Cerras Ki: “There's only one more thing annoying than a Sith!”
Kyle Katarn: “What's that?”
Cerras Ki: “Two Sith.”
— Cerras Ki and Kyle Katarn
Cerras Ki was a distinguished Jedi Knight and a member of the New Jedi Order during the Sith Crusade. A Human male from Phaeda, Cerras Ki grew to become a maverick Jedi Knight and outstanding diplomat, possessing a mastery of Force Persuasion. Ki was also a skilled duellist and a keen enthusiast of ancient weaponry, with a particular preference for slugthrowers. Cerras Ki was known throughout the Order for his repeated use of two weapons in particular; Boomer and Longshot.
Following the outbreak of the Sith Crusade in 56 ABY, and the invasion of the Imperial Remnant in 59 ABY, Cerras Ki made it his mission to uncover any weakness of the Sith Order of Decreto that he could, in the hope that it could be used to end the conflict; a task which would claim his life, and that of one of Darth Abeonis most skilled warriors.
Biography[]
Early years and Jedi training[]
Kyle Katarn: “The choice belongs to your son.”
―Cerras Ki's father and Kyle Katarn
Born on the criminally corrupt planet of Phaeda, Cerras Ki grew up with the ever present threats that came with crime; thanks in part to the Confederation-Galactic Alliance War and its affect on his homeworld. As a result, Cerras was forced to learn how to survive in the streets, using his limited Force-connection to gain the respect of his peers. Ki would continue this life until his seventeenth year, when his family were approached by a cloaked individual who claimed to have a great knowledge of Ki's power of influence over his friends. Revealing himself to be Kyle Katarn, a member of the Jedi Order, Katarn presented Ki with an offer to join the Jedi. Ki's father immediately jumped in, flat-out refusing to allow Katarn to take Cerras away. Kyle stabbed back just as quickly, making clear the fact that the choice was Cerras' and Cerras' alone. When Cerras looked towards his father, it was then that he saw the fear in his father's eyes. Cerras left the room and went to his bedchamber, where he remained for well over a standard hour before he finally returned to accept Katarn's offer.
Cerras Ki in training.
Leaving Phaeda, Ki and Katarn made their way to Ossus to enroll Cerras into the Jedi academy there. The next day, Cerras begun his training under Katarn's tutelage and was quickly recognized for his outstanding skill in persuasion and manipulation as well a head-strong fighting style and risking attitude. It did not take Cerras long to rise to an influential position amongst his students, often using his skills in manipulation to his advantage; something that his Jedi Master lambasted him for. Shortly after his first year trials, word reached Ossus that contact with the Chiss Ascendancy had been lost, and that the Jedi had been requested to investigate the situation. Kyle Katarn, having been assigned to the mission, decided to bring his apprentice along with him, for some hands-on experience, however, troubles within the Galactic Alliance delayed the trip indefinitely, and Ki returned to his Jedi training on Ossus.
Two more years passed, and Ki's maverick style truly begun to show through. Ki would often spend long hours in the newly revived jungles of Ossus refining his combat skills, in the hopes that he could catch up with his fellow students and would often use questionable tactics to procure a favorable result. During a mission to one of Ossus' sub-continents Cerras Ki rescued a Ysanna tribal leader's daughter from a quick death at the hands of Ossus' wildlife, and was made an honorary member of the tribe. Ki spent a great deal of time amongst the Ysanna, from whom he learned a large variety of survival techniques. Ki as developed a penchant for the Ysanna slugthrower over the blasters used by the Jedi. One day, shortly after returning to the Temple, Cerras Ki received word that the Imperial Remnant had been invaded and conquered by an enemy suspected to be the Sith.
Cerras had studied the Sith and their history as part of his education, and had an extensive knowledge of the ancient Sith followers of Darths Revan and Malak, as well as some limited knowledge of Darth Bane and his secretive Sith Order. Ki also knew a great deal about the Galactic Empire and its Sith rulers – Darth Sidious and Darth Vader. Cerras believed that if the Sith truly had returned, only a pre-emptive strike against them could prevent a full scale war. Although his own point of view was representative of the Jedi Order at large, Cal Omas, Chief of State for the Galactic Alliance held out hope that a peace settlement could prevent war; turning down any idea of a pre-emptive strike by the Jedi.
Cerras Ki was astonished at the seemingly blatant ignorance of the facts by Cal Omas and decided that the Jedi must strike regardless. Approaching his Jedi Master, Ki presented the idea of a covert strike against the Sith with the hopes of crippling their ability to wage a war against the Galactic Alliance. Unfortunately for Ki, Grand Master Skywalker turned down the idea, despite the support of Kyle Katarn. Undeterred, Ki remarked that either the Jedi Order authorize a strike, or he would do it himself.
Investigating the Sith[]
Cerras Ki, 65 ABY.
I'm going to find out who these Sith are; and how we can stop them.
—Cerras Ki
Hours later Ki had finished packing clothing, supplies and various other items for his journey; and made his way to his XJ-7 X-wing starfighter. Shortly before leaving he was confronted by Katarn, he attempted to convince his apprentice not to go. Cerras would not be budged from his mission however and was determined to leave for the Unknown Regions; seconds later Luke Skywalker had also arrived. Skywalker forbade Ki from leaving, but Ki refused to abide, instead offering to leave the Jedi Order if it suited Skywalker. Skywalker didn't reply and simply left, giving Cerras Ki leave to depart. Ki left the Ossus system, never looking back, and jumped into hyperspace.
Seven years passed before Ki finally returned to the galaxy at large, and things had gone from bad to worse for the Jedi. The battle of Praesitlyn had just ended indecisively, with both sides suffering grievous casualties. As Skywalker sat inside the recently rebuilt Jedi Academy on Ossus, the planets defense system indicated a lone vessel entering the system. Sensing the presence of its pilot, Skywalker allowed it to land and made his way to the landing bay to see Cerras Ki standing before him. Katarn arrived shortly after, also having sensed Ki's arrival. Cerras walked up to both of the aged Jedi Masters and smiled; simply saying…
Sith Crusade[]
Skywalker led both Ki and Katarn into the Jedi academy's great hall, which was still undergoing final repairs. On the way, Ki inquired of Katarn as to the progress of the war, and was disheartened to hear of the losses that had been incurred; particularly the attack on the Jedi academy. Arriving in the great hall, the three Jedi begun discussing the past seven years. Ki revealed what he could about the Sith, including the identity of the Dark Lord, Darth Abeonis, as well as the reason behind the loss of contact with the Chiss in 56 ABY; although he was informed that the Jedi already knew these facts. Ki then started to explain the reason behind Ducato's fall, how the crew of The Soiyo had been seduced by the Dark Lord, the war of conquest Abeonis had instigated against the Sith followers of Guerreiro and the influence of a particular Sith Lord named Darth Wyyrlok.
As the two parties finished their discussions it became clear to both Skywalker and Katarn that the sudden revelation of the deaths of so many Jedi had shaken Ki, but only served to strengthen his resolve. It was then that Katarn asked if Ki had uncovered the source of the extensive fleet Darth Abeonis had built-up; Cerras responded by saying that whilst he had yet to discover the exact source of the strength of the Sith, he had uncovered several clues that he believed would point to the source; although it would mean making contact with the Mandalorian Ghes Orade.
Skywalker interrupted at this point, saying to Ki that whilst he would give Ki permission to pursue Ghes Orade, his assistance was needed elsewhere beforehand. Katarn revealed to Cerras that the next years campaign relied upon the establishment of a Jedi base on Utapau, however the native Pau'ans had so far refused to allow it. Ki was needed to convince the Pau'ans to allow the construction of the Jedi base, so that the war could be continued. Ki reluctantly agreed, and left for Utapau with his old Master the same day.
Negotiations on Utapau[]
Arriving on Utapau, Katarn and Ki made there way to Pau City where they had arranged to meet with Lampay Fay, the Master of Port Administration; instead, they were met by an armed contingent of Utai soldiers, lead by Jenin Vant, the Air Commodore of the Utapau Skyforce, who ordered them to turn around and leave the planet. Ki quickly got them out of the predicament, using the Force to persuade Vant to take them to his superior, much to the amusement of his Master. Meeting with Senin Vant, Jenin's father and leader of the Utapau Skyforce, Katarn and Ki informed Vant that they had an arranged meeting with Lampay Fay that was of the utmost importance. Vant revealed to the Jedi that he knew why they were on the planet and that Fay's mind had not changed; regardless however, he would allow the Jedi to meet with Fay if it would make the point clear.
The next day the two Jedi were discreetly taken to Lampay Fay's chambers, and introduced to the Port Administrator. Katarn took the lead in the discussion, Ki quickly picked up on the fact that the negotiations had been ongoing for a while, possibly even years, although neither side would relent in their demands. Pulling Katarn aside, Ki approached Lampay Fay and asked him what exactly, the people of Utapau wanted from this agreement. Fay revealed that he feared another Battle of Utapau, such as that of the Clone Wars, which was caused by the presence of a secret CIS base in Pau City, and that he did not feel the Jedi could keep their presence on Utapau a secret; which in turn would force the Sith to invade the planet. Ki then requested a compromise; if Fay would allow the Jedi to establish a base on Utapau, away from Pau City, the Jedi would limit their travel to said base. Ki also persuaded Lampay Fay that the Jedi presence on Utapau would pass unnoticed to both the Sith, and the peoples of Utapau. Fay, swamped in both fear and thought, sent the Jedi away, promising a decision by the next day. As they left, Katarn inquired of Ki whether he thought he had convinced the Pau'an leader to agree; Ki merely shrugged his shoulders.
Hours later, Senin Vant approached the Jedi and ordered them to follow him to their starfighters; disheartened, Katarn and Ki both made their way for the XJ-7 X-wings. Just as the two Jedi reached their X-wings Ki spotted a slow moving Lampay Fay heading towards them. Approaching the two Jedi, Fay gave the Jedi permission to establish their base on Utapau, providing a map of the planet, along with a list of locations for the base. Content, the two Jedi turned about a made their way to their X-wings. The two Jedi returned to Ossus and gave the Supreme Chancellor the news.
The search for Orade[]
Mando'ade do not receive being hunted kindly, Jedi.
—Ghes Orade
Following his successful mission to Utapau, Cerras Ki was granted permission to pursue the Mandalorian Ghes Orade, and subsequently set out for the planet Mandalore under the guise of a bounty hunter. Unfortunately for Ki however, the newly revived Darth Krayt had been recently been positioned on Mandalore to watch over the Sith Order of Decreto's reluctant ally. Arriving on Mandalore, Cerras Ki immediately set about locating Orade, claiming to be seeking a bounty. He eventually learned that Orade, a Commander in the Mandalorian fleet, had been assigned to a planet on the edge of the sector, and returned to his shuttle. Arriving at the landing port, Cerras happened upon a contingent of Sith troopers, lead by a subordinate of Darth Krayt.
Cerras in the Embrace of Pain.
Despite attempting to hide his presence, Ki was located and engaged by the Sith Knight and his entourage and, after a prolonged duel, knocked unconscious and captured. When Ki awoke he found himself inside a prison cell under guard. Eventually he was greeted by Darth Krayt – the Lord of Mandalore – and placed into the Embrace of Pain and tortured. Although he never saw him, Cerras was well aware of the presence of a second Sith Lord, who seemed to be Darth Krayt's superior, and often made demands to see the second individual; although he was never granted this wish. After days of torture, it became apparent to Ki that Krayt was not attempting to convert him, and was simply enjoying the torture. IN an attempt to escape Cerras slowly but surely worked against the Embrace of Pain, relaxing himself so that his binds loosened, and eventually allowed him to escape. Gathering his equipment, which had been left on a side table in the same room, Cerras Ki made his escape from Mandalore, stowing away on a Mandalorian cruiser destined for Orade's garrison.
Finally landing on Ordo, Ki could sense the populations resentment for their Sith overlords, and believed that he was in the right place. Checking into a local hotel, Ki sensed that he was being followed, and cornered his pursuer. With a slugthrower at her throat, the Mandalorian warrior quickly revealed that she had been sent by Ghes Orade to find out why a bounty hunter was after him. Ki was at first surprised that Orade knew he was being looked for, but quickly took advantage of the situation, convincing the Mandalorian to take him to Orade. As they left the hotel, Ki and the Mandalorian were forced off their path by a contingent of Sith troopers who were engaging local resistance forces. The Mandalorian warrior revealed that, unlike most of the Mando'ade Alliance, the people of Ordo were not letting the Sith rule comfortably, and that Ordo was in the midst of a war for independence.
Ki and his Mandalorian guide made their way to Orade's headquarters, in the process liberating several rebels from a Sith prison camp, before finally arriving at Orade's headquarters. Once inside, Ki found himself surrounded by Mandalorian Protectors, an elite force within the Mandalorian military. Relieved off all his weaponry, Ki was brought before Orade, who demanded to know why there was a bounty on his head. Ki attempted to convince Orade that he was not in actuality a bounty hunter, and that he had been sent by the Galactic Alliance to aid the Mandalorians; although even Ki's skill in persuasion could not sway the Mandalorian leader. Tired, Ki ignited the lightsaber he had hidden within his cloak and disarmed his guard before being disarmed by Orade himself.
The revelation that Ki was a Jedi shocked Orade, as he had always respected the Jedi. Orade demanded to know the real reason behind Ki's presence on Ordo, and Cerras revealed that he believed Orade held information valuable to the Galactic Alliance war effort, information that could lead to the defeat of the Sith. Orade briefly turned to another of his Protectors with a discouraging look, before once again turning to face Ki. Orade revealed that he knew nothing that could help to defeat the Sith, and that the rumor had been started by Orade to root out any spies within his ranks. With no more reason to stay on Ordo, Ki made his way to the exit, but was stopped by his Mandalorian guide. Removing her helmet, Mirta Gev revealed to Ki that she had recently received word from a source on Bastion that the Sith Council was in uproar over the death of Darth Adsec on Praesitlyn, and that Natasi Daala was looking to exploit the situation. She suggested that Ki make his way to Bastion, to investigate the situation. Thanking Gev for the advice, Ki procured passage back to Bastion.
Source on Bastion[]
Mandalorian source: “Welcome to Sartinaynian, young Jedi.”
Cerras Ki: “Where?”
Mandalorian source: “Bastion as you call in in your tongue.”
— Mandalorian source and Cerras Ki
Not having time to return to Ossus, Ki sent a secure transmission to the Academy stating his intentions on Bastion, and that he would return afterward. Although unsure of this move, Katarn blessed the mission, and also revealed that Skywalker had deemed Ki worthy of the title of Jedi Knight. KI responded positively before cutting the transmission. Arriving in the Sartinaynian system, Ki was surprised to discover that he was being hailed on his personal transmitter from an unknown source on Bastion. Accepting the transmission, Ki found himself talking to a man with a strong Bastioni accent, who claimed to have intimate knowledge of his mission on Bastion; the voice directed Ki to land on a landing platform deep in the heart of the Bastion customs station and, although suspicious, Ki decided that it was his best option of getting onto the Fortress world.
Arriving in the space station in a stolen starfighter Ki got out of his vessel and approached the closed blast doors. Opening them, Cerras Ki saw four Imperial Stormtroopers heading towards him; drawing Boomer, Ki was confused as to why the Stormtroopers had not yet opened fire. It was then that he spotted a short, stocky man walking behind them, wearing a characteristic Mandalorian breastplate. Assuming this to be the source, Ki sheathed his weapon and approached the soldiers. The Mandalorian source welcomed Cerras to Bastion and explained to Ki that by piggy-backing a transmission on Sith military communiqués, Mirta Gev was able to inform the source of Ki's imminent arrival. Ki however, was more concerned over the fact that there were still Imperial Stormtroopers stationed aboard the space station, and asked the Mandalorian why this was.
The source revealed that Darth Abeonis had, against the wishes of the Sith Council, granted Natasi Daala control over the entire sector, and that the Braxant Sector was the only sector in Sith space not to be patrolled by either StarFleet Command or the Imperial Armed Forces. The source also added that, unlike Sith troopers, stormtroopers could be bribed.
Amused, Ki asked the Mandalorian if he would be able to get him into Daala's residents but was rebuked; the source told Ki that such a thing would be impossible, and that Ki should make his way to the Imperial Library on Bastion; where the source would arrange for one of Daala's aids to meet with him. Giving Ki security clearance to land on Bastion, the Mandalorian left, ordering the Stormtroopers to escort Ki him back to his vessel. Using the security clearance the source gave him, Ki landed on Bastion and discreetly made his way to the Imperial Library, making sure to avoid the numerous patrols in the city's dark night-time streets before finally arriving at the library. Ki settled down in a dark corner and waited for several hours before he sensed the presence of another individual entering the building. The individual made their way to the central archives and waited, Ki followed behind.
Arriving at the central archives, Ki saw a tall female Human standing at the side of a table in the center of the room, and approached her. The contact gave no name, and was quick with what she had to say;
Imperial contact: “I can't stay long, so listen.”
Cerras Ki: “Ok.”
Imperial contact: “The Sith Council is still divided over the death of Adsec, although none can deny that it was Abeonis' right to kill the usurper. With Bastion effectively free of Sith presence the Governor has been able to operate freely without fear of discovery. Go to Yaga Minor and meet with the Governor's admiral there; do as the admiral requests, and your weakness shall be revealed.”
— Imperial contact and Cerras Ki
Giving Cerras Ki a datapad, the contact left; Ki looked at the datapad and noticed that it was yet another security clearance, presumably so that he could make contact with the Imperial Admiral. Returning to the city's port, Ki spotted his old XJ-7 being held in a secure bay. Making his way to the secure bay, Ki convinced the guarding stormtroopers to allow him to take the XJ-7 off their hands, and set course for Yaga Minor, having forgot completely about his promise to return to Ossus.
The admiral quest[]
Your Jedi Order treated the Yuuzhan Vong, my people, like dirt. Why should we even consider helping you now?
—Cek Skell
The Imperial Star Destroyer in orbit above Yaga Minor, halfway through reconstruction.
Ki arrived at Yaga Minor to see a single Imperial Star Destroyer in orbit of the planet below. The vessel was midway through construction with all its non-essential systems were powered down. As Ki's XJ-7 approached the Star Destroyer, its sensor detected a group of TIE Hunters closing in on his position. Circling around, Ki transmitted the security clearance he had received, as well as powering up his X-wings weapon systems. Ki knew for a fact that his XJ-7 stood no chance against five TIE Hunters, but was prepared to fight regardless. Closing his eyes and tightening his grip on the trigger, Ki prepared to fire.
A few seconds of silence passed, followed by a steady beeping sound; Ki opened his eyes to see the transmitter in his cockpit flashing, indicating an incoming transmission. Ki accepted the transmission was greeted by the stern face of an Imperial admiral, demanding to know the reason Daala had sending a Jedi to him. Ki revealed his mission to find a weakness in the Sith, a fact that gave the admiral cause to grin widely. The admiral informed Ki that Daala had ordered him to find the location the living planet Zonama Sekot, and the Yuuzhan Vong who were living on the planet, in an attempt to convince the Vong to aid the Imperial Remnant in a revolution against the Sith Order of Decreto. Daala believed that the Yuuzhan Vong held the knowledge of the source of the Sith fleets strength, information which could be used after any successful revolution to aid the Galactic Alliance war effort. The admiral told Ki that Daala also suspected the combined strength of the Galactic Alliance, Jedi, Yuuzhan Vong and Imperial Remnant would be more than enough to successfully challenge the might of the Sith Empire. With the front line stretched so far, full-scale invasion from the Galactic Alliance and the Imperial Remnant, coupled with the rebellions in the Mandalore Sector and the division within the Sith Council would overwhelm the Sith military forces, bringing an end to the war.
Thanking the admiral, Cerras Ki set out immediately for the coordinates he had been given without even informing the Imperial admiral of his revelation. Unbekownst to Ki however was that his escape from Ordo had been reported to Sith Intelligence, who had in turn informed the Dark Lord. Darth Abeonis proved already to aware of Cerras Ki's presence within the Sith Empire, and was concerned as to why the Jedi would have an agent in his empire. Abeonis ordered his Hand – Darth Korin – and Darth Krayt, to track down Ki and uncover the reason behind Ki's travels.
Arriving at the coordinates given to him, Ki scanned the sector, picking up a single planet on its far edge. Sensing this to be Zonama Sekot, Ki ignited his sublight engines and made his way to the planet. As Ki approached Zonama Sekot, his sensor detected a detachment of vessels coming from behind the planet. The detachment of four Yorik-et, led by a single Slayer ship, encircled Ki's X-wing with weapons armed. Ki transmitted his name and who he represented to the lead vessel, closing with a request to meet the leader of the Yuuzhan Vong. A few minutes passed before the Yuuzhan Vong ships circled around and headed back to the planet, signaling for Ki to follow.
As Ki's XJ-7 approached the planet, he was taken below the seemingly impregnable silver cloud that swamped the planet's southern hemisphere towards a towering stone structure on the horizon. Slowly, the rapidly approaching stone structure began to define in shape, and the characteristically Yuuzhan Vong design shone through. Nearing the tower, Ki was signaled to land in a clearing at its base, where he was met by a Yuuzhan Vong of the Intendant caste who welcomed Ki in a gruff fashion, before asking the Jedi Knight to follow him. Ki was led through the staggeringly tall corridors of the Yuuzhan Vong tower, and was amazed at how far Yuuzhan Vong society had progressed in the thirty years they had spent on Zonama Sekot. Seeing the astonishment on Ki's face, the Yuuzhan Vong proudly informed him that no corner of the planet had been left uncolonized, with whole nations trading with one another; forming a highly successful, if galactically isolated, economic market.
Cek Skell protects Cerras Ki.
Finally Ki and his guide approached a heavily decorated doorway which towered high above them, the guide signaled for Ki to go on alone, and Ki entered what appeared to be an elevator. Arriving at the top of the tower, Ki found himself in a grand chamber with a high, arched ceiling and a throne at the far end. As he walked towards the throne, Ki noticed a tall and imposing figure leaning against the throne, talking to another member of the Intendant caste. As Ki neared them, the more led figure signaled the Intendant away and approached Cerras Ki, introducing himself as Supreme Overlord Cek Skell.
Ki was thrown aback by Cek Skell's seemingly human way of talking and, after introducing himself, question it. Skell seemed somewhat disgusted at what he felt to be an utter contempt for the Yuuzhan Vong but humored the young Jedi warrior. Eventually however, the topic of conversation moved onto the reason for Ki being on Zonama Sekot. Ki did his best to convince Skell via the Force to support the Imperials' and Galactic Alliance war effort, but was astonished to see it had no affect on the Yuuzhan Vong warrior. Regardless, Ki did his best to convince the Yuuzhan Vong Overlord.
Eventually Skell admitted that while he still despised the Jedi for the seemingly dishonorable conditions laid down upon them following the Yuuzhan Vong War, he knew that if the Galactic Alliance was to fall, the Sith would eventually come after the Yuuzhan Vongon Zonama Sekot. Skell also admitted however, that he was contemplating throwing Ki from the tower's highest window for bringing the war to a weakened Yuuzhan Vong society. Regardless of this revelation however, before Skell could make any, a massive explosion ripped through the chamber's wall, throwing great chunks of glass and debris into Skell's back. Skell threw himself upon Ki, shielding him from a secondary explosion, although at a cost of his own life.
Duel on Zonama Sekot[]
Lifting the heavy corpse of Cek Skell of off him, Ki turned his head towards the gaping hole in the wall. Ki rose to his feet and drew his trusted Boomer, directing it at the hole. As the smoke and dust cleared, Ki squinted in an attempt to make out any discernible figure, and waited for several moments before he could finally make out the ghostly outlines of a winged creature, who then disappeared into a cloak of darkness.
Cerras Ki and Darth Krayt duel.
Instinctively looking up, Ki saw the outline of Darth Korin swooping down upon him, but had no time to react as Korin knocked him to the ground, throwing both Boomer and Longshot across the chamber floor; Ki once again rose to his feet and drew his lightsaber. Seeing Korin land, Ki ran for the Sith Lord, igniting his weapon just as he was upon him. Ki and Korin engaged one another in a lightsaber duel, and were joined shortly thereafter by the towering Darth Krayt, who had just finished with the Yuuzhan Vong warriors in the tower. For a while Ki held his own, but he could tell that it would not be long before the two Sith Lord's combined strength broke through his defenses; and so, kicking Darth Korin in the chest and spinning him around, he blasted the winged Sith Lord face first into the wall. Although dazed, Korin turned around and caused an explosion in the Force which threw both Ki and Krayt into the far chamber wall, along with the corpses of numerous Yuuzhan Vong. Ki hit the wall hard, shattering his shoulder and collapsing in pain while Darth Krayt, hitting his head on one of the support pillars, was knocked out entirely.
Korin glided over to the failing Jedi, lightsaber ignited, and pointed it at Ki's throat. In one last gamble, Ki used the Force to push Korin high into the ceiling of the old chamber, pulverizing the bones in his wings. Korin fell to the floor, gasping for breath, with his wings crumpled up lifelessly beside him. Content, Ki heard a slight rumble in the roof of the chamber and looked up. Ki could see the stone bricks that made up the chamber's roof beginning to crumble, and within seconds great chunks of the roof had starting falling. Ki staggered to his feet, spotting the now vacant spot where Darth Krayt had fallen. However, before he could reach the elevator, Ki felt a sharp pain at the base of his spine; Korin's last attack had left his frozen to the spot and unable to move.
Korin rose to his feet as the ceiling collapsed around him, smirking at the Jedi Knight. Korin made his way to the gaping hole in the wall, keeping Cerras Ki frozen to the spot, but was himself stopped midway by Darth Krayt. Ki watched as Krayt blasted Korin aside with a chunk of the ceiling before he disappeared into the gaping hole himself. Ki could sense the nave of the chamber roof beginning to collapse, and begged the Force for a way to escape, but to no avail. Both Ki and Korin were trapped beneath the falling rubble as the nave finally collapsed, killing them both instantly.
Post-mortem[]
As the nave of the great chamber collapsed in upon Cerras Ki, killing both Ki and his Sith adversary, the disturbance in the Force was felt far and wide. Kyle Katarn, who had recently taken it upon himself to track down his wayward apprentice had only just arrived at Yaga Minor when he sensed the death of his student. Stunned, Katarn solemnly turned his XJ-7 around and headed back to Ossus to inform Skywalker of the death.
In the meantime, on Zonama Sekot, those Yuuzhan Vong who had not been killed by Darth Krayt began shifting through the rubble, searching for the bodies. After many hours the bodies of Cek Skell and Darth Korin were uncovered, as were the remains of numerous Yuuzhan Vong attendees; but the remains of Darth Krayt and Cerras Ki remained undiscovered. After yet another day, all the Yuuzhan Vong managed to uncover was an set of Jedi armor. Darth Krayt returned to Korriban and informed the Dark Lord of what had transpired, citing Korin as the reason he had failed to return to Korriban with Cerras in tow. Krayt did however, fail to make any mention of the Yuuzhan Vong, or even the location of the duel.
Although unknown at the time, Cerras Ki's death meant that any chance of obtaining the source of the Sith fleet's strength was lost. Without the support of the Yuuzhan Vong, who would refrain from joining either side in the conflict, the Imperial sector could not hope to mount a successful rebellion, which in turn would mean the Sith needn't redirect any of the military strength away from the front lines. Eventually, after just one more year of war, the Galactic Alliance would be defeated; and it would be just nine more years before the final defeat of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances saw Coruscant fall to the Sith.
Personality, traits and talents[]
Cerras Ki was highly regarded amongst his fellow Jedi for his disproportionately strong talent in Force manipulation compared to his age. A talent gained from his harsh childhood on Phaeda, Cerras Ki was capable of influencing pretty much any individual he wished; although there were a few exceptions, including Luke Skywalker, Cek Skell and Ghes Orade. Cerras' maverick ways and time with the Ysanna also meant that he developed a strong, if inconsistent sense of justice and religious beliefs; something which brought him into conflict with his fellow Jedi prior to his departing in 58 ABY, although this was often taken with a pinch of salt by.
Cerras was also a skilled combatant with the lightsaber, although he rarely used this weapon, instead preferring his trusted slugthrowers Boomer and Longshot, both of which were heavily modified from the base models. This skill was not as natural for Ki as it was with many of his contemporary Jedi, and it took several years of training with not only the Jedi, but the Ysanna, and by himself. Ki also used his seven year sojourn with the Unknown Regions to add to this skill, training with various institutes to learn a variety of martial arts, including Echani, Teräs Käsi, Rek'dul and Tae-Jitsu. Ki would also spend long hours practicing with his slugthrowers, taking up hunting in order to survive. However, when this information became available following his return in 65 ABY, some in the Order believed that the hunting Cerras Ki had done was most likely of the more bountiful variety.
Regardless, by in the seven years between his departure from Ossus to his eventual return, Ki's skills with both the lightsaber and slugthrower had progressed significantly further than those of his peers, although he was still considered a student to the arts in both Katarn and Skywalker's eyes.