What was strange was that it was not water coming out of the fountain, but melted gold and silver. Around the edge of the courtyard was a terrace. The roof held up by a huge 40” column as thick as a tree trunk, which was too made of marble. The flag of the Empire stood high above the city and the Republic Embassy at the far end of the courtyard was closed and in dire need of maintenance.

The upper terrace was covered in Cafés, Shops and restaurants. The rails along the terrace edge were magnificently designed with flowers and scenes of Ossus’ military history. Abeo and Pantene took the elevator down to the courtyard. “Maybe we should try to find Stryk now, get out of here ASAP” Pantene replied to Abeo’s looks of amazement. “No, I want to search the Republic Embassy, we might find out why the Republic hadn’t a fleet in the sector when the Empire arrive” Abeo replied. “Are you sure? The Imperials are bound to be patrolling the corridors of the Embassy. Even if it is in lockdown” “They may, but were going to get in. Maybe I will see Stryk now.” Abeo finished off. Abeo and Pantene walked throughout the city gasping at its splendour and magnificent architecture all around. The signs for the roads were covered in gold. The wording was made of silver and the sign rim in gem. Each of these signs must of cost a fortune to make. Finally they found the one they were looking for. Suami street, southend. The sign read. Abeo and Pantene each paced the streets looking for the bar Stryk worked in. They almost gave up when Pantene tripped up in the middle of the street. “What the…, what was that?” Pantene asked himself. Abeo ran over and too tripped over. “It seems to be a trap door of some sort” Abeo replied. He waved his hands along the floor searching for some sort of control panel when he found one. “Some sort of control panel” He continued. “Well, press the button” Pantene demanded quietly. Abeo entered a number of sequences until, by chance, he entered the right one. The trap door swung open revealing a flight of steps. At the bottom was a sign, which read Strykana’s Barroom. “I think we found Stryk’s bar Pantene” Abeo said. Pantene nodded in agreement.

Strykana’s Bar
Pantene asked Abeo remain outside until called for. Agreeing, Abeo remained outside for roughly ten minutes until he heard Pantene shout up for him. He walked down the stairs, but as he reached the bottom the large trap door sealed shut. Abeo carried on walking.

He reached a single door with writing in a language Abeo did not understand. The door was plain wood, surprising as Ossus Prime is built inside a quarry and the nearest wood is over 6800 miles away. The doors was crocked and creaked when opened. On the other side was a dark room with only a dim light above to see the door at the far end. As soon as Abeo began to walk he heard his feet hit something small. Looking down he saw a skull. Horrified he speedily rushed to the door, but his feet always hit bones. There were the bones of humans, the bones of Mon Calamari. There was even a skeleton of a Csilian, recognizable by his clothing, which had been ripped a lot. Abeo just made it to the door when he heard an incredible noise. Abeo shook the door like mad, but it remained shut. It was locked. Abeo spun round only to see a Rancor. The Rancor roared once more and threw a skeleton to the far side of the room. It hit the wall a broke in to many pieces. The Rancor roared again and then began to move towards Abeo slowly. Abeo frantically bashed the door with his fist with no result. He spun round and froze. Then the Rancor had stopped. Abeo could see immediately that the Rancor was blind as its eyes had be seamed shut with hot iron. A huge device existed on each ear, which Abeo believed were to make its ear more acute to sound. Abeo tested this thought by throwing a skull to the far side of the room. The Rancor crushed with its teeth in midair. Abeo new he was in trouble. Then all around the top of the walls opened up to reveal hundreds of alien spectators gambling and drinking, and betting on him. It was when he was looking up that he spotted Pantene pointing to a metal bar on the floor. Using his body Pantene signalled to Abeo to lift it. Abeo slowly began to crawl knowing that the Rancor could slightly hear him. The Rancor began to walk and with every step it took gained speed until it was in full sprint. Abeo got up and ran, he jumped for the metal bar and then paused. Pantene was shocked. Why did Abeo not pull the lever? Then, when the Rancor reached the centre of the room, Abeo pulled hard on the lever causing the floor to collapse and the Rancor to fall with it. Great cheers and boos came from the crowd whose numbers slowly whittled. Then the door opened. Abeo rose and began to walk, careful to mind the huge hole from which he could still hear the Rancor cry. As he approached the door to Imperial Storm-troopers appeared. Abeo rushed to pull his blaster but was to late. Abeo woke to find himself in an Imperial style prison cell. Plain and dull with no form of essential human needs. He waited for several hours before the door lifted open. Pantene walked through wearing an Imperial Officers uniform. He bore medals of many campaigns. Medals from Hoth and Endor. Even one from the battle of Coruscant. He wore large black boots, spotlessly clean. His black gloves fitted perfectly and his blaster had been exchanged for an Imperial one. “Well, I see you’re awake.” Said Pantene. “What are you dressed like that for, like an Imperial Officer?” Abeo replied in surprise. “Isn’t it obvious. I’m an Imperial Officer.” Pantene replied “What? You…you an Imperial. But when?” “Oh a long time, long before I met you. Trapped on that hole of a station. You presented me with a means of escaping that place. Of course I didn’t want you tagging along all this way, so I ask my mate Boba Fett to deal with you. What good he did. Then I saw this as my chance. Coming to Ossus had nothing to do with me but I saw my chance. I knew Stryk had a Rancor guard. I thought that would kill you, but it seems I’m going to have to do it personally.” “Did Kerath know of this, is he an Imperial as well?” “Oh no, he’s no Imperial. But he knew I was. I gave him a choice. Help me, and I would overlook some of his more sinister dealings.” “You’re scum you are. Only an Imperial would do this.” “Yes I know. Oh that reminds me. I never got my 20 credits back, did I?” “No” Abeo replied “and you’re not going to” “Oh, you’re resilient. But I’m sorry; I’ve got business to attend to so I’ll see you soon. Bye” And with that Pantene left and the door slammed shut.

Escape
Abeo paced the room wondering how he could escape his fate. Several times he heard soldiers walking to and fro outside of his cell talking. He could hear the murmuring of other prisoners, mainly Ossus citizens that revolted against the Imperials not long ago. Several times Pantene walked up to his cell, opened the door and stared at Abeo, thinking he was asleep and then leaving afterwards. Then he heard something, he could hear blaster fire being exchanged outside in the passageway, over the next two minutes the firing calmed down until none could be heard at all. He waited anxiously; he could hear the footsteps of the survivor marching up to the door. Then the door shot up to reveal a man. He wore a New Republic uniform and helmet. He held a blaster at his side while his other hand clutched a wound on his right leg. He looked fairly angry and never looked at Abeo during the whole conversation.

“Hold a minute, you’re not the one I’m looking for. I was told that Admiral Chell would be here. What have you done with him, SPEAK?” demanded the Republic soldier. “My name is Abeo, Abeo… Abeo. I’m a survivor of the Kowak attack. And the attack on Birenu station. Now I work for a cargo hauler.” Abeo replied worryingly. “I don’t care who you are, I’m looking for Admiral Chell of the Star ship Saviour. Where is he?” “I don’t know alright. I’ve been in here longer than any Admiral. I’ve been in here for over two months.” Abeo shouted. At this time the soldier raised his head to reveal the face of a female human. She removed her helmet to let her blond hair flow out. “My name is Sheila. I’ve been sent here to rescue Admiral Chell. Our Ambassador to Ossus. The Remnant to over before would could evacuate him. He was taken prisoner and sent here. Look I’ve got to get out of here. If you want to be free come with me.” Abeo jumped up and left the cell. He walked down the passageway and opened the closet to get his equipment. He also drew out to Imperial uniforms. “Look, by the way it sounded earlier the Remnant will be crawling all over the place by now. If we want to get out will have to go undercover. “ Abeo said.

Abeo and Sheila ran out of the side door and down a passage lined with the bodies of Remnant troops. About halfway down the passage Sheila stopped and kicked open a ventilation shaft door at the foot of the wall. She crawled through and Abeo followed. They took the first left which led them under the troop mess. The second right lead them under the armoury, but it was full of Remnant troops. The fourth right led them right under the sleeping quarters and finally they cam to a dead end. Here there was enough room to sit up, which Sheila did. She pulled out a small, pen like device and pressed a small black button. This in turn ignited a laser-cutting beam, which ripped through the Iron plating. Once a square had been formed Sheila kicked it down onto the floor below. Now Abeo could hear Sheila’s Republic troops. Both of them jumped through to the floor below and instantly came under fire. Sheila shouted to take cover behind the crate on Abeo’s left. He jumped for the cover and, once behind it drew his blaster pistol. He began to fire at the Remnant troops, ducking behind his cover every now and then. Halfway through the fire fight one of Sheila’s squad members was hit in the chest and killed instantly by an Imperial trooper. Sheila in immense anger threw a Thermal Detonator down towards the Imperial’s. When it went of none survived.

“Move forward. We’ve got to make it to the Cargo Bay.” Sheila ordered. All of her men followed. As did Abeo. After a left and a second right they came under fire once again. This time the fight lasted little longer than two minutes. Then over the next ten minutes, four more encounters happened. Finally after a further two minutes they reached the Cargo Bay doors. Sheila ordered two men to hold the passageway while she tried to crack the code. It was not long before the Remnant had detected the attempt and had sent a squad to eliminate the problem. Abeo ducked down behind a Iron plated shield built to defend against enemies coming from the Cargo Bay. In this fire fight another Republic soldier was lost bring the squad total to four, including Abeo and Sheila. Eventually the Cargo Bay doors opened and they all ran through. Abeo shot at the control panel to seal the door behind them.

Sheila pulled out a handheld communications device and called for reinforcements. Five minutes later large crashes could be heard from the glass roof as over five-dozen New Republic Commandos came shooting down on high concentration wire. When they had all landed Sheila ordered them to take defensive positions. Then the main doors to the Cargo Bay from the base blew open. As did several other smaller doors on both levels. Hundreds of Remnant troops came pouring out of them.

Battle of Greater Ossus
As soon as the smoke appeared the Commandos began to shoot. Before the smoke cleared the passages were piled with Remnant bodies. This made it harder for the Imperials to climb over the bodies causing even more deaths. Slowly the Remnant troops pushed through to take control of the Upper level killing seven Commandos.

The Republic troops sealed the doors to the stairs from the Upper levels behind them before running to support each other. Abeo was behind a crate when Sheila called to him to support her right flank. Abeo ducking down ran across a clear line of fire to the other side of the Cargo Bay to protect Sheila’s flank. Abeo ducked behind the Iron plated shield and regularly fired. Abeo ducked down to recharge his Blaster when he saw a large Titanium crate. Abeo crawled slowly to the crate and unlocked it. The Iron plates swung open to reveal an enormous Dual-barrelled gun turret. Abeo jumped into the seat and activated the systems. Immediately he came under fire but to his surprise, he soon found out the Gun turret had an independent shielding system. Abeo began firing on the Remnant and discovered that the screen counted all those killed by its guns.

Abeo shouted to the remaining 28 Commandos to withdraw to the huge blast doors and open them. As they did the Remnant slowly gained ground despite Abeo firing the turret. Abeo set the gun to automatic firing and jumped down. He pulled out a demo charge and placed it on the turrets hull. “How long?” Abeo shouted to Sheila as he set the charge. “Five secs.” She replied. Abeo set the charge to ten seconds and activated it. He began to run to the blast door. As soon as he reached them they opened up. They ran through. Doing this a further three Commandos got shoot in the back as they ran. The Remnant had reached the turret when they saw the demo charge. ‘3…2…1… click.’ The demo charge went of destroying the Gun-turret and several Storm Troopers. Abeo sealed the blast doors and continued to run down the shuttle bay.

Sheila managed to open a ventilation shaft door and all of them crawled through. They only went ahead about 30’ before they came into a small passage way. They all stood up and began to walk down the passageway. After two rights they reached a door with the word Shifters. They walked in. Everyone in the room went silent. It seemed to be a bar of some sort. Several people slowly rose from their tables and clenched their fists. Then Abeo noticed the Bar keepers.

Abeo saw he had his finger pressed against a small red button on the side of the wall. Abeo ran up to the bar and jumped over. He kicked the Barkeeper out of the way and smashed the button. The door at the far end opened to reveal a passageway. Jumping back over the bar Abeo and the Commandos ran into the passage sealing the door behind them. The sprinted to the end of the passage way into an elevator and activated it. They went down to the Docking Bay. When they had arrived they slowly began to walk forward down the pathway. Then weapons fire erupted instantly killing at least eleven of the men. They fire fight lasted several minutes and a further eight Commandos were killed. The Commandos only jus escaped being overrun by three-dozen Imperials. With the Imperials hot on their tales the Commandos ran like devils to the Docking Bay through the Third Plaza and into the second. Then a huge explosion shook the city causing everyone to fall to the ground. Abeo got up quickly only to be knocked over by another. “Abeo” Sheila shouted “Stay down, it’s a Republic Dreadnought. They’re bombarding the planet.” “Why?” Abeo shouted in reply. “Because of Admiral Thrawn being here.” “Thrawn is here?” Abeo shouted in memory of Gransa. “Yes, but we have to get out of here. Soon the Republic will send ground troops. We have to get out of here.” Abeo was upset. His one chance to get his revenge for Gransa’s death was slipping from his grasp. His one chance to revenge the deaths of over 50 000 Humans was slipping from his grasp. Reluctantly he stood up, as did the Commandos and began to run to the Docking Bay. The First Plaza was strewn with Imperial dead killed by the bombardment. The Great Terrace was all but great. The fountain was completely destroyed. Abeo ran to the far door. Then he stopped in the middle of the passageway. “What’s the matter Abeo?” Sheila enquired. “Can you feel that?” He replied. “Feel what?” “Him” Abeo said pointing to the far end of the Plaza.

There stood a shadowed figure in a dark cloak. It looked up and pulled something from his pocket. Activating it ignited its red beam of pure energy. This was the first Lightsaber Abeo had ever seen.

“Abeo” Sheila shouted “Get the Commandos to your ship. I’ll hold him.” Saying this Sheila drew a Vibrosword and sealed the door behind her. Abeo reluctantly ordered the Commandos to board his vessel and lift off. But their troubles were not over. Several Tie-Fighters had taken off and had decided to intercept Xerces. Xerces torpedoes destroyed the first five. Two more by her Dual-titanic pulsar phasers. The remaining three resorted to a glory or death charge on the Republic Dreadnought. To their peril. All of them were ripped apart by its disrupter fire. After several minutes they noticed several hundred small troop carriers head straight for Ossus Prime. Abeo opened his communicator. “Republic Dreadnought. This is the Union vessel Xerces. We require immediate assistance.” Abeo spoke into the communicator. He waited several seconds before receiving a response. “This is Major Colonel Khan of the Republic vessel The Saviour. You have entered the Sovereign territory of the Galactic Republic. By the Republic Marshall Law act of 8 ABY we here by detain your vessel. You will deactivate all your weapon, sensor and communication systems. You will deactivate your engine and prepare to be boarded.” “Bordered?” Abeo replied surprisingly “But we haven’t done anything. We are...” Abeo looked shocked. “They cut me off.” He spoke to a Republic Commando. Then Xerces began to shake as she was caught by The Saviours tractor beam. The Republic search force left by Xerces loading ramp having found nothing onboard. It seemed that the entire crew had just disappeared one soldier told his commanding officer. The Republic Officer seemed annoyed by this but ordered his men to leave the Docking Bay. After leaving himself the Officer turned off the Docking Bay lighting system. Xerces lights activated a few seconds after. Abeo and the remaining Commandos left Xerces and activated the Docking Bay lights. Abeo ordered half of the Commandos to head the armoury while the other half split into two. One group would deactivate the Tractor beam. The other under Abeo’s command would download the ships database to get any information on the Union.

Abeo and his team reached a junction sometime after leaving the Docking Bay. Strangely the entire ship seemed deserted for some reason. Why was unknown to Abeo. Maybe downloading the Ships database would help. Keeping to the right Abeo and co. reached an Elevator. A security camera covered the Elevator, but luckily one of the Commandos was able to deactivate it using the nearby control panel. They entered the elevator and read the computer panel. It read; “Current Deck 17, Docking Bay 4. Deck 1, Main Bridge. Deck 2, Officers quarters. Deck 3-16, Crew quarters. Deck 17, Docking Bays 1-4 Deck 18, Armoury. Deck 19, Docking Bay 5 and Docking Bay command. Deck 20, Command Bridge. Deck 21, Brig. Deck 22, Computer Core and Ship’s Database.” Abeo pressed the “Deck 22, Computer Core and Ship’s Database.” Button. The Elevator doors closed and the elevator began to lower. The elevator was fairly slow. On the Deck eighteen Abeo was told that a the Commando squad had reached the Armoury and had began the ascent to the Docking Bay. After a further twenty minutes Abeo and his team reached Deck Twenty-two. Strangely even the Computer Core was unguarded. Abeo sent two of the Commandos to scout ahead and report back anything of notice. Nothing except the location of the Computer Cores location was reported.

When Abeo’s team had reached the Core he began to hack into the systems. Thanks to the Commando with Computer skills he got in easily. Finding the information was much harder though.

Upon activation of the Computer Core Abeo was bombarded with irrelevant data. After minutes of searching he finally found a touch screen button that read “Intergalactic Organizations Databank files”. He pressed this and another line appeared saying “Press to select Intergalactic Organization wanted” Abeo pressed this and a list of over one thousand appeared. To cut time Abeo pressed the button reading “Quick Search for Intergalactic Organization wanted” A small taskbar appeared and Abeo began writing in it. “Union, The (Associated with Thrall Pirates (Said to be the Largest and strongest Intergalactic Organization in the galaxy)” The computer screen went blank and a small sign appeared in the centre of the screen reading “Searching for required Information” After a while the screen went blank again and then returned to the search screen. Nothing was available. A Commando who had been reading over looked surprised. “The Largest and Strongest Intergalactic Organization in the galaxy” He said “and there’s nothing about in the Database. How is that possible?” “I don’t know” Abeo replied, his eyes fixed on the screen “but what ever this Union is, it’s definitely a large secret.” “Could it be an Imperial splinter faction? Like the old Imperial Guard.” “No. The Remnant is too recent. Anything like this has to have been around for at least one thousand years.” ”Maybe its Sith?” “Possibly, but I don’t think were going to find much on the Saviour. Maybe Coruscant though.” ”Coruscant, you forget that we have to get of this ship before we get to Coruscant.” “Yes, you’re right, well…” Abeo said turning off the computer and turning round “Lets get going”

“Lord Pantene” the Imperial officer said. “We have made contact with Sinays. He awaits you.” “Very well” Pantene replied, “tell his Lordship that I’m coming.” “Yes sir” The officer turned around and left the Bridge of the Star Destroyer.

Pantene looked out onto the planet of Ossus. The Saviour was in full view of the Destroyer. Pantene removed his black cloak to reveal his uniform it its splendour. Pantene’s left hand was clenched upon the butt of his sword the other hanging down by his side. Pantene stared into space rarely looking back to the ship.

Then the Bridge doors opened. The same person that was on Ossus walked through. He strode through the room as if he was floating. He wore a pitch black cloak, which hooded his head almost completely. The cloak also dragged slightly along the floor. When the man finally reached Pantene he removed his hood. Still, it was impossible to tell what he looked like as the front of the Bridge was cloaked in darkness, but his voice could heard throughout the bridge. “My Lord” He spoke to Pantene “I have, as you requested, eliminated Admiral Chell and Sheila Carin.” Pantene replied, “Did you kill the Jedi? Is he dead?” “No, he is not. He escaped by a whisper.” The man replied solemnly. “Worry not my Apprentice. Failure is punishable by death in the Union. Go, Go and kill the Jedi.” “Yes Master Sensil” Then the Apprentice turned and put on his hood. He then walked straight out of the Bridge. Pantene looked to the ceiling as if frustrated. Then he spoke. “Commander!” He shouted, “Ready the weapons” “Yes sir” The Commander shouted in reply, “Weapons ready” “Commander, Destroy the Republic Dreadnought now!” “Gladly” The Commander activated the weapons and fired upon the Saviour.

Escaping the Saviour
Abeo was thrown to the floor by the last explosion. Now the ship was not so empty. Republic soldiers were running in every direction completely ignoring Abeo and the Commandos. It seemed as if they didn’t exist. Every now and then a voice would shout from the speaker calling sections of limit and ordering squadrons of men to certain locations. In one passage way the entire right wall had been blown into space. Luckily a containment field had been put in place. Eventually Abeo and co. got to the Elevator and took it up to Deck 17. At least they were safe in the Elevator for now. It was here that Abeo discovered that the entire Docking Bay Command Centre had been destroyed. Now they could escape on Xerces.

When Abeo and his squad reached the Docking Bay they were struck with surprise. The other two squads had been taken prisoner. Then the ships speaker went of again. “All Security forces report to your nearest armoury. We are being bordered. Repeat we are being bordered by Imperial forces.” “Abeo” one of the Commandos shouted. “Look up there” Abeo head turned in the direction of the Docking Bay Command Post. Its glass view screen smeared in blood, and standing looking down on the Commandos was the Apprentice. “Quick, get into Xerces. Hurry!” Abeo shouted to the Commandos.

They started to sprint to Xerces. About half way Abeo stopped and turned around to face the closed blast doors. They opened, behind them stood the Apprentice, his Lightsaber ignited, hanging by his side. He removed his cloak but remained still in the dark. He took several paces forward until all of his body save his face was in the light. Then he spoke in a deep voice. “Surrender Jedi. You are no match for the power of the Dark Side of the Force. Surrender now and I may let you live. ” “I would die before I surrendered to the Remnant. Commandos,” He shouted behind him, “ board Xerces and ignite the engines. Go!” The Commandos acknowledged the order and boarded Xerces. “Pantene will kill us both at this rate.” Abeo shouted to the Apprentice. “With all this debris falling from the roof.” As he shouted this, a huge roof support fell and smashed onto the floor between Abeo and the Apprentice blocking each other from view, but Abeo knew the Apprentice could see him through the Force. “Maybe” He shouted back “But at least you won’t be able to stop Lord Sinays and the Union.” “Very well, before you kill me. Tell me, what is the Union.” “Wouldn’t you like to know.” And with this the Apprentice jumped high above the debris and landed in front of Abeo, his face could now be seen.

He was dark skinned with piercing red eyes and pupils as black as the night sky. The lower part of his head was tattooed completely black and several small mechanical devices lined his chin horizontally. He bore a massive scar across the left side of his face leading from his mouth to his ear. He was completely bald save his jagged crown head. On his forehead was tattooed as well a strange symbol that appeared of a black circle with to vertical boats on either side.

The Apprentice saved little time and immediately swung his weapon at Abeo’s head. Thankfully Abeo saw the attack and had quickly jumped to one side. At this time Abeo swung his leg hitting the Apprentice in the stomach obliging him to gasp for breath. Abeo turned and picked up a Vibrosword one of the Commandos had dropped and swung it straight for the Apprentices head, but the attack was parried. The Apprentice swung once again for the head unsuccessfully and then for Abeo’s left arm. His arm was sliced causing immense bleeding so forcing Abeo to collapse onto the floor. Holding his arm in pain, Abeo looked up to see the Apprentice standing over him with his Lightsaber high above his head, ready to strike at any moment. “Now” The Apprentice spoke, “You die.” “I think not” Abeo replied strongly. The Apprentice burst out laughing so loud he couldn’t hear Abeo rise to his feet. Behind the Apprentice Abeo swung his Vibrosword down upon the Apprentice’s head slicing the Dark Jedi in two. Abeo wrestled with the hand to remove the Lightsaber. He turned and ran for Xerces. He didn’t get very far before fainting to his loss of blood. Abeo was sure this was the end.

Abeo had been unconscious for a while before waking up. The first thing he saw being a Medical Droid of standard configuration. “Where…” Abeo stopped in pain, “Where am I?” “You are in Medical Facility 23B” the Droid replied. “Yes but where is here?” “On the planet of Coruscant”

The Senate
“Couruscant?” Abeo spoke to himself in a hushed voice “But how?” “You were rushed here two days ago by the Republic Cruiser The Simitar. When a Remnant Star Destroyer destroyed The Saviour we feared all hands had been lost. It seems that you and your crew were the only ones to survive” ”My crew?” Abeo replied puzzled. “Yes, a few Republic Commandos”

After several hours Abeo was allowed to leave and roamed the Medical Facility. The first thing he did was to check up on his ‘crew’ and see how they were doing. He then went to the Canteen and got something to eat and finally went up to the observation tower at the top of the facility. The view was stunning. All around the ground was flat save the odd perturbing building. The New Senate building could be seen, as could the remains of the Emperor’s Palace. Further to his right the Jedi Temple was visible. Its five, curved towers made stick out from the rest of Coruscant, which followed a pattern of straight lines and cuboids. At the top of the centre tower Abeo could see the meeting room of the Jedi High Council. Also on the other towers were rooms for observation. Abeo always wondered what it would be like to be a Jedi, even though when he was young his father told him they were a myth.

Abeo rested in his accommodations for a while before drifting into a deep sleep. The world went silent in Abeo head. Nothing could disturb his peace. “Run Abeo, Run!” “No, don’t, I can’t live with out you!” “RUN!, RUN!” “No!” “Listen, go to the Senate, and tell them what you have found. Get them to destroy him.” “But what if they don’t listen, they might not believe me” ”They will believe you, they will, trust in the…” Abeo eyes opened. Once again, it had been a dream.

Abeo spent the next day contemplating over his dream, try to figure out what he as to tell the Senate. Who ‘he’ is. What they won’t believe. What could it all mean. Abeo went to the Canteen and meet several of the Commandos who had been released. He found out quite a lot had been reported on them and that they had quickly became overnight stars. It seemed that the destruction of The Savoir had became the Republics new war cry. Thousands had queued up outside the Medical Facility wanting to see the new stars. When Abeo was finally allowed out he was given an escort from the back entrance to the Senate to prevent him being swamped.

Abeo walked in through the massive sliding doors that opened onto the Senate inner courtyard, it was magnificent. All along the walls were long red banners with the symbol of the New Republic imprinted on the tops of them. The walls behind them were of two layers of glass with a waterfall in between them. The floor was greatly decorated with a map of the galaxy. Coruscant being in the centre everything spanned out from that point, near the edge was Kowak, his home. The map made it seem lush and it was coloured vibrantly. The planet of Ossus to was shown, its green land with massive oceans in some areas. Major cities stuck out in the colour grey all over the map.

Abeo was so caught up looking at the detail that he didn’t notice a small man walk up to him. Abeo admired the artwork, staring all around when his eyes looked upon the short man. He jumped with surprise. “Excuse me” the short man said “How may I help you?” “I’m…” Abeo replied “I’m looking for the main reception. I was told to go there by the head of he Medical Facility. He said I could be provided with accommodations before I meet with the Senate." “Ah yes, would you like to follow me Abeo” “What… How do you know my name?” The short man didn’t answer. The walked up the pathway and over the map of the galaxy. His foot landing firmly on the planet of Csilia, Thrawn’s home world. They reached a large desk with several persons of different species standing at them. The short man pointed to them and then walked away. Abeo stood there wondering where to go when a human from the far end of the desk stuck out his hand, catching Abeo’s attention. Abeo walked up to him and mouthed the word “Hello” “Hello, how may I help you?” The Receptionist asked. “My name is Abeo, I was told you could provide me with some accommodations.” “Ah yes, Abeo” He said while typing on his keyboard. “You are looking for accommodations are you. Well normally it would take several days to process refugees from the war, and I’m sure this is no exception” “Hold on!” Abeo shouted arrogantly, “I’m no refugee. I’m Abeo, the survivor of The Savoir and I was told by the head of the Medical Facility to come talk to you” Abeo shouted angrily “I’m sorry sir but if your persist in shouting I will be forced to eject you from the Senate building. I’m sure you would not like that being a refugee and so on.” “Damn it! I’m not a refugee, and if you even think of trying to eject me from this building I’m going to blow your head off.” Replied Abeo and a loud and angry voice. “I’m sorry sir,” the receptionist said as he called for two security guards “but you will have to leave” “I don’t think so” Abeo replied pulling out his blaster and pointing it for the receptionist’s head. Everyone in the room save the security guards fell to the floor and crunched into balls to protect themselves. The security personnel all pulled out their side arms. The front doors opened and in walked the remaining Commandos in civilian clothing brandishing blaster rifles. They ran to protect Abeo forming and tight square around him. They ready themselves to fire. Slowly the security personnel backed away out of the Senate building. “Please stay back. All civilians please stay back, this is not a drill” barked out the loud speakers in the Senate main courtyard. “Would all required personnel please report to your designated coordinates” it barked out again. Security personnel as well as several Republic troops had taken up positions outside and were stationed so that the entire front entrance was covered, nothing could get out. “Is there any way we can get in?” asked the Republic Commander. “The only way in is the front entrance, but they’ve got that covered” replied the Lieutenant. “Fine, what is it that they want” asked the Commander. “They want to speak to Senator Golan Zen. The Ossus representative here on Coruscant. It seems that these men may have survived the attack on Kowak three months ago.” “Refugees, hmm, then they may not know much about weaponry. Major, I want a squad of Commandos here at once. See if you can get me that one in the Medical Facility?” “Yes Sir!” replied the Major. “Lieutenant, see if you can get in contact with the hostage taker. I want to lull him into a false sense of security.” “Are you sure that’s safe. He may become suspicious of you.” “He won’t, trust me,” replied the Commander. After several more minutes a man draped in a brown cloak and hood walked in through the door to the Command Centre. He walked up to the Commander and, when facing him removed his hood. He was a tall man with dark hair. He removed his cloak to reveal a dark black uniform. On his belt he bore a Lightsaber suggesting him to be a Jedi sent by the Council. This took the Commander by complete surprise. “How are you, how did you get into this area?” he demanded in his attempt to look superior. “I have been sent by the Jedi Council took take control of the matter. The Supreme Chancellor has ordered you to relinquish control of your command to me.” replied the Jedi. “I’m sorry my Jedi friend but I will need written orders from the Supreme Chancellor if what you say is true. Although, since you do not have any such orders…” The Jedi stuck his hand into his pocket and rummaged around a bit before pulling out a sheet of paper and stuffing it into the Commanders hand. Reluctantly he opened the sheet of paper, read it and gave it back to the Jedi saying “ Very well, I relinquish command into your hands.” “Commander!” shouted the Major as he ran through the door “We have a problem.”

“Hey Boss,” asked one of the Commandos “Why exactly are we doing this?” “I’m doing this Mr. Fondar, because not because I want accommodations for us all, but because I want to speak the Senator Golan Zen about The Savoir incident.” “Ok Boss.” “Sir!” interrupted another Commando “were getting a message on the Communicator, should I patch it through” “Yes” Abeo shouted out. The Commando connected the communicator to the Senate speaker systems so that they could all hear. “Abeo” spoke a voice over the communicator “Abeo, my name is Kendo Shan. I am a Jedi for the Council and the officer commanding in this situation. I’ve decided to try and end this situation in a non-violent manner and with as little need for bloodshed. I want to hear your demands.” “Very well” Abeo responded, “Here are our demands. First and foremost I wish to speak to senator Golan Zen. Secondly I want full access to the New Republic military archives.” “May I enquire as to why?” Kendo Shan responded. “No you may not!” Abeo shouted demandingly. “Very well” Kendo Shan responded in an attempt to calm Abeo down, “It will take several hours to comply but I will do my best to meet you’re demands.” “Well I suggest you begin immediately then Master Jedi,” Abeo responded in a stern voice “Goodbye.” Abeo signalled the Commando to cut off the transmission.

“You’re not actually going to meet his demands are you?” asked the Commander shockingly. “Why not?” Kendo Shan responded. “Forget it. Major!” shouted the Commander. The Major walked through the door. “Call out the Special Forces, were going to take that building by storm!” “Yes sir!” shouted the Major. Just as he turned to leave Kendo Shan ordered him to stop. “We are not going to storm the Senate even if the only way to remove the hostage takers is to kill them. If anyone is going to infiltrate the Senate it will be a Jedi squad. Do you understand Commander?” “Yes sir!” replied the Commander, obviously annoyed. Kendo Shan pulled out a small communicator from his pocket and spoke into it. All the Commander could make out were the words “Jedi, Squad and Senate”. Shan returned the communicator to his pocket and turned to face the Commander. “Commander,” Kendo Shan ordered “Get Senator Golan Zen here immediately”

Talks
“Abeo. We’ve got Senator Golan Zen here. Do you still wish to speak with him?” Kendo Shan asked over the communicator. “Of course I do!” Abeo angrily responded. “Very well. I will bring him to the Senate side door. We will enter and begin the talks.” “No!” Abeo shouted “The Senator will come alone and unarmed. Nobody is to follow him or he will be killed. Is that understood?” “Very well.” Shan calmly responded.

The Senator, a human, walked foreword through the safety tape and the Courtyard. He walked passed the main doors and around the corner from the view of the Republic forces. After reaching the side door he stopped and waited. The door shot up and the Senator found himself facing a gun. He slowly walked through and into the Main Hall. Abeo walked up to him and removed his mask. “Senator Golan Zen I presume?” Enquired Abeo. “Correct, and you must be Abeo” replied the Senator. “What is it you wish to speak to me with?” “I want to talk to you about the Union.” “Ah, you know of it. Come with me please Abeo” Abeo followed Golan Zen behind the room partition. He gestured for Abeo to sit down. “Now. You want to know what the Union is do you. Well, let’s see. Firstly, how do you know about it?” Zen enquired. “Betrayal.” Abeo replied beneath his breath. “A Yagoan called Pantene” “Pantene? Should of guessed” ”You know him?” “I’m one of the few who know him by that name. He is currently a Council member for the Union.” “What is the Union?” asked Abeo. “The Union was created 2258 years ago by the Dark Lord of the Sith Sam Sinays. Sinays was a powerful Sith Lord who ruled one of the Sith largest empires. After a 30-year war with the Republic he had conquered some 56 sectors. This resulted in a neutral zone being created between the two super powers.” Abeo shuffled in his chair. “Eight years after the war rebels from within the Sith Empire started raiding Sith supply ships. Sam Sinays responded with overwhelming force. Almost destroying them at one point. The rebels though, were being secretly aided by the Republic and after 2 years of Civil war Zoist, the Sith Homeworld at the time had fallen. Much of the Sith Army began to desert or defect causing massive repercussions throughout the empire. Eventually Sam Sinays faced an overwhelming defeat. He knew he had to act quickly.

“So the Union was created. Sinays got some 90,000 loyal soldiers and trained them using live ammunition and life threatening scenarios. After sixes months only 9000 had survived.” By now, Abeo had obviously become interested in this story, as shown by the fact that he had pulled his chair closer to Zen. “These 9000 turned the course of the war. Sinays regained the territory he had lost in the last 2 years and continued to expand. Soon the Republic found itself once again facing defeat at the hands of the Sith. Now armed with the powerful new Union the Sith were all but invincible. The Republic amassed its fleets. Before long the Union attacked the Republic in ten systems simultaneously. The Republic fleet, some 600 vessels, was destroyed by the Union fleet of only 250 ships. With the fleet destroyed the Republic braced for the onslaught. The Union was never heard of again.” “Until now it seems.” “So it seems.” Abeo stood up from his chair and came back from behind the partition with the Senator in his stride. “Now Senator. I want access to the Republic Military Archives. If I am not given this I will kill everybody in this building.” “Don’t worry Abeo, you will get to see the Archives” With this Golan Zen turned away and left the building. He could be seen running back to the command centre. When he arrived Kendo Shan jumped from his seat and ran to the Senator, saluted him and asked of his meeting. Zen responded by saying, “Kill him!” Kendo Shan hesitated at this for a second, but bowed and left the command centre.

Life or death
Abeo walked up to the one of the reception computers and accessed it. He found that the entire Republic Military Archives had been uploaded in to it. Immediately and tirelessly Abeo began picking and dissecting each of the Archives page in a vain attempt to locate anything about the Union. He spent hours looking for even a hint of the Union. The fact that most of the Archives on Sams Sinays had been lost during the Galactic Civil War didn’t help either. Abeo found himself looking up information on the tactical abilities of pre-hyperspace civilizations on the fringes of the galaxy from 50 000 years beforehand in a vain attempt to find anything.

After 8 hours Abeo downloaded the Archives and deactivated the computer. He was clearly frustrated and annoyed. When he rose from the seat he had just spent 8 hours in the hostages began to seriously fear for their lives. Abeo tightened his grip on his blaster, shook his black hair, which had by now grown, his blood red eyes gave the hostages something to fear and the scar on his arm seared red. He raised his blaster and pointed it at one of the hostages. The Commandos all turned at looked at him, a few with looks of worry.

Abeo hesitated, sometimes squeezing the trigger and loosening it again. After five minutes Abeo still looked determined to kill one of the hostages. Then, the computer began to beep. Abeo turned his head slightly to look at the computer, but still had his blaster pointed at one of the hostages. The computer beeped twice more. Abeo lowered his blaster and sat back down in the chair. Both the Commandos and the Hostages took deep breaths of relief. Abeo activated the computer. On the screen appeared a man with dark hair. “Abeo?” the man on the screen asked. “Yes, who wants to know?” Abeo replied suspiciously. “My name is Kendo Shan, we spoke several hours ago. Do you remember?” “Yes of course. Now, what is it you want of me Mr. Shan?” “I wish to warn you. The senator has ordered Republic Commandos to storm the Senate. They are to kill all of you.” “Why?” Abeo asked curiously “are you telling me this? I am after all a terrorist to your Senator.” “I am telling you this because I do not believe you are the type of person who would risk killing hostages.” “YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT TYPE OF PERSON I AM!” Abeo shouted throwing his chair back across the senate building and standing tall. “YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WOULD DO!” Kendo Shan did not look shocked at this outburst. “I do not sense you will kill the hostages.” Kendo Shan replied calmly. “You Jedi do not scare me.” Replied Abeo, who had now regained his temper. “What makes you think I’m a Jedi?” Kendo Shan asked. “I do not sense you will kill the hostages.” Abeo quoted. “I DO NOT SENSE! Only a Jedi senses Shan! Not an ordinary Republic Commander.” Kendo nod slightly in agreement “Good point.” “Now, tell me. What must I do to survive?” Asked Abeo. “Very well.” Kendo responded. He began a long and detailed description or what to do. “Then just climb in and your free. I will then meet you in my office.” Kendo Shan finished. “Sounds easy enough. Fine, I’ll set of immediately. See you soon.” Abeo replied as he turned of the computer. He turned around and looked at the Commandos. “Well men, let’s go.” Abeo said happily. After tying up the hostages Abeo and the Commandos walked behind the partition. Abeo then began to jog to a small door and swung it open. They entered a large circular corridor. Directly ahead of them was an elevator with two grey sliding doors. Abeo walked up to the elevator and the doors slid open, but instead of entering the elevator Abeo lowered to his knees and began pulling a grill from the wall next the elevator. It was hard work but Luca eventually ripped the grill from the wall. It was then that he noticed that the tool used to remove the grill was leaning on the wall next to him. Abeo laughed slightly.

He stuck his hand into the ventilation shaft and began rummaging around. Pretty soon he pulled out a small black bag and emptied it onto the floor. The only thing to fall out was a small blue box with a small whole in one of the faces and a button on the opposite. Abeo then rose to his feet, blue box in hand and pointed it at one of the corners of the elevator. He pressed the yellow button and a red beam shot out from the small whole on the opposite side of the cube. When the beam hit the corner of the elevator a small camera appeared out of thin air. The Commandos exchanged looks of surprise with one another. Abeo then entered the elevator.

When the elevator reached the top floor the doors opened and Abeo walked out. They were now in another circular corridor. On one side of the wall was plain silver plating. On the other side the entire corridor was paned with glass. They could see Coruscant to the horizons. By know the sun was beginning to set and the city looked even more stunning than before. Abeo spent no time taking in the view. Hurrying along Abeo entered a door in the inside wall of the corridor, they entered a large oval room with hundreds of small platforms protruding from the walls. In the centre, on top a tall, wide podium was a stand atop it. Abeo looked to the top of the room at a small circular window. Abeo altered the settings on his blaster and pointed it at a small walkway just under the window. Pulling the trigger caused a small hook to shoot out of the top of the blaster connected via a thin electronic wire. The hook soared high into the air, right to the top of the room until it hit the metal walkway. Abeo then pulled his blaster to his belt and clipped the electronic wire to a special power pack. Then he replaced his blaster in his holster.

Flicking a switch Abeo swung high into the air and began to sway back and forth, slowly climbing higher and higher. The Commandos then commenced to do the same. When he finally reached the top Abeo placed his hand on a service ladder hanging from the walkway. Abeo pulled himself up on to the walkway and aided the Commandos in doing so as well when. BOOM!

“What the?” cried one of the Commandos. “What was that?” cried another. “It’s Republic Commandos, quick let’s get out of here!” Abeo shouted so that his voice echoed throughout the room. Looking upwards Abeo drew his blaster and shattered the glass window with its butt. The shards of glass hit the bottom of the room with such velocity that they were pulverised upon landing. Abeo pulled himself up through the roof and gave the Commandos a hand. When they had all climbed through Abeo stood to his full height. He could feel the wind blowing through his hair. The Sun had set by now and the traffic had almost completely disappeared. In the great plaza below were hundreds of Security and Military personnel. Senator Golan Zen could be seen entering his personal airspeeder and leaving. Shards for the Senates front doors could be seen scattered all over the surface of the plaza. Abeo spun around and began to slowly slide down the roof of the Senate until he reached the bottom. Using their grappling hook s they slowly creped down. The entire area around the Senate building was surrounded by New Republic personnel. Hiding behind a large crate Abeo directed the Commandos across the plaza and out of view. Abeo was the last to make a break for it.

Charging across the plaza Abeo stopped halfway and spun his head around to check it was clear. Confident he was not being followed Abeo carried on, around the corner and out of sight. “Now, let’s see,” Abeo spoke under his breath “Look for a grill with a ladder leading from it.” now in his normal voice. They spent several minutes looking for anything that looked even remotely like a grill, to no avail. “There, look!” cried a Commando, pointing high to a small hole in one of the skyscrapers walls. “Over there, the third skyscraper to the left. Sixth floor up.” “I see it!” Abeo shouted “Let’s go!”

They began to climb up the service ladder until they reached the ventilation tubes. It was a tight fit but they managed to reach the far side of the building. Abeo kicked hard against the grill, after several hard, tiring kicks the grill flew away from the shaft. Abeo stuck his head out of the shaft.

He immediately felt a strong gush of wind hit the side of his face. Abeo slowly tilted his head downwards. He found himself staring straight into an Abyss of cloud, smog and smoke. Looking up he saw Coruscants moon. Clear as crystal in the night sky. The stars shone brighter than he had ever seen them before. Abeo climber out of the shaft onto a thin ledge and slid along it. Around the corner and jumped onto the opposite buildings roof. Abeo knelt down next to another ventilation shaft and slid in. He dropped into a dimly light passage way. Each wall was line with black swinging doors at regular intervals. “What now?” asked on of the Commandos quietly. “Look for room 47568.” Abeo responded even more quietly. They split up into pairs and began search the entire floor. Abeo, walking alone searched the entire floor 3 times over, each time bypassing a small, narrow corridor. On the fourth time round Abeo decided to look down this passage, and, surely enough at the end of the passage…

Room 47568 Lt. Commander Kendo Shan Jedi Master “Jedi Master. Hmmm”

History of a War
Abeo slowly drew his blaster and placed his hand on the door. Pushing the door Abeo slowly poked his head into the room and began scanning the environment for any dangers. Confident it was safe Abeo holstered his blaster and marched into the room. It was dark. The window shades were drawn and the light was off. Abeo could just make out the outline of a desk and chair. On the other side of the room was a small settee. On the wall behind that was a painting of an exploding Death Star. Abeo proceeded to activate the rooms lighting. The light was extremely bright and it took a while for Abeo eyes to adjust to the light. Abeo looked around the room. On the wall next to the door was a map of the galaxy. Kowak and Ossus had been circled in red. As had many planets in the outer rim territories. On the other side of the door was a weapons rack. It was empty. Abeo took a seat on the settee and waited. “Ah, you’re here.” Kendo Shan said as he entered the room and closed the door. “Yes, for the last hour. Just went for a 4 parsec jog while I was waiting for you.” Abeo replied sarcastically. “You didn’t seem to be the sarcastic type last time I spoke to you.” Abeo then looked up at Kendo giving an evil grin. “Tell me. Why did you not follow Zen’s orders?” Abeo enquired curiously. “I did,” Kendo responded while he removed his armaments and placed them in the rack. Including a Lightsaber. “But I also took it upon myself to warn you of my orders.” Kendo went and sat at his desk. “Tell me. Your map, why are Ossus and Kowak in red?” Abeo asked to change the conversation. “It tells us what planets or systems are currently under Thrawn’s control. Kowak was occupied not long after the attack and Ossus the day The Saviour was destroyed.” “Tell me. What started all this. Not with the Union, but with the Remnant?” “The Remnant,” Kendo replied with a deep sigh “It started 20 000 years ago. The first 16 000 years of conflict were pretty quiet (In Galactic terms) but then, 4000 year ago the war took an unexpected turn in the form of Jedi Knight Exar Kun. When Kun fell to the Dark Side many followed him. After a long and bloody war Exar Kun was forced into a trap on Yavin 4. Eventually, as you know he is defeated. “But then, 40 years later the Republic faces another Sith - Darth Revan. Revan, a former Jedi Knight and his friend Malak, also a former Jedi Knight had fought a war against the Mandalorians who had invaded the Republic three years beforehand. After the final battle of that war Revan and Malak disappeared, supposedly to find the remaining Mandalorians. When the returned, they returned as Sith and waged war on the Republic. Sam Sinays, they say was one of Revan’s apprentices. Following the Republics rather pyrrhic victory against the Sith he retreated into the Sith Empire and apparently won its First Civil War, what happened next no-one knows; but he obviously survived.” Abeo gave Kendo a look of bewilderment after hearing his story. Kendo just laughed at this. “Tell me Kendo,” Abeo enquired with a sigh “What does Senator Golan Zen have to do with the Union?” “I’m not sure I should tell you this, but. The NRBI has had Zen under surveillance for several years. Our reports suggest that Zen was, at one point a member of an elite group of Imperial Officers that tried to keep the Empire together after the Battle of Coruscant. Ultimately they failed, but not before they got wind of the existence of the Union. As their last act they secured a meeting with the Union. They sent Zen as their ambassador. We believe… “After a while Golan Zen became Ossus’ ambassador to the New Republic. Then, 4 years ago Golan Zen was seen meeting a known Imperial spy within the NRBI…” “NRBI?” Abeo interrupted “New Republic Bureau of Investigation. He was caught giving the Imperial restricted information. From then he was kept under extra surveillance. Of course the Imperial Spy was imprisoned and the information returned.” “Oh. He’s crooked then!” Abeo shouted. “Yes.” Kendo replied, obviously distracted. “Tell me,” he asked now looking at Abeo “Do you know of the force?” “The force. I heard that Dark Jedi mention it once or twice. What is it?” “Dark Jedi!” Kendo shouted “Where, when, whom?!” “The Saviour, After the attack, Not sure. But I can tell you that I felt something being emitted from him. Not heat, but, anger. Hate of me.” “That is the Force. Let me explain” Kendo added when he saw Abeo’s look of confusion. “The Force is the thing inside all living beings. It is penetrative and surrounding. The Force is connected to every gene of everybody of every species. Without the Force, life is impossible.

“But a few beings in the galaxy are more sensitive to the force than others. Those beings are commonly known as Force-Sensitive. Those trained in the force can join one of three main groups. The Jedi, the Sith and the Dark Jedi. I am a Jedi. Sam Sinays’ was a Sith.” “And you believe I’m a Force-Sensitive?” Abeo asked confusingly. “It’s possible. There’s a good chance.” Silence took hold. It was broken only when one of the Commandos barged through the door. “Just wait outside until I’m finished.” Abeo ordered. “You’re military?” Asked Kendo. “No. It’s just that I’ve gained their trust since Ossus.” Abeo responded. Abeo stretched out his arms and legs and yawned loudly. “Look. If you’re bored you can come with me while I go to a meeting. Your Commandos can stay here until we return.” Kendo spoke to break the awkward silence. “Yeah. Sounds goods.”

Abeo placed his hand upon the top of the settee and pushed himself up. When on his feet Abeo stretched his hands outwards and his chest forward. He then shook of his legs and followed Kendo through the door. Having given his orders to the Commandos Abeo boarded Kendo’s personal airspeeder and they began the long and tedious trip. Several hours passed until they passed into the shadow of a landing bay. Abeo was still unsure of where they were. “Kendo. Where exactly are we?” asked Abeo. “Wait and see Abeo, wait and see.” Kendo replied jokingly. This did little to raise Abeo’s level of confidences. They marched through several high ceiling corridors. The walls were crimson red, as was the ceiling. Every now and then they would pass through a great room with many beings inside of several different worlds. In almost every room a few of these beings would turn and bow to Kendo. Who would, in turn nod to them. When they finally entered an elevator Kendo, who had pressed the button for the 80th floor asked Abeo out of the blue.

“Tell me Abeo, what is your last name?” Abeo gave Kendo a look of anguish. “To be honest, I don’t really know. I’ve always gone by the name of Koran. I truly do not know my last name. Is there anyway you could find it out?” Abeo added hopefully. “Maybe. What were your parent’s names? If they lived on Kowak they should be on the population register.” “I don’t know. They both disappeared when I was two years old.” “Then I’m afraid, there is no hope in finding your last name.”

The Council
“Abeo. It’s almost time.” Stated the same mysterious voice. “Time for what. Who are you?” Abeo demanded profusely. “It’s time. Get ready.” The mysterious voice had now turned into a man. This man looked similar to Abeo. He could almost be a relative Abeo thought. Then the mysterious man pulled something from beneath his cloak. A Lightsaber. The man ignited it forcing it to emit a long blue beam of plasmatic energy. “GO!!!” shouted the man. Abeo saw hundreds of beings, each wielding a Lightsaber charging forward. Abeo rose to his feet, but was forced to his knees. He tried once more, but again was thrown to the ground. “Abeo. Abeo!” Kendo shouted as he shook him vigorously. “Wake up Abeo!” he shouted once more. Abeo almost immediately started to come around. “Oh, my head.” Abeo groaned quietly. Kendo gave a sigh of relief. “Thank heavens your alright. You had me worried for a second there Abeo.” “Oh, what happened?” Abeo groaned, now holding his head and leaning up against the wall. “You just, fainted. I couldn’t sense your presence anymore. It was as if you were,” Kendo hesitated “non-existent.” Abeo gave Kendo a look of confusion. All the while holding his head. “Are you alright?” asked a tall, blond haired man slowly pacing towards them. “Master.” Kendo spoke as he rose to his feet. “I must speak with you immediately--” He was cut off by the blond haired man. “Are you feeling alright?” asked the man. “I said are you feeling alright?” he asked a second time when Abeo closed his eyes. He was now crouching down and had his hand on Abeo’s shoulder. “Yeah I’m alright.” Abeo looked up at the man. “Who are you?” “I am the head of the Jedi temple here on Coruscant. Can you stand?” “Yes.” “Please, come with me.” The man replied turning around and heading along the corridor. Kendo gave Abeo his hand and pulled him to his feet. They followed the man into a circular room. Abeo could tell where he was now. He was in the Jedi Counsel Chamber. Around the walls were panes of curved glass giving a magnificent view of the city. The room had twelve seats in it all facing inwards. The seats were plain showing no sign of being for a particular being. The man sat in a chair directly opposite the chamber doors. Kendo sat down in a chair second from the left of the door. The man gestured for Abeo to sit in the chair on his right. Kendo looked at this with surprise. Abeo sat down.

“Tell me Abeo.” The man said “who did you come to be on Coruscant?” Abeo began to recount his story. He found himself having the strange urge to tell the man everything. He told him of the attack on Kowak. Meeting Pantene on the Birenu station, the meeting with Kerath the Hutt and the engagement with Fett. By the time he got to Strykana’s bar he found himself giving the man every detail enthusiastically. He detailed the city bombardment and The Saviour. The battle with the Apprentice and taking the Hostages in the Senate.

Throughout all this the man listened intently and gave no sign of interest or boredom. Even when he mentioned the Apprentice or the Senate. When he had finished the man sat back and asked Kendo. “Could you tell the Commando unit they are dismissed.” Kendo nodded in acknowledgement and left the room. When he had left the man shuffled around on his seat and leant over to Abeo. “Tell me of your vision. The one you had outside this room.” The man asked. Abeo began telling his story. This story, unlike the last obviously caught the mans attention. Especially the mention of the charging army. “Tell me. Did the man give his name?” “No. But I felt that I already knew his name. Like I said, he looked like a relative.” The man sat back and sighed. After a couple of seconds he began to speak once more. “Come with me.” The man rose to his feet and, followed by Abeo, began to walk briskly towards the elevator. As the waited Abeo could sense many beings staring at them. When the elevator doors finally opened they walked in. Kendo, who was already in the lift informed the man he had dismissed the Commandos and given them accommodations.

When the elevator reached the ground floor they headed to a large room. It was obviously a library. They headed to the end of the room and took the last right. They went through a small, locked, door and into a dark room. The man walked up to a small cube and began entering a code by pushing down certain faces. When the man finally stopped the cube began to glow white. It raised itself from the podium and from it shot out a 3D map of the galaxy. The man pointed to a small jungle planet in the outer-rim Meridian Sector. Once his fingers touched the planet the map of the galaxy returned to the cube and the planet expanded to a larger size. “Historical files.” The man spoke “4th Sith Empire. Battles.” After saying this a list of names appeared. The man pointed to a certain battle of all of them. He began muttering to himself. “Got it!” he finally said. “Among one of the most dangerous Dark Lords of the Sith to live,” the man quoted “Ex-Jedi and Padawan of Jedi master Vodo-Siosk Baas. Exar Kun was a renowned warrior and tactician. Kun fell to the Dark Side when he disobeyed his Masters wishes and began examining his Masters Holocron. He found mention of many famous Sith Lords including the late Freedon Nadd, whom spirit was contained in his tomb on the planet of Onderon’s moon, Dxun. Curious, Exar Kun travelled to Freedon Nadd’s tomb and was seduced by the Darkside. Nadd’s spirit was destroyed in the process however. Exar Kun was, later on, interrupted in his plans by Dark Jedi Ulic Qel-Droma. The two battled over the title of Dark Lord of the Sith but the battle was cut short by the arrival of another Sith spirit, this time of Marka Ragnos. Ragnos had been watching the two battle and decided that Kun shall become Dark Lord and Ulic his apprentice.

“Using his powers of persuasion Kun managed to get several promising Jedi students from the Jedi temple on Ossus. He returned to Yavin 4, his base of operations and, using the Sith Holocron there turned them to the Darkside. He then thought up a plan to destroy the Academy on Ossus by destroying the entire Solar System. The ensuing war caused a wave of destruction across the galaxy. “The next conflict like this would be even worse, when Darth Revan took the mantle 40 years later. Despite a long and bloody conflict Exar Kun was eventually defeated and his spirit trapped on Yavin 4 in his temple. “Exar Kun was famous for is uncanny ability to use his Sith warriors to ambush entire Republic legions. The most famous weapon of this period was the dual-ended Lightsaber which Exar Kun had designed. It was specially designed for use by one hand. The following is an image of Exar Kun, Dark lord of the Sith. The image was the exact same person that Abeo had seen in his vision. He made this clear when he blurted out “That’s him. That’s the bloke from my vision!” “I thought so.” The man said deactivating the device “Your dream sounded like one of Kun’s ambushes. It is peculiar however. Visions like this are not extremely rare among Jedi but one such as this usually only happens when the being having the vision is somehow related to the focus of the vision.” “Whoa Stop! Are you saying my name might be Abeo Kun? I might be related to this Exar Kun bloke?” Abeo interrupted. “I’m saying you are related the Exar Kun.” The man said taking great care to emphasise the ‘are’ in his sentence. “With your permission I would like to take a sample of your blood. Kendo!” the man said turning his head to Kendo and pulling out a small hand-held device. “I would like to check you midi-chlorian count. May I?” The man asked. “Eh…okay.” Abeo replied nervously. Having taken Abeo’s blood sample the man then proceeded to put the sample in a small computer Kendo had just activated. When the computed scanned the sample three small semi-spheres appeared on the screen. One green, marked at 10 000. Another blue, marked at 27 700. And another Red, marked at 14 100. “The green represents the midi-chlorian count of an average Jedi. The blue shows the midi-chlorian count of the most powerful Jedi yet known. And the red, is you midi-chlorian count. “The higher the number, the more powerful in the force. Making you one of the more powerful force users.” The man said. Abeo was in a stunned silence. He couldn’t believe it. “I’m a Jedi?” Abeo replied confusingly. “Not yet. But you could be one. If you want?” The man replied. “Er… Alright. If it’s not to much hassle.” Abeo added hastily. “No, not at all. It is my wish to restore the Jedi ranks actually. It would be an honour to train you.”

The Academy
“Now, trust your instincts. Do not swing at the droid aggressively. The droid will not attack, it will only defend.” Said Kendo through Abeo’s earpiece in his helmet. Abeo raised his Lightsaber in front of his face and ignited the long blue beam. Abeo could feel the energy being emitted from it. He felt like a true Jedi, even if he was only a Padawan.

Abeo closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel the force flowing through him, flowing through his saber. When he finally opened his eyes the world looked different. The black visor that had previously covered his eyes had vanished and the world had turned red. He could make out the image of the droid in front of him, the table to his right and Kendo sitting in the examination booth high above him. Abeo then swung his Lightsaber at the droid only to have his attack parried. He did this twice more, and twice more his attacks were parried. “Do not think, feel!” Kendo ordered through the communicator. Abeo swung his Lightsaber at the droid several more times only to be parried each time. He was getting extremely frustrated. I wish it would just shut its saber down! Abeo thought. He swung his Lightsaber once more, but this time he hit the droid and cut of its arm. The droids arm fell to the ground, its Lightsaber inactive. Abeo spun around and, using the force ripped the droid apart. Kendo shot to his feet, throwing his chair across the room. “Abeo! Calm down!” Kendo ordered through the earpiece. Abeo ignored him completely. Abeo removed his visor and through it at the wall, breaking it into many shards. He then, using the Force pulled the two sliding doors and through them across the room. Kendo ran out of the examination booth and headed for the training room. By the time he arrived Abeo had gone. Kendo could see Abeo charging down the passage way towards the far end of the Academy. Kendo ran after him. “Captain!” He shouted into his communicator “Get a lockdown on Corridor R2. Hurry!” Abeo could see several small lights charging on the wall. He sprinted so fast that he just missed having his foot separated from his foot by the force-field. The shield forced Kendo to stop in his tracks. Abeo bolted down the stairs. Narrowly missing several other Jedi trainees. When he finally reached the 1st floor he charged down the passage way and into a dark room. The Armoury had many different types of weapons including Lightsabers and blasters. Abeo had now slowed to a walk and stopped in front of a rack of Double-Ended Lightsabers. He took several sabers and placed them in a case. He then left for his room making sure to avoid Kendo, his Master.

“Master.” Abeo said when he appeared behind his back. “Abeo. What came over you?” Kendo shouted “Why did you… why did you do all that?” Kendo asked calmly. “Don’t know. Lets got on with my training.” Abeo added hastily. “Fine.” Kendo replied “Come with me.” They walked down to a duelling room and locked the doors. Kendo walked to one end of the room and sent Abeo to the other. Both removed their cloaks and Kendo pulled out his Lightsaber. Kendo swung his long purple beamed Lightsaber in front of his face and readied himself. Abeo placed his hand behind his back and gripped his saber. He pulled it out and ignited its beam. It shone bright green.

Beings on the floor above begun to crowd around the glass roof to watch the duel. It was widely known that Abeo was one of the Academy’s most highly skilled duellists. Very few could defeat him in open combat, with the exception of Kendo Shan. Abeo stuck out his Lightsaber and held it horizontally. He then emitted a second green beam from the butt of his weapon. He then shuffled his right hand along the grip and placed his left on it. Abeo pulled his saber to his side and readied himself.

The two began to pace in a circle, keeping each other directly in front of themselves. Kendo than jumped high into the air, narrowly missing hitting his head on the glass roof and holding his saber high above his head. As he landed he swung his Lightsaber onto Abeo’s head. “Missed!” Kendo shouted adding a laugh. Abeo swung his blades at Kendo playfully. He then spun around Kendo and cut off some of his hair. “Almost!” Abeo shouted as he jumped back. Kendo jumped high into the air once more, but was thrown back by Abeo using the Force. Abeo pulled Kendo’s Lightsaber from his grip and through it across the room. Kendo rose to his feet and gestured for his saber. The Lightsaber flew across the room and into his hand. Abeo grinned slightly and spun his Lightsaber in a circular fashion above his head. Kendo ignited his saber once more and held it high above his head. They stayed silent and still for several seconds. Then, a great stream of thunder shot out from Abeo’s fingers hitting Kendo in the centre of his chest. Kendo was thrown backwards by this attack. The entire crowd above looked at this with shock. Kendo rose to his feet, smoke rise from his body. Abeo deactivated his Lightsaber and jumped across the room and into Kendo knocking him onto his back. Using the Force Abeo lifted Kendo high into the air and through him against the wall. Abeo then released him, letting him drop to the ground. Abeo put his right hand upon Kendo’s forehead and closed his eyes. Several seconds later Kendo became conscious again. Abeo leant on his knees and began talking to Kendo. “Feeling alright?” Abeo asked. “I’m fine my Apprentice. You skill is, has become extraordinary.” He added. “Yes Master.” Abeo added irritably. “Let’s go.” He stood up and opened the doors, holstering his Lightsaber at the same time. Abeo gave Kendo his hand and pulled him up. Kendo closed the blinds and holstered his weapon. They both put on their cloaks and walked out of the room talking. By the time they reached the Academy armoury they had exhausted the conversation. Kendo walked in first and put the training saber in its rack; he then removed his personal Lightsaber from the rack and holstered it. Abeo pulled his Lightsaber from its holster and began flicking switches. Curiously Kendo asked him “What you doing?” to which Abeo replied. “I’m changing the power output level. It will make it more powerful.” “You’re keeping that as your Lightsaber? I thought you preferred the single bladed ones?” “No, I quite like these ones. Don’t know why.” “I do.” Kendo replied quietly. “Come on, I want to show you something.” “What?” Abeo asked. “Something.” Replied kendo with a grin. He holstered his saber and left the room with Abeo following him. They marched back down the passageway, past the Duelling room and down another corridor. This one was dimly light and rarely used. The corridor eventually turned into a flight of stairs which went several stories down. The Corridor began to get thinner until they reached an arched door. Kendo opened the door and let Abeo in. This room was, unlike the corridor brightly lit with torches. In the centre of the room was a black seat in an egged shaped device. “What can you feel?” Kendo asked. “Power, hate. The Darkside. What is this?” Abeo added. “You have heard of Lord Vader?” “Yeah. Who hasn’t?” “Quite a few as a matter of fact. This was one of his regeneration chambers. He stayed here on Dantooine for several weeks a year back when the Empire ruled supreme. He used this place because of its strong Lightside aura. This place was originally an Academy for the Jedi back in the Old Republic days. It was destroyed by a Sith Lord though. Then, after the Jedi Purge came Vader travelled to Dantooine to look for any that had escaped. He found none but decided to build a palace here. Here he could live off the Lightside energy without worry of being detected by the Rebellion. When the Galactic Civil War ended the Imperials evacuated the planet. Vader’s chamber was just left here. Now, we Jedi have come and have begun to rebuild the Lightside aura. “But even Master Skywalker hasn’t been able to eliminate the Darkside energy. It seems that Vader wasn’t the only Sith to occupy Dantooine. Another came here, someone you’ve heard of. “Sam Sinays?” Abeo replied unsurprisingly. “Yes. Sam Sinays. It seems that he came to this planet during his war with the Old Republic. He discovered the ruined Academy and began training his apprentices here. He taught them here because it was harder to reject the Lightside in the middle of an old Academy.” “Why have you brought me down here exactly?” Asked Abeo. “At the end of a Jedi’s training he or she must undergo their trials. The trials are different for each academy. On Yavin they investigate some old Sith tombs. Here we use the Academy ruins for the trials. The Darkside aura in the ruins is particularly strong because of Sinays.” “Are you saying that I’m about to undergo the trials. The Jedi trials?” “Yes. Yes you are. In the Old republic the trials were a series of quest over a period of time. But since there are still too few of us we have decided that there shall be three trials that pressure the trainee in as many different ways as possible. The first two trials you have already completed.” “I’ve done them? When?” “The first was to construct your own Lightsaber. You received extra marks for you power output level device. The second was our duel. You again passed with flying colours. The third I am to tell you of now. “This is your third trial. In it you shall face situations which can actually kill you. All weapons used against you, if any, will use live ammunition and you will be constantly pounded by the Darkside. If you do not wish to commence with the trial you must tell me now.” Kendo waited for Abeo to answer. “Good. Lets go.”

Ambush
“My Apprentice the time has come. The Jedi will soon be destroyed and I will be one once more. I have but one more mission for you.” “What is your bidding my Master?” “Bring me my the Holocron!” “Yes my Master.”

Abeo deactivated his Lightsaber and gripped it tightly. He could feel the Darkside pounding him. The droid nearly killed him. It was the third droid to do that already and he had only just entered the ruins. Abeo sneaked through a small hole in the wall and stood up. The door behind him had been sealed shut and in front of him was a great chasm. He wouldn’t be able to jump it because of its width, or could he? Abeo took several paces back and leant forward slightly. He then began to run as fast as he could, he ran until the front of his foot extended over the edge of the chasm. When that happened he jumped as high as he can. He jumped higher than he had ever done before, higher than he had seen anyone jump before, including Master Shan. Then he realised he had crossed the entire chasm and had to land. He bent his knees and prepared for landing. When he did he landed with a slight role.

Abeo pushed the door open and walked down the passageway. About halfway down he stopped. He back tracked a couple of steps and looked at a door. This door was sealed shut by the Force. It was obvious whoever locked didn’t want anybody to get inside. Obviously this was not part of the trial, nor was it sealed by Master Shan or Master Skywalker. Abeo placed his hand on the door and slowly slid it down. He could feel the Darkside getting stronger every second he stayed there. When it became to much he pulled his hand away quickly. But then he felt something, it was curiosity. What was in the room? He was about to find out. Abeo took a couple of steps back and, once again using the Force pushed the door as hard as he could. The door didn’t move. He tried again but still it didn’t move, so he tried to pull it. It didn’t move an inch. Abeo was getting extremely angry now. And then it struck upon him. Abeo knelt on his knees and placed both his palms on the door, closed his eyes and sighed. The aura was getting stronger now. It was flowing through his body so greatly now. Abeo could feel his anger growing ever stronger. Destroy it! Destroy it! He thought to himself. Then, as he hoped, the door blew into many pieces. He stood up to see a small room with a podium in the middle. And upon a small device like that in the Library on Coruscant, the Holocron. But this one was not a cube, but a pyramid. And this one, unlike Master Skywalker’s wasn’t glowing. Abeo picked it up. He could tell that this was what was causing the Darkside aura in the ruins. Or at least the majority of it. Abeo attempted to activate the Holocron by pushing in the faces in different patterns, but to no avail. Frustrated, he decided to take the Holocron with him and attempt to activate it later. Abeo followed the passageway until it reached a fork. Taking the left he came up to a dead end. He looked up and saw a hole in the ceiling. Jumping high he grabbed the ledge and pulled himself up. Ahead of him was another dead end. This time the only way out was a small slit in the wall, just about high enough for him to crawl through on his stomach, which he did. When he finally crawled put he was in the open air. Looking up he saw Kendo standing over him. “Did I pass?” Abeo asked. To which Kendo replied “Yeah, with flying colours.” “Good.” He said rubbing the dirt of his robes and standing up. “Abeo?” kendo said nervously. “We got to go somewhere.” “Where?” “Yavin 4.” “Why?” He asked curiously. “We need to see Master Skywalker. Do you want to take Xerces?” “Fine.” Abeo replied. They left for the Academy talking about the Trial. Of course Abeo was careful not to mention the Holocron though. After a quick meal they packed up and left Dantooine for Yavin 4.

“Xerces. ETA Yavin 4?” Abeo asked. “4 hours and 15 minutes.” Replied Xerces in a tired sounding voice. “It’s…” Kendo began. “She!” Abeo then interrupted. “She’s tired?” Kendo replied. “How is that possible?” “Xerces is alive. It’s completely organic, save the tri-static torpedoes.” “Oh.” Kendo replied embarrassed. There was quite a moment of silence. Xerces engines could be heard humming in the background as they travelled through Hyperspace. After a while Kendo rose to his feet and left for his quarters. Several minutes later Abeo did the same.

On his way to his quarters he turned into the Astrometrics Lab and began pouring over old maps of historical information on Exar Kun. He learned a great deal in that hour. How Kun was prone to switch from on attitude to another, like himself and how he possessed on of the greatest midi-chlorian count in history. Abeo deactivated the screen and left the room. As he headed for his quarters he began to feel a tremor in the force. He ran to the nearest communication panel. “Kendo!” he shouted through it. “Kendo!” “Wha…t?” Kendo replied tiredly. “Do you feel that? The tremor?” Abeo answered “What are you going on about-” He stopped suddenly. “Hurry” Kendo shouted. “Activate Xerces weapons. Quickly!” Abeo sprinted to the Bridge and brought up the ships weapons systems. He then ran back pass his quarters and towards the Armoury. He could hear Xerces weapons firing in all directions as she held back the attackers. When he reached the armoury he was met with a blaster fling at his face. “Its an Ambush. Get to the Airlock! Hurry!” Kendo shouted from behind a group of crates. Abeo sprinted to the Elevator and took it down to decks. He then jumped out and around the corner until he reached the airlock doors. He could feel Xerces shudder as the attacking vessel connected via the airlock. Abeo ignited both the blades on his Lightsaber and prepared himself. Kendo sprinted from the armoury towards the elevator and descended two floors. He could hear weapons fire echoing throughout Xerces corridors. When the doors finally opened he immediately parried a shot with his Lightsaber. Kendo jumped out of the elevator and sliced the attacker in two. He was in Imperial armour. “Kendo. I need help!” Abeo shouted from down the corridor as he sliced yet another Imperial in two. “Kendo!” he shouted once more. “I’m here!” Kendo shouted and his saber decapitated an Imperial Storm trooper. Now with the combined might of two Jedi they managed to push the attackers back. They retreated back to their ship. Kendo sealed the Airlock. “A few are heading for the Bridge and Engine Room. I’ll get them while you enter that ship.” Kendo then turned around and sprinted around the corner. Disgruntled Abeo distinguished his beam and opened the Airlock doors. He stepped into the Imperial vessels and panned his head from left to right. This looked nothing like an Imperial ship. Or at least any he had seen before.

Its design was fluidic and curved. Its wall corridors looked more like tunnels than corridors and it showed no sign of mechanical interfaces. It was as if the ship was alive like Xerces. As Abeo stared in amaze he suddenly remembered why he was there. He holstered his Lightsaber and headed in what he guessed was the direction of the bridge. As he went on he noticed that the ship had ramps joining each deck making movements much easier to execute. The floor of the ship was soft, yet hard. It was definitely solid, but it had a liquid feel to it. Abeo took the next left and began to sneak. He could sense somebody round the corner. As he approached he pressed his body against the wall with drew his Lightsaber. Abeo carefully shuffled his hands on the saber grip and poked his head around the corner. He could see two men in conversation. The first he had never seen before but was obviously a Sith. Abeo could tell by the Lightsaber on his belt. The second Abeo definitely knew to be a Sith. It was Pantene. Abeo could feel the anger within him. He wanted to jump out and strike Pantene down for his betrayal back on Ossus, but he had to resist. He waited until Pantene had left, leaving the Sith on his own. He then walked around the corner and ignited one of his beams. The Sith was clearly shocked and only just managed to parry Abeo’s attack with his red beam. “How did you get in here Jedi?” the Sith shouted as they exchanged blows. “Your ships security is a little lacks.” Abeo responded while throwing a blow to the head of the Sith. “I would of thought the Sith would have more respect for Jedi ingenuity by now.” “You Jedi are not worth the robes your stand within!” The Sith shouted, loud enough for it to echo throughout the ship. “Whereas, if you were Sith-” the Sith began but was interrupted by Abeo “Forget it. I will never succumb to the Darkside of the Force!”	Abeo prevented the Sith from talking anymore as he threw his blows harder and harder until finally he cut the Sith down with a slice to the throat. He grinned slightly as he watched the Sith collapse to the ground, Lightsaber in hand. Abeo knelt down and removed the crystal from the Sith’s saber. “I must admit…” Abeo whispered “your offer intrigues me.” Abeo then put the Sith Crystal in his pocket and continued on his way to the bridge, slicing the Sith’s skull off as he stepped over him.

Duel of the Greats
Abeo engaged several Storm troopers on his way to the bridge, but no more Sith. When he reached the bridge he found it empty. “Strange. Nobodies here.” He thought to himself as he slowly paced forward. “What is that?” he thought a he looked upon large sphere in the centre of the room. The Sphere was obviously not of the same origin of the ship but it was still here all the same. Abeo placed his hand upon the sphere for a couple of seconds, and then removed it. “Nothing?” a voice asked from the shadow. Abeo spun around igniting both blades of his saber. “You’re a Jedi know I see. My you have come a long way since Omwat.” Pantene continued as he stepped into the light. “Pantene!” Abeo exclaimed through his gritted teeth. “You traitor! You should have told me you were Union!” “What makes you think I’m of the Union and not the Remnant?” Pantene asked with a grin on his face. “Back on Xerces. On the way to Ossus the word Union suddenly came to my mind, and yours I suspect.” “Mind-reading is a powerful technique. Not many Jedi know how to do it. Even fewer before they begin training. Like you!” Pantene added with a hiss. “But I’m guessing by the look on your face you cannot utilise it to its fullness yet. Or you would be able to tell me what is going to happen next, can you?” “You should know by know I’m not going to tell you that!” Abeo shouted with great anger. “I sense great anger in you Abeo. Enough to strike me down with. Forget my betrayal and join me. Together we can destroy Sinays and become joint rulers of the galaxy. Not even the Jedi could stand in our way.” “What must I do to achieve this then?” Abeo asked sarcastically. Aware of the sarcasm Pantene responded “You only have to do one thing. Destroy your Master!” he added with a shout as he pointed behind him and at Kendo Shan. “Go on. Just one strike and you will be on the path to galactic domination!” “Never!” Abeo shouted in response. “ I would never betray the Jedi like you did me!” Pantene gave Abeo a look of disappointment and sighed. “Very well. Then I’m sorry it had to come to this Abeo. You could have become a great Sith.” Pantene replied with his Lightsaber ignited. The beam was longer than that of a normal Lightsaber but was still red. Abeo could fell Pantene’s anger coursing through it, as could Kendo he was sure. Kendo was the first to strike with a shot to the head. Then Abeo with another strike, this time to the chest. Kendo responded with two strikes to Pantene’s back and chest while Abeo attempted to impale Pantene through the skull. Now Pantene counterattacked with a ferocity Abeo had never before seen. Pantene battled with such speed that Abeo constantly had to jump back to avoid instant death. Kendo seemed to be un-wavered by the attack despite their speed and agility.

Several minutes into the duel Abeo unsuccessfully attempted to avoid one of Pantene’s kicks and was thrown across the room an knock out. When he finally awoke he could see Pantene standing over Kendo’s body with his saber searing. Pantene seemed either unaware or not bothered with Abeo being conscious. As he struggled to his feet Pantene turned his head and gazed at Abeo. Without saying anything Abeo jumped forward across the room and knock Pantene from his feet. He then slowly paced forwards and began hammering Pantene until he could respond no more. He could sense Pantene whimpering, despite having covered his eyes. Then he felt something strange. Something he had never felt before. Something… evil. It flowed around him and within. He could feel its power, its desire for power. He could feel its presence. Then it appeared.

A great smoke appeared and from it came a being. It was wearing a cloak so it face was covered and it arms were crossed. It was looking down on Pantene. “Pantene. You disappoint me.” It hissed. “I would have thought you would be able to defeat a puny Jedi Padawan, granted you had to fight his master also but still…” “I’m sorry my Master.” Pantene whimpered through his sleeves. “It won’t happen again. Just let me eliminate him.” “No! As for you!” It spoke now turning its gaze to Abeo. “You have meddled in my affairs long enough. Now you die!” And from its fingers great bolts of lightning hit Abeo square on the chest knocking him across the room. “Pantene! Return to the flagship. I will deal with you there!” It shouted. “Yes Master Sinays.” Pantene responded. As he left he span his head slightly to look upon Abeo’s agony as Sinays tortured him. Abeo could feel Sinays anger as he struck Abeo harder and harder with the force. As Abeo endured this torture he could see his Master lying motionless on the floor. Sinays attacked him unsparingly until he could sense Abeo had given up resisting at which time he stopped.

“Now you see the power of the Darkside Jedi! It is beyond anything you could ever imagine. Not even Revan could have imagined that I would become this powerful.” Sinays said with a grin. “The Darkside will never defeat the Light. I will destroy you. I promise!” Abeo shouted back. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep Jedi!” “Be gone Sith!” Abeo shouted as loud as he could. “Very well. Goodbye Jedi Padawan.” He replied with a slight laugh. Sinays raised his fingers once more and shot two great bolts of lightning from them. Abeo could feel his anger swelling inside. He gripped his Lightsaber and pulled it to his chest. Sinays refusing to ease down continued his attack.

When all hope had been lost and Abeo had given up resisting Sinays stopped. Abeo turned his head to see what had happened. Sinays was no longer looking at him, but at the doors to the bridge. As Abeo staggered to his feet he could sense the presence of another Jedi in the room. He looked at the door again and this time saw someone. “Surrender Sinays. You cannot defeat me!” Luke Skywalker said calmly. “Me Surrender? You Jedi have the strangest sense of humour if ever I’ve seen one. I will destroy you like I will the rest of your Jedi Order!” Once more great bolts of lightning shot from Sinays finger, this time heading straight for Luke. Just in time Luke raised his ignited Lightsaber and deflected the attack. From his own hands Luke attacked with a great stream of fire which Sinays only just managed to deflect with great difficulty. Luke then launched a second stream of fire upon Sinays, this time hitting him in the stomach and knocking him back. Sinays glided across the room until he had reached his previous position. “You are powerful Jedi. I grant you that. Now, if you will excuse me I have some pressing matters to attend too. Goodbye.” Sinays spoke with a grin. After he had finished the great smoke which a spawned Sinays’ had disappeared with him. Luke distinguished his green blade and walked up to Abeo. “Are you feeling alright?” He asked. Abeo nodded in reply. “Good.” “What about Master Shan?” Abeo enquired. “He will be fine. Pantene just stunned him. Come, we must get off this ship quickly. Help me lift Kendo.” Abeo ran towards Kendo and lifted his lifeless-like body over his shoulders. He then raced after Skywalker until they reached Xerces Airlock. “Get in!” Luke shouted, he then closed the Airlock and detached the ship. Abeo put Kendo against the wall and then ran to the bridge. When he arrived he could see the Imperial vessel slowly shrinking until it exploded.

War
“Master Skywalker. Can you tell me how you knew we were being ambushed?” Abeo asked as he sat in the captain’s chair. “Yes. Two days ago we picked up a transmission from a suspected Union freighter detailing a full scale invasion of the Republic. Then, 6 hours later the Senate on Coruscant picked received a transmission from Admiral Pella of the Imperial fleet. He said “As of this moment until the time that either you, I, or the Union surrender we are at a state of war. Long Live the Empire!”” “So were at war with the Union?” Abeo asked nervously. “Yes.” Luke replied with a hint of nervousness also. “We are at war with the Union. I suspected that Sam Sinays would send Pantene after you because you were the only one to know that Pantene was the head of the Union fleet.” “So what now?” Abeo asked. “The Senate has uncovered the location of the Imperial fleet under Grand-Admiral Thrawn in orbit of Sluis Van. A desolate planet in the outer-rim territories. The planet seems to be an Imperial staging ground for the invasion.” “How did the Republic get this intelligence?” “They picked it up of an Imperial spy in the NRBI.” Abeo hesitated for a moment. “Sinays is smarter than that. It’s got to be a trap!” he added. “I know, as do a few select Senators. Unfortunately Senator Zen has sway over quite a few influential Senators himself. They’ve ordered the attack. Even though it’s a trap you must admit the chance to knockout the Imperial fleet it to good a chance to miss. And you would get your revenge on Thrawn.” “I’m not happy about it but… Xerces lay in a course for Sluis Van. Bring up Hyperdirve systems. Engage.”

“Pantene.” Sam Sinays spoke from the mist. “You have failed me one to many times. You must be punished!” “My Master, I have failed you only once. Please forgive me.” Pantene pleaded. “NO!” Sinays shouted in response. “You shall be punished, with death!” Sam Sinays raised his hands and pointed his fingers at Pantene. He then emitted two blue beams at Pantene and began to drain his life. Pantene screams could be heard throughout the ship. Every second Pantene was getting weaker, while Sam Sinays was getting stronger. When Sinays had drained Pantene completely he collapsed to the floor. The mist that had previously surrounded him had disappeared. Sam Sinays could, for the first time in many years feel his body. “Sam Sinays has returned.” He spoke as he picked up Pantene’s Lightsaber and ignited it. “Now the Galaxy will truly succumb to the Dark-side of the Force. The Flags of the Sith shall reign high on every planet in the galaxy and my name shall be feared throughout the Universe.” The door opened as Sinays walked up to it. Directly in front of him was a young Keldor. “My Master, the Force has freed you. How, and where is Pantene?” The Keldor spoke. “Pantene has sacrificed himself for the greater being that is Sam Sinays. You!” He added shockingly. “I sense great anger for the Jedi in you. What happened?” “They killed my family. My Ancestors died at the hands of the Jedi in the time of Revan. My family swore revenge on the Jedi for their actions. I hold that pledge.” The Keldor replied angrily. Sinays stared at him blankly. “Very good. Tell me, what is your name young Sith?” “Malvagita.” The Sith responded. “Very well. Malvagita how would you like to be Supreme Admiral of the Fleet? As long as you don’t fail me as that Pantene has you would become the second most powerful being in the galaxy.” Sinays asked Malvagita. “Supreme Admiral of the Fleet? How can I refuse.” “Good, good. Then as your first mission I want you to order the fleet to move to Sluis Van immediately. Now be gone.” Malvagita to a step backwards, bowed slightly and then left the room, closing the doors behind him. Sinays spun around and headed to a throne on the far side of the domed room. As he sat down the entire room powered up.

“Xerces said that two vessels have joined us in Hyperspace Master Shan. Republic Dreadnaughts by the looks of it.” Abeo said as he piloted Xerces. Kendo Shan who had regained consciousness by now was sitting down in the co-pilot’s chair next to him. “Should I hail them? Master?” he added. “What?” Replied Kendo as if he had not heard a word of what Abeo had just said. Abeo sighed “Nothing.” The Republic Dreadnaughts followed Xerces until they reached Chalacta, not once bothering to try and contact Abeo.

The next day Abeo awoke to the sounds of weapons fire. He quickly grabbed his Lightsaber and ran out of the room. He followed the sounds to one of the Cargo holds. The fire was consistent and unrelenting. Abeo ignited his Saber and charged in to the room. He found himself in a hail of fire coming from all directions. Immediately he began swing his Saber in a desperate attempt to stay alive. For several minutes he did this until he felt his Saber hit something. But unlike most items, it stopped Abeo’s Lightsaber on the spot. Abeo looked up into the eyes of a young man, probably in his twenties. His eyes were blue, his hair long and wavy. He was clean shaven. He wore a plain grey robe and brown boots. He possessed a Blue Lightsaber and looked extremely frustrated with Abeo.

Abeo could sense the frustration within this young man. Immediately Abeo pushed the young mans weapon out of the way and swung his Saber straight at him. Dismembering the young man diagonally from should to hip. As the young man fell to the floor Abeo could feel the immense satisfaction he had just received from killing him. Looking up Abeo could see hundreds of thousands of Jedi and Sith battling each other across a great plain. Above him great comet like fireballs fell from the sky at such a velocity as to rip a mountain in two.

“Jedi scum!” someone shouted from afar. Abeo spun around and saw a man of about 30 looking down at the body of a Jedi Knight. It was Exar Kun. His duel-bladed blue saber searing as rain drops hit the beam. Kun turned his head and looked at Abeo, smiling he pointed above Abeo right shoulder. Abeo ignited the second blade of his Lightsaber and swung it behind him, impaling a Jedi upon it. Abeo walked up to Kun and opened his mouth to talk but was interrupted by the attack of a Female Jedi Master. Abeo found that he dispatched the Jedi Master with ease. He also discovered his skills with a Lightsaber were beyond anything he had ever seen before. After he had defeated the Jedi he turned his head towards Kun’s location only to see that he had disappeared. So, Abeo walked forward stepping over the bodies of fallen Jedi and Sith until he reached a ledge. As he looked down he could see the true extent of the Sith and Jedi Forces.

Jedi and Sith could be seen battling to the horizon, hundreds of thousands of red blades striking blades of blue, green, purple and yellow. Every now and then a red blade would disengaged, then a green or blue or yellow. Then another red or even a purple. This was clearly a grudge match between two great armies of the Force. High above him Abeo could see great balls of fire appearing and disappearing as if they were explosions.

Then, all of a sudden three great beams of energy struck the planets surface. Great clouds of dust and smoke rose from where the beams hit. Abeo’s view was clouded. When the smoke finally cleared he could still see the Jedi and Sith battling, but in the great battlefield were three great craters. Each filled with fallen Jedi and Sith. Simmers of smoke rose from the ground while overhead the Space battle continued.

Abeo jumped from the ledge and immediately got into battle. He cut through the Jedi with such ease it was unbelievable. He had only been fighting for ten minutes when he had reached the centre of the battlefield. It was obvious know then Exar Kun had left the battle when several Sith Knights had come to him asking for orders. But it wasn’t only the Jedi he had to worry about. “When you die I shall become the Apprentice of Master Kun!” shouted one Sith Knight. The skirmish was short and swift. Abeo kicked the body of the fallen Sith onto its stomach. He then marched across the field until he reached one of the craters; he peered over the edge into a deep chasm of blood and sweat. He counted at least one hundred fallen warriors in that crater alone. He wondered how many more had died because of the beams.

“Abeo, Abeo! Come to the bridge, quickly!” Kendo shouted. Abeo ran to the bridge as fast as his legs would take him. But before he got there he was thrown to the ground by a great jolt in the ship. As he rose to his legs he was once again knocked over. “I hate getting fired at.” He muttered to himself, as he rose to his feet one last time. When he finally made it to the bridge he was struck with awe.

[{Category:Fan-fiction]]

Cateogry: Novels, books and short stories by Jasca Ducato