Star Wars

Darth Bane
book 1
Path of Destruction
by Drew Karpyshyn
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PROLOGU
!n the "ast #ays of the O"# Repub"ic$ the Sith%fo""owers of the &orce's #ark si#e an# ancient ene(ies
of the )e#i or#er%nu(bere# on"y two* one +aster an# one apprentice, -et it was not a"ways so, .
thousan# years before the Repub"ic's co""apse an# (peror Pa"patine's rise to power$ the Sith were
"e/ion , , ,
Lor# Kaan$ Sith +aster an# foun#er of the Brotherhoo# of Darkness$ stro#e throu/h the /ore of the
batt"efie"#$ a ta"" sha#ow in the ni/ht's /"oo(, 0housan#s of Repub"ic troops an# near"y a hun#re#
)e#i ha# /i1en their "i1es tryin/ to #efen# this wor"# a/ainst his ar(y%an# they ha# "ost, 2e re"ishe#
their sufferin/ an# #espair3 e1en now he cou"# sense it risin/ up "ike the stench fro( the broken
corpses scattere# about the 1a""ey,
!n the #istance a stor( was brewin/, .s each f"ash of "i/htnin/ i""u(inate# the sky$ Korriban's /reat
Sith te(p"e was (o(entari"y 1isib"e in the #istance$ a stark si"houette towerin/ o1er the barren
hori4on,
. pair of fi/ures waite# in the center of the s"au/hter$ one hu(an an# the other 0wi'"ek, 2e
reco/ni4e# the( #espite the #arkness* 5or#is an# Kopec4$ two of the (ore powerfu" Sith Lor#s,
Once they ha# been bitter ri1a"s$ but now they ser1e# to/ether in Kaan's Brotherhoo#, 2e
approache# the( 6uick"y$ s(i"in/,
5or#is$ ta"" an# so "ean as to appear a"(ost ske"eta"$ s(i"e# back, 70his is a /reat 1ictory$ Lor#
Kaan, !t has been far too "on/ since the Sith ha1e ha# an aca#e(y on Korriban,7
7! sense you are ea/er to be/in trainin/ the new apprentices here$7 Kaan rep"ie#, 7! e8pect you wi""
pro1i#e (e with (any (ore powerfu"%an# "oya"%Sith a#epts an# +asters in the co(in/ years,7
7Pro1i#e you97 Kopec4 aske# pointe#"y, 7Don't you (ean pro1i#e us9 .re we not a"" part of the
Brotherhoo# of Darkness97
2is 6uestion was (et with an easy "au/h, 7Of course$ Kopec4, . (ere s"ip of the ton/ue9'
7Kopec4 refuses to ce"ebrate in our triu(ph$7 5or#is note#, 72e has been "ike this a"" ni/ht,7
Kaan c"aspe# a han# on the hefty 0wi'"ek's shou"#er, 70his is a /reat 1ictory for us$7 he sai#,
7Korriban is (ore than :ust another wor"#* it is a sy(bo", 0he birthp"ace of the Sith, 0his 1ictory
sen#s a (essa/e to the Repub"ic an# the )e#i, ;ow they wi"" tru"y know an# fear the Brotherhoo#,7
Kopec4 shru//e# free of Kaan's han# an# turne# away with a f"ick of the tips of the "on/ "ekku
woun# aroun# his neck, 7<e"ebrate if you wish$7 he ca""e# o1er his shou"#er as he wa"ke# away,
7But the rea" war has on"y :ust be/un,7
P.R0 O;
0hree -ears Later
<hapter 1
Desse" was "ost in the sufferin/ of his :ob$ bare"y e1en aware of his surroun#in/s, 2is ar(s ache#
fro( the en#"ess poun#in/ of the hy#rau"ic :ack, S(a"" bits of rock skippe# off the ca1ern wa"" as
he bore# throu/h$ ricochetin/ off his protecti1e /o//"es an# stin/in/ his e8pose# face an# han#s,
<"ou#s of ato(i4e# #ust fi""e# the air$ obscurin/ his 1ision$ an# the screechin/ whine of the :ack
fi""e# the ca1ern$ #rownin/ out a"" other soun#s as it burrowe# centi(eter by a/oni4in/ centi(eter
into the thick 1ein of cortosis wo1en into the rock before hi(,
!(per1ious to both heat an# ener/y$ cortosis was pri4e# in the construction of ar(or an# shie"#in/
by both co((ercia" an# (i"itary interests$ especia""y with the /a"a8y at war, 2i/h"y resistant to
b"aster bo"ts$ cortosis a""oys suppose#"y cou"# withstan# e1en the b"a#e of a "i/htsaber,
Unfortunate"y$ the 1ery properties that (a#e it so 1a"uab"e a"so (a#e it e8tre(e"y #ifficu"t to (ine,
P"as(a torches were 1irtua""y use"ess3 it wou"# take #ays to burn away e1en a s(a"" section of
cortosis%"ace# rock, 0he on"y effecti1e way to (ine it was throu/h the brute force of hy#rau"ic :acks
poun#in/ re"ent"ess"y away at a 1ein$ chippin/ the cortosis free bit by bit,
<ortosis was one of the har#est (ateria"s in the /a"a8y, 0he force of the poun#in/ 6uick"y wore
#own the hea# of a :ack$ b"untin/ it unti" it beca(e a"(ost use"ess, 0he #ust c"o//e# the hy#rau"ic
pistons$ (akin/ the( :a(, +inin/ cortosis was har# on the e6uip(ent , , , an# e1en har#er on the
(iners,
Des ha# been ha((erin/ away for near"y si8 stan#ar# hours, 0he :ack wei/he# (ore than thirty
ki"os$ an# the strain of keepin/ it raise# an# presse# a/ainst the rock face was takin/ its to"", 2is
ar(s were tre(b"in/ fro( the e8ertion, 2is "un/s were /aspin/ for air an# chokin/ on the c"ou#s of
fine (inera" #ust thrown up fro( the :ack's hea#, 1en his teeth hurt* the ratt"in/ 1ibration fe"t as if
it were shakin/ the( "oose fro( his /u(s,
But the (iners on .patros were pai# base# on how (uch cortosis they brou/ht back, !f he 6uit now$
another (iner wou"# :u(p in an# start workin/ the 1ein$ takin/ a share of the profits, Des #i#n't "ike
to share,
0he whine of the :ack's (otor took on a hi/her pitch$ beco(in/ a keenin/ wai" Des was a"" too
fa(i"iar with, .t twenty thousan# rp($ the (otor sucke# in #ust "ike a thirsty bantha suckin/ up
water after a "on/ #esert crossin/, 0he on"y way to co(bat it was by re/u"ar c"eanin/ an# ser1icin/$
an# the Outer Ri( Oreworks <o(pany preferre# to buy cheap e6uip(ent an# rep"ace it$ rather than
sinkin/ cre#its into (aintenance, Des knew e8act"y what was /oin/ to happen ne8t%an# a secon#
"ater$ it #i#, 0he (otor b"ew,
0he hy#rau"ics sei4e# with a horrib"e crunch$ an# a c"ou# of b"ack s(oke spit out the rear of the
:ack, <ursin/ ORO an# its corporate po"icies$ Des re"ease# his cra(pe# fin/er fro( the tri//er an#
tosse# the spent piece of e6uip(ent to the f"oor,
7+o1e asi#e$ ki#$7 a 1oice sai#,
Ger#$ one of the other (iners$ steppe# up an# trie# to shou"#er Des out of the way so he cou"# work
the 1ein with his own :ack, Ger# ha# been workin/ the (ines for near"y twenty stan#ar# years$ an#
it ha# turne# his bo#y into a (ass of har#$ knotte# (usc"e, But Des ha# been workin/ the (ines for
ten years hi(se"f$ e1er since he was a teena/er$ an# he was :ust as so"i# as the o"#er (an%an# a "itt"e
bi//er, 2e #i#n't bu#/e,
7!'( not #one here$7 he sai#, 7)ack #ie#$ that's a"", 2an# (e yours an# !'"" keep at it for a whi"e,7
7-ou know the ru"es$ ki#, -ou stop workin/ an# so(eone e"se is a""owe# to (o1e in,7
0echnica""y$ Ger# was ri/ht, But nobo#y e1er :u(pe# another (iner's c"ai( o1er an e6uip(ent
(a"function, ;ot un"ess he was tryin/ to pick a fi/ht,
Des took a 6uick "ook aroun#, 0he cha(ber was e(pty e8cept for the two of the($ stan#in/ "ess
than ha"f a (eter apart, ;ot a surprise3 Des usua""y chose ca1erns far off the (ain tunne" network, !t
ha# to be (ore than (ere coinci#ence that Ger# was here,
Des ha# known Ger# for as "on/ as he cou"# re(e(ber, 0he (i##"e%a/e# (an ha# been frien#s with
2urst$ Des's father, Back when Des first starte# workin/ the (ines at thirteen$ he ha# taken a "ot of
abuse fro( the bi//er (iners, 2is father ha# been the worst tor(entor$ but Ger# ha# been one of
the (ain insti/ators$ #ishin/ out (ore than his fair share of teasin/$ insu"ts$ an# the occasiona" cuff
on the ear,
0heir harass(ents ha# en#e# short"y after Des's father #ie# of a (assi1e heart attack, !t wasn't
because the (iners fe"t sorry for the orphane# youn/ (an$ thou/h, By the ti(e 2urst #ie#$ the ta""$
skinny teena/er they "o1e# to bu""y ha# beco(e a (ountain of (usc"e with hea1y han#s an# a
fierce te(per, +inin/ was a tou/h :ob3 it was the c"osest thin/ to har# "abor outsi#e a Repub"ic
prison co"ony, Whoe1er worke# the (ines on .patros /ot bi/%an# Des :ust happene# to beco(e the
bi//est of the( a"", 2a"f a #o4en b"ack eyes$ count"ess b"oo#y noses$ an# one broken :aw in the
space of a (onth was a"" it took for 2urst's o"# frien#s to #eci#e they'# be happier if they "eft Des
a"one,
-et it was a"(ost as if they b"a(e# hi( for 2urst's #eath$ an# e1ery few (onths one of the( trie#
a/ain, Ger# ha# a"ways been s(art enou/h to keep his #istance%unti" now,
7! #on't see any of your frien#s here with you$ o"# (an$7 Des sai#, 7So back off (y c"ai($ an#
nobo#y /ets hurt,7
Ger# spat on the /roun# at Des's feet, 7-ou #on't e1en know what #ay it is$ #o you$ boy9 Kriffin/
#is/race is what you are=7
0hey were stan#in/ c"ose enou/h to each other that Des cou"# s(e"" the sour <ore""ian whiskey on
Ger#'s breath, 0he (an was #runk, Drunk enou/h to co(e "ookin/ for a fi/ht$ but sti"" sober enou/h
to ho"# his own,
7&i1e years a/o to#ay$7 Ger# sai#$ shakin/ his hea# sa#"y, 7&i1e years a/o to#ay your own father
#ie#$ an# you #on't e1en re(e(ber=7
Des rare"y e1en thou/ht about his father any(ore, 2e ha#n't been sorry to see hi( /o, 2is ear"iest
(e(ories were of his father s(ackin/ hi(, 2e #i#n't e1en re(e(ber the reason3 2urst rare"y
nee#e# one,
7<an't say ! (iss 2urst the sa(e way you #o$ Ger#,7
72urst97 Ger# snorte#, 72e raise# you by hi(se"f after your (a(a #ie#$ an# you #on't e1en ha1e
the respect to ca"" hi( Da#9 -ou un/ratefu" son%of%a%Kath%houn#=7
Des /"are# #own (enacin/"y at Ger#$ but the shorter (an was too fu"" of #rink an# se"f%ri/hteous
in#i/nation to be inti(i#ate#,
7Shou"#'1e e8pecte# this fro( a (u#crutch whe"p "ike you*7 Ger# continue#, 72urst a"ways sai#
you were no /oo#, 2e knew there was so(ethin/ wron/ with you ,,, Bane,7
Des narrowe# his eyes$ but #i#n't rise to the bait, 2urst ha# ca""e# hi( by that na(e when he was
#runk, Bane, 2e ha# b"a(e# his son for his wife's #eath, B"a(e# hi( for bein/ stuck on .patros,
2e consi#ere# his on"y chi"# to be the bane of his e8istence$ a fact he'# ten#e# to spit out at Des in
his #runken ra/es,
Bane, !t represente# e1erythin/ spitefu"$ petty$ an# (ean about his father, !t struck at the inner(ost
fears of e1ery chi"#* fear of #isappoint(ent$ fear of aban#on(ent$ fear of 1io"ence, .s a ki#$ that
na(e ha# hurt (ore than a"" the s(acks fro( his father's hea1y fists, But Des wasn't a ki# any(ore,
O1er ti(e he'# "earne# to i/nore it$ a"on/ with a"" the rest of the hatefu" bi"e that spi""e# fro( his
father's (outh,
7! #on't ha1e ti(e for this$7 he (uttere#, 7!'1e /ot work to #o,7
With one han# he /rabbe# the hy#rau"ic :ack fro( Ger#'s /rasp, 2e put the other han# on Ger#'s
shou"#er an# sho1e# hi( away, Stu(b"in/ back$ the inebriate# (an cau/ht his hee" on a rock an#
fe"" rou/h"y to the /roun#,
2e stoo# up with a snar"$ his han#s ba""in/ into fists, 7Guess your #a##y's been /one too "on/$ boy,
-ou nee# so(eone to beat the sense back into you=7
Ger# was #runk$ but he was no foo"$ Des rea"i4e#, Des was bi//er$ stron/er$ youn/er ,,, but he'#
spent the "ast si8 hours workin/ a hy#rau"ic :ack, 2e was co1ere# in /ri(e an# the sweat was
#rippin/ off his face, 2is shirt was #renche#, Ger#'s unifor($ on the other han#$ was sti"" re"ati1e"y
c"ean* no #ust$ no sweat stains, 2e (ust ha1e been p"annin/ this a"" #ay$ takin/ it easy an# sittin/
back whi"e Des wore hi(se"f out,
But Des wasn't about to back #own fro( a fi/ht, 0hrowin/ Ger#'s :ack to the /roun#$ he #roppe#
into a crouch$ feet wi#e an# ar(s he"# out in front of hi(,
Ger# char/e# forwar#$ swin/in/ his ri/ht fist in a 1icious uppercut, Des reache# out an# cau/ht the
punch with the open pa"( of his "eft han#$ absorbin/ the force of the b"ow, 2is ri/ht han# snappe#
forwar# an# /rabbe# the un#ersi#e of Ger#'s ri/ht wrist3 as he pu""e# the o"#er (an forwar#$ Des
#ucke# #own an# turne#$ #ri1in/ his shou"#er into Ger#'s chest, Usin/ his opponent's own
(o(entu( a/ainst hi($ Des strai/htene# up an# yanke# har# on Ger#'s wrist$ f"ippin/ hi( up an#
o1er so that he crashe# to the /roun# on his back,
0he fi/ht shou"# ha1e en#e# ri/ht then3 Des ha# a sp"it secon# where he cou"# ha1e #roppe# his
knee onto his opponent$ #ri1in/ the breath fro( his "un/s an# pinnin/ hi( to the /roun# whi"e he
poun#e# Ger# with his fists, But it #i#n't happen, 2is back$ e8hauste# fro( hours of heftin/ the
thirty%ki"o :ack$ spas(e#,
0he pain was a/oni4in/3 instincti1e"y Des strai/htene# up$ c"utchin/ at the knotte# "u(bar (usc"es,
!t /a1e Ger# a chance to ro"" out of the way an# /et back to his feet,
So(ehow Des (ana/e# to #rop into his fi/htin/ crouch a/ain, 2is back how"e# in protest$ an# he
/ri(ace# as re#%hot #a//ers of pain shot throu/h his bo#y, Ger# saw the /ri(ace an# "au/he#,
7<ra(pin/ up there$ boy9 -ou shou"# know better than to try an# fi/ht after a si8%hour shift in the
(ines,7
Ger# char/e# forwar# a/ain, 0his ti(e his han#s weren't fists$ but c"aws /raspin/ an# /rabbin/ at
anythin/ they cou"# fin#$ tryin/ to nu""ify the youn/er (an's hei/ht an# reach by /ettin/ in c"ose,
Des trie# to scra(b"e out of the way$ but his "e/s were too stiff an# sore to /et hi( c"ear, One han#
/rabbe# his shirt$ the other /ot ho"# of his be"t as Ger# pu""e# both of the( to the /roun#,
0hey /rapp"e# to/ether$ wrest"in/ on the har#$ une1en stone of the ca1ern f"oor, Ger# ha# his face
burie# a/ainst Desse"'s chest to protect it$ keepin/ Des fro( "an#in/ a so"i# e"bow or hea#%butt, 2e
sti"" ha# a /rip on Des's be"t$ but now his other han# was free an# punchin/ b"in#"y up to where he
/uesse# Des's face wou"# be, Des was force# to wrap his ar(s in an# aroun# Ger#'s own$
inter"ockin/ the( so neither (an cou"# throw a punch,
With their "i(bs pinne#$ strate/y an# techni6ue (eant "itt"e, 0he fi/ht ha# beco(e a test of stren/th
an# en#urance$ with the two co(batants s"ow"y wearin/ each other #own, Desse" trie# to ro"" Ger#
o1er onto his back$ but his weary bo#y betraye# hi(, 2is "i(bs were hea1y an# soft3 he cou"#n't /et
the "e1era/e he nee#e#, !nstea# it was Ger# who was ab"e to twist an# turn$ wrenchin/ one of his
han#s free whi"e sti"" keepin/ his face presse# ti/ht a/ainst Des's chest so it wou"#n't be e8pose#,
Des wasn't so "ucky ,,, his face was open an# 1u"nerab"e, Ger# struck a b"ow with his free han#$ but
he #i#n't hit with a c"ose# fist, !nstea# "ie #ro1e his thu(b har# into Des's cheek$ on"y a few
centi(eters fro( his rea" tar/et, 2e struck a/ain with the thu(b$ "ookin/ to /ou/e out one of his
opponent's eyes an# "ea1e hi( b"in# an# writhin/ in pain,
!t took Des a secon# to rea"i4e what was happenin/3 his tire# (in# ha# beco(e as s"ow an# c"u(sy
as his bo#y, 2e turne# his face away :ust as the secon# b"ow "an#e#$ the thu(b :a((in/ painfu""y
into the carti"a/e of his upper ear,
Dark ra/e e8p"o#e# insi#e Des* a burst of fiery passion that burne# away the e8haustion an#
fati/ue, Su##en"y his (in# was c"ear$ an# his bo#y fe"t stron/ an# re:u1enate#, 2e knew what he
was /oin/ to #o ne8t, +ore i(portant"y$ he knew with abso"ute certainty what Ger# wou"# #o ne8t$
too,
2e cou"#n't e8p"ain how he knew3 so(eti(es he cou"# :ust anticipate an opponent's ne8t (o1e,
!nstinct$ so(e (i/ht ha1e sai#, Des fe"t it was so(ethin/ (ore, !t was too #etai"e#%too specific%to
be si(p"e instinct, !t was (ore "ike a 1ision$ a brief /"i(pse into the future, .n# whene1er it
happene#$ Des a"ways knew what to #o$ as if so(ethin/ was /ui#in/ an# #irectin/ his actions,
When the ne8t b"ow ca(e$ Des was (ore than rea#y for it, 2e cou"# picture it perfect"y in his (in#,
2e knew e8act"y when it was co(in/ an# precise"y where it wou"# strike, 0his ti(e he turne# his
hea# in the opposite #irection$ e8posin/ his face to the inco(in/ b"ow%an# openin/ his (outh, 2e
bit #own har#$ his ti(in/ perfect$ an# his teeth sank #eep into the #irty f"esh of Ger#'s probin/
thu(b,
Ger# screa(e# as Des c"a(pe# his :aw shut$ se1erin/ the ten#ons an# strikin/ bone, 2e won#ere#
if he cou"# bite c"ean throu/h an# then%as if the 1ery thou/ht (a#e it happen%he se1ere# Ger#'s
thu(b,
0he screa(s beca(e shrieks as Ger# re"ease# his /rasp an# ro""e# away$ c"aspin/ his (ai(e# han#
with his who"e one, <ri(son b"oo# we""e# up throu/h the fin/ers tryin/ to stanch the f"ow fro( his
stu(p,
Stan#in/ up s"ow"y$ Des spat the thu(b out onto the /roun#, 0he taste of b"oo# was hot in his
(outh, 2is bo#y fe"t stron/ an# reener/i4e#$ as if so(e /reat power sur/e# throu/h his 1eins, .""
the fi/ht ha# been taken out of his opponent3 Des cou"# #o anythin/ he wante# to Ger# now,
0he o"#er (an ro""e# back an# forth on the f"oor$ his han# c"utche# to his chest, 2e was (oanin/
an# sobbin/$ be//in/ for (ercy$ p"ea#in/ for he"p,
Des shook his hea# in #is/ust3 Ger# ha# brou/ht this on hi(se"f, !t ha# starte# as a si(p"e fistfi/ht,
0he "oser wou"# ha1e en#e# up with a b"ack eye an# so(e bruises$ but nothin/ (ore, 0hen the o"#er
(an ha# taken thin/s to another "e1e" by tryin/ to b"in# hi($ an# he'# respon#e# in kin#, Des ha#
"earne# "on/ a/o not to esca"ate a fi/ht un"ess he was wi""in/ to pay the price of "osin/, ;ow Ger#
ha# "earne# that "esson$ too,
Des ha# a te(per$ but he wasn't the kin# to keep beatin/ on a he"p"ess opponent, Without "ookin/
back at his #efeate# foe$ he "eft the ca1ern an# hea#e# back up the tunne" to te"" one of the fore(en
what ha# happene# so so(eone cou"# co(e ten# to Ger#'s in:ury,
2e wasn't worrie# about the conse6uences, 0he (e#ics cou"# reattach Ger#'s thu(b$ so at worst
Des wou"# be fine# a #ay or two's wa/es, 0he corporation #i#n't rea""y care what its e(p"oyees #i#$
as "on/ as they kept co(in/ back to (ine the cortosis, &i/hts were co((on a(on/ the (iners$ an#
ORO a"(ost a"ways turne# a b"in# eye$ thou/h this particu"ar fi/ht ha# been (ore 1icious than
(ost%sa1a/e an# short$ with a bruta" en#,
)ust "ike "ife on .patros,
<hapter >
Sittin/ in the back of the "an# cruiser use# to transport (iners between .patros's on"y co"ony an#
the (ines$ Des fe"t e8hauste#, ."" he wante# was to /et back to his bunk in the barracks an# s"eep,
0he a#rena"ine ha# #raine# out of hi($ "ea1in/ hi( hyperaware of the stiffness an# soreness of his
bo#y, 2e s"u(pe# #own in his seat an# /a4e# aroun# the interior of the cruiser,
;or(a""y$ there wou"# ha1e been twenty other (iners cra((e# into the spee#er with hi($ but this
one was e(pty e8cept for hi( an# the pi"ot, .fter the fi/ht with Ger#$ the fore(an ha# suspen#e#
Des without pay$ effecti1e i((e#iate"y$ an# ha# or#ere# the transport to take hi( back to the
co"ony,
70his kin# of thin/ is /ettin/ o"#$ Des$7 the fore(an ha# sai# with a frown, 7We'1e /ot to (ake an
e8a(p"e of you this ti(e, -ou can't work the (ines unti" Ger# is hea"e# up an# back on the :ob,7
What he rea""y (eant was$ -ou can't earn any cre#its unti" Ger# co(es back, 2e'# sti"" be char/e#
roo( an# boar#$ of course, 1ery #ay that he sat aroun# #oin/ nothin/ wou"# /o onto his tab$
a##in/ to the #ebt he was workin/ so #esperate"y to pay off,
Des fi/ure# it wou"# be four or fi1e #ays unti" Ger# was ab"e to han#"e a hy#rau"ic :ack a/ain, 0he
on%site (e#ic ha# reattache# the se1ere# thu(b usin/ a 1ibrosca"pe" an# synthf"esh, . few #ays of
ko"to in:ections an# so(e cheap (e#s to #u"" the pain$ an# Ger# wou"# be back at it, Bacta therapy
cou"# ha1e hi( back in a #ay3 but bacta was e8pensi1e$ an# ORO wou"#n't sprin/ for it un"ess Ger#
ha# (iner's insurance ,,, which Des hi/h"y #oubte#,
+ost (iners ne1er bothere# with the co(pany%sponsore# insurance pro/ra(, !t was e8pensi1e$ for
one thin/, What with roo($ boar#$ an# the fees co1erin/ the cost of transport to an# fro( the (ines$
(ost thou/ht they /a1e ORO (ore than enou/h of their har#%earne# pay without a##in/ insurance
pre(iu(s onto the stack,
!t wasn't :ust the cost$ thou/h, !t was a"(ost as if the (en an# wo(en who worke# the cortosis
(ines were in #enia"$ refusin/ to a#(it the potentia" #an/ers an# ha4ar#s they encountere# e1ery
#ay, Gettin/ insurance wou"# force the( to take a "ook at the co"#$ har# facts,
&ew (iners e1er reache# their /o"#en years, 0he tunne"s c"ai(e# (any$ buryin/ bo#ies in ca1e%ins
or incineratin/ the( when so(ebo#y tappe# into a pocket of e8p"osi1e /ases trappe# in the rock,
1en those who (a#e it out of the (ines ten#e# not to sur1i1e "on/ into their retire(ent, 0he (ines
took their to"", Si8ty%year%o"# (en were "eft with bo#ies that "ooke# an# fe"t "ike they were ninety$
broken she""s worn #own by #eca#es of har# physica" "abor an# e8posure to airborne conta(inants
that s"ippe# throu/h the substan#ar# ORO fi"ters,
When Des's father #ie#%with no insurance$ of course%a"" Des /ot out of it was the pri1i"e/e of takin/
on his father's accu(u"ate# #ebt, 2urst ha# spent (ore ti(e #rinkin/ an# /a(b"in/ than (inin/, 0o
pay for his (onth"y roo( an# boar# he'# often ha# to borrow cre#its fro( ORO at an interest rate
that wou"# be cri(ina" anywhere but in the Outer Ri(, 0he #ebt kept pi"in/ up$ (onth to (onth an#
year to year$ but 2urst #i#n't see( to care, 2e was a sin/"e parent with a son he resente#$ trappe# in
a bruta" :ob he #espise#3 he ha# /i1en up any hope of escapin/ .patros "on/ before the heart attack
c"ai(e# hi(,
0he 2utt spawn probab"y wou"# ha1e been /"a# to know his son ha# /otten stuck with his bi"",
0he transport spe# abo1e the barren rocks of the s(a"" p"anet's f"at"an#s with no soun# but the
en#"ess #rone of the en/ines, 0he feature"ess wastes f"ew by in a b"ur$ unti" the 1iew out the win#ow
was nothin/ but a curtain of shape"ess /ray, 0he effect was hypnotic* Des cou"# fee" his tire# (in#
an# bo#y ea/er to #rift into #eep an# #rea("ess s"eep,
0his was how they /ot you, Work you to e8haustion$ #u"" your senses$ nu(b your wi"" into
sub(ission , , , unti" you accepte# your "ot an# waste# your entire "ife in the /rit an# /ri(e of the
cortosis (ines, ."" in the re"ent"ess ser1ice of the Outer Ri( Oreworks <o(pany, !t was a
surprisin/"y effecti1e trap3 it worke# on (en "ike Ger# an# 2urst, But it wasn't /oin/ to work on
Des,
1en with his father's crushin/ #ebt$ Des knew he'# pay ORO off so(e#ay an# "ea1e this "ife
behin#, 2e was #estine# for so(ethin/ /reater than this s(a""$ insi/nificant e8istence, 2e knew this
with abso"ute certainty$ an# it was this know"e#/e that /a1e hi( the stren/th to carry on in the face
of the re"ent"ess$ so(eti(es hope"ess /rin#, !t /a1e hi( the stren/th to fi/ht$ e1en when part of hi(
fe"t "ike /i1in/ up,
2e was suspen#e#$ unab"e to work the (ines$ but there were other ways to earn cre#its, With a /reat
effort he force# hi(se"f to stan# up, 0he f"oor swaye# un#er his feet as the spee#er (a#e constant
a#:ust(ents to (aintain its pro/ra((e# cruisin/ a"titu#e of ha"f a (eter abo1e /roun# "e1e", 2e
took a secon# to /et use# to the ro""in/ rhyth( of the transport$ then ha"f wa"ke#$ ha"f sta//ere# up
the ais"e between the seats to the pi"ot at the front, 2e #i#n't reco/ni4e the (an$ but they a"" ten#e#
to "ook the sa(e anyway* /ri($ uns(i"in/ features$ #u"" eyes$ an# a"ways wearin/ an e8pression as
if they were on the 1er/e of a b"in#in/ hea#ache,
72ey7 Des sai#$ tryin/ to soun# noncha"ant$ 7any ships co(e in to the spaceport to#ay97
0here was no reason for the pi"ot to keep his attention fi8e# on the path ahea#, 0he forty%(inute trip
between the (ines an# the co"ony was a strai/ht "ine across an e(pty p"ain3 so(e of the pi"ots e1en
sto"e naps a"on/ the route, -et this one refuse# to turn an# "ook at Des as he answere#,
7<ar/o ship touche# #own a few hours a/o$7 he sai# in a bore# 1oice, 7+i"itary, Repub"ic car/o
ship,7
Des s(i"e#, 70hey stayin/ for a whi"e97
0he pi"ot #i#n't answer3 he on"y snorte# an# shook his hea# at the stupi#ity of the 6uestion, Des
no##e# an# stu(b"e# back towar# his seat at the rear of the transport, 2e knew the answer$ too,
<ortosis was use# in the hu""s of e1erythin/ fro( fi/hters to capita" ships$ as we"" as bein/ wo1en
into the bo#y ar(or of the troops, .n# as the war a/ainst the Sith #ra//e# on$ the Repub"ic's nee#
for cortosis kept increasin/, 1ery few weeks a Repub"ic frei/hter wou"# touch #own on .patros,
0he ne8t #ay it wou"# "ea1e a/ain$ its car/o bays fi""e# with the 1a"uab"e (inera", Unti" then the
crew%officers an# en"iste# so"#iers a"ike%wou"# ha1e nothin/ to #o but wait, &ro( past e8perience$
Des knew that whene1er Repub"ic so"#iers ha# a few hours to ki"" they "ike# to p"ay car#s, .n#
where1er peop"e p"aye# car#s$ there was (oney to be (a#e,
Lowerin/ hi(se"f back onto his seat at the rear of the spee#er$ Des #eci#e# that (aybe he wasn't
6uite rea#y to hit his bunk after a"",
By the ti(e the transport stoppe# on the e#/es of the co"ony$ Des's bo#y was tin/"in/ with
anticipation, 2e hoppe# out an# sauntere# towar# his barracks at a "eisure"y pace$ fi/htin/ his own
ea/erness an# the ur/e to run, 1en now$ he i(a/ine#$ the Repub"ic so"#iers an# their cre#its wou"#
be sittin/ at the /a(in/ tab"es in the co"ony's on"y cantina,
Sti""$ there was no point in rushin/ o1er there, !t was "ate afternoon$ the sun :ust be/innin/ its
#escent beyon# the hori4on to the north, By now (ost of the (iners fro( the ni/ht shift wou"# be
awake, +any of the( wou"# a"rea#y be at the cantina$ whi"in/ away the ti(e unti" they ha# to (ake
the :ourney out to the (ines to start their shift, &or the ne8t two hours Des knew he'# be "ucky to
fin# a p"ace to sit #own in the cantina$ ne1er (in# fin#in/ an e(pty seat at a pa4aak or sabacc tab"e,
+eanwhi"e$ it wou"# be another few hours before the (en workin/ the #ay shift c"i(be# onto the
waitin/ transports to hea# back to their ho(es3 he'# /et to the cantina "on/ before any of the(,
Back at his barracks$ he strippe# off his /ri(e%staine# co1era""s an# c"i(be# into the #eserte#
co((una" showers$ scourin/ the sweat an# fine rock #ust fro( his bo#y, 0hen he chan/e# into
so(e c"ean c"othes an# sauntere# out into the street$ (akin/ his way s"ow"y towar# the cantina on
the far si#e of town,
0he cantina #i#n't ha1e a na(e3 it #i#n't nee# one, ;obo#y e1er ha# any troub"e fin#in/ it, .patros
was a s(a"" wor"#$ bare"y (ore than a (oon with an at(osphere an# so(e in#i/enous p"ant "ife,
0here were precious few p"aces to /o* the (ines$ the co"ony$ or the barren wastes in between, 0he
(ines were a (assi1e co(p"e8 enco(passin/ the ca1es an# tunne"s #u/ by ORO$ as we"" as the
refinin/ an# processin/ branches of ORO's operations,
0he spaceports were "ocate# there$ too, &rei/hters "eft #ai"y with ship(ents of cortosis boun# for
so(e wea"thier wor"# c"oser to <oruscant an# the Ga"actic <ore$ an# inco(in/ 1esse"s brin/in/
e6uip(ent an# supp"ies to keep the (ines runnin/ arri1e# e1ery other #ay, (p"oyees who weren't
stron/ enou/h to (ine cortosis worke# in the refinin/ p"ants or the spaceport, 0he pay wasn't as
/oo#$ but they ten#e# to "i1e "on/er,
But no (atter where peop"e worke#$ they a"" ca(e ho(e to the sa(e p"ace at the en# of their shifts,
0he co"ony was nothin/ (ore than a ra(shack"e town of te(porary barracks thrown to/ether by
ORO to house the few hun#re# workers e8pecte# to keep the (ines runnin/, Like the wor"# itse"f$
the co"ony was officia""y known as .patros, 0o those who "i1e# there$ it was (ore co((on"y
referre# to as 7the (uck%huts,7 1ery bui"#in/ was the sa(e sha#e of #in/y /ray #urastee"$ the
e8terior weathere# an# worn, 0he insi#es of the bui"#in/s were 1irtua""y i#entica"$ te(porary
workers' barracks that ha# beco(e a"" too per(anent, ach structure house# four s(a"" pri1ate
roo(s (eant for two peop"e$ but often ho"#in/ three or (ore, So(eti(es entire fa(i"ies share# one
of those roo(s$ un"ess they cou"# fin# the cre#its for the outra/eous rents ORO char/e# for (ore
space, ach roo( ha# bunks bui"t into the wa""s an# a sin/"e #oor that opene# onto a narrow ha""3 a
co((una" bathroo( an# shower were "ocate# at the en#, 0he #oors ten#e# to s6ueak on i""%fittin/
hin/es that were ne1er ten#e# to3 the roofs were a patchwork of 6uick fi8es to sea" up the "eaks that
ine1itab"y spran/ whene1er it raine#, Broken win#ows were tape# a/ainst the win# an# co"#$ but
ne1er rep"ace#, . thin "ayer of #ust accu(u"ate# o1er e1erythin/$ but few of the resi#ents e1er
bothere# to sweep out their #o(ici"es,
0he entire co"ony was "ess than a ki"o(eter on each s6uare si#e$ (akin/ it possib"e to wa"k fro(
any /i1en bui"#in/ to any of the other i#entica" structures in "ess than twenty stan#ar# (inutes,
Despite the unre"entin/ si(i"arity of the architecture$ na1i/atin/ the co"ony was easy, 0he barracks
ha# been p"ace# in strai/ht rows an# co"u(ns$ for(in/ a /ri# of uti"itarian streets between the
unifor("y space# #o(ici"es, 0he streets cou"#n't e8act"y be ca""e# c"ean$ thou/h they were har#"y
festerin/ with /arba/e, ORO c"eare# trash an# refuse :ust often enou/h to keep con#itions sanitary$
since an outbreak of #iseases bre# by fi"th wou"# a#1erse"y affect the (ine's pro#uction, 2owe1er$
the co(pany #i#n't see( to (in# the c"uttere# :unk that ine1itab"y accu(u"ate# throu/hout the
town, Broken%#own /enerators$ ruste#%out (achinery$ corro#e# scraps of (eta"$ an# #iscar#e#$
worn%out too"s crow#e# the narrow streets between the barracks,
0here were on"y two structures in the co"ony that were in any way #istin/uishe# fro( the rest, One
was the ORO (arket$ the on"y store on%wor"#, !t ha# once been a barracks$ but the bunks ha# been
rep"ace# with she"1es$ an# the co((una" shower area was now a secure stora/e roo(, . s(a""
b"ack%an#%white si/n ha# been fastene# to the wa"" outsi#e$ "istin/ the hours of operation, 0here
were no #isp"ays to "ure shoppers in$ an# no a#1ertisin/, 0he (arket stocke# on"y the (ost basic
ite(s$ a"" at scan#e"ous (arkups, <re#it was /"a#"y a#1ance# a/ainst future wa/es at ORO's
typica""y hi/h interest rate$ /uaranteein/ that buyers wou"# spen# e1en (ore hours in the (ine
workin/ off their purchases,
0he other #issi(i"ar bui"#in/ was the cantina itse"f$ a (a/nificent triu(ph of beauty an# #esi/n
when co(pare# with the #is(a" ho(o/eny of the rest of the co"ony, 0he cantina was bui"t a few
hun#re# (eters beyon# the e#/e of the town$ set we"" apart fro( the /ray /ri# of barracks, !t stoo#
on"y three stories hi/h$ but because e1ery other structure was "i(ite# to a sin/"e f"oor it #o(inate#
the "an#scape, ;ot that it nee#e# to be that ta"", !nsi#e the cantina e1erythin/ was "ocate# on the
/roun# f"oor3 the upper stories were (ere"y a faca#e constructe# for show by Groshik$ the
;ei(oi#ian owner an# barten#er, .bo1e the first%f"oor cei"in/$ the secon# an# thir# f"oors #i#n't
rea""y e8ist%there were on"y the risin/ wa""s an# a #o(e (a#e of tinte# 1io"et /"ass$ i""u(inate#
fro( within, +atchin/ 1io"et "i/hts co1ere# the pa"e b"ue e8terior wa""s, On a"(ost any wor"# the
effect wou"# ha1e been ostentatious an# tacky$ but a(i# the /ray of .patros it was #oub"y so,
Groshik often proc"ai(e# that he ha# intentiona""y (a#e his cantina as /arish as possib"e$ si(p"y to
offen# the ORO powers%that%be, 0he senti(ent (a#e hi( popu"ar with the (iners$ but Des #oubte#
if ORO rea""y care# one way or the other, Groshik cou"# paint his cantina any co"or he wante#$ as
"on/ as he /a1e the corporation its cut of the profits each week,
0he twenty%stan#ar#%hour #ay of .patros was sp"it e1en"y between the two shifts of (iners, Des
an# the rest of the ear"y crew worke# fro( ?@?? to 1@??3 his counterparts worke# fro( 1@?? to
?@??, Groshik$ in an effort to (a8i(i4e profits$ opene# each afternoon at 1A?? an# #i#n't c"ose for
ten strai/ht hours, 0his a""owe# hi( to ser1e the ni/ht%crew workers before they starte# an# catch
the #ay crew when that shift was o1er, 2e'# c"ose at ?A??$ c"ean for two hours$ s"eep for si8$ then
/et up at 11?? an# start the process a"" o1er a/ain, 2is routine was we"" known to a"" the (iners3 the
;ei(oi#ian was as re/u"ar as the risin/ an# settin/ of .patros's pa"e oran/e sun,
.s Des crosse# the #istance between the e#/e of the co"ony proper an# the cantina's we"co(in/
#oor$ he cou"# a"rea#y hear the soun#s co(in/ fro( insi#e* "ou# (usic$ "au/hter$ chatter$ c"inkin/
/"asses, !t was a"(ost 1B?? now, 0he #ay shift ha# two hours to /o before 6uittin/ ti(e$ but the
cantina was sti"" packe# with ni/ht%shift workers "ookin/ to ha1e a #rink or so(ethin/ to eat before
they boar#e# the shutt"es that wou"# take the( to the (ines,
Des #i#n't reco/ni4e any faces* the #ay an# ni/ht crews rare"y crosse# paths, 0he patrons were
(ost"y hu(ans$ with a few 0wi'"eks$ Su""ustans$ an# <ereans fi""in/ out the crow#, Des was
surprise# to notice a Ro#ian$ too, .pparent"y the ni/ht crew were (ore to"erant of other species
than the #ay shift, 0here were no waitresses$ ser1ers$ or #ancers3 the on"y e(p"oyee in the cantina
was Groshik hi(se"f, .nyone who wante# a #rink ha# to co(e up to the "ar/e bar bui"t into the
back wa"" an# or#er it,
Des pushe# his way throu/h the crow#, Groshik saw hi( co(in/ an# (o(entari"y #ippe# out of
si/ht behin# the bar$ reappearin/ with a (u/ of Gi4er a"e :ust as Des reache# the counter,
7-ou're here ear"y to#ay$7 Groshik sai# as he set the #rink #own with a hea1y thu#, 2is "ow$
/ra1e""y 1oice was #ifficu"t to hear abo1e the #in of the crow#, 2is wor#s a"ways ha# a /uttura"
6ua"ity$ as if he were speakin/ fro( the 1ery back of his throat,
0he ;ei(oi#ian "ike# hi($ thou/h Des wasn't sure why, +aybe it was because he'# watche# Des
/row up fro( a youn/ ki# to a (an3 (aybe he :ust fe"t sorry Des ha# been stuck with such a
rankwee# for a father, Whate1er the reason$ there was a stan#in/ arran/e(ent between the two* Des
ne1er ha# to pay for a #rink if it was poure# without bein/ aske# for, Des /ratefu""y accepte# the
/ift an# #owne# it in one "on/ #raft$ then s"a((e# the e(pty (u/ back #own onto the tab"e,
7Ran into a bit of troub"e with Ger#$7 he rep"ie#$ wipin/ his (outh, 7! bit his thu(b off$ so they "et
(e /o ho(e ear"y,7
Groshik ti"te# his hea# to one si#e an# fi8e# his enor(ous re# eyes on Des, 0he sour e8pression on
his a(phibian%"ike face #i#n't chan/e$ but his bo#y shook e1er so s"i/ht"y, Des knew hi( we""
enou/h to rea"i4e the ;ei(oi#ian was "au/hin/,
7See(s "ike a fair tra#e$7 Groshik croake#$ refi""in/ the (u/,
Des #i#n't /u44"e the secon# #rink as he ha# the first, Groshik rare"y /a1e hi( (ore than one on the
house$ an# he #i#n't want to abuse the barten#er's /enerosity,
2e turne# his attention to the crow#, 0he Repub"ic 1isitors were easy to spot, &our hu(ans%two
(en$ two wo(en%an# a (a"e !thorian in crisp na1y unifor(s, !t wasn't :ust their c"othes that (a#e
the( stan# out$ thou/h, 0hey a"" stoo# strai/ht an# ta""$ whereas (ost of the (iners ten#e# to hunch
forwar#$ as if carryin/ a /reat wei/ht on their backs,
On one si#e of the (ain roo($ a s(a""er section was rope# off fro( the rest of the cantina, !t was
the on"y part of the p"ace Groshik ha# nothin/ to #o with, 0he ORO <o(pany a""owe# /a(b"in/ on
.patros$ but on"y if it was in char/e of the tab"es, Officia""y this was to keep anyone fro( cheatin/$
but e1eryone knew ORO's rea" concern was keepin/ the wa/ers in check, !t #i#n't want one of its
e(p"oyees to win bi/ an# pay off a"" his or her #ebts in one "ucky ni/ht, By keepin/ the (a8i(u(
"i(its "ow$ ORO (a#e sure it was (ore profitab"e to work the (ines than the tab"es,
!n the /a(in/ section were four (ore na1a" so"#iers wearin/ the unifor( of the Repub"ic f"eet$
a"on/ with a #o4en or so (iners, . 0wi'"ek wo(an with the rank of petty officer on her "ape" was
p"ayin/ pa4aak, . youn/ ensi/n was sittin/ at the sabacc tab"e$ ta"kin/ "ou#"y to e1eryone aroun#
hi($ thou/h nobo#y see(e# to be "istenin/ to hi(, 0wo (ore officers%both hu(an$ one (a"e$ one
fe(a"e%a"so sat at the sabacc tab"e, 0he wo(an was a "ieutenant3 the (an bore the insi/nia of a fu""
co((an#er, Des assu(e# they were the senior officers in char/e of the (ission to recei1e the
cortosis ship(ent,
7! see you'1e notice# our recruiters$7 Groshik (uttere#,
0he war a/ainst the Sith%officia""y nothin/ (ore than a series of protracte# (i"itary en/a/e(ents$
e1en thou/h the who"e /a"a8y knew it was a war%re6uire# a stea#y strea( of youn/ an# ea/er
ca#ets for the front "ines, .n# for so(e reason the Repub"ic a"ways e8pecte# the citi4ens on the
Outer Ri( wor"#s to :u(p at the chance to :oin the(, Whene1er a Repub"ic (i"itary crew passe#
throu/h .patros$ the officers trie# to roun# up new recruits, 0hey'# buy a roun# of #rinks$ then use
it as an e8cuse to start up a con1ersation$ usua""y about the /"orious an# heroic "ife of bein/ a
so"#ier, So(eti(es they'# p"ay up the bruta"ity of the Sith, Other ti(es they'# spin pro(ises of a
better "ife in the Repub"ic (i"itary%a"" the whi"e preten#in/ to be frien#"y an# sy(pathetic to the
"oca"s$ hopin/ a few wou"# :oin their cause,
Des suspecte# they recei1e# so(e kin# of bonus for any new recruit they conne# into si/nin/ up,
Unfortunate"y for the($ they weren't /oin/ to fin# too (any takers on .patros, 0he Repub"ic wasn't
too popu"ar on the Ri(3 peop"e here$ inc"u#in/ Des$ knew the <ore Wor"#s e8p"oite# s(a""$ re(ote
p"anets "ike .patros for their own /ain, 0he Sith foun# a "ot of anti%Repub"ic sy(pathi4ers out here
on the frin/es of ci1i"i4e# space3 that was one of the reasons their nu(bers kept /rowin/ as the war
#ra//e# on,
Despite their #issatisfaction with the <ore Wor"#s$ peop"e sti"" (i/ht ha1e si/ne# up with the
recruiters if the Repub"ic wasn't so concerne# with fo""owin/ the abso"ute "etter of the "aw, .nyone
hopin/ to escape .patros an# the c"utches of the (inin/ corporation was in for a ru#e shock* #ebts
to ORO sti"" ha# to be pai#$ e1en by recruits protectin/ the /a"a8y a/ainst the risin/ Sith threat, !f
so(eone owe# (oney to a "e/iti(ate corporation$ the Repub"ic f"eet wou"# /arnish his or her wa/es
unti" those #ebts were pai#, ;ot too (any (iners were e8cite# about the prospect of :oinin/ a war
on"y to ha1e the pri1i"e/e of not /ettin/ pai#,
So(e of the (iners resente# the senior officers an# their constant push to "ure nai1e youn/ (en an#
wo(en into :oinin/ their cause, !t #i#n't bother Des$ thou/h, 2e'# "isten to the( pratt"e on a"" ni/ht$
as "on/ as they kept p"ayin/ car#s, 2e fi/ure# it was a s(a"" price to pay for /ettin/ his han#s on
their cre#its,
2is ea/erness (ust ha1e shown$ at "east to Groshik, 7.ny chance you hear# a Repub"ic crew was
stoppin/ by an# then picke# a fi/ht with Ger# :ust so you cou"# /et here ear"y97
Des shook his hea#, 7;o, )ust a happy coinci#ence$ is a"", What an/"e are they workin/ this ti(e9
G"ory of the Repub"ic97
70ryin/ to warn us about the horrors of the Brotherhoo# of Darkness7 was the carefu""y neutra"
rep"y, 7;ot /oin/ o1er too we"",7
0he cantina owner kept his rea" opinions to hi(se"f when it ca(e to (atters of po"itics, 2is
custo(ers were free to ta"k about any sub:ect they wante#$ but no (atter how heate# their
ar/u(ents beca(e$ he a"ways refuse# to take si#es,
7Ba# for business$7 he ha# e8p"aine# once, 7./ree with so(eone an# they'"" be your frien# for the
rest of the ni/ht, <ross the( an# they (i/ht hate you for weeks,7 ;ei(oi#ians were known for their
shrew# business sense$ an# Groshik was no e8ception,
. (iner pushe# his way up to the bar an# #e(an#e# a #rink, When Groshik went to fi"" the or#er$
Des turne# to stu#y the /a(in/ area, 0here weren't any free seats at the sabacc tab"e$ so for the ti(e
bein/ he was force# into the ro"e of spectator, &or we"" o1er an hour he stu#ie# the p"ays an# the
wa/ers of the newco(ers$ payin/ particu"ar attention to the senior officers, 0hey ten#e# to be better
p"ayers than the en"iste# troops$ probab"y because they ha# (ore cre#its to "ose,
0he /a(e on .patros fo""owe# a (o#ifie# 1ersion of the Bespin Stan#ar# ru"es, 0he basics of the
/a(e were si(p"e* (ake a han# as c"ose to twenty%three as possib"e without /oin/ o1er, ach
roun#$ a p"ayer ha# to either bet to stay in the han#$ or fo"#, .ny p"ayer who chose to stay in cou"#
#raw a new car#$ #iscar# a car#$ or p"ace a car# into the interference fie"# to "ock in its 1a"ue, .t the
en# of any roun# a p"ayer cou"# co(e up$ re1ea"in/ his or her han# an# forcin/ a"" other p"ayers to
show their car#s$ as we"", Best han# at the tab"e won the han# pot, .ny score o1er twenty%three$ or
be"ow ne/ati1e twenty%three$ was a bo(b%out that re6uire# the p"ayer to pay a pena"ty, .n# if a
p"ayer ha# a han# that tota"e# e8act"y twenty%three%a pure sabacc%he or she won the sabacc pot as a
bonus, But what with ran#o( shifts that cou"# une8pecte#"y chan/e the 1a"ue of car#s fro( roun#
to roun#$ an# other p"ayers co(in/ up ear"y$ a pure sabacc was a "ot har#er to achie1e than it
soun#e#,
Sabacc was (ore than a /a(e of "uck, !t was about strate/y an# sty"e$ knowin/ when to b"uff an#
when to back #own$ knowin/ how to a#apt to the e1er%chan/in/ car#s, So(e p"ayers were too
cautious$ ne1er bettin/ (ore than the (ini(u( raise e1en when they ha# a /oo# han#, Others were
too a//ressi1e$ tryin/ to bu""y the rest of the tab"e with outra/eous bets e1en when they ha#
nothin/, . p"ayer's natura" ten#encies showe# throu/h if you knew what to "ook for,
0he ensi/n$ for e8a(p"e$ was c"ear"y new to the /a(e, 2e kept stayin/ in with weak han#s instea#
of fo"#in/ his car#s, 2e was a chaser$ not satisfie# with car#s /oo# enou/h to co""ect the han# pot,
2e was a"ways "ookin/ for the perfect han#$ hopin/ to win bi/ an# co""ect the sabacc pot that kept
on /rowin/ unti" it was won, .s a resu"t$ he kept /ettin/ cau/ht with bo(b%out han#s an# ha1in/ to
pay a pena"ty, !t #i#n't see( to s"ow his bettin/$ thou/h, 2e was one of those p"ayers with (ore
cre#its than sense$ which suite# Des :ust fine,
0o be an e8pert sabacc p"ayer$ you ha# to know how to contro" the tab"e, !t #i#n't take Des (any
han#s to rea"i4e the Repub"ic co((an#er was #oin/ :ust that, 2e knew how to bet bi/ an# (ake
other p"ayers fo"# winnin/ han#s, 2e knew when to bet s(a"" to "ure others into p"ayin/ han#s they
shou"# ha1e fo"#e#, 2e #i#n't worry (uch about his own car#s3 he knew that the secret to sabacc
was fi/urin/ out what e1eryone e"se was ho"#in/ ,,, an# then "ettin/ the( think they knew what
car#s he was ho"#in/, !t was on"y when a"" the han#s were re1ea"e# an# he was rakin/ in the chips
that his opponents wou"# rea"i4e how wron/ they'# been,
2e was /oo#$ Des ha# to a#(it, Better than (ost of the Repub"ic p"ayers who passe# throu/h,
Despite his p"easant appearance$ he was ruth"ess in scoopin/ up pot after pot, But Des ha# a /oo#
fee"in/3 so(eti(es he :ust knew he cou"#n't "ose, 2e was /oin/ to win toni/ht , , , an# win bi/,
0here was a /roan fro( one of the (iners at the tab"e, 7.nother roun# an# that sabacc pot was
(ine=7 he sai#$ shakin/ his hea#, 7-ou're "ucky you ca(e up when you #i#$7 he a##e#$ speakin/ to
the co((an#er,
Des knew it wasn't "uck, 0he (iner ha# been so e8cite#$ he was twitchin/ in his seat, .nyone with
ha"f a brain cou"# see he was workin/ towar# a powerfu" han#, 0he co((an#er ha# seen it an#
(a#e his (o1e$ cuttin/ the han# short an# choppin/ the other /a(b"er's hopes off at the knees,
70hat's it$7 the (iner sai#$ pushin/ away fro( the tab"e, 7!'( tappe# out,7
7Looks "ike now's your chance$7 Groshik whispere# un#er his breath as he swept past to pour
another #rink, 7Goo# "uck,7
! #on't nee# "uck toni/ht$ Des thou/ht, 2e crosse# the f"oor of the cantina an# steppe# o1er the
nanosi"k rope into the ORO%contro""e# /a(in/ roo(,
<hapter A
Des approache# the sabacc tab"e an# no##e# to the Beta%C <ar#Shark #ea"in/ out the han#s, ORO
preferre# auto(ate# #roi#s to or/anic #ea"ers* no sa"ary to pay$ an# there was no chance a wi"y
/a(b"er cou"# con1ince a #roi# to cheat,
7!'( in$7 he #ec"are#$ takin/ the e(pty seat,
0he ensi/n was sittin/ #irect"y across fro( hi(, 2e "et out a "on/$ "ou# whist"e, 7B"ast$ you're a bi/
boy$7 he shoute# boisterous"y, 72ow ta"" are you%one ninety9 One ninety%fi1e97
70wo (eters e1en$7 Des rep"ie# without "ookin/ at hi(, 2e swipe# his ORO account car# throu/h
the rea#er bui"t into the tab"e an# punche# in his security co#e, 0he buy%in for the tab"e was a##e#
to the tota" a"rea#y owin/ on his ORO account$ an# the <ar#Shark obe#ient"y pushe# a stack of
chips across the tab"e towar# hi(,
7Goo# "uck$ sir$7 it sai#,
0he ensi/n continue# to si4e Des up$ takin/ another "on/ #rink fro( his (u/, 0hen he braye# out a
"au/h, 7Wow$ they /row you fe""as bi/ out here on the Ri(, -ou sure you ain't rea""y a Wookiee
so(ebo#y sha1e# for a :oke97
. few of the other p"ayers "au/he#$ but 6uick"y stoppe# when they saw Des c"ench his :aw, 0he (an
s(e""e# of <ore""ian a"e, Sa(e as Ger# ha# when he'# picke# a fi/ht with Des :ust a few hours
ear"ier, Des's (usc"es ti/htene#$ an# he "eane# forwar# in his chair, 0he s(a""er (an "et out a short$
ner1ous breath,
7<o(e on now$ son$7 the co((an#er sai# to Des in a ca"(in/ 1oice$ steppin/ in to contro" the
situation the sa(e way he'# been contro""in/ the tab"e a"" /a(e "on/, 2e ha# an air of 6uiet
authority$ a patriarch presi#in/ o1er a fa(i"y s6uabb"e at the #inner tab"e, 7!t's :ust a :oke, <an't you
take a :oke97
0urnin/ to face the on"y p"ayer at the tab"e /oo# enou/h to /i1e hi( a rea" cha""en/e$ Des f"ashe# a
/rin an# "et the tension s"ip fro( his coi"e# (usc"es, 7Sure$ ! can take a :oke, But !'# rather take
your cre#its,7
0here was a brief pause$ an# then it was as if e1eryone ha# si/he# in re"ief, 0he officer chuck"e#
an# returne# the s(i"e, 7&air enou/h, Let's p"ay so(e car#s,7
Des starte# s"ow$ p"ayin/ conser1ati1e"y an# fo"#in/ often, 0he "i(its on the tab"e were "ow3 the
(a8i(u( 1a"ue of any /i1en han# was cappe# at one hun#re# cre#its, Between the fi1e%cre#it ante
an# the two%cre#it 7a#(inistration fee7 ORO char/e# p"ayers each ti(e they starte# a new roun#$
the han# pots wou"# bare"y co1er the cost of sittin/ #own at the tab"e$ e1en for a so"i# p"ayer, 0he
trick was to win :ust enou/h han# pots to be ab"e to stick aroun# "on/ enou/h for a chance at the
sabacc pot that continue# to bui"# with each han#,
When he first starte# p"ayin/$ one of the so"#iers trie# to (ake s(a"" ta"k, 7! notice (ost of the
hu(an (iners here sha1e their hea#s$7 he sai#$ no##in/ out at the crow#, 7Why is that97
7We #on't sha1e, Our hair fa""s out$7 Des rep"ie#, 7<o(es fro( workin/ too (any shifts in the
(ines,7
7Workin/ the (ines9 ! #on't /et it,7
70he fi"ters #on't re(o1e a"" the i(purities fro( the air, -ou work ten%hour shifts #ay in an# #ay
out$ an# the conta(inants bui"# up in your syste($7 2e spoke in a f"at$ neutra" 1oice, 0here was no
bitterness3 for hi( an# the rest of the (iners it was :ust a fact of "ife, 7!t has si#e effects, We /et sick
a "ot3 our hair fa""s out, We're suppose# to take a few #ays off now an# a/ain$ but e1er since ORO
si/ne# those Repub"ic (i"itary contracts the (ines ne1er shut #own, Basica""y$ we're bein/ s"ow"y
poisone# to (ake sure your car/o ho"#'s fu"" when you "ea1e,7
0hat was enou/h to ki"" any other atte(pts at con1ersation$ an# they continue# the han#s in re"ati1e
si"ence, .fter ha"f an hour Des was about e1en for the ni/ht$ but he was :ust /ettin/ war(e# up, 2e
pushe# in his ante an# the ORO cut$ as #i# the other se1en p"ayers at the tab"e, 0he #ea"er f"ippe#
two car#s out to each of the($ an# another han# be/an, 0he first two p"ayers peeke# at their car#s
an# fo"#e#, 0he Repub"ic ensi/n /"ance# at his car#s an# threw in enou/h chips to stay in the han#,
Des wasn't surprise#%he har#"y e1er fo"#e# his car#s$ e1en when he ha# nothin/,
0he ensi/n 6uick"y pushe# one of his car#s into the interference fie"#, ach turn$ a p"ayer cou"#
(o1e one of the e"ectronic chip%car#s into the interference fie"#$ "ockin/ in its 1a"ue to protect it
fro( chan/in/ if there was a shift at the en# of the roun#,
Des shook his hea#, Lockin/ in car#s was a foo"'s p"ay, -ou cou"#n't #iscar# a "ocke#%in car#3 Des
usua""y preferre# to keep a"" his options open, 0he ensi/n$ howe1er$ was thinkin/ in the short ter($
not p"annin/ ahea#, 0hat probab"y e8p"aine# why he was #own se1era" hun#re# cre#its on the ni/ht,
G"ancin/ at his own han#$ Des chose to stay in, ."" the rest of the p"ayers #roppe#$ "ea1in/ :ust the
two of the(,
0he <ar#Shark #ea"t out another roun# of car#s, Des /"ance# #own an# saw he ha# #rawn
n#urance$ a face car# with a 1a"ue of ne/ati1e ei/ht, 2e was sittin/ at a tota" of si8$ an incre#ib"y
weak han#,
0he s(art (o1e was to fo"#3 un"ess there was a shift$ he was #ea#, But Des knew there was /oin/
to be a shift, 2e knew it as sure"y as he ha# known where an# when Ger#'s thu(b was /oin/ to be
when he bit #own on it, 0hese brief /"i(pses into the future #i#n't happen often$ but when they #i#
he knew enou/h to "isten to the(, 2e pushe# in his cre#its, 0he ensi/n (atche# the bet,
0he #roi# scoope# the chips to the center of the tab"e$ an# the (arker in front of hi( be/an to pu"se
with rapi#"y chan/in/ co"ors, B"ue (eant no shift3 a"" the car#s wou"# stay the sa(e, Re# (eant a
shift* an i(pu"se wou"# be sent out fro( the (arker$ an# one e"ectronic car# fro( each p"ayer
wou"# ran#o("y reset an# chan/e its 1a"ue, 0he (arker f"ickere# back an# forth between re# an#
b"ue$ /ainin/ spee# unti" it was pu"sin/ so 6uick"y the co"ors b"urre# into a sin/"e 1io"et hue, 0hen
the f"ashin/ be/an to s"ow #own an# it beca(e possib"e to te"" the in#i1i#ua" co"ors apart a/ain*
b"ue$ re#$ b"ue$ re#$ b"ue ,,, !t stoppe# on re#,
7B"ast=7 the ensi/n swore, 7!t a"ways shifts when ! ha1e a /oo# han#=7
Des knew that wasn't true, 0he chances of shiftin/ were fifty%fifty* co(p"ete"y ran#o(, 0here was
no way to pre#ict whether a shift was co(in/ ,,, un"ess you ha# a /ift "ike Des occasiona""y #i#,
0he car#s f"ickere# as they reset$ an# Des scoope# up his han# one (ore ti(e, n#urance was /one$
rep"ace# by a se1en, 2e was sittin/ at twenty%one, ;ot a sabacc$ but a so"i# han#, Before the ne8t
roun# cou"# be/in$ Des f"ippe# his car#s o1er$ e8posin/ his han# to the tab"e, 7<o(in/ up on
twenty%one$7 he sai#,
0he ensi/n threw his car#s to the tab"e in #is/ust, 7B"aste# bo(b%out,7
Des co""ecte# the s(a"" stack of chips that were the han# pot$ whi"e the other (an /ru#/in/"y pai#
his pena"ty into the sabacc pot, Des /uesse# it was c"osin/ in on fi1e hun#re# cre#its by now,
One of the (iners at the tab"e stoo# up, 7<o(e on$ we /ot to /o$7 he sai#, 7Last spee#er "ea1es in
twenty (inutes,7
With /ru(b"es an# co(p"aints$ the other (iners /ot up fro( their seats an# tru#/e# off to start their
shift, 0he ensi/n watche# the( /o$ then turne# curious"y to Des,
7-ou ain't /oin/ with the($ bi/ fe""a9 ! thou/ht you were co(p"ainin/ about ne1er /ettin/ a #ay off
ear"ier,7
7! work the #ay shift$7 Des sai# short"y, 70hose /uys are the ni/ht shift,7
7Where's the rest of your crew97 the "ieutenant aske#, Des c"ear"y reco/ni4e# her interest as an
atte(pt to keep the ensi/n fro( sayin/ so(ethin/ to further anta/oni4e the bi/ (iner, 70he crow#'s
beco(e awfu""y thin,7 She wa1e# her han# aroun# at the cantina$ now 1irtua""y e(pty e8cept for
the Repub"ic na1a" so"#iers, Seein/ the open seats at the sabacc tab"e$ a few of the( were
wan#erin/ o1er to :oin their co(ra#es in the /a(e,
70hey'"" be a"on/ soon enou/h$7 Des sai#, 7! :ust en#e# (y shift a bit ear"y to#ay,7
7Rea""y97 2er tone i(p"ie# that she knew of on"y one reason a (iner's shift (i/ht en# ear"y,
7Lieutenant$7 one of the new"y arri1e# so"#iers sai# po"ite"y as they reache# the tab"e,
7<o((an#er$7 he a##e#$ a##ressin/ the other officer, 7+in# if we :oin in$ sir97
0he co((an#er "ooke# o1er at Des, 7! #on't want this youn/ (an to think the Repub"ic is /an/in/
up on hi(, !f we take a"" the seats$ where are his frien#s /oin/ to sit when they show up9 2e says
they'"" be a"on/ any (inute,7
70hey're not here now$7 Des sai#, 7.n# they're not (y frien#s, -ou (i/ht as we"" sit #own,7 2e
#i#n't a## that (ost of the #ay%shift (iners probab"y wou"#n't p"ay$ anyway, When Des showe# up
at the tab"e they ten#e# to ca"" it a ni/ht3 he won too often for their "ikin/,
0he e(pty seats were 6uick"y fi""e# up,
7So how are the car#s treatin/ you$ nsi/n97 a youn/ wo(an aske# the (an Des ha# beste# in the
"ast han#, She sat #own besi#e hi( an# p"ace# a fu"" (u/ of <ore""ian a"e on the tab"e in front of
hi(,
7;ot so /oo#$7 he a#(itte#$ f"ashin/ a /rin an# e8chan/in/ his e(pty (u/ for the fu"" one, 7! (i/ht
ha1e to owe you for this #rink, ! can't see( to catch a break toni/ht,7 2e no##e# his hea# in Des's
#irection, 7Watch out for this one, 2e's as /oo# as the co((an#er, ither that$ or he cheats,7
2e s(i"e# 6uick"y to show it was :ust another of his (i"#"y offensi1e :okes, Des i/nore# hi(3 it
wasn't the first ti(e he'# been ca""e# a cheat, 2e was aware that his preco/nition /a1e hi( an
a#1anta/e o1er the other p"ayers, +aybe it was an unfair a#1anta/e$ but he #i#n't consi#er it
cheatin/, !t wasn't as if he knew what was /oin/ to happen on e1ery han#3 he cou"#n't contro" it, 2e
was :ust s(art enou/h to (ake the (ost of it when it happene#,
0he <ar#Shark be/an passin/ out chips to the newco(ers$ wishin/ each of the( a perfunctory
7Goo# "uck7 as it #i# so,
7So it see(s you #on't rea""y /et on we"" with the other (iners$7 the "ieutenant sai#$ keyin/ on Des's
ear"ier co((ents, 72a1e you e1er thou/ht about chan/in/ careers97
Des /roane# inwar#"y, By the ti(e he ha# :oine# the tab"e the officers ha# /i1en up their recruitin/
spie" an# stuck (ost"y to p"ayin/ car#s, ;ow he'# /i1en her an openin/ to brin/ it up a/ain,
7!'( not intereste# in beco(in/ a so"#ier$7 he sai#$ antein/ up for the ne8t han#,
7Don't be so hasty$7 she sai#$ her 1oice s"ippin/ into a soothin/$ /ent"e patter, 7Bein/ a so"#ier for
the Repub"ic has its rewar#s, ! suspect it's better than workin/ the (ines$ at "east,7
70here's a who"e /a"a8y out there$ son$7 the co((an#er a##e#, 7Wor"#s a "ot (ore attracti1e than
this one$ if you #on't (in# (e sayin/,7
Don't ! know it$ Des thou/ht, Out "ou# he sai#$ 7! #on't p"an to spen# (y who"e "ife here, But when
! #o /et off this rock$ ! #on't want to spen# (y #ays #o#/in/ Sith b"asters on the front "ines,7
7'We won't be fi/htin/ the Sith for (uch "on/er$ son, We'1e /ot the( on the run now,7 0he
co((an#er spoke with such ca"( assurance$ Des was ha"f te(pte# to be"ie1e hi(,
70hat's not how ! hear it$7 Des sai#, 7Ru(or is the Brotherhoo# of Darkness has been winnin/ (ore
than its share of the batt"es, ! hear# it's /ot (ore than a #o4en re/ions un#er its contro" now,7
70hat was before Genera" 2oth$7 one of the other so"#iers chi(e# in,
Des ha# hear# of 2oth on the 2o"o;et3 he was a bona%fi#e hero of the Repub"ic, Dictorious in ha"f a
#o4en (a:or confrontations$ he was a bri""iant strate/ist who knew how to snatch 1ictory fro( the
:aws of #efeat, ;ot surprisin/$ /i1en his back/roun#,
72oth97 he aske# innocent"y$ /"ancin/ #own at his car#s, Garba/e, 2e fo"#e# his han#, 7!sn't he a
)e#i97
72e is$7 the co((an#er rep"ie#$ peekin/ at his own car#s, 2e pushe# in a s(a"" wa/er, 7. )e#i
+aster$ to be (ore accurate, .n# a fine so"#ier$ too, -ou cou"#n't ask for a better (an to "ea# the
Repub"ic war effort,7
70he Sith are (ore than :ust so"#iers$ you know$7 the #runken ensi/n sai# earnest"y$ his 1oice e1en
"ou#er than before, 7So(e of the( can use the &orce$ :ust "ike the )e#i= -ou can't beat the( with
b"asters a"one,7
Des ha# hear# p"enty of wi"# ta"es of )e#i perfor(in/ e8traor#inary feats throu/h the (ystica"
power of the &orce$ but he fi/ure# they were "e/en#s an# (yth, Or at "east e8a//erations, 2e knew
there were powers that transcen#e# the physica" wor"#* his own pre(onitions were e1i#ence of that,
But the stories of what the )e#i cou"# #o were :ust too i(possib"e to be"ie1e, !f the &orce was rea""y
such a powerfu" weapon$ why was this war takin/ so "on/9
70he i#ea of answerin/ to a )e#i +aster #oesn't rea""y appea" to (et' he sai#, 7!'1e hear# so(e
stran/e thin/s about what they be"ie1e in* no passion$ no e(otion, Soun#s "ike they want to turn us
a"" into #roi#s,7
.nother roun# of car#s was #ea"t out to the re(ainin/ p"ayers,
70he )e#i are /ui#e# by wis#o($7 the co((an#er e8p"aine#, 70hey #on't "et thin/s "ike #esire or
an/er c"ou# their :u#/(ent,7
7.n/er has its uses$7 Des pointe# out, 7!t's /otten (e out of so(e nasty spots,7
7! think the trick is not to /et into those spots in the first p"ace$7 the "ieutenant countere# in her
/ent"e 1oice,
0he han# en#e# a few turns "ater, 0he youn/ wo(an who ha# bou/ht the ensi/n his #rink ca(e up
on twenty%not a /reat han#$ but not a ba# one$ either, She "ooke# o1er at the co((an#er as he
f"ippe# up his car#s$ an# s(i"e# when he ha# on"y nineteen, 2er s(i"e fa#e# when the #runken
ensi/n showe# his twenty%one, When he scoope# up the pot$ she cut his "au/h short with a frien#"y
e"bow to his ribs,
1eryone ante# an# the #ea"er f"icke# out another pair of car#s to each p"ayer,
70he )e#i are the #efen#ers of the Repub"ic$7 the "ieutenant went on earnest"y, 70heir ways can
see( stran/e to or#inary citi4ens$ but they're on our si#e, ."" they want is peace,7
7Rea""y97 Des sai#$ /"ancin/ at his car#s an# pushin/ in his chips, 7! thou/ht they wante# to wipe
out the Sith,7
70he Sith are an i""e/a" or/ani4ation$7 the "ieutenant e8p"aine#, She fo"#e# her car#s after a (o(ent
of carefu" #e"iberation, 70he Senate passe# a bi"" out"awin/ the( near"y three thousan# years a/o$
short"y after Re1an an# +a"ak brou/ht #estruction to the entire /a"a8y,7
7! a"ways hear# Re1an sa1e# the Repub"ic$7 he sai#,
0he co((an#er :u(pe# back into the con1ersation, 7Re1an's story is co(p"icate#$7 he sai#, 7But
the fact re(ains$ the Sith an# their teachin/s were banne# by the Senate, 0heir 1ery e8istence is a
1io"ation of Repub"ic "aw%an# with /oo# reason, 0he )e#i un#erstan# the threat the Sith represent,
0hat's why they'1e :oine# the f"eet, &or the /oo# of the /a"a8y$ the Sith (ust be wipe# out once an#
for a"",7
0he #runken ensi/n won the han# a/ain$ his secon# in a row, So(eti(es it was better to be "ucky
than /oo#,
7So the Repub"ic says the Sith (ust be wipe# out$7 Des sai# as he ante# up for the ne8t han#, 7!f the
Sith were the ones in char/e$ ! bet they'# say the sa(e thin/ about the )e#i,7
7-ou wou"#n't say that if you knew what the Sith were rea""y "ike$7 one of the other so"#iers sai#,
7!'1e fou/ht a/ainst the(* they're b"oo#thirsty ki""ers=7
Des "au/he#, 7-eah$ how #are they try to ki"" you in the (i##"e of a war9 Don't they know you're
busy tryin/ to ki"" the(9 2ow ru#e=7
7-ou b"oo#y Kath%(utt=7 the so"#ier snappe#$ risin/ up fro( his seat,
7Sit #own$ #eck(an=7 the co((an#er barke#, 0he so"#ier #i# as he was to"#$ but Des cou"# fee" the
tension in the air, 1eryone e"se at the tab"e%with the possib"e e8ception of the two officers%was
/"arin/ at hi(,
Goo#, 0he "ast thin/ on their (in#s now was car#s, .n/ry peop"e #i#n't (ake /oo# sabacc p"ayers,
0he co((an#er sense# thin/s were ba#$ too, 2e #i# his best to #efuse the situation,
70he Sith fo""ow the teachin/s of the #ark si#e$ son$7 he sai# to Des, 7!f you saw the kin#s of thin/s
they'1e #one #urin/ this war , , , an# not :ust to other so"#iers, 0hey #on't care if innocent ci1i"ians
suffer,7
On"y ha"f "istenin/$ Des /"ance# at his car#s an# p"ace# a wa/er,
7!'( not stupi#$ <o((an#er$7 he sai# then, 7Whether the Repub"ic officia""y acknow"e#/es it or
not$ you're at war with the Brotherhoo# of Darkness, .n# ba# thin/s happen #urin/ a war$ on both
si#es, So #on't try to con1ince (e the Sith are (onsters, 0hey're peop"e$ :ust "ike you an# (e,7
Of a"" the p"ayers at the tab"e$ on"y the co((an#er fo"#e# his car#s, Des knew that at "east a few of
the so"#iers were p"ayin/ ba# han#s si(p"y for the chance to take hi( #own,
0he co((an#er si/he#, 7-ou're ri/ht$ to a point, 0he or#inary troopers%who ser1e in the ar(y
because they #on't know what the Sith +asters an# the Brotherhoo# of Darkness are rea""y "ike%are
:ust peop"e, But you ha1e to "ook at the i#ea"s behin# this war, -ou ha1e to un#erstan# what each
si#e rea""y stan#s for,7
7n"i/hten (e$ <o((an#er,7 Des put :ust a hint of con#escension in his 1oice an# casua""y tosse#
in so(e (ore chips$ knowin/ it wou"# ri"e up the tab"e e1en (ore, 2e was /"a# to see that nobo#y
fo"#e#3 he was p"ayin/ the( "ike a Bith (usician tri""in/ out a tune on a sabri6uet,
70he )e#i seek to preser1e peace$7 the co((an#er reiterate#, 70hey ser1e the cause of :ustice,
Whene1er possib"e$ they use their power to ai# those in nee#, 0hey seek to ser1e$ not to ru"e, 0hey
be"ie1e that a"" bein/s$ re/ar#"ess of species or /en#er$ are create# e6ua", Sure"y you can un#erstan#
that,7
!t was (ore a state(ent than a 6uestion$ but Des answere# anyway, 7But a"" bein/s aren't rea""y
e6ua"$ are they9 ! (ean$ so(e are s(arter$ or stron/er ,,, or better at car#s,7
2e #rew a s(a"" s(i"e fro( the co((an#er with the "ast co((ent$ thou/h e1eryone e"se at the
tab"e scow"e#,
70rue enou/h$ son, But isn't it the #uty of the stron/ to he"p the weak97
Des shru//e#, 2e #i#n't be"ie1e (uch in e6ua"ity, Workin/ to (ake e1erybo#y e6ua" #i#n't "ea1e
(uch chance for anyone to achie1e /reatness, 7So what about the Brotherhoo# of Darkness97 he
aske#, 7What #o they be"ie1e in97
70hey fo""ow the teachin/s of the #ark si#e, 0he on"y thin/ they seek is power3 they be"ie1e the
natura" or#er of the /a"a8y is for the weak to ser1e the stron/,7
7Soun#s pretty /oo# if you're one of the stron/,7 Des f"ippe# his car#s up$ then scoope# up the pot$
re"ishin/ the /ru(b"in/ an# curses (uttere# un#er the breath of the "osers,
Des f"ashe# a nasty /rin aroun# the tab"e, 7&or the sake of the Repub"ic$ ! hope you /uys are better
so"#iers than you are sabacc p"ayers,7
7-ou (u#crutch$ rankwee# cowar#=7 the ensi/n shoute#$ :u(pin/ up an# spi""in/ his #rink onto the
f"oor, 7!f it wasn't for us$ the Sith wou"# be a"" o1er this pit of a wor"#=7
.nother (iner wou"# ha1e taken a swin/ at Des$ but the ensi/n%e1en (ore than s"i/ht"y #runk%ha#
enou/h (i"itary #iscip"ine to keep his fists at his si#es, . stern /"are fro( the co((an#er (a#e hi(
sit #own an# (u(b"e an apo"o/y, Des was i(presse#, .n# a "itt"e #isappointe#,
7We a"" know why the Repub"ic cares about .patros$7 he sai#$ stackin/ his chips an# tryin/ to
appear noncha"ant, !n fact$ he was scannin/ the tab"e to see if anyone e"se was /ettin/ rea#y to
(ake a (o1e on hi(,
7-ou use cortosis in the hu""s of your ships$ you use it in your weapons casin/s$ you e1en use it in
your bo#y ar(or, Without us$ you wou"#n't stan# a chance in this war, So #on't preten# you're #oin/
any fa1ors here* you nee# us as (uch as we nee# you,7
;obo#y ha# ante# yet3 a"" eyes were #rawn to the #ra(a unfo"#in/ a(on/ the p"ayers, 0he
<ar#Shark hesitate#$ its "i(ite# pro/ra((in/ uncertain how to han#"e the situation, Des knew
Groshik was watchin/ fro( the far si#e of the cantina$ his han# near the stun b"aster he kept stashe#
behin# the bar, 2e #oubte# the ;ei(oi#ian wou"# nee# it$ thou/h,
70rue enou/h$7 the co((an#er conce#e#$ pushin/ his ante in, 0he others$ inc"u#in/ Des$ fo""owe#
suit, 7But at "east we pay you for the cortosis we use, 0he Sith wou"# :ust take it fro( you,7
7;o$7 Des correcte#$ stu#yin/ his car#s$ 7you pay ORO for the cortosis, 0hose cre#its #on't (ake it
a"" the way #own to a /uy "ike (e,7 2e fo"#e# his han# but #i#n't stop ta"kin/, 7See$ that's the
prob"e( with the Repub"ic, !n the <ore e1erythin/'s /reat* peop"e are hea"thy$ wea"thy$ an# happy,
But out here on the Ri( thin/s aren't so easy,
7!'1e been workin/ the (ines a"(ost as "on/ as ! can re(e(ber$ in one way or another$ an# ! sti""
owe ORO enou/h cre#its to fi"" a frei/hter hu"", But ! #on't see any )e#i co(in/ to sa1e (e fro(
that "itt"e bit of in:ustice,7
;obo#y ha# an answer for hi( this ti(e$ not e1en the co((an#er, Des #eci#e# they'# ta"ke#
enou/h po"itics3 he wante# to focus on winnin/ the two thousan# cre#its that ha# bui"t up in the
sabacc pot, 2e went in for the ki"",
7Don't try to se"" (e on your )e#i an# your Repub"ic$ because that's e8act"y what it is* your
Repub"ic, -ou say the Sith on"y respect stren/th9 We""$ that's pretty (uch the way thin/s are out
here on the Ri($ too, -ou "ook out for yourse"f$ because nobo#y e"se wi"", 0hat's why the Sith keep
fin#in/ new recruits wi""in/ to :oin the( out here, Peop"e with nothin/ fee" "ike they'1e /ot nothin/
to "ose, .n# if the Repub"ic #oesn't fi/ure that out pretty soon$ the Brotherhoo# of Darkness is
/oin/ to win this war no (atter how (any )e#i you ha1e "ea#in/ your ar(y,7
7+aybe we shou"# :ust stick to car#s37 the "ieutenant su//este# after a "on/$ unco(fortab"e si"ence,
70hat works for (e$7 Des sai#, 7;o har# fee"in/s97
7;o har# fee"in/s$7 the co((an#er sai#$ forcin/ a s(i"e,
. few of the other so"#iers (ur(ure# assent$ but Des knew the har# fee"in/s were sti"" there, 2e'#
#one e1erythin/ he cou"# to (ake sure they ran #eep,
<hapter C
0he hours ticke# by, Other (iners be/an to arri1e$ the #ay shift co(in/ in to rep"ace the ni/ht crew
that ha# "eft, 0he <ar#Shark kept #ea"in/$ an# the p"ayers kept bettin/, Des's stack of chips was
/rowin/ stea#i"y "ar/er$ an# the sabacc pot kept on /rowin/* three thousan# cre#its$ four thousan#$
fi1e , , , ;one of the p"ayers see(e# to be ha1in/ fun any(ore3 Des fi/ure# his scorchin/ rant ha#
burne# off a"" the p"easure fro( the /a(e,
Des #i#n't care, 2e #i#n't p"ay sabacc for fun, !t was a :ob$ sa(e as workin/ the (ines, . way to
earn cre#its an# pay off ORO so he cou"# "ea1e .patros behin# fore1er,
0wo of the so"#iers pushe# away fro( the tab"e$ their cre#its c"eane# out, 0heir seats were soon
fi""e# by (iners fro( the #ay shift, 0he "ure of the (assi1e sabacc pot was enou/h to #raw the( in$
#espite their re"uctance to /o up a/ainst Des,
.nother hour passe# an# the senior officers%the "ieutenant an# the co((an#er%fina""y packe# it in,
0hey$ too$ were rep"ace# by (iners with 1isions of hittin/ one /oo# han# an# cashin/ in the
unc"ai(e# sabacc pot, 0he Repub"ic so"#iers who stuck aroun#$ "ike the ensi/n who ha# first
cha""en/e# Des$ (ust ha1e ha# #eep$ #eep pockets,
With the constant inf"u8 of new p"ayers an# new (oney$ Des was force# to chan/e his strate/y, 2e
was up se1era" hun#re# cre#its3 he ha# enou/h of a cushion bui"t up that he cou"# affor# to "ose a
few han#s if he ha# to, ;ow his on"y concern was protectin/ the sabacc pot, !f he #i#n't ha1e a han#
he thou/ht he cou"# win with$ he'# co(e up in the first few turns, 2e wasn't /oin/ to /i1e anyone
e"se a chance to bui"# up a han# of twenty%three, 2e stoppe# fo"#in/$ e1en when he ha# weak car#s,
Sittin/ out a han# /a1e the other p"ayers too (uch of a chance to win,
So(e "ucky shifts an# so(e poor choices by his opponents (a#e sure his strate/y worke#$ thou/h
not without a cost, 2is efforts to protect the sabacc pot be/an to eat into his profits, 2is stack of
winnin/s shrank 6uick"y$ but it wou"# a"" be worth it if he won the sabacc pot,
0hrou/h han# after a/oni4in/ han# p"ayers continue# to co(e an# /o, One by one the so"#iers /a1e
up their seats$ force# out when they ran out of chips an# cou"#n't affor# (ore, Of the ori/ina" /roup$
on"y Des an# the ensi/n re(aine#, 0he ensi/n's pi"e was /rowin/, . few of the so"#iers staye# to
watch$ rootin/ for their (an to beat the (iner with the bi/ (outh,
Other spectators ca(e an# went, So(e were :ust waitin/ for a p"ayer to #rop so they cou"# swoop in
an# take the seat, Others were #rawn by the intensity of the tab"e an# the si4e of the pots, .fter
another hour the sabacc pot hit ten thousan# chips$ the (a8i(u( "i(it, .ny cre#its pai# into the
sabacc pot now were waste#* they went strai/ht into the ORO accounts, But nobo#y co(p"aine#,
;ot with the chance to win a s(a"" fortune on the tab"e,
Des /"ance# up at the chrono on the wa"", 0he cantina wou"# be c"osin/ in "ess than an hour, When
he'# first sat #own at the tab"e$ he'# fe"t certain he was /oin/ to win bi/, &or a whi"e he ha# been
ahea#, But the "ast few hours ha# #raine# his chips, Workin/ to protect the sabacc pot was cripp"in/
hi(* he'# /one throu/h a"" his profits an# ha# to re%buy%in twice, 2e'# fa""en into the c"assic
/a(b"er's trap$ beco(in/ so obsesse# with winnin/ the bi/ pot that he'# "ost si/ht of how (uch he
was "osin/, 2e'# "et the /a(e /et persona",
2is shirt was hot an# sticky with sweat, 2is "e/s were nu(b fro( sittin/ so "on/$ an# his back was
achin/ fro( hunchin/ forwar# e8pectant"y to stu#y his car#s,
2e was #own a"(ost a thousan# cre#its on the ni/ht$ but none of the other p"ayers ha# been ab"e to
cash in on his (isfortune, With the Sabacc pot cappe# a"" the antes an# pena"ties went strai/ht to
ORO, 2e'# ha1e to work a (onth of /rue"in/ shifts in the (ines if he e1er wante# to see any of
those cre#its a/ain, But it was too "ate to turn back now, 2is on"y conso"ation was that the Repub"ic
ensi/n was #own at "east twice as (uch as he was, -et each ti(e the (an ran out of chips$ he'# :ust
reach into his pocket an# pu"" out another stack of cre#its$ as if he ha# un"i(ite# fun#s, Or as if he
:ust #i#n't care,
0he <ar#Shark fire# out another han#, .s he peeke# at his car#s$ Des be/an to fee" the first rea"
hints of se"f%#oubt, What if his fee"in/ was wron/ this ti(e9 What if this wasn't his ni/ht to win9 2e
cou"#n't re(e(ber a (o(ent in the past when his /ift ha# betraye# hi($ but that #i#n't (ean it
cou"#n't happen,
2e pushe# his chips in with a weak han#$ #efyin/ e1ery instinct that to"# hi( to fo"#, 2e'# ha1e to
co(e up at the start of the ne8t turn$ no (atter how weak his car#s were, .ny "on/er an# so(eone
e"se (i/ht stea" the sabacc pot he was workin/ so har# to co""ect,
0he (arker f"ickere# an# the car#s shifte#, Des #i#n't bother to "ook3 he si(p"y f"ippe# o1er his
car#s an# (uttere#$ 7<o(in/ up,7
When he saw his han# he fe"t "ike he'# been s"appe#, 2e was sittin/ at ne/ati1e twenty%three
e8act"y$ a bo(b%out, 0he pena"ty c"eane# out his stack of chips,
7Whoa$ bi/ fe""a$7 the ensi/n (ocke# #runken"y$ 7you (ust be "u(soake# to co(e up on that, What
the bri8 were you thinkin/97
7+aybe he #oesn't un#erstan# the #ifference between p"us twenty%three an# (inus twenty%three$7
sai# one of the so"#iers watchin/ the (atch$ /rinnin/ "ike a (anka cat,
Des trie# to i/nore the( as he pai# the pena"ty, 2e fe"t e(pty, 2o""ow,
7-ou #on't ta"k so (uch when you're "osin/$ huh97 the ensi/n sneere#,
2ate, Des #i#n't fee" anythin/ e"se at first, Pure$ white%hot hatre# consu(e# e1ery thou/ht$ e1ery
(otion$ an# e1ery ounce of reason in his brain, Su##en"y he #i#n't care about the pot$ #i#n't care
about how (any cre#its he ha# a"rea#y "ost, ."" he wante# was to wipe the s(u/ e8pression fro(
the ensi/n's face, .n# there was on"y one way he cou"# #o it,
2e shot a sa1a/e /"are in the ensi/n's #irection$ but the (an was too #runk to be inti(i#ate#,
Without takin/ his eyes off his ene(y$ Des swipe# his ORO account car# into the rea#er an# ran/
up another buy%in$ i/norin/ the "o/ica" part of his (in# that trie# to ta"k hi( out of it,
0he <ar#Shark$ its circuits an# wires ob"i1ious to what was rea""y /oin/ on$ pushe# a stack of chips
towar# hi( an# uttere# its typica""y cheery$ 7Goo# "uck,7
Des opene# with the .ce an# two of sabers, 2e was at se1enteen$ a #an/erous han#, Lots of
potentia" to /o too hi/h on his ne8t car# an# bo(b out, 2e hesitate#$ knowin/ that the s(art (o1e
was to fo"#,
72a1in/ secon# thou/hts97 the ensi/n chi#e#,
.ctin/ on an i(pu"se he cou"#n't e1en e8p"ain$ Des (o1e# his two into the interference fie"#$ then
pushe# his chips into the pot, 2e was "ettin/ his e(otions /ui#e hi($ but he no "on/er care#, .n#
when the ne8t car# ca(e up as a three$ he knew what he ha# to #o, 2e sho1e# his three into the
interference fie"# besi#e the two that was a"rea#y there, 0hen he bet the (a8i(u( wa/er an#
waite# for the switch,
0here were actua""y two ways to win the sabacc pot, One was to /et a han# that tota"e# twenty%three
e8act"y$ a pure sabacc, But there was an e1en better han#* the i#iot's array, !n (o#ifie# Bespin ru"es$
if you ha# a han# of two an# three in the sa(e suit an# #rew the face car# known as the !#iot$ which
ha# no 1a"ue at a""$ you ha# an i#iot's array ,,, >A in the "itera" sense, !t was the rarest han# possib"e$
an# it was worth (ore than e1en a pure sabacc,
Des was two%thir#s of the way there, ."" he nee#e# now was a switch to take his ten an# rep"ace it
with the !#iot, Of course$ that (eant there ha# to be a switch, .n# e1en then he'# ha1e to #raw the
!#iot off it ,,, an# there were on"y two !#iots in the entire se1enty%si8%car# #eck, !t was a
ri#icu"ous"y "on/ shot,
0he (arker ca(e up re#3 the car#s shifte#, Des #i#n't e1en ha1e to "ook at his han#* he knew,
2e stare# ri/ht into the ensi/n's eyes, 7<o(in/ up,7
0he ensi/n "ooke# #own at his own han# to see what the switch ha# /i1en hi( an# be/an to "au/h
so har# he cou"# bare"y show his han#, 2e ha# the two of f"asks$ the three of f"asks ,,, an# the !#iot=
0here were /asps of surprise an# (ur(urs of #isbe"ief fro( the crow#, 72ow #o you "ike that one$
boys97 he cack"e#, 7!#iot's array on the switch=7
2e stoo# up$ reachin/ out for the stack of chips on the s(a"" pe#esta" that sat in the center of the
tab"e representin/ the sabacc pot,
Des whippe# his han# out an# sna//e# the youn/ (an's wrist in a /rip as co"# an# har# as
#urastee"$ then f"ippe# o1er his own car#s, 0he entire cantina beca(e si"ent as a to(b3 the ensi/n's
"au/hter #ie# in his throat, . secon# "ater he pu""e# his han# free an# sat back #own$ #u(bfoun#e#,
&ro( the far e#/e of the tab"e so(ebo#y "et out a "on/$ "ow whist"e of a(a4e(ent, 0he rest of the
crow# burst into noise,
7,,, ne1er in (y "ife ,,,7
7,,, can't be"ie1e ,,,7
7, , statistica""y i(possib"e ,,,7
70wo i#iot's arrays in the sa(e han#97
0he <ar#Shark su((ari4e# the resu"t in the purest ana"ytica" fashion, 7We ha1e two p"ayers with
han#s of e6ua" 1a"ue, 0he han# wi"" be #eter(ine# by a su##en #e(ise,7
0he ensi/n #i#n't react with the sa(e kin# of ca"(, 7-ou stupi# (u#%crutch=7 he spat out$ his 1oice
stran/"e# with ra/e, 7;ow nobo#y's /oin/ to /et that sabacc pot=7 2is eyes bu"/e# out wi"#"y3 a
1ein was pu"sin/ on his forehea#, One of his fe""ow so"#iers ha# p"ace# a han# on his shou"#er$ as if
afrai# his frien# (i/ht "eap across the tab"e to try to choke the "ife out of the (iner on the other
si#e,
0he ensi/n was ri/ht* neither of the( wou"# be co""ectin/ the sabacc pot on this han#, !n a su##en
#e(ise each p"ayer was #ea"t one (ore car#$ an# the 1a"ue of the han#s was reca"cu"ate#, !f you ha#
the better han#$ you'# win ,,, but you wou"#n't /et the sabacc pot un"ess you score# twenty%three
e8act"y, 0hat$ howe1er$ see(e# i(possib"e* there were no (ore !#iots to #ea" out to preser1e an
i#iot's array$ an# no sin/"e car# ha# a 1a"ue hi/her than the .ce's fifteen,
;ot that Des care#, !t was enou/h to ha1e #estroye# his opponent's wi""3 to ha1e crushe# his hopes
an# robbe# hi( of his 1ictory, 2e cou"# fee" the ensi/n's hate$ an# he respon#e# to it, !t was "ike a
"i1in/ bein/ , an entity he cou"# #raw stren/th fro($ fue"in/ his own ra/in/ inferno, But Des #i#n't
put his e(otions out on #isp"ay for the rest of the crow# to see, 0he hate burnin/ in hi( was his
own pri1ate store$ a power ra/in/ insi#e hi( so fierce he fe"t it cou"# crack the wor"# if he "et it
escape,
0he #ea"er f"icke# out two car#s faceup for e1eryone to see, 0hey were both nines, Before anyone
e1en ha# ti(e to react the #roi# ha# reca"cu"ate# the han#$ #eter(ine# that the two p"ayers were sti""
tie#$ an# fire# out another car# to each of the(, 0he ensi/n took an ei/ht$ but Des /ot another nine,
!#iot$ two$ three$ nine$ nine ,,, twenty%three=
2e reache# out s"ow"y an# tappe# his car#s$ whisperin/ a sin/"e wor# to his opponent* 7Sabacc,7
0he so"#ier went ba""istic, 2e "eapt up$ /rabbe# the un#ersi#e of the tab"e with both han#s$ an# /a1e
a (i/hty hea1e, On"y the wei/ht of the tab"e an# the bui"t%in stabi"i4ers kept it fro( f"ippin/ o1er$
thou/h it rocke# an# s"a((e# back into the /roun# with a #eafenin/ crash, ."" the #rinks on it
spi""e# o1er3 a"e an# "u( washe# across the e"ectronic car#s$ causin/ the( to spark an# short out,
7Sir$ p"ease #on't touch the tab"e$7 the <ar#Shark i(p"ore# in a pitifu" 1oice,
7Shut up$ you hunk of ruste# scrap (eta"=7 0he ensi/n /rabbe# one of the o1erturne# (u/s fro( the
tab"e an# hur"e# it at the #roi#, !t connecte# with a rin/in/ thu#, 0he #roi# stu(b"e# back an# fe""
o1er,
0he ensi/n thrust a fin/er at Des, 7-ou cheate#= ;obo#y /ets sabacc on a su##en #e(ise= ;ot
un"ess he cheats=7
Des #i#n't say anythin/3 he #i#n't e1en stan# up, But his (usc"es were brace# in case the so"#ier
(a#e a (o1e,
0he ensi/n turne# back to the #roi# as it rose shaki"y to its feet, 7-ou're in on it=7 2e threw another
(u/ at it$ connectin/ a/ain an# #roppin/ the #roi# a secon# ti(e, 0wo of the other so"#iers trie# to
restrain hi($ but he shook free of their /rip, 2e spun aroun#$ wa1in/ his ar(s at the crow#, 7-ou're
a"" in on it= Dirty$ Sith%"o1in/ scu(= -ou hate the Repub"ic= -ou hate us, We know you #o, We
know=7
0he (iners pushe# in c"oser$ /ru(b"in/ an/ri"y, 0he ensi/n's insu"ts weren't far off the (ark3 there
were a "ot of ba# fee"in/s towar# the Repub"ic on .patros, .n# if he #i#n't watch his (outh$
so(ebo#y was /oin/ to show hi( :ust how stron/ those fee"in/s were,
7We /i1e our "i1es to protect you$ but you #on't /i1e a wobber= .ny chance to hu(i"iate us$ you
take it=7
2is frien#s ha# /rabbe# hi( a/ain$ tryin/ to wrest"e hi( out the #oor, But there was no way they
cou"# /et throu/h the crow# now, &ro( the "ooks on their faces$ the so"#iers were terrifie#, With
/oo# reason$ Des thou/ht, ;one of the( was ar(e#3 their b"asters were back on their ship, ;ow
they were trappe# in the center of a hosti"e crush of hea1i"y (usc"e# (iners who'# been #rinkin/ a""
ni/ht, .n# their frien# wou"#n't shut up,
7-ou shou"# /et #own on your knees an# thank us each an# e1ery ti(e we "an# on this ba"" of
bantha sweat you ca"" a p"anet= But you're too stupi# to know how "ucky you are to ha1e us on your
si#e= -ou're nothin/ but a bunch of fi"thy$ i""iterate%7
. "u( bott"e hur"e# anony(ous"y fro( the crow# struck hi( har# in the si#e of his hea#$ cuttin/ his
wor#s short, 2e #roppe# to the f"oor$ #ra//in/ his frien#s #own with hi(, Des stoo# (otion"ess as
a (ass of an/ry (iners sur/e#,
0he soun# of a b"aster cause# e1eryone to free4e, Groshik ha# c"i(be# up onto the top of the bar$
his stunner a"rea#y char/in/ up to fire a/ain, But e1erybo#y knew the ne8t shot wou"#n't be ai(e#
at the cei"in/,
7We're c"ose#$7 he croake# as "ou# as his raspy 1oice cou"# (ana/e, 71erybo#y /et out of (y
cantina=7
0he (iners be/an to back off$ an# the so"#iers stoo# up wari"y, 0he ensi/n swaye#$ the cut on his
forehea# b"ee#in/ into his eye,
7-ou three first$7 the ;ei(oi#ian sai# to the ensi/n an# the so"#iers who supporte# hi(, 2e wa1e#
the barre" of his weapon (enacin/"y aroun# the roo(, 7<"ear a path, Get the( out of here,7
1eryone but the so"#iers re(aine# fro4en, 0his wasn't the first ti(e Groshik ha# whippe# out the
stunner, 0he B"as0ech <S%AA &irespray stun rif"e was one of the finest non"etha" crow#%contro"
#e1ices on the (arket$ capab"e of incapacitatin/ (u"tip"e tar/ets with a sin/"e shot, +ore than a few
of the (iners ha# fe"t the bruta" force of its wi#e%bea( b"ast ren#erin/ the( unconscious, &ro(
persona" e8perience Des cou"# attest to the fact that it wasn't a pain anyone was "ike"y to for/et,
Once the Repub"ic crew 1anishe# into the ni/ht$ the rest of the crow# be/an to (o1e s"ow"y towar#
the #oor, Des fe"" into step with the (asses$ but as he passe# the bar Groshik pointe# the b"aster
ri/ht at hi(,
7;ot you, -ou stay put,7
Des #i#n't (o1e a (i""i(eter unti" a"" the others were /one, 2e wasn't scare#3 he #i#n't think
Groshik wou"# rea""y fire, Sti""$ he saw no a#1anta/e in /i1in/ hi( a reason to,
On"y after the "ast patron ha# "eft an# c"ose# the #oor #i# Groshik "ower his ar(, 2e c"a(bere#
#own awkwar#"y fro( the bar an# set the rif"e on the tab"e$ then turne# to Des,
7! fi/ure# it was safer to keep you here with (e for a bit$7 he e8p"aine#, 70hose so"#iers were pretty
(a#, 0hey (i/ht be waitin/ for you on the wa"k ho(e,7
Des s(i"e#, 7! #i#n't fi/ure you were (a# at (e$7 he sai#,
Groshik snorte#, 7Oh$ !'( (a# at you, 0hat's why you're /oin/ to he"p (e c"ean up this (ess,7
Des si/he# an# shook his hea# in (ock e8asperation, 7-ou saw what happene#$ Groshik, ! was :ust
an innocent bystan#er,7
Groshik wasn't in any (oo# to hear it, 7)ust start pickin/ up the chairs$7 he (uttere#,
With the he"p of the <ar#Shark%at "east it was /oo# for so(ethin/ besi#es #ea"in/$ Des thou/ht%they
finishe# c"eanin/ up in :ust o1er an hour, When they were #one the #roi# wa##"e# out on shaky
"e/s$ hea#in/ towar# the (aintenance faci"ities for repairs, Before it "eft$ Des (a#e sure his sabacc
winnin/s ha# been cre#ite# to his account,
;ow that it was :ust the two of the($ Groshik (otione# Des o1er to the bar$ /rabbe# a coup"e of
/"asses$ an# took a bott"e #own fro( the she"f,
7<orty/ bran#y$7 he sai#$ pourin/ the( each ha"f a /"ass, 7Direct fro( Kashyyyk, ;ot the har# stuff
the Wookiees #rink$ thou/h, +i"#er, S(oother, +ore ta(e,7
Des took a sip an# near"y choke# as the fiery "i6ui# burne# its way #own his throat, 70his is ta(e9
!'# hate to see what the Wookiees #rink=7
Groshik shru//e#, 7What #o you e8pect9 0hey're Wookiees,7
With his secon# sip$ Des was (ore carefu", 2e "et it ro"" across his ton/ue$ sa1orin/ the rich f"a1or,
70his is /oo#$ Groshik, .n# e8pensi1e$ ! bet, What's the occasion97
7-ou ha# 6uite a #ay, ! thou/ht you cou"# use it,7
Des #raine# his /"ass, Groshik fi""e# hi( up ha"fway$ then corke# the bott"e an# set it back on the
she"f,
7!'( worrie# about you$7 the ;ei(oi#ian raspe#, 7Worrie# about what happene# in the fi/ht with
Ger#,7
72e #i#n't /i1e (e (uch choice,7
0he ;ei(o#ian no##e#, 7! know$ ! know, Sti"" , , , you bit off his thu(b, .n# toni/ht you near"y
starte# a riot in (y bar,7
72ey$ ! :ust wante# to p"ay car#s$7 Des proteste#, 7!t's not (y fau"t thin/s /ot out of han#,7
7+aybe$ (aybe not, ! saw you toni/ht, -ou were /oa#in/ that so"#ier$ p"ayin/ hi( "ike you p"ay
e1eryone who sits #own a/ainst you, -ou push the($ twist the($ (ake the( #ance "ike puppets on
a strin/, But this ti(e you ne1er "et up, 1en when you ha# the a#1anta/e$ you kept pushin/, -ou
wante# hi( to /o off "ike that,7
7.re you sayin/ ! p"anne# this who"e thin/97 Des "au/he#, 7<o(e on$ Groshik, !t was the car#s that
set hi( off, -ou know ! wasn't cheatin/%it's :ust not possib"e, 2ow cou"# ! contro" what car#s were
#ea"t97
7!t was (ore than the car#s$ Des$7 Groshik sai#$ his /ra1e""y 1oice #roppin/ so "ow that Des ha# to
"ean in c"ose to hear, 7-ou were an/ry$ Des, +ore an/ry than !'1e e1er seen you before, ! cou"# fee"
it fro( a"" the way across the roo($ "ike so(ethin/ in the air, We cou"# a"" fee" it,
70he crow# turne# u/"y in a hurry$ Des, !t was "ike they were fee#in/ off your ra/e an# your hate,
-ou were pro:ectin/ wa1es of e(otion$ a stor( of an/er an# fury, 1eryone e"se :ust kin# of /ot
swept up in it* the crow#$ that so"#ier , , , e1erybo#y, 1en (e, !t was a"" ! cou"# #o to ai( that first
shot fro( (y b"aster at the cei"in/, 1ery instinct in (y bo#y was te""in/ (e to fire it into the
crow#, ! wante# to take the( a"" #own an# "ea1e the( writhin/ in pain,7
Des cou"#n't be"ie1e his ears, 7Listen to what you're sayin/$ Groshik, !t's cra4y, -ou know !
wou"#n't #o that, ! cou"#n't #o that, ;obo#y cou"#,7
Groshik reache# up a "on/ $ thin han# an# patte# Des on the shou"#er, 7! know you'# ne1er #o it on
purpose$ Des, .n# ! know how cra4y it soun#s, But there was so(ethin/ #ifferent about you
toni/ht, -ou /a1e in to your e(otions$ an# it un"eashe# so(ethin/ , , , stran/e, So(ethin/
#an/erous,7
Groshik tosse# his hea# back an# #raine# the "ast of his corty/$ shu##erin/ as it went #own, 7)ust
watch yourse"f$ Des, P"ease, !'1e /ot a ba# fee"in/,7
7Be carefu"$ Groshik$7 Des rep"ie# with another "au/h, 7;ei(oi#ians aren't known for re"yin/ on
their fee"in/s, !t's not /oo# for business,7 Groshik stu#ie# hi( carefu""y for a (o(ent$ then no##e#
weari"y, 70rue, +aybe !'( :ust tire#, ! shou"# /et so(e s"eep, .n# so shou"# you,7
0hey shook han#s$ an# Des "eft the cantina,
<hapter E
0he streets of .patros were #ark, ORO char/e# such hi/h rates for power that e1eryone turne# off
a"" their "i/hts when they went to be#$ an# toni/ht the (oon was on"y the barest s"i1er in the sky,
0here wasn't e1en the cantina's /"ow to /ui#e hi(* Groshik ha# shut off the "i/hts on its wa""s an#
#o(e unti" he opene# the ne8t #ay, Des staye# in the (i##"e of the street$ tryin/ to a1oi# barkin/
his shins on the #ebris hi##en in the #arker sha#ows a"on/ the e#/es,
-et so(ehow$ #espite the near%abso"ute #arkness$ he saw the( co(in/,
!t was a sp"it secon# before it happene#$ a sense that #an/er was co(in/ ,,, an# where it was
co(in/ fro(, 0hree si"houettes "eapt at hi($ two co(in/ hea#%on an# another attackin/ fro(
behin#, 2e #ucke# forwar# :ust in ti(e$ fee"in/ the (eta" pipe that wou"# ha1e cracke# his sku""
an# knocke# hi( co"# swipin/ throu/h the air a hairbrea#th abo1e hi(, 2e poppe# back up as it
passe# an# "ashe# out with a fist$ #ri1in/ into the feature"ess hea# of the nearest fi/ure, 2e was
rewar#e# with the sick crunch of carti"a/e an# bone,
2e #ucke# a/ain$ this ti(e to the si#e$ an# the pipe that wou"# ha1e braine# hi( s6uare between the
eyes thu(pe# #own har# across his "eft shou"#er, 2e sta//ere# to the si#e$ #ri1en by the force of
the b"ow, But in the #arkness it took a (o(ent for his opponents to "ocate hi($ an# by then he ha#
re/aine# his ba"ance,
0hrou/h the /"oo( he cou"# :ust (ake out the 1a/ue out"ines of his attackers, 0he one he'# punche#
was s"ow"y stan#in/ up3 the other two stoo# wary an# rea#y, 2e #i#n't ha1e to see their faces to
know who they were* the ensi/n an# the two so"#iers who'# ha"f carrie# the (an fro( the cantina,
Des cou"# s(e"" the reek of <ore""ian a"e waftin/ up at hi($ confir(in/ their i#entities, 0hey (ust
ha1e waite# outsi#e the cantina an# fo""owe# hi( unti" they thou/ht they cou"# /et the :u(p on
hi(, 0hat was /oo#* it (eant they ha#n't /one back to their ship to /et their b"asters,
0hey ca(e at hi( a/ain$ rushin/ hi( a"" at once, 0hey ha# the nu(bers an# (onths of (i"itary
han#%to%han# co(bat trainin/ on their si#e3 Des ha# stren/th$ si4e$ an# years of bare%knuck"e
braw"in/ on his, But in the #arkness$ none of that rea""y (attere#,
Des (et their char/e hea#%on$ an# a"" four co(batants tu(b"e# to the /roun#, Punches an# kicks
"an#e# without any thou/ht /i1en to tar/et or strate/y* the b"in# fi/htin/ the b"in#, ach b"ow he
"an#e# brou/ht a satisfyin/ /runt or /roan fro( his opponents$ but his en:oy(ent was "i(ite# by the
pu((e"in/ his own bo#y was en#urin/,
!t #i#n't (atter if his eyes were open or c"ose#$ he cou"#n't see a thin/, 2e reacte# on instinct3 aches
an# pains were washe# away in the #arkness by the a#rena"ine pu(pin/ throu/h his 1eins,
.n# then su##en"y he saw so(ethin/, So(eone ha# #rawn a 1ibrob"a#e, !t was sti"" b"ack as the
heart of the (ines #urin/ a ca1e%in$ yet Des cou"# see the b"a#e c"ear"y$ as if it /"owe# with an inner
fire, !t stabbe# towar# hi( an# he /rabbe# the wrist of the wie"#er$ twistin/ it back an# #ri1in/ it
towar# the #ark (ass fro( which it ha# appeare#, 0here was a sharp cry an# then a chokin/ /ur/"e$
an# su##en"y the burnin/ b"a#e in his 1ision winke# out$ the threat e8tin/uishe#,
0he (ass of bo#ies entwine# with his 6uick"y untan/"e#$ two of the( sca(perin/ c"ear, 0he thir#
was (otion"ess, . secon# "ater he hear# the c"ick of a "u(a switchin/ on$ an# he was (o(entari"y
b"in#e# by its bea( of "i/ht, yes s6uee4e# shut$ he hear# a /asp,
72e's #ea#=7 one of the so"#iers e8c"ai(e#, 7-ou ki""e# hi(=7
Sha#in/ his eyes a/ainst the i""u(ination$ Des /"ance# #own to see e8act"y what he'# e8pecte#* the
ensi/n "yin/ on his back$ the 1ibrob"a#e p"un/e# #eep into his chest,
0he "u(a f"icke# off$ an# Des brace# hi(se"f for another assau"t, !nstea# he hear# the soun#s of
footsteps f"eein/ in the ni/ht$ hea#in/ towar# the #ockin/ pa#s,
Des "ooke# #own at the bo#y$ p"annin/ to /rab the /"owin/ b"a#e an# use its "i/ht to /ui#e hi(
throu/h the #arkness, But the b"a#e wasn't /"owin/ now, !n fact$ he rea"i4e#$ it ha# ne1er rea""y
/"owe# at a"", !t cou"#n't ha1e* 1ibrob"a#es weren't ener/y weapons, 0heir b"a#es were si(p"e
(eta",
0here were (ore pressin/ concerns than how he ha# seen the 1ibrob"a#e in the #arkness$ howe1er,
.s soon as they reache# their ship$ the so"#iers wou"# report to their co((an#er$ who wou"# report
the inci#ent to the ORO authorities, ORO wou"# turn the p"anet upsi#e #own "ookin/ for hi(, Des
#i#n't "ike his chances, !t wou"# be the wor# of a (iner%one with a history of braw"s an# 1io"ence$ at
that%a/ainst two Repub"ic na1a" so"#iers, ;o one wou"# be"ie1e it ha# been an act of se"f%#efense,
.n# ha# it been$ rea""y9 2e ha# seen the b"a#e co(in/, <ou"# he ha1e #isar(e# his opponent
without ki""in/ hi(9 Des shook his hea#, 2e #i#n't ha1e ti(e for /ui"t or re/rets, ;ot now, 2e ha#
to fin# so(ewhere safe to hi#e out,
2e cou"#n't /o back to his barracks* that was the first p"ace they'# "ook, 2e'# ne1er reach the (ines
on foot before #aybreak$ an# there was nowhere on the open wastes he cou"# hi#e once the sun
ca(e up, 0here was on"y one option$ one hope, 1entua""y they'# /o "ookin/ for hi( there$ too, But
he ha# nowhere e"se to /o,
Groshik (ust ha1e sti"" been awake$ because he answere# the #oor on"y secon#s after Des be/an
poun#in/ on it, 0he ;ei(oi#ian took one "ook at the b"oo# on the youn/ (an's han#s an# shirt an#
/rabbe# hi( by the s"ee1e,
7Get in here=7 he croake#$ yankin/ Des throu/h the #oor an# s"a((in/ it shut behin# hi(, 7.re
you hurt97
Des shook his hea#, 7! #on't think so, 0he b"oo# isn't (ine,7
0akin/ a step back$ the ;ei(oi#ian "ooke# hi( up an# #own, 70here's a "ot of it, 0oo (uch, S(e""s
hu(an,7
When Des #i#n't rep"y$ Groshik 1enture# a /uess, 7Ger#'s97
.nother shake of the hea#, 70he ensi/n$7 Des sai#,
Groshik #roppe# his hea# an# swore un#er his breath, 7Who knows9 .re the authorities after you97
7;ot yet, Soon,7 0hen$ as if tryin/ to :ustify his actions$ he a##e#$ 70here were three of the($
Groshik, On"y one's #ea#,7
2is o"# frien# no##e# sy(pathetica""y, 7!'( sure he ha# it co(in/, )ust "ike Ger#, But that #oesn't
chan/e the facts, . Repub"ic so"#ier is #ea# ,,, an# you're the one who's /oin/ to take the b"a(e,7
0he cantina owner "e# Des o1er to the bar an# brou/ht #own the bott"e of corty/ bran#y, Without
sayin/ a wor#$ he poure# the( each a #rink, 0his ti(e he #i#n't stop at ha"f /"asses,
7!'( sorry ! ca(e here$7 Des sai#$ #esperate to break the unco(fortab"e si"ence, 7! #i#n't (ean to
/et you (i8e# up in this,7
7Gettin/ (i8e# up in thin/s #oesn't bother (e$7 Groshik reassure# hi( with a co(fortin/ pat on his
ar(, 7!'( :ust tryin/ to fi/ure a way to /et us out of this now, Let (e think,7
0hey #owne# their /"asses, !t was a"" Des cou"# #o to keep fro( panickin/3 with each passin/
secon# he e8pecte# a #o4en (en in ORO bo#y ar(or to crash #own the cantina's #oor, .fter what
see(e# "ike hours$ but was probab"y on"y a (inute or two$ Groshik be/an to ta"k, 2e spoke soft"y$
an# Des wasn't sure if the ;ei(oi#ian was a##ressin/ hi( or (ere"y ta"kin/ out "ou# to he"p
hi(se"f think,
7-ou can't stay here, ORO can't affor# to "ose their Repub"ic contracts, 0hey'"" turn the who"e
co"ony upsi#e #own to fin# you, We ha1e to /et you offwor"#,7 2e pause#, 7But by (ornin/$ your
picture wi"" be on e1ery 1i#screen in Repub"ic space, <han/in/ your "ooks won't he"p (uch, 1en
with a wi/ or facia" prosthetics you ten# to stan# out in a crow#, So that (eans we ha1e to /et you
out of Repub"ic space, .n# that (eans $ , ,7 Groshik trai"e# off,
Des waite# e8pectant"y,
70hose thin/s you sai# toni/ht$7 Groshik 1enture#$ 7about the Sith an# the Repub"ic, Di# you (ean
it9 Di# you rea""y (ean it97
7! #on't know, ! /uess so,7
0here was another "on/ pause$ as if the barten#er was /atherin/ hi(se"f, 72ow wou"# you fee"
about :oinin/ the Sith97 he su##en"y b"urte# out,
Des was cau/ht co(p"ete"y off /uar#, 7What97
7! know , , , peop"e, ! can /et you offwor"#, 0oni/ht, But these peop"e aren't "ookin/ for passen/ers*
the Sith nee# so"#iers, 0hey're a"ways recruitin/$ :ust "ike those Repub"ic officers toni/ht,7
Des shook his hea#, 7! #on't be"ie1e this, -ou work for the Sith9 -ou a"ways sai# ne1er to take
si#es=7
7! #on't work for the Sith$7 Groshik snappe#, 7! :ust know peop"e who #o, ! know peop"e who work
for the Repub"ic$ too, But they're not /oin/ to be (uch he"p in this situation, So ! nee# to know$
Des, !s this so(ethin/ you want97
7! #on't ha1e a "ot of other options$7 Des (u(b"e# in rep"y,
7+aybe$ (aybe not, !f you stay here$ the ORO authorities are sure to fin# you, 0his wasn't a co"#%
b"oo#e# (ur#er, 0he :u#iciary probab"y won't "et you /et off by p"ea#in/ se"f%#efense$ but they'""
ha1e to a#(it there were e8tenuatin/ circu(stances, -ou'"" ser1e ti(e on one of the pena" co"onies%
fi1e$ (aybe si8 years%an# then you're a free (an,7
7Or ! :oin the Sith,7
Groshik no##e#, 7Or you :oin the Sith, But if !'( /oin/ to he"p you #o this$ ! want to be sure you
know what you're /ettin/ into,7
Des thou/ht about it$ but not for "on/, 7!'1e spent (y entire "ife tryin/ to /et off this hunk of rock$7
he sai# s"ow"y, 7!f ! /o to a prison wor"#$ !'( tra#in/ one barren$ b"aste# p"anet for another, ;o
#ifferent than stayin/ ri/ht here,
7!f ! :oin the Sith$ at "east !'( out fro( un#er ORO's thu(b, .n# you hear# what that Repub"ic
co((an#er sai# about the(, 0he Sith respect stren/th, ! think !'"" be ab"e to ho"# (y own,7
7! #on't #oubt that$7 Groshik conce#e#, 7But #on't #is(iss e1erythin/ e"se that co((an#er sai#, 2e
was ri/ht about the Brotherhoo# of Darkness, 0hey can be ruth"ess an# crue", 0hey brin/ out the
worst in so(e peop"e, ! #on't want you to fa"" into that trap,7
7&irst you te"" (e to :oin the Sith$7 Des sai#$ 7now you're warnin/ (e a/ainst :oinin/ the(, What's
/oin/ on97
0he ;ei(oi#ian /a1e a "on/$ /ur/"in/ si/h, 7-ou're ri/ht$ Des, 0he #ecision is (a#e, Gri( fate an#
i"" fortune ha1e conspire# a/ainst you, !t's not "ike sabacc3 you can't fo"# a ba# han#, !n "ife you :ust
p"ay the car#s you're #ea"t,7 2e turne# away$ hea#in/ for the s(a"" stairs at the back of the cantina,
7<o(e on, !n a few hours$ after they'1e searche# the housin/ units in the co"ony$ they'"" start
searchin/ the starport for you, We ha1e to hurry if we want to /et you safe"y hi##en away on one of
the frei/ht cruisers before then,7
Des reache# out across the bar an# /rabbe# Groshik's shou"#er, Groshik turne# to face hi($ an# Des
c"aspe# the ;ei(oi#ian's "on/$ s"en#er forear(,
70hank you$ o"# frien#, ! won't for/et this,7
7! know you won't$ Des,7 0hou/h the wor#s were kin#$ there was an un(istakab"e sorrow in the
/ra1e""y 1oice,
Des re"ease# his /rip$ fee"in/ awkwar#$ asha(e#$ scare#$ /ratefu"$ an# e8cite# a"" at the sa(e ti(e,
2e fe"t "ike he nee#e# to say so(ethin/ e"se$ so he a##e#$ 7!'"" (ake this up to you so(ehow, 0he
ne8t ti(e we (eet%7
7-our "ife here is o1er$ Des$7 Groshik sai#$ cuttin/ hi( off, 70here won't be a ne8t ti(e, ;ot for us,7
0he ;ei(oi#ian shook his hea#, 7! #on't know what's ahea# of you$ but ! /et the fee"in/ it isn't
/oin/ to be easy, Don't count on others for he"p, !n the en# each of us is in this a"one, 0he sur1i1ors
are those who know how to "ook out for the(se"1es,7
With that he turne# away$ his feet shuff"in/ brisk"y across the cantina's f"oor as he hea#e# to the
back e8it, Des hesitate# a (o(ent$ Groshik's wor#s burnin/ into his (in#$ then rushe# off to
fo""ow,
2u##"e# in the ho"# of the ship$ Des trie# to /et co(fortab"e, 2e'# been cra((e# into the s(a""
s(u//"er's hatch for near"y an hour, !t was a ti/ht fit for a (an of his si4e,
0wenty (inutes ear"ier he ha# hear# an ORO patro" co(e to inspect the ship, 0hey ha# (a#e a
cursory search3 not fin#in/ the fu/iti1e they were seekin/$ they ha# "eft, . few secon#s "ater the
captain$ a Ro#ian pi"ot$ ha# rappe# har# on the pane" keepin/ Des hi##en,
7-ou stay unti" en/ines /o$7 he ha# ca""e# in passab"e /a"actic Basic, 7We take off$ you co(e out,
;ot before,7
Des ha#n't reco/ni4e# hi( when he'# c"i(be# aboar#3 he ha# "ooke# "ike any other Ro#ian he'#
e1er seen, )ust another in#epen#ent frei/hter captain pickin/ up a "oa# of cortosis$ hopin/ to se"" it
on so(e other wor"# for enou/h profit to keep his ship f"yin/ another few (onths,
!f ORO ha# offere# a rewar# for Des's capture$ the captain probab"y wou"# ha1e so"# hi( out, 0hat
(eant the ORO (ana/ers ha#n't put a price on his hea#, 0hey were (ore worrie# about payin/ out
a bounty than "ettin/ a fu/iti1e escape Repub"ic :ustice, !t wasn't i(portant that they foun# hi($ as
"on/ as they cou"# show the Repub"ic they ha# trie#, Groshik (ust ha1e rea"i4e# a"" this when he
(a#e the arran/e(ents to s(u//"e Des aboar#,
0he hi/h%pitche# whine of the en/ines powerin/ up cause# Des to brace hi(se"f a/ainst the wa""s of
his c"ose 6uarters, . few secon#s "ater the whine beca(e a #eafenin/ roar$ an# the ship "urche#
beneath hi(, 0he repu"sors fire#$ counterba"ancin/ the 1esse"$ an# Des fe"t the press of the /'s as the
ship took to the sky,
2e kicke# at the pane" once$ knockin/ it free$ an# untan/"e# hi(se"f fro( the hi#ey%ho"e, 0he
captain an# crew weren't aroun#3 they wou"# a"" be at their stations for "iftoff,
Des #i#n't know their #estination, ."" he knew was that at the en# of the trip a hu(an wo(an was
waitin/ to si/n hi( up for the Sith ar(y, .s before$ the thou/ht fi""e# hi( with a (i8 of e(otions,
&ear an# e8cite(ent #o(inate# a"" the others,
0here was a s"i/ht :ost"in/ of the ship as it broke at(osphere an# be/an to spee# away fro( the tiny
(inin/ wor"#, . few secon#s "ater Des fe"t an unfa(i"iar but un(istakab"e sur/e as they :u(pe# to
hyperspace,
. su##en sense of "iberation fi""e# his spirit, 2e was free, &or the first ti(e in his "ife$ he was
beyon# the /raspin/ reach of ORO an# its cortosis (ines, Groshik ha# sai# that /ri( fate an# i""
fortune were conspirin/ a/ainst hi($ but Des wasn't so sure now, 0hin/s ha#n't worke# out 6uite
the way he'# p"anne#%he was a fu/iti1e with the b"oo# of a Repub"ic so"#ier on his han#s%but he ha#
fina""y escape# .patros,
+aybe the car#s he'# been #ea"t weren't so ba#$ after a"", !n the en# he'# /otten the one thin/ he
wante# (ost, .n# when you ca(e ri/ht #own to it$ wasn't that the on"y thin/ that rea""y (attere#9
<hapter B
Phaseera's ye""ow sun was #irect"y o1erhea#$ bea(in/ #own across the "ush 1a""ey an# o1er the
:un/"e ca(p where Des an# his fe""ow Sith troopers waite#, Beneath the she"ter of a cy#era tree$
Des ran a 6uick syste( check on his 0<%>> b"aster rif"e to pass the ti(e, 0he power pack was fu""y
char/e#$ /oo# for fifty shots, 2is backup power pack checke# out$ too, 0he ai( was off :ust
s"i/ht"y$ a co((on prob"e( with a"" 0< (o#e"s, 0hey ha# /oo# ran/e an# power$ but o1er ti(e
their scopes cou"# "ose precise ca"ibration, . 6uick a#:ust(ent brou/ht it back into "ine,
2is han#s (o1e# with a 6uick confi#ence born of a thousan# repetitions, O1er the past twe"1e
(onths he'# /one throu/h the routine so (any ti(es he bare"y e1en ha# to think about it any(ore,
. pre%batt"e weapons check wasn't stan#ar# practice in the Sith (i"itia$ but it was a habit he'# /otten
into%one that ha# sa1e# his "ife on se1era" occasions, 0he Sith ar(y was /rowin/ so fast that supp"y
cou"#n't keep up with #e(an#, 0he best e6uip(ent was reser1e# for 1eterans an# officers$ whi"e
new recruits were force# to (ake #o with whate1er was a1ai"ab"e,
;ow that he was a ser/eant he cou"# ha1e re6ueste# a better (o#e"$ but the 0<%>> was the first
weapon he'# "earne# to fire an# he'# beco(e pretty /oo# with it, Des fi/ure# a "itt"e routine
(aintenance was a better option than "earnin/ to (aster the subt"e nuances of another weapon,
2is b"aster pisto"$ howe1er$ was top of the "ine, ;ot a"" Sith troopers were /i1en pisto"s* for (ost
so"#iers a (e#iu(%ran/e$ se(i%repeatin/ rif"e was weapon enou/h, 0hey'# probab"y be #ea# "on/
before they e1er /ot c"ose enou/h to their ene(y to use a pisto", But in the past year Des ha# pro1en
a #o4en ti(es o1er that he was (ore than :ust turret fo##er, So"#iers /oo# enou/h to sur1i1e the
initia" rush an# /et in ti/ht to the ene(y ranks nee#e# a weapon (ore suite# to c"ose%6uarters
fi/htin/,
&or Des that weapon was the GS!%>1D* the finest #isruptor pisto" (anufacture# by Ga"actic
So"utions !n#ustries, Opti(u( ran/e was on"y twenty (eters$ but within that #istance it was
capab"e of #isinte/ratin/ ar(or$ f"esh$ an# #roi# p"atin/ with e6ua" efficiency, 0he >1D was i""e/a"
in (ost Repub"ic%contro""e# sectors of the /a"a8y$ a testa(ent to its aweso(e #estructi1e potentia",
0he #isruptor's power pack carrie# on"y enou/h char/e for a #o4en shots$ but when he was eye%to%
eye with an opponent it rare"y took (ore than one,
2e s"i# the pisto" into the ho"ster c"ippe# to his be"t3 checke# the 1ibrob"a#e in his boot$ an# turne#
his attention to his troops, ."" aroun# hi( the (en an# wo(en of his unit were fo""owin/ his "ea#$
(akin/ si(i"ar inspections of their own e6uip(ent as they waite# for the or#ers, 2e cou"#n't he"p
but s(i"e3 he'# traine# the( we"",
2e'# :oine# the Sith ar(ies as a way to escape both prison an# .patros itse"f, But it ha#n't taken
hi( "on/ to actua""y /row fon# of the so"#ier's "ife, 0here was a ca(ara#erie a(on/ the (en an#
wo(en who fou/ht at his si#e$ a bon# that 6uick"y e8ten#e# to inc"u#e Des hi(se"f, 2e'# ne1er fe"t
any connection to the (iners on .patros an# in#ee# ha# a"ways consi#ere# hi(se"f so(ethin/ of a
"oner, But in the (i"itary he'# foun# his true p"ace, 2e be"on/e# here with the troops, 2is troops,
Senior 0rooper .#anar notice# his /a4e an# respon#e# by thu(pin/ a c"ose# fist "i/ht"y a/ainst his
chest twice$ :ust o1er his heart, !t was a /esture known on"y to (e(bers of the unit* a pri1ate si/n
for "oya"ty an# fi#e"ity$ a sy(bo" of the bon# they a"" share#,
Des returne# the /esture, 2e an# .#anar ha# been in the sa(e unit since #ay one of their (i"itary
careers, 0he recruiter ha# si/ne# the( up to/ether an# assi/ne# the( both to the G"oo( Wa"kers$
Lieutenant U"abore's unit,
.#anar picke# up his rif"e an# sauntere# o1er to where his frien# was sittin/, 7-ou fi/ure we're
/oin/ to nee# that #isruptor pisto" of yours anyti(e soon$ Sar/e97
7;o har( in bein/ prepare#$7 Des rep"ie#$ whippin/ out the #isruptor an# /i1in/ it a spinnin/
f"ourish before returnin/ it to its ho"ster,
7! wish they'# /i1e us the /o%ahea# a"rea#y$7 .#anar /ru(b"e#, 7We'1e been in position for two
#ays now, 2ow "on/ are they /oin/ to wait97
Des shru//e#, 7We can't /o unti" they're rea#y to (o1e in with the (ain force, We /o too ear"y an#
the p"an fa""s apart,7
0he G"oo( Wa"kers ha# earne# 6uite a reputation o1er the past year, 0hey'# been in scores of
batt"es on ha"f a #o4en wor"#s$ an# they'# taste# far (ore than their share of 1ictories, 0hey'# /one
fro( bein/ one of a thousan# e8pen#ab"e front%"ine units to e"ite troops reser1e# for critica"
(issions, Ri/ht now they were the key to capturin/ the (anufacturin/ wor"# of Phaseera%if
so(eone wou"# :ust /i1e the( the or#er to /o, Unti" then they were stuck in this :un/"e ca(p an
hour's (arch away fro( their ob:ecti1e, 0hey'# been here on"y a coup"e of #ays$ but it was a"rea#y
be/innin/ to take its to"",
.#anar be/an to pace, Des sat ca"("y in the sha#e$ watchin/ hi( (arch back an# forth,
7Don't wear yourse"f out$7 he sai# after a (inute, 7We're not /oin/ anywhere unti" ni/htfa"" at the
ear"iest, -ou (i/ht as we"" /et co(fortab"e,7
.#anar stoppe# pacin/$ but he #i#n't sit #own, 7Lieutenant says this is /oin/ to be easy as a
spicerun$7 he sai#$ tryin/ to keep his 1oice casua", 7-ou fi/ure he's ri/ht97
Lieutenant U"abore ha# recei1e# (any acco"a#es for the success of his troops$ but e1eryone in the
unit knew who was rea""y in char/e when the b"aster bo"ts starte# f"yin/,
0hat fact ha# beco(e painfu""y c"ear near"y a year before back on Kashyyyk$ where Des an#
.#anar ha# seen their first action, 0he Brotherhoo# of Darkness ha# trie# to secure a footho"# in the
+i# Ri( by in1a#in/ the syste($ sen#in/ in wa1e after wa1e of troops to capture the resource%rich
ho(ewor"# of the Wookiees, But the p"anet was a Repub"ic stron/ho"# an# they weren't about to
retreat$ no (atter how ba#"y outnu(bere#,
When the Sith f"eet first "an#e#$ their ene(ies si(p"y 1anishe# into the forest, 0he in1asion turne#
into a war of attrition$ a "on/$ #rawn%out ca(pai/n fou/ht a(on/ the branches of the wroshyr trees
hi/h abo1e the p"anet's surface, 0he Sith troopers weren't use# to fi/htin/ in the treetops$ an# the
thick fo"ia/e an# kshyy 1ines of the forest canopy pro1i#e# perfect co1er for the Repub"ic so"#iers
an# their Wookiee /ui#es to "aunch a(bushes an# /uerri""a rai#s, 0housan#s upon thousan#s of the
in1a#ers were wipe# out$ (ost #yin/ without e1en seein/ the opponent who ha# fire# the fata"
shot ,,, but the Sith +asters :ust kept sen#in/ (ore troops in,
0he G"oo( Wa"kers were part of the secon# wa1e of reinforce(ents, Durin/ their first batt"e they
were separate# fro( the (ain "ines$ cut off fro( the rest of the ar(y, ."one an# surroun#e# by
ene(ies$ Lieutenant U"abore panicke#, Without #irect or#ers$ he ha# no i#ea what to #o to keep his
unit a"i1e, &ortunate"y$ Des was there to step in an# sa1e their hi#es,
&or starters$ he cou"# sense the ene(y e1en when he cou"#n't see the(, So(ehow he :ust knew
where they were, 2e cou"#n't e8p"ain it$ but he'# stoppe# tryin/ to e8p"ain his uni6ue ta"ents "on/
a/o, ;ow he :ust trie# to use the( to his best a#1anta/e, With Des as their /ui#e$ the G"oo(
Wa"kers were ab"e to a1oi# the traps an# a(bushes as they s"ow"y worke# their way back to re:oin
the (ain force, !t took three #ays an# ni/hts$ count"ess brief but #ea#"y batt"es$ an# a see(in/"y
en#"ess (arch throu/h ene(y territory$ but they (a#e it, 0hrou/h a"" the fi/htin/$ the unit "ost on"y
a han#fu" of so"#iers$ an# the troops who (a#e it back knew they owe# their "i1es to Des,
0he story of the G"oo( Wa"kers beca(e a ra""yin/ point for the rest of the Sith ar(y$ raisin/ (ora"e
that ha# beco(e #an/erous"y "ow, !f a sin/"e unit cou"# sur1i1e for three #ays on its own$ they
reasone#$ then sure"y a thousan# units cou"# win the war, !n the en# it took a"(ost two thousan#
units$ but Kashyyyk fina""y fe"",
.s "ea#er of the heroic G"oo( Wa"kers$ Lieutenant U"abore was /i1en a specia" co((en#ation, 2e
ne1er bothere# to (ention that Des was rea""y the one responsib"e, Sti""$ he'# been s(art enou/h to
pro(ote Des to ser/eant, .n# he knew enou/h to stay out of the way when thin/s /ot hot,
7So97 .#anar repeate#, 7What's the wor#$ Des9 When they fina""y /i1e us the /o$ is this (ission
/oin/ to be a spicerun97
70he "ieutenant's :ust sayin/ what he thinks we a"" want to hear,7
7! know that$ Des, 0hat's why !'( ta"kin/ to you, ! want to know what we're rea""y in for,7
Des thou/ht about it for a few (o(ents, 0hey were ho"e# up in the :un/"e on the e#/e of a narrow
1a""ey%the on"y route into Phaseera's capita" city$ where the Repub"ic ar(y ha# set up its base ca(p,
On a nearby hi"" o1er"ookin/ the 1a""ey was a Repub"ic outpost, !f the Sith trie# to (o1e troops
throu/h the 1a""ey$ e1en at ni/ht$ the outpost was sure to spot the(, 0hey'# si/na" ahea# to the base
ca(p so their #efenses wou"# be up an# fu""y operationa" "on/ before the ene(y e1er reache# the(,
0he G"oo( Wa"kers' (ission was si(p"e* e"i(inate the outpost so the rest of the ar(y cou"# "aunch
a surprise attack on the Repub"ic base ca(p, 0hey ha# interference bo8es%short%ran/e :a((in/
e6uip(ent they cou"# use to keep the outpost fro( trans(ittin/ a si/na" to warn the (ain ca(p%but
they'# ha1e to hit the( fast, 0he outpost reporte# each #ay at #awn$ an# if the G"oo( Wa"kers
struck too soon$ the Repub"ic wou"# rea"i4e so(ethin/ was wron/ when the #ai"y report #i#n't co(e
in,
0he ti(in/ was critica", 0hey'# ha1e to take the( out :ust before the (ain force entere# the area,
0hat wou"# "ea1e a few hours to cross the 1a""ey an# catch the base ca(p unprepare#, !t was #oab"e$
but on"y if e1erythin/ was coor#inate# perfect"y, 0he G"oo( Wa"kers were in p"ace$ but the (ain
force wasn't rea#y to (ake its (o1e yet ,,, an# so they waite#,
7!'( worrie#$7 Des fina""y conce#e#, 70akin/ that outpost won't be easy, Once we /et the /o%ahea#
there's no (ar/in for error, We ha1e to be perfect, !f they'1e /ot any surprises waitin/ for us$ we
cou"# be in troub"e,7
.#anar spit on the /roun#, 7! knew it= -ou'1e /ot a ba# fee"in/$ #on't you9 0his is 2sskhor a"" o1er
a/ain=7
2sskhor ha# been a #isaster, .fter Kashyyyk fe""$ the sur1i1in/ Repub"ic so"#iers f"e# to the
nei/hborin/ wor"# of 0ran#osha, 0wenty units of Sith troopers$ inc"u#in/ the G"oo( Wa"kers$ were
sent in pursuit, 0hey cau/ht up to the Repub"ic sur1i1ors on the #esert p"ains outsi#e the city of
2sskhor,
. #ay of sa1a/e fi/htin/ "eft (any #ea# on both si#es$ but no #efiniti1e 1ictor, Des ha# been uneasy
throu/hout the batt"e$ thou/h at the ti(e he ha#n't been ab"e to say why, 2is unease ha# /rown as
ni/ht fe"" an# both si#es retreate# to opposite en#s of the batt"efie"# to re/roup, 0he 0ran#oshans
ha# struck a few hours "ater,
0he pitch%b"ack ni/ht wasn't a prob"e( for the repti"ian 0ran#oshans* they cou"# see into the
infrare# spectru(, 0hey see(e# to co(e out of nowhere$ (ateria"i4in/ fro( the #arkness "ike a
ni/ht(are /i1en substance,
Un"ike the Wookiees$ the 0ran#oshans weren't a""ie# with either si#e in the /a"actic ci1i" war, 0he
bounty hunters an# (ercenaries of 2sskhor cut a swath of #estruction throu/h the ranks of Repub"ic
an# Sith a"ike$ not carin/ who( they fou/ht :ust as "on/ as they ca(e away with trophies fro( their
ki""s,
Detai"s of the (assacre were ne1er officia""y re"ease#, Des ha# been at the 1ery center of the
carna/e$ an# e1en he cou"# bare"y piece to/ether what ha# happene#, 0he attack cau/ht the G"oo(
Wa"kers$ "ike e1ery other unit$ co(p"ete"y off /uar#, By the ti(e the sun rose near"y ha"f the Sith
troops ha# been cut #own, Des "ost a "ot of frien#s in the s"au/hter ,,, frien#s he (i/ht ha1e sa1e# if
he ha# pai# (ore attention to the #ark pre(onition he'# fe"t when he first set foot on that forsaken
#esert wor"#, .n# he 1owe# he'# ne1er "et the G"oo( Wa"kers /et cau/ht in a s"au/hter "ike that
a/ain,
!n the en# 2sskhor pai# a hea1y price for the a(bush, Reinforce(ents were sent in fro( Kashyyyk
to o1erwhe"( both the Repub"ic forces an# the 0ran#oshans, !t took "ess than a week for the Sith to
c"ai( 1ictory$ an# the once prou# city was sacke# an# ra4e# to the /roun#, +any of the
0ran#oshans si(p"y /a1e up the fi/ht to #efen# their ho(es an# offere# their ser1ices to their
con6uerors, 0hey were bounty hunters an# (ercenaries by tra#e$ an# hunters by nature, 0hey #i#n't
care who( they were workin/ for$ as "on/ as there was a chance to #o so(e (ore ki""in/, ;ee#"ess
to say$ the Sith ha# we"co(e# the( with open ar(s,
70his isn't /oin/ to be a repeat of 2sskhor$7 Des assure# his ner1ous co(panion, !t was true he ha#
an uneasy fee"in/ once a/ain, But this ti(e it was #ifferent, So(ethin/ bi/ was /oin/ to happen$ but
Des cou"#n't say for sure whether it wou"# be /oo# or ba#,
7<o(e on$ Des$7 .#anar presse#, 7Go ta"k to U"abore, 2e "istens to you so(eti(es,7
7.n# te"" hi( what97
.#anar threw his han#s up in e8asperation, 7! #on't know= 0e"" hi( about your ba# fee"in/, +ake
hi( /et on the co(( to 25 an# te"" the( to pu"" us back, Or con1ince the( to sen# us in= )ust #on't
"ea1e us sittin/ out here "ike a bunch of #ea# wo(p rats rottin/ in the sun=7
Before Des cou"# answer$ one of the :unior troopers$ a youn/ wo(an na(e# Lucia$ ran up an#
snappe# off a crisp sa"ute, 7Ser/eant= Lieutenant U"abore wants you to asse(b"e the troops by his
tent, 2e'"" a##ress the( in thirty (inutes$7 she sai#$ her 1oice earnest an# e8cite#,
Des f"ashe# a s(i"e at his frien#, 7! think we'1e fina""y /ot our or#ers,7
0he so"#iers stoo# at attention as the "ieutenant an# Des re1iewe# the troops, .s it a"ways #i#$ the
inspection consiste# of U"abore (o1in/ up an# #own the ranks$ no##in/ an# /i1in/ ha"f%(uttere#
appro1a"s, !t was (ost"y for show$ a chance for U"abore to fee" as if he ha# so(ethin/ to #o with the
success of a (ission,
Once they were #one$ the "ieutenant (arche# to the front of the co"u(n an# turne# to face the
troops, Des stoo# a"one in front of the unit$ his back to the( so he cou"# be face%to%face with his
superior officer,
71eryone here is fa(i"iar with our (ission ob:ecti1e$7 U"abore be/an$ his 1oice unusua""y hi/h%
pitche# an# "ou#, Des /uesse# he was tryin/ to soun# authoritati1e$ but it ca(e across as shri"",
7!'"" "ea1e the specifics of the (ission to the ser/eant here$7 he continue#, 7Our task is not an easy
one$ but the #ays of the G"oo( Wa"kers /ettin/ easy :obs are "on/ /one,
7! #on't ha1e (uch e"se to say3 ! know you're a"" as ea/er as ! a( to en# this point"ess waitin/,
0hat's why !'( happy to infor( you that we'1e been /i1en the or#er to (o1e out, We hit the
Repub"ic outpost in one hour=7
2orrifie# /asps an# "ou# whispers of #isbe"ief rose up fro( the ranks, U"abore steppe# back as if
he'# been s"appe#, 2e'# ob1ious"y been e8pectin/ cheers an# e8u"tation$ an# was ratt"e# by the
su##en an/er an# "ack of #iscip"ine,
7G"oo( Wa"kers$ ho"#=7 Des barke#, 2e steppe# up to the "ieutenant an# "owere# his 1oice, 7Sir$ are
you certain those were the or#ers9 +o1e in one hour9 .re you certain they #i#n't (ean one hour
after ni/htfa""97
7.re you 6uestionin/ (e$ Ser/eant97 U"abore snappe#$ (akin/ no atte(pt to keep his own 1oice
#own,
7;o$ sir, !t's :ust that if we "ea1e in one hour it'"" sti"" be "i/ht out, 0hey'"" see us co(in/,7
7By the ti(e they see us we'"" a"rea#y be c"ose enou/h to :a( their trans(itters$7 the "ieutenant
countere#, 70hey won't be ab"e to si/na" back to the base ca(p,7
7!t's not that$ sir, !t's the /unships, 0hey'1e /ot three repu"sorcraft e6uippe# with hea1y%repeatin/
f"ash cannons, !f we try to take the outpost #urin/ the #ay$ those thin/s wi"" (ow us #own fro( the
sky,7
7!t's a suici#e (ission=7 so(eone shoute# out fro( the ranks,
U"abore's eyes beca(e narrow s"its$ an# his face turne# re#, 70he (ain ar(y is (o1in/ out at #usk$
Ser/eant$7 he sai# throu/h ti/ht"y c"enche# teeth, 70hey want to cross the 1a""ey in #arkness an# hit
the Repub"ic base ca(p at first "i/ht,7
70hen there's no reason for us to (o1e so soon$7 Des rep"ie#$ stru//"in/ to re(ain ca"(, 7!f they
start at #usk$ it's /oin/ to take at "east three hours before they reach the 1a""ey fro( their current
position, 0hat /i1es us p"enty of ti(e to take the outpost #own before they /et here$ e1en if we wait
unti" after #ark*'
7!t's ob1ious you #on't un#erstan# what's rea""y /oin/ on$ Ser/eant,7 U"abore spoke as if ar/uin/
with a stubborn chi"#, 70he (ain force isn't /oin/ to start (o1in/ unti" after we report our (ission
is co(p"ete, 0hat's why we ha1e to (o1e now,7
!t (a#e sense* the /enera"s wou"#n't want to risk the (ain force unti" they knew for certain the
1a""ey was secure, But sen#in/ the( in #urin/ the "i/ht of #ay /uarantee# that the G"oo( Wa"kers'
casua"ty rate wou"# increase fi1efo"#,
7-ou ha1e to co(( back to 25 an# e8p"ain the situation to the($7 Des sai#, 7We can't take on
those /unships in the air, We ha1e to wait ti"" they /roun# the( for the ni/ht, -ou ha1e to (ake
the( un#erstan# what we're up a/ainst,7
0he "ieutenant acte# as if he ha#n't e1en hear# hi(, 70he /enera"s /i1e the or#ers to (e$ an# ! /i1e
the( to you$7 he snappe#, 7;ot the other way aroun#= 0he ar(y is (o1in/ out at #usk$ an# that's
not /oin/ to chan/e to fit your sche#u"e$ Ser/eant=7
70hey won't ha1e to chan/e their p"ans$7 Des insiste#, 7!f we "ea1e as soon as it /ets #ark$ we'"" sti""
ha1e that outpost #own by the ti(e they reach the 1a""ey, But sen#in/ us in now is :ust%7
7nou/h=7 the "ieutenant snappe#, 75uit brayin/ "ike a bantha cut off fro( its her#= -ou ha1e your
or#ers$ now fo""ow the(= Or #o you want to see what happens to so"#iers who #efy their superior
officers97
Su##en"y it was c"ear to Des what was rea""y /oin/ on, U"abore knew the or#er was a (istake$ but
he was too scare# to #o anythin/ about it, 0he or#er (ust ha1e co(e #irect"y fro( one of the Dark
Lor#s, U"abore wou"# rather "ea# his troops into a s"au/hter than face the wrath of a Sith +aster,
But Des wasn't about to "et hi( #ri1e the G"oo( Wa"kers to their #oo(, 0his wasn't /oin/ to
beco(e a repeat of 2sskhor, 2e hesitate# for on"y a secon# before s"a((in/ his fist into his
"ieutenant's chin$ knockin/ hi( co"#,
0here was stunne# si"ence fro( the rest of the troops as U"abore s"u(pe# to the /roun#, Des
6uick"y took away the fa""en officer's weapons$ then turne# an# pointe# at a pair of the newest
recruits,
7-ou two$ keep an eye on the "ieutenant, +ake sure he's co(fortab"e if he wakes up$ but #on't "et
hi( anywhere near the co((,7
0o the co((unications officer he sai#$ 7)ust before #usk sen# a (essa/e back to 25 te""in/ the(
our (ission is co(p"ete so they can start (o1in/ the (ain force into the 1a""ey, 0hat wi"" /i1e us
two hours to achie1e our ob:ecti1e before they /et here,7
0urnin/ to a##ress the rest of the troops$ he pause# to "et the /ra1ity of his ne8t wor#s sink in,
7What !'1e #one here is (utiny$7 he sai# s"ow"y, 70here's a chance anyone who fo""ows (e fro(
here on in wi"" face a court%(artia" when this is o1er, !f any of you fee" you can't fo""ow (y or#ers
after what !'1e #one here to#ay$ speak up now an# !'"" surren#er co((an# to Senior 0rooper .#anar
for the rest of the (ission,7
2e /a4e# out across the so"#iers, &or a secon# nobo#y spoke3 then as one they a"" raise# their fists
an# /a1e two "i/ht raps on their chest$ :ust abo1e the heart,
O1erwhe"(e# with pri#e$ Des ha# to swa""ow har# before he cou"# /i1e his fina" or#er to the troops
, , , his troops, 7G"oo( Wa"kers$ #is(isse#=7
0he ranks #isperse# in /roups of twos an# threes$ the so"#iers whisperin/ 6uiet"y to one another,
.#anar broke away fro( the rest an# ca(e up to Des,
7U"abore's not /oin/ to for/et this$7 he sai# 6uiet"y, 7What are you /oin/ to #o about hi(97
7.fter we take that outpost they'"" want to pin a (e#a" on our co((an#in/ officer$7 Des rep"ie#,
7!'( bettin/ he'# rather shut up an# accept it than "et anyone know what rea""y happene#,7
.#anar /runte#, 7Guess you /ot it a"" worke# out,7
7;ot 6uite$7 Des a#(itte#, 7!'( sti"" not sure how we're /oin/ to take #own that outpost,7
<hapter F
0he outpost was "ocate# in a c"earin/ on the top of a p"ateau o1er"ookin/ the 1a""ey, Un#er the
co1er of ni/ht$ the G"oo( Wa"kers ha# (o1e# si"ent"y throu/h the :un/"e unti" they ha# it
surroun#e#, Des ha# broken the unit up into four s6ua#s$ each approachin/ fro( a #ifferent si#e,
ach s6ua# carrie# an interference bo8 with it,
0hey ha# set up an# acti1ate# the i%bo8es once they'# c"ose# to within ha"f a ki"o(eter of the base$
:a((in/ a"" trans(issions within their peri(eter, 0he s6ua#s ha# continue# on to the e#/es of the
c"earin/ then stoppe#$ waitin/ for Des to /i1e the( the si/na" to (o1e in, With no co((unication
a(on/ the s6ua#s%the i%bo8es :a((e# their own e6uip(ent as we""%the (ost re"iab"e si/na" was the
soun# of b"asterfire,
.s he stare# across the c"earin/ at the three repu"sorcraft sittin/ on the "an#in/ pa# atop the
outpost's roof$ Des fe"t a fa(i"iar fee"in/ in the pit of his sto(ach, ."" so"#iers fe"t the sa(e thin/
/oin/ into batt"e$ whether they a#(itte# it or not* fear, &ear of fai"ure$ fear of #yin/$ fear of
watchin/ their frien#s #ie$ fear of bein/ woun#e# an# "i1in/ out the rest of their #ays cripp"e# or
(ai(e#, 0he fear was a"ways there$ an# it wou"# #e1our you if you "et it,
Des knew how to turn that fear to his own a#1anta/e, 0ake what (akes you weak an# turn it into
so(ethin/ that (akes you stron/, 0ransfor( the fear into an/er an# hate* hatre# of the ene(y3
hatre# of the Repub"ic an# the )e#i, 0he hate /a1e hi( stren/th$ an# the stren/th brou/ht hi(
1ictory,
&or Des the transfor(ation ca(e easi"y once the fi/htin/ starte#, 0hanks to his abusi1e father$ he'#
been turnin/ fear into an/er an# hate e1er since he was a chi"#, +aybe that was why he was such a
/oo# so"#ier, +aybe that was why the others "ooke# to hi( for "ea#ership,
0hey were waitin/ on his si/na" e1en now$ waitin/ for hi( to take the first shot, .s soon as he #i#$
they'# char/e the outpost, 0he G"oo( Wa"kers were outnu(bere# near"y two to one3 they'# nee# the
a#1anta/e of surprise to e1en out the o##s, But those /unships were a prob"e( Des ha#n't
anticipate#,
0he c"earin/ was surroun#e# by bri/ht "i/hts that i""u(inate# e1erythin/ within a hun#re# (eters of
the outpost itse"f, .n# e1en thou/h the repu"sorcraft were /roun#e#$ there was a so"#ier statione# in
the open f"atbe# at the rear of each 1ehic"e$ operatin/ the turrets, 0he ar(ore# wa""s of the f"atbe#
rose to waist hei/ht to /i1e the /unner so(e co1er$ an# the turret itse"f was hea1i"y shie"#e# to
protect it fro( ene(y fire,
&ro( the "an#in/ pa# on the roof$ the /unners ha# a c"ear 1iew of the surroun#in/ area, !f he fire#
that first shot$ the other units wou"# char/e out into the c"earin/ an# ri/ht into a stor( of hea1y%
repeatin/ b"asterfire, 0hey'# be torn apart "ike 4ucca tosse# into a rancor pit,
7What's the (atter$ Sar/e97 one of the so"#iers in his s6ua# aske#, !t was Lucia$ the :unior trooper
who'# #e"i1ere# U"abore's or#ers to hi( ear"ier, 7What are we waitin/ for97
!t was too "ate to ca"" off the (ission, 0he (ain ar(y was a"rea#y on the (o1e3 by the ti(e Des /ot
back to ca(p to warn the($ they'# be ha"fway throu/h the 1a""ey,
2e /"ance# #own at the youn/ recruit an# notice# the scope on her weapon, Lucia was carryin/ a
0<%1F "on/%ran/e b"aster rif"e, 2er knuck"es were white fro( /rippin/ her weapon too ti/ht"y in
fear an# anticipation, She'# seen on"y (inor co(bat #uty before bein/ assi/ne# to the G"oo(
Wa"kers$ but Des knew she was one of the best shots in the unit, 0he 0<%1F was on"y /oo# for a
#o4en shots before the power ce"" ha# to be switche# out$ but it ha# a ran/e we"" o1er three hun#re#
(eters,
ach of the four s6ua#s ha# a sniper assi/ne# to it, When the fi/htin/ be/an$ their :ob was to watch
the peri(eter of the batt"e an# (ake sure none of the Repub"ic so"#iers escape# to warn their (ain
ca(p,
7See those so"#iers stan#in/ in the rear of the /unships9 0he ones workin/ the f"ash cannons97 he
aske# her,
She no##e#,
7!f we #on't /et ri# of the( so(ehow$ they're /oin/ to turn our s6ua#s into turret fo##er about ten
secon#s after this batt"e be/ins,7
She no##e# a/ain$ her eyes wi#e an# scare#, Des trie# to keep his 1oice e1en an# professiona" to
ca"( her #own,
7! want you to think about this 1ery carefu""y now$ trooper, 2ow fast #o you think you cou"# take
the( out fro( here97
She hesitate#, 7! ,,, ! #on't e1en know if ! cou"#$ Sar/e, ;ot a"" of the(, ;ot fro( this an/"e, ! cou"#
/et a "ine on the first one$ but as soon as he /oes #own$ ! #oubt the others wi"" stan# sti"" "on/
enou/h for (e to take ai(, 0hey'"" probab"y #uck #own in the f"atbe# for co1er, .n# e1en if ! take
the /unners out$ there's ha"f a #o4en (ore so"#iers on that roof who wou"# :u(p in to take their
p"aces, ! can't #rop nine tar/ets that fast by (yse"f$ Sar/e, ;obo#y can,7
Des bit his "ip an# trie# to fi/ure out an answer to the prob"e(, 0here were on"y three /unships, !f
he cou"# so(ehow /et a (essa/e to the sniper in each s6ua# an# ha1e the( fire at e8act"y the sa(e
ti(e$ they (i/ht be ab"e to take out the unsuspectin/ /unners ,,, thou/h they'# sti"" ha1e to stop the
other si8 so"#iers fro( rep"acin/ the(,
2e cut off his own "ine of thou/ht with a si"ent curse, !t wou"# ne1er work, Because of the i%bo8es
there was no way to /et a (essa/e to the other s6ua#s in ti(e,
0akin/ the sniper rif"e fro( Lucia's han#s$ he brou/ht the weapon up an# set his eye to the scope to
/et a better "ook at the situation, 2e scanne# the roof 6uick"y fro( si#e to si#e$ notin/ the position
of e1ery Repub"ic so"#ier, With the (a/nification of the scope he cou"# (ake out their features
c"ear enou/h to see their "ips (o1in/ as they spoke,
0he situation was practica""y hope"ess, 0he outpost was the key to takin/ Phaseera$ an# the turrets
on the roof were the key to takin/ the outpost, But Des was out of options an# a"(ost out of ti(e,
2e fe"t the fear stron/er than e1er an# took a #eep breath to focus his(in#, .#rena"ine be/an to
pu(p throu/h his 1eins as he re#irecte# the fear to /i1e hi( stren/th an# power, 2e "ine# the
b"aster's scope up on one of the /unners$ an# a re# 1ei" fe"" across his 1ision, .n# then he fire#,
2e acte# on instinct$ (o1in/ too 6uick"y to "et his conscious thou/hts /et in the way, 2e #i#n't e1en
see the first so"#ier #rop3 the scope was a"rea#y (o1in/ to his ne8t tar/et, 0he secon# /unner ha#
:ust enou/h ti(e to open his eyes wi#e in surprise before Des fire# an# (o1e# on to the thir#, But
she'# seen the first /unner /o #own an# ha# a"rea#y #roppe# #own behin# the ar(ore# wa""s of the
/unship's f"atbe# for co1er,
Des resiste# the i(pu"se to fire wi"#"y an# (o1e# the scope in a ti/ht circ"e$ "ookin/ in 1ain for a
c"ean shot, 0he soun# of b"asterfire e8p"o#e# in the ni/ht$ a"on/ with shouts an# poun#in/ feet as
the G"oo( Wa"kers burst fro( their co1er an# rushe# the outpost, 0hey'# fo""owe# their or#ers to
the "etter$ char/in/ out at the soun# of the first shot, Des knew he ha# on"y a few secon#s before the
turrets opene# up on the( an# turne# the c"earin/ into a ki""in/ fie"#$ but he cou"#n't see the shot to
take out the thir# /unner,
2e whippe# the rif"e aroun# in #esperation$ "ookin/ for a new tar/et on the roof, 2e set his si/hts
on a so"#ier crouche# #own "ow besi#e a s(a"" canister, 0he so"#ier wasn't (o1in/$ an# he'#
co1ere# his face with his han#s as if shie"#in/ his 1ision, 0he b"ast fro( Des's weapon hit hi(
s6uare in the chest :ust as the #e1ice at the so"#ier's feet #etonate#,
7&"ash canister=7 Lucia screa(e#$ but her warnin/ ca(e too "ate, 0he 1iew throu/h the scope
1anishe# in a bri""iant white f"are$ te(porari"y b"in#in/ Des,
But with his 1ision /one$ he cou"# su##en"y see e1erythin/ c"ear"y, 2e knew the position of e1ery
so"#ier e1en as they a"" scra(b"e# for co1er3 he cou"# track e8act"y where they were an# where they
were /oin/,
0he so"#ier in the thir# turret was trainin/ the cannons on the inco(in/ wa1e of troopers, !n the
e8cite(ent she'# poppe# her hea# up :ust s"i/ht"y abo1e the wa""s of the f"atbe#$ "ea1in/ the
s(a""est of tar/ets e8pose#, Des took her with a sin/"e shot$ the bo"t /oin/ in c"ean"y throu/h one
ear ho"e on her he"(et an# out the other,
!t was as if ti(e ha# s"owe# #own, +o1in/ with a ca"( an# #ea#"y precision$ he traine# his rif"e on
the ne8t tar/et$ takin/ her throu/h the heart3 bare"y a (o(ent "ater he /ot the so"#ier besi#e her
ri/ht between his co"# b"ue eyes, Des took one (an in the back as he ran for the nearest /unship,
.nother was ha"fway up one of the f"atbe#'s "a##ers when a bo"t s"ice# throu/h his thi/h$ knockin/
hi( off ba"ance, 2e fe"" fro( the "a##er$ an# Des put another shot throu/h his chest before he hit
the /roun#,
!t ha# taken "ess than three secon#s to wipe out ei/ht of the nine so"#iers, 0he "ast one (a#e a run
for the e#/e$ hopin/ to escape by #i1in/ off the roof on the far si#e of the bui"#in/, Des "et hi( run,
2e cou"# fee" the terror co(in/ in wa1es off his #oo(e# prey3 he sa1ore# it for as "on/ as he cou"#,
0he so"#ier "eapt fro( the rooftop an# see(e# to han/ in (i#air for a secon#3 Des fire# his "ast
three shots into his bo#y$ #rainin/ the weapon's power ce"",
2e han#e# the weapon back to Lucia$ b"inkin/ rapi#"y at the tears we""in/ up as his eyes trie# to
soothe their #a(a/e# retinas, 0he effects of the f"ash canister were on"y te(porary3 his 1ision was
a"rea#y be/innin/ to return, .n# the (iracu"ous secon# si/ht he'# e8perience# was s"ippin/ away,
Rubbin/ his eyes$ he knew now was not the ti(e to think about what ha# :ust happene#, 2e'#
e"i(inate# the /unners$ but his troops were sti"" outnu(bere#, 0hey nee#e# hi( #own in the hot
4one$ not here on the e#/es of the batt"e,
7Keep an eye on that roof$7 he or#ere# Lucia, 7!f any of those Repub"ic (u#crutches appear on top$
take the( out before they /et to the /unships,7
She #i#n't rep"y3 her (outh was han/in/ open in a(a4e(ent at what she'# :ust witnesse#,
Des /rabbe# her by the shou"#er an# /a1e her a rou/h shake, 7Snap out of it$ trooper= -ou'1e /ot a
:ob to #o=7
She shook her hea# to /ather her senses an# no##e#$ then "oa#e# another ener/y ce"" into her
weapon, Satisfie#$ Des pu""e# out the >1D an# char/e# across the c"earin/$ ea/er to :oin in the
batt"e,
0hree hours "ater it was a"" o1er, 0he (ission ha# been a co(p"ete success* the outpost was theirs$
an# the Repub"ic ha# no i#ea that thousan#s of Sith troopers were (archin/ throu/h the 1a""ey to
attack the( at first "i/ht, 0he batt"e itse"f ha# been short but b"oo#y* forty%si8 Repub"ic so"#iers
#ea#$ an# nine of Des's own, 1ery ti(e a G"oo( Wa"ker went #own$ part of Des fe"t he'# fai"e#
so(ehow$ but /i1en the nature of their (ission$ keepin/ the casua"ties un#er #oub"e #i/its was (ore
than he cou"# ha1e reasonab"y hope# for,
Once their ob:ecti1e was secure# he'# "eft .#anar an# a s(a"" contin/ent to ho"# the outpost, With
Des in the "ea#$ the rest of the unit (arche# back to its base ca(p,
."on/ the way he trie# to i/nore the hushe# whispers an# furti1e "ooks the rest of the co(pany was
/i1in/ hi(, Lucia ha# sprea# the wor# of his a(a4in/ shootin/$ an# it was the ta"k of the unit, ;one
of the( was bra1e enou/h to say anythin/ to his face$ but he cou"# hear snippets of con1ersation
fro( the ranks behin# hi(,
2onest"y$ he cou"#n't b"a(e the(, Lookin/ back$ e1en he wasn't sure what ha# happene#, Des was
a /oo# (arks(an$ but he was no sniper, -et so(ehow he'# (ana/e# to pu"" off a #o4en i(possib"e
shots with a weapon he'# ne1er fire# before ,,, (ost of the( after bein/ b"in#e# by a f"ash canister,
!t was beyon# unbe"ie1ab"e, !t was as if$ when he'# "ost his 1ision$ so(e (ysterious power ha#
taken o1er an# /ui#e# his actions, !t was e8hi"aratin/$ but at the sa(e ti(e it was terrifyin/, Where
ha# this power co(e fro(9 .n# why cou"#n't he contro" it9
2e was so wrappe# up in his thou/hts that at first he #i#n't e1en notice the stran/ers waitin/ at their
base ca(p, !t was on"y after they steppe# up an# s"appe# the stun cuffs on his wrists that he rea"i4e#
what was /oin/ on,
7We"co(e back$ Ser/eant,7 U"abore's 1oice was fi""e# with bi"e,
Des /"ance# aroun#, . #o4en enforcers%the (i"itary security of the Sith ar(y%were stan#in/ with
weapons #rawn, U"abore stoo# behin# the($ a #eep bruise on his face where Des ha# struck hi(, !n
the back/roun# Des cou"# see the two :unior recruits he'# "eft in char/e of U"abore, 0hey were
starin/ #own at the /roun#$ e(barrasse# an# asha(e#,
7Di# you rea""y think those raw recruits wou"# keep their co((an#in/ officer trusse# up "ike so(e
kin# of prisoner97 U"abore taunte# hi( fro( behin# the protecti1e wa"" of ar(e# /uar#s, 7Di# you
rea""y be"ie1e they wou"# fo""ow you in your (a#ness97
70hat (a#ness sa1e# our "i1es=7 Lucia shoute#, Des he"# up his shack"e# han#s to si"ence her* this
situation cou"# /et out of han# far too easi"y,
When nothin/ e"se happene#$ the "ieutenant see(e# to /ain so(e coura/e, 2e steppe# out fro(
behin# the protecti1e wa"" of enforcers an# o1er to Des,
7! warne# you about #isobeyin/ or#ers$7 he sneere#, 7;ow you /et to see firsthan# how the
Brotherhoo# of Darkness #ea"s with (utinous so"#iers=7
. few of the G"oo( Wa"kers be/an to reach s"ow"y for their weapons$ but Des shook his hea# an#
they fro4e, 0he enforcers a"rea#y ha# their b"asters #rawn an# weren't afrai# to use the(, 0he
troopers wou"#n't (ana/e to /et off e1en a sin/"e shot,
7What's the (atter$ Ser/eant97 U"abore presse#$ #rawin/ c"oser to his #efeate# ene(y, 0oo c"ose,
7;othin/ to say97
Des knew he cou"# ki"" the "ieutenant with one 6uick (o1e, 0he enforcers wou"# take hi( out$ but
at "east U"abore wou"# /o with hi(, 1ery fiber of his bein/ wante# to "ash out an# en# both their
"i1es in an or/y of b"oo# an# b"asterfire, But he (ana/e# to fi/ht the i(pu"se, 0here was no point in
throwin/ his "ife away, . court%(artia" wou"# "ike"y en# in a #eath sentence$ but at "east if he went
to tria" he'# ha1e a chance,
U"abore steppe# up an# s"appe# hi( once across the face$ then spit on his boots an# steppe# back,
70ake hi( away$7 he sai# to the enforcers$ turnin/ his back on Des,
.s Des was taken away he cou"#n't he"p but see the "ook in the eyes of Lucia an# the troopers
whose "i1es he'# sa1e# on"y hours a/o, 2e ha# a fee"in/ the ne8t ti(e the unit went into co(bat$
U"abore wou"# suffer an unfortunate%an# fata"%acci#ent,
0hat rea"i4ation brou/ht the hint of a s(i"e to his "ips,
0he enforcers (arche# hi( throu/h the :un/"e for hours$ weapons #rawn an# traine# on hi( the
entire ti(e, 0hey on"y "owere# the( when they reache# the sentries on the peri(eter of the (ain
Sith ca(p,
7Prisoner for a court%(artia"$7 one of the enforcers sai# f"at"y, 7Go te"" Lor# Kopec4,7 One of the
sentries sa"ute# an# ran off,
0hey (arche# Des throu/h the ca(p towar# the bri/, 2e saw reco/nition in the eyes of (any of the
so"#iers, With his hei/ht an# ba"# hea# he was an i(posin/ fi/ure$ an# (any of the troops ha#
hear# of his e8p"oits, Seein/ a for(er"y i#ea" so"#ier bein/ brou/ht before a court%(artia" was sure
to "ea1e an i(pression,
0hey reache# the ca(p's (akeshift prison$ a s(a"" contain(ent fie"# o1er a three%by%three%by%three%
(eter pit that ser1e# as a ho"#in/ area for capture# spies an# POWs, 0he enforcers ha# re"ie1e# hi(
of his weapons when they first took hi( into custo#y3 now they #i# a (ore thorou/h search an#
strippe# hi( of a"" other persona" effects, 0hen they shut #own the contain(ent fie"# an# rou/h"y
tosse# hi( in$ not e1en botherin/ to re"ease his cuffs, 2e "an#e# awkwar#"y on the har# /roun# at
the botto( of the ho"e, .s he stru//"e# to his feet he hear# an un(istakab"e hu( as the fie"# was
acti1ate# once a/ain$ sea"in/ hi( in,
0he pit was e(pty$ other than Des hi(se"f, 0he Sith #i#n't ten# to keep prisoners aroun# for "on/,
2e be/an to won#er if he'# (a#e a serious (istake, 2e'# hope# his past ser1ice (i/ht buy hi(
so(e "eniency at his tria"$ but now he rea"i4e# his reputation (i/ht actua""y work a/ainst hi(, 0he
Sith +asters weren't known for their to"erance or their (ercy, 2e'# #efie# a #irect or#er* there was a
/oo# chance they'# #eci#e to (ake a harsh e8a(p"e of hi(,
2e cou"#n't say how "on/ they'# "eft hi( at the botto( of the pit, .fter a whi"e he fe"" as"eep$
e8hauste# by the batt"e an# the force# (arch, 2e s"ippe# in an# out of consciousness3 at one point it
was "i/ht outsi#e his prison an# he knew #ay (ust ha1e co(e, 0he ne8t ti(e he ca(e to it was #ark
a/ain,
0hey ha#n't fe# hi( yet3 his sto(ach was /row"in/ in protest as it /nawe# away at itse"f, 2is throat
was parche# an# #ry3 his ton/ue fe"t as if it ha# swo""en up "ar/e enou/h to choke hi(, Despite this$
there was a s"ow"y increasin/ pressure on his b"a##er$ but he #i#n't want to re"ie1e hi(se"f, 0he pit
stank enou/h a"rea#y,
+aybe they were :ust /oin/ to "ea1e hi( here to #ie a s"ow an# "one"y #eath, Gi1en the ru(ors he'#
hear# of Sith torture$ he a"(ost hope# that was the case, But he ha#n't /i1en up, ;ot yet,
When he hear# the soun# of approachin/ footsteps he scra(b"e# to his feet an# stoo# strai/ht an#
ta""$ e1en thou/h his han#s were sti"" cuffe# in front of hi(, 0hrou/h the contain(ent fie"# he cou"#
:ust (ake out the b"urre# for(s of se1era" /uar#s stan#in/ on the e#/e of the pit$ a"on/ with another
fi/ure wearin/ a hea1y$ #ark c"oak,
70ake hi( to (y ship$7 the c"oake# fi/ure sai# in a #eep$ raspin/ 1oice, 7! wi"" #ea" with this one on
Korriban,7
<hapter @
Des ne1er /ot a c"ear "ook at the (an who'# or#ere# his transfer, By the ti(e they'# /otten hi( out
of the pit$ the c"oake# fi/ure ha# 1anishe#, 0hey /a1e hi( foo# an# water$ then "et hi( c"ean an#
refresh hi(se"f, 0hou/h he was free# fro( the cuffs$ he was sti"" un#er hea1y /uar# as he boar#e# a
s(a"" transport ship hea#in/ for Korriban,
;obo#y spoke to hi( on the trip$ an# Des #i#n't know what was /oin/ on, .t "east he wasn't cuffe#
any(ore, 2e chose to take that as a /oo# si/n,
0hey arri1e# in the (i##"e of the #ay, 2e ha# e8pecte# the( to touch #own at Dresh#ae$ the on"y
city on the #ark an# forbi##in/ wor"#, !nstea# the ship "an#e# at a starport bui"t atop an ancient
te(p"e o1er"ookin/ a #eso"ate 1a""ey, . chi"" win# b"ew across the "an#in/ pa# as he #ise(barke#$
but it #i#n't bother Des, .fter the sta"e air of the pit$ any bree4e fe"t /oo#, 2e fe"t a shi1er /o #own
his spine as his foot touche# Korriban's surface, 2e'# hear# that this ha# once been a p"ace of /reat
power$ thou/h now on"y the (erest sha#ows re(aine#, 0here was an un#ercurrent of (a"ice here3
he'# fe"t it as soon as the transport ha# entere# the b"eak p"anet's at(osphere,
&ro( this 1anta/e point he cou"# (ake out other te(p"es scattere# across the wor"#'s #esert surface,
1en at this #istance he cou"# percei1e the ero#e# rock an# cru(b"in/ stone of the once /ran#
entrances, Beyon# the 1a""ey$ the city of Dresh#ae was a (ere speck on the hori4on,
2e was (et on the "an#in/ pa# by a hoo#e# fi/ure, 2e cou"# te"" ri/ht away this wasn't the sa(e
one who ha# co(e to hi( in the pit, 0his person ha# neither the si4e nor the i(pressi1e bearin/ of
his "iberator3 e1en throu/h the contain(ent fie"# Des ha# been ab"e to sense his co((an#in/
presence,
0his fi/ure$ which Des now thou/ht to be fe(a"e$ (otione# for hi( to fo""ow, Si"ent"y she "e# hi(
#own a f"i/ht of stone steps an# into the te(p"e itse"f, 0hey crosse# a "an#in/ an# #escen#e#
another set of stairs$ then repeate# the pattern$ workin/ their way "e1e" by "e1e" #own fro( the
te(p"e's ape8 to the /roun# be"ow, 0here were #oors an# passa/es "ea#in/ off fro( each "an#in/$
an# Des cou"# hear snippets of soun# an# con1ersation echoin/ fro( the($ thou/h he cou"# ne1er
6uite te"" what was bein/ sai#,
She #i#n't speak$ an# Des knew better than to break the si"ence hi(se"f, 0echnica""y$ he was sti"" a
prisoner, &or a"" he knew$ she was "ea#in/ hi( to his court%(artia", 2e wasn't about to (ake thin/s
worse by askin/ foo"ish 6uestions,
When they reache# the botto( of the bui"#in/$ she "e# hi( to a stone archway with yet another
f"i/ht of stairs, 0hese were #ifferent$ howe1er* they were narrow an# #ark$ an# woun# their way
#own unti" they 1anishe# fro( si/ht #eep in the bowe"s of the /roun#, Without a wor# his /ui#e
han#e# hi( a torch she ha# taken fro( a bracket on the wa"" an# then steppe# asi#e,
Won#erin/ what was /oin/ on$ Des (a#e his way carefu""y #own the steep staircase, 2e cou"#n't
say how (uch #eeper he went3 it was #ifficu"t to (aintain any perspecti1e in the narrow confines of
the stairwe"", .fter se1era" (inutes he reache# the botto($ on"y to fin# a "on/ ha""way stretchin/ out
before hi(, .t the en# of the ha""way he encountere# a sin/"e roo(,
0he roo( was #ark an# fi""e# with sha#ow, On"y a few torches sputtere# on the stone wa""$ their
#yin/ f"a(es bare"y ab"e to pierce the /"oo(,
Des pause# at the thresho"#$ "ettin/ his eyes a#:ust, 2e cou"# :ust (ake out a #i( fi/ure insi#e, !t
beckone# to hi(,
7<o(e forwar#,7
2e fe"t a chi""$ thou/h the roo( was far fro( co"#, 0he air itse"f was e"ectric$ fi""e# with a power he
cou"# actua""y fee", 2e was surprise# that he #i#n't fee" afrai#, 2e reco/ni4e# what he fe"t as the
chi"" of anticipation,
.s Des (o1e# #eeper into the roo( the features of the shrou#e# fi/ure beca(e c"ear$ re1ea"in/
hi(se"f to be a 0wi'"ek, 1en un#er the "oose%fittin/ robe he wore$ Des cou"# see he was thick an#
hea1yset, 2e stoo# near"y two (eters ta""$ easi"y the "ar/est 0wi'"ek Des ha# e1er (et ,,
, thou/h not 6uite as "ar/e as Des hi(se"f,
2is "ekku woun# #own his broa# chest an# wrappe# back up aroun# his (uscu"ar neck an#
shou"#ers3 his eyes /"owe# oran/e beneath his brow$ (irrorin/ the f"ickerin/ torches, 2e s(i"e#$
re1ea"in/ the sharp$ pointe# teeth co((on to his species,
7! a( Lor# Kopec4 of the Sith$7 he sai#, .t that (o(ent$ Des knew without a #oubt this was the
c"oake# one who ha# co(e to hi( in the pit$ an# he /a1e a s"i/ht bow of his hea# in
acknow"e#/(ent,
7! a( to be your in6uisitor$7 Lor# Kopec4 e8p"aine#$ his 1oice showin/ no e(otion, 7! a"one wi""
#eter(ine your fate, Rest assure# (y :u#/(ent wi"" be fina",7
Des no##e# a/ain,
0he 0wi'"ek fi8e# his burnin/ oran/e eyes on Des, 7-ou are no frien# of the )e#i or their Repub"ic,7
!t wasn't a 6uestion$ but Des fe"t co(pe""e# to answer anyway, 7What ha1e they e1er #one for (e97
78act"y$7 Kopec4 sai# with a crue" s(i"e, 7! un#erstan# you ha1e fou/ht (any batt"es a/ainst the
Repub"ic forces, -our fe""ow troopers speak hi/h"y of you, 0he Sith ha1e nee# of (en "ike you if
we are to win this war,7 2e pause#, 7-ou were a (o#e" so"#ier ,,, unti" you #isobeye# a #irect
or#er,7
70he or#er was a (istake$7 Des sai#, 2is throat ha# /rown so #ry an# ti/ht that he ha# troub"e
/ettin/ the wor#s out,
7Why #i# you refuse to attack the outpost #urin/ the #ay9 .re you a cowar#97
7. cowar# wou"#n't ha1e co(p"ete# the (ission$7 Des rep"ie# sharp"y$ stun/ by the accusation,
Kopec4 ti"te# his hea# to the si#e an# waite#,
7.ttackin/ in the #ay"i/ht was a tactica" (istake$7 Des continue#$ tryin/ to press his point, 7U"abore
shou"# ha1e re"aye# that infor(ation back to co((an#$ but he was too scare#, U"abore was the
cowar#$ not (e, 2e wou"# rather risk #eath at the han#s of the Repub"ic than face the Brotherhoo#
of Darkness, ! prefer not to throw (y "ife away nee#"ess"y,7
7! can see that fro( your ser1ice recor#$7 Kopec4 sai#, 7Kashyyyk$ 0ran#osha$ Phaseera ,,, if these
reports are accurate$ you ha1e perfor(e# incre#ib"e feats #urin/ your ti(e with the G"oo( Wa"kers,
&eats so(e wou"# c"ai( to be i(possib"e,7
Des brist"e# at the i(p"ication, 70he reports are accurate$7 he rep"ie#,
7! ha1e no #oubt that they are,7 Kopec4 either ha#n't notice# or #i#n't care about the tone of Des's
rep"y, 7Do you know why ! brou/ht you to Korriban97
Des was be/innin/ to rea"i4e that this wasn't rea""y a court%(artia" after a"", !t was so(e kin# of test$
thou/h for what he sti"" wasn't sure, 7! fee" !'1e been chosen for so(ethin/,7
Kopec4 /a1e hi( another sinister s(i"e, 7Goo#, -our (in# works 6uick"y, What #o you know of
the &orce97
7;ot (uch$7 Des a#(itte# with a shru/, 7!t's so(ethin/ the )e#i be"ie1e in* so(e /reat power that's
suppose# to be :ust f"oatin/ out there in the uni1erse so(ewhere,7
7.n# what #o you know of the )e#i97
7! know they be"ie1e the(se"1es to be /uar#ians of the Repub"ic$7 Des rep"ie#$ (akin/ no atte(pt
to hi#e his conte(pt, 7! know they wie"# /reat inf"uence in the Senate, ! know (any be"ie1e they
ha1e (ystica" powers,7
7.n# the Brotherhoo# of Darkness97
Des consi#ere# his wor#s (ore carefu""y this ti(e, 7-ou are the "ea#ers of our ar(y an# the sworn
ene(y of the )e#i, +any be"ie1e that you$ "ike the($ ha1e unnatura" abi"ities='
7But you #o not97
Des hesitate#$ stru//"in/ to co(e up with the answer he thou/ht Kopec4 wante# to hear, !n the en#
he cou"#n't fi/ure out what his in6uisitor was "ookin/ for$ so he si(p"y to"# the truth, 7! be"ie1e
(ost of the stories are /reat"y e8a//erate#,7
Kopec4 no##e#, 7. co((on enou/h be"ief, 0hose who #o not un#erstan# the ways of the &orce
re/ar# such ta"es as (yth or "e/en#, But the &orce is rea"$ an# those who wie"# it ha1e power you
can't e1en i(a/ine,
7-ou ha1e seen (any batt"es but you ha1e not e8perience# the rea" war, Whi"e troops 1ie for contro"
of wor"#s an# (oons$ the )e#i an# Sith +asters seek to #estroy each other, We are bein/ #ri1en
towar# an ine1itab"e an# fina" confrontation, 0he faction that sur1i1es$ Sith or )e#i$ wi"" #eter(ine
the fate of the /a"a8y for the ne8t thousan# years,
70rue 1ictory in this war wi"" not co(e throu/h ar(ies$ but throu/h the Brotherhoo# of Darkness,
Our /reatest weapon is the &orce$ an# those in#i1i#ua"s who ha1e the power to co((an# it,
!n#i1i#ua"s "ike you,
2e pause# to "et his wor#s sink in before continuin/, 7-ou are specia"$ Des, -ou ha1e (any
re(arkab"e ta"ents, 0hese ta"ents are (anifestations of the &orce$ an# they ha1e ser1e# you we"" as a
so"#ier, But you ha1e on"y scratche# the surface of your /ift, 0he &orce is rea"3 it e8ists a"" aroun#
us, -ou can fee" the power of it in this roo(, <an you sense it97
Des hesitate# on"y a (o(ent before no##in/, 7! fee" it, 2ot, Like a fire waitin/ to e8p"o#e,7
70he power of the #ark si#e, 0he heat of passion an# e(otion, ! can fee" it in you$ as we"", Burnin/
beneath the surface, Burnin/ "ike your an/er, !t (akes you stron/,7
Kopec4 c"ose# his eyes an# ti"te# his hea# back$ as if baskin/ in the heat, 0he tips of his hea#%tai"s
twitche# e1er so s"i/ht"y, 0he on"y soun# was the faint crack"e of f"a(e fro( the torches, . bea# of
sweat ro""e# #own the crown of Des's bare sca"p an# a"on/ the back of his neck, 2e #i#n't wipe it
away$ thou/h he #i# shift his feet unco(fortab"y as it trick"e# its way between his shou"#er b"a#es,
0he s"i/ht (o1e(ent see(e# to snap the 0wi'"ek out of his trance,
2e #i#n't speak a/ain for se1era" secon#s$ but he stu#ie# Des intent"y with his piercin/ /a4e, 7-ou
ha1e touche# the &orce in the past$ but your abi"ities are an insi/nificant speck besi#e the power of
a true Sith +aster$7 he fina""y sai#, 70here is /reat potentia" in you, !f you stay here on Korriban$ we
can teach you to un"eash it,7
Des was speech"ess,
7-ou wou"# no "on/er be a trooper on the front "ines$7 Kopec4 continue#, 7!f you accept (y offer$
that part of your "ife is o1er, -ou wi"" be traine# in the ways of the #ark si#e, -ou wi"" beco(e one
of the Brotherhoo# of Darkness, .n# you wi"" not return to the G"oo( Wa"kers,7
Des fe"t his heart poun#in/$ his hea# swi((in/, .s "on/ as he cou"# re(e(ber$ he'# known he was
specia" because of his uni6ue ta"ents, .n# now he was bein/ to"# that his abi"ities were nothin/
co(pare# with what he cou"# rea""y acco(p"ish,
Sti""$ part of hi( ba"ke# at the i#ea of "ea1in/ his unit without e1en ha1in/ a chance to say /oo#%
bye, 2e consi#ere# .#anar$ Lucia$ an# the others as (ore than :ust fe""ow so"#iers3 they were his
frien#s, <ou"# he rea""y aban#on the( "ike this$ e1en for the chance to :oin the Sith +asters9
2e reca""e# one of the "ast thin/s Groshik ha# e1er sai# to hi(* Don't count on others for he"p, !n
the en# each of us is in this a"one, 0he sur1i1ors are those who know how to "ook out for
the(se"1es,
1erythin/ he'# ha#$ he'# /i1en to his unit, 2e'# sa1e# their "i1es too (any ti(es to count, .n# in
the en#$ when the enforcers ha# co(e to take hi( away$ they'# been power"ess to sa1e hi(, 0hey
wou"# ha1e trie# if he'# "et the($ but they wou"# ha1e fai"e#, Des rea"i4e# the truth* his unit%his
frien#s%cou"# #o nothin/ for hi( now,
2e cou"# re"y on"y on hi(se"f$ "ike a"ways, 2e'# be a foo" to turn this opportunity #own,
7! a( honore#$ +aster Kopec4$ an# ! /ratefu""y accept your offer,7
70he way of the Sith is not for the weak$7 the bi/ 0wi'"ek warne#, 70hose who fa"ter wi"" be ,,, "eft
behin#,7 0here was so(ethin/ o(inous in his tone,
7! won't be "eft behin#$7 Des rep"ie#$ unfa4e#,
70hat re(ains to be seen$7 Kopec4 note#, 0hen he a##e#$ 70his is a new be/innin/ for you$ Des, .
new "ife, +any of the stu#ents who co(e here take a new na(e for the(se"1es, 0hey "ea1e their o"#
"ife behin#,7
Des ha# no #esire to han/ on to any part of his o"# "ife, .n abusi1e father$ the bruta"ity of workin/
the (ines on .patros3 he ha# been seekin/ a new "ife for as "on/ as he cou"# re(e(ber, 0he G"oo(
Wa"kers ha# offere# an escape$ but it ha# been a te(porary one, ;ow he ha# a chance to "ea1e his
past behin# fore1er, ."" he ha# to #o was e(brace the Brotherhoo# of Darkness an# its teachin/s,
.n# yet$ for reasons he cou"#n't e8p"ain$ he fe"t the co"# /rip of fear c"osin/ in on hi(, 0he fear
(a#e hi( hesitate,
7Do you wish to choose a new na(e for yourse"f$ Des97 Kopec4 aske#$ possib"y sensin/ his
re"uctance, 7Do you wish to be reborn97 Des no##e#,
Kopec4 s(i"e# once (ore, 7.n# by what na(e sha"" we ca"" you now97
0he fear wou"# not stop hi(3 he wou"# sei4e the fear$ transfor( it$ an# (ake it his own, 2e wou"#
take what ha# once (a#e hi( weak an# use it to (ake hi(se"f stron/,
7+y na(e is Bane, Bane of the Sith,7
Lor# 5or#is$ e8a"te# +aster of the Sith .ca#e(y on Korriban$ scratche# /ent"y at his chin with
"on/$ ta"on%"ike fin/ers,
70his stu#ent you ha1e brou/ht (e%this Bane%has ne1er been traine# in the ways of the &orce97
Kopec4 shook his hea# an# twitche# his "ekku e1er so s"i/ht"y in annoyance, 7.s ! to"# you before$
5or#is$ he /rew up on .patros$ a wor"# contro""e# by the ORO <o(pany,7
7-et you (ana/e# to fin# this youn/ (an an# brin/ hi( here to the .ca#e(y, !t see(s a"(ost too
con1enient,7
0he hea1yset 0wi'"ek snar"e#, 70his is not a p"ot a/ainst you$ 5or#is, 0hat is no "on/er our way, We
are a Brotherhoo# now$ re(e(ber9 -ou are too suspicious,7
5or#is "au/he#, 7;ot suspicious3 cautious, !t has he"pe# (e to (aintain (y position here a(on/ so
(any powerfu" an# a(bitious youn/ Sith,7
72e is as powerfu" as any of the($7 Kopec4 insiste#,
7But he is a"so o"#er, We prefer to fin# our stu#ents when they are youn/er an# (ore ,,, (a""eab"e,7
7;ow you soun# "ike a )e#i$7 Kopec4 sneere#, 70hey seek youn/er an# youn/er pupi"s$ hopin/ to
fin# the( pure an# innocent, !n ti(e they wi"" refuse any who are not infants, We (ust be 6uick to
p"uck those they "ea1e behin#, Besi#es$7 he continue#$ 7Bane is too stron/ to si(p"y pass o1er$ e1en
for the )e#i, We are "ucky we foun# hi( before they #i#,7
7-es$ "ucky$7 5or#is echoe#$ his 1oice #rippin/ with sarcas(, 72is arri1a" here see(s to be an
incre#ib"e turn of (any fortuitous e1ents, 5uite "ucky in#ee#,7
7So(e (i/ht see it that way$7 Kopec4 a#(itte#, 7Others (i/ht see it as so(ethin/ (ore, Destiny$
perhaps,7
0here was si"ence whi"e 5or#is consi#ere# his "on/ti(e ri1a"'s wor#s, 70he other aco"ytes ha1e
been trainin/ for (any years, 2e wi"" be far behin#$7 he sai# at "ast,
72e wi"" catch up$ if /i1en the chance$7 Kopec4 insiste#,
7.n# ! won#er ,,, wi"" the others /i1e hi( that chance9 ;ot if they are s(art, !'( afrai# we (ay
si(p"y be throwin/ away one of Lor# Kaan's best troopers,7
7We both know the )e#i won't be #efeate# by so"#iers$7 Kopec4 snappe#, 7!'# /"a#"y tra#e a
thousan# of our best troopers for e1en one Sith +aster,7
5or#is see(e# taken aback by his passionate reaction, 72e is that stron/$ is he9 0his Bane97
Kopec4 no##e#, 7! think he (i/ht be the one we'1e been searchin/ for, 2e cou"# be the Sith'ari,7
7Before he can c"ai( that tit"e$7 5or#is sai# with a cunnin/ s(i"e$ 7he'"" ha1e to sur1i1e his
trainin/,7
P.R0 0WO
<hapter G
Peace is a "ie, 0here is on"y passion,
0hrou/h passion$ ! /ain stren/th,
0hrou/h stren/th$ ! /ain power,
0hrou/h power$ ! /ain 1ictory,
0hrou/h 1ictory (y chains are broken,
Kopec4 was /one$ re:oinin/ Kaan's ar(y an# the war bein/ wa/e# a/ainst the )e#i an# the
Repub"ic, Bane ha# re(aine# behin# at the Sith .ca#e(y on Korriban to "earn the ways of the Sith,
2is first "esson be/an the ne8t (ornin/$ at the feet of Lor# 5or#is hi(se"f,
70he tenets of the Sith are (ore than :ust wor#s to be (e(ori4e#$7 the +aster of the .ca#e(y
e8p"aine# to his newest apprentice, 7Learn the($ un#erstan# the(, 0hey wi"" "ea# you to the true
power of the &orce* the power of the #ark si#e,7
5or#is was ta""er than Kopec4, 0a""er e1en than Bane, 2e was 1ery thin an# c"a# in a b"ack$ "oose%
fittin/ robe$ with the hoo# #rawn back to fa"" across his shou"#ers, 2e (i/ht ha1e been hu(an$ but
so(ethin/ about his appearance see(e# off, 2is skin was an unnatura"$ cha"ky hue$ (a#e e1en
(ore ob1ious by the /"itterin/ /e(s encrustin/ the (any rin/s on his "on/ fin/ers, 2is eyes were
#ark an# sunken, 2is teeth were sharp an# pointe#$ an# his fin/ernai"s were cur1e# an# wicke#
ta"ons,
Bane kne"t before hi($ si(i"ar"y c"a# in a #ark robe with the hoo# #rawn back, ar"ier this (ornin/
he ha# hear# the <o#e of the Sith for the first ti(e$ an# the wor#s were sti"" fresh an# (ysterious,
0hey swir"e# throu/h the un#ercurrents of his (in#$ occasiona""y bubb"in/ up into his conscious
thou/hts as he trie# to absorb the #eeper (eanin/ behin# the(, Peace is a "ie, 0here is on"y passion,
2e knew the first tenet to be true$ at "east, 2is entire "ife was proof of that,
7Kopec4 te""s (e you co(e to us as a raw apprentice$7 5or#is note#, 72e says you ha1e ne1er been
traine# in the ways of the &orce,7
7!'( a 6uick "earner$7 Bane assure# hi(,
7-es , , , an# stron/ in the power of the #ark si#e, But the sa(e can be sai# of a"" who co(e here,7
;ot sure how to respon#$ Bane #eci#e# the wisest course of action was to stay si"ent,
7What #o you know of this .ca#e(y97 5or#is fina""y aske#,
70he stu#ents here are tau/ht to use the &orce, 0hey are tau/ht the secrets of the #ark si#e by you
an# the other Sith Lor#s,7 .fter a brief hesitation he a##e#$ 7.n# ! know there are (any other
aca#e(ies "ike this one,7
7;o$7 5or#is correcte#, 7;ot "ike this one, !t is true we ha1e other trainin/ faci"ities sprea# across
our e1er%/rowin/ e(pire$ p"aces where in#i1i#ua"s with pro(ise are tau/ht to contro" an# use their
power, But each faci"ity is uni6ue$ an# where in#i1i#ua" stu#ents are sent #epen#s on how (uch
potentia" we see in the(,
70hose with a noticeab"e but "i(ite# abi"ity are sent to 2ono/hr$ Gentes$ or Ga(orr to beco(e Sith
Warriors or +arau#ers, 0here they are tau/ht to channe" their e(otions into (in#"ess ra/e an#
batt"e fury, 0he power of the #ark si#e transfor(s the( into ra1a/in/ beasts of #eath an#
#estruction to be un"eashe# a/ainst our ene(ies,7
0hrou/h passion ! /ain stren/th$ Bane thou/ht, But when he spoke he sai#$ 7Brute stren/th a"one is
not enou/h to brin/ #own the Repub"ic,7
70rue$7 5or#is a/ree#, &ro( the tone of his 1oice Bane knew he ha# sai# what his +aster wante# to
hear,
70hose with /reater abi"ity are sent to wor"#s that ha1e a""ie# with our cause to #estroy the
Repub"ic* Ry"oth$ U(bara$ ;ar Sha#aa, 0hese stu#ents beco(e creatures of sha#ow$ "earnin/ to use
the #ark si#e for secrecy$ #eception$ an# (anipu"ation, 0hose who sur1i1e the trainin/ beca(e
unstoppab"e assassins$ capab"e of #rawin/ on the #ark si#e to ki"" their tar/ets without e1er (o1in/
a (usc"e,7
7-et e1en they are no (atch for the )e#i$7 Bane a##e#$ thinkin/ he un#erstoo# the #irection the
"esson was takin/,
7Precise"y$7 his +aster a/ree#, 70he aca#e(ies on Datho(ir an# !ri#onia are (ost si(i"ar to the
one here, 0here apprentices stu#y un#er Sith +asters, 0hose who succee# in their trainin/ beco(e
the a#epts an# aco"ytes who swe"" the ranks of our ar(ies, 0hey are the counterparts to the )e#i
Kni/hts who stan# in the way of our u"ti(ate con6uest,
7But e1en as the )e#i Kni/hts (ust answer to the )e#i +asters$ so (ust the a#epts an# aco"ytes
answer to the Sith Lor#s, .n# those with the potentia" to beco(e Sith Lor#s%an# on"y those with
such potentia"%are traine# here on Korriban,7
Bane fe"t a shi1er of e8cite(ent, 0hrou/h stren/th ! /ain power,
7Korriban was the ancestra" ho(e of the Sith$7 5or#is e8p"aine#, 70his p"anet is a p"ace of /reat
power3 the #ark si#e "i1es an# breathes in the 1ery core of this wor"#,7
2e pause# an# s"ow"y e8ten#e# his ske"eta" han#$ pa"( upwar#, !t a"(ost see(e# as if he was
cra#"in/ so(ethin/ unseen%so(ethin/ precious an# in1a"uab"e%in his c"aw%"ike fin/ers,
70his te(p"e we stan# in was bui"t (any thousan#s of years a/o to co""ect an# focus that power,
2ere you can fee" the #ark si#e at its stron/est9' 2e c"ose# his fist so ti/ht"y that his "on/ fin/ernai"s
cut into his pa"($ #rawin/ b"oo#, 7-ou ha1e been chosen because you ha1e /reat potentia"$7 he
whispere#, 7Great thin/s are e8pecte# of the apprentices here on Korriban, 0he trainin/ is #ifficu"t$
but the rewar#s are /reat for those who succee#,7
0hrou/h power ! /ain 1ictory,
5or#is reache# out an# p"ace# his woun#e# pa"( on the crown of Bane's bare sca"p$ anointin/ hi(
with the b"oo# of a Sith Lor#, Bane ha# seen p"enty of b"oo# as a so"#ier$ yet for so(e reason this
cere(onia" act of se"f%(uti"ation re1o"te# hi( (ore than any batt"efie"# /ore, !t was a"" he cou"# #o
not to pu"" away,
7-ou ha1e the potentia" to beco(e one of us%one of the Brotherhoo# of Darkness, 0o/ether we can
cast off the shack"es of the Repub"ic,7
0hrou/h 1ictory (y chains are broken,
7But e1en those with potentia" can fai"$7 5or#is finishe#, 7! trust you wi"" not #isappoint us,7
Bane ha# no intention of #oin/ that,
0he ne8t few weeks passe# 6uick"y as Bane threw hi(se"f into his stu#ies, 0o his surprise$ he
#isco1ere# that his ine8perience with the &orce was the e8ception rather than the ru"e, +any of the
stu#ents ha# traine# for (onths or years before they ha# been accepte# at the .ca#e(y on
Korriban,
.t first Bane foun# this troub"in/, 2e ha# :ust starte# his trainin/ an# he was a"rea#y behin#, !n
such a co(petiti1e$ ruth"ess en1iron(ent he wou"# be an easy tar/et for e1ery other stu#ent, But as
he (u""e# it o1er$ he be/an to rea"i4e he (i/ht not be as 1u"nerab"e as he'# thou/ht,
2e a"one$ of a"" the apprentices at the .ca#e(y$ ha# been ab"e to (anifest the power of the #ark
si#e without any trainin/ at a"", 2e'# use# it so often he'# co(e to take it for /rante#, !t ha# /i1en
hi( a#1anta/es o1er his opponents in car#s an# braw"in/, !n war it ha# warne# hi( of #an/er an#
brou/ht hi( 1ictory in otherwise i(possib"e circu(stances,
.n# he'# #one it a"" on instinct$ with no trainin/$ without e1en any conscious i#ea of what he was
#oin/, ;ow$ for the first ti(e$ he was bein/ tau/ht to tru"y use his abi"ities, 2e #i#n't ha1e to worry
about any of the other stu#ents ,,, if anythin/$ they shou"# be worryin/ about hi(, When he
co(p"ete# his trainin/$ none of the others wou"# be his e6ua",
+ost of his "earnin/ ca(e at the feet of 5or#is an# the other +asters* Kas'i($ Ori""tha$ Shenaya/$
2e44oran$ an# Borthis, 0here were /roup trainin/ sessions at the .ca#e(y$ but they were few an#
far between, 0he weak an# the s"ow cou"# not be a""owe# to ho"# back the stron/ an# a(bitious,
Stu#ents "earne# at their own pace$ #ri1en by their #esire an# hun/er for power, 0here were$
howe1er$ near"y si8 stu#ents for e1ery +aster$ an# the apprentices ha# to pro1e their worth before
one of the instructors wou"# spen# 1a"uab"e ti(e teachin/ the( the secrets of the Sith,
0hou/h he was a neophyte$ Bane foun# it easy to /arner the attention of the Sith Lor#s$ particu"ar"y
5or#is, 2e knew the e8tra attention wou"# ine1itab"y bree# ani(osity in the other stu#ents$ but he
force# hi(se"f not to think about that, !n ti(e the a##itiona" instruction he /ot fro( the +asters
wou"# a""ow hi( to catch up to an# pass the other apprentices$ an# once he #i# he wou"#n't nee# to
worry about their petty :ea"ousies, Unti" then he was carefu" to stay out of the way an# not #raw
attention to hi(se"f,
When he wasn't "earnin/ fro( the +asters$ he was in the "ibrary stu#yin/ the ancient recor#s, .s the
)e#i kept their archi1es at their 0e(p"e on <oruscant$ so the Sith ha# be/un to co""ect an# store
infor(ation in the archi1es of Korriban's te(p"e, 2owe1er$ un"ike the )e#i "ibrary%where (ost of
the #ata was store# in e"ectronic$ ho"o/ra((ic$ an# 2o"ocron for(ats%the Sith co""ection was
"i(ite# to scro""s$ to(es$ an# (anua"s, !n the three thousan# stan#ar# years since Darth Re1an ha#
near"y #estroye# the Repub"ic$ the )e#i ha# wa/e# a tire"ess war to era#icate the teachin/ too"s of
the #ark si#e, ."" known Sith 2o"ocrons ha# been either #estroye# or spirite# away to the )e#i
0e(p"e on <oruscant for safekeepin/, 0here were (any ru(ors of un#isco1ere# Sith 2o"ocrons%
either hi##en away on re(ote wor"#s$ or co1etous"y hoar#e# by one of the #ark +asters ea/er to
keep its secret know"e#/e for hi(se"f, But a"" efforts by the Brotherhoo# to fin# these "ost treasures
ha# pro1e# futi"e$ forcin/ the( to re"y on the pri(iti1e techno"o/ies of parch(ent an# f"i(sip"ast,
.n# because the co""ection was constant"y bein/ a##e# to$ the in#e8es an# references were
hope"ess"y out of #ate, Searchin/ the archi1es was often an e8ercise in futi"ity or frustration$ an#
(ost of the stu#ents fe"t their ti(e was better spent tryin/ to "earn fro( or i(press the +asters,
Perhaps it was because he was o"#er than (ost of the others$ or (aybe because his years of (inin/
ha# tau/ht hi( patience%whate1er the e8p"anation$ Bane spent se1era" hours each #ay stu#yin/ the
ancient recor#s, 2e foun# the( fascinatin/, +any of the scro""s were historica" recor#s recountin/
ancient batt"es or /"orifyin/ the #ee#s of ancient Sith Lor#s, By itse"f the infor(ation ha# "itt"e
practica" use$ but he cou"# see each in#i1i#ua" work for what it actua""y represente#* a tiny piece of
a (uch "ar/er pu44"e$ a c"ue to a (uch /reater un#erstan#in/,
0he archi1es supp"e(ente# what he "earne# fro( the +asters, !t /a1e conte8t to abstract "essons,
Bane fe"t that$ in ti(e$ the ancient know"e#/e wou"# be the key to un"ockin/ his fu"" potentia", .n#
so his un#erstan#in/ of the &orce s"ow"y took shape,
+ystica" an# une8p"ainab"e$ the &orce was a"so natura" an# essentia"* a fun#a(enta" ener/y bin#in/
the uni1erse an# connectin/ a"" "i1in/ thin/s within it, 0his ener/y$ this power$ cou"# be harnesse#,
!t cou"# be (anipu"ate# an# contro""e#, .n# throu/h the teachin/s of the #ark si#e$ Bane was
"earnin/ to sei4e ho"# of it, 2e practice# his (e#itations an# e8ercises #ai"y$ often un#er the
watchfu" eye of 5or#is, .fter on"y a few weeks he "earne# to (o1e s(a"" ob:ects si(p"y by
thinkin/ about it%so(ethin/ he wou"# ha1e thou/ht i(possib"e on"y a short ti(e before,
-et now he un#erstoo# that this was on"y the be/innin/, 2e was startin/ to /rasp a /reat truth on a
#eep$ fun#a(enta" "e1e"* that the stren/th to sur1i1e (ust co(e fro( within, Others wi"" a"ways fai"
you, &rien#s$ fa(i"y$ fe""ow so"#iers ,,, in the en#$ each person (ust stan# a"one, When in nee#$
"ook to the se"f,
0he #ark si#e nurture# the power of the in#i1i#ua", 0he teachin/s of the Sith +asters wou"# (ake
hi( stron/, !n p"easin/ the($ he cou"# un"ock his fu"" potentia" an# one #ay sit a(on/ the(,
When the first wa1e of the attack ca(e$ the Repub"ic f"eet orbitin/ the skies of Ruusan was cau/ht
co(p"ete"y unprepare#, . s(a"" an# po"itica""y insi/nificant p"anet$ the hea1i"y foreste# wor"# ha#
been use# as a base to sta/e #e1astatin/ hit%an#%run attacks a/ainst the Sith forces statione# in the
nearby Kashyyyk syste(, ;ow the ene(y ha# turne# that sa(e strate/y a/ainst the(,
0he Sith struck without warnin/$ (ateria"i4in/ en (asse fro( hyperspace* an a"(ost suici#a"
(aneu1er for such a (assi1e f"eet, Before an a"ar( cou"# e1en be soun#e#$ the Repub"ic ships
foun# the(se"1es bein/ bo(bar#e# by three Drea#nau/ht cruisers$ two corsair batt"eships$ #o4ens
of interceptors$ an# a score of Bu44ar# fi/hters, .n# at the hea# of the attack was the f"a/ship of the
Brotherhoo# of Darkness$ the Sith Destroyer ;i/htfa"",
!n his (e#itation sphere aboar# ;i/htfa""$ Lor# Kaan was #irectin/ the assau"t, &ro( insi#e the
cha(ber he cou"# co((unicate with any of the other ships$ issuin/ his or#ers with the know"e#/e
they wou"# be instant"y an# co(p"ete"y obeye#, 0he cha(ber was a"i1e with "i/ht an# soun#*
/"owin/ (onitors an# f"ashin/ screens beepe# incessant"y to a"ert hi( to the constant"y chan/in/
up#ates on the status of the batt"e,
0he Dark Lor#$ howe1er$ ne1er e1en /"ance# at the screens, 2is perception e8ten#e# far beyon# the
(e#itation sphere$ far beyon# the #ata spit out by the e"ectronic rea#outs, 2e knew the "ocation of
each 1esse" en/a/e# in the conf"ict* his own an# those of the ene(y, 2e cou"# sense e1ery 1o""ey
fire#$ e1ery e1asi1e turn an# ro""$ e1ery (o1e an# counter(o1e (a#e by e1ery ship, Often he cou"#
sense the( e1en before they happene#,
2is brow was knotte# in intense concentration3 his breath ca(e in "on/$ ra//e# /asps, Bea#s of
perspiration ro""e# #own his tre(b"in/ bo#y, 0he strain was enor(ous$ yet with the ai# of the
(e#itation sphere he (aintaine# his (enta" focus$ #rawin/ on the #ark si#e of the &orce to
inf"uence the outco(e of the conf"ict #espite his physica" e8haustion,
0he art of batt"e (e#itation%a weapon passe# #own fro( the ancient Sith sorcerers%threw the ene(y
ranks into chaos$ fee#in/ their fear an# hope"essness$ crushin/ their hearts an# spirits with b"eak
#espair, 1ery fa"se (o1e by the opponent was (a/nifie#$ e1ery hesitation was transfor(e# into a
casca#e of errors an# (istakes that o1erwhe"(e# e1en the (ost #iscip"ine# troops, 0he batt"e ha#
on"y :ust be/un$ an# it was a"rea#y a"" but o1er,
0he Repub"ic f"eet was in co(p"ete #isarray, 0wo of its four 2a((erhea#%c"ass capita" ships ha#
"ost pri(ary shie"#s in the first strafin/ run of the Bu44ar#s, ;ow the Sith Drea#nau/hts were
(o1in/ in$ tar/etin/ the su##en"y 1u"nerab"e 2a((erhea#s with their #e1astatin/ forwar#%(ounte#
"aser cannons, On the 1er/e of bein/ cripp"e# an# "eft utter"y he"p"ess$ they were :ust now (ana/in/
to scra(b"e their own fi/hters to war# off the rapi#"y c"osin/ ene(y cruisers,
0he other two capita" ships were bein/ ra1a/e# by Ra/e an# &ury$ the Sith batt"eships, 0he
pon#erous Repub"ic 2a((erhea#s re"ie# on support ships to estab"ish a #efensi1e "ine to ho"# off
ene(y attackers whi"e they positione# the(se"1es to brin/ their hea1y /uns to bear, Without these
#efensi1e "ines they were a"" but he"p"ess a/ainst the (uch 6uicker an# (ore ni(b"e corsairs, Ra/e
an# &ury cut in a"on/ a 1ector that (ini(i4e# the nu(ber of cannons the 2a((erhea#s cou"# tar/et
the( with$ then swept across their bows$ firin/ a"" /uns, When the 2a((erhea#s trie# to chan/e
#irection to brin/ (ore /uns to bear$ the corsairs wou"# pi1ot an# #oub"e back for another pass
a"on/ a #ifferent 1ector$ inf"ictin/ e1en (ore #a(a/e, 0he sa1a/e (aneu1er was known as s"ashin/
the #eck$ an# without the support of fi/hters or batt"eships of their own$ the capita" ships cou"#n't
withstan# it for "on/,
.i# fro( the Repub"ic batt"eships$ howe1er$ was not "ike"y to co(e, 0he one on point patro" was
a"rea#y a charre# an# "ife"ess hu""$ ob"iterate# in the first secon#s of the attack by a #irect hit fro(
;i/htfa""'s /uns before it cou"# raise its shie"#s, 0he other two were bein/ swar(e# by interceptors
an# poun#e# by ;i/htfa""'s broa#si#e "aser arti""ery$ an# #i#n't fi/ure to "ast (uch "on/er than the
first,
Kaan cou"# fee" it* panic ha# set in a(on/ the Repub"ic troops an# co((an#ers, 2is attack was
pure offense3 his strate/y (a8i(i4e# #a(a/e but "eft his own ships e8pose# an# 1u"nerab"e to a
we""%or/ani4e# counterattack, But no such response was forthco(in/, 0he Repub"ic captains were
unab"e to coor#inate their efforts$ unab"e to estab"ish their "ines of #efense, 0hey cou"#n't e1en
or/ani4e a proper retreat , , , escape was i(possib"e, Dictory was his=
.n# then su##en"y &ury was /one$ snuffe# out by an e8p"osion that rippe# the corsair apart, !t ha#
happene# so 6uick"y that Kaan%e1en with the preco/niti1e awareness of his batt"e (e#itation%ha#n't
sense# it co(in/, 0he two 2a((erhea#s ha# turne# at tan/entia" an/"es$ both so(ehow "ockin/ in
on &ury's path si(u"taneous"y, One ha# opene# up with its forwar# cannons to take #own &ury's
shie"#s$ whi"e the other ha# un"eashe# a barra/e of "aserfire at the e8act sa(e spot$ causin/ a
(assi1e #etonation that #estroye# the batt"eship in the b"ink of an eye, !t was a bri""iant (aneu1er*
two #ifferent ships perfect"y coor#inatin/ their efforts whi"e un#er re"ent"ess assau"t to wipe out a
co((on foe, !t was a"so i(possib"e,
Kaan or#ere# Ra/e into e1asi1e action3 the corsair pee"e# off its attack run :ust as the 2a((erhea#s
opene# fire$ narrow"y a1oi#in/ the fate of its sister ship, 0he Drea#nau/hts c"osin/ in on the
cripp"e# 2a((erhea#s were a"so force# to break off their attack run as four fu"" s6ua#s of Repub"ic
fi/hters burst forth fro( the car/o bays of their suppose#"y #efense"ess prey, 1en un#er i#ea"
con#itions it wou"# ha1e been har# to scra(b"e the fi/hters so 6uick"y3 in this situation it was
unthinkab"e, -et Kaan cou"# fee" the(* near"y fifty .urek fi/hters f"yin/ in ti/ht for(ation$ pressin/
the attack on the Drea#nau/hts whi"e a"" four 2a((erhea#s pu""e# back, 0hey were estab"ishin/ a
#efensi1e "ine=
Drawin/ on the power of the #ark si#e$ Lor# Kaan pushe# out with his wi"" to touch the (in#s of
the ene(y, 0hey were /ri($ but not #esperate, So(e were afrai#$ but none panicke#, ."" he fe"t was
#iscip"ine$ purpose$ an# reso"1e, .n# then he fe"t so(ethin/ e"se, .nother presence in the batt"e,
!t was subt"e$ but he was certain it ha#n't been there at a"" in the first few (inutes of the attack,
So(eone was usin/ the &orce to bo"ster the (ora"e of the Repub"ic troops, So(eone was usin/ the
"i/ht si#e to counter the effects of Kaan's batt"e (e#itation an# turn the ti#e, On"y a )e#i +aster
wou"# ha1e the stren/th to oppose the wi"" of a Sith Lor#,
Kopec4 fe"t it$ too, Strappe# into the seat of his interceptor$ he was spinnin/ an# swer1in/ throu/h
the 2a((erhea#'s barra/e of antifi/hter turret b"asts when the presence of the )e#i +aster crashe#
o1er hi( "ike a wa1e, !t cau/ht hi( off /uar#$ causin/ hi( to "ose his focus for a sp"it secon#, &or
any other pi"ot$ that wou"# ha1e been enou/h to en# his "ife$ but Kopec4 was no or#inary pi"ot,
Reactin/ with a 6uickness born of instinct$ hone# by trainin/$ an# bo"stere# by the power of the
#ark si#e$ he s"a((e# the thrott"e back an# pushe# har# on the stick, 0he interceptor "urche# #own
an# forwar# into a sharp #i1e$ narrow"y #uckin/ beneath three successi1e b"asts of the
2a((erhea#'s ion cannons, Pu""in/ out of the #i1e$ he banke# into a wi#e ro"" an# circ"e# back
towar# the "ar/est of the four Repub"ic cruisers, 0he )e#i was there, 2e cou"# sense hi(* the &orce
was e(anatin/ fro( the ship "ike a beacon, ;ow Kopec4 was /oin/ to ki"" hi(,
Back on ;i/htfa""$ Kaan was a"so "ocke# in (orta" co(bat with the )e#i +aster$ thou/h theirs was a
batt"e wa/e# throu/h the ships an# pi"ots of their respecti1e f"eets, 0he Repub"ic ha# (ore ships
with /reater firepower3 Kaan ha# been re"yin/ on the e"e(ent of surprise$ an# his batt"e (e#itation
to /i1e the Sith the a#1anta/e, ;ow$ howe1er$ both of those a#1anta/es ha# been nu""ifie#, Despite
his stren/th$ the Dark Lor# was no e8pert in the rare art of batt"e (e#itation, !t was one of (any
ta"ents$ an# he ha# worke# to #e1e"op the( a"" e6ua""y, 0he opposin/ )e#i$ howe1er$ ha# "ike"y been
traine# fro( birth for :ust such a confrontation, 0he ti#e of the batt"e was s"ow"y turnin/$ an# the
Dark Lor# was beco(in/ #esperate,
2e /athere# his wi"" an# "ashe# out with a su##en sur/e of #ark si#e power$ a #esperate /a(bit to
swin/ the en/a/e(ent back un#er his contro", Spurre# on by a#rena"ine$ b"oo#"ust$ an# the
irresistib"e co(pu"sion of their "ea#er$ a pair of bu44ar# pi"ots trie# to ra( their ships into the
nearest .urek s6ua#ron$ #eter(ine# to break their for(ation with a suici#e attack, But the Repub"ic
pi"ots #i#n't panic or break ranks tryin/ to a1oi# his reck"ess char/e, !nstea# they (et the assau"t
hea#%on$ firin/ their weapons an# 1apori4in/ the ene(y before any har( cou"# be #one,
On the other si#e of the batt"e$ Kopec4's interceptor knife# throu/h the #efensi1e peri(eter
estab"ishe# aroun# the capita" ship an# its precious )e#i car/o$ too 6uick an# ni(b"e for either the
.urek fi/hters or the turrets to /et a "ock, Penetratin/ the Repub"ic "ines$ Kopec4 f"ew his ship into
the heart of the (ain han/ar3 the b"ast #oors c"ose# a fraction of a secon# too "ate, 2e opene# fire as
his ship spun an# ski##e# across the #ockin/ bay's f"oor$ wipin/ out (ost of the so"#iers
unfortunate enou/h to be cau/ht insi#e,
.s the ship s"owe# to a ha"t$ he poppe# open the hatch an# f"ippe# out of his seat, ;i(b"y "an#in/
on his feet$ he #rew an# i/nite# his "i/htsaber in one s(ooth (otion, 0he first sweepin/ arc of the
cri(son b"a#e cau/ht the b"asterfire of the two troopers who ha# sur1i1e# the initia" assau"t$
#ef"ectin/ it har("ess"y away, .nother f"ip c"ose# the si8%(eter #istance between the 0wi'"ek an#
his attackers3 another arc of the b"a#e en#e# their "i1es,
Kopec4 pause# to assess the situation, +an/"e# bo#ies an# shattere# (achinery were a"" that
re(aine# of the crew an# e6uip(ent that (aintaine# the Repub"ic fi/hters, S(i"in/$ he crosse# o1er
to the hatch "ea#in/ into the interior of the capita" ship,
2e stro#e 6uick"y an# confi#ent"y throu/h the ha""s$ /ui#e# by the power e(anatin/ fro( the )e#i
+aster "ike a tuk'ata #rawn by the scent of a s6ue""bu/, . security tea( intercepte# hi( in one of
the ha""ways, 0he re# ba#/es on their s"ee1es (arke# the( as an e"ite s6ua# of specia""y traine#
so"#iers* the best bo#y/uar#s the Repub"ic (i"itary ha# to offer, Kopec4 knew they (ust ha1e been
/oo# , , , one actua""y (ana/e# to fire her weapon twice before the entire unit fe"" to his "i/htsaber,
2e entere# a "ar/e cha(ber with a sin/"e #oor at the back, 2is prey was beyon# that #oor$ but in the
center of the roo( a pair of Se"kath %% a(phibious bein/s fro( the wor"# of +anaan%barre# his way
with "i/htsabers #rawn, 0hese were (ere Pa#awans$ howe1er$ ser1ants of the )e#i +aster, Kopec4
#i#n't e1en bother en/a/in/ the( in "i/htsaber co(bat* it wou"# ha1e been beneath hi(, !nstea# he
thrust a (eaty fist forwar# an# use# the &orce to hur" the( across the roo(, 0he first Pa#awan was
stunne# by the i(pact, By the ti(e he stru//"e# uncertain"y to his feet$ his co(panion was a"rea#y
#ea#$ the "ife choke# out of her by the power of the #ark si#e,
0he sur1i1in/ Pa#awan retreate# as Kopec4 s"ow"y a#1ance#3 the Sith Lor# crosse# the roo( with
(easure# stri#es as he /athere# his power, 2e un"eashe# it in a stor( of e"ectricity$ bo"ts of b"ue%
1io"et "i/htnin/ rippin/ throu/h the f"esh of his unfortunate 1icti(, 0he Se"kath's bo#y #ance# in
con1u"sions of a/ony unti" his s(okin/ corpse fina""y co""apse# to the f"oor,
Reachin/ the #oor at the rear of the roo($ Kopec4 opene# it an# steppe# into the s(a"" (e#itation
cha(ber beyon#, .n e"#er"y <erean fe(a"e$ c"a# in the si(p"e brown robes of a )e#i +aster$ was
seate# cross%"e//e# on the f"oor, 2er crease# an# wrink"e# face was bathe# in sweat fro( the strain
of usin/ her batt"e (e#itation a/ainst Kaan an# the Sith,
8hauste#$ #raine#$ she was no (atch for the Sith Lor# who "oo(e# abo1e her, -et she (a#e no
(o1e to f"ee or e1en #efen# herse"f, With certain #eath on"y secon#s away$ she kept her (in# an#
power focuse# entire"y on the f"eet batt"e,
Kopec4 cou"#n't he"p but a#(ire her coura/e e1en as he (etho#ica""y cut her #own, 2er ca"(
acceptance robbe# his 1ictory of any :oy, 7Peace is a "ie he (uttere# to hi(se"f as he sta"ke# back
throu/h the ha""s towar# the #ockin/ bay an# his waitin/ ship$ an8ious to "ea1e before ;i/htfa"" or
one of the other ships b"ew the 2a((erhea# to bits,
0he #eath of the )e#i +aster turne# the ti#e once (ore, Resistance cru(b"e#3 the batt"e beca(e a
Sith rout$ an# then a s"au/hter, ;o "on/er protecte# by the power of the "i/ht si#e of the &orce$ the
Repub"ic so"#iers were co(p"ete"y #e(ora"i4e# by the terror an# #espair Kaan spawne# in their
(in#s, 0hose who were stron/%wi""e# /a1e up a"" hope sa1e that of escapin/ the batt"e a"i1e, 0he
weak%wi""e# were "eft so #espon#ent$ they cou"# on"y hope for a 6uick an# (ercifu" #eath, 0he
for(er #i#n't /et what they wante#$ but the "atter #i#,
Strappe# into the hatch of his interceptor$ Lor# Kopec4 "aunche# his craft fro( the han/ar (ere
secon#s before the capita" ship was #estroye# in a /"orious an# catac"ys(ic e8p"osion,
0he Sith "osses that #ay were hea1ier than e8pecte#$ but their 1ictory was abso"ute, ;ot a sin/"e
Repub"ic ship$ pi"ot$ or so"#ier escape# the &irst Batt"e of Ruusan a"i1e,
<hapter 1?
Bane's power was /rowin/, !n on"y a few (onths of trainin/ he ha# "earne# (uch about the &orce
an# the power of the #ark si#e, Physica""y$ he fe"t stron/er than e1er before, !n (ornin/ trainin/
runs he cou"# sprint at near"y fu"" spee# for fi1e ki"o(eters before he e1en be/an breathin/ hea1i"y,
2is ref"e8es were 6uicker$ his (in# an# senses were sharper than he possib"y cou"# ha1e i(a/ine#,
When necessary he cou"# channe" the &orce throu/h his bo#y$ /i1in/ hi( bursts of ener/y that
a""owe# hi( to #o see(in/"y i(possib"e feats* perfor( fu"" f"ips fro( a stan#in/ position3 sur1i1e
fa""s fro( incre#ib"e hei/hts unin:ure#3 "eap 1ertica""y ten (eters or (ore,
2e was co(p"ete"y aware of his surroun#in/s at a"" ti(es$ sensin/ the presence of others,
So(eti(es he cou"# e1en /et a fee" of their intentions$ 1a/ue i(pressions of their 1ery thou/hts, 2e
was ab"e to "e1itate "ar/er ob:ects now$ an# for "on/er perio#s, With each "esson his power /rew, !t
beca(e easier an# easier to co((an# the &orce an# ben# it to his wi"", .n# with each week$ Bane
rea"i4e# he ha# surpasse# another of the apprentices who ha# once been ahea# of hi(,
Less an# "ess of his ti(e was spent in the archi1es stu#yin/ the ancient scro""s, 2is initia"
fascination with the( ha# fa#e#$ swept away by the intensity of .ca#e(y "ife, .bsorbin/ the
know"e#/e of +asters "on/ #ea# was a co"# an# steri"e p"easure, 2istorica" recor#s were no
co(petition for the fee"in/ of e8hi"aration an# power he fe"t when actua""y usin/ the &orce, Bane
was part of the .ca#e(y an# the Brotherhoo# of the Darkness, 2e was part of the now$ not the
ancient past,
2e be/an to spen# (ore ti(e (in/"in/ with the other stu#ents, ."rea#y he cou"# sense that so(e of
the( were :ea"ous$ thou/h none #are# to act a/ainst hi(, <o(petition a(on/ the stu#ents was
encoura/e#$ an# the +asters a""owe# the ri1a"ry to #rift into the ani(osity an# hatre# that fue"e# the
#ark si#e, But there were harsh pena"ties for any apprentice cau/ht interferin/ with or #isruptin/ the
trainin/ of another stu#ent,
Of course$ a"" the apprentices un#erstoo# that the punish(ent was actua""y for the cri(e of bein/
care"ess enou/h to /et cau/ht, 0reachery was tacit"y accepte#$ as "on/ as it was #one with enou/h
cunnin/ to a1oi# the notice of the instructors, Bane's pheno(ena" pro/ress protecte# hi( fro( the
(achinations of his fe""ow stu#ents3 no one cou"# (o1e a/ainst hi( without #rawin/ the attention
of 5or#is or the other Sith Lor#s,
Unfortunate"y$ the e8tra attention (a#e it #ifficu"t for Bane hi(se"f to use treachery$ (anipu"ation$
or si(i"ar techni6ues to attain /reater status within the .ca#e(y,
0here was$ howe1er$ one sanctione# way stu#ents cou"# brin/ a ri1a" #own* "i/htsaber co(bat, 0he
chosen weapon of both the )e#i an# the Sith$ the "i/htsaber was (ore than :ust a b"a#e of ener/y
capab"e of cuttin/ throu/h a"(ost e1ery (ateria" in the known /a"a8y, 0he "i/htsaber was an
e8tension of the user an# his or her co((an# of the &orce, On"y those with strict (enta" #iscip"ine
an# tota" physica" (astery cou"# use the weapon effecti1e"y ,,, or so Bane an# the others ha# been
tau/ht,
&ew of the stu#ents actua""y possesse# "i/htsabers yet3 they sti"" ha# to pro1e the(se"1es worthy in
the eyes of 5or#is an# the others, -et that #i#n't keep Lor# Kas'i($ the 0wi'"ek B"a#e(aster$ fro(
instructin/ the( in the sty"es an# techni6ues they wou"# use once they ha# fina""y earne# their
weapons, ach (ornin/ the apprentices wou"# /ather on the wi#e$ open roof of the te(p"e to
practice their #ri""s an# routines un#er his watchfu" eye$ stru//"in/ to "earn the e8otic (aneu1ers
that wou"# brin/ the( 1ictory on the batt"efie"#,
Perspiration was a"rea#y runnin/ #own the crown of Bane's hea# an# into his eyes as he put his
bo#y throu/h its paces, 2e b"inke# away the stin/in/ sweat an# re#oub"e# his e8ertions$ car1in/ the
air before hi( a/ain an# a/ain an# a/ain with his trainin/ saber, ."" aroun# hi( other apprentices
were #oin/ the sa(e3 each was stru//"in/ to con6uer his or her own physica" "i(itations an#
beco(e (ore than :ust a warrior with a weapon, 0he /oa" was to beco(e an e8tension of the #ark
si#e itse"f,
Bane ha# be/un by "earnin/ the basic techni6ues co((on to a"" se1en tra#itiona" "i/htsaber for(s,
2is first weeks ha# been spent in en#"ess repetitions of #efensi1e postures$ o1erhan# strikes$
parries$ an# counter%strikes, By obser1in/ the natura" ten#encies of his stu#ents as they "earne# the
basics$ Lor# Kas'i( #eter(ine# which for( wou"# best (atch their sty"e, &or Bane he chose D:e(
So$ &or( D, 0he fifth for( e(phasi4e# stren/th an# power$ a""owin/ Bane to use his si4e an#
(usc"es to his best a#1anta/e, On"y after he was ab"e to perfor( each of the (o1es of D:e( So to
the satisfaction of Kas'i( was he a""owe# to be/in the rea" trainin/,
;ow$ a"on/ with the other stu#ents at the .ca#e(y$ he spent the better part of an hour each (ornin/
practicin/ his techni6ues with his trainin/ saber un#er the B"a#e(aster's watchfu" eye, +a#e of
#urastee" with b"unte# e#/es$ the trainin/ sabers were crafte# specifica""y so that their ba"ance an#
heft (i(icke# the ener/y bea(s pro:ecte# by rea" "i/ht%sabers, . so"i# b"ow cou"# inf"ict serious
#a(a/e$ but since a "i/htsaber #i# not work that way$ each trainin/ b"a#e was a"so co1ere# with
(i""ions of to8in%fi""e# barbs too s(a"" to see$ fashione# fro( the (icroscopic ri#/e spines of the
#ea#"y pe"ko bu/%a rare insect foun# on"y #eep beneath the #esert san#s of the Da""ey of the Dark
Lor#s on Korriban itse"f, With a #irect hit$ the (inuscu"e barbs cou"# pierce the wea1e of any
fabric3 the pe"ko 1eno( wou"# cause the f"esh i((e#iate"y to burn an# b"ister, 0e(porary para"ysis
set in instant"y at the point of infection$ "ea1in/ any "i(b struck a"" but use"ess, 0his pro1i#e# an
e8ce""ent way to (i(ic the effects of "osin/ a han#$ ar($ or "e/ to a "i/htsaber b"a#e,
0he (ornin/ was fi""e# with the /runts of the apprentices an# the swish%swish%swish as their b"a#es
s"ice# the air, !n so(e ways it re(in#e# Bane of his (i"itary trainin/* a /roup of so"#iers unite# in
the repetition of #ri""s unti" the (o1es beca(e instincti1e,
But there was no sense of ca(ara#erie at the .ca#e(y, 0he apprentices were ri1a"s$ p"ain an#
si(p"e, !n (any ways it wasn't that #ifferent fro( his #ays on .patros, ;ow$ howe1er$ the iso"ation
was worth it, 2ere they were teachin/ hi( the secrets of the #ark si#e,
7Wron/=7 Kas'i( su##en"y barke#, 2e ha# been wa"kin/ up an# #own the ranks of apprentices as
they traine#$ but ha# now stoppe# ri/ht besi#e Bane, 7Strike with (a"ice an# precision=7 2e
reache# out an# sei4e# Bane's wrist$ turnin/ it rou/h"y an# chan/in/ the an/"e of the trainin/ b"a#e,
7-ou're co(in/ in too hi/h=7 he snappe#, 70here is no roo( for error=7
2e staye# at Bane's si#e for se1era" secon#s$ watchin/ to ensure the "esson ha# been proper"y
"earne#, .fter se1era" har# thrusts by Bane with the a"tere# /rip$ the B"a#e(aster no##e# in
appro1a" an# continue# his roun#s,
Bane repeate# the sin/"e (o1e o1er an# o1er$ carefu" to (aintain the hei/ht an# an/"e of the b"a#e
e8act"y as Kas'i( ha# shown hi($ teachin/ his (usc"es throu/h count"ess repetitions unti" they
cou"# rep"icate it f"aw"ess"y each an# e1ery ti(e, On"y then wou"# he (o1e on to incorporatin/ it
into (ore co(p"icate# (aneu1ers,
Soon he was breathin/ hea1i"y fro( his e8ertions, Physica""y Kas'i('s trainin/ sessions cou"#n't
(easure up to ha((erin/ a cortosis 1ein with a hy#rau"ic :ack for hours at a ti(e, But they were far
(ore e8haustin/ in other ways, 0hey #e(an#e# intense (enta" focus$ an attention to #etai" that
went far beyon# what was 1isib"e to the nake# eye, 0rue (astery of the b"a#e re6uire# a
co(bination of both bo#y an# (in#,
When two +asters en/a/e# in "i/htsaber co(bat$ the action happene# too 6uick"y for the eye to see
or the (in# to react, 1erythin/ ha# to be #one on instinct3 the bo#y ha# to be traine# to (o1e an#
respon# without conscious thou/ht, 0o acco(p"ish this$ Kas'i( (a#e his stu#ents practice
se6uences$ carefu""y choreo/raphe# series of (u"tip"e strikes an# parries #rawn fro( their chosen
sty"e, 0he se6uences were #esi/ne# by the B"a#e(aster hi(se"f so that each (aneu1er f"owe#
s(ooth"y into the ne8t$ (a8i(i4in/ attack efficiency whi"e (ini(i4in/ #efensi1e e8posure,
Usin/ a se6uence in co(bat a""owe# the stu#ents to free their (in#s fro( thou/ht as their bo#ies
auto(atica""y continue# throu/h the (o1es, Usin/ se6uences was (ore efficient an# (uch 6uicker
than consi#erin/ an# initiatin/ each strike or b"ock on its own$ pro1i#in/ an enor(ous a#1anta/e
o1er an opponent unfa(i"iar with the techni6ue,
2owe1er$ in/rainin/ a new se6uence so it cou"# be proper"y e8ecute# was a "on/ an# "aborious
process, &or (any it wou"# take two to three weeks of trainin/ an# #ri""s%"on/er if the se6uence was
#eri1e# fro( a sty"e the stu#ent was sti"" stru//"in/ to (aster, .n# e1en the tiniest (istake in the
s(a""est of (o1es cou"# ren#er the entire se6uence worth"ess,
Kas'i( ha# spotte# a potentia""y fata" f"aw in Bane's techni6ue, ;ow Bane was #eter(ine# to fi8 it$
e1en if it (eant hours of practice on his own ti(e, Bane was re"ent"ess in his pursuit of perfection%
not :ust in his co(bat trainin/$ but in a"" his stu#ies, 2e was a (an on a (ission,
7nou/h$7 Kas'i('s 1oice ca""e# out, .t that sin/"e co((an# a"" the stu#ents stoppe# what they
were #oin/ an# turne# their attention to the B"a#e(aster, 2e was stan#in/ at the hea# of the
asse(b"a/e$ facin/ the(,
7-ou (ay rest for ten (inutes$7 he to"# the(, 70hen the cha""en/es wi"" be/in,7
Bane$ a"on/ with (ost of the others$ "owere# hi(se"f into a (e#itati1e position$ "e/s crosse# an#
fo"#e# beneath hi(, Layin/ his trainin/ saber on the /roun# besi#e hi($ he c"ose# his eyes an#
s"ippe# into a "i/ht trance$ #rawin/ on the #ark si#e to re:u1enate his achin/ (usc"es an# refresh his
tire# (in#,
2e "et the power f"ow throu/h hi($ "et his (in# #rift, .s it often #i#$ it #rifte# back to the first ti(e
he'# touche# the #ark si#e, ;ot the fu(b"in/ brushes he'# ha# back on .patros or #urin/ his #ays as
a so"#ier$ but a true reco/nition of the &orce,
!t ha# been his thir# #ay here at the .ca#e(y, 2e'# been app"yin/ the (e#itation techni6ues he'#
"earne# the #ay before when su##en"y he fe"t it, !t was "ike the burstin/ of a #a($ a ra/in/ ri1er
f"oo#in/ throu/h hi($ sweepin/ away a"" his fai"in/s* his weakness$ his fear$ his se"f%#oubt, !n that
instant he'# un#erstoo# why he was here, .t that (o(ent his transfor(ation fro( Des to Bane$
fro( (ere (orta" to one of the Sith$ ha# tru"y be/un,
0hrou/h power$ ! /ain 1ictory,
0hrou/h 1ictory (y chains are broken,
Bane knew a"" about chains, So(e were ob1ious* an abusi1e$ uncarin/ father3 /rue"in/ shifts in the
(ines3 #ebts owe# to a face"ess$ ruth"ess corporation, Others were (ore subt"e* the Repub"ic an# its
i#ea"istic pro(ises of a better "ife that ne1er (ateria"i4e#3 the )e#i an# their 1ow to ri# the /a"a8y of
in:ustice, 1en his frien#s in the G"oo( Wa"kers ha# been a kin# of chain, 2e'# care# for the($
been responsib"e for the(, -et in the en#$ what use ha# they been when he'# nee#e# the( (ost9
2e un#erstoo# now that persona" attach(ents cou"# on"y ho"# hi( back, &rien#s were a bur#en, 2e
ha# to re"y on hi(se"f, 2e ha# to #e1e"op his own potentia", 2is own power, !n the en#$ that was
what it rea""y ca(e #own to, Power, .n#$ abo1e a"" e"se$ the #ark si#e pro(ise# power,
2e hear# the soun#s of (o1e(ent aroun# hi(3 the soft shuff"e of robes as the other apprentices rose
fro( their (e#itations an# (a#e their way towar# the cha""en/e rin/, 2e /rabbe# his trainin/ saber
with one han# an# spran/ to his feet to :oin the(,
.t the en# of each session the c"ass wou"# /ather in a wi#e$ irre/u"ar circ"e at the top of the te(p"e,
.ny stu#ent cou"# step into the circ"e an# issue a cha""en/e to another, Kas'i( wou"# obser1e the
#ue"s c"ose"y$ an# once it was o1er he wou"# ana"y4e the action for the c"ass, 0hose who won wou"#
be praise# for their perfor(ance$ an# their status in the infor(a" hierarchy of the .ca#e(y wou"#
rise, 0hose who "ost wou"# be chastise# for their fai"in/s$ as we"" as sufferin/ a b"ow to their
presti/e,
When Bane ha# first be/un his trainin/$ (any of the stu#ents ha# ea/er"y ca""e# hi( out, 0hey
knew he was a neophyte in the &orce an# they were ea/er to take #own the hea1i"y (usc"e# /iant in
front of their c"ass(ates, .t first he ha# #ec"ine# the cha""en/es, 2e knew they were the 6uickest
way to /ain presti/e at the .ca#e(y$ but he wasn't foo"ish enou/h to be #rawn into a batt"e he was
/uarantee# to "ose,
!n the past (onths$ howe1er$ he ha# worke# har# to "earn his sty"e an# refine his techni6ue, 2e
"earne# new se6uences 6uick"y$ an# when Kas'i( hi(se"f ha# co((ente# on his pro/ress$ Bane
ha# fe"t confi#ent enou/h to be/in acceptin/ the cha""en/es, 2e wasn't 1ictorious e1ery ti(e$ but he
was winnin/ far (ore #ue"s than he was "osin/$ s"ow"y c"i(bin/ his way to the top of the "a##er,
0o#ay he fe"t rea#y to take another step,
0he apprentices were stan#in/ three rows #eep$ for(in/ a rin/ of bo#ies aroun# a c"earin/ in the
center rou/h"y ten (eters in #ia(eter, Kas'i( steppe# into the (i##"e, 2e #i#n't speak$ but (ere"y
ti"te# his hea#%a si/n that it was ti(e for the cha""en/es to be/in, Bane steppe# into the center
before anyone e"se cou"# (ake a (o1e,
7! cha""en/e &ohar/h$7 he announce# in rin/in/ tones,
7! accept7 ca(e the rep"y fro( so(ewhere in the crow# on the opposite si#e, 0he apprentices parte#
to "et the one cha""en/e# pass, Kas'i( /a1e a s"i/ht bow to each co(batant an# steppe# to the
c"earin/'s e#/e to /i1e the( roo(,
&ohar/h was a +akurth, !n (any ways he re(in#e# Bane of the 0ran#oshans he ha# fou/ht in his
#ays with the G"oo( Wa"kers, Both species were bipe#a" saurians%"i4ar#"ike hu(anoi#s co1ere# in
"eathery /reen sca"es%but the +akurths ha# four cur1e# horns /rowin/ fro( the top of their hea#s,
ar"y in Bane's trainin/$ he ha# fou/ht &ohar/h%an# he ha# "ost, Ba#"y,
0he +akurth was nocturna" by nature, Like the (iners of the ni/ht shift on .patros$ howe1er$ he
ha# /rown accusto(e# to an unnatura" sche#u"e in or#er to train with the rest of the apprentices at
the .ca#e(y, Durin/ their first #ue" Bane ha# un#eresti(ate# &ohar/h$ e8pectin/ hi( to be
s"u//ish an# s"ow #urin/ the #ay"i/ht hours, 2e wou"#n't (ake that (istake twice,
.s Kas'i( an# the apprentices watche# in si"ence$ the two co(batants circ"e# each other in the rin/$
trainin/ sabers he"# out before the( in stan#ar# rea#y stances, 0he +akurth's breath ca(e in /runts
an# /row"s fro( his f"arin/ nostri"s as he trie# to inti(i#ate his hu(an opponent, &ro( ti(e to ti(e
he'# /i1e a short be""ow an# shake his four%horne# "i4ar#'s hea# whi"e f"ashin/ his sa1a/e teeth, 0he
"ast ti(e he'# face# the /reen%sca"e#$ snortin/ #e(on of an apprentice$ Bane ha# been inti(i#ate#
by &ohar/h's act, ;ow he si(p"y i/nore# the posturin/,
Bane "un/e# out with a si(p"e o1erhan# strike$ but &ohar/h respon#e# with a 6uick parry to #ef"ect
the b"ow to the si#e, !nstea# of the crack"e an# hu( of b"a#es of pure ener/y crossin/$ there was a
"ou# c"an/ as the weapons c"ashe#, !((e#iate"y the co(batants spun away fro( each other an#
resu(e# their rea#y positions,
Bane rushe# forwar#$ his b"a#e ascen#in/ #ia/ona""y fro( ri/ht to "eft in a "on/$ swift arc, &ohar/h
(ana/e# to re#irect the i(pact with his own weapon$ but "ost his ba"ance an# stu(b"e# back, Bane
trie# to press his a#1anta/e$ his trainin/ saber arcin/ up fro( "eft to ri/ht, 2is opponent spun out of
har('s way$ backpe#a"in/ 6uick"y to create space, Bane broke off the ha"f%co(p"ete# se6uence an#
sett"e# back into the rea#y position,
Back on .patros his "atent abi"ities in the &orce ha# a""owe# hi( to anticipate an# react to the
(o1es of his foe, 2ere$ howe1er$ e1ery opponent en:oye# the sa(e a#1anta/e, .s a resu"t$ 1ictory
re6uire# a co(bination of the &orce an# physica" ski"",
Bane ha# worke# on ac6uirin/ that physica" ski"" o1er the past (onths, .s this abi"ity /rew$ he was
ab"e to #e1ote "ess an# "ess of his (enta" ener/y to the physica" actions of thrust$ parry$ an#
counterthrust, 0his a""owe# hi( to keep his (in# focuse# so he cou"# use the &orce to anticipate his
opponent's (o1es$ whi"e at the sa(e ti(e obscurin/ an# confusin/ his ene(y's own preco/niti1e
senses,
0he "ast ti(e he an# &ohar/h ha# fou/ht$ Bane ha# sti"" been a no1ice, 2e ha# on"y "earne# a
han#fu" of se6uences, ;ow he knew a"(ost a hun#re#$ an# he was ab"e to transition s(ooth"y fro(
the en# of one se6uence into the be/innin/ of another$ openin/ up a wi#er ran/e of attack%an#%
#efense co(binations, .n# (ore options (a#e it (ore #ifficu"t for a foe to use the &orce to
anticipate his actions,
&ohar/h$ #espite his terrifyin/ appearance$ was s(a""er an# "i/hter than his hu(an opponent,
Physica""y out(atche# by the brute force of Bane's &or( D$ he was force# to re"y on the #efensi1e
sty"e of &or( !!! to keep his "ar/er opponent's o1erpowerin/ attacks at bay,
Spinnin/ his trainin/ saber in a 6uick f"ourish$ Bane "eapt hi/h in the air an# ca(e crashin/ #own
fro( abo1e, &ohar/h parrie# the attack but was knocke# to the /roun#, 2e ro""e# onto his back an#
bare"y (ana/e# to /et his saber up in ti(e to b"ock Bane's ne8t s"ashin/ attack, . chorus of (eta"
on (eta" ran/ out as Bane's b"ows #escen#e# "ike rain, 0he +akurth kept hi( fro( "an#in/ a #irect
hit with a (asterfu" #efensi1e f"urry$ then swept Bane off his feet with a "e/%whip$ "ea1in/ the(
both supine,
0hey f"ippe# to their feet si(u"taneous"y$ (irror i(a/es$ an# their sabers (et with another
resoun#in/ crash before they #isen/a/e# once a/ain, 0here were so(e whispers an# (utters fro(
the asse(b"e# crow#$ but Bane #i# his best to tune the( out, 0hey ha# thou/ht the batt"e was
o1er ,,, as ha# Bane hi(se"f, 2e was #isappointe# that he ha#n't been ab"e to finish off his fa""en
opponent$ but he knew 1ictory was near, &ohar/h's sur1i1a" ha# e8tracte# a hea1y to""* he was
breathin/ in ra//e# /asps now$ his shou"#ers s"u(pin/,
Bane rushe# &ohar/h a/ain, 0his ti(e$ howe1er$ the +akurth #i#n't back away, 2e steppe# forwar#
with a 6uick thrust$ switchin/ fro( &or( !!! to the (ore precise an# a//ressi1e &or( !!, Bane was
cau/ht off /uar# by the une8pecte# (aneu1er an# was a (icrosecon# s"ow in reco/ni4in/ the
chan/e, 2is parry atte(pt knocke# the tip of the b"a#e away fro( his chest$ on"y to ha1e it s"ice
across his ri/ht shou"#er,
0he crow# /aspe#$ &ohar/h how"e# in 1ictory$ an# Bane screa(e# in pain as the saber s"ippe# to
the /roun# fro( his su##en"y ner1e"ess fin/ers, +in#"ess"y$ Bane use# his other han# to sho1e his
opponent in the chest, &ohar/h ree"e# backwar#$ an# Bane ro""e# away to safety,
Scra(b"in/ to his feet$ Bane e8ten#e# his "eft han# to the trainin/ saber "yin/ on the /roun# three
(eters away, !t spran/ up an# into his pa"($ an# he once a/ain assu(e# the rea#y position$ his ri/ht
ar( #an/"in/ use"ess"y at his si#e, So(e Sith "earne# to fi/ht with either han#$ but Bane ha#n't yet
reache# that a#1ance# sta/e, 0he weapon fe"t awkwar# an# c"u(sy as he he"# it, Left%han#e#$ he
was no (atch for &ohar/h, 0he fi/ht was o1er,
2is opponent sense# it$ as we"", 7Defeat is bitter$ hu(an$7 he /row"e# in Basic$ his 1oice #eep an#
(enacin/, 7! ha1e beste# you3 you ha1e "ost,7
2e wasn't askin/ Bane to yie"#3 surren#er was ne1er an option, 2e was si(p"y tauntin/ hi($
pub"ic"y hu(i"iatin/ hi( in front of the other stu#ents,
7-ou traine# for weeks to cha""en/e (e$7 &ohar/h continue#$ #rawin/ out his (ockery, 7-ou fai"e#,
Dictory is (ine a/ain,7
70hen co(e finish (e=7 Bane snappe# back, 0here wasn't (uch e"se he cou"# say, 1erythin/ his
ene(y sai# in his hea1i"y accente# Basic was true$ an# the wor#s cut far #eeper than the b"unte#
trainin/ saber's e#/e possib"y cou"#,
70his en#s when ! choose$7 the +akurth rep"ie#$ refusin/ to be baite#,
0he eyes of the other apprentices burne# into Bane3 he cou"# fee" the( #rinkin/ in his sufferin/ as
they stare# at hi(, 0hey resente# hi($ resente# the e8tra attention he ha# been recei1in/ fro( the
+asters, ;ow they re1e"e# in his fai"ure,
7-ou are weak$7 &ohar/h e8p"aine#$ casua""y twir"in/ his own saber in a co(p"e8 an# intricate
pattern, 7-ou are pre#ictab"e,7
Stop it= Bane wante# to screa(, n# this= &inish (e= But #espite the e(otion bui"#in/ up insi#e
hi($ he refuse# to /i1e his opponent the satisfaction of sayin/ another wor#, !nstea# he "et the a""%
but%use"ess saber fa"" once (ore to the /roun#, !n the back/roun# he cou"# see the B"a#e(aster
watchin/ intent"y$ curious to see how the confrontation wou"# reach its ine1itab"e en#,
70he +asters cosset you, 0hey /i1e you e8tra ti(e an# attention, +ore than the others, +ore than
(e,7
Bane bare"y e1en hear# the wor#s any(ore, 2is heart was poun#in/ so "ou# he cou"# hear the b"oo#
coursin/ throu/h his 1eins, Litera""y 6uakin/ with i(potent ra/e$ he "owere# his hea# an# #roppe#
to one knee$ e8posin/ his bare neck,
7Despite this$ you are sti"" (y inferior ,,, Bane of the Sith,7
Bane, So(ethin/ in the way &ohar/h sai# it cause# Bane to /"ance up, !t was the sa(e way his
father use# to say the wor#,
70hat na(e is (ine$7 Bane whispere#$ his 1oice "ow an# threatenin/, 7;obo#y uses it a/ainst (e,7
&ohar/h either #i#n't hear hi( or #i#n't care, 2e took a "eisure"y step forwar#, 7Bane, Worth"ess, .n
insi/nificant nothin/, 0he +asters waste# their ti(e on you, 0i(e better spent on other stu#ents,
-ou are we"" na(e#$ for you tru"y are this .ca#e(y's bane=7
7;o=7 Bane screa(e#$ thrustin/ his /oo# han# out pa"(%forwar# e1en as &ohar/h "eapt in to finish
hi( off, Dark si#e ener/y erupte# fro( his open pa"( to catch his opponent in (i#air$ hur"in/ hi(
back to the e#/e of the crow# where he "an#e# at Kas'i('s feet,
0he +aster watche# with an intri/ue# but wary e8pression, Bane s"ow"y c"enche# his fist an# rose
to his feet, On the /roun# before hi($ &ohar/h was writhin/ in a/ony$ c"utchin/ at his throat an#
/aspin/ for breath,
Un"ike the +akurth$ Bane ha# nothin/ to say to his he"p"ess opponent, 2e s6uee4e# his fist har#er$
fee"in/ the &orce rushin/ throu/h hi( "ike a #i1ine win# as he crushe# the "ife out of his foe,
&ohar/h's hee"s poun#e# out a staccato rhyth( on the te(p"e's stone roof as his bo#y con1u"se#, 2e
be/an to /ur/"e$ an# pink froth we""e# up fro( between his "ips,
7nou/h$ Bane$7 Kas'i( sai# in a co"#$ e1en 1oice, 0hou/h he stoo# on"y centi(eters away fro(
the #eath throes of his stu#ent$ his eyes were fi8e# on the one sti"" stan#in/,
. fina" sur/e of power roare# up in the core of Bane's bein/ an# e8p"o#e# out into the wor"#, !n
response$ &ohar/h's bo#y went stiff an# his eyes ro""e# back in his hea#, Bane re"ease# his ho"# on
the &orce an# his fa""en ene(y$ an# the +akurth's bo#y went "i(p as the "ast 1esti/es of "ife ebbe#
away,
7;ow it's enou/h$7 Bane sai#$ turnin/ his back on the corpse an# wa"kin/ towar# the stairs that "e#
back insi#e the te(p"e, 0he circ"e of stu#ents 6uick"y opene# a path for hi( to pass, 2e #i#n't nee#
to "ook back to know that Kas'i( was watchin/ hi( with /reat interest,
Bane fe"t the presence of so(eone fo""owin/ hi( #own the stairs fro( the te(p"e roof "on/ before
he hear# the footsteps, 2e #i#n't chan/e his pace$ but he #i# stop at the first "an#in/ an# turn to face
whoe1er it was, 2e ha"f e8pecte# to see Lor# Kas'i($ but instea# of the B"a#e(aster he foun#
hi(se"f starin/ into the oran/e eyes of Sirak$ another apprentice at the .ca#e(y, Or rather$ the top
apprentice at the .ca#e(y,
Sirak was a Habrak$ one of three apprenticin/ here on Korriban, Habrak ten#e# to be a(bitious$
#ri1en$ an# arro/ant%perhaps it was these traits that (a#e the &orce%sensiti1es of the race so stron/
in the ways of the #ark si#e%an# Sirak was the perfect e(bo#i(ent of those characteristics, 2e was
far an# away the stron/est of the three, Where1er Sirak went$ the other two usua""y fo""owe#$
trai"in/ at his hee" "ike obe#ient ser1ants, 0hey (a#e a co"orfu" trio* re#%skinne# L"okay an# -e1ra$
an# pa"e ye""ow Sirak, But ri/ht now the other two were conspicuous"y absent,
0here were ru(ors that Sirak ha# be/un stu#yin/ the ways of the #ark si#e un#er Lor# 5or#is
near"y twenty years a/o$ "on/ before the .ca#e(y at Korriban ha# been resurrecte#, Bane #i#n't
know if the ru(ors were true$ an# he ha#n't thou/ht it wise to ask about it, 0he !ri#onian Habrak
was both powerfu" an# #an/erous, So far Bane ha# #one his best to a1oi# #rawin/ the attention of
the .ca#e(y's (ost a#1ance# stu#ent, .pparent"y$ that strate/y was no "on/er an option,
0he rush of a#rena"ine he'# fe"t as he'# en#e# &ohar/h's "ife was fa#in/$ a"on/ with the confi#ence
an# sense of in1incibi"ity that ha# "e# to his #ra(atic e8it, Bane wasn't e8act"y afrai# as the Habrak
approache# hi($ but he was wary,
!n the #i( torch"i/ht of the te(p"e$ Sirak's pa"e ye""ow skin ha# taken on a sick"y$ wa8en hue,
Unbi##en$ it brou/ht back (e(ories of Bane's first year workin/ the (ines on .patros, . crew of
fi1e%three (en an# two wo(en%ha# been trappe# in a ca1e%in, 0hey ha# sur1i1e# the co""apsin/
tunne" by escapin/ into a reinforce# safety cha(ber #u/ out of the rock$ but no8ious fu(es re"ease#
in the co""apse ha# seepe# into their ha1en an# ki""e# the( a"" before rescue tea(s cou"# #i/ the(
out, 0he co(p"e8ion of their b"oate# corpses was the e8act sa(e co"or as Sirak's* the co"or of a
s"ow$ a/oni4in/ #eath,
Bane shook his hea#$ pushin/ the (e(ory away, 0hat "ife be"on/e# to Des$ an# Des was /one,
7What #o you want97 he aske#$ tryin/ to keep his 1oice ca"(,
7-ou know why ! a( here7 was the icy response, 7&ohar/h,7
7Was he a frien# of yours97 Bane was /enuine"y confuse#, With the e8ception of his fe""ow Habrak$
Sirak rare"y (in/"e# with the other stu#ents, !n fact$ (any of the accusations &ohar/h ha# "e1e"e# at
Bane%such as preferentia" treat(ent fro( the +asters%cou"# easi"y be app"ie# to Sirak$ as we"",
70he +akurth was neither frien# nor ene(y7 was the hau/hty rep"y, 72e was beneath (y notice$ as
were you, Unti" now,7
Bane's on"y rep"y was a stea#y$ unb"inkin/ stare, 0he f"ickerin/ torch"i/ht ref"ectin/ off the Habrak's
pupi"s (a#e it see( as if hun/ry f"a(es "icke# away at the insi#e of his sku"",
7-ou are an intri/uin/ opponent$7 Sirak whispere#$ takin/ a step c"oser, 7&or(i#ab"e , , , at "east
co(pare# with the other so%ca""e# apprentices here, ! a( watchin/ you now, ! a( waitin/,7
2e reache# out s"ow"y an# presse# his fin/er into Bane's chest, Bane ha# to fi/ht the ur/e to take a
step back,
7! #o not issue cha""en/es$7 the Habrak continue#, 7! ha1e no nee# to test (yse"f a/ainst a "esser
opponent,7 &"ashin/ a crue" s(i"e$ he "owere# his fin/er an# took a step back, 72owe1er$ when you
foo" yourse"f into be"ie1in/ you are rea#y$ you wi"" ine1itab"y cha""en/e (e, ! sha"" be "ookin/
forwar# to it,7
With that he brushe# past Bane on the narrow "an#in/$ bu(pin/ hi( s"i/ht"y with his shou"#er as if
unaware of hi($ then continuin/ on #own the stairs to the "e1e" be"ow,
0he (essa/e of that s"i/ht bu(p was not "ost on Bane, 2e knew Sirak was tryin/ to inti(i#ate hi( ,
, , an# to /oa# hi( into a confrontation Bane wasn't rea#y for, 2e wasn't about to fa"" for the trap,
!nstea# he stoo# (otion"ess at the top of the "an#in/$ refusin/ to turn an# watch Sirak #epart, On"y
when he hear# the soun#s of the rest of the c"ass #escen#in/ fro( the roof #i# he (o1e a/ain$
spinnin/ on his hee" an# continuin/ #own the stairs to the "ower "e1e"s an# the pri1acy of his own
roo(,
<hapter 11
0he ne8t (ornin/ Bane was not with the other stu#ents on the te(p"e roof as they sparre#, Lor#
5or#is wante# to speak with hi(, Pri1ate"y,
2e stro#e throu/h the 1irtua""y e(pty ha""s of the .ca#e(y towar# the (eetin/$ his outwar#
appearance ca"( an# confi#ent, !nsi#e he was anythin/ but,
."" ni/ht$ as he "ay surroun#e# by the si"ence an# #arkness of his roo($ the #ue" ha# p"aye# itse"f
o1er an# o1er in his hea#, &ree fro( the e(otion of the batt"e$ he knew he ha# /one too far, 2e ha#
pro1en his #o(inance o1er &ohar/h by pinnin/ hi( with the &orce3 he ha# achie1e# #un (och, 0he
+akurth wou"# ne1er #are to cha""en/e hi( a/ain, -et for so(e reason Bane ha#n't been ab"e to
stop there, 2e ha#n't wante# to stop,
.t the ti(e he ha# fe"t no /ui"t o1er his actions, ;o re(orse, -et once his b"oo# coo"e#$ part of hi(
cou"#n't he"p but fee" he ha# #one so(ethin/ wron/, 2a# &ohar/h rea""y #eser1e# to #ie9
But another part of hi( refuse# to accept the /ui"t, 2e'# ha# no "o1e for the +akurth, ;o fee"in/s at
a"", &ohar/h ha# been nothin/ but an obstac"e to Bane's pro/ress, .n obstac"e that ha# been
re(o1e#,
2e ha# /i1en hi(se"f o1er to the #ark si#e co(p"ete"y in that (o(ent, !t ha# been (ore than si(p"e
ra/e or b"oo#"ust, !t went #eeper$ to the 1ery core of his bein/, 2e'# "ost a"" reason an# contro" , , ,
but it ha# fe"t ri/ht,
Bane ha# spent a "on/ an# s"eep"ess ni/ht tryin/ to reconci"e the two e(otions* triu(ph an#
re(orse, But when the su((ons ca(e that (ornin/ his inner conf"ict ha# been swept away by
(ore i((e#iate concerns,
&ohar/h's #eath wou"# ha1e repercussions, <o(bat was suppose# to test the apprentices$ har#en
their (ett"e throu/h stru//"e an# pain, !t wasn't (eant to ki"", ach an# e1ery #iscip"e at the
.ca#e(y$ fro( Sirak #own to the "east an# "owest of the stu#ents$ ha# the abi"ity to beco(e a
+aster, ach possesse# an e8tre(e"y rare /ift in the #ark si#e%a /ift that was (eant to be use#
a/ainst the )e#i$ not a/ainst one another,
!n ki""in/ &ohar/h$ Bane ha# thinne# the ranks of potentia" Sith +asters, 2e ha# #ea"t a serious
b"ow to the war effort, ach apprentice at the .ca#e(y was 1a"ue# (ore hi/h"y than an entire
#i1ision of Sith troopers, 2e ha# #estroye# an in1a"uab"e too", &or that$ Bane suspecte#$ he wou"#
be punishe# se1ere"y,
.s he (arche# towar# the (eetin/ that cou"# #eci#e his fate he trie# to push both fear an# /ui"t
fro( his (in#, ;othin/ he #i# now cou"# brin/ &ohar/h back, 0he +akurth was /one$ but Bane
was sti"" here, .n# he was a sur1i1or, 2e ha# to be stron/, 2e ha# to fin# so(e way to :ustify his
actions to Lor# 5or#is,
2e was a"rea#y puttin/ to/ether his ar/u(ents, &ohar/h ha# been weak, Bane ha#n't :ust ki""e# hi(*
he'# e8pose# hi(, 5or#is an# the other +asters encoura/e# ri1a"ry an# #issension a(on/ their
char/es, 0hey un#erstoo# the 1a"ue of cha""en/e an# co(petition, 0hose who showe# pro(ise%the
in#i1i#ua"s who e"e1ate# the(se"1es abo1e the others%were rewar#e#, 0hey recei1e# one%on%one
instruction with the +asters to reach their fu"" potentia", 0hose who cou"# not keep up were "eft
behin#, 0hat was the way of the #ark si#e,
&ohar/h's #eath was no (ore than a natura" e8tension of the #ark si#e phi"osophy, 2is #eath was the
u"ti(ate fai"ure%his own fai"ure, Why shou"# Bane be b"a(e# for another's weakness9
2is pace 6uickene# an# he c"enche# his teeth in an/ry frustration, ;o won#er his e(otions were so
conf"icte#, 0he teachin/s of the .ca#e(y were se"f%contra#ictory, 0he #ark si#e a""owe# for no
(ercy$ no for/i1eness, -et the apprentices were e8pecte# to pu"" back once they ha# beste# their
opponents in the #ue"in/ rin/, !t was unnatura",
2e ha# reache# the thresho"# of 5or#is's #oor, 2e hesitate#$ brief"y wa1erin/ between fear of what
his punish(ent wou"# be an# an/er at the i(possib"e situation he an# a"" the other apprentices were
put in e1ery #ay,
.n/er$ he fina""y #eci#e#$ wou"# ser1e hi( best,
2e knocke# sharp"y at the #oor$ then opene# it when the co((an# to enter ca(e fro( within,
5or#is was knee"in/ in the center of the cha(ber$ #eep in (e#itation, Bane ha# been in this roo(
before$ but he cou"#n't he"p but (ar1e" at the e8tra1a/ance, 0he wa""s were a#orne# with e8pensi1e
tapestries an# han/in/s, Go"#en bra4iers an# censers burnin/ hea1y incense were scattere#
hapha4ar#"y about to pro1i#e a #i( /"ow in the ha4y air, !n one corner was a "ar/e$ "u8uriant be#, !n
another was an intricate"y car1e# tab"e of obsi#ian$ a s(a"" chest atop it,
0he "i# of the chest was open$ re1ea"in/ the :ewe"ry insi#e* neck"aces an# chains of precious (eta"s$
rin/s of /o"# an# p"atinu( encruste# with ostentatious /e(stones, 5or#is took /reat pains to
surroun# hi(se"f with (ateria" /oo#s an# the trappin/s of wea"th$ an# he took /reater pains to (ake
sure others notice# his opu"ence, On so(e "e1e"$ Bane suspecte#$ the Sith Lor# #eri1e# p"easure%
an# power%fro( the co1etous #esire an# /ree# his possessions inspire# in others,
0he trinkets he"# "itt"e interest for Bane$ howe1er, 2e was (ore i(presse# with the (anuscripts an#
to(es that "ine# the bookshe"1es a"on/ the wa""$ each a (a/nificent 1o"u(e c"a# in "eather
e(bosse# with /o"# "eaf, +any of the 1o"u(es were thousan#s of years o"#$ an# he knew they
containe# the secrets of the ancient Sith,
.t "ast Lor# 5or#is rose to his feet$ stan#in/ ta"" an# strai/ht so he cou"# "ook #own on his stu#ent
with his /ray$ sunken eyes,
7Kas'i( to"# (e what happene# yester#ay (ornin/$7 he sai#, 72e te""s (e you are responsib"e for
&ohar/h's #eath,7 0he tone of his 1oice /a1e Bane no c"ues as to his e(otiona" state,
7! a( not responsib"e for his #eath$7 Bane answere# ca"("y, 2e was an/ry$ but he wasn't stupi#, 2e
chose his ne8t wor#s 1ery carefu""y3 he wante# to con1ince Lor# 5or#is$ not enra/e hi(, 7&ohar/h
was the one who "et his /uar# #own, 2e "eft hi(se"f 1u"nerab"e in the rin/, !t wou"# ha1e shown
weakness not to take a#1anta/e of it,7
2is state(ent wasn't entire"y factua"$ but it was c"ose enou/h to the truth, One of the first "essons
Kas'i( tau/ht stu#ents was how to bui"# a protecti1e shie"# aroun# the(se"1es in co(bat to pre1ent
an ene(y fro( usin/ the &orce a/ainst the(, . &orce%ta"ente# opponent cou"# yank away your
"i/htsaber$ knock you off ba"ance$ or e1en e8tin/uish your "i/htsaber's b"a#e without the touch of a
han# or weapon, . &orce%shie"# was the (ost basic%an# (ost necessary%protection there was,
!t ha# beco(e instincti1e for a"" the apprentices$ a"(ost secon# nature, .s soon as the b"a#e was
#rawn$ the protecti1e 1ei" went up, Guar#in/ a/ainst the &orce powers of the ene(y an# obscurin/
your own intentions re6uire# as (uch concentration an# ener/y as au/(entin/ your physica"
prowess or anticipatin/ the (o1es of your foe, !t was that unseen part of co(bat$ the in1isib"e batt"e
of wi""s$ not the ob1ious interaction of bo#ies an# b"a#es$ that (ore often than not #eci#e# the fate
of a #ue",
7Kas'i( says &ohar/h #i# not "ower his /uar#$7 5or#is countere#, 72e says you si(p"y rippe#
throu/h it, 2is #efenses cou"# not stan# before your power,7
7+aster$ are you sayin/ ! shou"# ho"# back if (y opponent is weak97 !t was a "oa#e# 6uestion$ of
course, One 5or#is #i#n't e1en bother to answer,
7!t is one thin/ to #efeat an opponent in the rin/, But e1en once he was #own$ you continue# to
attack hi(, 2e was beaten "on/ before you ki""e# hi(, What you #i# was no #ifferent fro( strikin/
with the b"a#e a/ainst a fa""en an# unconscious foe , , , so(ethin/ that is not per(itte# in the
trainin/ rin/,7
0he wor#s struck too c"ose to ho(e$ #re#/in/ up the /ui"t Bane ha# trie# to bury e1en as he ha#
(a#e his way to this (eetin/, 5or#is was si"ent$ waitin/ for Bane's reaction, Bane ha# to (ake
so(e type of rep"y, But the on"y answer he cou"# co(e up with was a 6uestion he ha# wrest"e# with
in the twi"i/ht hours before #awn, 7Kas'i( knew what was happenin/, 2e cou"# see what ! was
#oin/, Why #i#n't he stop (e97
7Why not$ in#ee#97 5or#is rep"ie# s(ooth"y, 7Lor# Kas'i( wante# to see what wou"# happen, 2e
wante# to see how you wou"# act in that situation, 2e wante# to see if you wou"# be (ercifu" , , , or
if you wou"# be stron/,7
.n# su##en"y Bane rea"i4e# he ha#n't been ca""e# into the +aster's roo( to be punishe#, 7! ,,, !
#on't un#erstan#, ! thou/ht it was forbi##en to (ur#er another apprentice,7
5or#is no##e#, 7We cannot ha1e the stu#ents attackin/ each other in the ha""s3 we want your hatre#
to be #irecte# a/ainst the )e#i$ not one another,7 0he wor#s echoe# the ar/u(ent Bane ha# been
ha1in/ with hi(se"f on"y (inutes ear"ier, But what ca(e ne8t was so(ethin/ he ha#n't anticipate#,
7Despite this$ &ohar/h's #eath (ay turn out to be a (inor "oss if it he"ps you to achie1e your fu""
potentia", 8ceptions can be (a#e for those who are stron/ in the #ark si#e,7
7Like Sirak97 Bane aske#$ the wor#s out of his (outh before he e1en rea"i4e# what he was sayin/,
&ortunate"y$ the 6uestion see(e# to a(use Lor# 5or#is rather than offen# hi(, 7Sirak un#erstan#s
the power of the #ark si#e$7 he sai# with a s(i"e, 7Passion fue"s the #ark si#e,7
7Peace is a "ie$ there is on"y passion,7 Bane (uttere# out of habit, 70hrou/h passion$ ! /ain
stren/th,7
78act"y,7 5or#is see(e# p"ease#$ thou/h with hi(se"f or his stu#ent it was har# to te"", 70hrou/h
stren/th$ ! /ain power3 throu/h power$ ! /ain 1ictory9'
70hrou/h 1ictory (y chains are broken$7 Bane #utifu""y recite#,
7Un#erstan# this%tru"y un#erstan# it%an# your potentia" is "i(it"ess=7
5or#is /a1e a #is(issi1e wa1e of his han#$ then sett"e# back onto his (e#itation (at as Bane
turne# to /o, .t the #oor of the roo($ thou/h$ the youn/ (an pause# an# turne# back,
7What is the Sith'ari97 he b"urte# out,
5or#is ti"te# his hea# to the si#e, 7Where #i# you hear that wor#97 2is 1oice was /ra1e,
7! ,,, !'1e hear# so(e of the other stu#ents use it, .bout Sirak, 0hey say he cou"# be the Sith'ari,7
7So(e of the o"# te8ts speak of the Sith'ari$7 5or#is answere# s"ow"y$ /esturin/ with a rin/%"a#en
c"aw at the books scattere# about the roo(, 70hey say the Sith wi"" one #ay be "e# by a perfect
bein/$ one who e(bo#ies the #ark si#e an# a"" we stan# for,7
7Sirak is this perfect bein/97
5or#is shru//e#, 7Sirak is the stron/est stu#ent at the .ca#e(y, &or now, Perhaps in ti(e he wi""
surpass Kas'i( an# (e an# a"" the other Sith Lor#s, Perhaps not,7 2e pause#, 7+any of the +asters
#o not be"ie1e in the "e/en# of the Sith'ari$7 he continue# after a (o(ent, 7Lor# Kaan #iscounts it$
for one, !t /oes a/ainst the phi"osophy un#er"yin/ the Brotherhoo# of Darkness,7
7What about you$ +aster9 Do you be"ie1e in the "e/en#97
Bane waite# whi"e 5or#is consi#ere# his rep"y, !t fe"t "ike fore1er,
70hese are #an/erous 6uestions to ask$7 the Dark Lor# fina""y sai#, 7But if the Sith'ari is (ore than
a "e/en#$ he wi"" not si(p"y be born as the e8e(p"ar of a"" our teachin/s, 2e%or she%(ust be for/e#
in the crucib"es of tria" an# batt"e to attain such perfection, So(e (i/ht ar/ue such trainin/ is the
purpose of this .ca#e(y, But ! wou"# counter by insistin/ that we train our apprentices to :oin the
ranks of the Sith Lor#s so they (ay stan# a"on/si#e Kaan an# the rest of the Brotherhoo#,7
Rea"i4in/ that was as /oo# an answer as he was /oin/ to /et$ Bane no##e# an# "eft, 2e ha# been
abso"1e# of his cri(e$ /i1en a par#on because of his power an# potentia", 2e shou"# ha1e been
e8u"tant$ triu(phant, But for so(e reason a"" he cou"# think about as he hea#e# up to the roof to
:oin the other stu#ents was the sticky /ur/"es of &ohar/h's #yin/ breaths,
0hat ni/ht$ in the pri1acy of his roo($ Bane stru//"e# to (ake sense of what ha# happene#, 2e
sou/ht the #eeper wis#o( behin# the +aster's wor#s, 5or#is ha# sai# that his e(otions%his an/er%
ha# "et hi( su((on up the stren/th to #efeat &ohar/h, 2e sai# passion fue"e# the #ark si#e, Bane
ha# fe"t this enou/h ti(es to know it was true,
But he cou"#n't shake the fee"in/ that there was (ore to it than that, 2e #i#n't consi#er hi(se"f a
crue" person, 2e #i#n't be"ie1e he was ruth"ess or sa#istic, -et how e"se to e8p"ain what he ha# #one
to the he"p"ess +akurth9 !t ha# been (ur#er$ or e8ecution ,,, an# Bane was ha1in/ troub"e acceptin/
it,
2e ha# a "ot of b"oo# on his han#s* he'# ki""e# hun#re#s$ (aybe e1en thousan#s$ of Repub"ic
so"#iers, But that ha# been war, .n# the ensi/n he'# ki""e# on .patros ha# been a case of se"f%
#efense, 0hose were a"" cases of ki"" or be ki""e#$ an# he ha# no re/rets about what he'# #one,
Un"ike yester#ay,
;o (atter how he trie#$ he cou"#n't fin# a way to :ustify what ha# happene# in the rin/, &ohar/h
ha# taunte# hi($ fee#in/ his ra/e an# "etha" fury, -et he cou"#n't e1en use the e8cuse that he'# been
swept up in the heat of the (o(ent, ;ot if he was bein/ honest with hi(se"f, 2e'# fe"t his e(otions
ra/in/ throu/h hi( as he'# #rawn on the #ark si#e$ but the act itse"f ha# been co"# an# #e"iberate,
<a"cu"atin/$ e1en,
Lyin/ in his be#$ Bane cou"#n't he"p but won#er if the re"ationship between passion an# the #ark
si#e was (ore co(p"e8 than 5or#is ha# (a#e it see(, 2e c"ose# his eyes$ thinkin/ back on what
ha# happene#, 2e took s"ow$ #eep breaths$ tryin/ to stay ca"( an# #etache# so he cou"# ana"y4e
what ha# /one wron/,
2e ha# been hu(i"iate# an# e(barrasse#$ an# he'# respon#e# with an/er, 2is an/er ha# "et hi(
su((on the #ark si#e to "ash out at his ene(y, 2e cou"# re(e(ber a fee"in/ of e"ation$ of triu(ph$
when &ohar/h went spraw"in/ throu/h the air, But there was so(ethin/ e"se$ too, 1en in 1ictory$
his hatre# ha# kept /rowin/$ risin/ up "ike the f"a(es of a fire that cou"# be 6uenche# on"y with
b"oo#,
Passion fue"e# the #ark si#e$ but what if the #ark si#e a"so fue"e# passion9 (otion brou/ht power$
but that power increase# the intensity of those e(otions , , , which in turn "e# to an increase in the
power, !n the ri/ht circu(stances$ it wou"# create a cyc"e that wou"# en# on"y when a person
reache# the "i(its of his or her abi"ity to co((an# the &orce%or when the tar/et of his or her an/er
an# hatre# was #estroye#,
Despite the heat in his roo($ a co"# shi1er ran #own Bane's spine, 2ow was it possib"e to contain or
contro" a power that fe# on itse"f9 0he (ore he$ as an apprentice$ "earne# to #raw on the &orce$ the
(ore his e(otions wou"# contro" hi(, 0he stron/er a person beca(e$ the "ess rationa" he wou"# be,
!t was ine1itab"e,
;o$ Bane thou/ht, 2e was (issin/ so(ethin/, 2e ha# to be, !f this were true$ the +asters wou"# be
teachin/ the stu#ents techni6ues to a1oi# this situation, 0hey wou"# be "earnin/ to #istance
the(se"1es fro( their own e(otions$ e1en as they use# the( to #raw upon the #ark si#e, But there
was nothin/ of this in their trainin/$ so Bane's ana"ysis ha# to be wron/, !t ha# to be=
So(ewhat reassure#$ Bane "et his thou/hts #rift into the co(fort of s"eep,
7-ou (ake (e sick$7 his father spat, 7Look how (uch you eat= -ou're worse than a kriffin/ 4ucca
pi/=7
Des trie# to i/nore hi(, 2e hunkere# #own in his seat at the #inner tab"e an# concentrate# on the
foo# on his p"ate$ sho1e"in/ s"ow forkfu"s into his (outh,
7Di# you hear (e$ boy97 his father snappe#, 7-ou think that foo# in front of you is free9 ! /otta pay
for that foo#$ you know= ! worke# e1ery #ay this week an# ! sti"" owe (ore now than ! #i# at the
be/innin/ of the b"aste# (onth=7
2urst was #runk$ as usua", 2is eyes were /"assy$ an# he sti"" reeke# of the (ines3 he ha#n't e1en
bothere# to shower before hittin/ the bott"e he kept tucke# away beneath the co1ers of his cot,
7-ou want (e to start workin/ #oub"e shifts to support you$ boy97 he shoute#,
Without "ookin/ up fro( his p"ate Des (uttere#$ 7! work :ust as (any shifts as you #o,7
7What97 2urst sai#$ his 1oice #roppin/ #own to a (enacin/ whisper, 7What #i# you :ust say97
!nstea# of bitin/ his "ip$ Des "ooke# up fro( his p"ate an# ri/ht into his father's re#$ b"eary eyes, 7!
sai# ! work as (any shifts as you #o, .n# !'( on"y ei/hteen,7
2urst pushe# his chair away fro( the tab"e an# rose, 7i/hteen$ an# sti"" too #u(b to know when to
keep your (outh shut,7 2e shook his hea# fro( si#e to si#e in e8a//erate# #isappoint(ent,
7B"oo#y bane of (y e8istence is what you are,7
0hrowin/ his fork #own on his p"ate$ Des pushe# his own chair back fro( the tab"e an# stoo# up to
his fu"" hei/ht, 2e was ta""er than his father now$ an# his fra(e was be/innin/ to fi"" out with
(usc"es earne# in the tunne"s,
7.re you /oin/ to beat (e now97 he snar"e# at his father, 7Goin/ to teach (e a "esson97
2urst's :aw #roppe# open, 7What the bri8 is wron/ with you$ boy97
7!'( sick of this$7 Des snappe#, 7-ou b"a(e a"" your prob"e(s on (e$ but you're the one who's
#rinkin/ away a"" our cre#its, +aybe if you sobere# up we cou"# /et off this stinkin/ wor"#=7
7-ou s(art%(outhe#$ (u#crutch whe"p=7 2urst roare#$ f"ippin/ the tab"e so it crashe# a/ainst the
wa"", 2e "eapt across the now e(pty space between the( an# /rabbe# Des by his wrists in a /rip as
unbreakab"e as a pair of #urastee" bin#ers, 0he youn/ (an trie# to wrench free$ but his father
outwei/he# hi( by twenty%so(e ki"os$ a"(ost ha"f of which was (usc"e,
Knowin/ it was hope"ess$ Des stoppe# stru//"in/ after a few secon#s, But he wasn't /oin/ to cower
an# cry, ;ot this ti(e, 7!f you're /oin/ to beat (e toni/ht$7 he sai#$ 7re(e(ber that it (i/ht be the
"ast ti(e$ o"# (an, -ou better (ake it a /oo# one,7
2urst #i#, 2e "it into his son with the sa1a/e fury of a bitter$ hope"ess (an, 2e broke his nose3 he
b"ackene# both his eyes, 2e knocke# out two of his teeth$ sp"it his "ip$ an# cracke# his ribs, But
throu/hout it a"" Des ne1er sai# a wor#$ an# he #i#n't she# a sin/"e tear,
0hat ni/ht$ as Des "ay in his be# too bruise# an# swo""en to s"eep$ a sin/"e thou/ht kept runnin/
throu/h his (in#$ #rownin/ out the "ou# #runken snores of 2urst passe# out in the corner,
! hope you #ie, ! hope you #ie, ! hope you #ie,
2e'# ne1er hate# his father as (uch as he #i# at that (o(ent, 2e en1isione# a /iant han# s6uee4in/
his father's crue" heart,
! hope you #ie, ! hope you #ie, ! hope you #ie,
0he wor#s ro""e# o1er an# o1er$ an en#"ess (antra$ as if he cou"# (ake the( co(e true throu/h
sheer force of wi"",
! hope you #ie, ! hope you #ie, ! hope you #ie,
0he tears he'# he"# back #urin/ the bruta" thrashin/ fina""y ca(e$ hot #rops strea(in/ #own his
purp"e$ swo""en face,
! hope you #ie, ! hope you #ie, ! hope you %
Bane woke with a start$ his heart poun#in/ an# his bo#y bathe# in terror sweat as he thrashe#
a/ainst the co1ers tan/"e# aroun# his "e/s, &or a brief secon# he thou/ht he was back on .patros in
the cra(pe# roo( fi""e# with 2urst an# the o1erwhe"(in/ stench of boo4e, 0hen he rea"i4e# where
he was$ an# the ni/ht(are be/an to fa#e, . horrib"e rea"i4ation swept in to take its p"ace,
2urst ha# #ie# that ni/ht, 0he authorities ha# ru"e# it a natura" #eath, . heart attack$ brou/ht on by
a co(bination of too (uch a"coho"$ a "ife workin/ the (ines$ an# the o1ere8ertion of near"y beatin/
his own son to #eath with his bare han#s, 0hey ne1er suspecte# the rea" cause, ;either ha# Bane,
;ot unti" now,
0re(b"in/ s"i/ht"y3 he ro""e# o1er$ e8hauste# but knowin/ s"eep wou"#n't co(e a/ain this ni/ht,
&ohar/h wasn't the first person he ha# (ur#ere# with the &orce, 2e probab"y wou"#n't be the "ast,
Bane was s(art enou/h to un#erstan# that,
2e shook his hea# to c"ear away the (e(ory of 2urst's #eath, 0he (an ha# #eser1e# neither pity
nor (ercy, 0he weak wou"# a"ways be crushe# by the stron/, !f Bane wante# to sur1i1e$ he ha# to
beco(e one of the stron/, 0hat was why he was here at the .ca#e(y, 0hat was his (ission, 0hat
was the way of the #ark si#e,
But the rea"i4ation #i# nothin/ to 6ue"" the 6ueasy fee"in/ in his sto(ach$ an# when he c"ose# his
eyes he cou"# sti"" see father's face,
<hapter 1>
7;o=7 Kas'i( barke#$ #is#ainfu""y s"appin/ Bane's trainin/ saber asi#e with his own weapon,
7Wron/= -ou're too s"ow on the first transition, -ou're "ea1in/ your "eft si#e wi#e open for a 6uick
counter,7
0he B"a#e(aster was teachin/ hi( a new se6uence3 he'# been teachin/ it to hi( for (ore than a
week, But for so(e reason Bane cou"#n't see( to /rasp the intricacies of the (o1e(ents, 2is b"a#e
fe"t c"u(sy an# awkwar# in his han#,
2e steppe# back an# resu(e# the rea#y position, Kas'i( stu#ie# hi( brief"y$ then #roppe# into a
#efensi1e stance in front of hi(, Bane took a #eep breath to focus his (in# before "ettin/ his bo#y
tri//er the se6uence once a/ain,
2is (usc"es (o1e# instincti1e"y$ e8p"o#in/ into action, 0here was a hiss as the #ownstroke of his
b"a#e car1e# throu/h the air in the first (o1e$ a b"ur of (otion ,,, but far too s"ow, Kas'i(
respon#e# by s"ippin/ to the si#e an# brin/in/ his own #oub"e%b"a#e# weapon aroun# in a "on/$
swift arc that struck Bane har# in the ribs,
0he breath whooshe# out of hi( an# he fe"t the searin/ pain of the pe"ko barbs$ fo""owe# by the a""%
too%fa(i"iar nu(bness sprea#in/ up throu/h the "eft si#e of his torso, 2e sta//ere# back$ he"p"ess$
as Kas'i( watche# si"ent"y, Bane stru//"e# to stay upri/ht an# fai"e#$ co""apsin/ awkwar#"y to the
f"oor, 0he B"a#e(aster shook his hea# in #isappoint(ent,
Bane #ra//e# hi(se"f to his feet$ tryin/ not to "et his frustration show, !t ha# been near"y three
weeks since he ha# beaten &ohar/h in the rin/$ an# since that ti(e he ha# been trainin/ with Kas'i(
in in#i1i#ua" sessions to i(pro1e his "i/htsaber co(bat, But for so(e reason he wasn't (akin/ any
pro/ress,
7!'( sorry$ +aster, ! wi"" /o practice the #ri""s a/ain$7 he sai# throu/h /ritte# teeth,
7Dri""s97 the 0wi'"ek repeate#$ his 1oice crue" an# (ockin/, 7What /oo# wi"" that #o97
7! ,,, ! (ust "earn the se6uence better, 0o beco(e faster,7
Kas'i( spat on the /roun#, 7!f you tru"y be"ie1e that$ then you're a foo",7 Bane #i#n't know how to
respon#$ so he kept si"ent,
0he B"a#e(aster steppe# forwar# an# /a1e hi( a sharp cuff on his ear, !t was (eant not to hurt$ but
to hu(i"iate, 7&ohar/h was better traine# than you$7 he snappe#, 72e knew (ore se6uences$ he
knew (ore for(s, But they cou"#n't sa1e hi(,
70he se6uences are :ust too"s, 0hey he"p you free your (in# so you can #raw upon the &orce, 0hat
is where you wi"" fin# the key to 1ictory, ;ot in the (usc"es of your ar(s or the 6uickness of your
b"a#e, -ou (ust ca"" upon the #ark si#e to #estroy your ene(ies=7
<"enchin/ his :aw fro( the burnin/ pain now sprea#in/ throu/h the entire "eft si#e of his bo#y$
Bane cou"# on"y no#,
7-ou're ho"#in/ back$7 the +aster went on, 7-ou aren't usin/ the &orce, Without it$ your (o1es are
s"ow an# pre#ictab"e,7
7! ,,, !'"" try har#er$ +aster,7
70ry97 Kas'i( turne# away in #is/ust, 7-ou'1e "ost your wi"" to fi/ht, 0his "esson is o1er,7
Rea"i4in/ he ha# been #is(isse#$ Bane s"ow"y (a#e his way to the stairs "ea#in/ #own fro( the
te(p"e roof, .s he reache# the($ Kas'i( ca""e# out one "ast piece of a#1ice,
7Return when you are rea#y to e(brace the #ark si#e instea# of pu""in/ away fro( it,7
Bane #i#n't turn to "ook back* the pain an# nu(bness of his "eft si#e (a#e that i(possib"e, But as
he hobb"e# #own the stairs$ Lor# Kas'i('s wor#s echoe# in his ears with the rin/ of truth,
0his wasn't the first trainin/ session he ha# fai"e# in, .n# his fai"ures weren't "i(ite# to Kas'i( an#
the "i/htsaber, Bane ha# /aine# in both reputation an# presti/e when he #efeate# &ohar/h3 se1era"
of the +asters ha# shown a su##en wi""in/ness to /i1e hi( in#i1i#ua"$ one%on%one trainin/, -et
#espite the e8tra attention$ Bane's ski""s ha#n't pro/resse# at a"", !f anythin/$ he'# actua""y taken
se1era" steps back,
2e (a#e his way throu/h the ha""s to his roo($ then "ay #own /in/er"y on his be#, 0here wasn't
anythin/ he cou"# #o whi"e he was te(porari"y cripp"e# by the pe"ko 1eno( e8cept rest an#
(e#itate,
!t was ob1ious so(ethin/ was wron/$ but he cou"#n't say e8act"y what, 2e no "on/er fe"t sharp, 2e
no "on/er fe"t a"i1e, When he ha# first beco(e conscious of the &orce f"owin/ throu/h hi($ his
senses ha# beco(e hyperaware* the wor"# ha# see(e# (ore 1ibrant an# (ore rea", ;ow e1erythin/
was (ute# an# #istant, 2e wa"ke# throu/h the ha""s of the .ca#e(y as if he was in so(e kin# of
trance,
2e wasn't s"eepin/ we""3 he kept ha1in/ ni/ht(ares, So(eti(es he #rea(e# of his father an# the
ni/ht he #ie#, Other ti(es he #rea(e# of his fi/ht with &ohar/h, So(eti(es the #rea(s b"en#e#
to/ether$ (er/in/ into one terrib"e 1ision* the +akurth beatin/ hi( in the apart(ent on .patros$ his
father "yin/ #ea# in the #ue"in/ rin/ atop the te(p"e on Korriban, .n# each ti(e Bane wou"# wake
chokin/ back a screa($ shi1erin/ e1en thou/h his bo#y was bathe# in sweat,
But it was (ore than :ust "ack of s"eep that "eft hi( in a #a4e# stupor, 0he passion that ha# #ri1en
hi( was /one, 0he ra/in/ fire insi#e hi( ha# 1anishe#$ rep"ace# by a co"# e(ptiness, .n# without
his passion$ he was unab"e to su((on the power of the #ark si#e, !t was beco(in/ har#er an#
har#er to co((an# the &orce,
0he chan/es were subt"e$ bare"y noticeab"e at first, But o1er ti(e s(a"" chan/es bui"t up, ;ow
(o1in/ e1en s(a"" ob:ects "eft hi( e8hauste#, 2e was s"ow an# c"u(sy with the trainin/ saber, 2e
cou"# no "on/er anticipate what his opponents wou"# #o3 he cou"# on"y react after the fact,
2e cou"#n't #eny it any "on/er* he was re/ressin/, .pprentices he ha# surpasse# "on/ a/o ha#
cau/ht up to hi( a/ain, 2e cou"# te"" he was fa""in/ behin# :ust by watchin/ the other stu#ents
#urin/ their stu#ies ,,, which (eant they cou"# probab"y te""$ too,
2e thou/ht back on what the 0wi'"ek +aster ha# to"# hi(, -ou'1e "ost your wi"" to fi/ht,
Kas'i( was ri/ht, Bane ha# fe"t it s"ippin/ away since his first #rea( of his father, Unfortunate"y$ he
ha# no i#ea how to rec"ai( the an/er an# co(petiti1e fire that ha# fue"e# his (eteoric rise throu/h
the hierarchy of Sith apprentices,
Return when you are rea#y to e(brace the #ark si#e instea# of pu""in/ away fro( it,
So(ethin/ was ho"#in/ hi( back, So(e part of hi( recoi"e# fro( what he ha# beco(e, 2e wou"#
(e#itate for hours each #ay$ concentratin/ his (in# in search of the swir"in/$ pu"sin/ fury of the
#ark si#e "ocke# away within hi(, -et he searche# in 1ain, . co"# 1ei" ha# fa""en across the core of
his bein/$ an# try as he (i/ht he cou"#n't tear it asi#e to sei4e the power that "ay beneath,
.n# he was runnin/ out of ti(e, So far nobo#y ha# #are# to cha""en/e hi( in the #ue"in/ rin/%not
since &ohar/h's #eath, 0he +akurth's /rueso(e en# sti"" inspire# enou/h fear in the other stu#ents
for the( to steer c"ear of hi(, But Bane knew they wou"#n't keep their #istance (uch "on/er, 2is
confi#ence an# abi"ities were wanin/$ an# his fai"ures were beco(in/ (ore pub"ic, Soon it wou"#
be as ob1ious to the other stu#ents as it was to hi(,
!n those first #ays after &ohar/h's #eath his on"y true ri1a" ha# been Sirak, ;ow e1ery apprentice on
Korriban was a potentia" threat, 0he hope"essness of the situation tore away at his /uts, !t (a#e hi(
want to screa( an# c"aw at the stone wa""s in i(potent ra/e, -et for a"" his frustrations$ he was
unab"e to su((on the passion that fe# the #ark si#e,
Soon a cha""en/er wou"# step forwar# in the #ue"in/ rin/$ ea/er to take hi( #own, .n# there was
nothin/ he cou"# #o to stop that (o(ent fro( co(in/,
Lor# Kaan pace# rest"ess"y on the bri#/e of ;i/htfa"" as it orbite# the in#ustria" wor"# of Brentaa"
!D, 0he Sith f"eet occupie# the Bor(ea sector$ the re/ion of space where the Per"e(ian 0ra#e Route
an# the 2y#ian Way intersecte#, 0he Brotherhoo# of Darkness now contro""e# two of the (ost
i(portant hyperspace "anes ser1in/ the <ore Wor"#s3 Repub"ic resistance to the e1er%a#1ancin/ Sith
f"eet was cru(b"in/,
.n# yet #espite this (ost recent 1ictory$ Kaan fe"t so(ethin/ wasn't ri/ht, !f anythin/$ their
con6uest of the Bor(ea sector ha# been too easy, 0he wor"#s of <oru"a/$ <han#ri"a$ an# Brentaa"
ha# a"" fa""en in rapi# succession$ their #efen#ers offerin/ on"y token resistance before retreatin/ in
the face of the in1a#in/ hor#e,
!n fact$ he ha# sense# on"y a han#fu" of )e#i a(on/ the Repub"ic forces opposin/ the(, 0his was
not the first ti(e the )e#i ha# been 1irtua""y absent fro( key batt"es* #urin/ encounters at Bespin$
Su""ust$ an# 0aanab$ Kaan ha# e8pecte# to be confronte# by a f"eet "e# by )e#i +aster 2oth$ the
on"y Repub"ic co((an#er who see(e# capab"e of winnin/ 1ictories a/ainst the Sith, But Genera"
2oth%#espite the reputation he ha# earne# in the ear"y sta/es of the war%was ne1er there,
.t first Kaan suspecte# it was a trap$ so(e e"aborate sche(e arran/e# by the wi"y 2oth to ensnare
an# #estroy his sworn ene(y, But if it was a trap$ it ha# ne1er been sprun/, 0he Sith were pressin/
in fro( a"" si#es3 they were a"(ost sittin/ on the #oorstep of <oruscant itse"f, .n# the )e#i ha# a""
but 1anishe#$ see(in/"y ha1in/ #eserte# the Repub"ic in its ti(e of /reatest nee#,
2e shou"# ha1e been ecstatic, Without the )e#i$ the war was as /oo# as o1er, 0he Repub"ic wou"#
fa"" in a (atter of (onths$ an# the Sith wou"# ru"e, But where ha# the )e#i /one9 Kaan #i#n't "ike it,
0he stran/e (essa/e Kopec4 ha# sent :ust a few hours ear"ier ha# on"y a##e# to his unease, 0he
0wi'"ek was co(in/ to (eet ;i/htfa"" with ur/ent news about Ruusan$ news he wou"#n't trans(it
across re/u"ar channe"s, ;ews so i(portant he fe"t he ha# to #e"i1er it in person,
7.n interceptor has :ust #ocke# in ;i/htfa""'s "an#in/ bay$ Lor# Kaan$7 one of the bri#/e crew
reporte#,
Despite his an8iousness to hear Kopec4's news$ Lor# Kaan resiste# the ur/e to /o #own to the
"an#in/ bay to (eet hi(, 2e fe"t so(ethin/ ha# /one 1ery$ 1ery wron/$ an# it was i(portant to
(aintain an appearance of ca"( assurance before his troops, -et patience was not a 1irtue (any of
the Sith Lor#s possesse#$ an# he cou"#n't keep hi(se"f fro( pacin/ as he waite# for the 0wi'"ek to
(ake his way to the bri#/e an# #e"i1er his o(inous report,
.fter what see(e# "ike hours but was no (ore than a few (inutes$ Kopec4 fina""y arri1e#, 2is
e8pression #i# nothin/ to a""e1iate Kaan's /rowin/ apprehension as he crosse# the bri#/e an# /a1e
a perfunctory bow,
7! (ust speak with you in pri1ate$ Lor# Kaan,7
7-ou (ay speak here$7 Kaan assure# hi(, 7What we say wi"" not "ea1e this ship,7 0he bri#/e crew
of ;i/htfa"" ha# been han#picke# by Kaan hi(se"f, ."" ha# sworn an oath to ser1e with abso"ute
"oya"ty3 they knew the harsh conse6uences shou"# they break that oath,
Kopec4 /"ance# suspicious"y aroun# the bri#/e$ but the crew were a"" focuse# on their stations,
;one of the( see(e# e1en to notice hi(, 7We'1e "ost Ruusan$7 he sai#$ whisperin/ #espite Kaan's
assurances, 70he base set up on the surface$ the orbitin/ f"eet ,,, a"" of it wipe# out=7
&or a (o(ent Kaan #i#n't speak, When he #i# his 1oice ha# #roppe# to the sa(e "e1e" as Kopec4's,
72ow #i# this happen9 We ha1e spies throu/hout the Repub"ic (i"itary, ."" their f"eets ha1e fa""en
back to the <ore, ."" of the(= 0hey cou"#n't possib"y ha1e (ustere# enou/h stren/th to take back
Ruusan, ;ot without us knowin/=7
7!t wasn't the Repub"ic$7 Kopec4 rep"ie#, 7!t was the )e#i, 2un#re#s of the(, 0housan#s, )e#i
+asters$ )e#i Kni/hts$ )e#i Pa#awans* an entire ar(y of )e#i,7
Kopec4 curse# "ou#"y, ;one of the crew so (uch as /"ance# in his #irection$ a testa(ent to their
trainin/ an# their fear of their co((an#er,
7Lor# 2oth rea"i4e# that the stren/th of the )e#i or#er was sprea# too thin tryin/ to #efen# the
Repub"ic$7 Kopec4 continue#, 72e's /athere# the( a"" into a sin/"e host with on"y one /oa"* #estroy
the users of the #ark si#e, 0hey #on't care about our so"#iers an# f"eets any(ore, ."" they want to #o
is wipe us out* the apprentices$ the aco"ytes$ the Sith +asters ,,, an# especia""y the Dark Lor#s, Lor#
2oth hi(se"f is "ea#in/ the($7 the 0wi'"ek a##e#$ thou/h Kaan ha# a"rea#y /uesse# this for hi(se"f,
70hey ca"" the(se"1es the .r(y of Li/ht,7
Kopec4 pause# to "et the news sink in, Kaan took se1era" #eep breaths$ si"ent"y recitin/ the <o#e of
the Sith to brin/ his whir"in/ thou/hts back into focus,
.n# then he "au/he#, 7.n .r(y of Li/ht to oppose the Brotherhoo# of Darkness,7
Kopec4 stare# at hi( with a bewi"#ere# e8pression,
72oth knows the )e#i aren't capab"e of #efeatin/ our 1ast ar(ies$7 Kaan e8p"aine#, 7;ot any(ore,
0he Repub"ic is #oo(e#, So now he concentrates e8c"usi1e"y on us* the "ea#ers of those ar(ies, <ut
off the hea# an# the bo#y wi"" #ie,7
7We shou"# sen# our f"eet to Ruusan$7 Kopec4 su//este#, 7."" of the(, <rush the )e#i in one fe""
swoop an# wipe the( fro( the /a"a8y fore1er,7
Kaan shook his hea#, 70hat's e8act"y what 2oth wants us to #o, Di1ert our ar(ies fro( the
Repub"ic$ #raw the( away fro( <oruscant, Gi1e up a"" the /roun# we ha1e /aine# in a foo"ish an#
point"ess attack on the )e#i,7
7Point"ess97
7-ou say he has an ar(y of )e#i* thousan#s of the(, What chance #oes a f"eet of (ere so"#iers ha1e
a/ainst such an ene(y9 Ships an# weapons are no (atch for the power of the &orce, 2oth knows
this,7
&ina""y Kopec4 no##e# in un#erstan#in/, 7-ou a"ways sai# this war wou"# not be #eci#e# by
(i"itary (i/ht,7
7Precise"y, !n the en# the Repub"ic is (ere"y an afterthou/ht, On"y throu/h the co(p"ete
annihi"ation of the )e#i or#er can we achie1e true 1ictory, .n# 2oth has been kin# enou/h to /ather
the( a"" in one p"ace for us,7
7But the Brotherhoo# is no (atch for the (asse# stren/th of the entire )e#i or#er$7 Kopec4
proteste#, 70here are too (any of the( an# not enou/h of us,7
7Our nu(bers are /reater than you think$7 Kaan sai#, 7We ha1e aca#e(ies scattere# throu/hout the
/a"a8y, We can swe"" our nu(bers with +arau#ers fro( 2ono/hr an# Gentes, We can /ather a"" the
assassins traine# at U(bara, We wi"" co((an# the stu#ents at Datho(ir$ !ri#onia$ an# a"" the rest of
the aca#e(ies to :oin the ranks of the Brotherhoo# of Darkness, We wi"" asse(b"e our own ar(y of
Sith%one capab"e of #estroyin/ 2oth an# his .r(y of Li/ht=7
7.n# what of the .ca#e(y on Korriban97 Kopec4 aske#,
70hey wi"" :oin the Brotherhoo#$ but on"y after they ha1e co(p"ete# their trainin/ un#er 5or#is,7
7We cou"# use the( a/ainst the )e#i$7 Kopec4 presse#, 7Korriban is ho(e to the stron/est of our
apprentices,7
70hat is precise"y why it is too #an/erous to brin/ the( into this conf"ict$7 Kaan e8p"aine#, 7With
stren/th co(e a(bition an# ri1a"ry, !n the heat of batt"e their e(otions wi"" take o1er their (in#s3
they wi"" turn a/ainst each other, 0hey wi"" #i1i#e our ranks with infi/htin/ whi"e the )e#i re(ain
unite#,7 2e pause#, 7!t has happene# to the Sith too (any ti(es in the past3 ! wi"" not a""ow it to
happen a/ain, 0hey wi"" stay with 5or#is an# co(p"ete their trainin/, 2e wi"" teach the( #iscip"ine
an# "oya"ty to the Brotherhoo#, On"y then wi"" they :oin us on the fie"# of batt"e,7
7!s that what you be"ie1e$7 Kopec4 aske#$ 7or what 5or#is has been te""in/ you97
7Don't "et your (istrust of 5or#is b"in# you to what we are tryin/ to acco(p"ish$7 Kaan chi#e#,
72is pupi"s are the future of the Brotherhoo#, 0he future of the Sith, ! wi"" not e8pose the( to this
war unti" they are rea#y,7 2is tone c"ear"y brooke# no further ar/u(ent, 70he apprentices at
Korriban wi"" :oin the Brotherhoo# in #ue ti(e, But that ti(e is not now,7
7We""$ it better be soon$7 Kopec4 (uttere#$ on"y partia""y (o""ifie#, 7! #on't think we can beat 2oth
without the(,7
Kaan reache# out an# /raspe# the 0wi'"ek's (eaty shou"#er in a fir( /rip, 7;e1er fear$ (y frien#$7
he sai# with a s(i"e, 70he )e#i wi"" be no (atch for us, We wi"" s"au/hter the( at Ruusan an# wipe
the( fro( the face of the /a"a8y, 0he apprentices (ay be the future of the Brotherhoo#$ but the
present be"on/s to us=7
+uch to Kaan's re"ief$ Kopec4 returne# his s(i"e, 0he "ea#er of the Brotherhoo# wou"# ha1e been
"ess p"ease# if he ha# known that (uch of the 0wi'"ek's satisfaction ca(e fro( the know"e#/e that
5or#is wou"# (iss out on the /"ory of the co(in/ 1ictory,
Lor# Kas'i( entere# the opu"ent"y #ecorate# cha(ber an# /a1e a no# in the #irection of his fe""ow
+aster, 7-ou wante# to see (e97
7;ews fro( the front$7 5or#is sai#$ risin/ s"ow"y fro( his (e#itation (at, 70he )e#i ha1e (asse#
to/ether un#er a sin/"e banner on Ruusan, Genera" 2oth is "ea#in/ the(, Lor# Kaan has /athere#
his own ar(y, 1en now they are hea#e# there to en/a/e the )e#i,7
7.re we /oin/ to :oin the(97 Kas'i( aske#$ his 1oice ea/er$ his "ekku twitchin/ at the thou/ht of
pittin/ his ski""s a/ainst the /reatest warriors of the )e#i or#er,
5or#is shook his hea#, 7;ot us, ;one of the +asters, .n# none of the stu#ents$ un"ess you fee" one
of the apprentices is rea#y,7
7;o$7 Kas'i( rep"ie# after a (o(ent's consi#eration, 7Sirak$ perhaps, 2e is stron/ enou/h, But his
pri#e is too /reat$ an# he sti"" has (uch to "earn,7
7What about Bane9 2e showe# /reat pro(ise in #isposin/ of &ohar/h,7
Kas'i( shru//e#, 70hat was a (onth a/o, Since then he has (a#e a"(ost no pro/ress, So(ethin/ is
ho"#in/ hi( back, &ear$ ! think,7
7&ear9 Of the other stu#ents9 Of Sirak97
7;o, ;othin/ "ike that, 2e's fina""y seen what he is tru"y capab"e of3 he's seen the fu"" power of the
#ark si#e, ! think he's afrai# to face it,7
70hen he is of no further use to us$7 5or#is state# f"at"y, 7&ocus on the other stu#ents, Don't waste
your ti(e on hi(,7
0he B"a#e(aster was (o(entari"y taken aback, 2e was surprise# that 5or#is wou"# be so 6uick to
/i1e up on a stu#ent with such un#eniab"e potentia",
7! think he :ust nee#s (ore ti(e$7 he su//este#, 7+ost of our apprentices ha1e been stu#yin/ the
ways of the Sith for (any years, 1er since they were chi"#ren, Bane #i#n't be/in his trainin/ with
us unti" he was a fu""%/rown a#u"t,7
7!'( we"" aware of the circu(stances surroun#in/ his arri1a" at this .ca#e(y=7 5or#is snappe#$ an#
Kas'i( su##en"y rea"i4e# what was rea""y /oin/ on, Bane ha# been brou/ht to Korriban by Lor#
Kopec4$ an# there was precious "itt"e "o1e "ost between Kopec4 an# the "ea#er of the .ca#e(y,
Bane's fai"ure wou"# u"ti(ate"y beco(e a poor ref"ection on 5or#is's (ost bitter ri1a",
70he ne8t ti(e Bane approaches you$ turn hi( away$7 the Dark Lor# to"# hi($ his tone "ea1in/ no
#oubt that his wor#s were a co((an# an# not a re6uest, 7+ake sure a"" the +asters un#erstan# that
he is no "on/er worthy of our teachin/s,7
Kas'i( no##e# his un#erstan#in/, 2e wou"# #o as or#ere#, !t wasn't fair to Bane$ of course, But
nobo#y e1er c"ai(e# the Sith were fair,
<hapter 1A
Bane knew he ha# to #o so(ethin/, 2is situation was beco(in/ #esperate, 2e was sti"" f"oun#erin/$
unab"e to ca"" upon the power he ha# use# to #estroy &ohar/h, But now his weakness ha# beco(e
pub"ic,
-ester#ay #urin/ the e1enin/ trainin/ session he ha# approache# Kas'i( to arran/e a ti(e for (ore
one%on%one practice$ hopin/ to break free of the "ethar/y that /rippe# hi(, But the B"a#e(aster ha#
refuse# hi($ shakin/ his hea# an# turnin/ his attention to one of the other stu#ents, 0he (essa/e
was c"ear to e1eryone* Bane was 1u"nerab"e,
.s the stu#ents /athere# in a circ"e on the top of the te(p"e after the (ornin/ #ri""s$ Bane knew
what ha# to be #one, 2is reputation ha# protecte# hi( fro( the cha""en/es of the other stu#ents,
;ow that reputation was /one, But he cou"#n't sit back passi1e"y$ waitin/ for one of the other
stu#ents to cha""en/e hi( an# take hi( #own, 2e ha# to sei4e the initiati1e3 he ha# to /o on the
attack, 0o#ay he ha# to be the first one to step into the rin/,
Of course$ if he cha""en/e# one of the "esser stu#ents$ e1eryone wou"# see it as confir(ation of the
weakness he was tryin/ to hi#e, 0here was on"y one way he cou"# re#ee( hi(se"f in the eyes of the
schoo" an# the +asters3 there was on"y one opponent he cou"# ca"" out,
Se1era" of the apprentices were sti"" (i""in/ about$ tryin/ to fin# a p"ace where they wou"# be ab"e
to c"ear"y obser1e the (ornin/'s action, !t was custo(ary to wait unti" e1eryone was in p"ace before
issuin/ a cha""en/e$ but Bane knew that the "on/er he waite#$ the har#er his task wou"# be, 2e
steppe# bo"#"y into the center of the circ"e$ #rawin/ curious stares fro( the other stu#ents, Kas'i(
fi8e# hi( with a #isappro1in/ /a4e$ but he trie# to put it out of his (in#,
7! ha1e a cha""en/e$7 he proc"ai(e#, 7! ca"" out Sirak,7
0here was an e8cite# bu44 a(on/ the stu#ents$ but Bane cou"# bare"y hear it abo1e the poun#in/ of
his own heart, Sirak rare"y fou/ht in actua" co(bat3 Bane ha# ne1er e1en seen hi( in action, But
he'# hear# other stu#ents ta"k of Sirak's prowess in the #ue"in/ rin/$ te""in/ wi"# ta"es of his
unbeatab"e ski""s, 1er since the Habrak ha# approache# hi( on the stairs$ Bane ha# watche# his
opponent #urin/ trainin/ sessions in preparation for this confrontation, .n# fro( what he'# seen$
the see(in/"y e8a//erate# accounts of his prowess were a"" too accurate,
Un"ike (ost of the stu#ents$ Sirak preferre# the #oub"e%b"a#e# trainin/ saber to the (ore tra#itiona"
sin/"e b"a#e, .part fro( Kas'i( hi(se"f$ Sirak was the on"y one Bane ha# e1er seen wie"# the
e8otic weapon with any si/ns of ski"", 2is techni6ue see(e# a"(ost perfect to Bane's ine8pert eye,
2e a"ways see(e# in co(p"ete contro"3 he was a"ways on the attack, 1en in si(p"e #ri""s his
superiority o1er his opponents was ob1ious, Where (ost stu#ents took two to three weeks to "earn a
new se6uence$ Sirak was ab"e to (aster one in a (atter of #ays, .n# now Bane was about to face
hi( in the #ue"in/ rin/,
0he Habrak steppe# out fro( the crow#$ (o1in/ s"ow"y but /racefu""y as he respon#e# to the
cha""en/e, 1en wa"kin/ to the center of the rin/ he e8u#e# an air of (enace, 2e casua""y
f"ourishe# his weapon as he approache#$ the twin #urastee" b"a#es car1in/ "on/$ "an/ui# arcs
throu/h the air,
Bane watche# hi( co(e$ fee"in/ his heart an# breathin/ 6uicken as his bo#y re"ease# a#rena"ine
into his syste($ instincti1e"y rea#yin/ itse"f for the co(in/ batt"e, !n contrast with his physica"
bo#y$ howe1er$ Bane fe"t no si/nificant chan/e in his e(otiona" state, 2e ha# e8pecte# to fee" a
sur/e of fear an# an/er as Sirak approache#$ e(otions he cou"# fee# off to rip throu/h the "ife"ess
1ei" an# un"eash the #ark si#e, But the "ethar/ic stupor sti"" en1e"ope# hi( "ike a #u""$ /ray shrou#,
7! wish you ha# cha""en/e# (e ear"ier$7 Sirak whispere#$ his 1oice :ust "ou# enou/h for Bane to
hear, 7!n the first week after &ohar/h's #eath (any thou/ht you were (y e6ua", ! wou"# ha1e /aine#
/reat presti/e in #efeatin/ you, 0hat is no "on/er the case,7
Sirak ha# stoppe# his a#1ance an# was stan#in/ se1era" (eters away, 2is #oub"e%b"a#e# trainin/
saber sti"" #ance# s"ow"y throu/h the air, !t (o1e# as if it were a"i1e$ a creature anticipatin/ the
hunt$ too e8cite# to re(ain (otion"ess,
70here wi"" be "itt"e /"ory in #efeatin/ you now$7 he repeate#, 7But ! wi"" take /reat p"easure in your
sufferin/,7
Behin# Sirak$ Bane saw L"okay an# -e1ra$ the other Habrak apprentices$ push their way to the front
of the crow# to /et a better 1iew of their cha(pion, 0he brother wore a crue" /rin3 the sister$ an
e8pression of hun/ry anticipation, Bane #i# his best to tune out the ea/erness on their re# faces$
"ettin/ the( b"en# into the uni(portant back/roun# scenery of the spectators,
."" his concentration was focuse# on the f"ui# (o1e(ents of the unfa(i"iar weapon in Sirak's
han#s, 2e ha# trie# to (e(ori4e the se6uences Sirak worke# on #urin/ the #ri""s, ;ow he was
"ookin/ for c"ues that wou"# tip his opponent's han#%that (i/ht re1ea" which se6uence he p"anne# to
use to be/in the batt"e, !f Bane /uesse# ri/ht$ he cou"# counterattack an# possib"y en# the batt"e in
the first pass, !t was his best chance at 1ictory$ but without bein/ ab"e to #raw on the &orce$ his o##s
of correct"y /uessin/ which se6uence his foe wou"# choose were 1ery$ 1ery s"i(,
Sirak raise# the #oub"e%b"a#e# saber up abo1e his hea#$ spinnin/ it so fast it was nothin/ but a b"ur$
then "un/e# forwar#, One en# ca(e #own in a sa1a/e o1erhea# strike that Bane easi"y parrie#, But
the (o1e was on"y a feint$ settin/ up a s"ashin/ attack at the waist fro( the opposite b"a#e,
Reco/ni4in/ the (aneu1er at the "ast secon#$ Bane cou"# #o nothin/ (ore than throw hi(se"f into a
backwar# ro""$ narrow"y escapin/ in:ury,
2is foe was on hi( e1en before he /ot to his feet$ the twin b"a#es s"icin/ #own in an a"ternatin/
rhyth( of attacks* "eft%ri/ht%"eft%ri/ht, Bane b"ocke#$ ro""e#$ twiste#$ an# b"ocke# a/ain$ turnin/
back the f"urry, 2e trie# a "e/%sweep$ but Sirak anticipate# the (o1e an# ni(b"y "eapt c"ear$ /i1in/
Bane :ust enou/h ti(e to scra(b"e to his feet,
0he ne8t roun# of attacks kept Bane in fu"" retreat$ but he was ab"e to pre1ent Sirak fro( /ainin/ an
a#1anta/e by /i1in/ /roun# an# re1ertin/ to basic #efensi1e se6uences, 2e was sti"" #esperate"y
tryin/ to /ain so(e a#1anta/e by watchin/ his opponent's (o1es, .t one (o(ent Sirak see(e# to
be usin/ the :abs an# thrusts of Daapa#$ the (ost a//ressi1e an# #irect of the se1en tra#itiona"
for(s, But in the (i##"e of a se6uence he wou"# su##en"y shift to the power attacks of D:e( So$
/eneratin/ such force that e1en a b"ocke# strike cause# Bane to sta//er back, . 6uick turn or
rotation of the weapon an# one of the twin b"a#es was su##en"y swin/in/ in a/ain at an awkwar#
an/"e$ causin/ Bane to ree" off ba"ance as he knocke# it asi#e,
0here was a brief "u"" in the action as the two co(batants pause# to ree1a"uate their strate/ies$ each
breathin/ hea1i"y, Sirak twir"e# his weapon in a 6uick$ co(p"e8 se6uence that brou/ht the saber
un#er his ri/ht ar($ aroun# behin# his back$ o1er his "eft shou"#er$ an# aroun# to the front, 0hen he
s(i"e# an# #i# it in re1erse,
Bane watche# the e8tra1a/ant f"ourish with a sinkin/ fee"in/, Sirak ha# been toyin/ with hi( in the
first few passes$ #ra//in/ the fi/ht out so his 1ictory wou"# see( (ore i(pressi1e, ;ow he was
showin/ his true ski""$ usin/ se6uences that b"en#e# se1era" for(s at once$ switchin/ rapi#"y a(on/
#ifferent sty"es in co(p"e8 patterns Bane ha# ne1er seen before,
!t was :ust one (ore si/n of the Habrak's superiority, !f Bane trie# to co(bine #ifferent sty"es into a
sin/"e se6uence$ he'# probab"y /ou/e out an eye or s(ack hi(se"f in the back of the hea#, !t was
c"ear he was o1er(atche#3 his on"y hope was that his ene(y wou"# /et care"ess an# (ake a
(istake,
Sirak (o1e# in a/ain$ his trainin/ saber (o1in/ so 6uick"y that Bane cou"# hear the si44"e as it sp"it
the air, Bane "eapt forwar# to (eet the cha""en/e$ tryin/ to ca"" up the power of the #ark si#e to
anticipate an# b"ock the #ua" b"a#es (o1in/ too fast for his eyes to see, 2e fe"t the &orce f"owin/
throu/h hi($ but it see(e# #istant an# ho""ow* the 1ei" was sti"" there, 2e was ab"e to keep the
para"y4in/ e#/es of Sirak's saber at bay$ but it re6uire# hi( to concentrate a"" his attention on
contro""in/ his own b"a#e , , , "ea1in/ hi( 1u"nerab"e to the rea" purpose of the attack bein/
un"eashe# a/ainst hi(,
Bane's sku"" e8p"o#e# as Sirak's forehea# s"a((e# into his face, Pain turne# his 1ision into a fie"#
of si"1er stars, 0he carti"a/e of his nose /a1e way with a sickenin/ crunch$ a /eyser of b"oo#
/ushin/ forth, B"in# an# #a4e#$ he was ab"e to parry the ne8t strike on"y by instinct /ui#e# by the
faintest whisper of the &orce, But Sirak spun as his saber was turne# away an# #e"i1ere# a back
roun#house kick that shattere# Bane's kneecap,
Screa(in/$ Bane co""apse#$ his free han# s"a((in/ into the /roun# as he brace# his fa"", Sirak
crushe# the fin/ers un#er his boot$ /rin#in/ the( into the unyie"#in/ stone of the te(p"e roof, .
knee ca(e up$ fracturin/ his cheek an# :awbone with a thun#erous crack,
With a "ast$ #esperate burst Bane trie# to hur" his opponent backwar# with the #ark si#e, Sirak
brushe# the i(pact asi#e$ easi"y #ef"ectin/ it with the &orce%shie"# he ha# wrappe# hi(se"f in at the
start of the #ue", 0hen he (o1e# in c"ose to finish the :ob with his b"a#es, 0he first b"ow hit with the
i(pact of a "an#spee#er s"a((in/ into an ira8$ breakin/ Bane's ri/ht wrist, 0he trainin/ saber
#roppe# fro( his su##en"y ner1e"ess /rasp, 0he ne8t strike took hi( hi/her up on the sa(e ar($
#is"ocatin/ his e"bow,
. si(p"e kick to the face sent :a//e# bits of tooth shootin/ out of his (outh an# bo"ts of pain
shootin/ throu/h his broken :aw, 2e s"u(pe# forwar#$ bare"y conscious$ as Sirak steppe# back an#
"owere# his saber$ reachin/ out with a free han# to /rab Bane aroun# the throat with the crushin/
/rip of the &orce, 2e raise# his ar($ "iftin/ the (uscu"ar Bane as if he were a chi"#$ then hur"e# hi(
across the rin/,
Bane fe"t another bone snap as he crashe# to the /roun#$ but his bo#y ha# passe# into a state of
shock an# there was no "on/er any pain, 2e "ay (otion"ess in a cru(p"e#$ twiste# heap, B"oo# fro(
his nose an# (outh c"o//e# his throat, . cou/hin/ fit racke# his bo#y$ an# he hear# rather than fe"t
the /rin#in/ of his broken ribs,
1erythin/ be/an to /o #i(, 2e cau/ht a /"i(pse of a pair of b"oo#%f"ecke# boots stri#in/ towar#
hi($ an# then Bane surren#ere# hi(se"f to the (ercifu" #arkness,
Kopec4 shook his hea# as he stu#ie# the batt"e p"an Kaan ha# "ai# out on a (akeshift tab"e in the
(i##"e of his tent, 0he ho"o(ap of Ruusan's terrain showe# the positions of the Sith forces as
/"owin/ re# trian/"es f"oatin/ abo1e the (ap, 0he )e#i positions were represente# by /reen s6uares,
Despite this hi/h%tech a#1ance(ent$ the rest of the (ap was a si(p"e two%#i(ensiona"
representation of the surroun#in/ area's topo/raphy, !t #i# nothin/ to con1ey the /ri( #e1astation
that ha# "eft Ruusan a 1irtua" waste"an#$ ra1a/e# by war,
0hree /reat f"eet batt"es ha# taken p"ace hi/h abo1e the wor"# in the past year$ scatterin/ #ebris
fro( the "osin/ si#e across the sparse"y popu"ate# wor"# each ti(e, Scorche# an# twiste# hu""s that
ha# once been ships ha# crashe# into the "ush forests$ i/nitin/ wi"#fires that ha# re#uce# (uch of
the s(a"" wor"#'s surface to ash an# barren soi",
Ruusan$ #espite its (ea/er si4e$ ha# beco(e a wor"# of (a:or i(portance to both the Repub"ic an#
the Sith, Strate/ica""y "ocate# on the e#/es of the !nner Ri($ it a"so stoo# at what (ost consi#ere#
the bor#er between the Repub"ic's #an/erous frontier an# its safe an# secure <ore, Ruusan was a
sy(bo", <on6uerin/ it represente# the ine1itab"e a#1ance of the Sith an# their con6uest of the
Repub"ic3 "iberatin/ it wou"# be e(b"e(atic of the )e#i's abi"ity to #ri1e the in1a#ers away an#
protect the Repub"ic's citi4ens, 0he resu"t was an en#"ess cyc"e of batt"es$ with neither si#e wi""in/
to a#(it #efeat,
0he &irst Batt"e of Ruusan ha# seen the in1a#in/ Sith f"eet rout the Repub"ic forces usin/ the
e"e(ents of surprise an# the stren/th of Kaan's batt"e (e#itation, 0he secon# batt"e saw the
Repub"ic try to rec"ai( contro" of Ruusan an# fai"$ #ri1en back by the ene(y's superior nu(bers
an# firepower,
0he thir# batt"e in the skies abo1e Ruusan (arke# the e(er/ence of the .r(y of Li/ht, !nstea# of
Repub"ic cruisers an# fi/hters$ the Sith foun# the(se"1es facin/ a f"eet (a#e up pri(ari"y of one%
an# two%crew fi/hters pi"ote# e8c"usi1e"y by )e#i, 0he co((on so"#iers who ha# :oine# Kaan's
ar(y were no (atch for the &orce$ an# Ruusan was sa1e# ,,, for a ti(e,
0he Sith ha# respon#e# to the .r(y of Li/ht by a(assin/ the fu"" nu(bers of the Brotherhoo# of
Darkness into a sin/"e ar(y$ then un"eashin/ it on Ruusan, 0he war that ha# ra1a/e# the wor"# fro(
on hi/h (o1e# #own to the surface$ with far (ore #e1astatin/ conse6uences, <o(pare# with space
f"eet batt"es$ /roun# co(bat was bruta"$ b"oo#y$ an# 1iscera",
Kopec4 s"a((e# his fist #own on the tab"e, 7!t's hope"ess$ Kaan,7
0he other Dark Lor#s /athere# in the tent (ur(ure# in a/ree(ent,
70he )e#i positions are too we"" #efen#e#3 they ha1e a"" the a#1anta/es$7 Kopec4 went on an/ri"y,
72i/h /roun#$ entrenche# fortifications$ superior nu(bers, We can't win this batt"e=7
7Look a/ain$7 Kaan rep"ie#, 70he )e#i ha1e sprea# the(se"1es too thin,7
0he bi/ 0wi'"ek stu#ie# the (ap in (ore #etai" an# rea"i4e# Kaan was ri/ht, 0he )e#i peri(eter
e8ten#e# too far out fro( their base ca(p, !t took hi( bare"y a (o(ent to rea"i4e why,
0he c"ash between ar(ies of )e#i an# Sith$ "e# by )e#i +asters an# Dark Lor#s$ ha# shaken the
foun#ations of the wor"#, 0he power of the &orce ra/e# unchecke# across the batt"efie"#s "ike the
thun#er of an e8p"o#in/ star, 0owns$ 1i""a/es$ an# in#i1i#ua" ho(es cau/ht up in the stor( ha# been
wipe# out$ "ea1in/ on"y #eath an# #estruction behin#, <i1i"ians cau/ht up in the wake of war ha#
been force# to f"ee$ beco(in/ refu/ees of an epic batt"e between the cha(pions of "i/ht an# #ark,
Seein/ their sufferin/$ the )e#i ha# sou/ht to conso"e$ co(fort$ an# protect the innocent citi4ens of
Ruusan, 0hey p"anne# their strate/ies aroun# #efen#in/ ci1i"ian sett"e(ents an# ho(estea#s$ e1en
at the e8pense of resources an# tactica" a#1anta/e, 0he Sith$ of course$ (a#e no such concessions,
70he )e#i's co(passion is a weakness$7 Kaan continue#, 7One we can e8p"oit, !f we concentrate our
fu"" nu(bers on a sin/"e point$ we can breach their "ines, 0hen the a#1anta/e wi"" be ours,7
0he asse(b"e# /enera"s an# strate/ists of the Brotherhoo# of Darkness no##e# in a/ree(ent,
Se1era" raise# their 1oices in roars of triu(ph an# con/ratu"ations, On"y Kopec4 refuse# to :oin in
the ce"ebrations,
70he .r(y of Li/ht sti"" outnu(bers us two to one$7 the hea1yset 0wi'"ek re(in#e# the(, 70heir
"ines (ay be o1ere8ten#e# in so(e p"aces$ but we #on't know where they are 1u"nerab"e, 0hey
know our scouts are watchin/3 they hi#e their nu(bers :ust as we hi#e ours, !f we attack a "ocation
where their nu(bers are stron/$ we'"" be s"au/htere#=7
0he rest of the /enera"s sti""e# their 1oices$ no "on/er swept up in their "ea#er's enthusias( now that
the /"arin/ f"aw in his p"an ha# been e8pose#, ./ain$ there were ru(b"es of #isa/ree(ent an#
#isp"easure, Kopec4 i/nore# the reaction of the other Dark Lor#s, &or a"" their power$ for a"" their
a(bition$ they were "ike so (any banthas$ b"in#"y fo""owin/ the rest of the her#, !n theory e1eryone
in the Brotherhoo# of Darkness was e6ua"$ but in practice Kaan ru"e# the others,
Kopec4 un#erstoo# this$ an# he was wi""in/ to fo""ow hi(, 0he Sith nee#e# a stron/ an# charis(atic
"ea#er$ a (an of 1ision$ to 6ue"" the infi/htin/ that ha# p"a/ue# their ranks, Kaan was :ust such a
"ea#er$ an# he was nor(a""y a bri""iant (i"itary tactician, But this p"an was (a#ness, Suici#e,
Un"ike the rest of the rabb"e$ Kopec4 wasn't about to fo""ow their "ea#er into certain #eath,
7-ou un#eresti(ate (e$ Kopec4$7 Kaan reassure# hi($ his 1oice ca"( an# confi#ent$ as if he ha#
anticipate# this 6uestion a"" a"on/ an# ha# an answer prepare#, Perhaps he #i#, 7We won't strike
unti" we know e8act"y where they are (ost 1u"nerab"e$7 the Dark Lor# e8p"aine#, 7By the ti(e we
attack$ we'"" know the precise nu(ber an# co(position of e1ery unit an# patro" a"on/ their
peri(eter,7
72ow97 Kopec4 #e(an#e#, 71en our U(baran sha#ow spies can't pro1i#e us with that kin# of
#etai", ;ot 6uick"y enou/h to use it in p"annin/ our attack, We ha1e no way of /ettin/ the
infor(ation we'# nee#,7
Kaan "au/he#, 7Of course we #o, One of the )e#i wi"" /i1e it to us,7
0he f"aps co1erin/ the entrance of the "on/ tent ser1in/ as the Sith war roo( parte# as if on cue$
an# a youn/ hu(an wo(an c"a# in the robes of the )e#i or#er steppe# throu/h, She was of a1era/e
hei/ht$ but that was the on"y thin/ about her that cou"# e1er be ca""e# a1era/e, She ha# thick$ ra1en
hair that tu(b"e# #own past her shou"#ers, 2er face an# fi/ure were perfect e8a(p"es of the hu(an
fe(a"e for(3 her tricopper%hue# skin was set off by /reen eyes s(o"#erin/ with a heat that was both
a warnin/ an# an in1itation, She (o1e# with the "ithe /race of a 0wi'"ek #ancer as she wa"ke# the
"en/th of the asse(b"e# Dark Lor#s$ a coy s(i"e on her "ips as she preten#e# not to hear their
whispers of surprise,
Kopec4 ha# seen (any strikin/ fe(a"es in his ti(e, Se1era" of the fe(a"e Dark Lor#s /athere# in
the tent were /or/eous$ renowne# as (uch for their incre#ib"e beauty as their #e1astatin/ power,
But as the youn/ )e#i #rew c"oser$ he foun# he was unab"e to take his eyes off her, 0here was
so(ethin/ (a/netic about her$ so(ethin/ that transcen#e# (ere physica" attracti1eness,
She carrie# her hea# hi/h$ her prou# features issuin/ an unspoken cha""en/e as she approache#, .n#
Kopec4 saw so(ethin/ e"se* nake# a(bition$ raw an# hun/ry,
.t his si#e Kaan whispere#$ 7Re(arkab"e$ isn't she97
She reache# the front of the tent an# #ippe# s(ooth"y to one knee$ bowin/ her hea# e1er so s"i/ht"y
in #eference to Lor# Kaan,
7We"co(e$ Githany$7 he sai#$ (otionin/ for her to rise, 7We'1e been waitin/ for you,7
7!t's (y p"easure$ Lor# Kaan$7 she purre#, Kopec4 fe"t his knees /o (o(entari"y weak at her
sensua" 1oice$ then snappe# to ri/i# attention, 2e was too o"# an# too wise to "et hi(se"f be b"in#e#
by this wo(an's char(s, 2e care# on"y about what she cou"# offer the( a/ainst the )e#i,
7-ou ha1e infor(ation for us97 he aske# abrupt"y,
She ti"te# her hea# to one si#e an# /a1e hi( a curious /"ance$ tryin/ to fin# the reason for his co"#
reception, .fter a (o(ent's pause she answere#$ 7! can te"" you e8act"y where to strike at their "ines$
an# when, Lor# 2oth put a )e#i na(e# Kie" <harny in char/e of coor#inatin/ their #efenses, ! /ot
the infor(ation #irect"y fro( hi(,7
7Why wou"# this <harny share that kin# of infor(ation with you97 Kopec4 aske# suspicious"y,
She /a1e hi( a s"y /rin, 7Kie" an# ! were , , , c"ose, We share# (any thin/s, 2e ha# no i#ea ! wou"#
co(e to you with the infor(ation,7
Kopec4 narrowe# his eyes, 7! thou/ht the )e#i #isappro1e# of that sort of thin/,7
2er s(i"e beca(e a sneer, 70he )e#i #isappro1e of a "ot of thin/s, 0hat's why !'1e co(e to you,7
Kaan steppe# forwar# before he cou"# ask any (ore 6uestions$ p"acin/ a fa(i"iar han# on her hip
an# turnin/ her away fro( Kopec4,
7We #on't ha1e ti(e for this$ Githany$7 he sai#, 7-ou (ust /i1e us your report an# return to the )e#i
ca(p before anyone notices you're (issin/,7
She f"ashe# a #a44"in/ s(i"e at Kaan an# no##e#, 7Of course, We ha1e to hurry,7
2e /ent"y ushere# her o1er to the ho"o(ap$ an# a knot of strate/ists c"ose# in$ shie"#in/ her fro(
1iew as she /a1e the( the #etai"s of the )e#i /uar#, . few secon#s "ater Kaan e(er/e# fro( the
crow# an# wa"ke# back o1er to stan# besi#e Kopec4,
7.(bition$ betraya"%the #ark si#e is stron/ in her$7 the 0wi'"ek whispere#, 7!'( surprise# the )e#i
e1er took her in,7
70hey probab"y be"ie1e# they cou"# turn her to the "i/ht$7 Kaan rep"ie#$ speakin/ :ust as soft"y, 7But
Githany was born to the #ark si#e, Like (e, Like you, !t was ine1itab"e she wou"# :oin the Sith
so(e#ay,7
70he ti(in/ is fortunate$7 Kopec4 note#, 7+aybe a "itt"e too fortunate, !t (ay be a trap, .re you
sure we can trust her9 ! think she's #an/erous,7
Kaan #is(isse# the warnin/ with a soft "au/h, 7So are you$ Lor# Kopec4, 0hat's what (akes you so
usefu" to the Brotherhoo#,7
Bane was f"oatin/$ wei/ht"ess$ surroun#e# by #arkness an# si"ence, !t see(e# he was a#rift in the
b"ack 1oi# of #eath itse"f,
0hen consciousness be/an to return, 2is bo#y$ :erke# fro( b"issfu" unawareness$ thrashe# in the
#ark /reen f"ui# of the bacta tank$ creatin/ a strea( of bubb"es that rose si"ent"y to the surface, 2is
heart be/an to poun#3 he cou"# hear the b"oo# rushin/ throu/h his 1eins,
2is eyes poppe# open in ti(e to see a (e# #roi# co(e o1er to a#:ust so(e of the settin/s on his
tank, Within secon#s his heart rate s"owe# an# the in1o"untary thrashin/ of his bruise# an# broken
"i(bs sett"e#, But thou/h his bo#y was ca"(e# by the tran6ui"i4er$ Bane's (in# was now fu""y a"ert
an# aware,
+e(ories of (otion an# pain f"ickere# across his (in#, 0he si/hts$ soun#s$ an# s(e""s of co(bat,
2e re(e(bere# the approach of b"oo#staine# boots* his b"oo#, Kas'i( (ust ha1e steppe# in after
he'# b"acke# out an# kept Sirak fro( ki""in/ hi(, 0hey (ust ha1e brou/ht hi( here to hea",
.t first he was surprise# that they wou"# bother to he"p hi( reco1er, 0hen he rea"i4e# that he$ "ike
a"" the stu#ents at the .ca#e(y$ was too 1a"uab"e to the Brotherhoo# to si(p"y throw away, So he
wou"# sur1i1e ,, , but his "ife was essentia""y o1er,
Since co(in/ to the .ca#e(y he ha# worke# towar# one c"ear /oa", ."" his stu#yin/$ a"" his trainin/
ha# been for one sin/"e purpose* to un#erstan# an# co((an# the power of the #ark si#e of the
&orce, 0he #ark si#e wou"# brin/ hi( power, G"ory, Stren/th, &ree#o(,
;ow he wou"# be a pariah at the .ca#e(y, 2e wou"# be a""owe# to "isten in on the /roup "essons$ to
practice his ski""s in Kas'i('s trainin/ sessions$ but that wou"# be a"", .ny hope he (i/ht ha1e ha#
of /ettin/ one%on%one trainin/ with any of the +asters ha# been crushe# in his hu(i"iatin/ #efeat,
.n# without that specia"i4in/ /ui#ance$ his potentia" wou"# wither an# #ie,
!n theory a"" in the Brotherhoo# were e6ua"$ but Bane was s(art enou/h to see the rea" truth, !n
practice the Sith nee#e# "ea#ers$ +asters "ike Kaan$ or Lor# 5or#is here at the .ca#e(y, 0he stron/
a"ways steppe# forwar#3 the weak ha# no choice but to fo""ow,
;ow Bane was #oo(e# to be one of the fo""owers, . "ife of subser1ience an# obe#ience,
0hrou/h 1ictory (y chains are broken, But Bane ha# not foun# 1ictory$ an# he un#erstoo# a"" too
we"" the chains of ser1itu#e that wou"# bin# hi( fore1er(ore, 2e was #estroye#,
Part of hi( wishe# Sirak ha# :ust finishe# the :ob,
<hapter 1C
0here was an air of unusua" ce"ebration in the ha""s of the Sith .ca#e(y, 0he Brotherhoo# of
Darkness ha# score# a resoun#in/ 1ictory o1er the )e#i on Ruusan$ an# the :ubi"ation of the feast
5or#is ha# thrown to (ark the 1ictory "in/ere# in the air, Durin/ trainin/ sessions$ #ri""s$ an#
"essons$ stu#ents cou"# be hear# whisperin/ e8cite#"y as #etai"s of the batt"e were share#, 0he )e#i
on Ruusan ha# been co(p"ete"y wipe# out$ so(e sai#, Others insiste# Lor# 2oth hi(se"f ha# fa""en,
0here were ru(ors that the )e#i 0e(p"e on <oruscant was #efense"ess$ an# it was on"y a (atter of
#ays before it was ransacke# by the Dark Lor#s of the Sith,
0he +asters knew that (uch of what was bein/ sai# was e8a//erate# or inaccurate, 0he )e#i on
Ruusan ha# been route#$ but a /reat (any ha# (ana/e# to escape the batt"e, Lor# 2oth was not
#ea#3 (ost "ike"y he was ra""yin/ the )e#i for the ine1itab"e counterattack, .n# the )e#i 0e(p"e on
<oruscant was sti"" we"" beyon# the reach of Kaan an# the Brotherhoo# of Darkness, On the or#ers
of 5or#is$ howe1er$ the instructors a""owe# the enthusias( of their apprentices to /o unchecke# for
the sake of i(pro1in/ (ora"e,
0he e8u"tant (oo# at the .ca#e(y ha# "itt"e effect on Bane$ howe1er, !t ha# taken three weeks of
re/u"ar sessions in the bacta tank before he'# fu""y reco1ere# fro( the horrific beatin/ Sirak ha#
/i1en hi(, +ost of the ti(e a "oss in the #ue"in/ rin/ re6uire# on"y a #ay or two in the tanks before
the stu#ent was rea#y to resu(e trainin/, Of course$ (ost of the stu#ents #i#n't "ose as ba#"y as
Bane ha#,
2urst ha# been free with his fists$ an# Bane ha# suffere# (ore than a few se1ere thrashin/s /rowin/
up, 0he punish(ents of his youth ha# tau/ht hi( how to #ea" with physica" pain$ but the trau(a
inf"icte# by Sirak was far worse than anythin/ he'# en#ure# at his father's han#s,
Bane shuff"e# s"ow"y #own the ha""s of the .ca#e(y$ thou/h his (easure# pace was one of choice
rather than necessity, 0he "in/erin/ #isco(fort he fe"t was insi/nificant, 0hanks to the bacta tanks
his broken bones ha# (en#e# an# his bruises ha# 1anishe# co(p"ete"y, 0he e(otiona" #a(a/e$
howe1er$ was (ore #ifficu"t to re1erse,
. pair of "au/hin/ apprentices approache#$ re/a"in/ each other with suppose#"y factua" accounts of
the Sith 1ictory on Ruusan, 0heir con1ersation stoppe# as they neare# the so"itary fi/ure, Bane
#ucke# his hea# to a1oi# (eetin/ their eyes as they passe#, One whispere# so(ethin/
uninte""i/ib"e$ but the conte(pt in her tone was un(istakab"e,
Bane #i#n't react, 2e was #ea"in/ with the e(otiona" pain in the on"y way he knew how, 0he sa(e
way he'# #ea"t with it as a chi"#, 2e with#rew into hi(se"f$ trie# to (ake hi(se"f in1isib"e to a1oi#
the scorn an# #erision of others,
2is #efeat%so pub"ic an# so co(p"ete%ha# #estroye# his a"rea#y suspect reputation with both the
stu#ents an# the +asters, 1en before the #ue" (any ha# sense# that his power ha# "eft hi(, ;ow
their suspicions ha# been confir(e#, Bane ha# beco(e an outcast at the .ca#e(y$ shunne# by the
other stu#ents an# #isre/ar#e# by the +asters,
1en Sirak i/nore# hi(, 2e ha# beaten his ri1a" into sub(ission3 Bane was no "on/er worthy of his
notice, 0he Habrak's attention$ "ike the attention of near"y a"" the apprentices$ ha# turne# to the
youn/ hu(an fe(a"e who ha# co(e to :oin the( short"y after the batt"e on Ruusan,
2er na(e was Githany, Bane ha# hear# that she ha# once been a )e#i Pa#awan but ha# re:ecte# the
"i/ht in fa1or of the #ark si#e ,,, a co((on enou/h story at the .ca#e(y, Githany$ howe1er$ was
anythin/ but co((on, She ha# p"aye# an inte/ra" ro"e in the Sith 1ictory on Ruusan$ an# ha#
arri1e# at Korriban with the fanfare of a con6uerin/ hero,
Bane ha#n't been stron/ enou/h to atten# the 1ictory feast where 5or#is ha# intro#uce# the new
arri1a" to the rest of the stu#ents$ but he ha# seen her se1era" ti(es at the .ca#e(y since then, She
was stunnin/"y beautifu"3 it was ob1ious that (any of the (a"e stu#ents "uste# after her, !t was :ust
as ob1ious that se1era" of the fe(a"e stu#ents were :ea"ous of her$ thou/h they kept their resent(ent
we"" hi##en for their own sake,
Githany was as arro/ant an# crue" as she was physica""y beco(in/$ an# the &orce was e8ceptiona""y
stron/ in her, !n on"y a few weeks she'# a"rea#y #e1e"ope# a reputation for crushin/ those who /ot
in her way, !t was no surprise she ha# 6uick"y beca(e a fa1orite of 5or#is an# the other Dark
Lor#s,
;one of this rea""y (attere# to Bane$ howe1er, 2e tru#/e# on throu/h the ha""s$ hea# #own$ (akin/
his way to the "ibrary "ocate# in the #epths of the .ca#e(y, Stu#yin/ the archi1es ha# see(e# the
best way to supp"e(ent the teachin/s of the +asters in the ear"y sta/es of his #e1e"op(ent, ;ow the
co"#$ 6uiet roo( far beneath the 0e(p"e's (ain f"oors offere# hi( his on"y p"ace of refu/e,
;ot surprisin/"y$ the (assi1e roo( was e(pty sa1e for the rows of she"1es stacke# with
(anuscripts hapha4ar#"y arran/e# an# then for/otten, &ew stu#ents bothere# to co(e here, Why
waste ti(e conte(p"atin/ the wis#o( of the ancients when you cou"# stu#y at the feet of an actua"
Dark Lor#9 1en Bane ca(e here on"y as a "ast resort3 the +asters wou"#n't waste their ti(e on hi(
any(ore,
But as he peruse# the ancient te8ts$ a part of hi( he'# thou/ht #ea# be/an to reawaken, 0he inner
fire%the burnin/ ra/e that ha# a"ways been his secret reser1e%was /one, Sti""$ e1en if on"y faint"y$ the
#ark si#e ca""e# to hi($ an# Bane rea"i4e# that he wasn't rea#y to /i1e up on hi(se"f, .n# so he
/a1e hi(se"f up to stu#yin/,
!t wasn't per(issib"e for stu#ents to re(o1e recor#s fro( the archi1e roo($ so Bane #i# a"" his
rea#in/ there, -ester#ay he ha# fina""y co(p"ete# a rather "on/ an# #etai"e# treatise by an ancient
Sith Lor# na(e# ;a/a Sa#ow on the uses of a"che(y an# poisons, 1en in that he ha# foun# s(a""
kerne"s of #eeper wis#o( he ha# c"ai(e# for his own, Bit by bit his know"e#/e was /rowin/,
2e wa"ke# s"ow"y up an# #own the rows$ /"ancin/ at tit"es an# authors$ hopin/ to fin# so(ethin/
usefu", 2e was so intent on his search that he fai"e# to notice the #ark$ hoo#e# fi/ure that entere#
the archi1es an# stoo# si"ent"y in the #oorway$ watchin/ hi(,
Githany #i#n't say a wor# as the ta""$ broa#%shou"#ere# (an wan#ere# throu/h the archi1es, 2e was
physica""y i(posin/3 e1en un#er his "oose%fittin/ robes his (usc"es were ob1ious, <oncentratin/ as
she ha# been tau/ht by the )e#i +asters before she'# betraye# the($ she was ab"e to fee" the power
of the #ark si#e in hi(3 he was re(arkab"y stron/ in the &orce, -et he #i#n't carry hi(se"f "ike a
(an who was stron/ or powerfu", 1en here$ away fro( the eyes of anyone e"se$ he wa"ke# stoope#
o1er$ his shou"#ers hunche#,
0his was what Sirak cou"# #o to a ri1a"$ she rea"i4e#, 0his was what he cou"# #o to her if she went
up a/ainst hi( an# "ost, Githany ha# e1ery intention of cha""en/in/ the .ca#e(y's acknow"e#/e#
top stu#ent , , , but on"y once she was certain she cou"# beat hi( in the #ue"in/ rin/,
She ha# sou/ht out Bane hopin/ to "earn fro( his (istakes, Seein/ hi( now$ weak an# broken$ she
rea"i4e# she (i/ht be ab"e to /et (ore fro( hi( than :ust infor(ation, ;or(a""y she wou"# be wary
of a""yin/ herse"f with another stu#ent$ particu"ar"y one as stron/ as Bane, Githany preferre# to
work a"one3 she knew a"" too we"" how #e1astatin/ the conse6uences of une8pecte# betraya" cou"#
be,
But the (an she saw was 1u"nerab"e$ e8pose#, 2e was a"one an# #esperate3 he was in no position to
betray anyone, She cou"# contro" hi($ usin/ hi( as necessary an# #isposin/ of hi( when she was
#one,
2e took a book #own fro( one of the she"1es an# wa"ke# s"ow"y o1er to the tab"es, She waite# unti"
he ha# sett"e# hi(se"f in an# be/un his rea#in/, She took a #eep breath an# cast back her hoo#$
"ettin/ her "on/ tresses casca#e #own her shou"#ers, 0hen she put on her (ost se#ucti1e s(i"e an#
(o1e# in,
Bane carefu""y opene# the pa/es of the ancient 1o"u(e he ha# taken #own fro( the archi1e she"1es,
!t was tit"e# 0he Rakata an# the Unknown Wor"#$ an# accor#in/ to the #ate was near"y three
thousan# stan#ar# years o"#, But it wasn't the tit"e or sub:ect (atter that ha# /rabbe# hi(, !t was the
author* Darth Re1an, Re1an's story was we"" known to Sith an# )e#i a"ike, What intri/ue# Bane was
the use of the Darth tit"e,
;one of the (o#ern Sith use# the Darth na(e$ preferrin/ the #esi/nation Dark Lor#, Bane ha#
a"ways foun# this pu44"in/$ but he ha# ne1er aske# the +asters about it, Perhaps in this 1o"u(e by
one of the "ast /reat Sith to use the #esi/nation he cou"# fin# out why the tra#ition ha# fa""en into
#isuse,
2e ha# bare"y be/un to rea# the first pa/e when he hear# so(eone approachin/, 2e /"ance# up to
see the .ca#e(y's newest apprentice%%Githany%stri#in/ towar# hi(, She was s(i"in/$ (akin/ her
a"rea#y re(arkab"e features e1en (ore attracti1e, !n the past Bane ha# on"y seen her fro( a
#istance3 up c"ose she "itera""y took his breath away, .s she swept into the seat besi#e hi($ the
faintest whiff of perfu(e tick"e# his nose$ causin/ his a"rea#y racin/ heart to 6uicken its beat,
7Bane$7 she whispere#$ speakin/ soft"y e1en thou/h there was no one e"se in the archi1es to be
#isturbe# by their con1ersation, 7!'1e been "ookin/ for you,7
2er state(ent cau/ht hi( by surprise, 7Lookin/ for (e9 Why97
She p"ace# a han# on his forear(, 7! nee# you, ! nee# your he"p a/ainst Sirak,7
2er c"oseness$ the brief contact with his ar($ an# her a""urin/ fra/rance sent his hea# spinnin/, !t
took hi( se1era" (o(ents to fi/ure out what she (eant$ but once he #i# her su##en interest in hi(
beca(e ob1ious, ;ews of his hu(i"iation at the Habrak's han#s ha# reache# her ears, She ha# co(e
to see hi( in person$ hopin/ she (i/ht "earn so(ethin/ that wou"# keep her fro( fa""in/ 1icti( to a
si(i"ar fai"ure,
7! can't he"p you with Sirak$7 he sai#$ turnin/ away fro( her an# buryin/ his face in his book,
0he han# on his forear( /ent"y s6uee4e#$ an# he "ooke# up a/ain, She ha# "eane# in c"oser$ an# he
foun# hi(se"f starin/ ri/ht into her e(era"# eyes,
7P"ease$ Bane, )ust "isten to what ! ha1e to say,7
2e no##e#$ not sure if he'# e1en be ab"e to speak whi"e she was presse# so c"ose a/ainst hi(, 2e
c"ose# the book an# turne# s"i/ht"y in his chair to better face her, Githany /a1e a /ratefu" si/h an#
"eane# back s"i/ht"y, 2e fe"t a s(a"" f"icker of #isappoint(ent as her han# s"ippe# fro( his ar(,
7! know what happene# to you in the #ue"in/ rin/$7 she be/an, 7! know e1eryone be"ie1es Sirak
#estroye# you3 that so(ehow the #efeat robbe# you of your power, ! can see you be"ie1e it$ too,7
2er face ha# taken on an e8pression of sorrow, ;ot pity$ thankfu""y, Bane #i#n't want that fro(
anyone%especia""y not her, But she showe# /enuine re/ret as she spoke,
When he #i#n't rep"y she took a #eep breath an# continue#, 70hey're wron/$ Bane, -ou can't :ust
"ose your abi"ity to co((an# the &orce, ;one of us can, 0he &orce is part of us3 it's part of our
bein/,
7! hear# accounts of what you #i# to that +akurth, 0hat showe# what you were capab"e of, !t
re1ea"e# your true potentia"3 it pro1e# you were b"esse# with a (i/hty /ift,7 She pause#, 2er /a4e
was intense, 7-ou (ay be"ie1e you'1e s6uan#ere# that /ift$ or "ost it, But ! know better, ! can sense
the power insi#e you, ! can fee" it, !t's sti"" there,7
Bane shook his hea#, 70he power (ay be there$ but (y abi"ity to contro" it is /one, !'( not what !
use# to be,7
70hat's not possib"e$7 she sai#$ her 1oice /ent"e, 72ow can you be"ie1e that97
0hou/h he knew the answer$ he hesitate# before rep"yin/, !t was a 6uestion he ha# aske# hi(se"f
count"ess ti(es whi"e f"oatin/ in the wei/ht"ess f"ui# of the bacta tank, .fter his #efeat he'# ha#
p"enty of opportunity to stru//"e with his fai"ure$ an# he'# e1entua""y co(e to rea"i4e what ha# /one
wron/ ,,, thou/h not how to fi8 it,
2e wasn't sure he wante# to share his persona" re1e"ation with a 1irtua" stran/er, But who e"se was
he /oin/ to te""9 ;ot the other stu#ents3 certain"y not the +asters, .n# e1en thou/h he har#"y knew
Githany$ she ha# reache# out to hi(, She was the on"y one to #o so,
8posin/ persona" weakness was so(ethin/ on"y a foo" or an i#iot wou"# risk here at the .ca#e(y,
-et the har# truth was that Bane ha# nothin/ "eft to "ose,
7."" (y "ife !'1e been #ri1en by (y an/er$7 he e8p"aine#, 2e spoke s"ow"y$ starin/ #own at the
surface of the tab"e$ unab"e to "ook her in the eye, 7+y an/er (a#e (e stron/, !t was (y connection
to the &orce an# the #ark si#e, When &ohar/h #ie#%when ! ki""e# hi(%! rea"i4e# ! was responsib"e
for (y father's #eath, ! ki""e# hi( throu/h the power of the #ark si#e,7
7.n# you fe"t /ui"ty97 she aske#$ once a/ain p"acin/ a soft han# on his ar(,
7;o, +aybe, ! #on't know,7 2er han# was war(3 he cou"# fee" the heat ra#iatin/ throu/h the fabric
of his s"ee1e to his skin un#erneath, 7."" ! know is that the rea"i4ation chan/e# (e, 0he an/er that
#ro1e (e was /one, ."" that was "eft behin# was ,,, we"" ,,, nothin/,7
7Gi1e (e your han#,7 2er 1oice was stern$ an# Bane hesitate# on"y an instant before reachin/ out,
She c"aspe# his pa"( with both her han#s, 7<"ose your eyes$7 she or#ere#$ e1en as she shut her own,
!n the #arkness he beca(e acute"y aware of how ti/ht"y she ha# c"enche# his han#* s6uee4in/ the
f"esh so har# he cou"# fee" the beatin/ of her heart throu/h her pa"(s, !t was 6uick an# ur/ent$ an#
his a"rea#y racin/ heart acce"erate# in response,
2e fe"t a tin/"in/ in his fin/ers$ so(ethin/ beyon# (ere physica" contact, She was reachin/ out
with the &orce,
7<o(e with (e$ Bane$7 she whispere#,
Su##en"y he fe"t as if he were fa""in/, ;o$ not fa""in/* #i1in/, Swoopin/ #own into a /reat abyss$
the b"ack e(ptiness insi#e his 1ery bein/, 0he chi"" #arkness nu(be# his bo#y3 he "ost a"" sensation
in his e8tre(ities, 2e cou"# no "on/er fee" Githany's han#s wrappe# about his own, 2e #i#n't e1en
know if she was sti"" sittin/ besi#e hi(, 2e was a"one in the free4in/ 1oi#,
70he #ark si#e is e(otion$ Bane,7 2er wor#s ca(e to hi( fro( a "on/ way off$ faint but
un(istakab"e, 7.n/er$ hate$ "o1e$ "ust, 0hese are what (ake us stron/, Peace is a "ie, 0here is on"y
passion,7 2er wor#s were "ou#er now$ "ou# enou/h to #rown out the #ru((in/ of his heart, 7-our
passion is sti"" there$ Bane, Seek it out, Rec"ai( it,7
.s if in response to her wor#s his e(otions be/an to we"" up insi#e hi(, 2e fe"t an/er, &ury, Pure$
pu"sin/ hatre#* hatre# of the other stu#ents for ostraci4in/ hi($ hatre# of the +asters for
aban#onin/ hi(, +ost of a"" he hate# Sirak, .n# with the hate ca(e the hun/er for re1en/e,
0hen he fe"t so(ethin/ e"se, . spark3 a f"icker of "i/ht an# heat in the co"# #arkness, 2is (in#
"un/e# out an# /raspe# the f"a(e$ an# for one brief instant he fe"t the /"orious power of the &orce
burnin/ throu/h hi( once (ore, 0hen Githany "et /o of his han# an# it was /one%snuffe# out as if
he ha# (ere"y i(a/ine# it, But he ha#n't, !t was rea", 2e'# actua""y fe"t it,
2e opene# his eyes wari"y$ "ike a (an wakin/ fro( a #rea( he was afrai# to for/et, &ro( the
e8pression on Githany's face$ he knew she (ust ha1e fe"t so(ethin/$ too,
72ow #i# you #o that97 he aske#$ tryin/ an# fai"in/ to keep the #esperation out of his 1oice,
7+aster 2an#a tau/ht (e when ! was stu#yin/ un#er hi( in the )e#i or#er$7 she a#(itte#, 7! "ost
touch with the &orce once$ :ust as you ha1e, ! was sti"" a youn/ /ir" when it happene#, +y (in#
si(p"y cou"#n't cope with so(ethin/ so 1ast an# infinite, !t create# a wa"" to protect itse"f9'
Bane no##e#$ re(ainin/ fer1ent"y si"ent so she cou"# continue,
7-our an/er is sti"" there, .s is the &orce, ;ow you (ust break throu/h the wa""s you'1e bui"t
aroun# it, -ou ha1e to /o back to the be/innin/ an# "earn how to connect with the &orce once
(ore,7
72ow #o ! #o that97
70rainin/97 Githany answere#$ as if it was ob1ious, 72ow e"se #oes one "earn to use the &orce97
0he faint hope her re1e"ation ha# kin#"e# insi#e hi( #ie#,
70he +asters won't train (e any(ore$7 he (u(b"e#, 75or#is has forbi##en it,7
7! wi"" train you*' Githany sai# coy"y, 7! can share with you e1erythin/ ! "earne# fro( the )e#i about
the &orce, .n# whate1er ! "earn about the #ark si#e fro( the +asters ! can teach to you$ as we"",7
Bane hesitate#, Githany was no +aster$ yet she ha# traine# as a )e#i for (any years, She probab"y
knew (uch about the &orce that wou"# be new to hi(, .t the 1ery "east he'# "earn (ore with her
he"p than without it, .n# yet so(ethin/ bothere# hi( about her offer,
7Why are you #oin/ this97 he aske#,
She /a1e hi( a s"y s(i"e, 7Sti"" #on't trust (e9 Goo#, -ou shou"#n't, !'( on"y in this for (yse"f, !
can't #efeat Sirak on (y own, 2e's too stron/9'
70hey say he's the Sith'ari$7 Bane (uttere#,
7! #on't be"ie1e in prophecies$7 she countere#, 7But he has powerfu" a""ies, .n# the other Habrak
apprentices here are co(p"ete"y "oya" to hi(, !f !'( e1er /oin/ to cha""en/e hi($ ! nee# so(ebo#y
on (y si#e, So(ebo#y stron/ in the &orce, So(ebo#y "ike you,7
2er reasons (a#e sense$ but there was sti"" so(ethin/ botherin/ hi(, 7Lor# 5or#is an# the other
+asters wou"#n't appro1e of this$7 he warne# her, 7-ou're takin/ an awfu" risk,7
7Risks are the on"y way to c"ai( the rewar#s$7 she rep"ie#, 7Besi#es$ ! #on't care what the +asters
think, !n the en# those who sur1i1e are the ones who "ook after the(se"1es,7
!t took Bane a secon# to rea"i4e why her wor#s soun#e# so fa(i"iar, 0hen he re(e(bere# the "ast
thin/ Groshik ha# sai# to hi( before he "eft .patros, !n the en# each of us is in this a"one, 0he
sur1i1ors are those who know how to "ook out for the(se"1es,
7-ou he"p (e re/ain the &orce$ an# !'"" he"p you a/ainst Sirak$7 he sai#$ e8ten#in/ his ar(, She
c"aspe# it in her own$ then stoo# up to "ea1e, Bane he"# his /rip$ forcin/ her to sit back #own, 0here
was a #an/erous /"int in her eye$ but he #i#n't "et /o,
7Why #i# you "ea1e the )e#i97 he aske#,
2er e8pression softene#$ an# she shook her hea#, She e8ten#e# her free han# an# p"ace# it /ent"y
on his cheek, 7! #on't think !'( 6uite rea#y to share that with you,7
2e no##e#, 2e #i#n't nee# to push her now$ an# he knew he ha#n't earne# the ri/ht yet,
0he han# on his cheek fe"" away$ an# he "et /o of her ar(, She /a1e hi( one "ast appraisin/ /"ance$
then rose an# wa"ke# away with brisk$ purposefu" stri#es, She ne1er /"ance# back$ but Bane was
content to fo""ow her swayin/ hips unti" she was out of si/ht,
Githany knew he was watchin/ her (ake her e8it, +en a"ways watche# her3 she was use# to it,
."" in a"" she fe"t the (eetin/ ha# /one we"", &or a sp"it secon# at the en#%when he'# refuse# to "et
/o of her ar(%she ha# won#ere# if she'# un#eresti(ate# hi(, 2is #efiance ha# cau/ht her off /uar#3
she'# e8pecte# so(eone weak an# subser1ient, But once she'# "ooke# into his eyes she'# rea"i4e# he
was c"in/in/ to her out of #esperation an# fear, One sin/"e (eetin/ an# he a"rea#y cou"#n't bear to
"et her /o,
1en thou/h she'# been with the Sith on"y a short ti(e$ the ways of the #ark si#e ca(e natura""y to
her, She fe"t no pity or sorrow for hi(3 his 1u"nerabi"ity on"y (a#e hi( easier to contro", .n# un"ike
the )e#i$ the Brotherhoo# of Darkness rewar#e# a(bition, ach ri1a" she brou/ht "ow pro1e# her
worth an# e"e1ate# her status within the Sith,
Bane wou"# (ake the perfect too" to brin/ her ri1a"s #own$ she thou/ht, 2e was incre#ib"y stron/ in
the &orce, 1en stron/er than she'# first rea"i4e#, She'# been a(a4e# at the power she'# fe"t insi#e
hi(, .n# now he was co(p"ete"y wrappe# aroun# her fin/er, She :ust ha# to (ake sure he staye#
that way,
She'# brin/ hi( a"on/ s"ow"y$ a"ways keepin/ hi( :ust behin# her own abi"ities, !t was a #an/erous
/a(e$ but one she knew she cou"# p"ay we"", Know"e#/e was power$ an# she a"one contro""e# what
know"e#/e he wou"# /ain, She'# teach hi(, Strin/ hi( a"on/$ twist hi( to her wi""$ then use hi( to
crush Sirak, .n# then$ if she fe"t Bane was /rowin/ too powerfu"$ she'# #estroy hi($ too,
;i/ht ha# fa""en o1er Korriban3 sputterin/ torches cast eerie sha#ows in the ha""s of the .ca#e(y,
Bane (a#e his way throu/h those ha""s wrappe# in a b"ack c"oak$ "itt"e (ore than a sha#ow hi(se"f,
!t was forbi##en for apprentices to "ea1e their roo(s after curfew%one of the steps 5or#is ha# taken
to re#uce the 7une8p"aine#7 #eaths that see(e# to be a"" too co((on in aca#e(ies popu"ate# by
ri1a" stu#ents of the #ark si#e, Bane knew that if he was cau/ht$ the punish(ent wou"# be se1ere,
But this was the on"y ti(e he cou"# act without fear of bein/ seen by the other stu#ents,
2e woun# his way throu/h the #or(itory f"oor that house# the stu#ents unti" he reache# the
stairway "ea#in/ to the upper "e1e"s an# the +asters' 6uarters, 2e /"ance# 6uick"y fro( si#e to si#e$
peerin/ into the f"ickerin/ sha#ows cast on the stone wa""s, 2e pause#$ "istenin/ for the soun# of
anyone who (i/ht catch hi( in the ha""s, 2e ha# (e(ori4e# the routes of the ni/ht sentries who
patro""e# the corri#ors after #ark3 he knew it wou"# be a"(ost an hour before they returne# to this
f"oor of the te(p"e, But there were (any other un#er"in/s%kitchen staff$ c"eanin/ staff$
/roun#skeepers%who ser1e# the nee#s of the .ca#e(y an# (i/ht be wan#erin/ about,
2earin/ on"y si"ence$ he procee#e# up the stairs, 2e (a#e his way 6uick"y past the persona"
6uarters of 5or#is$ so(ewhat re"ie1e# to see that e1en the Sith +aster fe"t the nee# to c"ose an#
"ock his #oor at ni/ht, 2e continue# on past another ha"f a #o4en #oors$ pausin/ on"y when he
reache# the entrance to the B"a#e(aster's roo(,
2e knocke# once soft"y$ carefu" not to wake the others, Before he cou"# knock a secon# ti(e$ the
#oor swun/ open to re1ea" the 0wi'"ek, &or a sp"it secon# Bane thou/ht he (ust ha1e been stan#in/
on the other si#e waitin/ for hi(, But that was i(possib"e$ of course, +ore "ike"y the B"a#e(aster's
hi/h"y tune# ref"e8es ha# reacte# to the first knock so 6uick"y that he ha# a"rea#y crosse# the roo(
an# opene# the #oor by the ti(e the secon# rap ca(e,
2e was c"a# in a pair of pants$ but his torso was bare$ showin/ his scarre# an# tattooe# chest, 2is
confuse# e8pression confir(e# Bane's assu(ption that the B"a#e(aster ha#n't known he was
co(in/$ an# the spee# with which he reache# out to /rab Bane an# hau" hi( insi#e the roo(
confir(e# his suspicions about his e8traor#inary ref"e8es,
Before Bane e1en rea"i4e# what was happenin/$ the #oor was c"ose# an# "ocke# behin# hi($ sea"in/
the two of the( to/ether in the s(a""$ #ark roo(, 2is host "it a s(a"" /"ow ro# on a stan# by the be#
an# turne# to /"are at his unin1ite# /uest,
7What are you #oin/ here97 he hisse#$ keepin/ his 1oice "ow,
Bane hesitate#$ uncertain how (uch to te"" hi(, 2e ha# been thinkin/ about Githany's offer$ an#
what she ha# sai# to hi(, 2e ha# #eci#e# she was ri/ht* he ha# to "ook out for hi(se"f if he was to
sur1i1e, 0hat (eant he ha# to be the one to brin/ Sirak #own$ not her,
7! want you to train (e a/ain*7 Bane whispere#, 7! want you to teach (e a"" you know about the art
of "i/htsaber co(bat,7
Kas'i( shook his hea# in response$ but Bane thou/ht he sense# a brief hesitation before he #i# so,
75or#is wi"" ne1er a""ow it, 2e has (a#e it 1ery c"ear that none of the +asters is to waste any (ore
ti(e on you,7
7! #i#n't think you answere# to 5or#is$7 Bane countere#, 7.ren't a"" the +asters e6ua" in the
Brotherhoo# of Darkness97
!t was a b"atant appea" to the B"a#e(aster's pri#e$ an# the 0wi'"ek easi"y reco/ni4e# it for what it
was, 2e s(i"e#$ a(use# at Bane's bo"#ness, 70rue enou/h$7 he a#(itte#, 7But here on Korriban the
other Lor#s #efer to 5or#is, !t a1oi#s ,,, co(p"ications,7
75or#is #oesn't ha1e to know$7 Bane pointe# out$ takin/ heart in the fact that Kas'i( ha#n't f"at%out
refuse# hi( yet, 70rain (e in secret, We can (eet at ni/ht on the te(p"e roof,7
7Why shou"# ! #o this97 the 0wi'"ek aske#$ crossin/ his (uscu"ar ar(s, 7-ou ask for the teachin/s
of a Sith Lor#$ but what are you offerin/ (e in return97
7-ou know (y potentia"$7 Bane presse#, 75or#is has cast (e asi#e, !f ! succee# now$ he cannot take
the cre#it, !f ! beco(e an e8pert warrior for the Brotherhoo#$ Lor# Kaan wi"" know you were the
one who traine# (e, .n# if ! fai"$ no one wi"" e1er suspect your part in this, -ou ha1e nothin/ to
"ose,7
7;othin/ but (y ti(e$7 the other rep"ie#$ scratchin/ his chin, 7-ou'1e "ost your wi"" to fi/ht, -ou
pro1e# that a/ainst Sirak,7 2is "ekku were 6ui1erin/ e1er so s"i/ht"y$ an# Bane took it as a si/n that$
#espite his wor#s$ he was serious"y consi#erin/ the offer,
./ain$ Bane hesitate#, 2ow (uch #i# he #are to re1ea"9 2e sti"" p"anne# to "et Githany teach hi(
about the &orce an# the ways of the #ark si#e, But he ha# rea"i4e# that if she was his on"y teacher$
he wou"# fore1er be beneath her in power, !f he wante# to be the one to take out Sirak$ he'# nee#
Kas'i( to he"p hi( , , , an# he'# nee# to keep her fro( fin#in/ out,
7+y wi"" to fi/ht is back$7 he fina""y sai#$ #eci#in/ not to re1ea" Githany's in1o"1e(ent in his
su##en resurrection, 7!'( rea#y to e(brace the power of the #ark si#e,7
Kas'i( no##e#, 7Why are you #oin/ this97
Bane knew this was the fina" test, Kas'i( was a Dark Lor# of the Sith, 2is ta"ent an# ski"" were
reser1e# for those who wou"# one #ay rise up an# :oin the +asters in the Brotherhoo# of Darkness,
2e wante# (ore than proof that Bane was tru"y rea#y for this, 2e wante# proof that Bane was
worthy,
7! want re1en/e$7 Bane rep"ie# after carefu" consi#eration, 7! want to #estroy Sirak, ! want to crush
hi( "ike an insect beneath the hee" of (y boot,7
0he B"a#e(aster s(i"e# in /ri( satisfaction at his answer, 7We wi"" be/in to(orrow,7
<hapter 1E
Bane (a#e his way #own the ha"" with carefu"$ (easure# steps, But thou/h his pace was so(ber
an# sub#ue#$ his (oo# was one of e"ate# triu(ph, !n the weeks since his fatefu" (eetin/ with
Githany his situation ha# turne# aroun# co(p"ete"y,
.s pro(ise#$ she was teachin/ hi(, 0he first few sessions ha# /one s"ow"y as she'# he"pe# hi(
work throu/h his (in#'s fear of its own potentia", Bit by bit the b"ack 1ei" ha# been torn away, Piece
by piece she was he"pin/ hi( rec"ai( what he ha# "ost$ unti" once a/ain he fe"t the power of the
#ark si#e coursin/ throu/h his 1eins,
Since then the trainin/ ha# /one (uch (ore 6uick"y, 2is hun/er for re1en/e #ro1e his stu#ies, !t
fue"e# his abi"ity to use the &orce, !t enab"e# hi( to un#erstan# the "essons that the +asters ha#
tau/ht Githany an# she ha# then passe# on to hi(, Despite bein/ i/nore# by the instructors$ he was
once a/ain "earnin/ e1erythin/ the other apprentices were bein/ tau/ht%an# "earnin/ it rapi#"y,
.s another stu#ent passe# Bane bowe# his hea#$ keepin/ up the pretense of subser1ience, !t was
i(portant that none of the others suspecte# anythin/ ha# chan/e#, 2e kept his trainin/ with
Githany hi##en fro( e1eryone$ e1en Kas'i( ,,, :ust as the B"a#e(aster's trainin/ was kept secret
fro( her,
Kas'i( knew he was /rowin/ (ore for(i#ab"e with the b"a#e$ but #i#n't know he was (akin/
si(i"ar stri#es in other areas, Githany cou"# see his pro/ress in un"eashin/ his true potentia" with the
&orce$ but wasn't aware he was a"so (asterin/ the intricacies of "i/htsaber co(bat, .s a resu"t$ they
were both "ike"y to un#eresti(ate the fu"" scope of his abi"ities, Bane "ike# the subt"e e#/e that /a1e
hi(,
2is #ays were now fi""e# with stu#y an# trainin/, !n the #arkest hours before (ornin/'s first "i/ht he
wou"# (eet Kas'i( to practice #ri""s an# techni6ues, 2e wou"# (eet with Githany in the archi1es in
the (i##ay$ where she cou"# share instruction with hi( without fear of interruption or #isco1ery,
.n# whene1er he wasn't trainin/ with Kas'i( or stu#yin/ with Githany$ he rea# the ancient te8ts,
.nother apprentice approache# an# Bane (o1e# to the si#e$ pro:ectin/ an i(a/e of weakness an#
fear to hi#e his re(arkab"e (eta(orphosis, 2e waite# unti" the other apprentice's footsteps fa#e#
away before hea#in/ #own the stairs towar# the to(es in the te(p"e's "owest "e1e"s,
5or#is or one of the other +asters (i/ht ha1e been ab"e to pierce the fa"se front he pro:ecte# an#
sense his true power$ were they not b"in#e# by their own arro/ance, 0hey ha# #is(isse# hi( as a
fai"ure3 now he was beneath their notice, &ortunate"y$ this anony(ity suite# Bane :ust fine,
2e har#"y s"ept at a"" any(ore, !t see(e# his bo#y no "on/er nee#e# s"eep3 it fe# on his /rowin/
co((an# of the #ark si#e, .n hour or two of (e#itation each #ay was enou/h to keep his bo#y
ener/i4e# an# his (in# in1i/orate#, 2e consu(e# know"e#/e with the appetite of a star1in/ rancor$
#e1ourin/ e1erythin/ he /ot fro( his secret (entors an# a"ways hun/erin/ for (ore, 0he
B"a#e(aster was a(a4e# at his pro/ress$ an# e1en Githany%#espite her years of stu#y with the )e#i%
was har#%presse# to keep ahea# of hi(, 1erythin/ he "earne# fro( the( he supp"e(ente# with the
wis#o( of the ancients, On his first arri1a" he ha# sense# the 1a"ue of the archi1es$ on"y to turn his
back on the( as he ha# been #rawn into the #ai"y routine an# intense "essons of the .ca#e(y, ;ow
he un#erstoo# that his initia" instincts ha# been ri/ht after a""* the know"e#/e containe# in the
ye""owe# parch(ents an# "eather%boun# (anuscripts was ti(e"ess, 0he &orce was eterna"$ an#
thou/h the +asters at the .ca#e(y now wa"ke# a #ifferent path than their Sith forebears ha#$ they
a"" sou/ht answers in the #ark si#e,
2e s(i"e# at the irony of this "ife, 2e was the outcast$ the stu#ent 5or#is ha# wante# "eft behin#,
-et with Githany$ Kas'i($ an# his own stu#y of the archi1es$ he was recei1in/ far (ore e#ucation
than any other apprentice on Korriban,
0he truth wou"# be re1ea"e# soon enou/h, When the ti(e was ri/ht$ Sirak wou"# #isco1er that he
ha# un#eresti(ate# Bane, 0hey a"" wou"#,
78ce""ent=7 Kas'i( sai# as Bane b"ocke# the Dark Lor#'s f"urry an# countere# with one of his own,
2e #i#n't actua""y score a #irect hit$ but he #i# force the B"a#e(aster to take a fu"" step back un#er
the fury of his assau"t,
Su##en"y the 0wi'"ek "eapt hi/h in the air$ spinnin/ an# twistin/ so he cou"# "ash #own at Bane as
he f"ippe# o1er the top of hi(, Bane was rea#y$ switchin/ fro( offense to #efense so s(ooth"y it a""
see(e# to be a sin/"e action, 2e parrie# both b"a#es of Kas'i('s weapon e1en as he #ucke# out of
the way an# ro""e# c"ear to safety,
2e spun to face his foe$ on"y to see that Kas'i( ha# "owere# his weapon$ si/nifyin/ the en# of the
"esson,
7Dery /oo#$ Bane$7 the 0wi'"ek sai#$ /i1in/ hi( a s"i/ht bow, 7! thou/ht you (i/ht be cau/ht off
/uar# by that (o1e$ but you were ab"e to anticipate an# #efen# it with near%perfect for(,7
Bane baske# in his +aster's praise$ but he was sorry to know the session was o1er, 2e was
breathin/ har#$ his (usc"es /"istenin/ with sweat an# twitchin/ with a#rena"ine$ yet he fe"t as if he
cou"# ha1e continue# fi/htin/ for hours, Sparrin/ an# #ri""s ha# beco(e (uch (ore than (ere
physica" e8ertion for hi( now, ach (o1e(ent$ e1ery strike an# thrust$ ha# beco(e an e8tension of
the &orce actin/ throu/h the corporea" she"" of his f"esh%an#%bone bo#y,
2e "on/e# to en/a/e another opponent in the #ue"in/ rin/, 2e hun/ere# for the cha""en/e of testin/
hi(se"f a/ainst the other apprentices, But it wasn't ti(e, ;ot yet, 2e sti"" wasn't /oo# enou/h to
#efeat Sirak$ an# unti" he cou"# take the Habrak #own he ha# to keep his rapi#"y #e1e"opin/ ta"ent
hi##en,
Kas'i( tosse# hi( a towe", Bane was p"ease# to see that the 0wi'"ek was sweatin/$ too%thou/h
nowhere near as profuse"y as he was,
7Do you ha1e anythin/ you want (e to work on for to(orrow97 Bane aske# ea/er"y, 7. new
se6uence9 . new for(9 .nythin/97
7-ou'1e (o1e# far beyon# se6uences an# for(s$7 the +aster to"# hi(, 7!n that "ast pass you broke
off your attack in the (i##"e of one se6uence an# ca(e at (e fro( a co(p"ete"y #ifferent an#
une8pecte# an/"e,7
7! #i#97 Bane was surprise#, 7! ,,, ! #i#n't rea""y (ean to,7
70hat's what (a#e it such a potentia""y #e1astatin/ (o1e$7 Kas'i( e8p"aine#, 7-ou're "ettin/ the
&orce /ui#e your b"a#e now, -ou act without thou/ht or reason, -ou're #ri1en by passion* fury$
an/er , , , e1en hate, -our saber has beco(e an e8tension of the #ark si#e,7
Bane cou"#n't he"p s(i"in/$ but then his brow furrowe# in consternation, 7! sti"" cou"#n't /et past
your #efenses$7 he sai#$ tryin/ to re%create the batt"e in his (in#, ;o (atter what he ha# trie# to #o$
it see(e# one si#e of the 0wi'"ek's twin%b"a#e# weapon was a"ways there to parry his attack, . see#
of #oubt crept into his (in# as he reca""e# that Sirak use# a si(i"ar sty"e of weapon, 7Does the
#oub"e%b"a#e# "i/htsaber /i1e you an a#1anta/e97 he aske#,
7!t #oes$ but not in the way you be"ie1e$7 Kas'i( rep"ie#,
Bane was si"ent$ waitin/ patient"y for further e8p"anation, .fter a few secon#s his +aster ob"i/e#
hi(,
7.s you a"rea#y know$ the &orce is the rea" key to 1ictory in any confrontation, 2owe1er$ the
e6uation is not so si(p"e, So(eone we"" traine# in "i/htsaber co(bat can #efeat an opponent who is
stron/er in the &orce, 0he &orce a""ows you to anticipate your opponent's (o1es an# counter the(
with your own, But the (ore options your foe has a1ai"ab"e$ the (ore #ifficu"t it is to pre#ict which
wi"" be chosen,7
Bane thou/ht he un#erstoo#, 7So the #oub"e%b"a#e# weapon /i1es you (ore options97
7;o$7 Kas'i( rep"ie#, 7But you think it #oes$ so the effect is the sa(e,7
&or se1era" secon#s Bane thou/ht about the B"a#e(aster's stran/e wor#s$ tryin/ to #ecipher the(,
!n the en# he ha# to a#(it #efeat, 7! sti"" #on't un#erstan#$ +aster,7
7-ou know the sin/"e%b"a#e# "i/htsaber we""3 you use it yourse"f an# you'1e seen (ost of the other
apprentices use it$ as we"", +y #oub"e%b"a#e# weapon see(s stran/e to you, Unfa(i"iar, -ou #on't
fu""y un#erstan# what it can an# cannot #o,7 &ro( the "ack of i(patience or e8asperation in the
0wi"ek's tone$ Bane cou"# te"" this was so(ethin/ he ha#n't been e8pecte# to /rasp on his own,
7!n co(bat$ your (in# tries to keep track of each b"a#e separate"y$ effecti1e"y #oub"in/ the nu(ber
of possibi"ities, But the two b"a#es are connecte#* by knowin/ the "ocation of one$ you are
auto(atica""y aware of the "ocation of the other, !n actua" practice$ the #oub"e%b"a#e# "i/htsaber is
(ore "i(ite# than the tra#itiona" "i/htsaber, !t can #o (ore #a(a/e$ but it is "ess precise, !t re6uires
"on/er$ sweepin/ (o1e(ents that #on't transition we"" into a 6uick stab or thrust, Because the
weapon is #ifficu"t to (aster$ howe1er$ few a(on/ the )e#i%or e1en the Sith%un#erstan# it, 0hey
#on't know how to attack or #efen# effecti1e"y a/ainst it, 0hat /i1es those of us who use it an
a#1anta/e o1er (ost of our opponents,7
7Like Githany's whip=7 Bane e8c"ai(e#, Githany eschewe# tra#itiona" weaponry in fa1or of the
1ery rare ener/y whip* :ust one of the (any traits that (a#e her stan# out fro( the other
apprentices, !t operate# on the sa(e basic princip"es as a "i/htsaber$ but instea# of a stea#y bea($
the ener/y of the crysta"s was pro:ecte# in a f"e8ib"e ribbon that wou"# twist$ turn$ an# snap in
response to both Githany's physica" (otions an# her use of the &orce,
78act"y, 0he ener/y whip is far "ess efficient than any of the "i/htsaber b"a#es, 2owe1er$ nobo#y
e1er practices a/ainst the whip, Githany knows that her ene(ies' confusion at bein/ confronte# with
the whip /i1es her an e#/e,7
7By te""in/ (e this secret$ you'1e /i1en up your a#1anta/e$7 Bane note#$ s(i"in/ as he pointe# to
Kas'i('s #oub"e saber,
7On"y to a 1ery s(a"" #e/ree$7 the 0wi'"ek sai#, 7-ou now un#erstan# why an e8otic weapon or
unfa(i"iar sty"e wi"" be (ore #ifficu"t to #efen# a/ainst$ but unti" you beco(e an e8pert in a
particu"ar sty"e$ in the heat of co(bat your (in# wi"" sti"" stru//"e to /rasp its "i(itations,7
Bane kept pressin/$ ea/er to turn this new insi/ht into so(ethin/ practica" he cou"# use, 7So by
stu#yin/ #ifferent sty"es$ ! cou"# ne/ate that a#1anta/e97
7!n theory, But ti(e spent stu#yin/ other sty"es is ti(e away fro( (asterin/ your own for(, -our
best pro/ress wi"" co(e fro( focusin/ (ore on yourse"f an# "ess on your opponent,7
70hen why e1en bother te""in/ (e a"" this97 Bane b"urte# out$ frustrate#,
7Know"e#/e is power$ Bane, +y purpose is to /i1e you that know"e#/e, !t is up to you to fi/ure out
how best to use it,7
With those wor#s the B"a#e(aster "eft hi($ hea#in/ #own the te(p"e stairs to stea" a few hours of
s"eep before the (ornin/ sun rose, Bane re(aine# behin#$ wrest"in/ with the "esson unti" it was
ti(e to (eet Githany in the archi1es,
0he s(e"" of burnin/ o4one wafte# throu/h the archi1es$ fi""in/ Githany's nostri"s as she watche#
Bane practicin/ his "atest e8ercise, 0he roo( crack"e# an# hisse# as he channe"e# the ener/y of the
&orce an# f"un/ it about the roo( in /reat arcin/ bo"ts of b"ue%1io"et "i/htnin/,
Githany stoo# with Bane at the center of a (ae"stro(, . fierce win# swir"e# aroun# the($ tearin/ at
her hair an# the fo"#s of her robe, !t rocke# an# shook the bookshe"1es$ knockin/ (anuscripts to the
f"oor an# rif"in/ their pa/es, 0he air itse"f was char/e# with e"ectricity$ causin/ her skin to itch,
!n the (i#st of it a""$ Bane "au/he#$ then raise# his ar(s in triu(ph an# "aunche# another b"ast to
ricochet off the far wa"", ach ti(e the "i/htnin/ f"are#$ the intensity of the f"ash burne# Githany's
retinas$ causin/ her to shie"# her eyes, She notice# that Bane #i#n't "ook away* his eyes were wi#e
an# wi"# with the rush of power,
0he thun#er was a"(ost #eafenin/$ an# the stor( was sti"" bui"#in/, !f Bane wasn't carefu"$ the
echoes wou"# reach the "e1e"s abo1e the archi1es$ re1ea"in/ their secret trainin/ /roun# to the rest
of the .ca#e(y,
+o1in/ carefu""y$ Githany reache# out an# touche# his ar(, 2e snappe# his hea# aroun# to face
her$ an# the (a#ness in his eyes a"(ost (a#e her recoi", !nstea# she s(i"e#,
7Dery /oo#$ Bane=7 she shoute#$ tryin/ to (ake her 1oice hear# abo1e the #in, 70hat's enou/h for
to#ay=7
She he"# her breath in anticipation unti" he no##e# an# "owere# his ar(s, !nstant"y she fe"t the
power of the stor( abatin/, Within a few secon#s it was /one3 on"y the (ess it ha# (a#e re(aine#,
7!'1e%!'1e ne1er fe"t anythin/ "ike that before$7 Bane /aspe#$ his face sti"" showin/ his e8hi"aration,
Githany no##e#, 7!t's a re(arkab"e sensation$7 she a/ree#, 7But you (ust be carefu" not to "ose
yourse"f in it,7 She was parrotin/ the wor#s of +aster 5or#is$ who ha# tau/ht her how to su((on
&orce "i/htnin/ on"y a few #ays ear"ier, 2owe1er$ she ha# ne1er con:ure# anythin/ e1en
approachin/ the (a:esty of what Bane ha# :ust un"eashe#,
7-ou (ust (aintain contro"$ or you cou"# fin# yourse"f swept up in the stor( a"on/ with your
ene(ies$7 she to"# hi($ tryin/ to (i(ic the ca"($ s"i/ht"y con#escen#in/ tone the +asters use#
with their apprentices, She cou"#n't "et hi( know that he ha# a"rea#y surpasse# her in this new
ta"ent, She cou"#n't "et hi( know that she ha# fe"t the co"# /rip of fear c"utchin/ at her #urin/ his
perfor(ance,
2e "ooke# aroun# at the topp"e# she"1es$ takin/ in the books an# scro""s strewn about the roo(,
7We'# better c"ean this up before so(ebo#y sees it an# won#ers what happene# in here,7
She no##e# a/ain$ an# the two of the( set to restorin/ the archi1es to their pre1ious state, .s they
worke#$ Githany cou"#n't he"p but won#er if she ha# (a#e a (istake in a""yin/ herse"f with Bane,
On"y the top apprentices ha# been present when 5or#is ha# tau/ht the( to use the #ark si#e to
corrupt the &orce into a #ea#"y stor(, ;one of the(%not e1en Sirak%ha# been ab"e to create (uch
(ore than a few :o"ts of ener/y that first #ay, -et on"y an hour after bein/ tau/ht the techni6ue by
Githany$ Bane ha# su((one# enou/h ener/y to rip apart an entire roo(,
0his wasn't the first ti(e Bane ha# taken a "esson she ha# tau/ht hi( an# e8cee#e# her
achie1e(ents on his first atte(pt, 2e was far stron/er in the &orce than she ha# rea"i4e#$ an# he
see(e# to be /rowin/ (ore so each #ay, She worrie# that she (i/ht "ose her contro" o1er hi(,
She was carefu"$ of course, She wasn't foo"ish enou/h to te"" hi( e1erythin/ she "earne# fro( the
Sith +asters, -et that #i#n't see( to be /i1in/ her an a#1anta/e o1er her pupi" any(ore, So(eti(es
she won#ere# if a"" his stu#y of the ancient te8ts was actua""y /i1in/ hi( an a#1anta/e o1er her,
Learnin/ at the feet of a true +aster shou"# be (ore beneficia" than rea#in/ theoretica" works
written thousan#s of years ear"ier ,,, un"ess the current%#ay Sith were so(ehow f"awe#,
Unfortunate"y$ she #i#n't know how she cou"# test her theory, !f she su##en"y starte# spen#in/ hours
each #ay in the archi1es$ Bane wou"# won#er what she was up to, 2e (i/ht #eci#e that her
teachin/s weren't as 1a"uab"e as what he cou"# "earn on his own, 2e (i/ht #eci#e she was
e8pen#ab"e, .n# if it ca(e #own to a confrontation$ she was no "on/er sure she cou"# #efeat hi(,
But Githany pri#e# herse"f on her a#aptabi"ity, 2er initia" p"an of keepin/ hi( as a subser1ient
apprentice was no "on/er 1iab"e, She sti"" wante# Bane on her si#e$ thou/h3 he cou"# pro1e to be a
powerfu" a""y%be/innin/ with his ki""in/ Sirak,
0hey worke# in si"ence for the ne8t hour$ /atherin/ up the books an# strai/htenin/ the she"1es, By
the ti(e the roo( was restore# to so(e se(b"ance of or#er$ Githany's back ache# fro( the constant
ben#in/$ "iftin/$ an# reachin/, She co""apse# into one of the chairs$ /i1in/ Bane a tire# s(i"e,
7!'( e8hauste#$7 she sai# with an e8a//erate# si/h,
2e (a#e his way o1er an# steppe# behin# her$ p"acin/ his "ar/e han#s on her shou"#ers$ :ust at the
base of her "on/ neck, 2e be/an to (assa/e the (usc"es$ his caress surprisin/"y /ent"e for a (an so
"ar/e,
7+(( , , , that fee"s nice$7 she a#(itte#, 7Where #i# you "earn to #o this97
7Workin/ the cortosis (ines teaches you a "ot about aches an# pains$7 he rep"ie#$ workin/ his
thu(bs #eep into her shou"#er b"a#es, She /aspe# an# arche# her back$ then went s"ow"y "i(p as
her (usc"es (e"te# beneath his touch,
2e rare"y spoke of his past "ife$ thou/h o1er their ti(e to/ether she ha# piece# (ost of it to/ether,
!n contrast$ she ha# a"ways been (uch (ore /uar#e# with what she re1ea"e# about herse"f,
7-ou aske# (e once why ! "eft the )e#i$7 she (u(b"e#$ fee"in/ herse"f #riftin/ away on the
rhyth(ic pressure of his fin/ers on her neck, 7! ne1er to"# you$ #i# !97
7We a"" ha1e thin/s in our past we wou"# rather not re1ise he rep"ie# without stoppin/, 7! knew you
wou"# te"" (e when you were rea#y,7 She c"ose# her eyes an# "et her hea# fa"" back as he continue#
to knea# her shou"#ers,
7+y +aster was a <athar$7 she sai# soft"y, 7+aster 2an#a, ! stu#ie# un#er hi( for a"(ost as "on/ as
! can re(e(ber3 (y parents /a1e (e o1er to the or#er when ! was :ust a to##"er,7
7!'1e hear# the )e#i care "itt"e for the bon#s that ho"# fa(i"ies to/ether,7
70hey on"y care about the &orce$7 she a#(itte# after a (o(ent's consi#eration, 7Wor"#"y
attach(ents%frien#s$ fa(i"y$ "o1ers%c"ou# the (in# with e(otion an# passion,7
Bane chuck"e#$ a #eep$ "ow soun# she fe"t thru((in/ throu/h the tips of his fin/ers, 7Passion "ea#s
to the #ark si#e, Or so !'1e hear#,7
7!t wasn't a :oke to the )e#i, specia""y not to +aster 2an#a, 0he <athar are known as a hot%
b"oo#e# species, 2e was a"ways warnin/ (e an# Kie" about the #an/ers of /i1in/ in to our
e(otions,7
7Kie"97
7Kie" <harny, .nother of 2an#a's Pa#awans, We often traine# to/ether3 he was on"y a year o"#er
than (e,7
7.nother <athar97 Bane aske#,
7;o$ Kie" was hu(an, O1er the years we beca(e c"ose, Dery c"ose,7
0he s"i/ht increase in the pressure of his touch to"# her that Bane ha# taken in the fu"" (eanin/ of
her wor#s, She preten#e# not to notice, 7Kie" an# ! were "o1ers$7 she continue#, 70he )e#i are
forbi##en fro( for(in/ such attach(ents, 0he +asters fear it wi"" c"ou# the (in# with #an/erous
e(otions,7
7Were you rea""y attracte# to hi($ or :ust to the i#ea of #isobeyin/ your +aster97
She thou/ht about it for a "on/ ti(e, 7. bit of both$ perhaps$7 she sai# fina""y, 72e was han#so(e
enou/h, Stron/ in the &orce, 0here was an un#eniab"e attraction,7
Bane on"y /runte# in response, 2is han#s ha# stoppe# (assa/in/$ an# were now restin/ on her
neck,
7Once we beca(e "o1ers it #i#n't take "on/ for +aster 2an#a to fin# out, Despite a"" his preachin/
about contro""in/ e(otion$ ! cou"# te"" he was furious, 2e co((an#e# us to set our fee"in/s asi#e
an# forba#e us fro( continuin/ our re"ationship,7
Bane snorte# his conte(pt, 7Di# he rea""y think it wou"# be that si(p"e97
70he )e#i see e(otion as part of our bestia" nature, 0hey be"ie1e we (ust transcen# our baser
instincts, But ! know passion is what (akes us stron/, 0he )e#i on"y fear it because it (akes their
Pa#awans unpre#ictab"e an# #ifficu"t to contro",
7+aster 2an#a's reaction (a#e (e rea"i4e the truth, 1erythin/ the )e#i be"ie1e# about the &orce
was a per1ersion of rea"ity$ a "ie, ! fina""y un#erstoo# ! wou"# ne1er reach (y fu"" potentia" un#er
+aster 2an#a, 0hat was the (o(ent ! turne# (y back on the or#er an# be/an p"annin/ (y
#efection to the Sith,7
7What about Kie" <harny97 2e was rubbin/ her shou"#ers once a/ain$ but his han#s were a "itt"e
rou/her now,
7! aske# hi( to co(e with (e$7 she confesse#, 7! to"# hi( we ha# a choice to (ake* the )e#i$ or
each other, 2e chose the )e#i,7
0he tension in Bane's han#s ease# e1er so s"i/ht"y, 7!s he #ea#97
She "au/he#, 7Di# ! ki"" hi($ #o you (ean9 ;o$ he was sti"" a"i1e the "ast ! hear#, 2e (ay ha1e #ie#
batt"in/ the Sith on Ruusan since then$ but ! #i#n't fee" the ur/e to ki"" hi( (yse"f,7
70hen ! /uess your fee"in/s for hi( weren't as stron/ as you thou/ht,7
Githany stiffene#, !t (i/ht ha1e been a :oke$ but she knew there was truth in Bane's wor#s, Kie" ha#
been con1enient, 0hou/h there was a physica" attraction$ he ha# beco(e (ore than a frien# (ost"y
because of her situation* stu#yin/ #ay an# ni/ht with hi( un#er +aster 2an#a3 the pressure of
"i1in/ up to the unrea"istic i#ea"s of a )e#i3 the stress of bein/ trappe# in the see(in/"y en#"ess war
on Ruusan,
Bane rin/e# her neck with his han#s$ his touch fir( but not ti/ht, 2e "eane# #own an# whispere# in
her ear$ causin/ her to shi1er at the war(th an# c"oseness of his breath, 7When you fina""y betray
(e$ ! hope you care enou/h to try to ki"" (e yourse"f,7
She :u(pe# up fro( the chair$ s"appin/ his han#s away an# spinnin/ to face hi(, &or a sp"it secon#
she saw a se"f%satisfie# e8pression on his face, 0hen it was /one$ rep"ace# by a "ook of apo"o/etic
concern,
7!'( sorry$ Githany, !t was :ust a :oke, ! #i#n't (ean to upset you,7
7! opene# up a painfu" part of (y past$ Bane$7 she sai# wari"y, 7!t's not so(ethin/ ! want to (ake
"i/ht of,7
7-ou're ri/ht$7 he sai#, 7! ,,, !'"" /o,7
She stu#ie# hi( as he turne# an# (a#e his way out of the archi1es, 2e see(e# /enuine"y sorry for
what he'# sai#$ as if he re/rette# hurtin/ her, 0he perfect situation to /i1e her the e(otiona" "e1era/e
she ha# been "ookin/ for ,,, if on"y she ha#n't seen that f"icker of so(ethin/ e"se,
Once he was /one she shook her hea#$ tryin/ to (ake sense of the situation, Bane "ooke# "ike a
/reat$ hu"kin/ brute of a (an$ but there was wis#o( an# cunnin/ beneath his hea1y brow an# ba"#
sku"",
She thou/ht back on the "ast twenty (inutes$ tryin/ to #eter(ine when she ha# "ost contro" of the
situation, 0here ha# been sparks between the($ :ust as she ha# inten#e#, Bane ha# #one nothin/ to
hi#e his #esire for her3 she'# sense# the heat as he caresse# her neck, Sti""$ so(ethin/ ha# /one
wron/ with her carefu""y p"anne# se#uction,
Was it possib"e she actua""y fe"t so(ethin/ for hi(9
Githany unconscious"y bit her "ower "ip, Bane was powerfu"$ inte""i/ent$ an# bo"#, She nee#e# hi(
if she was /oin/ to e"i(inate Sirak, But he ha# a knack for surprisin/ her, 2e kept cha""en/in/ an#
#efyin/ her e8pectations,
She ha# to a#(it she foun# hi( intri/uin/ in spite of this, Or perhaps because of it, Bane was
e1erythin/ Kie" ha#n't been* a(bitious$ i(pu"si1e$ unpre#ictab"e, Despite her best intentions$ so(e
s(a"" part of her was #rawn to hi(, .n# that$ (ore than anythin/ e"se$ (a#e hi( a 1ery #an/erous
a""y,
<hapter 1B
2i/h atop the te(p"e of Korriban$ beneath the "i/ht of a b"oo#%re# (oon$ two fi/ures stoo# poise#
in si"houette* one hu(an$ one 0wi'"ek, . chi"" win# swept across the roof$ but thou/h both
co(batants ha# strippe# off their robes to fi/ht bare%cheste#$ neither shi1ere# fro( the co"#, 0hey
(i/ht ha1e been statues$ sti"" an# har# as stone$ were it not for the s(o"#erin/ heat in their eyes,
Without warnin/ the fi/ures "un/e#$ (o1in/ so swift"y it wou"# ha1e been i(possib"e for an
obser1er to say which one acte# an# which reacte#, 0hey (et with a thun#erous crash of their
sa1a/e b"a#es,
1en as he #esperate"y fou/ht to ho"# his /roun#$ Bane was stu#yin/ Kas'i( carefu""y, 2e was
acute"y aware of e1ery feint an# strike$ ana"y4in/ an# (e(ori4in/ each b"ock$ parry$ an#
counterstrike, 0he B"a#e(aster ha# sai# his ti(e wou"# be better spent focusin/ on i(pro1in/ his
own techni6ue$ but Bane was #eter(ine# to ne/ate Sirak's a#1anta/e by absorbin/ a"" he cou"#
fro( the 0wi'"ek's #oub"e%b"a#e# fi/htin/ sty"e,
0he e8chan/e "aste# we"" o1er a (inute$ with no break or "u"" in the action$ unti" Bane spun away to
re/roup, 2e ha# sense# his attacks s"ippin/ into an unconscious pattern$ an# pre#ictabi"ity was
#eath a/ainst an opponent as ski""e# as Kas'i(, 2e ha# fa""en into that trap once the pre1ious week,
2e wasn't about to (ake the (istake twice,
0he two co(batants face# each other once a/ain$ (otion"ess sa1e for their eyes$ which f"icke# an#
#arte# in search of any si/n they cou"# use to /ain so(e s"i/ht a#1anta/e,
O1er the past (onth their trainin/ sessions ha# beco(e "ess fre6uent but far (ore intense, Part of
Bane be"ie1e# Kas'i( actua""y foun# 1a"ue in sparrin/ a/ainst hi(* the B"a#e(aster ha# to /row
bore# crossin/ b"a#es with apprentices an# stu#ents so far beneath his own "e1e",
Of course$ Bane ha# yet to "an# a te""in/ b"ow a/ainst his +aster, But each ti(e they sparre# he fe"t
as if he was /ettin/ c"oser an# c"oser to a 1ictory, Kas'i('s for( an# techni6ue were f"aw"ess$ but
Bane was aware that the s"i/htest (iscue was a"" the openin/ he nee#e#,
Both fi/hters were breathin/ har#3 the session ha# /one far "on/er than any before it, 0heir batt"es
typica""y en#e# when the 0wi'"ek "an#e# a scorin/ b"ow$ #isab"in/ one of his stu#ent's "i(bs with
the burnin/ pe"ko 1eno(, On this ni/ht$ howe1er$ Kas'i( ha# yet to "an# such a b"ow,
Kas'i( char/e# forwar#$ an# the c"an/ an# c"ash of their weapons ran/ out o1er the rooftop in a
sharp staccato rhyth(, 0hey stoo# toe%to%toe$ ha((erin/ away at each other$ neither /i1in/ /roun#
or 6uarter, U"ti(ate"y Bane was force# to #isen/a/e$ breakin/ off the (e"ee before the
B"a#e(aster's superior ski"" broke #own his #efenses,
0his ti(e it was Bane who initiate# the char/e, Once a/ain their trainin/ sabers raine# #own$ an#
once a/ain they broke apart with both co(batants unscathe#, 0his ti(e$ howe1er$ the outco(e of
the batt"e was no "on/er in #oubt,
Bane hun/ his hea# an# "owere# his b"a#e in an a#(ission of #efeat, 0he "ast pass he ha# he"#
Kas'i( off$ but with each swin/ of his saber he ha# /rown a (icrosecon# s"ower, &ati/ue was
settin/ in, 1en the &orce cou"#n't keep his (usc"es fresh fore1er$ an# the see(in/"y en#"ess #ue"
ha# fina""y taken too /reat a to"", 0he B"a#e(aster$ on the other han#$ ha# "ost a"(ost none of his
spee# an# sharpness,
Bane #oubte# he wou"# /et throu/h the ne8t pass$ an# e1en if he #i#$ the one after that wou"# brin/
certain #efeat, !t was ine1itab"e$ so there was no point in pressin/ to the point that he actua""y
suffere# the pain of /ettin/ hit,
Kas'i( see(e# (o(entari"y surprise# at the concession$ then no##e# in acceptance of the 1ictory,
7-ou were s(art to reco/ni4e that the batt"e was o1er$ but ! e8pecte# you to fi/ht on unti" the en#,
0here is "itt"e honor in surren#er,7
72onor is a foo"'s pri4e$7 Bane rep"ie#$ recitin/ a passa/e fro( one of the 1o"u(es he ha# recent"y
rea# in the archi1es, 7G"ory is of no use to the #ea#,7
.fter pon#erin/ his wor#s for a (o(ent$ the B"a#e(aster no##e#, 7We"" sai#$ (y youn/
apprentice,7
Bane wasn't surprise# that Kas'i( #i#n't reco/ni4e the 6uote, 0he wor#s ha# been written by Darth
Re1an near"y three (i""ennia ear"ier, 0he +asters were as "a8 as the stu#ents when it ca(e to
stu#yin/ the ancient writin/s, !t see(e# the .ca#e(y ha# turne# its back on the past cha(pions of
the #ark si#e,
0rue$ Re1an ha# e1entua""y /one back o1er to the )e#i an# the "i/ht after bein/ betraye# by Darth
+a"ak, Sti""$ Re1an an# +a"ak ha# co(e within a hairsbrea#th of wipin/ out the Repub"ic, !t was
foo"ish to #iscount a"" they acco(p"ishe#$ an# e1en (ore foo"ish to i/nore the "essons that cou"# be
"earne# fro( the(, -et 5or#is an# the other +asters stubborn"y refuse# to spen# any ti(e stu#yin/
the history of the Sith or#er, &ortunate"y for Bane$ it was a trait they passe# a"on/ to their stu#ents,
!t ha# /i1en hi( an un#eniab"e a#1anta/e o1er the other apprentices, !f nothin/ e"se$ it ha# shown
hi( the true potentia" of the #ark si#e, 0he archi1es were fi""e# with accounts of incre#ib"e feats of
power* cities "ai# waste$ wor"#s brou/ht "ow$ entire star syste(s swa""owe# up when a Dark Lor#
cause# the sun to /o no1a, So(e of these ta"es were "ike"y e8a//erations$ (yths that ha# /rown
with each rete""in/ before bein/ set #own on parch(ent, -et they ha# their roots in truth$ an# that
truth ha# inspire# Bane to push hi(se"f farther an# faster than he otherwise wou"# ha1e #are#,
0hinkin/ of Re1an an# the Sith Lor#s of the past brou/ht to (in# another 6uestion that ha# been
troub"in/ hi( for so(e ti(e, 7+aster$ why #on't the Sith use the Darth tit"e any(ore97
7!t was Lor# Kaan's #ecision$7 the 0wi'"ek to"# hi( as he towe"e# off, 70he Darth tra#ition is a re"ic
of the past, !t represents what the Sith once were$ not what we are now,7
Bane shook his hea#$ #issatisfie# with the answer, 70here has to be (ore to it than that9' he sai#$
stoopin/ to retrie1e the robe he ha# cast off at the start of their #ue", 7Lor# Kaan wou"#n't throw out
the ancient tra#itions without :ustification,7
7! see you won't be satisfie# with the easy answer$7 Kas'i( sai# with a si/h$ pu""in/ on his own
robe, 7Dery we"", 0o un#erstan# why the tit"e is no "on/er use#$ you (ust un#erstan# what it tru"y
represents, 0he Darth tit"e was (ore than :ust a sy(bo" of power3 it was a c"ai( of supre(acy, !t
was use# by those Dark Lor#s who ha1e sou/ht to enforce their wi"" on the other +asters, !t was a
cha""en/e%a warnin/ to bow #own or be #estroye#,7
Bane a"rea#y knew this fro( his stu#ies$ but he #i#n't think it was wise to interrupt, !nstea# he
crosse# his "e/s an# "owere# hi(se"f into a sittin/ position$ "ookin/ up at his +aster an# :ust
"istenin/,
7Of course$ few of the Dark Lor#s wou"# e1er sub(it to another's wi"" for "on/$7 Kas'i( continue#,
7Where1er one of our or#er took up the Darth tit"e$ #eception an# betraya" were a"ways c"ose at
han# to snatch it away, 0here can be no peace for a +aster who #ares to use the Darth na(e,7
7Peace is a "ie$7 Bane rep"ie#, 70here is on"y passion9'
Kas'i( raise# an eyebrow in e8asperation, 7Peace was a poor choice of wor#s, What ! (eant was
stabi"ity, 0hose +asters who chose the Darth tit"e spent as (uch ti(e /uar#in/ a/ainst their
suppose# a""ies as they #i# batt"in/ the )e#i, Kaan wante# to put an en# to such wastefu"ness,7
&ro( where he sat$ it see(e# to Bane as if the B"a#e(aster was tryin/ to con1ince hi(se"f as (uch
as his stu#ent,
7Kaan wants us to focus a"" our resources on our true ene(y instea# of one another97 Kas'i(
asserte#, 70hat is why we are a"" e6ua"s in the Brotherhoo# of Darkness,7
76ua"ity is a (yth to protect the weak$7 Bane ar/ue#, 7So(e of us are stron/ in the &orce$ others
are not, On"y a foo" be"ie1es otherwise,7
70here are other reasons the Darth tit"e was aban#one#97 Kas'i( insiste# with :ust a hint of
frustration, 7!t attracte# the attention of the )e#i$ for one, !t re1ea"e# our "ea#ers to the ene(y3 it
/a1e the( easy tar/ets to e"i(inate,7
Bane sti"" wasn't con1ince#, 0he )e#i knew who the rea" "ea#ers of the Sith were3 whether they
ca""e# the(se"1es Darth or Lor# or +aster (a#e no #ifference, But he cou"# te"" the 0wi'"ek was
unco(fortab"e with the #iscussion$ an# he knew enou/h to "et the (atter #rop,
7&or/i1e (e$ Lor# Kas'i($7 he sai#$ bowin/ his hea#, 7! (eant no offense, ! on"y sou/ht to #raw
upon your wis#o( to e8p"ain that which ! cou"# not un#erstan# (yse"f,7
Kas'i( "ooke# #own at hi( with the sa(e e8pression he ha# use# when Bane ha# abrupt"y en#e#
their #ue" a few (o(ents ear"ier, 1entua""y$ he aske#$ 7So now you see the wis#o( behin# Lor#
Kaan's #ecision to en# the tra#ition97
7Of course$7 Bane "ie#, 72e is actin/ for the /oo# of us a"",7 .s he rose to his feet he thou/ht$
Kaan's actin/ "ike one of the )e#i, Worryin/ about the /reater /oo#, Seekin/ to brin/ har(ony an#
cooperation to our or#er, 0he #ark si#e withers an# #ies un#er those con#itions=
Kas'i( stare# at Bane as if he wante# to say (ore, !n the en#$ howe1er$ he "et it #rop, 70hat's
enou/h for to#ay$7 he sai#, !n the #istance the sky ha# turne# the faint /ray of first "i/ht3 #awn was
on"y an hour away, 70he other stu#ents wi"" be arri1in/ for their trainin/ soon,7
Bane bowe# once (ore before takin/ his "ea1e, .s he (a#e his way #own the te(p"e steps he
rea"i4e# that Kas'i($ for a"" his ski"" with the "i/htsaber$ cou"#n't teach hi( what he rea""y nee#e# to
know, 0he 0wi'"ek ha# turne# his back on the past3 he ha# aban#one# the in#i1i#ua"istic roots of the
Sith in fa1or of Kaan's Brotherhoo#,
0he (ysteries of the #ark si#e's true potentia" were beyon# his reach%an# "ike"y beyon# the reach of
e1ery +aster at the .ca#e(y,
Githany cou"# sense that so(ethin/ was troub"in/ Bane, 2e was bare"y payin/ attention as she
share# what she ha# "earne# fro( the Sith +asters in her (ost recent "essons,
She #i#n't know what was botherin/ hi(, !n truth$ she #i#n't care, Un"ess it interfere# with her own
p"ans,
7So(ethin/'s on your (in#$ Bane$7 she whispere#,
Lost in his thou/hts$ he took a (o(ent to react, 7!'( , , , !'( sorry$ Githany,7
7What's wron/97 she presse#$ tryin/ to soun# /enuine"y concerne#, 7What are you thinkin/ about97
2e #i#n't answer at first3 he see(e# to be wei/hin/ his wor#s carefu""y before speakin/, 7Do you
be"ie1e in the power of the #ark si#e97 he aske#,
7Of course,7
7.n# is it what you en1isione#9 Does the .ca#e(y "i1e up to your e8pectations97
7&ew thin/s e1er #o$7 she rep"ie# with a hint of a s(i"e, 7But !'1e "earne# a "ot fro( 5or#is an# the
others since !'1e co(e here, 0hin/s the )e#i cou"# ne1er ha1e tau/ht (e,7
Bane /a1e a #erisi1e snort, 7+ost of what !'1e "earne# has co(e fro( these books,7 2e wa1e# a
han# at the she"1es,
She wasn't sure what to say ne8t$ so she sai# nothin/,
7-ou once to"# (e the +asters #i#n't know e1erythin/$7 Bane continue#, 7-ou (eant the )e#i
+asters at the ti(e$ but !'( startin/ to be"ie1e it app"ies to the Sith$ as we"",7
70hey were wron/ to turn their backs on you$7 she sai#$ seein/ the opportunity she ha# "on/ been
waitin/ for, 7But you ha1e to p"ace your b"a(e where it be"on/s, We both know who is responsib"e
for #oin/ this to you,7
7Sirak$7 he sai#$ spittin/ out the na(e as if it were poison,
72e (ust pay for what he #i# to you$ Bane, We'1e waite# "on/ enou/h, !t's ti(e,7
70i(e for what97
Githany a""owe# the hint of a tre(or into her 1oice, 70o(orrow (ornin/ !'( /oin/ to cha""en/e hi(
in the #ue"in/ rin/,7
7What97 Bane shook his hea#, 7Don't be stupi#$ Githany= 2e'"" #estroy you=7
Perfect$ she thou/ht, 7! ha1e no choice$ Bane$7 she sai# /ra1e"y, 7!'1e a"rea#y to"# you ! #on't
be"ie1e in the "e/en# of the Sith'ari, Sirak (ay be the top stu#ent in the schoo"$ but he's not
in1incib"e,7
72e (ay not be the Sith'ari$ but he's sti"" too stron/ for you, -ou can't face hi( in the #ue"in/ rin/$
Githany, !'1e stu#ie# hi(3 ! know how /oo# he is, -ou can't beat hi(,7
She "et his wor#s han/ in the air for a "on/ ti(e before #roppin/ her hea# in #efeat, 7What other
choice is there9 We ha1e to #estroy hi($ an# the on"y way is by facin/ hi( in the #ue"in/ rin/,7
Bane #i#n't rep"y ri/ht away3 she knew he was (u""in/ o1er another so"ution, 0hey both knew there
was on"y one possib"e course of action$ one answer he wou"# ine1itab"y co(e to, 0hey'# ha1e to ki""
Sirak outsi#e the rin/, .ssassinate hi(, !t was a b"atant 1io"ation of the .ca#e(y's ru"es$ an# the
conse6uences wou"# be se1ere if they were cau/ht,
0hat's why it ha# to be Bane who ca(e up with the i#ea, Once it was out there$ Githany was
confi#ent she cou"# (aneu1er hi( into perfor(in/ the actua" #ee# by hi(se"f, !t was the perfect
p"an* /et ri# of Sirak an# ha1e Bane assu(e a"" the risk,
Later she cou"# 7acci#enta""y7 tip off the +asters about Bane's in1o"1e(ent ,,, if she nee#e# to, She
wasn't so sure about that part of her p"an any(ore$ thou/h, She wasn't con1ince# she wante# to
betray Bane, But she #i#n't (in# (anipu"atin/ hi(,
2e #rew in a "on/ breath$ /atherin/ hi(se"f to speak, She prepare# herse"f to /i1e a 1ery
con1incin/%an# 1ery contri1e#%e8c"a(ation of surprise,
7-ou can't face Sirak in the rin/$ but ! can$7 he sai#,
7What97 Githany's surprise was co(p"ete"y /enuine, 72e near"y beat you to #eath "ast ti(e= 2e'""
ki"" you for sure this ti(e=7
70his ti(e ! inten# to win,7
0he way he spoke (a#e Githany rea"i4e she was (issin/ so(ethin/, 7What's /oin/ on$ Bane97 she
#e(an#e#,
2e hesitate# a (o(ent before a#(ittin/$ 7!'1e been trainin/ with Lor# Kas'i( in secret,7
0hat (a#e sense$ she saw, !n fact$ she shou"# ha1e fi/ure# it out on her own, +aybe you wou"#
ha1e if$ if you ha#n't "et Bane /et to you$ she chi#e# herse"f, -ou knew you were startin/ to ha1e
fee"in/s for hi(3 you "et the( c"ou# your :u#/(ent,
Out "ou# she sai#$ 7! #on't "ike bein/ p"aye# for a foo"$ Bane,7
7;either #o !$7 he sai#, 7!'( not stupi#$ Githany, ! know what you wante# fro( (e, ! know what
you e8pecte# (e to say, ! wi"" /et (y re1en/e on Sirak, But !'( takin/ (y own path,7
Without e1en rea"i4in/ it she ha# be/un chewin/ on her "ower "ip, 7When97
70o(orrow (ornin/, )ust as you sai# you were /oin/ to,7
7But you know ! wasn't serious,7
7.n# you know ! a(,7
Unbi##en$ Githany's fin/er be/an to twine itse"f in a "ock of her hair, She pu""e# her ar( #own
sharp"y as soon as she rea"i4e# what she was #oin/,
Bane reache# out a han# an# "et it rest /ent"y on her shou"#er, 7-ou #on't ha1e to worry$7 he
reassure# her, 7;obo#y wi"" know you were in1o"1e#,7
70hat's not what !'( worrie# about$7 she whispere#,
2e ti"te# his hea# to one si#e$ stu#yin/ her c"ose"y to see if she was bein/ honest with hi(, +uch to
her own surprise$ she actua""y was,
Bane (ust ha1e sense# her sincerity$ because he "eane# in c"ose an# kisse# her soft"y on the "ips, 2e
#rew back s"ow"y$ "ettin/ his han# s"ip fro( her shou"#er, Without another wor#$ he rose to his feet
an# (a#e his way towar# the #oor "ea#in/ out of the archi1es,
She watche# hi( /o in si"ence$ then at the "ast secon# ca""e# out$ 7Goo# "uck$ Bane, Be carefu",7
2e stoppe# as if he'# taken a b"aster bo"t in the throat$ his bo#y ri/i#, 7! wi""$7 he rep"ie# without
"ookin/ back, .n# then he was /one,
+o(ents "ater Githany fe"t her face burnin/, She absent"y brushe# away a tear coi"in/ #own her
cheek$ then brou/ht her han# up s"ow"y$ starin/ in #isbe"ief at the (oisture s(eare# across her
pa"(,
Dis/uste# at her own weakness$ she wipe# the tear away on the fo"#s of her c"oak, She stoo# up
fro( the chair an# threw her shou"#ers back$ bracin/ her spine an# ho"#in/ her hea# hi/h an#
prou#,
So what if thin/s ha#n't 6uite /one accor#in/ to p"an9 !f Bane ki""e# Sirak in the rin/$ her ri1a"
wou"# sti"" be #ea#, .n# if Bane fai"e#$ she cou"# a"ways fin# so(eone e"se to assassinate the
Habrak, !t wou"# a"" work out the sa(e in the en#,
But as she (arche# s(art"y fro( the roo($ part of her knew that wasn't true, ;o (atter how this
p"aye# out$ thin/s were /oin/ to be 1ery #ifferent fro( anythin/ she ha# i(a/ine#,
0he (ornin/ sky was #ark with stor( c"ou#s, &ar in the #istance thun#er cou"# be hear# ru(b"in/
across the e(pty p"ains that separate# the te(p"e fro( the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s,
Bane ha#n't s"ept that ni/ht, .fter his confrontation with Githany$ he ha# returne# to his roo( to
(e#itate, 1en that ha# pro1e# #ifficu"t3 his (in# was churnin/ with too (any thou/hts to proper"y
focus,
+e(ories of the /rueso(e beatin/ he ha# suffere# kept forcin/ the(se"1es to the fore$ #ra//in/
#oubt an# the fear of fai"ure behin# the(, So far he'# (ana/e# to resist the whispers that threatene#
his reso"1e$ an# he'# staye# fir( in his ori/ina" p"an,
0he apprentices were /atherin/$ so(e castin/ sour /"ances at the c"ou#s o1erhea#, 0he te(p"e roof
was co(p"ete"y e8pose# to the e"e(ents$ but no (atter how wet$ co"#$ an# (iserab"e the stu#ents
/ot$ they knew the #ri""s an# cha""en/es wou"# not be cance"e#, . "itt"e rain was nothin/ to a Sith$
Kas'i( was fon# of sayin/,
Bane foun# his p"ace a(i# the thron/ in preparation for the /roup #ri""s, 0he apprentices aroun#
hi( stu#ious"y i/nore# his presence, !t ha# been this way e1er since his "oss to Sirak* he was
shunne#3 he ha# beco(e anathe(a to the other stu#ents, 0hou/h he traine# with the( in a"" the
/roup sessions$ it was as if he #i#n't rea""y e8ist, 2e was a si"ent sha#ow "urkin/ on the frin/es$
e8c"u#e# in spirit if not in actua" physica" presence,
2e scanne# the crow# for Githany$ but when he cau/ht her eye she 6uick"y "ooke# away, Sti""$ he
foun# her presence reassurin/, 2e be"ie1e# she wante# hi( to succee#$ or at "east part of her #i#,
2e be"ie1e# that so(e of what they fe"t for each other was (ore than :ust part of the /a(e they ha#
both been p"ayin/,
.s the #ri""s be/an he (a#e a point not to "ook o1er at Sirak, 2e ha# stu#ie# the Habrak in
e8cruciatin/ #etai" o1er the past (onths3 anythin/ he happene# to notice now wou"# on"y cause hi(
to secon#%/uess hi(se"f, !nstea# he focuse# on his own techni6ue,
!n the past he ha# purposefu""y worke# errors an# (istakes into his routines #urin/ the #ri""s in
or#er to keep his /rowin/ ta"ent hi##en fro( any stu#ent who (i/ht happen to cast a /"ance in his
#irection, ;ow$ howe1er$ the ti(e for secrecy was /one, .fter the cha""en/es to#ay e1eryone wou"#
know what he was capab"e of%or he wou"# be #ea# an# for/otten fore1er,
0he rain be/an to co(e #own, S"ow"y at first3 fat$ hea1y #rops space# enou/h apart that he cou"#
(ake out the soun# as each one "an#e#, But then the c"ou#s opene# up an# the rain ca(e in a
stea#y$ poun#in/ rhyth(, Bane bare"y e1en notice#, 2e'# escape# insi#e hi(se"f$ #i//in/ #own
#eep to confront his fear, .s his bo#y went throu/h the (otions of basic attack an# #efense stances
a"on/ with the rest of the c"ass$ he s"ow"y transfor(e# the fear into an/er,
!t was i(possib"e for Bane to say how "on/ the trainin/ session "aste#* it see(e# to /o on fore1er$
but in actua" fact Kas'i( probab"y kept it brief in "i/ht of the stea#y #ownpour soakin/ his char/es,
By the ti(e it en#e# an# the apprentices ha# /athere# into the fa(i"iar circ"e aroun# the #ue"in/
rin/$ the youn/ (an ha# turne# his seethin/ an/er into white%hot hate,
.s he ha# #one the "ast ti(e he cha""en/e# Sirak$ he entere# the rin/ before anyone e"se ha# a
chance to act$ pushin/ his way throu/h the crow# fro( his position on the outer(ost e#/e, 0here
was a (ur(ur of surprise when the others reco/ni4e# who ha# steppe# forwar#,
2e cou"# fee" the #ark si#e churnin/ insi#e hi($ a stor( far fiercer than the one pe"tin/ #own on
hi( fro( the sky, !t was ti(e for his hate to set hi( free,
7Sirak=7 he shoute#$ his 1oice carryin/ o1er the risin/ win#, 7! cha""en/e you=7
<hapter 1F
Bane's cha""en/e hun/ in the air$ as if the re"ent"ess sheets of rain ha# so(ehow trappe# his wor#s,
0hrou/h the #arkness of the stor( he saw the crow# part an# Sirak step s"ow"y forwar#,
0he Habrak (o1e# with a 6uiet confi#ence, Bane ha# hope# the une8pecte# cha""en/e (i/ht
unsett"e his ene(y, !f he cou"# ratt"e Sirak$ catch hi( off /uar# or confuse hi($ he wou"# ha1e an
a#1anta/e before the fi/ht e1en be/an, But if his opponent fe"t anythin/ at a""$ he kept it carefu""y
(aske# beneath a co"#$ ca"( 1eneer,
Sirak han#e# his "on/$ #oub"e%b"a#e# trainin/ saber to -e1ra$ one of the Habrak sib"in/s who
a"ways see(e# to fo""ow in his wake$ then strippe# off his hea1y$ rain%soake# c"oak, Beneath his
robes he wore a si(p"e pair of breeches an# a s"ee1e"ess 1est, Without a wor# he he"# out his
ba""e#%up c"oak an# L"okay$ the other Habrak$ sca(pere# out fro( the crow# an# took it fro( hi(,
0hen -e1ra scurrie# in to return his weapon to his open an# waitin/ han#,
Bane pee"e# off his own c"oak an# "et it #rop to the /roun#$ tryin/ to i/nore the co"# stin/ of the
rain on his nake# torso, 2e ha#n't rea""y e8pecte# Sirak to be f"ustere# by his cha""en/e$ but at the
1ery "east he'# hope# the Habrak wou"# be o1erconfi#ent, 0here was$ howe1er$ a ruth"ess efficiency
in Sirak's preparation%an econo(y an# precision of (o1e(ent%that to"# Bane he was takin/ this
#ue" 1ery serious"y,
Sirak was arro/ant$ but he was no foo", 2e was s(art enou/h to un#erstan# that Bane wou"#n't
cha""en/e hi( a/ain un"ess he thou/ht he ha# so(e p"an for 1ictory, Unti" he un#erstoo# what that
p"an was$ he wasn't /oin/ to take his opponent for /rante#,
Bane knew he cou"# probab"y beat Sirak now, Like Githany$ he #i#n't be"ie1e in the "e/en# of a
chosen one who wou"# rise up fro( the Sith ranks* he was con1ince# Sirak was not$ in fact$ the
Sith'ari, 2e #i#n't want :ust to beat hi($ howe1er, 2e wante# to #estroy hi($ :ust as Sirak ha#
#estroye# hi( in their "ast (eetin/,
But Sirak was too /oo#3 he'# ne1er "ea1e hi(se"f e8pose# the way Bane ha#, ;ot at first, ;ot un"ess
Bane so(ehow "ure# hi( into it,
.cross the rin/ Sirak assu(e# the rea#y position, 2is rain%s"icke# skin see(e# to /"ow in the
#arkness* a ye""ow #e(on e(er/in/ fro( the sha#ows of a ni/ht(are into rea"ity's harsh "i/ht,
Bane "eapt forwar#$ openin/ the (e"ee with a series of co(p"e8$ a//ressi1e attacks, 2e (o1e#
6uick"y , , , but not too 6uick"y, 0here were /asps of astonish(ent fro( the crow# at his ob1ious
an# une8pecte# ski""$ thou/h Sirak turne# asi#e his assau"t easi"y enou/h,
!n response to the ine1itab"e counterattack$ Bane "et hi(se"f sta//er back into a stu(b"in/ retreat,
&or a brief instant he saw his opponent o1ere8ten#$ "ea1in/ his ri/ht ar( 1u"nerab"e to a strike that
wou"# ha1e en#e# the contest ri/ht then an# there, &i/htin/ his own fine"y hone# instincts$ Bane
he"# back, 2e'# worke# too "on/ an# too har# to c"ai( 1ictory with a si(p"e b"ow to the ar(,
0he batt"e continue# in the fa(i"iar rhyth( of co(bat$ the ebb an# f"ow of attack an# #efense, Bane
(a#e sure his attacks were effecti1e yet cru#e$ tryin/ to con1ince his ene(y that he was a
#an/erous but u"ti(ate"y inferior opponent, ach ti(e he war#e# off one of Sirak's char/es he
e(be""ishe# his #efensi1e (aneu1ers$ transfor(in/ 6uick parries into "on/$ c"u(sy swipes that
see(e# to keep the #oub"e%b"a#e# saber at bay as (uch throu/h b"in# "uck as intention,
With the sur/e an# swe"" of each e8chan/e Bane /ent"y pro##e# with the &orce$ testin/ an#
searchin/ for a weakness he cou"# e8p"oit, !t took on"y a few (inutes unti" he reco/ni4e# it, Despite
his trainin/$ the Habrak ha# no rea" e8perience in "on/$ #rawn%out batt"es%none of his opponents ha#
e1er "aste# "on/ enou/h to tru"y push hi(, !(perceptib"y$ the strikes of his foe beca(e "ess crisp$
the counters "ess precise$ an# the transitions "ess e"e/ant as Sirak /ra#ua""y wore #own, 0he fo/ of
e8haustion was s"ow"y c"ou#in/ his (in#$ an# Bane knew it was on"y a (atter of ti(e unti" he (a#e
a crucia"%an# fata"%(isca"cu"ation,
-et e1en thou/h he was batt"in/ the Habrak$ Bane's rea" stru//"e was with hi(se"f, 0i(e an# a/ain
he ha# to pu"" back to keep fro( "un/in/ throu/h an openin/ presente# by his ene(y's increasin/"y
#esperate assau"t, 2e un#erstoo# that the crushin/ 1ictory he sou/ht wou"# on"y co(e throu/h
patience%a 1irtue not nor(a""y encoura/e# in fo""owers of the #ark si#e,
!n the en# his patience was rewar#e#, Sirak beca(e (ore an# (ore frustrate# as he continua""y
trie# an# fai"e# to brin/ his bu(b"in/$ stu(b"in/ opponent #own, .s the pro"on/e# physica"
e8ertion be/an to take its to""$ his swin/s beca(e wi"# an# reck"ess$ unti" he aban#one# a"" pretense
of #efense in an effort to en# the #ue" he sense# was s"ippin/ away fro( hi(,
When the Habrak's #esperation turne# to hope"essness$ e1ery i(pu"se in Bane screa(e# with the
#esire to take the initiati1e an# en# the fi/ht, !nstea# he "et the tanta"i4in/ c"oseness of Sirak's #efeat
fee# his appetite for 1en/eance, 0he hun/er /rew with each passin/ secon# unti" it beca(e a
physica" pain tearin/ away at his insi#es* the #ark si#e fi""e# hi( an# he fe"t it on the 1er/e of
rippin/ hi( apart$ sp"ittin/ his skin an# /ushin/ out "ike a fountain of b"ack b"oo#,
2e waite# unti" the "ast possib"e secon# before un"eashin/ the ener/y bott"e# up insi#e hi( in a
tre(en#ous rush of power, 2e channe"e# it throu/h his (usc"es an# "i(bs$ (o1in/ so fast it see(e#
as if ti(e ha# stoppe# for the rest of the wor"#, !n the b"ink of an eye he knocke# the saber fro(
Sirak's han#$ s"ice# #own to shatter his forear($ then spun throu/h an# brou/ht his saber crashin/
into his opponent's "ower "e/, !t sp"intere# un#er the i(pact an# Sirak screa(e# as a shar# of
/"ea(in/ white bone s"ice# throu/h (usc"e$ sinew$ an# fina""y skin,
&or an instant none of the spectators was e1en aware of what ha# happene#3 it took their (in#s a
(o(ent to catch up an# re/ister the b"ur of action that ha# occurre# so (uch 6uicker than their eyes
cou"# see,
Sirak "ay cru(p"e# on the /roun#$ writhin/ in a/ony an# c"utchin/ with his one /oo# han# at the
chunk of bone protru#in/ fro( his shin, Bane hesitate# a sp"it secon# before (o1in/ in to finish
hi( off$ sa1orin/ the (o(ent ,,, an# /i1in/ Kas'i( the opportunity to inter1ene,
7nou/h=7 the B"a#e(aster shoute#$ an# the apprentice obeye#$ free4in/ his saber e1en in the act of
choppin/ it #own on his he"p"ess foe, 7!t's o1er$ Bane,7
S"ow"y$ Bane "owere# his saber an# steppe# away, 0he fury an# focus that ha# turne# hi( into a
con#uit of the #ark si#e's unstoppab"e power was /one$ rep"ace# by a hyperconscious awareness of
his physica" surroun#in/s, 2e was stan#in/ atop the te(p"e roof in the (i##"e of a ra/in/ stor($
#renche# in co"# rain$ his bo#y ha"f fro4en,
2e be/an to shi1er as he cast about the /roun# for his #iscar#e# c"oak, 2e picke# it up but$ fin#in/
it soake# co(p"ete"y throu/h$ #i#n't bother to put it on,
Kas'i( steppe# fro( the crow#$ s(ooth"y p"acin/ hi(se"f between Bane an# the he"p"ess Habrak,
7-ou ha1e witnesse# an a(a4in/ 1ictory to#ay$7 he to"# the asse(b"e# thron/$ shoutin/ to be hear#
abo1e the poun#in/ rain, 7Bane's triu(ph was as (uch a resu"t of his bri""iant strate/y as his
superior ski"",7
Bane was bare"y "istenin/ to the wor#s, 2e (ere"y stoo# in the center of the rin/$ si"ent sa1e for the
chatterin/ of his teeth,
72e was patient an# carefu", 2e #i#n't :ust want to #efeat his opponent ,,, he wante# to #estroy hi(=
2e achie1e# #un (oth%not because he was better than Sirak$ but because he was s(arter,7
0he B"a#e(aster reache# out a han# an# p"ace# it on Bane's bare shou"#er,
7Let this be a "esson to you a""$7 he conc"u#e#, 7Secrecy can be your /reatest weapon, Keep your
true stren/th hi##en unti" you are rea#y to un"eash the ki""in/ b"ow,7
2e "et /o of Bane's shou"#er an# whispere#$ 7-ou shou"# /o insi#e before you catch a chi"",7 0hen
he turne# to a##ress the stunne# Habrak sib"in/s stan#in/ at the e#/e of the circ"e# stu#ents, 70ake
Sirak #own to the (e#center,7
.s they (o1e# forwar# to carry their (oanin/ an# bare"y conscious cha(pion away$ Bane turne#
towar# the stairs, Kas'i( was ri/ht* he ha# to /et out of the rain,
&ee"in/ stran/e"y surrea"$ he wa"ke# stiff"y towar# the stairs that "e# into the war(th an# she"ter of
the roo(s be"ow, 0he crow# parte# 6uick"y to "et hi( throu/h, +ost of the other apprentices were
starin/ at hi( with e8pressions of fear an# open won#er$ yet he bare"y notice#, 2e #escen#e# the
steps to the te(p"e's (ain f"oor$ wa"kin/ in a stupor that was broken on"y when he hear# Githany
ca"" his na(e,
7Bane=7 she shoute#$ an# he turne# to see her hurryin/ #own the stairs after hi(, 2er #renche# hair
was p"astere# hapha4ar#"y to her face an# forehea#, 2er soake# c"othes c"un/ ti/ht"y to her bo#y$
accentuatin/ e1ery cur1e of her shape"y for(, She was breathin/ har#$ thou/h whether fro(
e8cite(ent or the e8ertion of catchin/ up to hi( he cou"#n't say,
2e waite# at the base of the stairs as she approache#, She ran #own the steps towar# hi($ an# for a
(o(ent he thou/ht she wou"# continue on into his ar(s, .t the "ast secon# she stoppe#$ howe1er$
an# stoo# (ere centi(eters fro( hi(,
Githany took a secon# to catch her breath before she spoke, When she #i#$ her wor#s were harsh$
thou/h her 1oice was "ow, 7What happene# up there9 Why #i#n't you ki"" hi(97
Part of hi( ha# been e8pectin/ this reaction$ thou/h another part of hi( was hopin/ she ha# co(e
to con/ratu"ate hi( on his 1ictory, 2e cou"#n't he"p but fee" #isappointe#,
72e sent (e to the bacta tank in our first #ue", ;ow !'1e #one the sa(e to hi($7 he rep"ie#, 70hat's
1en/eance,7
70hat's foo"ish=7 she shot back, 7-ou think Sirak's /oin/ to :ust for/et about this9 2e'"" co(e after
you a/ain$ Bane, )ust "ike you ca(e after hi(, 0hat's the way this works, -ou (isse# your chance
to put a per(anent en# to this feu#$ an# ! want to know why,7
7+y b"a#e was raise# for the ki""in/ b"ow$7 Bane re(in#e# her, 7Lor# Kas'i( steppe# in before !
cou"# finish Sirak off, 0he +asters #on't want one of their top stu#ents to en# up #ea#,7
7;o$7 she sai#$ shakin/ her hea#, 7-our b"a#e was raise#$ but Kas'i( #i#n't stop you, -ou hesitate#,
So(ethin/ he"# you back,7
Bane knew she was ri/ht, 2e ha# hesitate#, 2e :ust wasn't sure why, 2e trie# to e8p"ain it , , , to
Githany an# hi(se"f, 7!'1e a"rea#y ki""e# one foe in the rin/, 5or#is chastise# (e for &ohar/h's
#eath, 2e warne# (e not to "et it happen a/ain, ! /uess , , , ! /uess ! was worrie# about what the
+asters wou"# #o to (e if ! ki""e# another apprentice,7
Githany's eyes narrowe# in an/er, 7! thou/ht we'# fina""y stoppe# "yin/ to each other$ Bane,7
!t wasn't a "ie, ;ot e8act"y, But it wasn't entire"y accurate$ either, 2e shifte# unco(fortab"y$ fee"in/
/ui"ty beneath her furious /"are,
7-ou cou"#n't #o it$7 she sai#$ reachin/ out an# :abbin/ hi( har# in the chest with her fin/er, 7-ou
fe"t the #ark si#e swa""owin/ you up$ an# you pu""e# back,7
;ow it was Bane's turn to /et an/ry, 7-ou're wron/$7 he snappe#$ swipin/ her accusin/ han# away,
7! retreate# fro( the #ark si#e after ! ki""e# &ohar/h, ! know how that fe"t, 0his is #ifferent,7
2is wor#s carrie# the ri/hteous wei/ht of truth, Last ti(e he'# fe"t ho""ow insi#e$ as if so(ethin/
ha# been taken fro( hi(, 0his ti(e he cou"# sti"" fee" the &orce f"owin/ throu/h hi( in a"" its
sa1a/e /"ory$ fi""in/ hi( with its heat an# power, 0his ti(e the #ark si#e re(aine# his to co((an#,
Githany wasn't con1ince#, 7-ou sti"" aren't wi""in/ to /i1e yourse"f fu""y to the #ark si#e$7 she sai#,
7Sirak showe# weakness$ an# you showe# hi( (ercy, 0hat's not the way of the Sith,7
7What #o you know of the ways of the Sith97 he shoute#, 7!'( the one who's rea# the ancient te8ts$
not you= -ou're stuck "earnin/ fro( +asters who'1e for/otten their past,7
7Where in the ancient te8ts #oes it say to show co(passion to a fa""en ene(y97 she aske#$ her 1oice
#rippin/ with scorn,
Stun/ by the wor#s$ Bane sho1e# her sharp"y backwar# an# turne# away, She took a 6uick step to
ba"ance herse"f$ but kept her #istance,
7-ou're :ust an/ry because your p"an fe"" apart$7 he (uttere#$ su##en"y unwi""in/ to face her, 2e
wante# to say (ore$ but he knew the rest of the stu#ents wou"# be #own soon, 2e #i#n't want
anyone to see the( ta"kin/ to/ether$ so he si(p"y wa"ke# away an# "eft her stan#in/ there a"one,
Githany fo""owe# hi( with co"#$ ca"cu"atin/ eyes, She'# been i(presse# watchin/ hi( toy with
Sirak in the rin/3 he'# see(e# in1incib"e, But when he'# fai"e# to ki"" the he"p"ess Habrak$ she was
6uick to reco/ni4e an# i#entify what ha# happene#, !t was a f"aw in Bane's character$ a weakness he
refuse# to reco/ni4e, -et it was there nonethe"ess,
Once the passion of the (o(ent ha# fa#e#%once he was no "on/er #ri1en by the #ark si#e%his
seethin/ b"oo#"ust ha# coo"e#, 2e ha#n't e1en been ab"e to ki"" his (ost hate# ene(y without
pro1ocation, Which (eant he probab"y wou"#n't be ab"e to ki"" Githany if it e1er ca(e #own to it,
Knowin/ this chan/e# the nature of their re"ationship once a/ain, Recent"y she'# be/un to fear
Bane$ afrai# that if he e1er turne# on her$ she wou"#n't be stron/ enou/h to stan# a/ainst hi(, ;ow
she knew that this wou"# ne1er happen, 2e si(p"y wasn't capab"e of ki""in/ an a""y without
:ustification,
&ortunate"y$ she #i#n't ha1e the sa(e "i(itations,
Bane was sti"" thinkin/ about what Githany ha# sai# "ater that ni/ht as he "ay in be#$ unab"e to
s"eep, Why ha#n't he been ab"e to ki"" Sirak9 Was she ri/ht9 2a# he pu""e# back out of so(e
(is/ui#e# sense of co(passion9 2e wante# to be"ie1e he ha# e(brace# the #ark si#e$ but if he ha#$
he wou"# ha1e cut Sirak #own without a secon# thou/ht%no (atter what the conse6uences,
2owe1er$ it was (ore than this that was botherin/ hi(, 2e was frustrate# by how he'# "eft thin/s
with Githany, 2e was un#eniab"y #rawn to her3 she was hypnotic an# co(pe""in/, ach ti(e she
brushe# up a/ainst hi( he fe"t chi""s #own his spine, 1en when they were apart he often thou/ht of
her$ (e(ories "in/erin/ "ike the scent of her into8icatin/ perfu(e, .t ni/ht her "on/ b"ack hair an#
#an/erous eyes haunte# his #rea(s,
.n# he honest"y be"ie1e# she fe"t so(ethin/ for hi($ too ,,, thou/h he #oubte# she wou"# e1er
a#(it it, -et as c"ose as they'# beco(e #urin/ their secret "essons to/ether they'# ne1er
consu((ate# their yearnin/, !t :ust see(e# wron/ whi"e Sirak was sti"" the top apprentice at the
aca#e(y, Defeatin/ hi( ha# been the un#er"yin/ /oa" for each of the(3 neither one ha# wante# any
#istractions fro( that /oa", 2e was a co((on foe that unite# the( to a sin/"e cause$ but in (any
ways he ha# a"so been a wa"" keepin/ the( apart,
0akin/ Sirak #own shou"# ha1e "e1e"e# that wa"" into rubb"e, But Bane ha# seen the #isappoint(ent
in Githany's face after the batt"e, 2e'# pro(ise# to ki"" their ene(y$ an# she'# be"ie1e# in hi(, -et in
the en# his actions ha# pro1e# he wasn't up to her e8pectations$ an# the wa"" between the( ha#
su##en"y /rown (uch$ (uch stron/er,
So(eone knocke# soft"y at the #oor of his cha(ber, !t was we"" after curfew3 none of the
apprentices ha# any reason to be in the ha""s, 2e cou"# think of on"y one person who (i/ht be
wan#erin/ the ha""s at this hour,
Leapin/ fro( his be# he crosse# the f"oor in one 6uick stri#e an# yanke# open the #oor, 2e 6uick"y
(aske# his #isappoint(ent at seein/ Lor# Kas'i( stan#in/ beyon# the thresho"#,
0he B"a#e(aster steppe# throu/h the open #oor without waitin/ for an in1itation3 he /a1e Bane a
no# that to"# hi( to c"ose it once he was insi#e, Bane #i# as he was bi##en$ won#erin/ at the
purpose of the unannounce# "ate%ni/ht 1isit,
7! ha1e so(ethin/ for you$7 the 0wi'"ek sai#$ brushin/ away the fo"#s of his c"oak an# reachin/ for
his "i/htsaber on his be"t, ;o$ Bane rea"i4e#, ;ot his "i/htsaber, 0he han#"e of Kas'i('s weapon was
noticeab"y "on/er than (ost$ a""owin/ it to house two crysta"s$ one to power each b"a#e, 0his hi"t
was s(a""er$ an# it was fashione# with a stran/e cur1e$ /i1in/ it a hooke# appearance,
0he B"a#e(aster i/nite# the "i/htsaber* its sin/"e b"a#e burne# a #ark re#, 70his was the weapon of
(y +aster$7 he to"# Bane, 7.s a youn/ chi"# ! wou"# watch for hours as (y +aster perfor(e# his
#ri""s, +y ear"iest (e(ories are of #ancin/ ruby "i/hts (o1in/ throu/h the se6uences of batt"e,7
7-ou #on't re(e(ber your parents97 Bane aske#$ surprise#,
Kas'i( shook his hea#, 7+y parents were so"# in the s"a1e (arkets of ;a" 2utta, 0hat's where
+aster ;a'#a4 foun# (e, 2e notice# (y fa(i"y on the auction b"ocks3 perhaps he was #rawn to
the( because we were 0wi'"eks "ike hi(se"f, 1en thou/h ! was bare"y o"# enou/h to stan#$ +aster
;a'#a4 cou"# sense the &orce in (e, 2e purchase# (e an# took (e back to Ry"oth$ to raise (e as
his apprentice a(on/ our own peop"e,7
7What happene# to your parents97
7! #on't know$7 Kas'i( rep"ie# with an in#ifferent shru/, 70hey ha# no specia" connection to the
&orce$ so (y +aster saw no reason to purchase the(, 0hey were weak$ an# so they were "eft
behin#,7
2e spoke casua""y$ as if the know"e#/e that his parents ha# "i1e# an# probab"y #ie# as s"a1es in the
ser1ice of the 2utts ha# no effect on hi( whatsoe1er, !n a way his apathy was un#erstan#ab"e, 2e'#
ne1er known his parents$ so he ha# no e(otiona" ties to the($ /oo# or ba#, Bane brief"y won#ere#
how his own "ife (i/ht ha1e been #ifferent if he ha# been raise# by so(eone e"se, !f 2urst ha# been
ki""e# in the cortosis (ines when he was :ust an infant$ wou"# he sti"" ha1e en#e# up here at the
.ca#e(y on Korriban9
7+y +aster was a /reat Sith Lor#$7 Kas'i( continue#, 72e was particu"ar"y a#ept in the arts of
"i/htsaber co(bat%a ski"" he passe# on to (e, 2e tau/ht (e how to use the #oub"e%b"a#e# "i/htsaber$
thou/h as you can see he preferre# a (ore tra#itiona" #esi/n for hi(se"f, 8cept for the han#"e$ of
course,7
0he b"a#e f"ickere# out of e8istence as he shut off the weapon an# tosse# it to Bane$ who cau/ht it
easi"y$ wrappin/ his han# aroun# the hooke# han#"e,
7!t fee"s stran/e$7 he (uttere#,
7!t re6uires a (inor 1ariation in your /rip$7 Kas'i( e8p"aine#, 72o"# it (ore in the pa"($ farther
away fro( the fin/ertips,7
Bane #i# as instructe#$ "ettin/ his bo#y /row accusto(e# to the o## heft an# ba"ance, ."rea#y his
(in# was be/innin/ to run throu/h the i(p"ications of the new /rip, !t wou"# /i1e the wie"#er (ore
power on his o1erhan# strikes$ an# it wou"# chan/e the an/"e of the attacks by the (erest fraction of
a #e/ree, )ust enou/h to confuse an# #isorient an unsuspectin/ opponent,
7So(e (o1es are (ore #ifficu"t with this particu"ar weapon$7 Kas'i( warne#, 7But (any others are
far (ore effecti1e, !n the en# ! think you'"" fin# this "i/htsaber wi"" suit your persona" sty"e 6uite
we"",7
7-ou're /i1in/ this to (e97 Bane aske# incre#u"ous"y,
70o#ay you pro1e# you were worthy of it,7 0here was :ust a hint of pri#e in the B"a#e(aster's
1oice,
Bane i/nite# it$ "istenin/ to the sweet hu( of the power pack an# the crack"in/ hiss of the ener/y
b"a#e, 2e perfor(e# a few si(p"e f"ourishes$ then abrupt"y shut it off,
7Does 5or#is appro1e97
70he #ecision is (ine$ not his$7 Kas'i( state#, 2e a"(ost soun#e# offen#e#, 7! ha1en't he"# on to
this b"a#e for ten years :ust so 5or#is can #eci#e who ! /i1e it to,7
Bane answere# with a respectfu" bow$ fu""y aware of the /reat honor that Kas'i( ha# :ust bestowe#
upon hi(, 0o fi"" the unco(fortab"e si"ence that fo""owe# he aske#$ 7-our +aster /a1e you this
when he #ie#97
7! took it when ! ki""e# hi(,7
Bane was so stunne# that he cou"#n't co1er his reaction, 0he B"a#e(aster saw it an# s(i"e# s"i/ht"y,
7! ha# "earne# e1erythin/ ! cou"# fro( +aster ;a'#a4, .s stron/ as he was in the #ark si#e$ ! was
stron/er, .s ski""e# as he was with the "i/htsaber$ ! beca(e better,7
7But why ki"" hi(97 Bane aske#,
7. test, 0o see if ! was as stron/ as ! be"ie1e#, 0his was before Lor# Kaan rose to power3 we were
sti"" trappe# in the o"# ways, Sith 1ersus Sith$ +aster 1ersus apprentice, &oo"ish"y pittin/ ourse"1es
a/ainst one another to pro1e our #o(inance, &ortunate"y$ the Brotherhoo# of Darkness put an en# to
a"" that,7
7;ot co(p"ete"y$7 Bane (uttere#$ thinkin/ of &ohar/h an# Sirak, 70he weak sti"" fa"" to the stron/,
!t is ine1itab"e,7
Kas'i( ti"te# his hea# to the si#e$ tryin/ to /au/e the (eanin/ behin# his wor#s, 7Don't a""ow
yourse"f to be b"in#e# by this honor$7 he warne#, 7-ou are not rea#y to cha""en/e (e$ youn/
apprentice, ! ha1e tau/ht you e1erythin/ you know$ but ! ha1en't tau/ht you e1erythin/ ! know,7
Bane cou"#n't he"p but s(i"e, 0he notion of facin/ Kas'i( in a rea" fi/ht was preposterous, 2e knew
he was no (atch for the B"a#e(aster, ;ot yet, 7! wi"" keep that in (in#$ +aster,7
Satisfie#$ Kas'i( turne# to /o, )ust before Bane c"ose# the #oor behin# hi( he a##e#$ 7Lor# 5or#is
wants to see you first thin/ in the (ornin/, Go to his cha(bers before the (ornin/ #ri""s,7
1en the soberin/ prospect of (eetin/ with the .ca#e(y's /ri( o1erseer cou"#n't #a(pen Bane's
e"ate# spirit, .s soon as he was a"one in his roo( he rei/nite# the "i/htsaber an# be/an practicin/
his se6uences, !t was (any hours before he fina""y put the weapon away an# craw"e# weari"y into
be#$ a"" thou/hts of Githany "on/ banishe# fro( his (in#,
0he (ornin/'s first "i/ht foun# Bane at the #oor "ea#in/ into the pri1ate 6uarters of Lor# 5or#is, !t
ha# been (any (onths since he ha# "ast been here, .t that ti(e he ha# been chastise# for ki""in/
&ohar/h, 0his ti(e he ha# se1ere"y in:ure# one of the top stu#ents of the .ca#e(y%one of 5or#is's
persona" fa1orites, 2e won#ere# what was in store for hi(,
Su((onin/ his coura/e$ he knocke# once,
7nter$7 ca(e the 1oice fro( within,
0ryin/ to i/nore a fee"in/ of trepi#ation$ Bane #i# as he was to"#, Lor# 5or#is was in the center of
the roo( knee"in/ on his (e#itation (at, !t was a"(ost as if he ha#n't (o1e#* his position was
e8act"y the sa(e as it ha# been at their "ast (eetin/,
7+aster$7 Bane sai#$ (akin/ a "ow bow,
5or#is #i#n't bother to rise, 7! see you ha1e a "i/htsaber on your be"t,7
7Lor# Kas'i( /a1e it to (e, 2e fe"t ! earne# it with (y "atest 1ictory in the rin/,7 Bane su##en"y fe"t
1ery #efensi1e$ as if he was un#er attack,
7! ha1e no wish to contra#ict the B"a#e(aster$7 5or#is rep"ie#$ thou/h his tone su//este# the
opposite, 72owe1er$ thou/h you now carry a "i/htsaber$ #o not for/et that you are sti"" an
apprentice, -ou sti"" owe your obe#ience an# a""e/iance to the +asters here at the .ca#e(y,7
7Of course$ Lor# 5or#is,7
70he way in which you #efeate# Sirak has "eft 6uite an i(pression on the other stu#ents$7 5or#is
continue#, 70hey wi"" "ook to e(u"ate you now, -ou (ust set an e8a(p"e for the(,7
7! wi"" #o (y best$ +aster,7
70hat (eans your pri1ate sessions with Githany (ust en#,7
. chi"" washe# o1er Bane, 7-ou knew97
7! a( a Sith Lor#$ an# +aster of this .ca#e(y, ! a( not a foo"$ an# ! a( not b"in# to what is
happenin/ within the wa""s of the te(p"e, ! to"erate# such beha1ior when you were an outcast
because it #i# no har( to the other apprentices, ;ow$ howe1er$ (any of the stu#ents wi"" be
watchin/ you c"ose"y, ! #o not want the( fo""owin/ your path an# tryin/ to train one another in a
(is/ui#e# atte(pt to #up"icate your success9'
7What wi"" happen to Githany9 Wi"" she be punishe#97
7! wi"" speak with her :ust as ! a( speakin/ with you, !t (ust be c"ear to the rest of the apprentices
that the two of you are not trainin/ to/ether in pri1ate, 0hat (eans you cannot see her any(ore,
-ou (ust a1oi# a"" contact e8cept in the /roup "essons, !f you both obey (e in this$ there wi"" be no
further conse6uences,7
Bane un#erstoo# Lor# 5or#is's concerns$ but he fe"t the so"ution went too far, 0here was no nee# to
cut hi( off fro( Githany so co(p"ete"y, 2e won#ere# if the +asters knew of his attraction to her,
Di# they fear she wou"# be a #istraction9
;o$ he rea"i4e#$ that wasn't it, 0his was si(p"y about contro", Bane ha# #efie# Lor# 5or#is3 he ha#
succee#e# #espite bein/ shunne# by the rest of the .ca#e(y, ;ow 5or#is wante# to c"ai(
ownership of Bane's acco(p"ish(ents,
70hat is not a""97 5or#is continue#$ interruptin/ Bane's thou/hts, 7-ou (ust a"so put an en# to your
stu#y of the archi1es,7
7Why97 Bane burst out$ surprise# an# an/ry, 70he (anuscripts contain the wis#o( of the ancient
Sith, ! ha1e "earne# (uch about the ways of the #ark si#e fro( the(,7
70he archi1es are re"ics of the past$7 5or#is countere# sharp"y, 70hey are fro( a ti(e that has "on/
since 1anishe#, 0he or#er has chan/e#, We ha1e e1o"1e# beyon# what you "earne# in those (usty
scro""s an# to(es, -ou wou"# un#erstan# this if you ha# been stu#yin/ with the +asters instea# of
rushin/ off on your own path,7
-ou're the one who force# (e #own that path$ Bane thou/ht, 70he Sith (ay ha1e chan/e#$ but we
can sti"" bui"# on the know"e#/e of those who ca(e before us, Sure"y you un#erstan# that$ +aster,
Why e"se wou"# you ha1e rebui"t the .ca#e(y on Korriban97
0here was a f"ash of an/er in the Dark Lor#'s eyes, 2e ob1ious"y #i#n't "ike bein/ cha""en/e# by
one of his stu#ents, When he spoke$ his 1oice was co"# an# (enacin/, 70he #ark si#e is stron/ on
this wor"#, 0hat is the on"y reason we chose to co(e here,7
Bane knew he shou"# "et the (atter #rop$ but he wasn't rea#y to back #own, 0his was too i(portant,
7But what about the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s9 What about the to(bs of a"" the #ark +asters burie#
on Korriban$ an# the secrets hi##en insi#e the(97
7!s that what you seek97 5or#is sneere#, 70he secrets of the #ea#9 0he )e#i pi""a/e# the to(bs
when Korriban fe"" to the( three thousan# years a/o, ;othin/ of 1a"ue re(ains,7
70he )e#i are ser1ants of the "i/ht$7 Bane proteste#, 70he #ark si#e has secrets they wi"" ne1er
un#erstan#, 0here (ay be so(ethin/ they (isse#,7
5or#is "au/he#$ a harsh an# scornfu" bark, 7.re you rea""y so naI1e97
70he spirits of powerfu" Sith +asters are sai# to "in/er in their to(bs$7 Bane insiste#$ stubborn"y
refusin/ to be cowe#, 70hey appear on"y to those who are worthy, 0hey wou"# not ha1e re1ea"e#
the(se"1es to the )e#i,7
7Do you rea""y be"ie1e /hosts an# spirits sti"" "in/er in their /ra1es$ waitin/ to pass on the /reat
(ysteries of the #ark si#e to those who seek the( out97
Bane's thou/hts turne# back to his stu#ies, 0here were too (any such accounts #ocu(ente# in the
archi1es to be (ere "e/en#, 0here ha# to be so(e truth to it,
7-es$7 he answere#$ thou/h he knew it wou"# infuriate 5or#is e1en (ore, 7! be"ie1e ! can "earn
(ore fro( the /hosts in the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s than the "i1in/ +asters here at the .ca#e(y,7
5or#is "eapt to his feet an# s"appe# Bane har# across the face$ his ta"on%"ike fin/ernai"s #rawin/
b"oo#, Bane he"# his /roun#3 he #i#n't e1en f"inch,
7-ou are an i(pu#ent foo"=7 his +aster shoute#, 7-ou worship those who are #ea# an# /one, -ou
think they ho"# so(e /reat power$ but they are nothin/ but #ust an# bone=7
7-ou're wron/$7 Bane sai#, 2e cou"# fee" the b"oo# we""in/ up in the scratches on his face$ but he
#i#n't reach up to wipe it away, 2e si(p"y stoo# sti"" as stone in front of his seethin/ +aster,
1en thou/h Bane #i#n't (o1e$ 5or#is took ha"f a step back, When he spoke$ his 1oice was (ore
co(pose#$ thou/h it sti"" #rippe# with an/er, 7Get out$7 he sai#$ e8ten#in/ a "on/$ bony fin/er
towar# the #oor, 7!f you 1a"ue the wis#o( of the #ea# so (uch$ then /o, Lea1e the te(p"e, Go to
the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s, &in# your answers in their to(bs,7
Bane hesitate#, 2e knew this was a test, !f he apo"o/i4e# now%if he /ro1e"e# an# be//e# the
for/i1eness of his +aster%5or#is wou"# probab"y "et hi( stay, But he knew 5or#is was wron/, 0he
ancient Sith were #ea#$ but their "e/acy re(aine#, 0his was his chance to c"ai( it as his own,
2e turne# his back on Lor# 5or#is an# (arche# fro( the roo( without a wor#, 0here was no point
in continuin/ the ar/u(ent, 0he on"y way he cou"# win was by fin#in/ proof, .n# he wasn't /oin/
to fin# it stan#in/ here,
<hapter 1@
Bane ha# (isse# the (ornin/ practice session, !t wasn't har# for Kas'i( to fi/ure out who was
responsib"e for his absence,
2e #i#n't bother to knock on Lor# 5or#is's #oor3 he si(p"y use# the &orce to burst apart the "ock$
then kicke# it open, Unfortunate"y$ the e"e(ent of surprise he'# been hopin/ for ha# been "ost,
5or#is ha# his back to the #oor$ e8a(inin/ one of the (a/nificent tapestries that hun/ besi#e his
o1ersi4e# be#, 2e #i#n't turn when the B"a#e(aster burst in3 he #i#n't react at a"", Which (eant he'#
been e8pectin/ the intrusion,
Kas'i( /esture# 1io"ent"y with his han#$ an# the #oor s"a((e# shut, What he was about to say
wasn't for the ears of the stu#ents, 7What in b"a4es #i# you #o$ 5or#is97
7! assu(e you are referrin/ to apprentice Bane7 ca(e the too%casua" rep"y,
7Of course ! kriffin/ (ean Bane= ;o (ore /a(es$ 5or#is, What #i# you #o to hi(97
70o hi(9 ;othin/, ;ot in the way you're thinkin/, ! (ere"y trie# to reason with hi(, 0rie# to (ake
hi( un#erstan# the necessity of workin/ within the structure of this institution,7
7-ou (anipu"ate# hi($7 Kas'i( sai# with a si/h of resi/nation, 2e knew 5or#is ha# no fon#ness
for Bane, ;ot with Lor# Kopec4%his "on/ti(e ri1a"%bein/ the one who'# brou/ht hi( here, 0he
B"a#e(aster rea"i4e# he shou"# ha1e warne# the youn/ apprentice to be on his /uar#,
7-ou twiste# his (in# so(ehow$7 he continue#$ tryin/ to #raw out a reaction, 7-ou force# hi(
#own a path you wante# hi( to take, . path of ruin,7
0here was no i((e#iate rep"y, 0ire# of starin/ at 5or#is's back$ he steppe# forwar# an# reache# up
to /rab the ta""er (an by the shou"#er$ whir"in/ hi( aroun# to face hi(, 7Why$ 5or#is97
!n the first brief secon# that the o1erseer of the .ca#e(y was spun aroun#$ Kas'i( cau/ht a /"i(pse
of uncertainty an# confusion in the /aunt$ #rawn features, 0hen those features twiste# into a (ask
of ra/e$ #ark eyes burnin/ in sunken sockets, 5or#is s"appe# Kas'i('s han# away,
7Bane brou/ht this on hi(se"f= 2e was wi""fu"= Obsesse# with the past= 2e is of no use to us unti"
he accepts the teachin/s of this .ca#e(y=7
Kas'i( was taken aback* not by the su##en outburst$ but by the une8pecte# /"i(pse of uncertainty
that ha# prece#e# it, Su##en"y he won#ere# if (aybe the (eetin/ ha#n't /one e8act"y as p"anne#,
Perhaps 5or#is ha# trie# to (anipu"ate Bane an# fai"e#, !t wou"#n't be the first ti(e they'#
un#eresti(ate# their unusua" apprentice,
;ow Kas'i( fe"t (ore curious than an/ry, 70e"" (e what happene#$ 5or#is, Where is Bane now97
5or#is si/he#$ a"(ost re/retfu", 72e's /one into the waste"an#s, 2e's hea#in/ for the Da""ey of the
Dark Lor#s,7
7What9 Why wou"# he #o that97
7! to"# you* he's obsesse# with the past, 2e be"ie1es there are secrets out there that wi"" be re1ea"e#
to hi(, Secrets of the #ark si#e,7
7Di# you warn hi( of the #an/ers9 0he pe"ko swar(s9 0he tuk'ata97
72e ne1er /a1e (e a chance, 2e wou"#n't ha1e "istene# anyway,7
0hat (uch$ at "east$ Kas'i( be"ie1e#, -et he wasn't sure if he truste# the rest of 5or#is's story, 0he
+aster of the .ca#e(y was subt"e$ crafty, !t wou"# be :ust "ike hi( to trick so(eone into 1enturin/
throu/h the #ea#"y Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s, !f he wante# to e"i(inate Bane without bein/ he"#
accountab"e$ this wou"# be one of the ways to #o it%e8cept for one s(a"" thin/,
72e's /oin/ to sur1i1e$7 Kas'i( state#, 72e's stron/er than you know,7
7!f he sur1i1es$7 5or#is rep"ie#$ turnin/ back to the tapestry$ 7he wi"" "earn the truth, 0here are no
secrets in the 1a""ey, ;ot any(ore, 1erythin/ of 1a"ue has been taken* strippe# away first by Sith
seekin/ to preser1e our or#er$ an# "ater by )e#i seekin/ to wipe it out, 0here is nothin/ "eft in the
to(bs but ho""ow cha(bers an# (oun#s of #ust, Once he sees this for hi(se"f$ he wi"" /i1e up his
foo"ish i#ea"i4ation of the ancient Sith, On"y then wi"" he be rea#y to :oin the Brotherhoo# of
Darkness,7
0he con1ersation was o1er3 that (uch was c"ear, 5or#is's wor#s (a#e sense$ if this was a"" part of a
"ar/er "esson to (ake Bane fina""y aban#on the o"# ways an# accept the new Sith or#er an# Kaan's
Brotherhoo#,
-et as he turne# an# "eft the roo($ Kas'i( cou"#n't shake the fee"in/ that 5or#is was rationa"i4in/
e1ents after the fact, 5or#is wante# others to be"ie1e he ha# been in contro" the who"e ti(e$ but the
haunte# "ook the B"a#e(aster ha# /"i(pse# /a1e e1i#ence to the rea" truth* 5or#is ha# been scare#
by so(ethin/ Bane ha# #one or sai#,
0hat thou/ht brou/ht a s(i"e to the 0wi'"ek's "ips, 2e ha# e1ery confi#ence Bane wou"# sur1i1e his
:ourney into the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s, .n# he was 1ery intereste# to see what wou"# happen
when the youn/ (an returne#,
Sirak was (o1in/ /in/er"y, 2e'# spent the past thirty%si8 hours in a bacta tank$ an# thou/h his
in:uries were co(p"ete"y hea"e#$ his bo#y sti"" instincti1e"y reacte# to the (e(ories of the woun#s
inf"icte# by Bane's saber, S"ow"y$ he /athere# up his persona" effects$ an8ious to return to the
fa(i"iar surroun#in/s of his own roo( an# "ea1e the so"itu#e of the (e#center behin#,
One of the (e# #roi#s f"oate# in$ brin/in/ hi( a pair of pants$ a shirt$ an# a #ark apprentice's robe,
0he c"othes s(e""e# of #isinfectant3 it was co((on practice to steri"i4e e1erythin/ before brin/in/
it into the (e#center, 0he /ar(ents fit$ but he knew as soon as he put the( on that they ha# ne1er
been worn before,
2e ha#n't seen a sin/"e bein/ other than the (e# #roi#s since bein/ carrie# unconscious fro( the
#ue"in/ rin/, ;obo#y ha# co(e to checkup on hi( whi"e he'# f"oate# in the hea"in/ f"ui#* not
5or#is$ not Kas'i($ not e1en L"okay or -e1ra, 2e #i#n't b"a(e the(,
0he Sith #espise# weakness an# fai"ure, Whene1er apprentices "ost in the #ue"in/ rin/$ they were
"eft a"one with the sha(e of their #efeat unti" stron/ enou/h to resu(e their stu#ies, !t happene# to
e1eryone sooner or "ater ,,, e8cept it ha# ne1er before happene# to Sirak,
2e ha# been in1incib"e$ untouchab"e%the top apprentice in e1ery #iscip"ine, 2e'# hear# the ru(ors
an# the whispers, 0hey ca""e# hi( the Sith'ari$ the perfect bein/, On"y they wou"#n't be ca""in/ hi(
the Sith'ari now, ;ot after what Bane ha# #one to hi(,
2e turne# to the #oor an# foun# Githany stan#in/ there$ watchin/ hi(, 7What #o you want97 he
aske# wari"y,
2e knew who she was$ thou/h he'# ne1er actua""y spoken to her, On the #ay of her arri1a" he'#
i#entifie# her as a potentia" threat, 2e'# watche# her$ an# he'# seen her watchin/ hi($ each
(easurin/ an# /au/in/ the other$ tryin/ to #eter(ine who ha# the upper han#, Sirak was wary of a""
potentia" cha""en/ers$ or so he ha# thou/ht%unti" the one stu#ent he'# feare# the "east ha# brou/ht
hi( #own,
7! ca(e to speak to you$7 she answere#, 7.bout Bane,7
2e twitche# in1o"untari"y at the na(e$ then curse# hi(se"f for his reaction, !f Githany ha# notice#$
she /a1e no in#ication,
7What about hi(97 he aske# curt"y,
7!'( curious as to what your p"ans are now, 2ow are you /oin/ to han#"e this situation97
!t was a stru//"e to su((on up his o"# arro/ance$ yet so(ehow he (ana/e# a satisfactory sneer,
7+y p"ans are (y own,7
7.re you /oin/ to seek re1en/e97 she presse#,
7!n ti(e$ perhaps$7 he fina""y a#(itte#,
7! can he"p you,7
She took a step farther into the roo(, 1en in that sin/"e step Sirak cou"# see that she (o1e# with
the sensua" /race of a He"tron 1ei" #ancer, 2e narrowe# his eyes suspicious"y, 7Why97
7! he"pe# Bane #efeat you$7 she sai#, 7! reco/ni4e# his potentia" fro( the (o(ent ! first saw hi(,
When 5or#is an# the other +asters turne# their backs on hi($ ! secret"y tau/ht hi( their "essons in
the &orce, ! knew the #ark si#e was stron/ in hi(, Stron/er than in (e, Stron/er than in you, +aybe
e1en stron/er than in the +asters the(se"1es,7
Sirak cou"#n't see the point of her story, 7-ou sti"" ha1en't answere# (y 6uestion, -ou /ot what you
wante# out of Bane, Why he"p (e now97
She shook her hea# sa#"y, 7! was wron/ about Bane, ! thou/ht if he"pe# hi( /row stron/er$ he
wou"# e(brace the #ark si#e, 0hen ! cou"# "earn fro( hi( an# /ain power of (y own, But he is
incapab"e of e(bracin/ the #ark si#e, 1eryone e"se be"ie1es his triu(ph o1er you was a /reat
1ictory, On"y ! reco/ni4e# it as a fai"ure,7
She was toyin/ with hi(, +ockin/ hi(, .n# he #i#n't "ike it, 7;o one e1er beat (e in the #ue"in/
rin/ before Bane=7 he snappe#, 72ow can you ca"" hi( a fai"ure97
7-ou're sti"" a"i1e$7 she sai# si(p"y, 7When the (o(ent ca(e to strike you #own an# en# your "ife$
he hesitate#, 2e cou"#n't brin/ hi(se"f to #o it, 2e was weak,7
!ntri/ue#$ Sirak #i#n't respon# ri/ht away, !nstea# he waite# for her to e"aborate,
72e p"otte# an# p"anne# for (onths to take his re1en/e on you$7 she continue#, 72is hate /a1e hi(
the stren/th to surpass you ,,, an# at the "ast instant he showe# (ercy an# "et you "i1e,7
7! "eft hi( a"i1e at the en# of our first #ue"$7 Sirak re(in#e# her,
70hat was no act of (ercy%it was an act of conte(pt, -ou thou/ht you ha# utter"y #estroye# hi(, !f
you knew he wou"# rise up to one #ay cha""en/e you a/ain$ you wou"# ha1e taken his "ife re/ar#"ess
of the ru"es of the .ca#e(y,
7-ou un#eresti(ate# hi(, . (istake ! know you won't (ake a/ain, But Bane #oes not
un#eresti(ate you, 2e knows you are powerfu" enou/h to represent a true threat, -et sti"" he "eft
you a"i1e$ knowin/ you wou"# one #ay seek re1en/e a/ainst hi(, 2e is either a weak"in/ or a foo"$7
she conc"u#e#$ 7an# ! want no part of either,7
0here was so(e truth in what she sai#$ but Sirak sti"" wasn't con1ince#, 7-ou chan/e a""e/iances too
6uick"y$ Githany, 1en for a Sith,7 She was si"ent for a "on/ ti(e$ tryin/ to fi/ure out how to answer
hi(, 0hen su##en"y she "ooke# #own at the f"oor$ an# when she "ooke# up her eyes were fi""e# with
sha(e an# hu(i"iation,
7!t was Bane who en#e# this a""iance$ not (e$7 she a#(itte#$ near"y chokin/ on the wor#s, 72e
aban#one# (e$7 she continue#$ (akin/ no atte(pt to hi#e her bitterness, 72e "eft the .ca#e(y, 2e
ne1er to"# (e why, 2e ne1er e1en sai# /oo#%bye,7
Su##en"y e1erythin/ fe"" into p"ace, Sirak un#erstoo# her su##en #esire to :oin with hi( in a
partnership a/ainst her for(er a""y, Githany was use# to bein/ in contro", She was use# to bein/ in
char/e, She was use# to bein/ the one who en#e# thin/s, .n# she #i#n't "ike bein/ on the other si#e,
!t was "ike the o"# <ore""ian e8pression* &ear the wrath of a fe(a"e scorne#,
7Where #i# he /o97 he aske#,
70he stu#ents are sayin/ 5or#is sent hi( out into the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s,7
Sirak near"y b"urte# out$ 0hen he's #ea# a"rea#y= but at the "ast secon# he re(e(bere# her
a#(onish(ent not to un#eresti(ate Bane a/ain, !nstea# he sai#$ 7-ou e8pect he wi"" return,7
7!'( certain of it,7
70hen we wi"" be rea#y$7 Sirak pro(ise#, 7When he co(es back$ we wi"" #estroy hi(,7
.s Bane (arche# across the scorche# san# of Korriban's waste"an#s$ he notice# the sun sinkin/
6uick"y be"ow the hori4on, 2e'# been wa"kin/ for hours beneath its heat3 the s(a"" city of Dresh#ae
an# the te(p"e that towere# o1er it were far behin# hi(, 0hey ha# been re#uce# to (ere specks on
the hori4on3 if he was to "ook back$ he wou"# ha1e :ust been ab"e to (ake the( out in the fa#in/
"i/ht,
2e #i#n't "ook back, 2e (arche# #o//e#"y onwar#, 0he b"a4in/ heat ha#n't s"owe# hi(3 neither
wou"# te(peratures that were about to #rop to near free4in/ with the settin/ of the sun, Physica"
#isco(fort%co"#$ heat$ thirst$ hun/er$ fati/ue%ha# no si/nificant effect on hi($ sustaine# as he was
by the power of the &orce,
Sti""$ he was troub"e#, 2e re(e(bere# the first ti(e he'# set foot on Korriban, 2e'# sense# the
power of the wor"#* Korriban was a"i1e with the #ark si#e, -et the fee"in/ ha# been faint an#
#istant, Durin/ his ti(e at the .ca#e(y he'# /rown so accusto(e# to the a"(ost subconscious hu(
that he bare"y e1en notice# it any(ore,
When he'# "eft the te(p"e an# the starport behin#$ he'# e8pecte# that fee"in/ to /row stron/er, With
each step #rawin/ hi( c"oser to the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s he thou/ht he'# fee" the #ark si#e
/rowin/ in its intensity,
!nstea# he'# fe"t nothin/, ;o noticeab"e chan/e at a"", 2e was on"y a few ki"o(eters away fro( the
1a""ey's entrance3 he cou"# see the sha#e# out"ines of the nearest to(bs car1e# fro( the stone wa""s,
.n# sti"" the #ark si#e was no stron/er than a ho""ow echo$ no (ore than the "in/erin/ (e(ory of
#istant wor#s spoken in the #istant past,
Pushin/ his #oubts an# reser1ations asi#e$ he re#oub"e# his pace, 2e wante# to reach the 1a""ey
before co(p"ete #arkness, 2e ha# /rabbe# a han#fu" of /"ow ro#s before "ea1in/ the .ca#e(y3 he
cou"# use the( to fin# his way if necessary, Unfortunate"y$ their "i/ht wou"# act "ike a beacon in the
#arkness$ si/na"in/ his "ocation to anyone%or anythin/, With his new "i/htsaber at his si#e he was
confi#ent he cou"# sur1i1e a"(ost any encounter$ but there were thin/s that "urke# near the to(bs
whose attention he wou"# rather not attract,
0he "ast few rays of "i/ht sti"" hun/ in the air when he fina""y reache# his #estination, 0he Da""ey of
the Dark Lor#s "ay spraw"e# out before hi($ hi##en beneath the co1er of twi"i/ht's /"oo(, 2e
brief"y consi#ere# stoppin/ for the ni/ht an# (akin/ ca(p unti" #awn$ then re:ecte# the i#ea, Day
or ni/ht wou"# (ake no #ifference once he was insi#e the to(bs* he'# ha1e to use the /"ow ro#s no
(atter what ti(e it was, .n# now that he was fina""y here he was too ea/er to see what he cou"#
fin# to put it off any "on/er,
2e chose the nearest te(p"e$ the on"y one he cou"# actua""y (ake out in the #i( "i/ht, Like a"" the
to(bs$ this one ha# been #u/ out fro( the hi/h stone c"iffs that bo8e# in the 1a""ey on either si#e,
0he /ran# archway at the entrance ha# been bui"t out fro( the c"iff face$ but the cha(bers that
house# the re(ains of the Dark Lor# interre# within woun# their way #eep into the rock,
.s he /ot c"oser$ he cou"# (ake out intricate #esi/ns car1e# into the archway, So(ethin/ was
written across the top in "etters he #i#n't reco/ni4e, 2e /uesse# that the crafts(anship wou"# ha1e
been awe inspirin/ at one ti(e$ but eons of #esert win#s ha# worn away (ost of the #etai",
2e pause# on the thresho"#$ takin/ in the air of forbi##en (ystery that surroun#e# the entrance to
the to(b, 2e sti"" sense# no chan/e in the &orce$ howe1er, Steppin/ up to the entrance$ he was
shocke# to see that the /reat stone s"ab of a #oor ha# been sp"it asun#er, 2e ran his fin/ers a"on/ the
e#/es of the fissure, S(ooth, Worn, Whoe1er ha# broken the #oor ha# #one it "on/ a/o,
Bane stoo# up strai/ht an# (arche# bo"#"y throu/h the shattere# porta", 2e (a#e his way #own the
"on/ entrance tunne"$ (o1in/ s"ow"y throu/h the /"oo(, 2a"f a #o4en (eters in$ the #arkness
beca(e abso"ute$ so he pu""e# out a /"ow ro# an# acti1ate# it,
.n eerie b"ue "i/ht fi""e# the tunne"$ sen#in/ a s(a"" swar( of #ea#"y pe"ko bu/s scurryin/ for
refu/e beyon# the #i( circ"e of i""u(ination, 0hey ha# been sta"kin/ hi($ c"osin/ in fro( a"" si#es,
2e cou"# sti"" sense the( there$ "urkin/ in the sha#ows a"" aroun# hi($ but he wasn't afrai#, .fter
a""$ it wasn't the "i/ht keepin/ the( at bay,
Pe"ko bu/s$ "ike (any of the creatures in#i/enous to Korriban$ were attune# to the &orce, 0hey
wou"# ha1e sense# Bane's arri1a" e1en before he entere# the to(b3 his power wou"# ine1itab"y #raw
the( in, -et it a"so kept the( an# their para"y4in/ spines at a safe #istance, !nstincti1e"y$ the pe"ko
bu/s cou"# sense the sheer scope of his power3 they were wary of hi(, 0hey wou"#n't co(e c"ose
enou/h to actua""y attack hi($ (akin/ the( nothin/ (ore than a nuisance, Lar/er pre#ators$ "ike
the tu'kata$ (i/ht pose a rea" threat, But he'# #ea" with the( if an# when the ti(e ca(e,
Ri/ht now he was (ore concerne# with the potentia" #an/ers the bui"#ers of the to(b (i/ht ha1e
"eft behin#, Sith (auso"eu(s were notorious for their fien#ish"y "etha" traps, Bane reache# out with
the &orce$ carefu""y probin/ the wa""s$ /roun#$ an# cei"in/ in front of hi( for anythin/ out of the
or#inary, 2e was re"ie1e#%an# s"i/ht"y #isappointe#%to #isco1er nothin/, Part of hi( ha# hope# he
wou"# stu(b"e across an un#isco1ere# cha(ber$ so(ethin/ the )e#i ha# (isse#,
2e continue# #own the tunne"$ win#in/ his way past 1arious cha(bers where the wea"th an#
treasures wou"# ha1e been burie# with the #ecease# Dark Lor#%a"on/ with his sti""%"i1in/ "esser
ser1ants, 0he roo(s he"# no interest for hi(3 he wasn't a /ra1e robber, !nstea# he continue# #eeper
an# #eeper unti" he reache# the buria" cha(ber itse"f,
0he pe"ko bu/s (atche# his pro/ress$ en#"ess"y circ"in/ :ust beyon# the b"ue i""u(ination cast by
his /"ow ro#, 2e cou"# hear the hi/h%pitche# c"ickin/%skreek skreek skreek%of the frustrate# swar(*
power"ess to assai" their prey$ yet irresistib"y cau/ht up in the wake of his passin/,
0he buria" cha(ber was easi"y i#entifiab"e by the enor(ous stone sarcopha/us in the center of the
roo($ restin/ atop a s(a"" stone pe#esta", !t was "itt"e (ore than a b"ocky sha#ow on the frin/es of
the /"ow ro#'s "i/ht$ but it fi""e# hi( with a sense of both fear an# awe,
Sti"" usin/ the &orce to scan for traps$ he cautious"y approache# the to(b$ his trepi#ation /rowin/ as
the b"ue "i/ht washe# o1er it to re1ea" (ore an# (ore #etai"s, 0he stone was car1e# with sy(bo"s
si(i"ar to those on the crypt's entrance$ but these ha#n't suffere# unto"# centuries of erosion, 0hey
stoo# out stark"y$ bruta" an# sharp, 2e cou"#n't rea# the unfa(i"iar "an/ua/e or i#entify the Dark
Lor# fro( the crest$ yet he knew this was the restin/ p"ace of an ancient an# (i/hty bein/,
2e reache# the p"atfor(3 it stoo# a "itt"e hi/her than his knee, 2e put one foot on it$ then reache#
out to /rip a protru#in/ e#/e of one of the car1e# sy(bo"s on the si#e of the sarcopha/us itse"f, 2e
ha"f e8pecte# to recei1e a sharp :o"t or shock$ but a"" he fe"t was co"# stone beneath his pa"(,
Usin/ his ho"# to (aintain his ba"ance$ he hau"e# hi(se"f up so that he was stan#in/ with both feet
on the p"atfor($ "ookin/ #own at the top of the to(b, 0o his horror$ he cou"# now see that the stone
s"ab sea"in/ the sarcopha/us ha# been 1irtua""y #estroye#, Whate1er ha# been insi#e was /one$
rep"ace# by rubb"e$ #ust$ an# a few bits of broken bone that (i/ht once ha1e been the fin/ers or
toes of the Dark Lor#'s ske"eta" re(ains,
2e steppe# #own fro( the p"atfor($ frustrate# but sti"" not wi""in/ to /i1e up, S"ow"y$ he turne# in a
/reat circ"e$ as if he e8pecte# to fin# the sto"en re(ains "yin/ in a corner of the buria" cha(ber,
0here was nothin/* the to(b ha# been robbe# an# #efi"e#,
Bane ha#n't been sure what he e8pecte# to fin#$ but it wasn't this, 0he spirits of the ancient Dark
Lor#s were bein/s of pure #ark si#e ener/y3 they were as eterna" as the &orce itse"f, 0he spirit
wou"# "in/er for centuries%(i""ennia$ e1en%unti" a worthy successor ca(e a"on/, Or so the te8ts in
the archi1e ha# "e# hi( to be"ie1e,
-et the harsh e1i#ence before hi( was un#eniab"e, 0he ancient (anuscripts ha# fai"e# hi(, 2e ha#
/a(b"e# e1erythin/ on the truth of their wor#s%e1en #efyin/ 5or#is hi(se"f%an# he ha# "ost,
!n #esperation he cast his hea# back an# threw his ar(s to the une1en rock of the cei"in/ abo1e,
7!'( here$ +aster=7 he crie#, 7!'1e co(e to "earn your secrets=7 2e pause#$ "istenin/ for a response,
2earin/ nothin/$ he shoute#$ 7Show yourse"f= By a"" the power of the #ark si#e$ show yourse"f=7
2is wor#s re1erberate# off the wa""s$ soun#in/ e(pty an# ho""ow, 2e #roppe# to his knees$ his
ar(s fa""in/ to his si#es an# his hea# s"u(pin/ forwar#, .s the echo #ie# away$ the on"y soun# was
the shri"" c"ickin/ of the pe"ko bu/s,
Kopec4 spit on the /roun# as he sur1eye# the ca(p, 2e was surroun#e# by an ar(y$ but it was an
ar(y of inferiors, 1erywhere he "ooke# he saw the (inions of the Sith* batt"e ra/ers$ assassins$ an#
apprentices, But there were precious few Sith +asters, 0he see(in/"y en#"ess war a/ainst the )e#i
on the batt"efie"#s of Ruusan was takin/ a hea1y to"" on Kaan's Brotherhoo# of Darkness, Without
reinforce(ents they wou"# be force# to retreat%or be wipe# out by Genera" 2oth an# his hate# .r(y
of Li/ht,
0he hea1yset 0wi'"ek rose to his feet$ spurre# to action by the rea"i4ation that so(ethin/ ha# to be
#one, 2e (a#e his way throu/h scattere# pockets of so"#iers$ noticin/ how (any were in:ure#$
e8hauste#$ or si(p"y #efeate#, By the ti(e he reache# the entrance to Lor# Kaan's tent the conte(pt
he fe"t for his so%ca""e# Brothers ha# reache# a boi"in/ point,
When Kopec4 entere#$ Lor# Kaan took one "ook at hi( an# #is(isse# his other a#1isers with a
sharp wa1e of his han#, 0hey fi"e# out$ none of the( #arin/ to co(e too c"ose,
7What is it$ (y o"# frien#97 Kaan aske#, 2is 1oice was char(in/ as e1er$ but his eyes were wi#e
an# wi"#$ "ike a hunte# beast,
72a1e you seen what passes for our ar(y out there97 Kopec4 snar"e#$ pokin/ a thu(b o1er his
shou"#er as he wa"ke# s"ow"y forwar#, 7!f this is a"" we ha1e to stan# a/ainst Lor# 2oth$ we (ay as
was we"" burn our b"ack robes an# start practicin/ the )e#i <o#e,7
7We ha1e reinforce(ents co(in/$7 Lor# Kaan assure# hi(, 70wo (ore fu"" #i1isions of foot
so"#iers$ another core of snipers, 2a"f a p"atoon of repu"sorcraft ar(e# with hea1y /uns, 0here are
(any who are #rawn to the /"ory of our cause, +ore an# (ore each #ay, 0he Brotherhoo# of
Darkness cannot fai",7
Kopec4 took "itt"e co(fort in his pro(ises, Lor# Kaan ha# a"ways been the stren/th of the
Brotherhoo# of Darkness$ a (an who ha# ra""ie# the Dark Lor#s to a sin/"e cause throu/h the
/reatness of his persona"ity an# 1ision, ;ow$ howe1er$ he "ooke# "ike a (an on the e#/e, 0he strain
of constant"y batt"in/ the )e#i ha# "eft hi( fra44"e#,
Kopec4 shook his hea# in #is/ust, 7!'( not one of your sycophantic a#1isers$7 he sai#$ his 1oice
risin/, 7! won't /ro1e" an# scrape before you$ Lor# Kaan, ! won't heap praise on your foo" hea#
when ! can see with (y own eyes that you are "ea#in/ us to our #estruction=7
7Keep your 1oice #own=7 Kaan snappe#, 7-ou wi"" #estroy the (ora"e of our troops=7
70hey ha1e no (ora"e "eft to #estroy$7 Kopec4 shot back$ thou/h he #i# "ower his 1o"u(e, 7We can't
#efeat )e#i with or#inary so"#iers, 0here are too (any of the( an# not enou/h of us,7
7By us you (ean those worthy of :oinin/ the ranks of the Dark Lor#s$7 Kaan rep"ie#, 2e si/he# an#
stare# #own at the ho"o(ap sprea# out on the tab"e before hi(,
7-ou know what you ha1e to #e Kopec4 to"# hi($ his 1oice "osin/ so(e of the an/er, 2e ha#
chosen to fo""ow Kaan3 he wou"#n't aban#on hi( now, But he wasn't about to sit i#"y by an# face
certain #efeat, 7We face an ar(y of )e#i Kni/hts an# +asters, We can't stan# a/ainst the( without
our own +asters fro( the .ca#e(y, 0he stu#ents$ too, ."" of the(,7
70hey are (ere apprentices$7 Kaan proteste#,
70hey are the stron/est of our or#er$7 Kopec4 re(in#e# hi(, 7We both know e1en the "ow"iest
stu#ents on Korriban are stron/er than ha"f the so%ca""e# Dark Lor#s here on Ruusan,7
75or#is's work is not yet co(p"ete, 0he stu#ents there sti"" ha1e so (uch to "earn$7 Kaan insiste#$
thou/h without (uch force, 7So (uch untappe# potentia", 0he .ca#e(y represents the future of the
Sith,7
7!f we cannot #efeat the )e#i here on Ruusan$ then we ha1e no future=7 Kopec4 insiste#,
Lor# Kaan c"utche# his hea# with his han#s$ as if a /reat pain threatene# to burst his sku"" in two,
2e be/an to tre(b"e in the /rip of so(e terrib"e pa"sy, Kopec4 in1o"untari"y steppe# back,
!t on"y took a few secon#s for Kaan to re/ain his co(posure an# "ower his han#s, 0he haunte# "ook
in his eyes was /one$ rep"ace# by the ca"( se"f%assurance that ha# #rawn so (any to the
Brotherhoo# in the first p"ace,
7-ou're ri/ht$ o"# frien#$7 he sai#, 0he wor#s were s(ooth an# easy3 he spoke as if a /reat wei/ht
ha# been "ifte# fro( hi(, 2e ra#iate# confi#ence an# stren/th, 2e see(e# to /"ow with a 1io"et
aura$ as if he were the 1ery e(bo#i(ent of the #ark si#e, .n# su##en"y$ ine8p"icab"y$ Kopec4 was
reassure#,
7! wi"" sen# wor# to 5or#is$7 Kaan continue#$ the &orce e(anatin/ fro( hi( in pa"pab"e wa1es,
7-ou are ri/ht, !t is ti(e for those at the .ca#e(y on Korriban to tru"y :oin the ranks of the Sith,7
<hapter 1@
Bane ha# ne1er been so hun/ry in his "ife, !t twiste# his sto(ach into knots$ causin/ hi( to hunch
o1er as he tru#/e# s"ow"y across Korriban's wastes towar# Dresh#ae, &or thirteen #ays he ha#
searche# the to(bs in the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s$ sustainin/ hi(se"f on"y with the &orce an# the
hy#ration tab"ets he'# brou/ht a"on/ for the #esert :ourney, 2e ne1er s"ept$ but reste# his (in# fro(
ti(e to ti(e throu/h (e#itation, -et for a"" its power$ e1en the &orce cou"#n't create so(ethin/
fro( nothin/, !t cou"# war# off star1ation for a ti(e$ but not fore1er,
0wice he'# been set on by packs of tuk'ata$ the /uar#ian houn#s that prow"e# the crypts of their
for(er +asters, 0he first ti(e he'# #ri1en the( away with the &orce$ sei4in/ the bo#y of the a"pha
(a"e an# hur"in/ it into the rest of the pack$ in:urin/ se1era" of the beasts, 0hey'# scurrie# away
with hi/h%pitche# how"s that ha# sent shi1ers #own his spine, 0he secon# attack ha# been far
b"oo#ier, Whi"e e8p"orin/ one of the (ost recent to(bs he'# foun# hi(se"f surroun#e# by a #o4en
tuk'ata* a pack twice the si4e of the first, 2e'# un"eashe# his "i/htsaber on the($ s"icin/ throu/h
f"esh an# bone, When the pack fina""y broke an# f"e#$ on"y four of the twe"1e tuk'ata sti"" "i1e#,
.fter that the tuk'ata "eft hi( a"one$ which was a /oo# thin/$ because he was no "on/er sure he'# be
ab"e to ho"# the( off if they attacke# a/ain, 0o fue" his (usc"es for the on/oin/ search throu/h
to(b after to(b$ he'# o1erta8e# his bo#y's reser1es$ "itera""y #e1ourin/ hi(se"f fro( the insi#e out,
;ow he was payin/ the price,
2e cou"# ha1e ease# his sufferin/ by s"ippin/ into a (e#itati1e trance$ s"owin/ his heartbeat an#
1ita" functions to preser1e his ener/y, -et in the en# that wou"# acco(p"ish nothin/, ;obo#y wou"#
co(e to fin# hi($ an# e1entua""y e1en a state of hibernation wou"# en# in a s"ow$ if re"ati1e"y
pain"ess$ #eath,
Death was not an option he was rea#y to consi#er, ;ot yet, Despite his futi"e search$ #espite the
crushin/ #isappoint(ent$ he wasn't rea#y for that, ;ot if it (eant that the truth he ha# #isco1ere#
wou"# #ie with hi(, So he en#ure# the pain$ an# wi""e# his rapi#"y fai"in/ f"esh to take hi( back,
Back to the .ca#e(y,
!t ha# taken hi( on"y a #ay to wa"k to the 1a""ey at the be/innin/ of his 6uest, 2e was now on the
thir# #ay of his trip back, 2e ha# been stron/ an# fresh when he'# first set out3 now he was
fa(ishe# an# weak, But there was (ore to his s"owe# pace than (ere physica" wantin/,
Before he ha# been buoye# by e8pectation, ;ow he was wei/he# #own by the bur#en of fai"ure,
5or#is ha# been ri/ht* the ancient Dark Lor#s of Korriban were /one, ;ear"y three thousan# years
ha# passe# between the ti(e the Sith ha# been #ri1en fro( Korriban by Re1an$ an# the #ay Kaan's
Brotherhoo# of Darkness officia""y rec"ai(e# this wor"# for the or#er, !n that ti(e the "e/acy of the
ori/ina" Sith ha# been co(p"ete"y wipe# away,
2e'# /one into the #esert seekin/ en"i/hten(ent$ but foun# on"y #isi""usion(ent, Korriban was no
"on/er the cra#"e of #arkness3 it was a husk$ a withere#$ #esiccate# corpse that ha# been picke#
c"ean by sca1en/ers, 5or#is ha# been ri/ht , , , yet Bane now un#erstoo# that he was a"so 1ery$ 1ery
wron/,
Bane ha#n't foun# what he was "ookin/ for in the to(bs, But in the "on/ trek back across the #esert
his (in# ha# fina""y beco(e c"ear, 2un/er$ thirst$ e8haustion* the physica" sufferin/ c"eanse# his
thou/hts, !t strippe# away a"" his i""usions an# e8pose# the "ies of 5or#is an# the .ca#e(y, 0he
spirits of the Sith were /one fro( Korriban fore1er, But it was Lor# Kaan's Brotherhoo# of
Darkness%not the )e#i%who were to b"a(e,
0hey ha# twiste# an# per1erte# the ancient or#er of the Sith, 0he .ca#e(y's teachin/s f"ew in the
face of e1erythin/ Bane ha# "earne# in the archi1es about the ways of the #ark si#e, Kaan ha# cast
asi#e the true power of the in#i1i#ua" an# rep"ace# it with the fa"se /"ory of se"f%sacrifice in the
na(e of a worthy cause, 2e sou/ht to #estroy the )e#i throu/h (i/ht of ar(s$ rather than cunnin/,
Worst of a""$ he proc"ai(e# that a"" were e6ua" in the Brotherhoo# of the Sith, But Bane knew
e6ua"ity was a (yth, 0he stron/ were (eant to ru"e3 the weak$ to ser1e,
0he Brotherhoo# of Darkness stoo# for e1erythin/ that was wron/ with the (o#ern Sith, 0hey ha#
fa""en fro( the true path, 0heir fai"ure was the reason the spirits of the Dark Lor#s ha# 1anishe#,
;one on Korriban%%not +aster$ not apprentice%ha# been worthy of their wis#o(3 none worthy of
their power, 0hey ha# si(p"y fa#e# away$ scattere# "ike a han#fu" of #ust cast across the #esert
san#, Bane cou"# see the truth so c"ear"y now, -et 5or#is an# the others were fore1er b"in#, 0hey
fo""owe# Kaan as if he ha# boun# the( up with so(e secret spe"",
. faint /ust of win# brou/ht the soun# of #istant 1oices to his ears, G"ancin/ up$ he was surprise#
to see the te(p"e of the .ca#e(y "oo(in/ ahea# of hi($ "ess than a ki"o(eter away, <au/ht up in
his phi"osophica" ra(b"in/s$ he ha#n't rea"i4e# how far he'# co(e, 2e was c"ose enou/h to see s(a""
fi/ures (o1in/ at the base of the bui"#in/* ser1ants$ or possib"y a han#fu" of stu#ents fro( the
.ca#e(y out wan#erin/ the surroun#in/ /roun#s, One of the( notice# hi( approachin/ an#
scurrie# back insi#e$ probab"y to #e"i1er news of his return to 5or#is an# the other +asters,
Bane wasn't sure what kin# of reception they'# /i1e hi(, !n truth he #i#n't care$ as "on/ as they
brou/ht hi( foo#, Beyon# that they were of no use to hi( any(ore, 2e #espise# the( a""* +asters
an# apprentices a"ike, 0hey were no better than the )e#i who ha# "oote# Korriban three (i""ennia
before, 0he .ca#e(y was an abo(ination$ a testa(ent to how far the Sith ha# fa""en fro( the true
i#ea"s of the #ark si#e,
Bane a"one un#erstoo# this, 2e a"one saw the truth, .n# he a"one cou"# "ea# the Sith back to the
way of the #ark si#e,
2e wou"#n't be foo"ish enou/h to say so$ of course, 0he Brotherhoo# wou"# ne1er fo""ow hi(3
neither wou"# 5or#is or any of the others at the .ca#e(y, Weak an# i/norant as they were$ they
cou"# sti"" o1erwhe"( hi( with their nu(bers, !f he was to restore the Sith to their true /"ory$ he
wou"# nee# an a""y,
;ot one of the +asters* they were a"" too c"ose to Kaan, .n# the apprentices were nothin/ but
/ro1e"in/ ser1ants$ b"in#"y fo""owin/ their +asters, 0hey ha# no rea" un#erstan#in/ of the #ark
si#e, 0hey #i#n't sense that they were bein/ "e# #own a fa"se path, ;ot a sin/"e one of the( was
worthy,
;o$ Bane correcte# hi(se"f, 0here was one, Githany,
She wasn't inti(i#ate# by the +asters, She ha# #efie# the( to train Bane, 0he fact that she'# #one it
for her own se"fish reasons on"y offere# further proof that she un#erstoo# the true nature of the #ark
si#e,
2e wishe# now that he ha# spoken to her before he'# "eft the .ca#e(y, 2e cou"# ha1e at "east trie#
to e8p"ain why he ha# to /o, She ha# been #isappointe# in hi( for "ettin/ Sirak sur1i1e, Ri/htfu""y
so, But in the en# he was the one who ha# turne# away fro( her, 2e was the one who "eft her
behin# whi"e he went in search of Korriban's hi##en secrets, What cou"# she possib"y think of hi(
now9
.s he reache# the e#/e of the te(p"e /roun#s the scents of the (i##ay (ea" bein/ prepare# in the
kitchens wafte# out to hi($ #ri1in/ a"" other thou/hts fro( his (in#, +outh waterin/ an# sto(ach
ru(b"in/$ he hobb"e# up the steps towar# the e1er%nearin/ prospect of foo#,
0he news that Bane ha# returne# #i# not sit we"" with 5or#is, 0he ti(in/ cou"#n't ha1e been worse,
Lor# Kaan ha# sent an ur/ent (essa/e* e1eryone fro( the .ca#e(y was to co(e to Ruusan to :oin
the batt"e a/ainst the )e#i, 0he apprentices were a"" to be presente# with "i/htsabers an# /i1en seats
in the Brotherhoo# of Darkness$ e"e1atin/ the( to the ranks of the Dark Lor#s of the Sith,
!t wou"#n't #o to show up with one of his (ost powerfu" stu#ents bein/ as #efiant as Bane ha# been
at their "ast (eetin/, !t wou"# be e1en worse if Bane spurne# the offer an# went off on his own$
#isobeyin/ the co((an# to /o to Ruusan, Lor# Kaan ha# (ana/e# to keep the Brotherhoo#
to/ether$ but it was an a""iance that was a"ways on the 1er/e of #isinte/ratin/, !n the face of their
repeate# fai"ure to #ri1e the )e#i fro( Ruusan$ the refusa" of one pro(inent Sith to fa"" into "ine
(i/ht be a"" it took to (ake e1erythin/ unra1e",
One #efection cou"# "ea# to others$ an# thin/s wou"# return to a state of chaos* Sith fi/htin/ Sith as
the 1arious Dark Lor#s sou/ht to #o(inate an# #estroy their ri1a"s, 0he )e#i wou"# sur1i1e an#
rebui"# their or#er$ a"" the whi"e "au/hin/ at the foo"ishness of their (orta" ene(ies,
!f on"y Bane ha# perishe# out in the wastes of Korriban= Unfortunate"y$ he ha# returne#$ an# 5or#is
cou"#n't #o anythin/ to e"i(inate hi( now, ;ot after Kaan's #irecti1e, 0hey ha# nee# of e1ery
"i/htsaber an# e1ery Sith$ especia""y one as stron/ as Bane, &or the sake of the Brotherhoo#%for the
sake of Lor# Kaan's /"orious 1ision%5or#is wou"# ha1e to fin# so(e way to (ake a(en#s,
;ews that Bane ha# returne# sprea# 6uick"y throu/h the .ca#e(y, Sirak wasn't surprise#, !f
anythin/$ he was re"ie1e#, When +aster 5or#is ha# infor(e# the stu#ents they wou"# soon be
shippin/ out to Ruusan$ he'# feare# they wou"# "ea1e before Bane returne#$ #enyin/ hi( his
1en/eance,
!nstea# fortune ha# s(i"e# on hi(, 2e'# ha1e to act 6uick"y$ thou/h, Once they "eft Korriban it
wou"# be too "ate, Lor# Kaan wou"# ha1e a"" the apprentices swear 1ows of "oya"ty an# fea"ty to
each other when they :oine# the Brotherhoo#, Ki""in/ his ene(y after that wou"# be an act of
betraya" punishab"e by #eath, 2e wante# re1en/e$ but not at the cost of his own "ife,
2e knew -e1ra an# L"okay wou"# he"p hi($ but he'# nee# (ore than the( to #estroy an ene(y as
stron/ as Bane, 2e nee#e# Githany,
Knockin/ on the #oor to her roo($ he waite# for her to ca"" 7nter7 before /oin/ in,
She was "yin/ on her be#$ "ookin/ casua" an# re"a8e#, !n contrast$ Sirak fe"t taut as a wire stretche#
beyon# its "i(it,
72e's back7 was a"" he sai#,
7When97 She #i#n't nee# to ask who he was ta"kin/ about,
72e sta//ere# in an hour a/o, +aybe "ess, 2e went strai/ht to the kitchens,7
70he kitchens97 She see(e# surprise#, Or offen#e#, ;o #oubt she'# e8pecte# hi( to co(e to her
first,
72e's 1u"nerab"e$7 Sirak pointe# out$ his han# #roppin/ to the hi"t of his new"y ac6uire# "i/htsaber,
72a"f star1e#, 8hauste#, We shou"# /o after hi( now,7
7Don't be stupi#$7 she snappe#, 7What wou"# the +asters #o to us if we choppe# hi( #own in the
kitchens97
She was ri/ht, 7Do you ha1e a p"an97
She no##e#, 70oni/ht, Wait in the archi1es, !'"" brin/ hi( to you there,7
7!'"" brin/ -e1ra an# L"okay,7
. sour /ri(ace puckere# up her face, 7! suppose we'"" nee# the($7 she conce#e#$ (akin/ no effort
to hi#e her #istaste,
Sirak's (outh twiste# into a crue" /rin, 7! on"y ask one (ore thin/, Let (e be the one who #ea"s the
ki""in/ b"ow,7
Bane co""apse# into his be#$ his be""y fu"" to burstin/, 2e'# /or/e# hi(se"f in the kitchen$ tearin/
into the foo# with the (anners of a Ga(orrean so"#ier at the barracks trou/h, 2e'# stuffe# hi(se"f
with e1erythin/ in si/ht unti" his ra1enous hun/er was sate#, !t was on"y then that he re(e(bere#
he ha#n't actua""y s"ept in near"y two weeks,
2un/er ha# /i1en way to e8haustion$ an# he'# wan#ere# fro( the kitchen to his roo( in a #a4e,
Within secon#s he ha# #roppe# into a #eep$ #rea("ess s"eep,
2e woke se1era" hours "ater to a knockin/ at his #oor, Sti"" /ro//y$ he force# hi(se"f to his feet$ "it
a /"ow ro#$ an# opene# the #oor,
5or#is was stan#in/ in the ha"", 2e bar/e# in without waitin/ for an in1itation$ c"osin/ the #oor
behin# hi(, Bane was too busy tryin/ to shake off the "ast 1esti/es of s"eep to protest,
7'We"co(e back$ Bane$7 the +aster sai#, 7! trust your :ourney was , , , e#ucationa",7
Pu44"e# at 5or#is's cor#ia" tone$ Bane on"y no##e#,
7! hope you un#erstan# now why ! "et you /o$7 5or#is sai#,
Because you were too (uch of a cowar# to try an# stop (e$ Bane thou/ht$ but #i#n't say anythin/
a"ou#,
70his was the fina" phase of your trainin/$7 the +aster continue#, 7-ou ha# to un#erstan# why we
ha1e aban#one# the o"# ways, 0his is a new a/e$ an# you cou"# un#erstan# that on"y once you
reco/ni4e# the o"# a/e was tru"y /one,7
Bane (aintaine# his stoic si"ence$ not a/reein/ with 5or#is but unwi""in/ to ar/ue the point,
7;ow that you ha1e "earne# your fina" "esson$ the .ca#e(y has nothin/ "eft to teach you,7 On that
point$ at "east$ they were in co(p"ete a/ree(ent, 7-ou are no "on/er an apprentice$ Bane, -ou are
now fit to :oin the ranks of the +asters, -ou are now a Dark Lor# of the Sith,7
2e pause#$ as if e8pectin/ so(e kin# of reaction, Bane stoo# sti"" as the stone statues he'# seen
/uar#in/ the to(bs of the ancient Sith in so(e of the o"#er crypts,
5or#is c"eare# his throat$ breakin/ the unco(fortab"e si"ence, 7! know Lor# Kas'i( has a"rea#y
/i1en you a "i/htsaber, !$ too$ ha1e a /ift for you,7 2e he"# out his han#$ a "i/htsaber crysta" in his
pa"(,
When Bane hesitate#$ 5or#is spoke a/ain, 70ake it$ Lor# Bane,7 2e put a specia" e(phasis on the
new tit"e, !t soun#e# sour in Bane's ears* an e(pty honor bestowe# by a foo" who be"ie1e# hi(se"f a
+aster, But he sai# nothin/ as the other continue# speakin/,
70his synthetic crysta" is stron/er than the one powerin/ your "i/htsaber now$7 5or#is assure# hi(,
7.n# it is (uch$ (uch stron/er than the natura" crysta"s the )e#i use in their own weapons,7
+o1in/ s"ow"y$ Bane reache# out an# took it in his han#, !t was co"# to the touch at first$ but as he
/rippe# it the si8%si#e# stone 6uick"y /rew war(,
70he ti(in/ of your return fro( the wastes cou"#n't ha1e been better$7 5or#is continue#, 7We are
(akin/ preparations to "ea1e Korriban, Lor# Kaan has nee# of us on Ruusan, ."" the Sith (ust be
unite# in the Brotherhoo# of Darkness if we are to #efeat the )e#i,7
70he Brotherhoo# wi"" fai"$7 Bane state#$ bo"#"y #ec"arin/ what he knew to be true on"y because he
knew the other wou"#n't be"ie1e, 7Kaan #oes not un#erstan# the #ark si#e, 2e is "ea#in/ you #own
the path of ruin,7
5or#is #rew in a sharp breath$ then spat it out in an an/ry hiss, 7So(e (i/ht consi#er that ta"k to be
treason$ Lor# Bane, -ou wou"# #o we"" to keep such i#eas to yourse"f in the future,7 2e whee"e#
away an# stro#e an/ri"y to the #oor$ wrenchin/ it open, 2is reaction was e8act"y as Bane ha#
e8pecte#,
0he ta"" +aster spun back to face Bane one (ore ti(e, 7-ou (ay be a Dark Lor# now$ Bane, But
there is sti"" (uch about the #ark si#e you #o not un#erstan#, )oin the Brotherhoo# an# we can
teach you what we know, Re:ect us$ an# you wi"" ne1er fin# what you seek,7
0he +aster sta"ke# out3 Bane watche# si"ent"y as the #oor swun/ shut behin# hi(, 5or#is was
wron/ about the Brotherhoo#$ but he was ri/ht about one thin/* there was sti"" (uch about the #ark
si#e Bane nee#e# to un#erstan#,
.n# there was on"y one p"ace in the /a"a8y he cou"# /o to "earn it,
<hapter >?
Bane craw"e# back into be# after 5or#is "eft, 2e thou/ht about /oin/ to see Githany$ but he was
sti"" e8hauste#, 0o(orrow$ he thou/ht as he #rifte# off to s"eep,
Se1era" hours "ater he was a/ain #isturbe# by a knock on his #oor, 0his ti(e he fe"t (ore refreshe#
when he woke, 2e sat up 6uick"y an# "it a /"ow ro#$ castin/ the roo( in soft "i/ht, 0here were no
win#ows in his cha(ber$ but he /uesse# it (ust be c"ose to (i#ni/ht* we"" past curfew,
2e rose to his feet an# went to /reet his secon# unin1ite# 1isitor, 0his ti(e he was not #isappointe#
when he opene# the #oor,
7<an ! co(e in97 Githany whispere#,
Bane steppe# asi#e$ catchin/ the scent of her perfu(e as she brushe# past hi(, .s he si"ent"y c"ose#
the #oor behin# her$ she wa"ke# o1er to the be# an# sat #own on the e#/e, She patte# the space
besi#e her$ an# Bane #utifu""y sat #own$ turnin/ s"i/ht"y so he cou"# "ook her in the eye,
7Why are you here97 he aske#,
7Why #i# you "ea1e97 she respon#e#,
7!t's ,,, it's har# to e8p"ain, -ou were ri/ht about what happene# with Sirak, ! shou"# ha1e finishe#
hi($ but ! #i#n't, ! was foo"ish an# weak, ! #i#n't want to a#(it that to you,7
7-ou "eft the .ca#e(y so you wou"#n't ha1e to face (e97 0he wor#s soun#e# co(passionate$ as if
she were seekin/ to un#erstan# hi(, But Bane cou"# sense the conte(pt beneath the(,
7;o$7 he e8p"aine#, 7! #i#n't "ea1e because of you, ! "eft because you were the on"y one who
reco/ni4e# (y fai"in/, 1eryone e"se con/ratu"ate# (e for (y /reat 1ictory* Kas'i($ 5or#is ,,,
e1eryone, 0hey were b"in# to the true nature of the #ark si#e, .s b"in# as ! ha# been unti" you
opene# (y eyes,
7! "eft because the .ca#e(y ha# nothin/ (ore to offer (e, ! went to the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s
hopin/ to fin# the answers ! cou"#n't fin# here,7
7.n# you ne1er thou/ht to co(e te"" (e a"" this97 2er 1oice ha# chan/e#3 the 1ei" of fa"se
co(passion was /one, ;ow she :ust soun#e# an/ry, .n/ry an# hurt, Bane was re"ie1e# that she sti""
fe"t stron/"y enou/h about hi( to re1ea" so(e /enuine e(otion,
7! shou"# ha1e co(e to you$7 he a#(itte#, 7! acte# rash"y, ! "et (y an/er at 5or#is #ri1e (e away,7
She no##e#* passion an# reck"ess actions were so(ethin/ he knew Githany cou"# re"ate to,
7!'1e answere# your 6uestion$7 he sai#, 7;ow you answer (ine, Why are you here97
She hesitate#$ her teeth bitin/ #own soft"y on her "ower "ip, Bane reco/ni4e# the unconscious
/esture3 it (eant she was "ost in thou/ht$ tryin/ to sort so(ethin/ out,
7;ot here$7 she sai# at "ast$ risin/ stiff"y fro( the be#, 7! ha1e so(ethin/ to show you, !n the
archi1es,7
Without "ookin/ back to see if he was fo""owin/$ she (a#e her way fro( his roo( an# into the #i(
ha"" beyon#$ (o1in/ 6uick"y, Bane scra(b"e# to his feet an# trotte# after her$ breakin/ into a :o/ to
keep up,
She stare# strai/ht ahea#$ her boots (akin/ crisp snaps as they struck the stone f"oor with each
brisk stri#e, 0he sharp soun# echoe# in the e(pty ha""s$ but Githany appeare# not to care, Bane
cou"# te"" that so(ethin/ was botherin/ her$ but he ha# no i#ea what it cou"# be,
0hey foun# the #oor to the archi1es open, Githany #i#n't see( surprise#3 she passe# ri/ht throu/h
without s"owin/ #own, Bane pause# for on"y an instant before fo""owin/ her,
.t the far si#e of the roo($ beyon# the rows of she"1es$ she stoppe# an# turne# to face hi(, 0here
was an e8pression he cou"#n't 6uite #ecipher on her hau/hty but beautifu" features,
2e crosse# to the (i##"e of the roo( then stoppe# short when she he"# up her han#$ pa"( e8ten#e#,
7Githany$7 he sai#$ perp"e8e#$ 7what's /oin/%7
2is wor#s were cut off by the ho""ow boo( of the archi1e #oor s"a((in/ shut behin# hi(, 2e
whir"e# aroun# to see Sirak$ f"anke# by -e1ra an# L"okay, 0he Habrak's pa"e ye""ow "ips were
pu""e# back in a crue" s(i"e so wi#e it /a1e hi( the appearance of a /rinnin/ sku"", Bane cou"#n't
he"p but notice the "i/htsaber han#"es #an/"in/ fro( the be"ts of a"" three,
When Githany spoke fro( behin# hi( he ha# to resist the ur/e to turn an# face her, !t wou"#n't he
wise to e8pose his back to the Habrak trio,
7Why #i# you fo""ow (e$ Bane97 she aske#$ her 1oice a (i8ture of an/er$ #is/ust$ an# re/ret, 72ow
cou"# you be so stupi#9 Di#n't you rea"i4e you were wa"kin/ into a trap97
Githany ha# betraye# hi(, 0he con1ersation in his roo( ha# been a test%one that he'# fai"e#, 2e
knew her we"" enou/h to e8pect so(ethin/ "ike this, 2e shou"# ha1e been wary of a trap, !nstea#
he'# been a b"in# an# obe#ient foo",
2e knew he'# brou/ht this on hi(se"f, ;ow he ha# to #iscern a way out,
7!s this what you want$ Githany97 he aske#$ tryin/ to sta"" for ti(e,
7She wants what a"" Sith want$7 Sirak answere# for her, 7Power, Dictory, She knows to si#e with the
stron/,7
7!'( stron/er than he is$7 Bane to"# Githany, 7! pro1e# that in the #ue"in/ rin/,7
70here's (ore to stren/th than physica" prowess$7 Sirak rep"ie#$ i/nitin/ his "i/htsaber, !t was the
#oub"e%b"a#e# 1ariety, Bane's eyes were focuse# s6uare"y on the bri/ht re# b"a#es$ but he hear# the
hiss as the other two Habrak fo""owe# suit, Githany$ howe1er$ sti"" ha#n't fire# up her whip,
7Stren/th (eans (ore than :ust the abi"ity to use the &orce$7 Sirak continue#$ startin/ to a#1ance,
7!t (eans inte""i/ence, <unnin/, Ruth"essness,7
7-ou know how easi"y ! #efeate# you in the rin/$7 Bane sai#$ fina""y speakin/ #irect"y to Sirak$
thou/h his wor#s were sti"" (eant for Githany, 7.re you so certain you can #efeat (e now97
7&our a/ainst one$ Bane, .n# you "eft your "i/htsaber back in your cha(bers, ! "ike those o##s,7
Bane "au/he# an# turne# his back on Sirak, 0he Habrak was c"ose enou/h to "un/e in an# ki"" hi(
with one b"ow$ but Bane was /a(b"in/ he wou"# ho"# back$ wary of bein/ "ure# into a trap, !t was a
#an/erous /a(b"e$ but he wante# to be "ookin/ #irect"y into Githany's eyes when he spoke what
(i/ht be his "ast wor#s,
70his foo" actua""y be"ie1es you brou/ht (e here for his sake$7 he sai# to her, Behin# hi( he cou"#
sense Sirak's confusion an# uncertainty, ;o attack ca(e yet,
Githany (et his stare with a co"#$ unf"inchin/ /a4e an# #i#n't answer, But her teeth worrie# her
"ower "ip,
7We both know why you brou/ht (e here$ Githany$7 he sai#$ speakin/ 6uick"y, Sirak wou"#n't wait
for "on/, 7-ou #on't want to si#e with Sirak, -ou'1e been p"ottin/ ways to /et (e to ki"" hi( e1er
since you first arri1e#,7
7nou/h=7 Sirak shoute#, Bane threw hi(se"f forwar#$ ro""in/ out of the way at the "ast secon# as
the #oub"e%b"a#e# "i/htsaber s"ice# a #eep furrow into the spot where he ha# been stan#in/, .s he
ro""e# to his feet$ he saw Githany (o1e3 when she tosse# his "i/htsaber to hi($ he was a"rea#y
e8ten#in/ his han# an# usin/ the &orce to /ui#e the hi"t into his /rasp,
0he weapon f"are# to "ife an# he turne# :ust in ti(e to b"ock Sirak's char/e, -e1ra an# L"okay were
a few (eters behin#$ rushin/ forwar# to :oin the fray,
Bane counterattacke#$ s"ashin/ #own at Sirak's "e/s, 0he Habrak parrie# the b"ow$ an# their b"a#es
co""i#e# with a burnin/ hu(, On the e#/e of his awareness Bane hear# the soun# of Githany's whip
i/nitin/,
. 6uick f"urry cause# Sirak to retreat, Bane feinte# as if he was /oin/ to press forwar#$ then took a
step back$ openin/ a fu"" (eter of space between the(, !t /a1e hi( :ust enou/h ti(e to cast out his
ar( in the #irection of the unsuspectin/ -e1ra, <atchin/ her up with the &orce$ he hur"e# her
a/ainst one of the nearby she"1es har# enou/h to sp"inter the woo#,
She cru(p"e# to the f"oor$ #a4e#, Before she ha# a chance to rise$ Githany "ashe# out with her whip
an# en#e# the Habrak fe(a"e's "ife,
Bane bare"y ha# ti(e to re/ister her #eath before L"okay was on hi(, 0he re#%skinne# Habrak was
o1er(atche#$ but his /rief an# ra/e e(powere# hi($ an# he #ro1e his (uch "ar/er opponent back
with a bruta" series of #esperate s"ashes an# strikes,
Sta//erin/ back$ Bane was a"(ost too #istracte# to see Sirak un"eashin/ a bo"t of crack"in/ b"ue
"i/htnin/ at hi(, .t the "ast secon# he twiste# an# cau/ht the potentia""y "etha" b"ast with the b"a#e
of his "i/htsaber$ absorbin/ its ener/y, 0he (o1e ha# been one of instinct an# "ast resort$ an# it ha#
"eft hi( 1u"nerab"e to a sin/"e 6uick thrust fro( L"okay, But Githany's whip was snappin/ an#
crackin/ at L"okay's eyes an# face$ an# his b"a#e was busy frantica""y war#in/ off the b"ows,
Bane turne# his attention back to Sirak$ who hesitate#, .t that (o(ent there was a screa( fro(
L"okay* he ha# (is:u#/e# the erratic path of Githany's ener/y whip an# "ost an eye, . secon#
screa( wou"# ha1e fo""owe#$ but she /ashe# open his throat$ the burnin/ tip of her weapon searin/
his 1oca" cor#s so he #ie# in a/oni4e# si"ence,
Outnu(bere#$ Sirak e8tin/uishe# his "i/htsaber$ #roppe# it to the /roun#$ an# fe"" to his knees,
7P"ease$ Bane$7 he be//e#$ his 1oice crackin/, 7! yie"#, -ou are a true Sith Lor#, ! know that now,7
Githany whispere#$ 7n# it now$ Bane,7
Bane a#1ance# unti" he towere# o1er his /ro1e"in/ foe, Su##en"y it wasn't :ust Sirak he saw before
hi(, !t was e1eryone he'# e1er struck #own, 1ery "ife he'# e1er taken, &ohar/h$ the +akurth, 0he
na(e"ess Repub"ic so"#ier he'# ki""e# on .patros, 2is father,
2e was responsib"e for their #eaths, 1en now$ they wei/he# on hi(, Gui"t o1er &ohar/h's #eath
ha# "eft hi( nu(b to the #ark si#e for (onths, !t ha# shack"e# hi( "ike iron, 2e #i#n't want to
suffer throu/h that a/ain,
7Listen to (e$7 Sirak p"ea#e#, 7!'"" ser1e you, !'"" #o anythin/ you co((an#, -ou can use (e, ! can
he"p you, P"ease$ Bane%ha1e (ercy=7
Bane stee"e# hi(se"f, 70hose who ask for (ercy$7 he answere# co"#"y$ 7are too weak to #eser1e it,7
2is b"a#e #ecapitate# his he"p"ess foe, 0he torso re(aine# upri/ht for a fu"" secon#$ the charre#
e#/es of the cauteri4e# stu(p where the hea# ha# once been attache# sti"" s(okin/, 0hen it topp"e#
forwar#,
Starin/ #own at it$ Bane fe"t on"y one thin/* free#o(, 0he /ui"t$ the sha(e$ the wei/ht of
responsibi"ity ha# a"" 1anishe# in that sin/"e$ #ecisi1e act, 2e ha# opene# hi(se"f to the #ark si#e
co(p"ete"y, !t sur/e# throu/h hi($ fi""in/ hi( with confi#ence an# power,
0hrou/h power$ ! /ain 1ictory, 0hrou/h 1ictory (y chains are broken, 2e turne# to see Githany
s(i"in/$ her eyes fi""e# with hun/er,
7! of a"" peop"e shou"# ha1e known better than to un#eresti(ate you$7 she sai#, 7-ou saw (e take
your "i/htsaber= 0hat's why you fo""owe# (e,7
7;o$7 Bane rep"ie#$ sti"" hea#y fro( the rush of ki""in/ his ene(y, 7! #i#n't see anythin/, ! was :ust
/uessin/9'
&or a brief (o(ent her e8pression #arkene#3 then she burst out with a "au/h, 7-ou ne1er cease to
a(a4e (e$ Lor# Bane,7
7Don't ca"" (e that$7 he sai#,
7Why not97 she aske#, 75or#is has /i1en a"" the stu#ents the rank of Dark Lor# of the Sith,7
Seein/ hi( wince$ she steppe# forwar# an# wrappe# her ar(s aroun# his neck$ "ookin/ up into his
face, 7Bane$7 she breathe#$ 7we're /oin/ to fi/ht the )e#i= We're /oin/ to :oin Lor# Kaan's
Brotherhoo# of Darkness=7
2e reache# up an# /raspe# her #e"icate han#s in his own (assi1e ones$ then /ent"y unwoun# her
ar(s fro( aroun# his neck, Pu44"e#$ she offere# no resistance as he brou/ht his han#s to/ether at
his chest$ her own c"aspe# between the(,
2ow cou"# he (ake her un#erstan#9 2e was of the #ark si#e now3 Sirak's e8ecution ha# been the
fina" step, 2e ha# crosse# the thresho"#3 there was no /oin/ back, 2e wou"# ne1er hesitate a/ain,
;e1er #oubt a/ain, 0he transfor(ation he ha# be/un when he'# first co(e to the .ca#e(y was
co(p"ete* he was Sith,
;ow$ (ore than e1er$ he un#erstoo# the fai"in/s of the Brotherhoo#, 7Kaan is a foo"$ Githany$7 he
sai#$ starin/ intent"y into her eyes to rea# her e8pression,
She recoi"e# s"i/ht"y an# trie# to pu"" her han#s away, 2e he"# the( ti/ht,
7-ou'1e ne1er e1en (et Lor# Kaan$7 she sai# #efensi1e"y, 7! ha1e, 2e's a /reat (an$ Bane, . (an
of 1ision,7
72e's b"in# as an Orke""ian ca1e s"u/$7 Bane insiste#, 70he Brotherhoo# of Darkness$ this .ca#e(y$
e1erythin/ the Sith ha1e beco(e is a (onu(ent to his i/norance=7 2e c"aspe# her han#s e1en (ore
ti/ht"y, 7<o(e with (e, 0here is nothin/ "eft for us on Korriban$ an# on"y #eath on Ruusan, But !
know so(ewhere e"se we can /o, . p"ace where the #ark si#e is sti"" stron/,7
She s6uir(e# her han#s free an# pu""e# away fro( hi(, 7Lor# Kaan has unite# the Sith in a sin/"e
/"orious cause, We can :oin the( on Ruusan,7
70hen /o=7 Bane spat, 7)oin the others on Ruusan, Be unite# with the( in their #efeat,7
2e turne# an# stor(e# an/ri"y away as she ca""e# out 7Wait$ Bane, Wait=7
!f she ha# (a#e any (o1e to fo""ow hi($ he (i/ht ha1e,
Bane kicke# open the #oor to 5or#is's cha(ber3 it s"a((e# a/ainst the wa"" with a crash that
re1erberate# #own the ha"", 0he .ca#e(y's +aster ha# been awake an# a"rea#y #resse#$ (e#itatin/
on the (at in the center of his roo(, ;ow he "eapt to his feet$ an/er #arkenin/ his face,
7What is the (eanin/ of this97
7Di# you sen# Sirak to ki"" (e97 Bane b"urte# out, 0he ti(e for subt"ety was /one,
7What9 ! ,,, #i# so(ethin/ happen to Sirak97
7! ki""e# hi(, -e1ra an# L"okay$ too, 0heir bo#ies are in the archi1es,7
0he shock an# horror of his reaction (a#e it c"ear that 5or#is ha# known nothin/ about the attack,
7-ou #i# this on the e1e of our #eparture for Ruusan97 he aske#$ his 1oice risin/ shri""y,
. few of the other +asters ha# /athere# in the corri#or outsi#e$ #rawn by Bane's "ou# arri1a", .
han#fu" of the stu#ents$ as we"", Bane #i#n't care,
7-ou can /o to Ruusan$7 Bane snappe#, 7! wi"" ha1e nothin/ to #o with the Brotherhoo# of
Darkness,7
7-ou are a stu#ent of this .ca#e(y$7 5or#is re(in#e# hi(, 7-ou wi"" #o as you are to"#=7
7! a( a Dark Lor# of the Sith$7 Bane countere#, 7! ser1e no one but (yse"f,7
G"ancin/ o1er Bane's shou"#er at the /atherin/ crow# of curious on"ookers$ 5or#is #roppe# his
1oice to a threatenin/ whisper, 7We "ea1e for Ruusan to(orrow$ Lor# Bane, -ou wi"" be co(in/
with us, 0his is not a (atter for #iscussion,7
7! a( "ea1in/ toni/ht$7 Bane rep"ie#$ "owerin/ his 1oice to (atch an# (ock the tone of 5or#is's
own, 7.n# none of you here is stron/ enou/h to stop (e='
2e turne# his back on the hea# of the .ca#e(y an# wa"ke# s"ow"y fro( the roo(, &or a brief
secon# he fe"t the spurne# +aster /atherin/ the &orce$ an# Bane brace# hi(se"f for a confrontation,
But a secon# "ater he fe"t the power fa#in/ away,
.t the thresho"# he ha"te#, When he spoke$ he was a##ressin/ the asse(b"e# /awkers as (uch as
5or#is,
7So(eone here once to"# (e the Darth tit"e was no "on/er use# because it pro(ote# ri1a"ry a(on/
the Sith, !t /a1e the )e#i an easy tar/et, !t was easier :ust to aban#on the custo(, 0o ha1e a"" the Sith
+asters use the sa(e tit"e of Dark Lor#,7
2e raise# his 1oice s"i/ht"y$ speakin/ "ou# enou/h for a"" to hear, 7But ! know the truth$ 5or#is, !
know why none of you c"ai(s that na(e for yourse"f, &ear, -ou're cowar#s,7
2e ha"f turne# an# "ooke# back at 5or#is, 7;one of the Brotherhoo# is worthy of the Darth tit"e,
Least of a"" you,7
0here was a /asp fro( the asse(b"a/e, So(e of the stu#ents steppe# back$ e8pectin/ so(e type of
reaction, Of course there was none,
Shakin/ his hea# in #is/ust$ Bane "eft the( there, .s he passe# the other +asters$ Kas'i( steppe# in
front of hi($ p"acin/ a han# on his chest,
7Don't /o$7 the B"a#e(aster sai#, 7Let's ta"k about this, !f you :ust (eet with Kaan you'""
un#erstan#, 0hat's a"" ! ask$ Bane,7
7!t's Darth Bane$7 he sai#$ s"appin/ the 0wi'"ek's han# away an# pushin/ past hi(,
;obo#y e"se trie# to stop hi( as he (a#e his way throu/h the te(p"e's ha""s, ;obo#y trie# to fo""ow
hi( or e1en ca""e# out as he (ounte# the stairs to the s(a"" "an#in/ pa# on the roof,
0here was on"y a sin/"e ship at the starport* the Da"cyn$ a 0%c"ass "on/%ran/e persona" cruiser, 0he
b"a#e%shape# 1esse" was one of the finest in the Sith f"eet$ e6uippe# with the "atest an# (ost
a#1ance# techno"o/y, !t ha# arri1e# :ust the #ay before* a /ift fro( Kaan to 5or#is$ in reco/nition
of his work with the apprentices at the .ca#e(y,
Bane "owere# the access hatch an# c"i(be# insi#e, Durin/ his stint in the (i"itary he'# been /i1en
ru#i(entary trainin/ in the basics of pi"otin/ a stan#ar# hyper#ri1e 1esse", &ortunate"y$ the Da"cyn's
contro"s (atche# a"" inter/a"actic stan#ar#s of operation an# were #esi/ne# for ease of use, 2e sat
hi(se"f #own in the pi"ot's chair an# fire# up the thrusters$ punchin/ in the hyperspace coor#inates
of his #estination e1en as he be/an the "iftoff se6uence, . (o(ent "ater the Da"cyn rose up fro( the
"an#in/ pa#'s surface then shot off into the at(osphere$ "ea1in/ Korriban an# the .ca#e(y behin#,
P.R0 02R
<hapter >1
Lor# 2oth$ )e#i +aster an# actin/ /enera" of the Repub"ic forces on Ruusan$ sat hu##"e# on a
stu(p outsi#e his tent an# stare# up at the #ark c"ou#s ho1erin/ abo1e the ca(p, 2e scow"e# at the
broo#in/ sky as if he cou"# banish the co(in/ stor( with the fierceness of his e8pression,
7!s so(ethin/ troub"in/ you$ Lor# 2oth97
0he 1oice of +aster Pernicar$ his "on/ti(e frien# an# ri/ht han# #urin/ this ne1er%en#in/
ca(pai/n$ snappe# his attention back to where it be"on/e#,
7What isn't troub"in/ (e$ Pernicar97 he aske# with a hea1y si/h, 7We're "ow on foo# an# (e#pacs,
Our in:ure# outnu(ber our ha"e, 0he scouts report that reinforce(ents are on their way to assist
Kaan an# his Sith,7 2e s"appe# his han# #own on one knee, 7."" we ha1e co(in/ to our ai# are
youths an# chi"#ren,7
7<hi"#ren who are stron/ in the &orce$7 Pernicar re(in#e# hi(, 7!f we #on't recruit the( to our
si#e$ the Sith wi"" c"ai( the( for theirs9'
7B"ast it$ Pernicar$ they're :ust chi"#ren= ! nee# )e#i, &u""y traine#, ."" we can spare, But there are
sti"" (e(bers of our own or#er who refuse to he"p us,7
7Perhaps it's how you ask the($7 a new 1oice sai# fro( behin# hi(,
2oth rubbe# his te(p"es but #i#n't turn to face the speaker, Lor# Da"enthyne &arfa""a ha# been one
of the first )e#i +asters to :oin the .r(y of Li/ht on Ruusan, 2e ha# fou/ht in near"y e1ery
confrontation$ an# the Sith ha# co(e to know hi( we""* &arfa""a was har# to (iss e1en in the chaos
of batt"e,
2e ha# "on/$ f"owin/ cur"s of /o"#en hair that hun/ #own past his shou"#ers, 0he breastp"ate of his
ar(or was a"so /o"#$ buffe# an# po"ishe# unti" it /"ea(e# before e1ery batt"e, !t was tri((e# with
bri/ht re# s"ee1es an# a#orne# with rubies that (atche# the co"or of his eyes an# contraste# with his
pa"e skin,
Lor# 2oth foun# hi( insufferab"e, &arfa""a was a "oya" ser1ant of the "i/ht$ but he was a"so a 1ain
an# prancin/ foo" who spent (ore ti(e se"ectin/ his war#robe before each batt"e than he #i#
p"annin/ strate/y, &arfa""a was the "ast person he wante# to #ea" with now,
7!f you showe# (ore tact$ Lor# 2oth$7 &arfa""a continue#$ /"i#in/ into 1iew$ 7you (i/ht ha1e
ra""ie# (ore )e#i to your cause,7
7! shou"#n't ha1e to persua#e the(=7 2oth roare#$ "eapin/ to his feet an# wa1in/ his ar(s in
e8asperation, &arfa""a hoppe# ni(b"y out of the way, 7We're fi/htin/ the Sith= 0he #ark si#e (ust
be #estroye#= We cou"# #o it if (ore )e#i were here=7
70here are so(e who #on't see it that way$7 Pernicar sai# ca"("y, 2e ha# beco(e use# to 2oth's
outbursts #urin/ their ti(e on Ruusan$ an# ha# "earne# to i/nore the($ for the (ost part,
70here are other Repub"ic wor"#s besi#es this one that are un#er attack$7 &arfa""a chi(e# in, 7+any
)e#i are ai#in/ the Repub"ic troops in other sectors$ he"pin/ the( a/ainst the Sith f"eets,7
2oth spat on the /roun# an# was p"ease# to see &arfa""a's "ook of horrifie# #is/ust, 70hose f"eets
(i/ht f"y the banner of the Sith$ but they're (a#e up of or#inary bein/s, 0he Repub"ic has the
nu(bers to beat the( back, 0hey #on't nee# the he"p of the )e#i to #o it, ."" the rea" Sith%the Dark
Lor#s%are here now, !f we #efeat the Brotherhoo# of Darkness$ the Sith rebe""ion wi"" co""apse,
Don't they un#erstan# that97
0here was a "on/ si"ence as the other two e8chan/e# uneasy "ooks, !t was Pernicar who fina""y
foun# the coura/e to answer,
7So(e of the )e#i be"ie1e we shou"#n't be here, 0hey fee" the on"y thin/ keepin/ the Brotherhoo#
to/ether is their hatre# of the .r(y of Li/ht, 0hey c"ai( if we #isban# an# surren#er Ruusan$ then
the Sith wi"" 6uick"y turn a/ainst each other$ an# the Brotherhoo# wi"" tear itse"f apart,7
2oth shook his hea# in #isbe"ief, 7Don't they see what a /reat opportunity we ha1e here9 We can
wipe out the fo""owers of the #ark si#e once an# for a""=7
7So(e (i/ht ar/ue that is not the purpose of our or#er$7 &arfa""a su//este# /ent"y, 70he )e#i are
#efen#ers of the Repub"ic, 0hey fee" the .r(y of Li/ht is pro"on/in/ the rebe""ion by stren/thenin/
the Sith reso"1e, 0hey say you are actua""y causin/ har( to the Repub"ic you were sworn to
#efen#,7
7!s that what you think97 2oth snar"e#,
7Lor# &arfa""a has been with us since the be/innin/$7 Pernicar re(in#e# hi(, 72e is on"y te""in/
you what others are sayin/%those )e#i who ha1e not co(e to Ruusan,7
70he Sith are /ettin/ reinforce(ents fro( Korriban$7 2oth /ru(b"e#, 7We bare"y ha1e enou/h
nu(bers to ho"# the( off as it is, !'"" :ust ha1e to (ake the( un#erstan#=7
7We wou"# probab"y ha1e (ore success if so(eone e"se approache# the($7 &arfa""a sai#, 70here are
so(e who be"ie1e this has beco(e a persona" 1en#etta for you, 0hey #o not see Ruusan as the
u"ti(ate stru//"e between the "i/ht an# the #ark$ but rather as a feu# between you an# Lor# Kaan,7
2oth sat back #own weari"y, 70hen we are #oo(e#, Without reinforce(ents we wi"" be
o1erwhe"(e#,7
&arfa""a crouche# #own besi#e hi($ "ayin/ a perfect"y (anicure#$ hea1i"y perfu(e# han# on 2oth's
brawny shou"#er, !t took e1ery ounce of the /enera"'s )e#i #iscip"ine not to shru/ hi( off,
7Sen# (e$ (y "or#$7 &arfa""a sai# earnest"y, 7! ha1e been here since the be/innin/3 ! be"ie1e in this
cause as stron/"y as you,7
7Why shou"# they "isten to you any (ore than (e97
&arfa""a /a1e a hi/h$ twitterin/ "au/h that set 2oth's teeth on e#/e, 7+y "or#$ for a"" your ski"" in
batt"e an# a"" your stren/th in the &orce$ you are so(ewhat "ackin/ in the #e"icate art of #ip"o(acy,
-ou are a bri""iant /enera"$ an# your taciturn nature ser1es you we"" when /i1in/ or#ers to your
troops, Unfortunate"y$ it can set those who are not un#er your co((an# on e#/e,7
7-ou are too b"unt$ (y "or#$7 Pernicar c"arifie#,
70hat's what ! :ust sai#$7 &arfa""a insiste# with :ust a hint of annoyance, 0hen he continue#$ 7On the
other han#$ peop"e fin# (e witty an# char(in/, ! can be 6uite persuasi1e when necessary, Gi1e (e
"ea1e to recruit others to our cause$ an# ! wi"" return with a hun#re#%no$ three hun#re#=%)e#i rea#y to
:oin the .r(y of Li/ht,7
2oth #roppe# his hea# into his han#s a/ain, 2is te(p"es were throbbin/* &arfa""a a"ways see(e# to
ha1e that effect on hi(,
7Go$7 he (uttere# without "ookin/ up, 7!f you're so certain you can brin/ (e reinforce(ents$ then
brin/ the(,7
&arfa""a /a1e an e8tra1a/ant bow$ then turne# with a f"ourish an# "eft$ his /o"#en "ocks strea(in/
out behin# hi( in the risin/ win# of the co(in/ stor(,
.s soon as he was out of earshot$ Pernicar spoke a/ain, 7!s that wise$ (y "or#9 Our nu(bers are
a"rea#y thin, 2ow "on/ #o you think we can sur1i1e without hi(97
0he rain be/an to fa"" in /reat$ hea1y #rops$ an# an i#ea spran/ into 2oth's (in#, 70he Sith can't
#efeat us if we #on't stan# an# fi/ht$7 he sai#, 7We won't /i1e the( a chance, 0he wet season is
here3 the rains wi"" (ake it i(possib"e for their trackers to fin# us, We'"" hi#e in the forest$ harryin/
the( with 6uick attacks an# a(bushes before we 1anish back into the trees,7
70hat strate/y won't work once the #ry season co(es$7 Pernicar warne#,
7!f &arfa""a hasn't brou/ht (e (y reinforce(ents by then$ it won't (atter$7 2oth rep"ie#,
0he fi1e !nter"opers%s(a""$ (i#ran/e (u"titroop transport ships use# by the Sith%swept in "ow o1er
Ruusan's hori4on, ach 1esse" carrie# a crew of ten$ co(prise# entire"y of for(er stu#ents an#
+asters fro( Korriban's .ca#e(y,
!n the "ea# ship Githany worke# the contro"s with the ca"( precision of a hi/h"y traine# pi"ot, She'#
actua""y "earne# to f"y on a Repub"ic 1esse"$ but the basics were the sa(e,
0he !nter"opers were "i/hter an# 6uicker than the Bi1ouac transports preferre# by the Repub"ic, 0he
!nter"opers ha# "ess ar(or p"atin/$ sacrificin/ the safety of the occupants insi#e in e8chan/e for
/reater ran/e an# (aneu1erabi"ity, .s if to pro1e the point$ she banke# her 1esse" #own an# har# to
port$ brin/in/ it so c"ose to the p"anet's surface that the "ea1es on the trees of Ruusan's /reat forest
tre(b"e# in the wake of the ion #ri1e,
0he other 1esse"s fo""owe# her "ea#$ ne1er breakin/ for(ation, Linke# to Githany throu/h the
&orce$ the other pi"ots reacte# in perfect unison to her e1ery (o1e, !f she (a#e a (istake$ the entire
con1oy wou"# /o #own, But Githany #i#n't (ake (istakes,
7!t (i/ht be safer to c"i(b hi/her abo1e the tree "ine$7 Lor# 5or#is obser1e# fro( his seat at
Githany's si#e in the cockpit,
7! #on't want the )e#i pickin/ anythin/ up on their scanners$7 she e8p"aine#$ her attention focuse#
on keepin/ the ship fro( s(ashin/ into the ocean of woo# (ere (eters be"ow the hu"", 70he
Brotherhoo# hasn't secure# this re/ion, !f a s6ua# of seekers "ocks on to us$ these transports aren't
e6uippe# with enou/h firepower to ho"# the( off,7
&ar in the #istance ha"f a #o4en s(a"" fi/hters ca(e into 1iew$ their tra:ectory brin/in/ the( on a
#irect "ine to intercept the !nter"opers' path, 5or#is swore$ an# Githany brace# herse"f to be/in
e1asi1e (aneu1ers,
. secon# "ater she reco/ni4e# the #istincti1e out"ine of the Sith Bu44ar#s an# breathe# a si/h of
re"ief, 7Our escort's here$7 she sai#,
0hey'# be at the Sith base ca(p in a few (inutes$ an# with the Bu44ar#s there to pick off any
inco(in/ )e#i fi/hters there was no nee# to f"y so #an/erous"y c"ose to the treetops any(ore, She
cou"# ha1e ease# back on the stick to brin/ the ship up to a safer a"titu#e,
!nstea# she he"# her course, She en:oye# the thri"" of bein/ one tiny (iscue fro( an instantaneous
an# fiery en#, &ro( his ri/i# posture in the copi"ot's chair$ it was c"ear 5or#is #i#n't share her
opinion,
Once they c"eare# the forest she thrott"e# back their spee#$ then brou/ht the ship #own /racefu""y in
the "an#in/ fie"# at the e#/e of Lor# Kaan's enca(p(ent,
. s(a"" co""ection of Sith +asters$ Kaan stan#in/ at their hea#$ waite# to /reet the reinforce(ents
as they #ise(barke#, 0hey (i/ht ha1e been on"y fifty in nu(ber$ but each one of the( was a Sith
Lor#* (ore powerfu" than an entire #i1ision of so"#iers,
.s she (a#e her way #own the ship's e8it ra(p$ Githany was 6uick to un#erstan# why their
presence ha# been so ur/ent"y re6ueste#, Beyon# the asse(b"a/e of Dark Lor#s the rest of the ca(p
sprea# out to the "i(its of her 1ision$ an# a"" she cou"# see was a picture of /ri( #espair, Ra//e#$
ra(shack"e tents arran/e# in ti/ht rin/s of fi1e house# the bu"k of the ar(y* c"oth #o(ici"es staine#
an# torn by win# an# rain, Scattere# a(on/ the( were repu"sorcraft$ hea1y turrets$ an# other
instru(ents of war, 0he e6uip(ent was cake# with #rie# (u# an# spots of rust$ as if efforts to keep
it proper"y (aintaine# ha# been aban#one#,
0he troops were sprea# out in s(a"" pockets$ hu##"e# aroun# cook fires bui"t in the circ"es of tents,
0heir unifor(s were co1ere# in #ust an# /ri(e3 (any wore #irty ban#a/es o1er woun#s they ha#
/i1en up a"" hope of keepin/ c"ean or steri"e, 0heir faces were a"" scarre# by the bitter taste of far
too (any #efeats at the han#s of their ene(y$ an# it was the hope"essness of their e8pressions that
(a#e the /reatest i(pression,
Lor# 5or#is see(e# si(i"ar"y taken aback at the #is(a" scene$ an# he /ri(ace# as Lor# Kaan
approache#,
Kaan appeare# thin$ his face #rawn an# etche# with "ines of worry, 2is hair was be#ra//"e# an#
unke(pt, . #ay's worth of stubb"e sha#owe# his chin$ (akin/ hi( "ook o"# an# weary, 2e see(e#
physica""y s(a""er than Githany re(e(bere# hi(, Di(inishe#, Less co((an#in/, 0he spark she
ha# foun# so co(pe""in/ when she'# first (et hi( was no "on/er there, 2is eyes ha# once burne#
with the fire of a (an abso"ute"y confi#ent of his i((inent success, ;ow they burne# with
so(ethin/ e"se, Desperation, +a#ness$ perhaps, She cou"#n't he"p but won#er if Bane ha# been
ri/ht,
7We"co(e$ Lor# 5or#is*7 Kaan sai#$ /raspin/ the newco(er's ar( in /reetin/, 2e re"ease# his /rip
an# turne# to a##ress the rest of the(, 7We"co(e$ a"" of you$ to Ruusan,7
7! #i#n't e8pect to see your ar(y in such sorry shape*' 5or#is (u(b"e#,
. "ook that (i/ht ha1e been an/er f"ickere# across Kaan's features, 0hen it was /one$ rep"ace# by
the bea(in/ confi#ence Githany re(e(bere#, 2e threw his shou"#ers back an# stoo# a "itt"e
strai/hter,
7-ou can't :u#/e the 1ictor of a war without seein/ the con#ition of both si#es*' he sai# crisp"y, 70he
)e#i are in far worse shape, +y inte""i/ence reports that their casua"ties are far /reater than ours,
0heir supp"ies are runnin/ "ow3 their nu(bers are #win#"in/, We ha1e (e#pacs$ foo#$ an# /reater
nu(bers, .n# they #o not ha1e fresh reinforce(ents,7
2e "ifte# his 1oice so that it carrie# throu/hout the ca(p$ his wor#s boo(in/ across the tente#
"an#scape, 7;ow that you are here$ the Brotherhoo# of Darkness is at "ast who"e=7
0he troops in ca(p pause# an# "ooke# up at hi(, . few rose e8pectant"y to their feet, 0here was
fire in that sin/"e bo"# state(ent3 it rekin#"e# hope fro( the #a(p ashes of their fati/ue an# #espair,
70he fu"" power of the Sith Lor#s is now unite# here on Ruusan$7 he continue#$ pro:ectin/ his
wor#s to e1en the (ost #istant of his fo""owers, Reachin/ out to the( with the un#eniab"e power of
the &orce$ he fe# the($ re:u1enate# the($ an# fi""e# their ho""ow spirits, 7We are stron/, Stron/er
than the )e#i, We are the cha(pions of the #ark si#e$ an# we wi"" crush Lor# 2oth an# his ser1ants
of "i/ht=7
. /reat shout roare# up fro( his troops, 0hose who were seate# "eapt to their feet, 0hose who were
stan#in/ thrust their fists up in the air, 0he echo of their cheers shook the ca(p "ike a /roun#6uake,
Githany fe"t it as sure"y as the rest of the troops, !t was (ore than :ust the wor#s, !t was the way he
sai# the(, ."" her #oubts an# fears si(p"y 1anishe#$ crushe# by the wei/ht of that sin/"e brief
speech, !t was as if she ha# been co(pe""e# to obey by a power /reater than herse"f,
0hey (a#e their way throu/h the ca(p$ re1e"in/ in the newfoun# opti(is( of the troops as Lor#
Kaan "e# the( to the /reat tent where he con1ene# his war sessions, . thickset 0wi'"ek fe"" into step
besi#e Lor# 5or#is :ust ahea# of Githany, Swept up in the (o(ent$ it took her se1era" secon#s to
re(e(ber hi(* Lor# Kopec4,
7Where's Bane97 he aske# 5or#is$ his 1oice so "ow that on"y 5or#is an# Githany "ike"y hear# hi(,
7Bane is /one$7 5or#is rep"ie#,
Kopec4 /runte#, 7What happene#9 Di# you ki"" hi(97 2e (a#e "itt"e atte(pt to hi#e his conte(pt,
72e sti"" "i1es, But he has turne# his back on the Brotherhoo# of Darkness,7
7We nee# hi($7 Kopec4 insiste#, 72e's too stron/ for you to :ust "et hi( /o,7
7!t was his choice$ not (ine=7 5or#is snappe#,
0hey continue# in without speakin/, Kopec4 at "ast broke the si"ence$ si/hin/ as he aske#$ 7Do you
at "east know where he went97
7;o$7 5or#is sai#, 7;obo#y knows,7
Bane #roppe# the Da"cyn out of hyperspace on the farthest e#/e of the re(ote syste($ then kicke#
in the ion #ri1es an# continue# s"ow"y towar# the on"y habitab"e p"anet* a s(a"" wor"# "ocke# in
orbit aroun# a pa"e ye""ow star,
0he p"anet's officia" na(e was Lehon%the sa(e as the so"ar syste(%but it was (ore co((on"y
referre# to as the Unknown Wor"#, ;ear"y three thousan# years before$ in this insi/nificant syste(
"ocate# beyon# the farthest e#/es of e8p"ore# space$ Darth Re1an an# Darth +a"ak ha# #isco1ere#
the Rakata* an ancient species of &orce%users that ha# ru"e# the /a"a8y "on/ before the birth of the
Repub"ic,
0hey ha# a"so #isco1ere# the Star &or/e$ an incre#ib"e orbitin/ space station an# factory ,,, an# a
(onu(ent to the power of the #ark si#e, . /reat batt"e ha# been fou/ht here between the Repub"ic$
"e# by the re#ee(e# )e#i +aster Re1an$ an# Darth +a"ak's Sith, +a"ak ha# fa""en$ the Sith were
route#$ an# the Star &or/e ha# been #estroye#$ thou/h at /reat cost to the Repub"ic,
1en now the re(nants of that titanic batt"e re(aine#, Ships fro( both f"eets ha# been en/u"fe# in
the catac"ys(ic e8p"osion that ha# #estroye# the Star &or/e, .nythin/ cau/ht up in the shock wa1es
of the #etonation$ inc"u#in/ the (assi1e factory itse"f$ ha# been warpe# an# shre##e# by the
concussi1e force$ then fuse# to/ether by the heat of the b"ast into unreco/ni4ab"e chunks of (o"ten
(eta",
+uch of the wrecka/e ha# coa"esce# into a wi#e ban# that encirc"e# the s(a"" p"anet of Lehon "ike
the rin/s co((on to (any of the /as /iants across the /a"a8y, 0he rest of the #ebris was scattere#
throu/hout the syste($ orbitin/ the sun "ike a 1ast asteroi# fie"# that (a#e na1i/ation #ifficu"t$ if
not i(possib"e,
Bane switche# the contro"s to (anua" an# took o1er, Usin/ the &orce$ he (aneu1ere# his ship
carefu""y throu/h the treacherous obstac"e course, !t took near"y an hour to reach his #estination$
an# by the ti(e he fina""y passe# beyon# the rin/ an# into the re"ati1e safety of the Unknown
Wor"#'s at(osphere$ he was sweatin/ fro( the intense concentration,
0here was no other ship traffic to conten# with$ of course, ;obo#y hai"e# hi( as he #roppe# fro(
the sky towar# the p"anet's surface$ "ookin/ for a p"ace to "an#,
0he Rakata ha# been a #yin/ species on the 1er/e of e8tinction when Re1an an# +a"ak #isco1ere#
the(, Dirtua""y a"" e1i#ence of their e8istence beyon# their tiny ho(ewor"# ha# been wipe# out3
they ha# been pur/e# fro( /a"actic (e(ory, ;othin/ ha# si/nificant"y chan/e# after the Batt"e of
the Star &or/e to a"ter that fact,
Repub"ic officia"s ha# been aware of the($ of course$ but their e8istence ha# ne1er been officia""y
reco/ni4e# beyon# the c"assifie# reports of the conf"ict, !t was be"ie1e# that the /enera" popu"ation
wou"#n't ha1e reacte# we"" to the su##en ree(er/ence of an ancient species that ha# once ens"a1e#
(ost of the known /a"a8y, 0he few sur1i1in/ Rakata ha# #ec"ine# to "ea1e their ancestra" ho(e$
an# their nu(bers ha# been insufficient to (aintain a 1iab"e /ene poo", Within a few (ore
/enerations the "on/$ s"ow e8tinction of their species was fina""y co(p"ete,
Keepin/ secret the e8istence of the Rakata ha# pro1en to be a surprisin/"y si(p"e task, 0he syste(
ha# ne1er attracte# (uch attention after the batt"e, ."thou/h there was a 1ast a(ount of starship
(ateria" "eft o1er fro( the #estruction of the Star &or/e$ no atte(pts were (a#e to sa"1a/e any of it,
Rather than #esecratin/ the f"oatin/ /ra1es of its so"#iers$ the Repub"ic chose to honor the (e(ory
of its #ea# by #esi/natin/ Lehon a protecte# historica" site, 0hat (a#e it technica""y i""e/a" for any
ship to enter the syste( without officia" authori4ation,
;obo#y e1er bothere# to seek such per(ission, 0he syste( ha# no inherent 1a"ue or resources$
other than the protecte# starship #ebris, !t was "ocate# we"" beyon# any of the estab"ishe#
hyperspace "anes an# tra#e routes%so far out that not e1en s(u//"ers bothere# with it, . s(a""
notation of its "ocation was a##e# to the officia" Repub"ic recor#s$ an# it be/an to show up as an
insi/nificant speck on the frin/es of so(e of the (ore #etai"e# star charts, Beyon# that$ it (i/ht as
we"" ha1e not e1en e8iste#,
Bane un#erstoo# that it wasn't 6uite as si(p"e as that, 0he Unknown Wor"# was a p"ace stron/ in
the &orce, !t (ay e1en ha1e been the birthp"ace of the first ser1ants of the #ark si#e* the Rakata
"ea#ers who #ro1e their peop"e to con6uer an# ens"a1e hun#re#s of wor"#s ten thousan# years
before the rest of the /a"a8y e1en #isco1ere# hyper#ri1e techno"o/y, 0hat power ha# been
concentrate# an# focuse# in the Star &or/e$ an# wou"# ha1e been re"ease# with its #estruction,
0he )e#i un#erstoo# this$ an# they feare# what e1i" (i/ht bree# in such a p"ace, 0he Repub"ic
officia"s ha# acte# on their instruction$ iso"atin/ the entire syste($ effecti1e"y 6uarantinin/ it fro(
the rest of the /a"a8y, !n the ensuin/ centuries the )e#i ha# worke# to keep its secrets hi##en, 0he
story of Re1an an# +a"ak "i1e# on$ as #i# ru(ors an# specu"ation re/ar#in/ the Rakata$ but the true
nature of the Unknown Wor"# was burie# beneath a shrou# of secrets an# "ies of o(ission,
!n the .ca#e(y archi1es Bane ha# co(e across bits an# pieces that hinte# at the truth, .t first he
ha#n't e1en rea"i4e# the i(p"ications of what he was seein/, . s(a"" (ention of the wor"# here, .n
a""usion to it there, Un#erstan#in/ ha# co(e s"ow"y as he'# unra1e"e# the (ysteries of the #ark si#e,
.s his know"e#/e /rew$ he ha# co(e c"oser an# c"oser to asse(b"in/ the entire pu44"e, 2e'#
thou/ht to co(p"ete it in the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s but ha# fai"e#, ;ow he ha# co(e here to
c"ai( the fina" piece,
Be"ow hi( the wor"# was a patchwork of s(a"" tropica" is"an#s separate# by bri/ht b"ue ocean, 2e
use# the Da"cyn's sensors to i#entify the "ar/est "an#(ass$ then swoope# in "ookin/ for a p"ace to
touch #own, 0he is"an# was a"(ost co(p"ete"y co1ere# by thick$ "ush :un/"e$ an# there were no
c"earin/s "ar/e enou/h for his ship, &ina""y$ he pu""e# the thrott"e back an# be/an a s"ow #escent$
"an#in/ the Da"cyn on the crysta" san# beach on the is"an#'s e#/e,
.s soon as Bane's feet touche# the Unknown Wor"#'s surface he fe"t it* a #eep thru((in/$ si(i"ar to
what he'# first fe"t on Korriban but (uch$ (uch stron/er, 1en the air fe"t #ifferent* hea1y with
ancient history an# secrets "on/ for/otten,
Stan#in/ with his back to the ocean$ starin/ into the 1irtua""y i(penetrab"e wa"" of forest that
co1ere# the is"an#'s interior$ he sense# so(ethin/ e"se$ as we""* a presence3 a "ife%force of i((ense
si4e an# stren/th, !t was (o1in/ towar# hi(, 5uick"y,
. few secon#s "ater he cou"# hear it crashin/ throu/h the un#er/rowth, !t (ust ha1e been #rawn by
the ship's "an#in/ on the beach$ an enor(ous hunter "ookin/ for fresh prey,
0he rancor burst forth fro( the trees an# be/an "opin/ across the san#$ be""owin/ its terrib"e cry,
Bane he"# his /roun#$ watchin/ it co(e$ (ar1e"in/ at the spee# with which the (assi1e beast
(o1e#, When it ha# c"ose# the #istance between the( to "ess than fifty (eters$ he ca"("y he"# up a
han# an# reache# out with the &orce to touch the (in# of the char/in/ (onster,
.t his unspoken co((an# it stu(b"e# to a ha"t an# stoo# in p"ace$ pantin/, <arefu" to keep the
creature's pre#atory instincts fir("y in check$ Bane approache# the rancor, !t re(aine# sti""$ as
#oci"e as a tauntaun bein/ inspecte# by its ri#er,
&ro( its si4e Bane cou"# see it was a fu""%/rown (a"e$ thou/h the bri/ht co"oration of its hi#e an#
the s(a"" nu(ber of scars su//este# that it (ust ha1e on"y recent"y co(e to a#u"thoo#, 2e "ai# his
pa"( on one of its (assi1e "e/s$ fee"in/ the tre(b"in/ (usc"es beneath the skin as he probe# #eeper
into its ani(a" brain,
2e foun# no awareness$ concept$ or un#erstan#in/ of the +asters who ha# once ta(e# such beasts
for use as /uar#ians an# (ounts, 2e wasn't surprise#* the Rakata ha# 1anishe# (any centuries
before this rancor ha# been born, But Bane was "ookin/ for so(ethin/ e"se,
. co""a/e of i(a/es an# sensations assai"e# hi(, <ount"ess hunts throu/h the forest$ (ost en#in/ in
successfu" s"au/hter, 0he ren#in/ of sinew an# bone, &eastin/ on the 6uarry's sti""%war( f"esh, 0he
search for a (ate, Batt"in/ with another rancor for #o(inance, .n# then$ fina""y$ he foun# what he
was searchin/ for,
Burie# #eep in the creature's (e(ories was the i(a/e of a /reat four%si#e# stone pyra(i# hi##en
#eep within the :un/"e's heart, 0he rancor ha# seen it on"y once$ back when it was sti"" a youn/"in/
in the care of the her# (others, -et the structure ha# "eft an in#e"ib"e (ark on the brutish (in#,
0he rancor was an ani(a"$ the top of the Unknown Wor"#'s foo# chain, !t knew no fear$ yet it "et out
a "ow (oan as Bane #re#/e# up the (e(ory of that 0e(p"e, 0he beast shu##ere#$ knowin/ what
was e8pecte# of it$ but it was power"ess to f"ee3 the &orce co(pe""e# it to obey,
!t crouche# "ow to the /roun#$ an# Bane "eapt up onto its back, !t rose carefu""y to its feet$ its ri#er
perche# on its /reat$ hunche# shou"#ers, .t Bane's co((an# the rancor "u(bere# off$ "ea1in/ the
beach behin# an# hea#in/ back into the forest$ carryin/ hi( towar# the ancient Rakatan 0e(p"e,
<hapter >>
!t took near"y an hour before Bane reache# his #estination, 0he 1e/etation aroun# hi( was tee(in/
with "ife$ but as he was carrie# a"on/ throu/h the :un/"e he saw nothin/ "ar/er than insects or s(a""
bir#s, +ost creatures scattere# before the rancor's a#1ance$ 1anishin/ "on/ before Bane e1er cane
c"ose enou/h to catch e1en a /"i(pse of the(, -et thou/h they sca(pere# away$ the rancor's keen
sense of s(e"" often picke# up their trai"$ an# (ore than once Bane ha# to rein in the beast's huntin/
instincts to keep it on course,
.s #ifficu"t as it was to keep the beast fro( racin/ off in pursuit of its ne8t (ea"$ it beca(e e1en
(ore #ifficu"t to #ri1e it forwar# as they neare# the te(p"e, 1ery few steps it wou"# try to 1eer to
the si#e or su##en"y shy away fro( its course, Once it e1en trie# to rear up an# #is"o#/e hi( fro(
its shou"#ers,
Bane cou"#n't see (ore than a few (eters ahea# throu/h the thick 1e/etation$ but he knew they
were c"ose now, 2e cou"# sense the power of the 0e(p"e$ ca""in/ to hi( fro( behin# the
i(penetrab"e curtain of tan/"e# 1ines an# twiste# branches, <"a(pin/ #own with the #ark si#e$ he
crushe# the "ast of the (i/hty rancor's wi"" to resist an# ur/e# it forwar#,
Su##en"y they broke throu/h into a c"earin/$ a circ"e near"y one hun#re# (eters across, !n the 1ery
center stoo# the Rakatan 0e(p"e, 0he structure rose near"y twenty (eters to the sky$ a (onu(ent of
car1e# rock an# stone, 0he on"y entrance was a broa# archway at the peak of an enor(ous staircase
car1e# into an outsi#e wa"" of the 0e(p"e itse"f, !ts surface was pristine* stark an# pure$ unsu""ie# by
c"in/in/ (oss or c"i(bin/ i1y, 0he /roun#s surroun#in/ it were barren but for a carpet of short$ soft
/rass, !t was as if the :un/"e feare# to creep forwar# an# rec"ai( the tainte# stone,
Bane "eapt #own fro( his (ount$ a"" his attention focuse# on the structure towerin/ before hi(,
&ree# fro( his power$ the rancor turne# an# f"e# back into the un#er/rowth, 0he terrib"e crashin/
cacophony of its escape was o1er"ai# with its torture# how"s$ but Bane notice# neither soun#, 2e
ha# no (ore use for the rancor3 he ha# foun# what he was searchin/ for,
2e took a tre(b"in/ step forwar# before stoppin/ short, 2e shook his hea# to c"ear it, 0he #ark si#e
was stron/ here$ so stron/ it (a#e hi( fee" "i/ht%hea#e#, 0hat (eant this was a p"ace of #an/er3 he
cou"#n't affor# to be wan#erin/ aroun# in a stupor,
.ccor#in/ to the accounts he'# rea# in the archi1es$ the 0e(p"e ha# once been protecte# by a
powerfu" ener/y shie"#$ one that re6uire# an entire Rakatan tribe%of which each in#i1i#ua" ha# been
a powerfu" &orce%user%to brin/ it #own, 2e #i#n't sense any such barrier$ but on"y a foo" wou"#
procee# without caution,
.s he ha# #one in the to(bs on Korriban$ he be/an to probe the area aroun# hi( with the &orce, 2e
fe"t the echoes of the safe/uar#s that ha# once protecte# the 0e(p"e$ but they were so weak as to be
a"(ost none8istent, 2e wasn't surprise#, 0he shie"#s aroun# the 0e(p"e ha# been fue"e# by the
power of the orbitin/ Star &or/e, With its #estruction$ the shie"#s ha# fai"e#%a"on/ with a"" the other
#efenses that ha# (a#e the Unknown Wor"# a /ra1eyar# of ships,
Won#erin/ what e"se ha# been "ost in the Star &or/e's 1io"ent en#$ he crosse# the surroun#in/
courtyar# an# (ounte# the 0e(p"e steps, 0he staircase was steep but wi#e$ an# the stone was
neither worn nor cracke# #espite its a/e, !t en#e# at a s(a"" "an#in/ "ea#in/ to the stone archway of
the entrance$ three%6uarters of the way up, 2e pause# at the thresho"#$ then passe# throu/h, 2e ha#
a brief sensation of what it (ust ha1e fe"t "ike for those who ca(e before hi(* the anticipation$ the
thri"" of #isco1ery, Once insi#e$ howe1er$ it on"y took a few (inutes of e8p"oration for his
e8cite(ent to fa#e,
Like Korriban$ the 0e(p"e ha# been strippe# of anythin/ of 1a"ue, 2e searche# for hours$ be/innin/
with the top f"oor where he ha# first co(e in an# procee#in/ #eeper an# #eeper unti" he reache# the
botto( "e1e"$ co(bin/ e1ery centi(eter of the e(pty ha""s an# #eserte# roo(s, -et e1en thou/h his
search was pro1in/ futi"e$ he #i#n't #espair, 0he crypts in the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s ha# fe"t
#raine#%use# up an# sucke# #ry, 0he Unknown Wor"# fe"t #ifferent, 0here was sti"" power here,
0here ha# to be so(ethin/ here for hi( to fin#, 2e was certain of it, 2e refuse# to accept another
fai"ure,
!t was in the "owest "e1e" of the 0e(p"e$ far be"ow the p"anet's surface$ that his obsessi1e 6uest
fina""y en#e#, When he first stu(b"e# into the roo( his attention was i((e#iate"y #rawn by the
re(ains of a (assi1e co(puter$ but it was c"ear"y beyon# any hope of repair, .n# then he notice#
so(ethin/ on the stone wa"" behin# the co(puter,
0he surface was etche# with a nu(ber of arcane sy(bo"s* the "an/ua/e of the Rakata$ perhaps,
0hey (eant nothin/ to hi($ an# he wou"# ha1e #is(isse# the( without a secon# /"ance, 8cept
that one of the( was /"owin/,
2e a"(ost ha#n't notice# it at first, !t was subt"e* a faint 1io"et hue tracin/ the e#/es of one of the
unusua" shapes, !t was a"(ost perfect"y "e1e" with his eye,
.s he stare# at it$ the /"ow /rew stron/er, 2e steppe# forwar# an# reache# out tentati1e"y with his
han#, 0he "i/ht winke# out$ start"in/ hi( into takin/ a step back, 2e reache# out a/ain$ but this
ti(e$ instea# of usin/ his han#$ he reache# out with the &orce,
0he stone character f"are# to "ife,
Stru//"in/ to contain his ea/erness$ he a/ain e8ten#e# his han# an# presse# har# a/ainst the
/"owin/ sy(bo", 0here was the soun# of turnin/ /ears$ an# the /rin#in/ of stone on stone, 0he
sea(s of a s(a"" s6uare%"ess than ha"f a (eter on each si#e%took shape in the wa"" as a section of
stone pushe# out,
Bane steppe# back as the chunk topp"e# #own fro( the wa"" an# shattere# on the /roun# at his feet$
re1ea"in/ a s(a"" cubbyho"e behin# it, With no hesitation$ he thrust his ar( into the #arkness to
sei4e whate1er was insi#e,
2is fin/ers wrappe# aroun# so(ethin/ co"# an# hea1y, 2e #rew it out an# stare# in won#er at the
artifact in his han#, S"i/ht"y "ar/er than his fist$ it ha# the shape of a four%si#e# pyra(i#%a tiny
rep"ica of the 0e(p"e in which he stoo#, Bane instant"y reco/ni4e# his pri4e for what it was* a Sith
2o"ocron$ a repository of forbi##en know"e#/e :ust waitin/ to be un"ocke#,
0he art of constructin/ 2o"ocrons ha# been "ost for count"ess (i""ennia$ but fro( his stu#ies Bane
knew so(ethin/ of the basic theory behin# their #esi/n, 0he infor(ation they containe# was store#
within an interwo1en$ se"f%encrypte# #i/ita" (atri8, . 2o"ocron's protection syste(s cou"#n't be
circu(1ente# or broken3 the infor(ation cou"#n't be s"ice# or copie#, 0here was on"y one way to
access the know"e#/e capture# within,
ach 2o"ocron was i(printe# with the persona"ity of one or (ore +asters to ser1e as /uar#ians,
When accesse# by one capab"e of un#erstan#in/ its secrets$ the 2o"ocron wou"# pro:ect tiny$ cru#e
ho"o/ra((ic i(a/es of the 1arious /uar#ians, 0hrou/h interaction with the stu#ent$ the
pro/ra((e# si(u"acra wou"# teach an# instruct in (uch the sa(e way as wou"# a f"esh%an#%b"oo#
(entor,
2owe1er$ a"" accounts of Sith 2o"ocrons ha# (a#e (ention of the ancient sy(bo"s a#ornin/ the
four%si#e# pyra(i#, 0he 2o"ocron he he"# in his han# was a"(ost co(p"ete"y b"ank, <ou"# this
possib"y pre#ate e1en the 2o"ocrons of the ancient Sith9 Was this a re"ic of the Rakata the(se"1es9
Wou"# the /uar#ians of the 2o"ocron be the i(printe# persona"ities of a"ien +asters fro( a ti(e
e1en before the birth of the Repub"ic9 .n# if so$ wou"# they be wi""in/ to teach hi( their secrets9
Wou"# they e1en respon# to hi(9
+o1in/ carefu""y$ he set the 2o"ocron /ent"y on the f"oor$ then sat #own before it, 2e crosse# his
"e/s an# be/an the #eep$ s"ow breathin/ of a (e#itati1e trance, Gatherin/ an# focusin/ his ener/y$
Bane pro:ecte# a wa1e of #ark &orce power out to en/u"f the s(a"" re"ic on the f"oor, 0he 2o"ocron
be/an to spark"e an# shi((er in response,
2e he"# his breath in anticipation$ unsure what wou"# co(e ne8t, . s(a"" bea( of "i/ht pro:ecte#
out fro( the top$ the partic"es scattere# an# #iffuse#, 0hey be/an to shift an# spin$ coa"escin/ into a
c"oake# fi/ure$ its features co(p"ete"y hi##en by the hoo# of its hea1y robe,
0hen a 1oice spoke$ crisp an# c"ear, 7! a( Darth Re1an$ Dark Lor# of the Sith,7
0he e(pty ha""s of the 0e(p"e abo1e tre(b"e# with the re1erberations of Bane's triu(phant$
boo(in/ "au/hter,
0o Bane it see(e# the teachin/s containe# within the sin/"e 2o"ocron surpasse# those of the
.ca#e(y's entire archi1es, Re1an ha# #isco1ere# (any of the ritua"s of the ancient Sith$ an# as the
2o"ocron's a1atar e8p"aine# their nature an# purpose$ Bane cou"# bare"y wrap his (in# aroun# their
aweso(e potentia", So(e of the ritua"s were so terrib"e%so #an/erous to atte(pt$ e1en for a true Sith
+aster%that he #oubte# he wou"# e1er #are to use the(, -et he #utifu""y copie# the( #own on
shea1es of f"i(si$ preser1in/ the( so he cou"# stu#y the( in /reater #epth "ater,
.n# there was far (ore than :ust the ancient practices of #ark si#e sorcerers store# insi#e the
2o"ocron, !n on"y a few short weeks he'# "earne# (ore about the true nature of the #ark si#e than he
ha# in a"" his ti(e on Korriban, Re1an ha# been a true Sith Lor#$ un"ike the si(perin/ +asters who
bowe# to Kaan an# his Brotherhoo#, .n# soon a"" his know"e#/e%his un#erstan#in/ of the #ark
si#e%wou"# be"on/ to Bane,
Githany woke with a start$ kickin/ the co1ers off her cot an# onto the #irt f"oor of the tent, She was
sweatin/ an# f"ushe#$ but it wasn't fro( the heat, Ruusan ha# entere# its rainy season$ an# thou/h
the #ays were war( an# hu(i#$ at ni/ht the te(perature #roppe# enou/h that the sentries on #uty
cou"# see the (isty c"ou#s of their own breath,
She'# been #rea(in/ of Bane, ;o$ not #rea(in/, 0he #etai"s were too sharp an# c"ear to ca"" it a
#rea(3 the e8perience too 1i1i# an# rea", !t was a 1ision, 0here was a "ink between the two of the($
a bon# estab"ishe# throu/h their ti(e to/ether stu#yin/ the &orce, . connection between (entor
an# stu#ent was not unhear# of$ a"thou/h Githany was no "on/er sure who ha# rea""y been the
+aster an# who the apprentice in their re"ationship,
2er 1ision ha# been one of stark c"arity* Bane was /oin/ to co(e to Ruusan, But he wasn't co(in/
to :oin the Brotherhoo#, 2e was co(in/ to #estroy it,
She shi1ere#$ the perspiration coo"in/ her skin in the chi"" ni/ht air, She ro""e# out of be# an# pu""e#
her hea1y c"oak on o1er her thin be#c"othes, She ha# to speak to Kaan about this, !t cou"#n't wait
unti" (ornin/,
0he ni/ht was #ark* the (oon an# stars were b"ocke# out by the broo#in/ stor( c"ou#s that ha#
fi""e# the sky e1er since she an# the others fro( Korriban ha# arri1e#, . "i/ht (ist fe"" fro( the sky$
a s"i/ht i(pro1e(ent fro( the stea#y #ri44"e that ha# been fa""in/ when she'# craw"e# weari"y into
be#,
. han#fu" of other Sith were wan#erin/ the ca(p, . few (u(b"e# uninte""i/ib"e /reetin/s as they
passe#$ but (ost kept their hea#s #own an# their feet p"o##in/ stea#i"y throu/h the (u#, 0he ar#or
Kaan ha# inspire# when the reinforce(ents ha# arri1e# ha# been #u""e# by the see(in/"y en#"ess
strea( of /ray$ wet #ays, !t wou"# be se1era" (ore weeks before the rains abate# an# /a1e way to
the swe"terin/ heat of Ruusan's "on/ su((er, Unti" then Kaan's fo""owers wou"# continue to suffer
fro( the #a(p an# co"#,
Githany pai# no attention, &ocuse# on her (ission$ she s"owe# on"y when she reache# the entrance
to the /reat tent that Kaan ha# (a#e his persona" 6uarters, 0here was a "i/ht burnin/ insi#e3 Lor#
Kaan was awake,
She entere# tentati1e"y, What she ha# to say was for his ears on"y, &ortunate"y$ she foun# hi( a"one,
But she stoppe# in the entry$ starin/ in (orbi# fascination at the apparition before her, !n the #i(
/"ow of the "antern that ser1e# as the tent's on"y source of i""u(ination$ Kaan "ooke# "ike a (an
/one (a#,
2e was pacin/ 6uick"y up an# #own the "en/th of the tent$ his steps une1en an# erratic, 2e was
hunche# o1er near"y #oub"e$ (utterin/ to hi(se"f an# shakin/ his hea#, 2is "eft han# constant"y
straye# up to tu/ on a stran# of his hair$ then 6uick"y :erke# #own as if it ha# been cau/ht in so(e
forbi##en act,
She cou"# har#"y be"ie1e that this cra4e# bein/ was the (an she ha# chosen to fo""ow, Was it
possib"e Bane ha# been ri/ht a"" a"on/9 She was on the 1er/e of s"ippin/ back out into the so##en
ni/ht when Kaan turne# an# fina""y notice# her,
&or a brief (o(ent his eyes showe# wi"# panic* they burne# with the fear an# #esperation of a
ca/e# ani(a", 0hen su##en"y he snappe# to his fu"" hei/ht$ stan#in/ strai/ht an# ta"", 0he "ook of
terror "eft his eyes$ rep"ace# by one of co"# an/er,
7Githany$7 he sai#$ his we"co(e as co"# as his icy e8pression, 7! was not e8pectin/ 1isitors,7
;ow it was she who fe"t fear, Lor# Kaan ra#iate# power* he cou"# crush her as easi"y as she crushe#
the s(a"" beet"es that so(eti(es scutt"e# across the f"oor of her tent, 0he (e(ory of the cra1en$
broken (an was /one$ b"aste# fro( her (in# by the o1erwhe"(in/ aura of Kaan's authority,
7&or/i1e (e$ Lor# Kaan$7 she sai# with a s"i/ht bow of her hea#, 7! nee# to speak with you,7
2is an/er see(e# to soften$ thou/h he sti"" (aintaine# his un#eniab"y co((an#in/ presence, 7Of
course$ Githany, ! a"ways ha1e ti(e for you,7
0he wor#s were (ore than cor#ia" for(a"ity3 there was so(ethin/ #eeper beneath the(, Githany
was an attracti1e wo(an3 she was use# to bein/ the ob:ect of innuen#o an# (en's bare"y hi##en
#esire, Usua""y it e1oke# "itt"e (ore than re1u"sion$ but in Kaan's case it brou/ht a war( f"ush to
her cheeks, 2e was the foun#er of the Brotherhoo# of Darkness$ a (an of 1ision an# #estiny, 2ow
cou"# she not be f"attere# by his attentions9
7!'1e ha# a pre(onition$7 she e8p"aine#, 7! saw , , , ! saw Darth Bane, 2e was co(in/ to Ruusan to
#estroy us,7
75or#is has (a#e (e we"" aware of Bane's 1iews$7 he sai#$ no##in/, 70his is not une8pecte#,7
72e #oesn't see the /"ory of our cause$7 Githany sai#$ apo"o/i4in/ for Bane, 72e's ne1er (et you in
person, 2is on"y un#erstan#in/ of the Brotherhoo# co(es throu/h 5or#is an# the other +asters%the
ones who turne# their backs on hi(,7
Kaan /a1e her a pu44"e# stare, 7-ou ca(e to warn (e that Bane is p"annin/ to #estroy us, ;ow it
see(s you are tryin/ to :ustify his actions,7
70he &orce shows us what (ay be$ not necessari"y what wi"" be$7 she re(in#e# hi(, 7"f we can
con1ince Bane to :oin us$ he cou"# be a 1a"uab"e a""y a/ainst the )e#i,7
7! see$7 Kaan sai#, 7-ou fee" that if we brin/ hi( into the fo"# of the Brotherhoo#$ then your
pre(onition wi"" not co(e true,7 0here was a "on/ pause$ an# then he aske#$ 7.re you certain your
persona" fee"in/s for hi( are not c"ou#in/ your :u#/(ent in this (atter97
(barrasse#$ Githany cou"#n't (eet his eyes, 7!'( not the on"y one who fee"s this way$7 she
(u(b"e#$ starin/ #own at the /roun#, 7+any of the others fro( Korriban are troub"e# by his
absence$ as we"", 0hey'1e fe"t his stren/th, 0hey won#er why one so stron/ in the #ark si#e wou"#
re:ect the Brotherhoo#,7
She raise# her hea# when Kaan p"ace# a co(fortin/ han# on her shou"#er, 7-ou (i/ht be ri/ht$
Githany, But ! cannot act on your su//estion, ;obo#y e1en knows where Bane is,7
7! #o, 0here is a , , , a bon# between us, ! can te"" you where Bane has /one,7
Kaan reache# out to take her chin in his cuppe# pa"(, 2e ti"te# her hea# back e1er so s"i/ht"y,
70hen ! wi"" sen# so(eone to hi($7 he pro(ise#, 7-ou #i# the ri/ht thin/ by co(in/ to (e$
Githany$7 he a##e#$ /ent"y re"easin/ her an# /i1in/ her a reassurin/ s(i"e,
Githany$ bea(in/ with pri#e$ s(i"e# back,
She "eft a few (inutes "ater$ after e8p"ainin/ where Bane ha# /one an# why, Kaan watche# her /o$
her wor#s troub"in/ hi( thou/h he was carefu" not to "et it show, 2e ha# a""aye# her fears an# he
was confi#ent she wou"# re(ain "oya" to the Brotherhoo# #espite her ob1ious attraction to Bane,
Githany i(a/ine# herse"f the ob:ect of e1ery (an's #esire$ but Kaan cou"# see a si(i"ar #esire
burnin/ bri/ht"y within her* she hun/ere# for power an# /"ory, .n# he was a"" too wi""in/ to fee#
her pri#e an# a(bition with his f"irtin/$ praise$ an# pro(ises,
Sti""$ he wasn't sure what to (ake of her 1ision, 0hou/h he was stron/ in the &orce$ his ta"ents "ay
e"sewhere, 2e cou"# chan/e the course of a war with his batt"e (e#itation, 2e cou"# inspire "oya"ty
in the other Lor#s throu/h subt"e (anipu"ations of their e(otions, But he ha# ne1er e8perience# a
pre(onition "ike the one that ha# brou/ht her to his tent in the (i##"e of the #ark ni/ht,
2is first inc"ination was to #is(iss it as base"ess worry brou/ht on by "ow (ora"e, 0he
reinforce(ents fro( Korriban ha# brou/ht e8pectations of a 6uick en# to Ruusan's "on/ war, But
Genera" 2oth was too c"e1er to "et his .r(y of Li/ht be crushe# by the superior Sith (i/ht, 2e ha#
switche# tactics$ con#uctin/ a war of hit%an#%run skir(ishes$ sta""in/ for ti(e as he trie# to (arsha"
(ore support for his own forces,
;ow the Sith were /rowin/ i(patient an# rest"ess, 0he /"orious 1ictory Kaan ha# pro(ise# the(
weeks ear"ier ha# not (ateria"i4e#, !nstea# they tru#/e# throu/h (u# an# ne1er%en#in/ rain$ tryin/
to #efeat an ene(y that wou"#n't e1en stan# an# fi/ht, Githany's 1isit ha#n't surprise# hi(, 0he on"y
rea" surprise was that (ore of the Dark Lor#s ha#n't co(e to 1oice their #issatisfaction,
But that on"y (a#e Githany's warnin/s (ore #an/erous, Bane ha# re:ecte# the Brotherhoo# in a
1ery pub"ic spectac"e3 a"" the recruits fro( Korriban c"ai(e# to ha1e seen it in person, 0he story ha#
sprea# throu/h the ca(p "ike a p"a/ue, .t first they ha# scoffe# at his arro/ance an# stubbornness3
he ha# chosen to wa"k a"one$ an# he wou"# not share in the triu(ph of the Brotherhoo#, !n the
absence of that triu(ph$ howe1er$ so(e of the recruits ha# be/un to won#er if Bane was ri/ht,
Lor# Kaan ha# his spies a(on/ the Dark Lor#s, 0he whispers ha# reache# his ears, 0he Lor#s were
not rea#y to act on their #oubts$ but their reso"1e was weakenin/%a"on/ with their a""e/iance, 2e ha#
for/e# a coa"ition of ene(ies an# bitter ri1a"s, 0hou/h the Brotherhoo# of Darkness appeare#
stron/ as #urastee"$ one fir( 1oice of #issent cou"# fracture it into a thousan# fra/i"e pieces,
2e /rabbe# the "antern fro( his tent an# hea#e# out into the ni/ht's #ri44"e$ his "on/ stri#e
prope""in/ hi( 6uick"y throu/h the ca(p, 2e wou"# #ea" with Bane$ :ust as he ha# pro(ise#
Githany, !f the reca"citrant youn/ (an cou"# not be con1ince# to :oin the($ he wou"# ha1e to be
e"i(inate#,
Within a few (inutes Kaan ha# reache# his #estination, 2e pause# at the #oor$ re(e(berin/ his
an/er at Githany's une8pecte# entrance into his own tent, ;ot wishin/ to anta/oni4e the (an he ha#
co(e to see$ he ca""e# out$ 7Kas'i(97
7<o(e in$7 a 1oice answere# a secon# "ater$ an# he hear# the un(istakab"e shuush of a "i/htsaber
powerin/ #own,
2e entere# to fin# the 0wi'"ek B"a#e(aster c"a# on"y in breeches$ sweatin/ an# breathin/ har#,
7! see you're up$7 he note#,
7!t's not easy to s"eep on the e1e of batt"e, 1en a batt"e that ne1er see(s to co(e,7
Kas'i( was a warrior3 Kaan knew he chafe# at their inacti1ity, Dri""s an# e8ercises cou"# not
6uench his #esire for actua" co(bat, .t the .ca#e(y on Korriban the B"a#e(aster ha# perfor(e#
his #uty without co(p"aint, But here on Ruusan the pro(ise of batt"e was too near$ too insistent,
0he scent of b"oo# was a"ways in the air$ (in/"in/ with the sweat of fear an# anticipation, 2ere
Kas'i( cou"# be satisfie# on"y once he stoo# face%to%face with an ene(y, Soon his frustration wou"#
boi" o1er into rebe""ion$ an# Kaan cou"# i"" affor# to "ose the "oya"ty of the /reatest swor#s(an of
his ca(p, &ortunate"y$ he ha# a way to #ea" with both his prob"e(s%Bane an# Kas'i(%in one fe""
swoop,
7! ha1e a (ission for you, . (ission of /reat i(portance,7
7! "i1e to ser1e$ Lor# Kaan,7 Kas'i('s answer was ca"($ but his hea#%tai"s twitche# with
anticipation,
7! (ust sen# you far fro( Ruusan, 0o the en#s of the /a"a8y, -ou ha1e to /o to Lehon,7
70he Unknown Wor"#97 the B"a#e(aster aske#$ pu44"e#, 70here is nothin/ there but the /ra1eyar#
of our or#er's /reatest #efeat,7
7Bane is there$7 Kaan e8p"aine#, 7-ou (ust /o to hi( as (y en1oy, 8p"ain that he (ust :oin the
rest of the Sith here on Ruusan, 0e"" hi( that those who #o not stan# with the Brotherhoo# stan#
a/ainst it,7
Kas'i( shook his hea#, 7! #oubt it wi"" (ake a #ifference, Once his (in# is set he can be ,,,
stubborn,7
70he #ark si#e cannot be unite# in the Brotherhoo# if he stan#s a"one$7 Kaan e8p"aine#, .s he
spoke$ he reache# out with the &orce$ pushin/ e1er so /ent"y at the 0wi'"ek's woun#e# sense of
pri#e, 7! know he re:ecte# you an# the other +asters on Korriban, But you (ust (ake this offer
once (ore,7
7.n# when he refuses97 Kas'i('s wor#s were 6uick an# sharp, !nwar#"y$ Kaan s(i"e# at the
B"a#e(aster's /rowin/ an/er e1en as he pushe# :ust a "itt"e (ore,
70hen you (ust ki"" hi(,7
<hapter >A
70hose who use the #ark si#e are a"so boun# to ser1e it, 0o un#erstan# this is to un#erstan# the
un#er"yin/ phi"osophy of the Sith,7
Bane sat (otion"ess$ eyes ri1ete# on the a1atar of a Dark Lor# three thousan# years #ea# an# /one,
Re1an's pro:ecte# i(a/e winke# out of e8istence$ then s"ow"y f"ickere# back into 1iew, 0he
2o"ocron was fai"in/, Dyin/, 0he (ateria" use# to construct it%the crysta" that channe"e# the ener/y
of the &orce to /i1e the artifact "ife%was f"awe#, 0he (ore Bane use# it$ the "ess stab"e it beca(e,
-et he cou"#n't set it asi#e$ e1en for a sin/"e #ay, 2e ha# beco(e obsesse# with tappin/ a"" the
know"e#/e trappe# within$ an# he spent hours on en# #rinkin/ in Re1an's wor#s with the sa(e
sin/"e%(in#e# #eter(ination he ha# use# when (inin/ cortosis back on .patros,
70he #ark si#e offers power for power's sake, -ou (ust cra1e it, <o1et it, -ou (ust seek power
abo1e a"" e"se$ with no reser1ation or hesitation,7
0hese wor#s ran/ especia""y true for Bane$ as if the prepro/ra((e# persona"ity of his 1irtua"
+aster sense# it was nearin/ its en# an# ha# tai"ore# its "ast "essons especia""y for hi(,
70he &orce wi"" chan/e you, !t wi"" transfor( you, So(e fear this chan/e, 0he teachin/s of the )e#i
are focuse# on fi/htin/ an# contro""in/ this transfor(ation, 0hat is why those who ser1e the "i/ht
are "i(ite# in what they can acco(p"ish,
70rue power can co(e on"y to those who e(brace the transfor(ation, 0here can be no co(pro(ise,
+ercy$ co(passion$ "oya"ty* a"" these thin/s wi"" pre1ent you fro( c"ai(in/ what is ri/htfu""y
yours, 0hose who fo""ow the #ark si#e (ust cast asi#e these conceits, 0hose who #o not%those who
try to wa"k the path of (o#eration%wi"" fai"$ #ra//e# #own by their own weakness,7
0he wor#s a"(ost perfect"y #escribe# Bane as he ha# been #urin/ his ti(e at the .ca#e(y, Despite
this$ he fe"t no sha(e or re/ret, 0hat Bane no "on/er e8iste#, )ust as he ha# cast asi#e the (iner
fro( .patros when he ha# taken his Sith na(e$ so ha# he cast asi#e the stu(b"in/$ uncertain
apprentice when he ha# c"ai(e# the Darth tit"e for hi(se"f, When he'# re:ecte# 5or#is an# the
Brotherhoo#$ he ha# be/un the transfor(ation Re1an spoke of$ an# with the 2o"ocron's he"p he was
at "ast on the 1er/e of co(p"etin/ it,
70hose who accept the power of the #ark si#e (ust a"so accept the cha""en/e of ho"#in/ on to it$7
Re1an continue#, 7By its 1ery nature$ the #ark si#e in1ites ri1a"ry an# strife, 0his is the /reatest
stren/th of the Sith* it cu""s the weak fro( our or#er, -et this ri1a"ry can a"so be our /reatest
weakness, 0he stron/ (ust be carefu" "est they be o1erwhe"(e# by the a(bitions of those beneath
the( workin/ in concert, .ny +aster who instructs (ore than one apprentice in the ways of the
#ark si#e is a foo", !n ti(e the apprentices wi"" unite their stren/th an# o1erthrow the +aster, !t is
ine1itab"e, .8io(atic, 0hat is why each +aster (ust ha1e on"y one stu#ent,7
Bane #i#n't respon#$ but his "ip instincti1e"y cur"e# up in #is/ust as he re(e(bere# his instruction
at the .ca#e(y, 5or#is an# the others ha# passe# the apprentices aroun# fro( c"ass to c"ass$ as if
they were chi"#ren in schoo" instea# of heirs to the "e/acy of the Sith, Was it any won#er he ha#
stru//"e# to reach his fu"" potentia" in such a f"awe# syste(9
70his is a"so the reason there can be on"y one Dark Lor#, 0he Sith (ust be ru"e# by a sin/"e "ea#er*
the 1ery e(bo#i(ent of the stren/th an# power of the #ark si#e, !f the "ea#er /rows weak$ another
(ust rise to sei4e the (ant"e, 0he stron/ ru"e3 the weak are (eant to ser1e, 0his is the way it (ust
be,7
0he i(a/e f"ickere# an# :u(pe#$ an# then the tiny rep"ica of Darth Re1an bowe# its hea#$ #rawin/
its hoo# up to hi#e its features once (ore, 7+y ti(e here is en#e#, 0ake what ! ha1e tau/ht you an#
use it we"",7
.n# then Re1an was /one, 0he /"ow e(anatin/ fro( the 2o"ocron fa#e# away to nothin/, Bane
retrie1e# the s(a"" crysta" pyra(i# fro( the f"oor$ but it was co"# an# "ife"ess in his han#s, 2e fe"t
no trace of the &orce insi#e it,
0he artifact was of no (ore use to hi(, .s Re1an ha# tau/ht hi($ it (ust therefore be #iscar#e#,
2e "et it #rop to the f"oor, 0hen$ 1ery s"ow"y an# #e"iberate"y$ he crushe# it with the power of the
&orce unti" on"y #ust re(aine#,
0he Sith Bu44ar# broke into Lehon's at(osphere an# p"u((ete# #own throu/h the c"ear b"ue sky,
.t the contro"s Kas'i( (a#e s"i/ht a"terations to keep his 1esse" on its course$ a #irect "ine for the
ho(in/ beacon of the Da"cyn,
2e'# ha"f e8pecte# Bane to ha1e #isab"e# the beacon$ or at "east chan/e# its fre6uency, But #espite
bein/ aware of it%the beacon was stan#ar# on 1irtua""y a"" craft%he ha# "eft it a"one, ."(ost as if he
wasn't afrai# of anyone co(in/ after hi(, .s if he we"co(e# it,
Within a few (inutes Kas'i( /ot a 1isua" on his tar/et, 0he ship that ha# once%brief"y%be"on/e# to
5or#is before Bane ha# taken it for his own was restin/ on a beach of white san#$ the a4ure waters
of the Unknown Wor"#'s 1ast oceans on one si#e an# the i(penetrab"e :un/"e on the other, Scans
showe# no si/ns of "ife in the i((e#iate 1icinity$ but Kas'i( was wary as he brou/ht his own craft
in to touch #own besi#e it,
2e powere# #own the Bu44ar# an# c"i(be# out of the hatch, 2e fe"t the ener/y of the wor"#$ an#
the un(istakab"e presence of Darth Bane$ see(in/"y e(anatin/ fro( the :un/"e's #ark heart,
Leapin/ to the /roun#$ he "an#e# with a #u"" thu# on the soft%packe# san#$ his feet sinkin/ in e1er
so s"i/ht"y, . cursory e8a(ination of the Da"cyn confir(e# what he'# a"rea#y suspecte#* his prey
wasn't here,
.ny tracks Bane (i/ht ha1e "eft in the san# ha# been washe# away by the ti#es or carrie# away on
the bree4e, -et he knew where he was /oin/, Before hi($ the :un/"e "oo(e# "ush an# 1ibrant$ thick
an# forbi##in/* an a"(ost i(penetrab"e wa"" of 1e/etation$ e8cept for a wi#e swath car1e# throu/h
it,
So(eone or so(ethin/ of (assi1e si4e an# stren/th ha# torn that path throu/h the trees an#
un#er/rowth, ."rea#y the :un/"e was tryin/ to rec"ai( it, +oss /rew thick across the /roun#$ an# a
1ast network of creepin/ 1ines woun# their way o1er the surface, But it was c"ear enou/h for the
0wi'"ek to fo""ow,
2i##en eyes were watchin/ hi( fro( the :un/"e* e1en without the &orce he wou"# ha1e fe"t their
/a4e stu#yin/ hi($ e1a"uatin/ hi($ fo""owin/ his e1ery (o1e in an effort to #eter(ine if this
newco(er to the ecosyste( was hunter or prey, 0o he"p c"arify his ro"e$ he #rew out his /reat
#oub"e "i/htsaber an# i/nite# the twin b"a#es$ then be/an to :o/ s"ow"y #own the path,
.s he ran$ he probe# the surroun#in/ fo"ia/e with the &orce, +ost of the creatures he sense# pose#
"itt"e threat, Sti""$ he was wary, So(ethin/ ha# b"a4e# the trai" he was fo""owin/, So(ethin/ bi/,
."(ost ten ki"o(eters in%he'# been :o//in/ for near"y an hour%the B"a#e(aster fina""y encountere#
his first rancor, 0he trai" took a sharp turn to the east$ an# as he woun# aroun# the corner the
creature burst fro( the surroun#in/ trees$ snar"in/ an# how"in/,
Kas'i( wasn't surprise# in the "east by the a(bush, 2e'# sense# the rancor's presence fro( se1era"
hun#re# (eters away$ :ust as it ha# sure"y cau/ht his scent an# sta"ke# hi( fro( so(e /reat
#istance, 2e (et the creature's char/e with ca"($ ruth"ess efficiency,
Duckin/ un#er the first swipin/ c"aw$ he car1e# a #eep /ash a"on/ the beast's "eft fore"e/, When it
reare# back to be""ow in pain$ he s"ice# another #eep /roo1e in its soft un#erbe""y, 0he rancor #i#n't
fa"" ri/ht away3 it was far too (assi1e to be fe""e# by a pair of woun#s fro( a "i/htsaber, !nstea# the
pain #ro1e it into a berserk ra/e, !t f"ai"e# about with its teeth an# ta"ons$ spinnin/$ snappin/$ an#
s"ashin/ at e1erythin/ aroun# it,
Kas'i( twiste# an# #o#/e#$ "eapin/ o1er one attack$ then #roppin/ to the /roun# to ro"" beneath
another, 2e (o1e# so fast he wou"# ha1e been nothin/ but a b"ur ha# the rancor not been b"in#e#
by ra/e, .n# with each e1asion he struck another b"ow$ whitt"in/ away at the (ountain of sinew
an# f"esh "ike a (aster scu"ptor workin/ a "u(p of "o((ite,
0he rancor f"oun#ere#$ "u(berin/ an# stu(b"in/ as if it were perfor(in/ so(e #runken spacer's
#ance, !n contrast$ Kas'i( was 6uick an# precise, With each passin/ secon# his opponent s"owe#$ its
stren/th ebbin/ away, .t "ast$ with a for"orn /roan$ the beast topp"e# forwar# an# "ay (otion"ess,
Lea1in/ the beast where it ha# co""apse#$ Kas'i( presse# on with a newfoun# ur/ency to his pace,
0he batt"e$ short an# si(p"e as it ha# pro1e#$ was the first ti(e he'# been teste# in a true "ife%or%
#eath stru//"e since he'# a/ree# to he"p 5or#is train the stu#ents at the .ca#e(y, 2e was p"ease# to
see that his ski""s ha# not been #i(inishe# by the "on/ "ayoff,
Kas'i( ha# a fee"in/ he was /oin/ to nee# those ski""s a/ain before the #ay was throu/h,
Bane was sittin/ cross%"e//e# on the stone f"oor of the centra" cha(ber on the Rakatan 0e(p"e's
upper(ost f"oor, 2e was (e#itatin/ on Re1an's wor#s as he ha# often #one between the 2o"ocron's
"essons, ;ow that the artifact was /one$ it was e1en (ore i(portant to conte(p"ate what he ha#
"earne# about the nature of the #ark si#e , , , an# the path it wou"# "ea# hi( #own,
By its 1ery nature$ the #ark si#e in1ites ri1a"ry an# strife, 0his is the /reatest stren/th of the Sith* it
cu""s the weak fro( our or#er,
0he constant batt"in/ of the Sith since the be/innin/ of recor#e# history ser1e# a necessary purpose*
it kept the power of the #ark si#e concentrate# in a few powerfu" in#i1i#ua"s, 0he Brotherhoo# ha#
chan/e# a"" that, 0here were now a hun#re# or (ore Dark Lor#s fo""owin/ Kaan$ but (ost were
weak an# inferior, 0he Sith nu(bers were /reater than they ha# e1er been$ yet they were sti"" "osin/
the war a/ainst the )e#i,
0he power of the #ark si#e cannot be #isperse# a(on/ the (asses, !t (ust be concentrate# in the
few who are worthy of the honor,
0he stren/th of nu(bers was a trap , , , one that ha# snare# a"" the /reat Sith Lor#s who ha# co(e
before, ;a/a Sa#ow$ 8ar Kun$ Darth Re1an* each ha# been powerfu", ach ha# #rawn #iscip"es in$
teachin/ the( the ways of the #ark si#e, ach ha# asse(b"e# an ar(y of fo""owers an# un"eashe#
the( a/ainst the )e#i, -et in each an# e1ery case the ser1ants of "i/ht ha# pre1ai"e#,
0he )e#i wou"# a"ways re(ain unite# in their cause, 0he Sith wou"# a"ways be brou/ht "ow by
infi/htin/ an# betraya"s, 0he 1ery traits that #ro1e the( to in#i1i#ua" /reatness an# /"ory%the
unre"entin/ a(bition$ the insatiab"e hun/er for power%wou"# u"ti(ate"y #oo( the( as a who"e, 0his
was the inescapab"e para#o8 of the Sith,
Kaan ha# trie# to so"1e the prob"e( by (akin/ e1eryone e6ua" in the Brotherhoo#, But his so"ution
was f"awe#, !t showe# no un#erstan#in/ of the rea" prob"e(, ;o un#erstan#in/ of the true nature of
the #ark si#e, 0he Sith (ust be ru"e# by a sin/"e "ea#er* the 1ery e(bo#i(ent of the stren/th an#
power of the #ark si#e,
!f a"" are e6ua"$ then none is stron/, -et whoe1er rose fro( the swo""en an# b"oate# ranks of the Sith
to c"ai( the (ant"e of Dark Lor# wou"# ne1er be ab"e to ho"# it, !n ti(e the apprentices wi"" unite
their stren/th an# o1erthrow the +aster, !t is ine1itab"e, 0o/ether the weak wou"# o1erwhe"( the
stron/ in a /ross per1ersion of the natura" or#er,
But there was another so"ution, . way to break the en#"ess cyc"e #ra//in/ the Sith #own, Bane
un#erstoo# that now, .t first he ha# thou/ht the answer (i/ht be to rep"ace the or#er of the Sith
with a sin/"e$ a""%powerfu" Dark Lor#, ;o other +asters, ;o apprentices, )ust one 1esse" to contain
a"" the know"e#/e an# power of the #ark si#e, But he ha# 6uick"y #is(isse# the i#ea,
1entua""y e1en a Dark Lor# wou"# wither an# #ie3 a"" the know"e#/e of the Sith wou"# be "ost, !f
the "ea#er /rows weak$ another (ust rise to sei4e the (ant"e, One a"one wou"# ne1er work, But if
the Sith nu(bere# e8act"y two , ,
+inions an# ser1ants cou"# be #rawn in to the ser1ice of the #ark si#e by the te(ptation of power,
0hey cou"# be /i1en s(a"" tastes of what it offere#$ as an owner (i/ht share (orse"s fro( the tab"e
with his faithfu" curs, !n the en#$ howe1er$ there cou"# be on"y one true Sith +aster, .n# to ser1e
this +aster$ there cou"# be on"y one true apprentice,
0wo there shou"# be3 no (ore$ no "ess, One to e(bo#y the power$ the other to cra1e it, 0he Ru"e of
0wo,
0his was the know"e#/e that wou"# "ea# the #ark si#e into a new a/e, . re1e"ation that wou"# brin/
an en# to the infi/htin/ that ha# #efine# the or#er for a thousan# /enerations, 0he Sith wou"# be
reborn$ the new ways wou"# be swept away%an# Bane wou"# be the one to #o it,
But first he wou"# ha1e to #estroy the Brotherhoo#, Kaan$ 5or#is%a"" who ha# stu#ie# with hi( on
Korriban$ a"" the +asters on Ruusan%ha# to be pur/e# unti" he a"one re(aine#,
Darth Bane$ Lor# of the Sith, 0he tit"e was his by ri/ht3 there was no other stron/ enou/h in the
#ark si#e to cha""en/e hi(, 0he on"y 6uestion that re(aine# was who was worthy of bein/ his
apprentice, .n# how he wou"# e"i(inate the others,
7Bane=7 Kas'i('s 1oice cut off his thou/hts (i#strea(, 7! co(e with an in1itation fro( Lor# Kaan,7
Bane "eapt to his feet$ whippin/ out his "i/htsaber$ enra/e# at bein/ #isturbe# on the cusp of
en"i/hten(ent, 2e /"are# at Kas'i($ as an/ry at hi(se"f for bein/ too en/rosse# in his own thou/hts
to sense the 0wi'"ek's presence as he was at the interruption,
72ow #i# you fin# (e97 he aske#$ castin/ out with his (in# to see who e"se (i/ht ha1e in1a#e# the
Rakatan 0e(p"e an# its inner sanctu(, 2e fe"t a (i8ture of re"ief an# #isappoint(ent when he
rea"i4e# Kas'i( was a"one, 2e ha# been hopin/ for one (ore ,,, but she (ust ha1e chosen not to
co(e,
7Lor# Kaan to"# (e you ha# co(e to this wor"#, Once ! entere# the at(osphere$ ! si(p"y fo""owe#
the Da"cyn's beacon$7 the B"a#e(aster rep"ie#, 72ow Lor# Kaan knew you wou"# be here ! cou"#n't
say,7
Bane suspecte# Githany (ust ha1e to"# hi($ but he #i#n't bother te""in/ that to the 0wi'"ek, !nstea#
he aske#$ 7Di# Kaan sen# you to ki"" (e97
Kas'i( /a1e a s"i/ht no#, 7!f you wi"" not :oin the Brotherhoo#$ ! wi"" "ea1e your corpse on this
barren an# for/otten wor"#,7
7Barren97 Bane echoe#$ incre#u"ous, 72ow can you say that9 0he #ark si#e is stron/ here, &ar
stron/er than it e1er was on Korriban, 0his is where we wi"" fin# the power to #estroy the )e#i%not
in Kaan's Brotherhoo#=7
7Korriban was once a p"ace of /reat power$ too$7 his for(er instructor countere#, 7O1er the
centuries thousan#s of Sith ha1e e8p"ore# its secrets$ an# none of the( #isco1ere# any /reat
strate/y to #efeat our ene(y,7 0he 0wi'"ek i/nite# his #oub"e%b"a#e# "i/htsaber before continuin/,
7!t is ti(e to en# this foo"ish 6uest$ Bane, 0he o"# ways ha1e fai"e#, 0he )e#i #efeate# those who
fo""owe# the(* 8ar Kun$ Darth Re1an , , , they a"" "ost= We ha1e to fin# a new phi"osophy if we
want to #efeat the(,7
&or a brief (o(ent Bane fe"t the faint f"icker of e8cite(ent, Kas'i('s wor#s echoe# his own
thou/hts, Was it possib"e the B"a#e(aster was the apprentice he sou/ht9
Kas'i('s ne8t wor#s brou/ht Bane's hopes crashin/ #own, 7Kaan un#erstan#s this, 0hat is why he
create# the Brotherhoo#, 0he Brotherhoo# is the future of the #ark si#e,7
Bane shook his hea#, 0he B"a#e(aster was as b"in# as a"" the others, &or that he ha# to #ie, 7Kaan
is wron/, ! wi"" ne1er fo""ow hi(, ! wi"" ne1er :oin the Brotherhoo#,7
Kas'i( si/he#, 70hen your "ife en#s here,7 .n# be "eapt in$ his weapon (o1in/ with far (ore spee#
than he ha# e1er shown #urin/ their practice sessions,
Parryin/ the first se6uence Bane rea"i4e# his for(er +aster ha# a"ways been ho"#in/ so(ethin/ in
reser1e , , , :ust as Bane hi(se"f ha# #one in the ear"y sta/es of his batt"e a/ainst Sirak, On"y now
was he seein/ Kas'i('s true abi"ity$ an# he was bare"y ab"e to #efen# hi(se"f, Bare"y$ but sti"" ab"e,
2is opponent /runte# in surprise when Bane war#e# hi( off$ then steppe# back to re/roup, 2e'#
co(e in har# an# fast$ e8pectin/ to en# their batt"e 6uick"y, ;ow he ha# to ree1a"uate his strate/y,
7-ou're better than you were when we "ast fou/ht$7 he sai#$ c"ear"y i(presse# an# (akin/ no
atte(pt to hi#e it,
7So are you$7 Bane respon#e#,
Kas'i( "un/e# in a/ain$ an# the roo( was fi""e# with the hiss an# hu( of "i/htsabers strikin/ each
other ha"f a #o4en ti(es in the space of two heartbeats, Bane wou"# ha1e been car1e# to ribbons
ha# he trie# to react to each (o1e in#i1i#ua""y, !nstea# he si(p"y ca""e# upon the &orce$ "ettin/ it
f"ow throu/h hi( an# /ui#e his han#, 2e /a1e hi(se"f o1er to the #ark si#e co(p"ete"y$ without
reser1ation, 2is weapon beca(e an e8tension of the &orce$ an# he respon#e# to the 0wi"ek's
unstoppab"e attack with an i(penetrab"e #efense,
0hen he went on the attack, !n the past he ha# a"ways been afrai# to surren#er his wi"" to the raw
e(otions that fue"e# the #ark si#e, ;ow he ha# no such "i(itations3 for the first ti(e he was ca""in/
on his fu"" potentia",
2e #ro1e Kas'i( back with furious s"ashes$ forcin/ his o"# (entor into a backpe#a"in/ retreat across
the f"oor of the cha(ber, Kas'i( f"ippe# back an# out throu/h the #oor into the ha"" beyon#$ but
Bane was re"ent"ess in his pursuit$ "eapin/ forwar# an# co(in/ within a centi(eter of "an#in/ a
cripp"in/ b"ow to the 0wi"ek's "e/,
2is strike was turne# asi#e at the "ast secon#$ but he 6uick"y fo""owe# it up with another series of
powerfu" thrusts an# stabs, 0he B"a#e(aster continue# to /i1e /roun#$ pushe# ine8orab"y back by
the ra/in/ stor( of Bane's ons"au/ht, ach ti(e he trie# to chan/e tactics or switch for(s$ Bane
anticipate#$ reacte#$ an# sei4e# the a#1anta/e,
0he outco(e was ine1itab"e, Bane was si(p"y too stron/ in the &orce, On"y so(e une8pecte#
(aneu1er cou"# sa1e Kas'i($ but they ha# fou/ht too (any ti(es in the past for hi( to surprise
Bane now, O1er the course of his trainin/ Bane ha# seen e1ery possib"e se6uence$ series$ (o1e$ an#
trick with the #oub"e%b"a#e# "i/htsaber$ an# he knew how to counter an# nu""ify the( a"",
0he B"a#e(aster beca(e #esperate, Leapin/$ spinnin/$ #uckin/$ ro""in/* he was wi"# an# reck"ess
in his retreat$ seekin/ now on"y to escape with his "ife, But he #i#n't know the 0e(p"e "ike Bane #i#,
Bane kept the routes to the outsi#e cut off$ s"ow"y her#in/ his opponent into a #ea#%en# ha""way,
Reco/ni4in/ what was happenin/$ Kas'i( b"ew open the hea1y #oor of a si#e roo( with the &orce
an# #i1e# insi#e, Bane knew there was no other e8it$ an# he pause# at the thresho"# of the roo( to
sa1or his 1ictory,
0he 0wi'"ek stoo# in the center of the e(pty cha(ber$ pantin/ hea1i"y$ stoope# e1er so s"i/ht"y$ his
hea# bowe#, 2e "ooke# up when Bane steppe# throu/h the #oorway, But when his /a4e (et Bane's$
there was no hint of #efeat in his eyes,
7-ou shou"# ha1e finishe# (e when you ha# the chance$7 he sai#, 0here was "ess than fi1e (eters
between the($ but it was :ust enou/h space for Kas'i( to /i1e the hi"t of his "i/htsaber a 6uick twist,
0he "on/ han#"e separate# in the (i##"e$ an# su##en"y he was ar(e# not with one #oub"e%b"a#e#
"i/htsaber$ but with a pair of sin/"e b"a#es$ one in each han#,
Bane hesitate#, &ew of the stu#ents at the .ca#e(y ha# e1en atte(pte# to use two sabers at once,
0he B"a#e(aster ha# a"ways #iscoura/e# the( fro( this 1ariation of the fourth for($ sayin/ it was
inherent"y f"awe#, ;ow$ as he saw the crue" an# cunnin/ e8pression on his ene(y's face$ Bane
un#erstoo# the rea" truth,
0he batt"e was re:oine#$ but now it was Bane who was in fu"" retreat, Without proper trainin/$ e1en
his enor(ous co((an# of the &orce was unab"e to anticipate the unfa(i"iar se6uences of the two%
han#e# fi/htin/ sty"e, 2is (in# was f"oo#e# with a (i""ion options of what his opponent (i/ht
atte(pt$ an# he ha# no e8perience to #raw on to e"i(inate any of the(, O1erwhe"(e#$ he sta//ere#
back$ f"oun#erin/ with the #esperation of a #rownin/ (an,
Within the first few passes Bane knew he cou"#n't win, Kas'i( ha# traine# his entire "ife for this
(o(ent, .fter years of stu#y$ he'# (astere# a"" se1en for(s of the "i/htsaber, 0hen he'# hone# his
ski"" for #eca#es$ perfectin/ e1ery (o1e an# se6uence unti" he ha# beco(e the perfect weapon an#
the /reatest "i1in/ swor#s(an in the /a"a8y, +aybe the /reatest swor#s(an e1er, Bane was no
(atch for hi(,
0he B"a#e(aster was unre"entin/ in his pressure, 2e see(e# to wie"# si8 b"a#es rather than two* he
attacke# with a pecu"iar rhyth( #esi/ne# to keep his foe off ba"ance$ co(in/ in with one b"a#e hi/h
an# the other "ow at the sa(e ti(e$ strikin/ fro( opposite si#es at o## an# opposin/ an/"es, Bane
ha# no option but to fa"" back ,,, an# back ,,, an# back, 2e was fi/htin/ now with a sin/"e purpose*
so(ehow escapin/ with his "ife, One hope /a1e hi( the stren/th to perse1ere in the face of
o1erwhe"(in/ o##s3 one a#1anta/e the B"a#e(aster ha# "acke# #urin/ his own retreat, 2e knew the
"ayout of the 0e(p"e$ an# he was ab"e to work hi(se"f s"ow"y towar# the e8it,
Batt"in/ throu/h the ha""s an# corri#ors$ the co(batants roun#e# a corner to brin/ the( in si/ht of
the Rakatan 0e(p"e's on"y entrance* the wi#e archway an# the s(a"" "an#in/ beyon#$ with the wi#e
staircase "ea#in/ back #own to the /roun# near"y twenty (eters be"ow, !n the instant it took Kas'i(
to reco/ni4e where they were an# rea"i4e that his opponent (i/ht sti"" escape$ Bane thrust out with
the &orce, 2e knocke# the 0wi'"ek off ba"ance for a brief secon#$ then backf"ippe# out throu/h the
archway an# onto the "an#in/, 2e #roppe# into a crouch$ sti"" facin/ his opponent, But in his haste
Bane ha# "eapt too far3 he was ba"ance# precarious"y on the precipice of the upper(ost stair$ the
steps fa""in/ sharp"y away behin# hi(,
Kas'i( respon#e# by usin/ the &orce to knock Bane backwar#$ sen#in/ hi( tu(b"in/ #own the
/reat stone staircase$ away fro( the B"a#e(aster, 0he fa"" wou"# ha1e broken his neck%or at "east
fracture# an ar( or a "e/%if Bane ha#n't cocoone# hi(se"f in the &orce, 1en so he reache# the
botto( bruise#$ battere#$ an# (o(entari"y stunne#,
On the "an#in/ hi/h abo1e Kas'i( stoo# beneath the (assi1e arch of the 0e(p"e entrance$ starin/
#own at hi(,
7! wi"" fo""ow you where1er you run$7 he sai#, 7Where1er you /o ! wi"" e1entua""y fin# you an# ki""
you, Don't "i1e your "ife in fear$ Bane, Better to en# it now,7
7! a/ree$7 Bane rep"ie#$ hur"in/ out the wa1e of &orce ener/y he ha# been /atherin/ #urin/ the
B"a#e(aster's speech,
0here was nothin/ subt"e about Bane's attack* the (assi1e shock wa1e shook the 1ery foun#ations
of the /reat Rakatan 0e(p"e, 0he concussi1e b"ast ha# enou/h power to shatter e1ery bone in
Kas'i('s bo#y an# pu"1eri4e his f"esh into a (ass of pu"py "i6ui#, But at the "ast possib"e instant he
threw up a shie"# to protect hi(se"f fro( the attack,
Unfortunate"y$ he cou"#n't shie"# the 0e(p"e aroun# hi(, 0he wa""s e8p"o#e# into /reat chunks of
rubb"e, 0he archway co""apse# in a shower of stone$ buryin/ Kas'i( beneath tons of rock an#
(ortar, . secon# "ater the rest of the roof ca1e# in$ #rownin/ out the 0wi'"ek's #yin/ screa(s with a
#eafenin/ ru(b"e,
Bane watche# the spectac"e of the 0e(p"e's i(p"osion fro( the safety of the /roun# at the foot of
the stairs, Bi""owin/ c"ou#s of #ust ro""e# out fro( the wrecka/e an# #own the stairs towar# hi(,
8hauste# by the "on/ "i/htsaber batt"e an# #raine# by the su##en un"eashin/ of the &orce$ he
si(p"y "ay there unti" he was co1ere# in a "ayer of fine white pow#er,
1entua""y he stru//"e# weari"y to his feet, Reachin/ out with the &orce$ he sou/ht so(e si/n that
Kas'i( (i/ht sti"" be a"i1e beneath the (ountain of stone, 2e fe"t nothin/, Kas'i(%his (entor$ the
on"y instructor at the .ca#e(y who ha# e1er actua""y he"pe# hi(%was #ea#,
Darth Bane$ Dark Lor# of the Sith$ turne# his back an# wa"ke# away,
<hapter >C
0here was neither ti(e nor reason to (ourn Kas'i('s #eath, &or a"" his use in the past$ he ha#
beco(e si(p"y an obstac"e in Bane's path, .n obstac"e that was now /one, -et his arri1a" on Lehon
ha# pro(pte# Bane to action, &or too "on/ he ha# separate# hi(se"f fro( the e1ents of the /a"a8y$
seekin/ wis#o($ un#erstan#in/$ an# power, With the 0e(p"e's #estruction there was no reason for
hi( to re(ain on the Unknown Wor"#, .n# so he be/an the "on/ trek throu/h the :un/"e on foot$
fo""owin/ the sa(e path Kas'i( ha# taken on"y hours before,
2e cou"# ha1e use# the &orce to su((on another rancor to spee# hi( a"on/$ but he wante# ti(e to
think about what ha# happene# ,,, an# how he wou"# #ea" with the Brotherhoo#,
Kaan ha# per1erte# the entire Sith or#er$ transfor(in/ it into a sick"y asse(b"a/e of (ew"in/
sycophants, 2e ha# tricke# the( a"" into be"ie1in/ they cou"# achie1e 1ictory o1er the )e#i throu/h
(artia" (i/ht$ but Bane knew better, 0he )e#i were (any$ an# they /aine# stren/th when unite#
a/ainst a co((on foe* that was the nature of the "i/ht si#e, 0he key to #efeatin/ the( wasn't f"eets
or ar(ies, Secrecy an# #eception were the weapons to brin/ the( #own, Dictory cou"# on"y co(e
throu/h subt"ety an# cunnin/,
Subt"ety was so(ethin/ Kaan "acke#, !f he ha# been s(art$ he wou"# ha1e sent Kas'i( to Lehon in
the /uise of a #is/runt"e# fo""ower, 0he B"a#e(aster cou"# ha1e arri1e# with a ta"e of how he ha#
turne# his back on the Brotherhoo#, Bane wou"# ha1e accepte# hi( as an a""y, 2e wou"# ha1e been
suspicious$ of course$ but o1er ti(e his 1i/i"ance wou"# ha1e wane#, Sooner or "ater he wou"# ha1e
"et his /uar# #own$ an# Kas'i( cou"# ha1e ki""e# hi(, .ssassination was 6uick$ c"ean$ an# effecti1e,
!nstea#$ Kas'i( ha# co(e an# issue# an open cha""en/e$ fo""owin/ the ru"es of so(e foo"ish co#e of
honor, 0here was no honor in his en#3 there was no such thin/ as a nob"e #eath, 2onor was a "ie$ a
chain that wrappe# itse"f aroun# those foo"ish enou/h to accept it an# #ra//e# the( #own to #efeat,
0hrou/h 1ictory (y chains are broken,
Bane fo""owe# the rancor's trai" throu/h the trees without inci#ent3 the #eni4ens of the :un/"e
steere# we"" c"ear of hi(, 2e cau/ht a brief /"i(pse of a pack of si8%"e//e# fe"ines sca1en/in/ the
corpse of a rancor a"on/ the path$ but they scattere# at his approach, 0hey waite# a "on/ ti(e after
he was /one before s"inkin/ back to continue their (ea",
By the ti(e he arri1e# at the beach he ha# #e1ise# his p"an, Kas'i('s ship was sittin/ on the san#
besi#e his own$ an# he 6uick"y strippe# it of supp"ies$ inc"u#in/ the (essa/e #rones, 2e "u//e#
the( o1er to his own 1esse"$ then (a#e a 6uick inspection of the Da"cyn, &in#in/ a"" syste(s in
workin/ or#er$ he boar#e#, Before "iftoff$ he pro/ra((e# a course into the (essa/e #rone usin/
coor#inates he ha# #own"oa#e# fro( Kas'i('s ship, . few (inutes "ater$ the Da"cyn "aunche# fro(
the Unknown Wor"#'s surface$ c"i(bin/ hi/her an# hi/her unti" it broke throu/h the at(osphere into
the b"ack 1oi# of space, Bane punche# in the hyperspace coor#inates of his #estination$ then
#ischar/e# the (essa/e #rone,
0he #rone wou"# reach Ruusan within a few #ays$ offerin/ Kaan a truce an# #e"i1erin/ a /ift%a /ift
he suspecte# Kaan wou"# be too foo"ish an# 1ain to reco/ni4e for what it rea""y was,
0he Brotherhoo# wou"# ne1er #efeat the )e#i, .n# as "on/ as they e8iste#$ the Sith wou"# be
tainte#$ befou"e# "ike a we"" poisone# at the source, Bane ha# to #estroy the(, ."" of the(, 0o #o
that$ he'# ha1e to use the weapons Kaan ha# been too prou# or too b"in# to use a/ainst hi(*
#eception an# betraya", 0he weapons of the #ark si#e,
7! #on't "ike sp"ittin/ our s6ua#s "ike this$7 Pernicar whispere#$ fo""owin/ c"ose"y at Lor# 2oth's
hee", 0he /enera" "ooke# back a"on/ the ra/ta/ "ine of so"#iers tru#/in/ throu/h the forest, Less
than a score in tota"$ ha"f star1e#$ (ost woun#e# an# i"" e6uippe#$ they "ooke# (ore "ike refu/ees
than warriors in the .r(y of Li/ht, 0hey were carryin/ supp"ies fro( the #rop point back to the
ca(p$ as were two other cara1ans takin/ #ifferent routes,
7!t's too #an/erous to tra1e" in one "ar/e /roup$7 2oth insiste#, 7We nee# these supp"ies, Sp"ittin/ us
into three cara1ans /i1es us a better chance that at "east so(e of the( wi"" (ake it back to ca(p,7
2oth /"ance# back a"on/ the path they ha# co(e$ wary of si/ns of pursuit, 0he rains ha# stoppe#
near"y a week ear"ier$ but the /roun# was sti"" soft, 0he passin/ of his troops "eft #eep i(pressions
in the "oa(y /roun#,
71en a b"in# Ga(orrean cou"# track us now$7 he /ru(b"e#, Si"ent"y he wishe# for a return of the
concea"in/ rains he ha# so often curse# these past few (onths whi"e sittin/ hu##"e# an# shi1erin/
beneath ina#e6uate she"ters fashione# fro( "ea1es an# fa""en branches,
-et he knew it wasn't trackers they ha# to worry about, 2e cast out with the &orce$ tryin/ to sense
hi##en ene(ies "yin/ in wait in the trees ahea#, ;othin/, Of course if there were any Sith$ they
wou"# he pro:ectin/ fa"se i(a/es to concea" the(se"1es for their%%
7.(bush=7 one of the points screa(e#$ an# then the Sith were upon the(, 0hey ca(e fro(
e1erywhere* warriors wie"#in/ "i/htsabers$ so"#iers ar(e# with b"asters an# 1ibrob"a#es, 0he c"ash
of #urastee" an# the hiss of crossin/ ener/y b"a#es (in/"e# with the screa(s of the "i1in/ an# the
#yin/* screa(s of ra/e an# triu(ph3 of a/ony an# #espair,
. 1o""ey of b"asterfire rippe# throu/h his "ines$ takin/ #own those Pa#awans too ine8perience# to
#ef"ect the shots, . secon# 1o""ey tore throu/h the (e"ee, 0he bo"ts ricochete# wi"#"y as Sith an#
)e#i a"ike batte# the( asi#e$ #oin/ "itt"e rea" har( but a##in/ to the chaos, Lor# 2oth stoo# in the
thickest of the fi/htin/$ hewin/ #own foes foo"ish enou/h to co(e in ran/e of his fierce weapon,
2is nostri"s were fi""e# with the /reasy%sweet stench of charre# f"esh$ an# a wa"" of bo#ies was
(ountin/ aroun# hi(, .n# sti"" they kept co(in/$ swar(in/ o1er hi( "ike carrion beet"es on a fresh
ki""$ seekin/ to #ra/ hi( #own by sheer nu(bers,
Pernicar 1anishe# beneath the sea of ene(ies$ an# 2oth re#oub"e# his efforts to reach his fa""en
frien#, 2e was unstoppab"e in his fury$ "ike the #e1astatin/ stor(s of the +aw itse"f, When he
reache# hi($ Pernicar was a"rea#y #ea#, )ust as the rest of the( soon wou"# be,
.n e8p"osion on the e#/e of the batt"e brief"y #rew his attention skywar#, One ea/er (inion of the
Sith "un/e# forwar#$ seekin/ /"ory beyon# her wi"#est e8pectations by tryin/ to ki"" the (i/hty
/enera" whi"e he was #istracte#, 2oth ne1er e1en turne# his /a4e$ but (ere"y cast out with the
&orce$ i(prisonin/ her in a stasis fie"#, She stoo# he"p"ess$ fro4en in p"ace unti" struck #own by the
care"ess fo""ow%throu/h fro( a 1ibrob"a#e wie"#e# by one of her own si#e,
2er #eath bare"y e1en re/istere# in 2oth's conscious thou/hts, 2e was focuse# on the four
swoopbikes barre"in/ #own on the batt"e$ their hea1y /uns poun#in/ into the ene(y "ines, 0he Sith
a(bush scattere#$ unab"e or unwi""in/ to stan# a/ainst hea1y air support, !t took a"" of 2oth's )e#i
trainin/ not to chase after the( an# hack the( #own fro( behin# as they f"e# into the safety of the
trees,
. (o(ent "ater the swoops "an#e# to cheers fro( the #o4en or so )e#i sti"" stan#in/, Lor#
Da"enthyne &arfa""a$ "ookin/ as fasti#ious"y proper as e1er$ #is(ounte# an# bowe# "ow before his
/enera",
7! hear# you were brin/in/ supp"ies$ (y "or#$7 he sai#$ risin/ with a"" the affecte# e"e/ance of a
<oruscant Senator, 7We thou/ht we'# co(e /i1e you an escort,7
70here are two other cara1ans$7 2oth snappe#, 7!nstea# of stan#in/ here /"oatin/$ you shou"# be
hea#in/ out to he"p the(,7
&arfa""a purse# his "ips in #isp"easure$ a pee1ish$ pouty e8pression, 7We ha1e other swoops
escortin/ the( a"rea#y,7 2e hesitate#$ as if consi#erin/ whether to say anythin/ (ore, 2oth shot
hi( an an/ry "ook that a"" but screa(e# at hi( to re(ain si"ent,
Despite this%or (aybe because of it%he a##e#$ 7! thou/ht you'# be (ore we"co(in/ to (y
reinforce(ents,7
7-ou'1e been /one for (onths=7 2oth snar"e#, 7Whi"e you'1e been out p"ayin/ #ip"o(at$ we'1e been
stuck here in a war,7
7! #i# as ! pro(ise#$7 &arfa""a respon#e# co"#"y, 7!'1e brou/ht three hun#re# )e#i reinforce(ents,
0hey'"" be in your ca(p as soon as we ha1e enou/h fi/hters to break our transports throu/h the Sith
p"anetary b"ocka#e,7
7Litt"e co(fort to those who /a1e their "i1es waitin/ for you to arri1e$7 2oth shot back,
&arfa""a /"ance# at the corpses scattere# on the /roun#, Seein/ Pernicar a(on/ the($ his e8pression
fe"", 2e crouche# #own besi#e the bo#y an# whispere# a few short wor#s$ then touche# the fa""en
so"#ier once in the center of his brow before stan#in/ up once (ore,
7Pernicar was (y frien#$ too$7 he sai#$ his tone softer now, 72is #eath pains (e as (uch as it #oes
you$ Genera",7
7! #oubt that$7 2oth (uttere# an/ri"y, 7-ou weren't e1en here to see it,7
7Do not "et your /rief consu(e you$7 &arfa""a warne#$ the ice back in his 1oice, 70hat path "ea#s to
the #ark si#e,7
7Don't you #are speak to (e of the #ark si#e=7 2oth shoute#$ :abbin/ an an/ry fin/er in &arfa""a's
face, 7!'( the one who's been here batt"in/ Kaan's Brotherhoo#= ! know its ways better than anyone=
!'1e seen the pain an# sufferin/ it brin/s, .n# ! know what it wi"" take to #efeat it, ! nee# so"#iers,
Supp"ies, ! nee# )e#i wi""in/ to fi/ht the ene(y with the sa(e hatre# they fee" for us,7 2e "et his
fin/er #rop an# turne# away, 7What ! #on't nee# is so(e prancin/ #an#y "ecturin/ (e on the
#an/ers of the #ark si#e,7
7Pernicar's #eath is not your fau"t$7 &arfa""a sai#$ co(in/ forwar# to p"ace a co(fortin/ han# on
2oth's shou"#er, 7Let /o of your /ui"t, 0here is no e(otion, 0here is peace,7
2oth whee"e# aroun# an# s"appe# his han# away, 7Get away fro( (e= 0ake your b"aste#
reinforce(ents an# run back to <oruscant "ike the (incin/ cowar#s you are= We #on't nee# your
kin# here=7
;ow it was &arfa""a who turne# away$ sto(pin/ an/ri"y back to his swoopbike whi"e the rest of the
/roup watche# in si"ent shock an# horror, 2e threw one "on/ "e/ o1er the seat an# fire# up the
en/ines,
7+aybe the other )e#i were ri/ht about you=7 he sai#$ shoutin/ to be hear# o1er the roar of his
swoop, 70his war has consu(e# you, Dri1en you to (a#ness, +a#ness that wi"" "ea# you to the
#ark si#e=7
2oth #i#n't bother to watch as &arfa""a an# the other swoops spe# off into the #istance, !nstea# he
crouche# #own besi#e the bo#y of his o"#est frien# an# wept at his bruta"$ sense"ess en#,
When Githany fina""y arri1e#$ Kaan ha# to keep hi(se"f fro( snappin/ at her, She ha# a"rea#y seen
hi( with his /uar# #own* uncertain$ unsure, 2e ha# to be carefu" when #ea"in/ with her now$ "est
he "ose her a""e/iance, .n# he nee#e# her (ore than e1er,
!nstea# he spoke in a casua" tone that he"# on"y a hint of icy #isappro1a" beneath its surface, 7! sent
for you near"y three hours a/o,7
She f"ashe# hi( a fierce$ sa1a/e s(i"e, 70here was a sortie /oin/ out a/ainst one of the )e#i supp"y
cara1ans, ! #eci#e# to /o with the(,7
7! ha1en't hear# the reports yet, What was the resu"t97
7!t was /"orious$ Lor# Kaan=7 She "au/he#, 70hree (ore +asters$ si8 )e#i Kni/hts$ a han#fu" of
Pa#awans ,,, a"" #ea#=7
Kaan no##e# his appro1a", 0he ti#e of batt"e was e1er chan/in/ on Ruusan$ an# with the en# of the
rainy season the pen#u"u( ha# swun/ back in fa1or of the Sith, Of course he knew it was (ore than
a chan/e of weather that ha# restore# the (ora"e of his troops an# brou/ht the( a strin/ of
resoun#in/ 1ictories,
0he .r(y of Li/ht was fracture#, 0heir nu(bers on Ruusan were #win#"in/, Da"enthyne &arfa""a
was orbitin/ the wor"# with reinforce(ents$ but Kaan's spies reporte# a rift between 2oth an# Lor#
&arfa""a that kept the newco(ers fro( :oinin/ the fray, Without +aster Pernicar to b"unt their sharp
ani(osity$ the two )e#i +asters' (utua" antipathy was cripp"in/ the )e#i war effort,
0he irony of the situation was not "ost on Kaan, &or a chan/e it was the )e#i who were sp"it by
infi/htin/ an# ri1a"ries$ whi"e the Brotherhoo# of Darkness re(aine# unite# an# stron/, Part of hi(
foun# the stran/e re1ersa" troub"in/, !n the "on/ ni/hts when he cou"#n't s"eep$ he'# often wa"k the
f"oor of his tent wrest"in/ with the see(in/ para#o8,
2a# the ar(ies on Ruusan crosse# a "ine where "i/ht an# #arkness (eet9 2a# the en#"ess conf"ict
between the .r(y of Li/ht an# the Brotherhoo# of Darkness #rawn the( both into a 1oi# where the
i#eo"o/ies beca(e hope"ess"y intertwine#9 Were they a"" now &orce%users of the 0wi"i/ht$ cau/ht
between the two si#es an# be"on/in/ to neither9
2owe1er$ the arri1a" of the (ornin/ sun wou"# ine1itab"y banish such thou/hts with news of yet
another Sith 1ictory in the fie"#, .n# on"y a foo" 6uestione# his (etho#s when he was winnin/,
Which was why he wasn't sure what to (ake of the (essa/e he ha# recent"y recei1e# fro( Darth
Bane,
7Kas'i( is #ea#$7 he to"# Githany$ /ettin/ #irect"y to the (atter at han#,
7Dea#97 2er shocke# reaction affir(e# Kaan's #ecision not to share this news with the rest of the
Brotherhoo#, 2e ha# been carefu" to keep the purpose of the B"a#e(aster's #eparture secret unti" he
knew the outco(e of the confrontation, 7Was it the )e#i97 she aske#,
7;o$7 2e a#(itte#$ choosin/ his wor#s carefu""y, 7! sent hi( to par"ay with Lor# Bane, Kas'i(
thou/ht he cou"# con1ince hi( to :oin us, !nstea#$ Bane ki""e# hi(,7
Githany's eyes narrowe#, 7! warne# you about hi(,7
Kaan no##e#, 7-ou know hi( better than any of us, -ou un#erstan# hi(, 0hat is why ! nee# you
now, Bane sent (e a (essa/e,7
2e reache# o1er an# f"icke# on the (essa/e #rone sittin/ on the tab"e, . tiny ho"o/ra( of the
hea1i"y (usc"e# Dark Lor# (ateria"i4e# before the(, 1en thou/h the #etai"s of his e8pression
were #ifficu"t to (ake out at that si4e$ it was c"ear he was troub"e#,
7Kas'i( is #ea#, ! , , , ! ki""e# hi(, But !'1e been thinkin/ about what he sai# before ,,, before he
#ie#,7
Githany /a1e Kaan a curious "ook, 2e shru//e# an# ti"te# his hea# towar# the ho"o/ra( as it
continue# to speak,
7! ca(e here searchin/ for so(ethin/, !'( ,,, !'( not e1en sure what it was, But ! #i#n't fin# it, )ust
"ike ! #i#n't fin# it in the Da""ey of the Dark Lor#s on Korriban, .n# now Kas'i( is #ea# an# !, , , !
#on't know what to #o ,,,7
0he pro:ection bowe# its hea#* "ost$ confuse#$ an# a"one, Kaan cou"# c"ear"y see the scorn in
Githany's e8pression as she watche# the spectac"e before her, .t "ast the fi/ure see(e# to co(pose
itse"f$ an# it "ooke# up once (ore,
7! #on't want Kas'i('s #eath to be in 1ain$7 Bane sai# e(phatica""y, 7! shou"# ha1e "istene# to hi( in
the first p"ace, ! , , , ! want to :oin the Brotherhoo#,7
Kaan reache# out an# f"icke# the #rone off a/ain, 7We""97 he aske# Githany, 7!s he serious9 Or is
this :ust a trap97
She chewe# at her "ower "ip, 7! think he's sincere$7 she fina""y sai#, 7&or a"" his power$ Bane is sti""
weak, 2e can't surren#er hi(se"f fu""y to the #ark si#e, 2e sti"" fee"s /ui"t when he uses the &orce to
ki"",7
75or#is (entione# so(ethin/ si(i"ar$7 Kaan sai#, 72e to"# (e Bane ha# a chance to ki"" a bitter
ri1a" in the #ue"in/ rin/ at the .ca#e(y$ but he pu""e# back at the "ast (o(ent,7
Githany no##e#, 7Sirak, 2e :ust cou"#n't brin/ hi(se"f to #o it, .n# Kas'i( was his (entor, !f Bane
was force# to ki"" hi($ it wou"# ha1e been e1en har#er for hi( to #ea" with it,7
7So ! shou"# sen# an e(issary to (eet with hi(97
She shook her hea#, 7Bane is (ore troub"e than he's worth, 2e's 1u"nerab"e now$ but as his
confi#ence returns he'"" beco(e as hea#stron/ as e1er, 2e'"" brin/ #issension to the ranks, Besi#es$7
she a##e#$ 7we #on't nee# hi( any(ore, We're winnin/,7
7So how #o you propose we #ea" with hi(9 .ssassins97
She "au/he#, 7!f he cou"# han#"e Kas'i($ then ! #oubt anyone e"se wi"" stan# a chance a/ainst hi(,
.nyone but (e,7
7-ou97
Githany s(i"e#, 7Bane "ikes (e, ! wou"#n't say he trusts (e$ e8act"y ,,, but he wants to trust (e, Let
(e /o to hi(,7
7.n# what wi"" you #o when you fin# hi(97
70e"" hi( ! (iss hi(, 8p"ain that we'1e consi#ere# his offer$ an# we want hi( to :oin the
Brotherhoo#, 0hen$ when his /uar# is #own$ !'"" ki"" hi(,7
Kaan raise# his eyebrows, 7-ou (ake it soun# so si(p"e,7
7Un"ike Kas'i($ ! know how to han#"e hi($7 she assure# hi(, 7Betraya" is a far (ore effecti1e
weapon than the "i/htsaber,7
She "eft the tent a few (o(ents "ater$ takin/ the (essa/e #rone an# the coor#inates Bane ha# sent
a"on/ for the (eetin/, Kaan ha# e1ery confi#ence she'# /et the :ob #one, .n# he saw no reason to
share with her the s(a"" packa/e that ha# arri1e# in the (essa/e #rone's stora/e co(part(ent,
Bane ha# sent it to Lor# Kaan as a peace offerin/3 a way to atone for Kas'i('s #eath, !t wasn't (uch
to "ook at* te8t written on se1era" sheets of f"i(si$ the writin/ cra(pe# an# hurrie# as if it ha# been
recor#e# whi"e "istenin/ to so(eone e"se speak, -et within its pa/es it containe# a #etai"e#
#escription of one of the (ost fearso(e creations of the ancient Sith* the thou/ht bo(b,
.n ancient ritua" that re6uire# the co(bine# wi"" of (any powerfu" Sith Lor#s$ the thou/ht bo(b
un"eashe# the pure #estructi1e ener/y of the #ark si#e, 0here were risks in1o"1e#$ of course, 0hat
(uch power was hi/h"y 1o"ati"e$ (akin/ it #ifficu"t to contro" e1en for those who ha# the stren/th
to su((on it, !t was possib"e the b"ast cou"# annihi"ate the entire Brotherhoo# a"on/ with 2oth's
.r(y of Li/ht, 0he 1acuu( at the center of the b"ast cou"# suck in the #ise(bo#ie# spirits of Sith
an# )e#i a"ike$ trappin/ the( si#e by si#e for a"" eternity in an unbreakab"e state of e6ui"ibriu( at
the heart of a fro4en sphere of pure ener/y,
Kaan #oubte# he'# actua""y ha1e nee# of such a weapon to finish off the )e#i here on Ruusan, .fter
a""$ he was winnin/ the war, Sti""$ as he be/an his pacin/ for another "on/ an# s"eep"ess ni/ht$ he
cou"#n't he"p stu#yin/ the ritua" of the thou/ht bo(b o1er an# o1er a/ain,
<hapter >E
&ro( a #istance$ .(bria "ooke# beautifu", .n oran/e wor"# with strikin/ 1io"et rin/s$ it was easi"y
the "ar/est habitab"e p"anet in the Stenness syste(, -et anyone "an#in/ on the wor"# wou"# 6uick"y
rea"i4e that the beauty fa#e# soon after enterin/ the at(osphere,
+any centuries ear"ier$ the fai"e# ritua"s of a powerfu" Sith sorceress ha# ina#1ertent"y un"eashe# a
catac"ys(ic wa1e of #ark si#e ener/y across the surface of the wor"#, 0he sorceress ha# been
#estroye#$ a"on/ with a"(ost a"" other "ife on .(bria, What sur1i1e# was "itt"e (ore than barren
rock$ an# e1en now p"ots of ferti"e /roun# were few an# far between, 0here were no rea" cities on
.(bria3 on"y a few har#y sett"ers #we""e# on its surface$ scattere# so far apart they (i/ht as we""
ha1e been "i1in/ on the p"anet a"one,
0he )e#i ha# once trie# to c"eanse .(bria of its fou" taint$ but the power of the #ark si#e ha#
per(anent"y scarre# the wor"#, Unab"e to purify it$ they succee#e# on"y in concentratin/ an#
confinin/ the #ark si#e in a sin/"e source* Lake ;atth, 0he ho(estea#ers bra1e enou/h to en#ure
.(bria's #eso"ate en1irons /a1e the "ake an# its poisone# waters a wi#e$ wi#e berth, Of course
Bane ha# (a#e his ca(p ri/ht on its shores,
.(bria was "ocate# on the frin/es of the 8pansion Re/ion$ on"y a 6uick hyperspace :u(p away
fro( Ruusan itse"f, 0he e1i#ence of se1era" s(a"" batt"es that ha# been fou/ht here between
Repub"ic an# Sith troops #urin/ the (ost recent ca(pai/n was e1erywhere, &a""en weapons an#
ar(or "ittere# the stark "an#scape3 burne#%out 1ehic"es an# #a(a/e# swoops were 1isib"e fro(
ki"o(eters away on the har#$ co"# p"ains, .part fro( a few of the "oca" sett"ers sca1en/in/ for parts$
nobo#y ha# bothere# to c"ean up the re(ains,
0he rin/e# p"anet was an insi/nificant wor"#* too few resources an# too few peop"e for the Repub"ic
f"eets that now contro""e# the sector to worry about, Bane ha# hear# that a hea"er of so(e ski""%a
(an na(e# <a"eb%ha# co(e to the wor"# once the fi/htin/ ha# en#e#, .n i#ea"istic foo" #eter(ine#
to (en# the woun#s of war3 a (an not e1en worthy of Bane's conte(pt, By now$ e1en that (an
(i/ht ha1e forsaken this wor"# once he'# seen how "itt"e sa"1a/eab"e re(aine# here, &or a"" intents
an# purposes$ the wor"# was for/otten,
!t was the perfect p"ace to (eet Kaan's en1oy, . Sith f"eet wou"# be 6uick"y #etecte# by the
Repub"ic 1esse"s patro""in/ the re/ion$ but a s(a"" ship an# a ski""fu" pi"ot cou"# sneak in without
any troub"e, Bane ha# no intention of settin/ up a (eetin/ so(ep"ace where Kaan cou"# sen# an
ar(a#a to wipe hi( out,
2e waite# patient"y in his ca(p for Kaan's e(issary to arri1e, Occasiona""y he /"ance# up at the sky
or "ooke# out across the hori4on$ but he wasn't worrie# about anyone sneakin/ up on hi(, 2e'# see
a ship co(in/ in to "an# fro( se1era" ki"o(eters away, .n# if they ca(e to hi( in a /roun# 1ehic"e%
"ike the "an# craw"er sittin/ on the e#/e of his ca(p%he'# hear the /rin#in/ of its en/ines or fee" the
un(istakab"e 1ibrations of its hea1y trea#s as they churne# their way o1er the une1en terrain,
!nstea# a"" he hear# was the /ent"e "appin/ of Lake ;atth's #ark waters a/ainst the shore not fi1e
(eters fro( where he sat, .n# a"" the whi"e$ his (in# wrest"e# with the on"y 6uestion he sti"" ha# no
answer for,
0wo there shou"# be3 no (ore$ no "ess, One to e(bo#y the power$ the other to cra1e it, Once he ha#
ri# the /a"a8y of the Brotherhoo# of Darkness$ where wou"# he fin# a worthy apprentice9
0he whine of a Bu44ar#'s en/ines pu""e# hi( away fro( his thou/hts, 2e rose to his feet as the ship
#roppe# fro( the sky an# circ"e# his ca(p once before touchin/ #own a short #istance away, When
the "an#in/ ra(p "owere# an# he saw who ca(e #own$ he cou"#n't he"p but s(i"e,
7Githany$7 he sai#$ risin/ to /reet her once she ha# crosse# the #istance between the(, 7! was
hopin/ Lor# Kaan wou"# sen# you,7
72e #i#n't sen# (e$7 she rep"ie#, 7! aske# to co(e,7
Bane's heart be/an to beat a "itt"e 6uicker, 2e was /"a# to see her3 her presence awakene# a hun/er
insi#e hi( he ha# a"(ost for/otten e8iste#, -et he was troub"e#$ too, !f anyone cou"# see throu/h
his ruse$ it was her,
7Di# you see the (essa/e97 he aske#$ stu#yin/ her carefu""y to /au/e her reaction,
7! thou/ht you were o1er this$ Bane, Se"f%pity an# re/ret are for the weak,7
Re"ie1e#$ he bowe# his hea# to continue his chara#e, 7-ou're ri/ht$7 he (u(b"e#,
She steppe# in c"oser to hi(, 7-ou can't foo" (e$ Bane$7 she whispere#$ an# his (usc"es tense# in
anticipation of what she wou"# #o ne8t, 7! think you're here for so(ethin/ e"se,7
2e he"# his /roun# as she "eane# in s"ow"y$ poise# to react at the first hint of threat or #an/er, 2e "et
his /uar# #own on"y when she brushe# her "ips soft"y a/ainst his,
!nstincti1e"y his han#s ca(e up an# sei4e# her shou"#ers$ pu""in/ her in c"oser$ pressin/ her "ips an#
bo#y har# up a/ainst his own as he #rank her in, She wrappe# her ar(s aroun# his broa# shou"#ers
an# neck$ returnin/ his insistence with her own ur/ency,
2er heat en1e"ope# the(, 0he kiss see(e# to "ast for a"" eternity3 her scent wrappe# aroun# their
entwine# f"esh unti" he fe"t he was #rownin/ in it, When she at "ast broke away he cou"# see the
fierce ea/erness in her eyes an# sti"" taste the sweet fire of her "ips, 2e cou"# taste so(ethin/ e"se$
too,
Poison=
Be#a44"e# by her kiss$ it took hi( a secon# to rea"i4e what ha# happene#, Whether Githany
be"ie1e# hi( or not ha#n't (attere#, She'# aske# Kaan to "et her co(e here so she cou"# ki"" hi(,
&or a brief secon# he was worrie# , , , unti" he reco/ni4e# the faint tricopper taste of rock worrt
1eno(,
2e "au/he#$ /aspin/ s"i/ht"y for air, 7+a/nificent$7 he breathe#, Secrecy, Gui"e, Betraya", Githany
(ay ha1e been corrupte# by the Brotherhoo#'s inf"uence$ but she sti"" un#erstoo# what (a#e the
#ark si#e stron/, Was it possib"e she cou"# be his one true apprentice$ #espite her a""e/iance to the
Brotherhoo#9
She s(i"e# coy"y at his co(p"i(ent, 70hrou/h passion we /ain stren/th,7
Bane cou"# fee" the poison workin/ its way throu/h his syste(, 0he effects were subt"e, 2a# his
/rowin/ stren/th in the #ark si#e not (a#e his senses hyperaware$ he probab"y wou"#n't e1en ha1e
notice# its presence for se1era" hours, -et once a/ain$ Githany ha# un#eresti(ate# hi(,
Rock worrt 1eno( was powerfu" enou/h to ki"" a bantha$ but there were far (ore rare%an# "etha"%
to8ins she cou"# ha1e chosen, 0he #ark si#e f"owe# throu/h hi($ thick as the b"oo# in his 1eins, 2e
was Darth Bane now$ a true Dark Lor#, 2e ha# nothin/ to fear fro( her poison,
0he fact that she ha# thou/ht he wou"#n't #etect it on her "ips%the fact that she thou/ht it wou"# e1en
har( hi(%(eant that she (ust ha1e be"ie1e# his perfor(ance, She suspecte# he ha# fa""en away
fro( the #ark si#e a/ain3 she thou/ht he was weak, 2e was /"a#* it (a#e her #ecision to si#e with
Kaan (ore for/i1ab"e, +aybe there was sti"" hope for her after a"", But he ha# to be sure,
7!'( sorry for aban#onin/ you$7 he sai# soft"y, 7! was b"in#e# by #rea(s of past /"ory, ;a/a Sa#ow$
8ar Kun$ Darth Re1an%! "uste# after the power of the /reat Dark Lor#s of the past,7
7We a"" cra1e power$7 she rep"ie#, 70hat is the nature of the #ark si#e, But there is power in the
Brotherhoo#, Kaan is on the 1er/e of succee#in/ where a"" those before hi( ha1e fai"e#, We are
winnin/ on Ruusan$ Bane,7
Bane shook his hea#$ #isappointe#, 2ow cou"# she sti"" be so b"in#9 7Kaan (ay be winnin/ on
Ruusan$ but his fo""owers are "osin/ e1erywhere e"se, 2is /reat Sith ar(y has cru(b"e# without its
"ea#ers, 0he Repub"ic has #ri1en the( back an# rec"ai(e# (ost of the wor"#s we con6uere#, !n a
few (ore (onths the rebe""ion wi"" be crushe#,7
7;one of that (atters if we can wipe out the )e#i$7 she e8p"aine# ea/er"y$ her eyes b"a4in/, 70he
war has taken a hea1y to"" on the Repub"ic, Once the )e#i are /one$ we can easi"y ra""y our troops
an# turn the ti#e of war, ."" we ha1e to #o is wipe the( out$ an# the u"ti(ate 1ictory wi"" be ours=
."" we ha1e to #o is win on Ruusan=7
70here are other )e#i besi#es those on Ruusan$7 he rep"ie#,
7. few$ but they are scattere# in ones an# twos across the /a"a8y, !f the .r(y of Li/ht is #estroye#$
we can hunt the( #own at our "eisure,7
7Do you rea""y be"ie1e Kaan wi"" win9 2e has c"ai(e# i((inent 1ictory before$ then fai"e# to
#e"i1er on his pro(ise,7
7&or one who c"ai(s to want to :oin the Brotherhoo#$7 she note# with so(e suspicion$ 7you #on't
see( particu"ar"y #e1ote# to the cause,7
Bane's ar( shot out an# /rabbe# her by the waist$ pu""in/ her in c"ose for another sa1a/e kiss, She
/aspe# in surprise$ then c"ose# her eyes an# /a1e in to the physica" p"easure of the (o(ent, 0his
ti(e it was she who fina""y pu""e# back with a faint si/h,
7-ou were ri/ht when you sai# ! ca(e back for so(ethin/ e"se$7 he sai#$ sti"" ho"#in/ her c"ose, 0he
treacherous poison on her "ips taste# :ust as sweet the secon# ti(e,
70he Brotherhoo# cannot fai"$7 she pro(ise#, 70he )e#i are on the run$ cowerin/ an# hi#in/ in the
forests,7
2e "et her /o an# steppe# away$ turnin/ his back to her, 2e #esperate"y wante# to be"ie1e she was
capab"e of beco(in/ his apprentice once he'# #estroye# Kaan an# the Brotherhoo#, But he sti""
wasn't sure, !f she tru"y be"ie1e# in what the Brotherhoo# stoo# for$ then there was no hope,
7! :ust can't accept what Lor# Kaan preaches$7 he confesse#, 72e says we are a"" e6ua"s$ but if a""
are e6ua"$ then none can be stron/,7
She steppe# up behin# hi( an# p"ace# her han#s on his shou"#ers$ app"yin/ /ent"e pressure unti" he
turne# to face her once a/ain, 2er e8pression was one of a(use(ent,
7Do not be"ie1e e1erythin/ Kaan says$7 she warne#$ an# he cou"# hear the nake# a(bition in her
1oice, One to e(bo#y the power$ the other to cra1e it, 7Once the )e#i are #estroye#$ (any of his
fo""owers wi"" #isco1er that so(e of us are (ore e6ua" than others,7
2e swept Githany up in his (i/hty ar(s with a :oyfu" roar$ spinnin/ her aroun# an# aroun# as he
/a1e her another "on/$ har# kiss, 0his was what he wante# to hear=
When he fina""y set her #own she stu(b"e# back ha"f a step$ unstea#y after his une8pecte# outburst,
She re/aine# her ba"ance an# /a1e a start"e# "au/h, 7! /uess you accept$7 she sai# with a s"y s(i"e
on her poison%s"icke# "ips, 7-ou pack up your ca(p, !'"" /o ahea# to "et Kaan know you're coinin/,7
7! can't wait to see the "ook on his face when you te"" hi( about this (eetin/$7 he rep"ie#$ sti""
preten#in/ he was unaware of the poison ra/in/ unchecke# throu/h his b"oo#,
7;either can !$7 she rep"ie#$ her 1oice /i1in/ nothin/ away, 7;either can !,7
.s the surface of .(bria fe"" away beneath her an# the /"orious rin/s ca(e into 1iew$ Githany
cou"#n't he"p but fee" a twin/e of re/ret, 0he passion she'# awakene# in Bane ha# /i1en hi( a
su##en$ surprisin/ stren/th3 she'# fe"t it in each of his kisses, But it was c"ear Bane was intereste# in
her$ not in :oinin/ the Brotherhoo# of Darkness,
She punche# in the coor#inates for the :u(p back to Ruusan an# "eane# back in her seat, 2er hea#
was spinnin/ fro( the poison that ha# coate# her "ips, ;ot the rock wont 1eno(3 that was on"y
there to "u"" Bane into a fa"se sense of security, But the syno8 she ha# (i8e# in with it%the co"or"ess$
o#or"ess$ taste"ess to8in fa1ore# by the infa(ous assassins of the Geno2ara#an%was ha1in/ an
effect #espite the anti#ote she ha# taken, She ha# no #oubt Bane wou"# soon be fee"in/ (uch$ (uch
worse than she #i#, . sin/"e kiss wou"# ha1e been enou/h to ki"" hi($ an# he ha# recei1e# a trip"e
#ose,
She was /oin/ to (iss Bane$ she rea"i4e#, But he was a threat to e1erythin/ Lor# Kaan was
workin/ for, She ha# to si#e with one or the other$ so natura""y she ha# chosen the one with an
entire ar(y of Sith at his co((an#,
!t was$ after a""$ the nature of the #ark si#e,
Bane watche# the Bu44ar# unti" it #isappeare# in the sky before turnin/ his attention to /atherin/ up
his ca(p, 2e wou"# ha1e to act carefu""y now, Githany wou"# te"" Kaan she'# trie# to poison hi(,
When he showe# up at the ca(p sti"" a"i1e thin/s cou"# beco(e , , , #ifficu"t,
2e cou"# si(p"y stay away an# "et e1ents run their course, 0he )e#i on Ruusan wou"# ra""y$ turnin/
the ti#e of the batt"e once a/ain, !t was a /i1en3 Bane was countin/ on it, Desperate$ Kaan wou"#
then turn to the /ift Bane ha# sent hi(, 2e wou"# un"eash the thou/ht bo(b$ unaware of its true
nature, .n# then e1ery &orce%user on Ruusan%Sith an# )e#i a"ike%wou"# be #estroye#,
0his was the (ost "ike"y scenario, But Bane ha# co(e too far to "ea1e the en# of the Brotherhoo# of
Darkness to chance, When Kaan's ar(y fa"tere# this ti(e$ there were those in his ca(p%"ike
Githany%who (i/ht turn a/ainst hi(, 0hey cou"# f"ee Ruusan$ scatterin/ before the )e#i, .n# then
Bane wou"# ha1e to #ea" with each of his ri1a"s separate"y before he cou"# beco(e the uncha""en/e#
"ea#er of the Sith,
Better to be on han#$ /ui#in/ the e1ents to the outco(e he #esire#, 0hat$ howe1er$ (eant he'# ha1e
to co(e up with a p"ausib"e story to e8p"ain his #esire to :oin the Brotherhoo# e1en after a fai"e#
assassination,
2e thou/ht about it for near"y an hour$ consi#erin/ an# #iscar#in/ a nu(ber of i#eas, !n the en#
there was on"y one reason any of the( wou"# be"ie1e that he ha# co(e back, 2e ha# to (ake the(
a"" think he wante# to o1erthrow Kaan an# beco(e the new "ea#er of the Brotherhoo#,
Bane s(i"e# at the subt"e beauty of the p"an, Kaan wou"# be suspicious$ of course, But a"" his effort
an# attention wou"# be focuse# on ho"#in/ on to his position, 2e wou"#n't rea"i4e his ri1a"'s true
purpose* to e8ter(inate the Brotherhoo# co(p"ete"y3 to #estroy e1ery "ast Sith on Ruusan,
P"us$ there was the a##e# a#1anta/e of ha1in/ another opportunity to con1ince Githany to :oin hi(,
Once she un#erstoo# what he ha# tru"y beco(e%an# how he ha# (anipu"ate# Kaan an# the other so%
ca""e# Dark Lor#s%she (i/ht actua""y accept his offer to beco(e his apprentice, .t the 1ery "east he
wou"# /et a chance to see her face once she rea"i4e# her poison ha# fai"e# to%%
7Un/h=7 Bane "et out a /runt an# #oub"e# o1er as a 1icious pain rippe# throu/h his sto(ach, 2e
trie# to strai/hten up$ but his bo#y was su##en"y racke# with a pro"on/e# cou/hin/ fit, 2e raise#
his han# to co1er his (outh$ an# when he "et it fa"" it was co1ere# in frothy re# f"ecks of b"oo#,
!(possib"e$ he thou/ht$ e1en as another stabbin/ pain throu/h his /uts #roppe# hi( to his knees,
Re1an ha# shown hi( how to use the &orce to war# off poison an# #isease, ;o si(p"e to8in shou"#
be ab"e to affect anyone stron/ enou/h in the #ark si#e to be a Lor# of the Sith,
.nother cou/hin/ fit para"y4e# hi( unti" it passe#, 2e reache# up to wipe the sweat ro""in/ #own
his face an# fe"t so(ethin/ war( an# sticky on his cheek, . thin trick"e of cri(son tears was
"eakin/ fro( the corner of his eye,
2e rose shaki"y to his feet$ turnin/ his focus inwar#, 0he poison was sti"" there, !t ha# sprea#
throu/hout his entire bo#y$ po""utin/ an# corruptin/ his syste( an# #a(a/in/ his 1ita" or/ans, 2e
was he(orrha/in/ interna""y$ b"ee#in/ fro( his eyes an# nose,
Githany= 2e wou"# ha1e "au/he# if he ha#n't been in such unbearab"e a/ony, 2e ha# been so
confi#ent$ so arro/ant, So con1ince# she was un#eresti(atin/ hi(, !nstea# he ha# un#eresti(ate#
her, . (istake he 1owe# ne1er to (ake a/ain ,,, if he sur1i1e#,
2e ha# rea# enou/h about syno8 to reco/ni4e the sy(pto(s, !f he ha# #etecte# it i((e#iate"y$ he
wou"# ha1e been ab"e to c"eanse it fro( his syste($ :ust as he ha# #one with the rock worrt 1eno(
that ha# concea"e# its presence, But syno8 was the subt"est of poisons3 the insi#ious to8in ha#
sappe# his stren/th as it ha# sprea# unnotice# throu/hout his bo#y,
Su((onin/ a"" his resources$ he trie# to pur/e the poison fro( his bo#y$ burnin/ it away with the
co"# fire of the #ark si#e, 0he poison was too stron/ ,,, or rather$ he was too weak, 0he #a(a/e was
a"rea#y #one, 0he syno8 ha# cripp"e# hi($ "ea1in/ his power a (ere sha#ow of what it ha# been
on"y hours ear"ier,
2e cou"# #u"" its effects$ s"ow its pro/ress$ an# te(porari"y ho"# the (ost "etha" sy(pto(s at bay,
But he cou"#n't cure hi(se"f, ;ot now$ weakene# as he was,
0here was power in Lake ;atth$ but it was power he cou"#n't #raw on, 0he ancient )e#i ha# been
carefu" to "ock the #ark si#e safe"y away within its #epths, 0he b"ack$ sta/nant waters were the on"y
e1i#ence of the power that "ay fore1er trappe# beneath its surface,
Desperate to fin# so(e other way to sur1i1e$ he sta//ere# o1er to the "an# craw"er on the e#/e of
his ca(p, !/norin/ the protests of his su##en"y weary "i(bs$ he c"a(bere# in behin# the whee" an#
be/an to #ri1e, 2e nee#e# a hea"er, !f the one ca""e# <a"eb was sti"" on this wor"#$ Bane ha# to fin#
hi(, !t was his on"y chance,
2e hea#e# for the nearest batt"e/roun#$ a barren p"ain se1era" ki"o(eters away where the re(ains of
those who ha# fou/ht an# #ie# sti"" "ay strewn about the /roun#, 0he rou/h ru(b"e of the "an#
craw"er's trea#s :arre# hi( with each turn$ an# he /ritte# his teeth a/ainst the a/oni4in/ pain, .s he
#ro1e$ his wor"# beca(e a wakin/ ni/ht(are of #arkness an# sha#ow$ a"" tin/e# with re#, 2e was
bare"y e1en conscious of where he was /oin/$ "ettin/ the &orce /ui#e hi( e1en as he trie# to use it
to keep his bo#y fro( succu(bin/ to the effects of Githany's poison,
0he fear of #eath wrappe# itse"f aroun# hi($ s(otherin/ his thou/hts, 2is wi"" be/an to fa"ter3 it
wou"# be so easy to :ust surren#er now an# "et it a"" en#, )ust "et it a"" s"ip away an# be at peace ,
Snar"in/$ he shook his hea#$ #ra//in/ his thou/hts back fro( the brink by repeatin/ the first "ine of
the Sith (antra o1er an# o1er* Peace is a "ie, 2e reache# back into his trainin/ as a so"#ier$ takin/
his fear an# transfor(in/ it into an/er to /i1e hi( stren/th,
! a( Darth Bane$ Dark Lor# of the Sith, ! wi"" sur1i1e, .t any cost,
&ar ahea#%at the 1ery "i(its of his rapi#"y fa#in/ 1ision%he saw another 1ehic"e (o1in/ s"ow"y
across the other si#e of the batt"efie"#, Sett"ers, Sca1en/ers$ pickin/ throu/h the re(ains,
2e pointe# the nose of his "an# craw"er at the($ /roanin/ with the effort re6uire# to si(p"y turn the
whee", Reachin/ out with the &orce$ he trie# to touch the spirits of those who ha# fa""en at this site,
On"y a few (onths ear"ier$ scores of bein/s ha# #ie# here, 2e trie# to #rink in what re(aine# of
their torture# en#s$ hopin/ the a/ony of their fina" (o(ents wou"# bo"ster his own f"a//in/ power,
But it wasn't enou/h3 their sufferin/ was too #istant$ the echo of their screa(s too faint,
G"ancin/ up$ he notice# that his 1ehic"e ha# be/un to 1eer off course$ "istin/ har# to one si#e as his
/rip on the whee" weakene#, 2is ar(s were nu(b an# tin/"in/3 they ha# beco(e a"(ost co(p"ete"y
unresponsi1e, 2e cou"# fee" his heart "aborin/ with e1ery beat,
0he front trea# struck a "ar/e rock an# the "an# craw"er su##en"y turne# o1er$ #u(pin/ Bane out
onto har# #irt an# :a//e# stone, 2e trie# to "ook up a/ain to "ocate the peop"e he ha# seen in the
#istance$ but the effort to raise his hea# was too (uch, 8hauste#$ his wor"# went b"ack,
0he hea1y whu(p%whu(p%whu(p of a "an# craw"er's trea#s stirre# hi( back to consciousness, 0he
other 1ehic"e was here, 2e #oubte# they wou"# e1en see hi(* his bo#y ha# fa""en behin# his tippe#%
o1er craw"er an# they ha# approache# fro( the other si#e, 1en if they #i#$ there was nothin/ they
cou"# #o to sa1e hi( now, -et there was so(ethin/ he cou"# #o to sa1e hi(se"f,
0he en/ines cut out an# he hear# the soun# of 1oices* chi"#ren's 1oices, 0hree youn/ boys
sca(pere# #own fro( the back of the "an# craw"er an# be/an to hunt ea/er"y throu/h the wrecka/e,
7+ikki=7 ca(e the 1oice of their father$ ca""in/ after one of his sons, 7Don't /o too far,7
7Look=7 one of the boys shoute#, 7Look what ! foun#=7
0he weak (ust ser1e the stron/, 0hat is the way of the #ark si#e,
7Wow= !s it rea"9 <an ! touch it97
7Let (e see$ +ikki= Let (e see=7
7Sett"e #own$ boys$7 the father sai# weari"y, 7Let's take a "ook,7
Bane "istene# to the crunchin/ of his boots across the s(a"" stones as he approache#, ! a( stron/,
0hey are weak, 0hey are nothin/,
7!t's a "i/htsaber$ &ather, But there's so(ethin/ weir# about the han#"e, See9 !t's /ot a stran/e hook
in it,7
2e fe"t the su##en fear that /rippe# the father's chest "ike a 1ise,
Sur1i1e, .t any cost,
70hrow it away$ +ikki= ;ow=7
0oo "ate,
0he "i/htsaber spran/ to "ife in the boy's han#$ spinnin/ in the air an# strikin/ hi( #ea# on the spot,
0he father screa(e#3 his brothers trie# to run, 0he b"a#e "eapt after the e"#est$ cuttin/ hi( #own
fro( behin#,
Bane$ #rawin/ stren/th fro( the horror of their #eaths$ rose to his feet$ co(in/ into 1iew "ike an
apparition #is/or/e# fro( the bowe"s of the p"anet,
7;ooo=7 the father how"e#$ #esperate"y c"utchin/ his youn/est son to his chest, 7Spare this one$ (y
"or#=7 he be//e#$ tears strea(in/ #own his face, 72e's the youn/est, 0he "ast one ! ha1e,7
0hose weak enou/h to be/ for (ercy #o not #eser1e it,
Sti"" too weak to e1en raise his ar(s Bane reache# out once (ore with the &orce$ brin/in/ the
"i/htsaber up to ho1er o1er his he"p"ess 1icti(s, 2e waite#$ "ettin/ their horror (ount$ then p"un/e#
the burnin/ b"a#e into the youn/ boy's heart,
0he father c"utche# the corpse to his breast$ his torture# "a(ents echoin/ across the e(pty
batt"efie"#, 7Why9 Why #i# you ha1e to ki"" the(97
Bane feaste# on his an/uish$ /or/in/ hi(se"f$ fee"in/ the #ark si#e /rowin/ stron/er in hi(, 0he
sy(pto(s of the poison rece#e# enou/h so that he cou"# raise his ar( without the (usc"es
tre(b"in/, 0he "i/htsaber spran/ to his han#,
0he father cowere# before hi(, 7Why #i# you (ake (e watch9 Why #i# you%7
One 6uick swipe of the "i/htsaber cut hi( off$ sen#in/ the father to the sa(e tra/ic fate as his sons,
<hapter >B
Lor# 2oth tosse# an# turne#$ unab"e to s"eep, 0he creakin/ of his cot :oine# the whinin/ bu44 of the
b"oo#suckin/ insect swar(s that fo""owe# his ar(y where1er they (a#e ca(p, 0he noise was
co(poun#e# by the whirrin/ hu( of s(a""%win/e# ni/ht bir#s swoopin/ in to feast on the insects
that feaste# on his so"#iers, 0he resu"t was a shri""$ (a##enin/ cacophony that ho1ere# on the e#/es
of hearin/,
But it wasn't the noises that were keepin/ hi( awake$ or the unre"entin/ heat that "eft hi( with a
constant sheen of sweat on his brow$ e1en at ni/ht, !t wasn't the (i"itary strate/ies an# batt"e p"ans
constant"y runnin/ throu/h his (in#, !t wasn't any one of these thin/s$ but rather the su( of a"" of
the( to/ether%an# the fact that there see(e# to be no en# in si/ht to this b"aste#$ curse# war, +inor
annoyances that ha# been to"erab"e #urin/ the first (onths on Ruusan ha# been (a/nifie# by
frustration an# futi"ity into unbearab"e tor(ents,
With an an/ry /row" he cast asi#e the thin b"anket he s"ept un#er$ tossin/ it into the far corner of his
tent, 2e swun/ his "e/s o1er the si#e an# sat up on the e#/e of the cot$ "eanin/ forwar# with his
e"bows on his knees an# his hea# c"aspe# between his han#s,
&or two stan#ar# years he ha# wa/e# his ca(pai/n a/ainst the Brotherhoo# of Darkness here on
Ruusan, !n the be/innin/ (any )e#i ha# ra""ie# to his si#e, .n# (any )e#i ha# #ie#%too (any,
Un#er Lor# 2oth's co((an# they ha# sacrifice# the(se"1es$ offerin/ up their own "i1es for the
sake of a /reater cause, -et now$ after si8 (a:or batt"es%not to (ention count"ess skir(ishes$ rai#s$
(inor c"ashes$ an# in#ecisi1e en/a/e(ents%nothin/ ha# been #eci#e#, 0he b"oo# of thousan#s
staine# his han#s$ yet he was no c"oser to his /oa",
&rustration was be/innin/ to /i1e way to #espair, +ora"e was the "owest it ha# e1er been, +any of
the so"#iers /ru(b"e# that &arfa""a was ri/ht* the /enera" ha# "et Ruusan beco(e his (a# obsession
an# was "ea#in/ the( to their #oo(,
2oth no "on/er e1en ha# the stren/th to ar/ue with the(, So(eti(es he fe"t as if he ha# for/otten
the reasons he ha# co(e here in the first p"ace, Once there (ay ha1e been 1irtue in this war$ but
such nobi"ity ha# "on/ since been strippe# away, ;ow he fou/ht for re1en/e in the na(e of those
)e#i who ha# fa""en, 2e fou/ht out of hatre# of the #ark si#e an# what it stoo# for, 2e fou/ht out of
pri#e an# a refusa" to a#(it #efeat, But (ost of a""$ he fou/ht si(p"y because he no "on/er knew
anythin/ e"se,
-et if he /a1e up now$ wou"# it (ake any #ifference9 !f he or#ere# his troops to retreat$ to e1acuate
the p"anet in &arfa""a's ships$ wou"# anythin/ chan/e9 !f he steppe# asi#e an# "eft the bur#en of
batt"in/ the Sith%here on Ruusan or e"sewhere in the /a"a8y%to another$ wou"# he fina""y fin# peace9
Or wou"# he si(p"y be betrayin/ a"" those who ha# be"ie1e# in hi(9
0o #isban# the .r(y of Li/ht now$ whi"e the Brotherhoo# of Darkness sti"" e8iste#$ #ishonore# the
(e(ory of a"" those who ha# perishe# in the conf"ict, 0o press on (eant (any (ore wou"# sure"y
#ie%an# he hi(se"f (i/ht be "ost to the "i/ht fore1er,
2e "ay back #own an# c"ose# his eyes a/ain, But s"eep wou"# not co(e, 7When a"" the options are
wron/$7 he (uttere# to hi(se"f in the #arkness$ 7what #oes it (atter which one ! choose97
7When the way before you is not c"ear$7 an etherea" 1oice answere#$ 7"et your actions be /ui#e# by
the wis#o( of the &orce,7
2oth snappe# his hea# up to peer throu/h the #arkness of the tent, . fi/ure was :ust bare"y 1isib"e
in the sha#ows$ stan#in/ on the other si#e,
7Pernicar=7 he e8c"ai(e#$ then su##en"y aske#$ 7!s this rea"9 Or a( ! actua""y soun# as"eep in (y
cot$ an# a"" this nothin/ but a #rea(97
7. #rea( is on"y another kin# of rea"ity$7 Pernicar sai# with an a(use# shake of his hea#, 2e
crosse# the tent s"ow"y$ (o1in/ c"oser, .s he approache#$ 2oth rea"i4e# he cou"# actua""y see
throu/h hi(,
0he apparition sett"e# itse"f on the cot, 0he sprin/s #i#n't creak3 it was as if he ha# no wei/ht or
substance at a"",
0his ha# to be a #rea($ 2oth rea"i4e#, But he #i#n't want to wake, !nstea# he c"un/ #esperate"y to
the chance to see his o"# frien# a/ain$ e1en if it was :ust an i""usion con:ure# up by his own (in#,
7!'1e (isse# you$7 he sai#, 7-our counse"$ your wis#o(, ! nee# the( now (ore than e1er,7
7-ou were not so ea/er to "isten to (e when ! was a"i1e$7 the Pernicar of his #rea( rep"ie#$ strikin/
at the (ost secret /ui"t an# re/rets burie# #eep in 2oth's subconscious, 70here was (uch you cou"#
ha1e "earne# fro( (e,7
. funny thou/ht struck the /enera", 7Was ! your Pa#awan a"" this ti(e$ +aster Pernicar9 So youn/
an# foo"ish that ! #i#n't e1en know you were tryin/ to instruct (e in the ways of the &orce97
Pernicar "au/he# "i/ht"y, 7;o$ Genera", ;either one of us is youn/%thou/h we both ha1e ha# (ore
than our share of foo"ish (o(ents,7
2oth no##e# so(ber"y, &or a (o(ent he sai# nothin/$ :ust en:oyin/ Pernicar's presence once a/ain$
e1en if he was on"y here in spirit, 0hen$ knowin/ there (ust be so(e purpose to this e"aborate
chara#e his subconscious ha# create# for hi($ he aske#$ 7Why ha1e you co(e97
70he .r(y of Li/ht is an instru(ent of /oo# an# :ustice$7 Pernicar to"# hi(, 7-ou fear you (ay
ha1e "ost your way$ but "ook to the &orce an# you wi"" know what you (ust #o to fin# it a/ain,7
7-ou (ake it soun# so si(p"e$7 2oth sai# with a s"i/ht shake of his hea#, 72a1e ! rea""y fa""en so
far that ! cannot e1en re(e(ber the (ost basic teachin/s of our or#er97
70here is no sha(e in fa""in/$7 Pernicar sai#$ stan#in/ up, 70here is on"y sha(e if you refuse to rise
once a/ain,7
2oth si/he# hea1i"y, 7! know what ! (ust #o$ but ! "ack the too"s to #o it, +y troops are on the
1er/e of co""apse* e8hauste# an# outnu(bere#, .n# the other )e#i no "on/er be"ie1e in our cause,7
7&arfa""a sti"" #oes$7 Pernicar note#, 70hou/h you ha# your #ifferences$ he was a"ways "oya",7
7! think !'1e #ri1en &arfa""a away for /oo#$7 2oth a#(itte#, 72e wants nothin/ (ore to #o with the
.r(y of Li/ht,7
70hen why are his ships sti"" in orbit97 Pernicar countere#, 7-ou #ro1e hi( away with your an/er$
an# he fears you (ay ha1e fa""en to the #ark si#e, Show hi( this is not so an# he wi"" fo""ow you
a/ain,7
Pernicar took a step back, 2oth cou"# sense hi(se"f be/innin/ the s"ow c"i(b to consciousness
a/ain, 2e cou"# ha1e fou/ht a/ainst it, 2e cou"# ha1e stru//"e# to stay in the #rea( wor"#, But
there was work to be #one,
7Goo#%bye$ o"# frien#$7 he whispere#, S"ow"y$ his eyes opene#$ re1ea"in/ the wakin/ wor"# an# the
e(pty #arkness of his tent, 7Goo#%bye,7
S"eep #i# not return to hi( that ni/ht, !nstea# he thou/ht "on/ an# har# about what Pernicar ha#
sai# to hi( in his #rea(, Pernicar ha# a"ways been the one he'# turne# to in ti(es of confusion an#
troub"e, !t (a#e sense that his (in# wou"# con:ure up the i(a/e of his #earest frien# to set hi( on
the proper path a/ain,
2e knew what he ha# to #o, 2e wou"# swa""ow his pri#e an# ask &arfa""a's for/i1eness, 0hey ha# to
set asi#e their persona" #ifferences for the sake of the )e#i,
&irst thin/ in the (ornin/ he e(er/e# fro( his tent$ #eter(ine# to sen# an en1oy to &arfa""a, But to
his surprise he foun# that one of &arfa""a's peop"e ha# co(e to speak with hi(,
7! won#ere# if ! ha# (a#e this trip in 1ain$7 the (essen/er a#(itte# once Lor# 2oth ha# we"co(e#
her into his tent, 7! was afrai# you wou"# refuse to e1en see (e,7
72a# you co(e a #ay ear"ier you probab"y wou"# ha1e been ri/ht$7 he confesse#, 7Last ni/ht ! ha# a
,,, re1e"ation that chan/e# thin/s,7
7! /uess we're "ucky ! ca(e to#ay$ then$7 she rep"ie# with a cor#ia" ti"t of her hea#,
7-es$ "ucky$7 he (uttere#$ thou/h part of hi( be"ie1e# the ti(in/ of the #rea( ha# nothin/ to #o
with "uck at a"", 0ru"y$ the &orce was a powerfu" an# (ysterious a""y,
Bane cou"# sti"" fee" the poison in his syste( as he #ro1e the "an# craw"er across .(bria's 1ast an#
e(pty p"ains, 0he ru(b"e of the en/ine cou"#n't 6uite #rown out the ratt"e an# c"ank of the :unk
pi"e# in the back, 0he c"atter kept hi( fro( pushin/ the (e(ories of the 1ehic"e's pre1ious owners
co(p"ete"y fro( his (in#$ but he fe"t no re(orse o1er their #eaths,
2e'# "eft their bo#ies "yin/ where they'# fa""en%in the (i#st of the batt"efie"# where they'# /athere#
their pri4es, 0heir #eaths ha# /i1en hi( the stren/th to press on$ but a"rea#y the sur/e of power he
ha# fe"t was fa#in/, 2e ha# the stren/th to keep the syno8 at bay for a few (ore hours$ but he
nee#e# to fin# a per(anent cure,
2e nee#e# to fin# <a"eb, !f he cou"# reach the hea"er$ there was sti"" hope, But the (an's #we""in/
was sti"" (any ki"o(eters away,
!t was on"y a (atter of ti(e unti" his bo#y succu(be# to the para"ysis an# his (in# was swa""owe#
by the fe1ere# (a#ness brou/ht on by the to8in, &or now$ thou/h$ his an/er a""owe# hi( to keep his
thou/hts c"ear,
2e wasn't an/ry at Githany, She ha# on"y acte# as a ser1ant of the #ark si#e shou"#, 2is ra/e was
#irecte# inwar#%towar# his own weakness an# (isp"ace# arro/ance, 2e shou"# ha1e anticipate# the
true #epth of her cunnin/,
!nstea# he ha# "et her poison hi(, .n# if he #ie# now$ his /reat re1e"ation%the Ru"e of 0wo$ the
sa"1ation of the Sith%wou"# en# with hi(,
<a"eb fe"t the "an# craw"er's approach "on/ before he saw or hear# it, !t was "ike a stor( on the
win#$ a b"ack sky rushin/ in to co1er the sun, When the 1ehic"e ro""e# to a stop before his hut he
was a"rea#y sittin/ outsi#e waitin/ for it,
0he (an who c"i(be# out was "ar/e an# (uscu"ar$ a sharp contrast with <a"eb's own thin an# wiry
fra(e, 2e wore #ark c"othin/$ an# a hook%han#"e# "i/htsaber #an/"e# fro( his be"t, 2is skin was
/ray as ash$ an# his features were twiste# into an e8pression of crue"ty an# conte(pt, 1en were he
not sensiti1e to the ways of the &orce$ it wou"#n't ha1e been har# for <a"eb to reco/ni4e hi( as a
ser1ant of the #ark si#e, What he (i/ht not ha1e sense# was how powerfu" this /ri( 1isitor tru"y
was,
But <a"eb ha# #ea"t with powerfu" (en an# wo(en before, )e#i an# Sith a"ike ha# co(e to hi( in
the past$ an# he ha# turne# the( a"" away, 2e was a ser1ant of the co((on peop"e$ those who cou"#
not he"p the(se"1es, 2e wante# no part of the war between "i/ht an# #arkness,
0he (an be/an wa"kin/ towar# hi($ (o1in/ stiff"y, 0he fou" stench of poison wafte# out fro( the
#yin/ Sith's pores$ s(otherin/ the scent of the boi"in/ soup han/in/ o1er <a"eb's fire, )abbin/ a
stick into the coa"s to stir up (ore heat$ <a"eb now un#erstoo# his 1isitor's unnatura" co(p"e8ion,
0he effects of syno8 were un(istakab"e, 2e fi/ure# the #oo(e# (an ha# at (ost a #ay before he
#ie#,
2e #i#n't speak unti" the (an stoo# #irect"y abo1e hi($ "oo(in/ "ike the specter of #eath itse"f,
70here is 1eno( in your bo#y$7 <a"eb sai# p"aci#"y, 7-ou ha1e co(e for the cure$7 he continue#, 7!
wi"" not /i1e it to you,7
0he (an #i#n't speak, ;ot surprisin/$ /i1en his state, 0he poison wou"# ha1e "eft his ton/ue
cracke# an# swo""en$ his (outh parche# an# b"istere#, But he #i#n't nee# wor#s to con1ey his
(essa/e as his han# #roppe# to the hi"t of his "i/htsaber,
7! a( not afrai# to #ie$7 <a"eb sai#$ with no chan/e in his 1oice, 7-ou (ay torture (e if you want$7
he a##e#, 7Pain (eans nothin/ to (e,7
0o pro1e his point$ he p"un/e# his han# into the bubb"in/ cau"#ron, 0he scent of seare# f"esh
(in/"e# with the s(e""s of soup an# poison, 2is e8pression ne1er chan/e#$ e1en as he with#rew his
han# an# he"# it up to show the sca"#e# f"esh,
2e saw #oubt an# confusion in the newco(er's eyes$ a "ook he ha# witnesse# (any ti(es before, !n
the past his stoicis( ha# ser1e# hi( we""$ usua""y thwartin/ the p"ans of those Sith or )e#i who ha#
sou/ht hi( out for one reason or another, 0hey cou"#n't un#erstan# hi($ an# that was how he
wante# it,
2e care# nothin/ for their war or what either si#e 1a"ue#, !n fact$ there was on"y one thin/ he care#
about in a"" the /a"a8y, .n# this perfor(ance was his on"y hope of protectin/ it fro( the (onster
stan#in/ abo1e hi(,
0he i(p"acab"e (an before hi( pu44"e# Bane, 2is on"y hope for sur1i1a" ha# :ust been #enie# hi($
an# he wasn't sure what he cou"# #o about it, 2e cou"# sense the power in this (an$ but it wasn't the
power of either the #ark si#e or the "i/ht, !t wasn't e1en the power of the &orce in any nor(a" sense
of the wor#, 2e #rew his stren/th fro( /roun# an# stone3 (ountain an# forest3 the "an# an# the sky,
Despite this #ifference$ Bane cou"# sense that the (an's power was for(i#ab"e in its own way, Bane
foun# its stran/eness #isturbin/$ unsett"in/, Was it possib"e he was actua""y /oin/ to "ose this batt"e
of wi""s9 Was it possib"e this si(p"e (an%a (an with on"y the faintest f"icker of the &orce insi#e
hi(%was actua""y ab"e to #efy a Dark Lor# of the Sith9
2a# the hea"er's (in# been weak Bane cou"# ha1e si(p"y co(pe""e# hi( to #o his bi##in/$ but his
wi"" was as unyie"#in/ as the b"ack iron of the pot he ha# p"un/e# his han# into, 2e ha#
#e(onstrate# that pain an# threat of #eath wou"# be ineffecti1e too"s in con1incin/ hi( to chan/e
his (in#$ as we"", 1en now Bane cou"# sense his (in# bui"#in/ up wa""s to b"ock out the pain3
buryin/ it so #eep it a"(ost see(e# to #isappear, .n# there was so(ethin/ e"se he was buryin/ as
we"", So(ethin/ he was #esperate"y tryin/ to keep Bane fro( unco1erin/,
Bane's eyes narrowe# as he reco/ni4e# what it was, 2e was tryin/ to hi#e the presence of another$
shie"#in/ whoe1er it was fro( the Dark Lor#'s ha4y$ fe1ere# perceptions, 2e turne# his attention to
the hea"er's s(a""$ ra(shack"e hut, 0he (an (a#e no (o1e to stop hi(, !n fact$ he ha# no reaction
at a"",
0he #oor was b"ocke# by nothin/ but a "on/ curtain that f"owe# /ent"y in the bree4e, Bane steppe#
forwar# an# f"ippe# it asi#e to re1ea" a s(a""$ ra(shack"e roo(, . youn/ /ir"$ her eyes wi#e with
terror$ hu##"e# si"ent"y a/ainst the far wa"",
. /ri( s(i"e of re"ief touche# the corners of Bane's "ips as he rea"i4e# the truth, <a"eb ha# a
weakness after a""3 he care# about so(ethin/, ."" his stren/th of wi"" was use"ess because of this
one fai"in/, .n# Bane was not abo1e e8p"oitin/ it to /et what he nee#e#,
With a sin/"e (enta" co((an# he swept the terrifie# /ir" up into the air$ carryin/ her out to suspen#
her upsi#e #own abo1e the hea"er's boi"in/ pot,
<a"eb "eapt to his feet$ showin/ rea" e(otion for the first ti(e, 2e reache# out to her$ then pu""e# his
han# back$ his eyes f"ickin/ between his #au/hter an# the (an who "itera""y he"# her "ife in his
/rasp, 7Da##y$7 she whi(pere#$ 7he"p (e,7
0he (an's hea# #roppe# in #efeat, 7."" ri/ht$7 he sai#, 7-ou win, -ou wi"" ha1e your cure,7
0he hea"in/ ritua" "aste# a"" throu/h the ni/ht an# into the ne8t #ay, <a"eb #rew on a"" (anner of
herbs an# roots* so(e cooke# in the boi"in/ waters of his pot3 others /roun# up into paste3 sti""
others p"ace# #irect"y on Bane's swo""en ton/ue, 0hrou/hout the entire process Bane was wary$
rea#y to un"eash his 1en/eance a/ainst the hea"er's chi"# shou"# the (an try to betray hi(,
But as the hours went by he s"ow"y fe"t the syno8 "eachin/ fro( his bo#y$ #rawn out by the
(e#icines, By e1enin/ of the ne8t #ay a"" traces of the poison were /one,
Bane returne# to his ca(p an# packe# up, . few hours "ater he was rea#y to "ift off an# "ea1e
.(bria behin#,
.fter the co(p"etion of the hea"in/ ritua" he ha# brief"y consi#ere# s"ayin/ both father an# #au/hter
for the cri(e of seein/ hi( in his (o(ent of weakness, But those were the thou/hts of a (an
b"in#e# by his own arro/ance, 2is recent encounter with Githany ha# shown hi( the #an/ers of that
path,
;either <a"eb nor his #au/hter presente# any threat to hi( or his /oa"s, .n# <a"eb ha# a ski"" he
(i/ht one #ay nee# a/ain, &or a"" its power$ the #ark si#e was weak in the hea"in/ arts,
So he ha# "et the( "i1e, 0here was no purpose or a#1anta/e in their #eaths, Ki""in/ without reason
or /ain was a petty p"easure of sa#istic foo"s,
.n# Bane was #eter(ine#%as he punche# the coor#inates for Ruusan into the na1 co(puter%to
c"eanse the #ark si#e of foo"s,
<hapter >F
When the Da"cyn arri1e# at Ruusan$ Bane was surprise# to fin# both Sith an# )e#i f"eets in the
syste(, 0he Sith ha# for(e# a b"ocka#e aroun# the p"anet$ ob1ious"y tryin/ to pre1ent the )e#i fro(
brin/in/ reinforce(ents to their fe""ows on the surface,
-et to Bane's eye it appeare# that the )e#i were (akin/ no effort to run the b"ocka#e, 0heir ships
see(e# content to wait$ "urkin/ :ust beyon# the ran/e of ene(y fire, .n# the Sith cou"#n't attack
without breakin/ for(ation an# e8posin/ their "ines, 0he resu"t was a tense sta"e(ate$ with neither
si#e wi""in/ to (ake the first (o1e,
Despite the b"ocka#e$ Bane was ab"e to "an# his ship on Ruusan without #rawin/ the attention of
either f"eet, 0he )e#i weren't concerne# with ships /oin/ to the p"anet$ an# the Sith were patro""in/
in patterns #esi/ne# to /uar# a/ainst "ar/e%sca"e incursions, 0he b"ocka#e was (eant to stop troop
transports$ supp"y ships$ an# their escorts3 it was a"" but use"ess a/ainst a sin/"e scout 1esse" or
fi/hter,
2is sensors picke# up the Sith enca(p(ent soon after he breache# the at(osphere$ an# he brou/ht
the Da"cyn in on the far si#e of the wor"#, 0he b"ocka#e patro"s ha#n't spotte# hi($ an# he'#
#isab"e# the ship's beacon before "ea1in/ Lehon, ;obo#y knew he was here, 2e p"anne# to keep it
that way for a whi"e "on/er,
2e set the ship #own in the co1er of a s(a"" ran/e of foothi""s se1era" ki"o(eters fro( the
enca(p(ent, 2e wou"# #raw "ess attention approachin/ on foot$ an# he wante# to keep the Da"cyn's
"ocation secret in case he nee#e# it to (ake a 6uick escape, 2e #ise(barke# an# be/an the "on/
hike to (eet up with Kaan an# his fe""ow Sith,
0he fee" of this p"anet was far #ifferent fro( any of the others he ha# been on, 0his was a tire#
wor"#$ weary an# spent with the en#"ess wars bein/ wa/e# across its surface, 0here was a (a"aise
in the air$ "ike so(e infectious #isease of (in# an# spirit, 0he &orce was stron/ on Ruusan
ine1itab"e /i1en the 1ast nu(bers of Sith an# )e#i there, -et he sense# it was in tur(oi"$ a
(ae"stro( of confusion an# conf"ict, ;either the #ark nor "i/ht he"# sway, !nstea# they co""i#e# an#
fuse#$ beco(in/ an obscene$ in#ecisi1e /ray,
&ar to the east he cou"# see the e#/es of Ruusan's /reat forests, 2e cou"# sense the )e#i hi#in/ #eep
within the($ thou/h they use# the "i/ht si#e to (ask their e8act "ocation, 0he Sith enca(p(ent was
to the west$ se1era" ki"o(eters away fro( the forest's bor#ers, Between the( stretche# a 1ast
panora(a of /ent"y ro""in/ hi""s an# p"ains* the site of a"" the (a:or batt"es that ha# been fou/ht on
Ruusan so far, 0he constant fi/htin/ ha# been punctuate# by si8 fu""%sca"e en/a/e(ents$ batt"es
where each si#e ha# brou/ht its fu"" stren/th to bear in an effort to wipe out the ene(y%or at "east
#ri1e the( fro( the wor"#, 0hree ti(es 2oth an# the .r(y of Li/ht ha# sei4e# the upper han#3 the
other three ha# /one to Kaan an# his Brotherhoo#, -et none of the 1ictories ha# been #ecisi1e
enou/h to brin/ an en# to the war,
&ro( the pun/ent s(e"" of #eath Bane suspecte# so(e s(a""er confrontation ha# been recent"y
fou/ht o1er this territory$ as we"", 2is suspicions were confir(e# when he creste# a rise an# ca(e
across a scene of s"au/hter, !t was har# to te"" who ha# won* bo#ies c"a# in the /arb of each si#e
were e1erywhere$ inter(in/"e# as if the co(batants ha# re(aine# "ocke# to/ether in hatre# "on/
after they ha# a"" been s"ain, +ost of the #ea# were "ike"y to be fo""owers of the )e#i or (inions of
the Sith$ rather than actua" )e#i Kni/hts or (e(bers of the Brotherhoo#$ thou/h he notice# #ark
Sith robes on a han#fu" of the bo#ies,
2o1erin/ abo1e the ki""in/ fie"# were the bouncers$ a uni6ue species nati1e to Ruusan, 0here were
at "east ha"f a #o4en$ spherica" in shape an# of 1arious si4es$ with (ost bein/ between one an# two
(eters across, 0heir roun# bo#ies were co1ere# with thick /reen fur$ as were the fin"ike appen#a/es
protru#in/ fro( their si#es an# the "on/ ribbon"ike tai"s that strea(e# out behin# the(, 0hey ha# no
1isib"e facia" features other than #ark$ "i#"ess eyes,
Reports in#icate# they were sentient$ yet to Bane they "ooke# "ike ani(a"s sca1en/in/ the re(ains
of the batt"e, .s he approache# he rea"i4e# they were co((unicatin/$ thou/h they possesse# no
(ouths, So(ehow they were pro:ectin/ (enta" i(a/es of succor an# co(fort$ as if they sou/ht to
hea" the woun#s of the scarre# "an# beneath the(,
0hey scattere# at Bane's approach$ whiskin/ the(se"1es away "ike a bi4arre schoo" of fish capab"e
of swi((in/ throu/h the skies, .s he #rew nearer$ he rea"i4e# they ha# been con/re/atin/ o1er one
of the fa""en, 0he hu(an (an was not 6uite #ea#$ thou/h the /apin/ woun# in his /ut /a1e stark
e1i#ence that he wou"#n't "i1e to see the ni/ht,
2e wore the robes of the Sith$ an# the shattere# re(ains of a "i/htsaber's hi"t "ay near his
outstretche# han#, Bane reco/ni4e# hi( as one of the "esser stu#ents fro( the .ca#e(y on
Korriban* so weak in the #ark si#e$ it wasn't e1en worth the bother of "earnin/ his na(e, -et he
knew Bane,
With a /roan the (an ro""e# onto his back an# hau"e# hi(se"f up to a sittin/ position$ "eanin/ his
hea# an# shou"#ers a/ainst a nearby stone, 2is eyes%/"a4e# an# #i"ate#%c"eare# (o(entari"y an#
ca(e into focus, 7Lor# Bane ,,, $7 he /aspe#, 7Kaan to"# us ,,, you were #ea#,7
0here was no point in rep"yin/$ so Bane sai# nothin/,
7-ou (isse# the fi/ht ,,, $7 the (an (u(b"e#$ the wor#s har# to hear throu/h the chokin/ bubb"es
of b"oo# we""in/ up in his throat, . cou/hin/ fit cut off what he was /oin/ to say ne8t, 2e was too
weak to e1en brin/ up his han# to co1er his (outh as he spewe# re# spots o1er Bane's #ark boots,
70he batt"e was /"orious$7 he fina""y croake# out, 7!t's an honor to ,,
, fa"" in such a sp"en#i# batt"e,7
Bane "au/he# "ou#"y$ the on"y appropriate response to such ri#icu"ous stupi#ity, 7G"ory (eans
nothin/ for the #ea#$7 he sai#$ thou/h it wasn't c"ear if the (an cou"# e1en hear hi( in his fe1ere#
state,
2e turne# to /o$ then pause# when he fe"t a feeb"e tu/ on his hee", 72e"p (e$ Lor# Bane,7
Liftin/ his boot free of the c"utchin/ han#$ Bane answere#$ 7+y na(e is Darth Bane,7 0here was a
sickenin/ crunch as his boot s"a((e# #own$ /rin#in/ the (an's sku"" into the rocks proppin/ hi(
up, 2is bo#y con1u"se# once then "ay sti"",
0he pur/in/ of the Sith ha# be/un,
Lor# Kaan "ay on his back on the s(a"" cot in his tent$ eyes c"ose#$ /ent"y (assa/in/ his te(p"es,
0he strain of keepin/ his fo""owers unite# in a co((on cause was takin/ a hea1y to""$ an# his hea#
constant"y pu"se# with a #u"" an# re"ent"ess ache,
Despite their success in recent batt"es with the )e#i on Ruusan$ the (oo# in the Sith ca(p was
tense, 0hey ha# been on Ruusan too "on/%far too "on/%an# reports kept fi"terin/ in of Repub"ic
1ictories in #istant syste(s, 1en with his abi"ity to (anipu"ate an# inf"uence the (in#s of the other
Dark Lor#s$ it was beco(in/ (ore an# (ore #ifficu"t to keep the Brotherhoo# focuse# on their
batt"e a/ainst the .r(y of Li/ht,
2e knew there was one sure way to en# the war$ an# en# it 6uick"y, 0he thou/ht bo(b, 2e ha#
spent (any ni/hts won#erin/ if he #are# to use it, !f they "ure# the )e#i in an# un"eashe# the
thou/ht bo(b$ its b"ast wou"# co(p"ete"y ob"iterate their ene(ies, But wou"# the co(bine# wi"" of
the Brotherhoo# be stron/ enou/h to sur1i1e such power9 Or wou"# they /et swept up in the
back"ash of the e8p"osion9
0i(e an# a/ain he ha# #is(isse# it as too #an/erous$ a weapon so terrib"e that e1en he%a Dark Lor#
of the Sith%was afrai# to use it, -et each ti(e he consi#ere# it for a few (o(ents "on/er before
backin/ away fro( the abyss,
. soun# outsi#e the tent cause# hi( to open his eyes an# sit up sharp"y, . secon# "ater Githany$
now seen by (any as his ri/ht han#$ poke# her hea# in, 70hey're rea#y for you$ Lor# Kaan,7
2e no##e# an# rose to his feet$ takin/ a secon# to ca"( an# co(pose hi(se"f, !f he showe# any
weakness$ the others (i/ht turn a/ainst hi(, 2e cou"#n't "et that happen, ;ot now$ when they were
so c"ose to u"ti(ate 1ictory, 0hat was why he ha# su((one# the other Dark Lor#s* one fina"
/atherin/ to stren/then their reso"1e an# assure their continue# "oya"ty,
Githany "e# the way throu/h the ca(p$ an# he fo""owe# her to the "ar/e tent where the other Sith
Lor#s were waitin/ for hi(, 2e entere# with con1iction an# purpose$ pro:ectin/ an aura of
confi#ence an# authority,
.s was custo(ary whene1er he entere# a roo($ those in the asse(b"a/e rose to their feet as a si/n
of respect, 0here was one$ howe1er$ who re(aine# seate#$ ar(s fo"#e# across his thick chest,
7.re you too hea1y to rise$ Lor# Kopec497 Githany aske# pointe#"y,
7! thou/ht we were a"" e6ua"s in the Brotherhoo#$7 the 0wi'"ek snar"e# back$ speakin/ (ore to Kaan
than to her,
Kaan knew he ha# to trea# carefu""y, 0his was not the first ti(e Kopec4 ha# been the 1oice of
#issent$ an# (any of the others took their cues fro( hi(, Unfortunate"y$ he was a"so one of the
(ost #ifficu"t to inf"uence an# contro",
76ua"s, 5uite ri/ht$ Lor# Kopec4$7 he sai# with a weary s(i"e, 7Re(ain seate#, ."" of you, We
ha1e no nee# of these point"ess for(a"ities,7
0he rest of the /roup #i# as he ba#e an# foun# their seats once (ore$ thou/h it was c"ear e1eryone
sti"" fe"t the tension between the two of the(, 2e "et a wa1e of soothin/ reassurance ripp"e out
across the roo( as he crosse# o1er to the strate/y tab"e,
70he war a/ainst the )e#i is a"(ost won$7 he #ec"are#, 70hey are on the 1er/e of co""apse, 0hey
ha1e retreate# into the forests$ but they are runnin/ out of p"aces to hi#e,7
Kopec4 snorte# #erisi1e"y, 7We'1e hear# that refrain one too (any ti(es,7
!t took tre(en#ous effort to (aintain his co(posure$ but so(ehow Lor# Kaan (ana/e# to rep"y in
a ca"($ e1en 1oice, 7.nyone who has #oubts about our strate/y here on Ruusan is free to speak$7 he
offere#, 7.s has a"rea#y been pointe# out in this (eetin/$ we are a"" e6ua"s in the Brotherhoo# of
Darkness,7
7!t's not :ust Ruusan !'( worrie# about$7 Kopec4 rep"ie#$ acceptin/ the bait an# risin/ to his feet,
7We'1e "ost /roun# e1erywhere e"se in the /a"a8y, We ha# the Repub"ic ree"in/, But instea# of
finishin/ the( off$ we "et the( re/roup=7
7+ost of our ear"y 1ictories ca(e before the )e#i :oine# their cause$7 Kaan re(in#e# hi(, 70he
point of attackin/ the Repub"ic in the first p"ace was to #raw the )e#i out, We wante# to force the(
into a batt"e of our choosin/* this batt"e$ here on Ruusan,
7;ow we are on the 1er/e of wipin/ the( out, .n# with the )e#i /one$ we can easi"y rec"ai( the
wor"#s that ha1e s"ippe# back un#er the Repub"ic's contro"%an# (any (ore besi#es,7
0hou/h Kopec4 was si"ent$ there were (ur(urs of a/ree(ent fro( the other Sith Lor#s, Kaan
presse# his point e1en farther,
7Once we wipe out the ene(y here on Ruusan our ar(ies wi"" sweep across the /a"a8y 1irtua""y
unoppose#, <on6uerin/ territory in e1ery sector$ we wi"" encirc"e <oruscant an# the other <ore
Wor"#s "ike a noose$ #rawin/ e1er ti/hter unti" we choke the 1ery "ife out of the Repub"ic=7
0here was a roar of appro1a" fro( the crow#, When Kopec4 spoke a/ain$ e1en he see(e# to ha1e
"ost so(e of his hosti"ity,
7But 1ictory here is not assure#, We (ay ha1e 2oth's ar(y surroun#e# an# pinne# #own$ but there's
a )e#i f"eet with hun#re#s of reinforce(ents "urkin/ on the e#/es of this syste(,7
70heir reinforce(ents are on the e#/e of the syste($7 Kaan a#(itte# with a no#$ not botherin/ to
#eny what e1ery sin/"e one of the( knew to be fact, 7)ust as they ha1e been for the past week, .n#
that's e8act"y where they wi"" stay* far away fro( the surface where they are nee#e#,
70he bu"k of our f"eet is in orbit aroun# Ruusan itse"f$ an# the )e#i "ack the nu(bers or the
firepower to break throu/h our b"ocka#e, !f they can't unite their nu(bers with those here on the
surface$ 2oth an# his fo""owers wi"" fa"", .n# once we ha1e finishe# the( off we can (op up the
tattere# re(nants of the Or#er at our "eisure,7
Kopec4$ (o""ifie#$ sat #own with one fina" co((ent, 70hen "et's finish 2oth off 6uick"y an# /et off
this b"aste# rock,7
70hat's e8act"y the point of this strate/y conference$7 Kaan sai# with a s(i"e$ knowin/ he ha# once
a/ain a1erte# a potentia" schis( in the Brotherhoo#, 7We (ay ha1e "ost a few skir(ishes here an#
there$ but we are about to win the war=7
Githany steppe# up an# han#e# hi( a ho"o(ap with the "atest #ata fro( their reconnaissance
#rones, 2e /a1e her a no# of thanks an# unfur"e# it on the tab"e$ then bent #own for a c"oser "ook,
7Our spies in#icate 2oth's (ain ca(p is "ocate# here$7 he sai#$ :abbin/ a fin/er at a hea1i"y woo#e#
section of the (ap, 7!f we can f"ush the( out of the forest we (i/ht be ab"e to%7
2e stoppe# short as a #ark sha#ow fe"" across the (ap, 7What now97 he #e(an#e#$ poun#in/ his
fist on the tab"e an# snappin/ his hea# up to fin# the cause of this "atest interruption,
.n enor(ous (ountain of a (an stoo# in the #oorway$ b"ockin/ the "i/ht strea(in/ in fro( outsi#e,
2e was ta"" an# co(p"ete"y ba"#$ with a hea1y brow an# har#$ unfor/i1in/ features, 2e wore the
b"ack ar(or an# robes of the Sith$ an# a hook%han#"e# "i/htsaber hun/ at his si#e, 0hou/h he ha#
ne1er (et the (an before$ Lor# Kaan ha# hear# enou/h about hi( to know e8act"y who he was,
7Darth Bane=7 he e8c"ai(e#, 2e cast a 6uick /"ance in Githany's #irection$ won#erin/ if she ha#
betraye# hi(, &ro( the e8pression on her face$ it was ob1ious she was :ust as surprise# as he was to
see their 1isitor a"i1e an# we"",
7We , , , we thou/ht you were #ea#$7 he be/an uncertain"y, 72ow #i#%7
7!'( tire#$7 Bane interrupte#, 7Do you (in# if ! sit97
7Of course$7 Kaan 6uick"y a/ree#, 7.nythin/ for a Brother,7
0he bi/ (an sneere# as he sett"e# into one of the nearby chairs, 70hank you$ Brother,7
0here was so(ethin/ in his tone that put Kaan's /uar# up, What was he #oin/ here9 Di# he know
that Githany ha# trie# to poison hi(9 Di# he know Kaan ha# sent her9
7P"ease continue with your strate/y$7 Bane ur/e# with a casua" wa1e of his han#,
Kaan's hack"es rose, !t was as if he was bein/ /i1en per(ission to continue3 as if Bane was the one
in char/e, Grittin/ his teeth$ he "ooke# #own at the (ap a/ain an# resu(e# where he ha# "eft off,
7.s ! was sayin/$ the )e#i are hi#in/ in the forests, We can f"ush the( out if we sp"it our nu(bers,
!f we #ep"oy our f"iers$ we can f"ank their southern "ines%7
7Bah=7 Bane spat out$ s"appin/ his open pa"( #own har# on the tab"e, 7Dep"oyin/ f"iers an#
f"ankin/ ar(ies$7 he (ocke#$ risin/ to his feet an# thrustin/ an accusin/ fin/er at Kaan, 7-ou're
thinkin/ "ike a #irt /enera"$ not a Sith Lor#=7
. hea1y si"ence ha# fa""en across the roo(3 e1en Kaan was "eft speech"ess, 2e cou"# fee" a"" eyes
on hi($ watchin/ intent"y to see what wou"# happen ne8t, Bane steppe# in c"ose$ his face :ust
centi(eters fro( Kaan's own,
72ow #i# you e1er fin# the /uts to poison (e97 he aske# in a "ow$ (enacin/ whisper,
7! ,,, that wasn't (e=7 Kaan sta((ere# as Bane turne# his back on hi(,
7Don't apo"o/i4e for usin/ cunnin/ an# trickery$7 the bi/ (an a#(onishe#$ (o1in/ o1er to the
strate/y tab"e, 7! a#(ire you for it, We are Sith* the ser1ants of the #ark si#e$7 he continue#$
ben#in/ #own to stu#y the troop positions an# tactica" "ayouts sprea# out before hi(, 7;ow "ook at
this (ap an# think "ike a Sith, Don't :ust fi/ht in the forest ,,, #estroy the forest=7
!t was Githany who fina""y broke the ensuin/ si"ence$ askin/ the 6uestion on e1eryone's (in#, 7.n#
:ust how #o you propose we #o that97
Bane turne# back to the( with an e1i" /rin, 7! can show you,7
;i/ht ha# fa""en$ but in the "i/hts of the b"a4in/ ca(pfires Bane cou"# see the others scurryin/ to
an# fro$ (akin/ the preparations as he ha# instructe#, When he sense# Githany approachin/ fro(
behin# hi($ he turne#, She was ho"#in/ a bow" of stea(in/ soup an# wore a cautious$ uncertain
e8pression,
7!t wi"" be another hour before they are rea#y to be/in this ritua" of yours$7 she sai# by way of
/reetin/, When he #i#n't rep"y she a##e#$ 7-ou "ook tire#, ! brou/ht you so(ethin/ to restore your
stren/th,7
2e took the bow" fro( her but #i#n't raise it to his "ips, 2e ha# #isco1ere# the ritua" she spoke of
whi"e stu#yin/ Re1an's 2o"ocron* a way to unite the (in#s an# spirits of the Sith throu/h a sin/"e
1esse" so their stren/th cou"# be un"eashe# upon the physica" wor"#, !n (any ways the process was
si(i"ar to the one use# to fashion a thou/ht bo(b fro( the &orce$ thou/h this was "ess powerfu"
than the ritua" he ha# sent as a peace offerin/ to Kaan%an# far "ess #an/erous,
2e rea"i4e# Githany was sti"" stu#yin/ hi( c"ose"y$ so he ti"te# his hea# towar# the soup, 7<o(e to
poison (e a/ain97 he aske#, 0here was :ust a hint of p"ayfu" teasin/ in his 1oice,
7-ou knew a"" a"on/$ #i#n't you97 she sai#,
2e shook his hea#, 7;ot unti" ! taste# the poison on your "ips,7
She raise# a sin/"e eyebrow an# /a1e hi( a coy s(i"e, 7But you ca(e back for a secon# he"pin/,
.n# a thir#,7
7Poison shou"# not har( a Dark Lor#$7 he to"# her, 0hen he a#(itte#$ 7-et it a"(ost ki""e# (e,7 2e
pause#$ but she #i#n't say anythin/, 70here are too (any Sith Lor#s in the Brotherhoo#$7 he went
on, 70oo (any who are weak in the #ark si#e, Kaan #oesn't un#erstan# this,7
7Kaan's afrai# you'1e co(e back to take o1er the Brotherhoo#=' .fter a (o(ent she a##e#$ 7! think
he's ri/ht,7
;ot take o1er$ he thou/ht$ but ob"iterate, 2e #i#n't bother to correct her$ thou/h3 it wasn't the ti(e
yet, 2e sti"" nee#e# further proof that she was the ri/ht one to beco(e his apprentice, 0wo there
shou"# be3 no (ore$ no "ess, One to e(bo#y the power$ the other to cra1e it, !t was a choice he
wasn't about to rush into,
7! can show you the true power of the #ark si#e$ Githany, Power beyon# what any of these others
can e1en i(a/ine$7 he sai#,
70each (e$7 she breathe#, 7! want to "earn, -ou can show (e e1erythin/ , , , after you'1e taken
Kaan's p"ace as "ea#er of the Brotherhoo#=7
2e cou"#n't he"p but won#er if she was sti"" tryin/ to (anipu"ate hi(, Di# she want to p"ay hi( an#
Kaan a/ainst each other9 Or was she "ookin/ for hi( to usurp Kaan as proof of his newfoun#
stren/th9
;o$ he a#(itte#, She sti"" #oesn't un#erstan# that the entire Sith or#er (ust be torn apart an# rebui"t
fro( scratch, +aybe she won't e1er un#erstan#,
70e"" (e so(ethin/$7 he sai#, 7Was it your i#ea to poison (e9 Or Kaan's97
With a s"i/ht "au/h$ she #ucke# beneath his ar( ho"#in/ the bow" of soup an# ca(e up c"ose a/ainst
his chest$ "ookin/ ri/ht up into his eyes, 7!t was (y i#ea$7 she confesse#$ 7but ! was carefu" to (ake
sure Kaan thou/ht it was his,7
0here (i/ht be hope for her yet$ Bane thou/ht,
7! know ! (a#e a (istake before$7 she continue#$ (o1in/ away fro( hi(, 7! shou"# ha1e /one with
you when you "eft Korriban, ! #i#n't rea"i4e what you were after3 ! #i#n't un#erstan# the secrets you
were seekin/, But ! un#erstan# the( now, -ou are the true "ea#er of the Sith$ Bane, !'"" fo""ow you
fro( now on, .n# so wi"" the rest of the Brotherhoo#$ after we use your ritua" to #estroy the )e#i,7
7-es$7 he a/ree#$ keepin/ his 1oice carefu""y neutra" an# takin/ a sip of the stea(in/ soup, 7.fter
we'1e #estroye# the )e#i,7
Bane knew they cou"#n't rea""y #estroy the )e#i, ;ot here on Ruusan, ;ot "ike this, So(ehow the
)e#i wou"# sur1i1e, ;o or#inary war cou"# co(p"ete"y e"i(inate the ser1ants of the "i/ht, On"y the
too"s of the #ark si#e%cunnin/$ secrecy$ treachery$ betraya"%cou"# #o that,
0he sa(e too"s he wou"# use to wipe out the entire Brotherhoo# of Darkness ,,, be/innin/ with the
ritua" toni/ht,
<hapter >@
Kaan$ Githany$ an# the rest of the Dark Lor#s ha# /athere# atop a barren p"ateau o1er"ookin/ the
1ast forests where 2oth an# his ar(y were hi#in/, 0hey ha# co(e on their f"iers* short%ran/e$
sin/"e%person$ airborne 1ehic"es front%(ounte# with hea1y b"aster /uns, 0he f"iers were parke# at
the e#/e of the p"ateau$ fifty (eters away fro( where the Sith sat in a "oose circ"e, 0he ritua" ha#
be/un,
0hey were co((unin/ with the &orce$ a"" of the( s"ippin/ into a (e#itati1e trance as one, 0heir
(in#s #rifte# #eeper an# #eeper into the we"" of power containe# within each in#i1i#ua"$ #rawin/
on their stren/th an# co(binin/ it throu/h a sin/"e con#uit, Bane stoo# in the center of the circ"e$
ur/in/ the( on,
70ouch the #ark si#e, 0he #ark si#e is one, !n#i1isib"e,7
0he ni/ht sky fi""e# with #ark c"ou#s an# a fierce win# swir"e# across the p"ateau$ tearin/ at the
c"oaks an# capes of the Sith, 0he air shook with the thun#er an# crack"e of a (ountin/ e"ectrica"
stor(, Bo"ts of b"ue%white "i/htnin/ arce# throu/h the air$ an# the te(perature su##en"y #roppe#,
7Gi1e yourse"f o1er to the #ark si#e, Let it surroun# you, n/u"f you, De1our you,7
0he Brotherhoo# s"ippe# #eeper into the co""ecti1e trance$ bare"y e1en aware of the stor( now
ra/in/ about their physica" se"1es, Bane stoo# at the eye of the stor($ #rawin/ the bo"ts of "i/htnin/
into hi(se"f$ fee#in/ on the(, 2e fe"t his stren/th sur/e as he channe"e# an# focuse# the #ark si#e
fro( the others,
0his is how it shou"# be= ."" the power of the Brotherhoo# in one bo#y= 0he on"y way to un"eash
the fu"" potentia" of the #ark si#e=
7Do you fee" in1incib"e9 !n1u"nerab"e9 !((orta"97
2e ha# to shout to be hear# abo1e the how"in/ win# an# thun#er, . web of "i/htnin/ spira"e# out
fro( his bo#y$ connectin/ hi( to each of the other Sith, 2e shi1ere# then su##en"y went stiff$ ar(s
sprea# out at his si#es, S"ow"y$ his ri/i# bo#y be/an to rise into the air,
7<an you fee" it97 he screa(e#$ fee"in/ as if the raw power of the &orce roarin/ throu/h hi( (i/ht
rip his 1ery f"esh asun#er, 7.re you rea#y to ki"" a wor"#97
0here was 1ery "itt"e in the /a"a8y that cou"# scare a (an "ike Genera" 2oth, -et as he sat "ookin/
o1er the "atest situationa" reports fro( his scouts he fe"t the first /"i((ers of rea" fear /nawin/
away at the base of his sku"",
0he rift between hi(se"f an# &arfa""a ha# been (en#e#$ but now there was no way to /et the
reinforce(ents #own to Ruusan's surface, S(a"" (essen/er ships with a crew of one or two ha#
been ab"e to s"ip past the Sith b"ocka#e un#etecte#$ thou/h on occasion e1en these 1esse"s ha# been
spotte# an# #estroye#, .nythin/ "ar/er wou"# ne1er (ake it,
But his fear was (ore than the resu"t of his frustration at ha1in/ he"p so near yet so i(possib"y far
away, 0here was so(ethin/ sinister in the air, So(ethin/ e1i",
Su##en"y an i(a/e "eapt unbi##en to his (in#* a pre(onition of #eath an# #estruction, 2e spran/
to his feet an# ran fro( his tent, 1en thou/h it was the (i##"e of the ni/ht$ he was on"y (i"#"y
surprise# to see that (ost of the rest of the ca(p was up an# about, 0hey ha# fe"t it$ too, So(ethin/
co(in/ for the(, <o(in/ fast,
0hey were "ookin/ to hi( for "ea#ership$ waitin/ for hi( to take co((an#, 2e #i# so with a sin/"e$
shoute# or#er,
7Run=7
0he stor( ro""e# #own fro( the p"ateau an# ru(b"e# across the forest, 2un#re#s of forks of searin/
"i/htnin/ shot #own fro( the sky%an# the forest erupte#, 0rees burst into f"a(es$ the b"a4e racin/
throu/h the branches an# sprea#in/ out in a"" #irections, 0he un#erbrush s(o"#ere#$ s(oke#$ an#
i/nite#3 an# a wa"" of fire swept across the p"anet's surface,
0he inferno consu(e# e1erythin/ in its path,
2eat an# fire, 0here was nothin/ e"se in Bane's wor"#, !t was as if he ha# beco(e the stor( itse"f*
he cou"# see the wor"# before hi($ swa""owe# up in re# an# oran/e an# re#uce# in secon#s to ash
an# e(bers by the unchaine# fury of the #ark si#e,
!t was /"orious, .n# then su##en"y it was /one,
0here was a :arrin/ thu(p as his bo#y #roppe# fro( where it ha# been ho1erin/ fi1e (eters abo1e
the /roun#, &or se1era" secon#s he was co(p"ete"y #isoriente#$ unab"e to fi/ure out what happene#,
0hen he un#erstoo#* the connection ha# been broken,
2e rose to his feet s"ow"y$ uncertain of his ba"ance, ."" aroun# hi( were the for(s of the Sith$ no
"on/er knee"in/ in (e#itation but co""apse# or ro""in/ on the /roun#$ their (in#s ree"in/ fro( the
su##en en# to the :oinin/ ritua", One by one they a"so re/aine# their co(posure an# stoo#$ (ost
"ookin/ as confuse# as Bane ha# been on"y secon#s before,
0hen he notice# Lor# Kaan stan#in/ off to the si#e$ o1er by the f"iers,
7What happene#97 Bane #e(an#e# an/ri"y, 7Why #i# you stop97
7-our p"an worke#$7 Kaan rep"ie# curt"y, 70he forest is #estroye#$ the )e#i ha1e f"e# to open
/roun#, 0hey are e8pose#$ 1u"nerab"e, ;ow we /o to finish the( off,7
Kaan ha# broken the connection$ an# so(ehow he ha# (ana/e# to #ra/ the others out a"on/ with
hi($ as if he ha# so(e ho"# o1er their (in#s, Perhaps he #oes$ Bane thou/ht, &urther proof that
they a"" ha# to be #estroye# if the Sith were to be c"eanse#,
.s the others re/aine# their senses$ Kaan was shoutin/ out or#ers an# batt"e p"ans, 70he fire f"ushe#
the )e#i out into the open, We can (ow the( #own fro( the sky, 2urry=7
0hey :u(pe# at his co((an#$ rushin/ to their waitin/ 1ehic"es an# takin/ to the sky with batt"e
cries an# shouts of triu(ph,
7<o(e on$ Bane$7 Githany sai#$ rushin/ past hi(, 7Let's :oin the(=7
2e /rabbe# her ar($ pu""in/ her up short, 7Kaan is sti"" tryin/ to win this war throu/h b"asters an#
ar(ies$7 he sai#, 70hat is not the way of the #ark si#e,7
7!t's (ore fun this way$7 she sai#$ the e8cite(ent ob1ious in her 1oice, She shook free of his /rasp,
.s he watche# her run to :oin the others he rea"i4e# that she ha# been corrupte# by the teachin/s of
5or#is an# the .ca#e(y on Korriban, Despite her pro(ise to fo""ow Bane$ she cou"#n't see beyon#
the Brotherhoo# an# its "i(itations, She was tainte#%unfit to be his apprentice, She wou"# ha1e to
#ie with a"" the others,
0here was the faintest hint of re/ret as he (a#e the #ecision$ but the re/ret was ho""ow* the echo of
a fee"in/$ the "ast 1esti/es of an e(otion, 2e snuffe# it out 6uick"y$ knowin/ it cou"# on"y (ake hi(
weak,
7-ou fri/hten us$ Bane$7 a 1oice sai# fro( behin#, 2e turne# to see Kopec4 stu#yin/ hi( carefu""y,
7When we were focusin/ the &orce throu/h you$ it fe"t as if you ha# your teeth on our throats$7 the
0wi'"ek continue#, 7.s if you were tryin/ to suck us #ry,7
70he power of the #ark si#e is stron/est if it is concentrate# in one 1esse"$7 Bane rep"ie#, 7;ot
sprea# out a(on/ (any, ! #i# it for the sake of the #ark si#e,7
Kopec4 shook his hea# an# c"i(be# onto his f"ier, 7We""$ we know you weren't #oin/ it for us,7
Bane watche# hi( soar off, 0hen he c"i(be# onto his own f"ier$ but instea# of fo""owin/ Kaan to
the batt"e he set a course back to the Sith ca(p, 0he first phase of his p"an to #estroy the
Brotherhoo# was co(p"ete,
When he arri1e# back at the ca(p twenty (inutes "ater$ he wasn't surprise# to fin# it co(p"ete"y
#eserte#, ."" the Dark Lor#s ha# been on the p"ateau for the ritua"$ an# they ha# a"" f"own off in
Kaan's wake to face the su##en"y 1u"nerab"e )e#i, 0he so"#iers$ ser1ants$ an# fo""owers who (a#e
up the bu"k of the Sith ar(y ha# ori/ina""y been "eft behin# at the ca(p$ but they ha# since recei1e#
co((e# or#ers fro( Kaan an# the others to :oin the( at the batt"efie"#,
Bane brou/ht his f"ier in for a "an#in/ in the heart of the ca(p$ ri/ht besi#e Lor# Kaan's tent, 2e
ki""e# the en/ine an# was surprise# to hear the #istant whine of another f"ier approachin/, 2e
"ooke# up$ curious, When it swoope# in "ow$ he reco/ni4e# the ri#er,
0he 1ehic"e was bearin/ #own on hi( in a #irect "ine, Bane "et his han# #rop to his "i/htsaber$ rea#y
to unc"ip it at a (o(ent's notice, 0he &orce we""e# up within hi($ prepare# to throw up a protecti1e
shie"# if the f"ier's front%(ounte# b"asters shou"# open fire,
But the f"ier #i#n't attack, !nstea# it swoope# a few (eters o1er his hea#$ banke# sharp"y$ then ca(e
in for a "an#in/ besi#e his own,
7-ou ha1e no nee# of your weapon$7 5or#is sai# as he #is(ounte#, 7!'1e co(e with an offer,7
Rea"i4in/ there was no i((e#iate threat$ Bane "et his han# #rop back to his si#e, 7.n offer9 What
cou"# you possib"y ha1e to offer (e97
7+y a""e/iance$7 5or#is sai#$ #roppin/ to one knee,
Bane stare# #own at hi($ his e8pression a (i8ture of horror$ a(use(ent$ an# conte(pt, 7Why
wou"# you /i1e your a""e/iance to (e97 he aske#, 7.n# why shou"# ! e1en want it97
5or#is rose s"ow"y to his feet$ a cunnin/ s(i"e on his "ips, 7! a( not b"in#$ Lor# Bane, ! see you
speakin/ with Githany, ! see how you are un#er(inin/ Kaan, ! know the rea" reason you ha1e co(e
to Ruusan,7
Perp"e8e#$ Bane won#ere# if it was possib"e that 5or#is%the foun#er of the .ca#e(y on Korriban$
the (ost ar#ent proponent of a"" that was wron/ with the Sith%ha# fina""y seen the truth,
7What e8act"y are you proposin/97 he aske# throu/h c"enche# teeth,
7! know what happene# to Kas'i(, 2e si#e# with Kaan a/ainst you, 2e pai# for that #ecision with
his "ife, ! a( not so foo"ish, ! know you're here to take o1er the Brotherhoo#$7 he #ec"are#, 7!
be"ie1e you wi"" succee#, .n# ! want to he"p you,7
7-ou want to he"p (e take o1er the Brotherhoo#97 Bane "au/he#3 5or#is was as b"in# an#
(is/ui#e# as the rest of the(, 7Rep"ace one "ea#er with another$ an# you an# the rest of the
Brotherhoo# continue on as before9 0hat's your bri""iant p"an97
7! can pro1e 6uite usefu" to you$ Lor# Bane 5or#is insiste#, 7+any of the Brotherhoo# are for(er
stu#ents of (y .ca#e(y, 0hey sti"" "ook to (e for wis#o( an# /ui#ance,7
7.n# therein "ies the prob"e(,7 Bane "ashe# out with the #ark si#e$ sei4in/ 5or#is in an
i((obi"i4in/$ crushin/ /rip, 2is opponent trie# to protect hi(se"f$ throwin/ up a fie"# to #ef"ect the
inco(in/ assau"t$ but Bane's attack tore throu/h the pitifu" #efense$ wipin/ it away as if it ha#n't
e1en been there,
0here was a stran/"e# cry of pain fro( 5or#is as the &orce ti/htene# aroun# hi( an# "ifte# hi( up
fro( the /roun#,
7-our wis#o( has #estroye# our or#er$7 Bane e8p"aine# casua""y$ watchin/ as 5or#is stru//"e#
he"p"ess"y abo1e hi(, 7-ou ha1e po""ute# the (in#s of your fo""owers3 you an# Kaan ha1e "e# the(
#own the path of ruin,7
7!%! #on't un#erstan#$7 5or#is /aspe#$ bare"y ab"e to speak as the breath was s6uee4e# ine8orab"y
fro( his "un/s,
70hat has a"ways been the prob"e($7 Bane rep"ie#, 70he Brotherhoo# (ust be pur/e#, 0he Sith
(ust be #estroye# an# rebui"t, -ou$ Kaan$ an# a"" the others (ust be wipe# fro( the face of the
/a"a8y, 0hat is why ! ha1e returne#,7
Dawnin/ horror sprea# across 5or#is's "on/$ #rawn features, 7P"ease he /roane#$ 7not ,,, "ike this,
Re"ease (e, Let (e ,,, #raw (y "i/htsaber, Let us fi/ht ,,, "ike Sith,7
Bane ti"te# his hea# to the si#e, 7Sure"y you know ! cou"# ki"" you :ust as easi"y with (y "i/htsaber
as ! cou"# with the &orce,7
7! , , , know,7 5or#is's skin was turnin/ re#$ an# his bo#y was tre(b"in/ as the pressure (ounte#,
ach wor# he spoke took tre(en#ous effort$ yet so(ehow the #yin/ (an foun# the stren/th to
(ake his fina" p"ea, 7+ore ,,, honor ,,, in ,,, #eath ,,, by ,,, co(bat9'
Bane /a1e an in#ifferent shru/, 72onor is for the "i1in/, Dea# is #ea#,7
. fina" push with his (in# ti/htene# the in1isib"e 1ise, 5or#is "et out a fina" screa($ but with no air
in his "un/s it ca(e out on"y as a ratt"in/ /asp that was "ost beneath the snappin/ an# crack"in/ of
his bones,
2a# Bane sti"" been capab"e of such e(otions he (i/ht actua""y ha1e pitie# the (an, .s it was$ he
si(p"y "et the corpse fa"" to the /roun# then wan#ere# into Kaan's tent an# the co((unications
e6uip(ent insi#e, !t was ti(e to enact the secon# phase of his p"an,
On the #eck of ;i/htfa""$ /reat f"a/ship of the Sith f"eet$ actin/ co((an#er .#(ira" .#rianna
;yras respon#e# to the hai"in/ fre6uency co(in/ fro( the pri1ate co("ink on her wrist,
70his is .#(ira" ;yras$7 she sai# into it, 7! await your or#ers$ Lor# Kaan,7
7Lor# Kaan is not here$7 an unfa(i"iar 1oice rep"ie#, 70his is Lor# Bane,7
She hesitate# for on"y a secon# before answerin/, Kaan rare"y "et anyone e"se use his persona"
transcei1er$ but on occasion it #i# happen, .n# with the security encryption on the e6uip(ent$ it
was 1irtua""y i(possib"e for anyone e"se to tap into the fre6uency, 0he (essa/e ha# to be co(in/
fro( the Sith ca(p$ which (eant she rea""y was speakin/ to one of the Dark Lor#s,
7&or/i1e (e$ Lor# Bane$7 she apo"o/i4e#, 7What are your or#ers97
7Status report,7
7Unchan/e#$7 she rep"ie#$ her 1oice sharp with (i"itary precision an# efficiency, 70he b"ocka#e is
intact, 0he )e#i f"eet sti"" ho1ers :ust beyon# our ran/e,7
7n/a/e,7
7Par#on97 she aske#$ so surprise# that she (o(entari"y for/ot who( she was speakin/ to,
7-ou hear# (e$ .#(ira"$7 the 1oice on the other en# snappe#, 7n/a/e the )e#i f"eet,7
0he or#er (a#e no sense, 0he "ast ti(e Kaan ha# spoken to her$ he ha# or#ere# her to ho"# their
position at a"" costs, .s "on/ as they (aintaine# "ocation in orbit$ their b"ocka#e was 1irtua""y
i(penetrab"e, !f they broke for(ation an# attacke# the )e#i f"eet$ howe1er$ they wou"#n't be ab"e to
stop #rop ships fro( "an#in/ reinforce(ents on the surface,
Sti""$ she ha# been /i1en stran/e or#ers before #urin/ her ser1ice with the Sith, 0here were ru(ors
that Kaan ha# so(e (ystic power$ so(e way to inf"uence the outco(e of a batt"e throu/h the power
of the &orce that cou"# (ake tra#itiona" strate/ies fa"" by the waysi#e, .n# if a Dark Lor# was
/i1in/ her a #irect or#er$ usin/ the persona" co((unications e6uip(ent in Lor# Kaan's tent$ she
wasn't about to run the risk of refusin/ to obey,
7.s you co((an#$ Lor# Bane$7 she answere#, 7We wi"" en/a/e the )e#i,7
0he fire #ro1e Genera" 2oth an# his ar(y fro( the she"terin/ confines of the forest, Lea1in/ (ost
of their supp"ies an# e6uip(ent behin#$ his troops ran throu/h the trees$ a (a# scra(b"e to escape
the searin/ heat an# f"a(es, 0hose who stu(b"e# or fe"" were instant"y swa""owe# up by the
conf"a/ration, So(ehow (ost (ana/e# to stay ahea# of the #ea#"y fires$ e1entua""y burstin/ out of
the woo#s an# into the rocky p"ains where so (any batt"es ha# a"rea#y been fou/ht,
0he Sith were there waitin/ for the(,
0he first wa1e of 2oth's fo""owers to e(er/e fro( the forest were (owe# #own by b"asterfire,
0hose :ust behin# were ab"e to #raw their "i/htsabers an# #ef"ect (any of the #ea#"y bo"ts as they
race# out onto the p"ains$ on"y to be swa""owe# up by the thron/s of Sith so"#iers rushin/ forwar# to
en/a/e the(,
0hou/h outnu(bere#$ the )e#i (ore than he"# their own, 0hey #ro1e the Sith ranks back$ breakin/
their "ines an# throwin/ the( into chaos an# #isarray, But 2oth knew that the rea" trap ha# yet to be
sprun/,
2ewin/ #own any foe foo"ish enou/h to co(e in ran/e of his "i/ht%saber$ the /enera" cou"# sense
these were not the true Sith, 0he Dark Lor#s were not a(on/ the(* these were the face"ess hor#es$
nothin/ (ore than a #istraction,
Where are they9 What is Kaan up to9
0he answer ca(e an instant "ater when a batta"ion of f"iers swoope# in o1er the hori4on$ un"eashin/
a #ea#"y barra/e across the batt"efie"#, Gui#e# by the power of the #ark si#e$ the hea1y /uns were
#ea#"y in their accuracy$ #eci(atin/ 2oth's troops an# turnin/ the ti#e of the batt"e back in fa1or of
the Sith,
2oth ha# face# i(possib"e o##s before an# triu(phe#, -et he knew this batt"e was fate# to be his
"ast,
But ! wi"" (ake a "ast stan# worthy of story an# son/$ he thou/ht #efiant"y$ e1en thou/h there won't
be anybo#y "eft to sin/ it,
0he wor"# #isso"1e# into the nu(bin/ fo/ of war, Screa(s an# the soun#s of batt"e beca(e a #u""$
in#istin/uishab"e roar, 0he spray of #irt an# stone fro( the b"aster bo"ts e8p"o#in/ into the /roun#
showere# #own on hi( fro( abo1e$ (in/"in/ with the sweat an# b"oo# of both frien# an# foe, 2e
swun/ each b"ow as if it (i/ht be his "ast$ knowin/ that sooner or "ater one of the f"iers wou"# "ock
in on hi( an# swoop #own to finish hi( off,
Lor# Kaan's f"ier car1e# a path back an# forth abo1e the (i""in/ so"#iers on the batt"efie"# be"ow$
soarin/ o1er the chaos "ike a /ri( bir# of prey, &ro( his 1anta/e point it was c"ear the batt"e was
theirs, -et e1en thou/h they were i"" e6uippe#$ outnu(bere#$ an# ba#"y out/unne#$ the )e#i fou/ht
bra1e"y to the bitter en#, 0here was no hint of retreat$ no breakin/ of their ranks, 2e cou"#n't he"p
but a#(ire such coura/e an# such #e1otion to a cause e1en in the face of certain #eath, !f his own
troops ha# been so stea#fast in their "oya"ty an# purpose$ he wou"# ha1e won this war "on/ a/o, !t
wasn't that they "acke# #iscip"ine* the Sith ar(ies were :ust as we"" traine# as those of the )e#i or the
Repub"ic, 0hey si(p"y "acke# con1iction,
0oo often their (ora"e ha# been he"# to/ether on"y by the sheer force of Kaan's wi""$ his batt"e
(e#itation stren/thenin/ their reso"1e whene1er the situation see(e# /ri( or #esperate, But his
batt"e (e#itation cou"# on"y #o so (uch, ./ainst an entire ar(y of )e#i on /uar# a/ainst the &orce
powers of the Sith$ it cou"# #o "itt"e (ore than insti"" a 1a/ue sense of unease, . s(a"" a#1anta/e$
but one easi"y o1erco(e, 2ere on the surface of this wretche# wor"#$ the Brotherhoo# of Darkness
an# its (inions ha# been force# to fi/ht on their own (erits$ without his inter1ention, .n# far too
(any ti(es they ha# co(e up short,
0here ha# been occasions when he'# 6uestione# the abi"ity of his fo""owers to succee# on their own,
0here were instances when he won#ere# if the Sith troops ha# beco(e so re"iant on the enor(ous
a#1anta/e of his batt"e (e#itation that they ha# for/otten how to fi/ht effecti1e"y without it, But
now$ at "ast$ the u"ti(ate 1ictory ha# been achie1e#, 0he )e#i were (akin/ a "ast$ #esperate stan#%
one /"orious to beho"#%yet the outco(e was ine1itab"e, 0here was :ust one thin/ "eft for Lor# Kaan
to #o before the fi/htin/ en#e#,
2e continue# to wea1e back an# forth$ firin/ spora#ica""y at the ene(y be"ow as he searche# for his
rea" prey, 0hen at "ast he saw hi(* Genera" 2oth$ stan#in/ in the 1ery center of the fray$ surroun#e#
by a bu"wark of 1a"iant a""ies an# a re"ent"ess sea of Sith foes that broke a/ainst the( a/ain an#
a/ain an# a/ain,
Lockin/ his f"ier's /uns on his tar/et he swoope# in$ intent on takin/ his ri1a"'s "ife in a spectacu"ar
strafin/ run, But a (ere secon# before he fire#$ a (assi1e e8p"osion rocke# his f"ier$ causin/ it to
1eer to the "eft, 2is shots car1e# a #eep furrow in the /roun# se1era" (eters to the "eft of the
/enera"$ "ea1in/ hi( (iracu"ous"y unhar(e#,
2oth continue# fi/htin/ as if he ha#n't e1en notice#$ but Kaan banke# his 1ehic"e aroun# sharp"y to
see what ha# happene#, Before he co(p"ete# the turn$ another e8p"osion shook the sky besi#e hi($
an# he saw one of the other f"iers careen out of contro" an# crash into the /roun#,
2e "ooke# up$ rea"i4in/ they were un#er attack fro( abo1e, . pair of (assi1e /unships were
#escen#in/ on the batt"e$ their batteries b"astin/ the Sith f"iers fro( the sky one by one, On the
un#ersi#e of each ship$ the co"ors of )e#i +aster Da"enthyne &arfa""a were c"ear"y 1isib"e,
!(possib"e= Kaan curse# si"ent"y, 0here is no way they cou"# ha1e broken throu/h the b"ocka#e=
;ot with ships "ike this= -et so(ehow they ha#,
.nother series of b"asts took out three (ore of the s(a"" f"iers$ an# Kaan rea"i4e# it was his ar(y
that was now su##en"y o1er(atche#, 0he f"iers were 6uicker an# (ore (aneu1erab"e than the )e#i
/unships$ but their b"asters wou"#n't e1en (ake a #ent in the "ar/er 1esse"s' hea1i"y ar(ore# hu""s,
&or a brief secon# he thou/ht he (i/ht be ab"e to ra""y the other Dark Lor#s, !f they concentrate#
their attacks$ they (i/ht be ab"e to brin/ the /unships #own%thou/h their own "osses wou"# be
hea1y, But he #is(isse# that i#ea as 6uick"y as it ha# co(e,
2e wasn't the on"y one who ha# notice# the arri1a" of the )e#i reinforce(ents, &ace# with
o1erwhe"(in/ o##s$ the Dark Lor#s un#er his co((an# ha# reacte# in the on"y (anner they
un#erstoo#* se"f%preser1ation throu/h f"i/ht, ."rea#y (ost of the other f"iers ha# broken off their
strafin/ runs an# were e8ecutin/ e1asi1e (aneu1ers$ intent on"y on escapin/ the batt"efie"# a"i1e,
.n# with their Lor#s an# +asters f"eein/ the en/a/e(ent$ the hor#es of Sith so"#iers on the /roun#
wou"# be 6uick to fo""ow, !((inent 1ictory was about to beco(e #isastrous #efeat,
Swearin/ 1i"e oaths a/ainst both the )e#i an# his own peop"e$ Lor# Kaan knew there was on"y one
option "eft, Wea1in/ an# #artin/ to a1oi# a pair of bo"ts inten#e# to b"ow hi( fro( the sky$ he
:oine# the retreat,
<hapter >G
Genera" 2oth cou"#n't he"p but offer the ra//e# hint of a s(i"e #espite the #ea# an# woun#e# that
"ay scattere# across the batt"efie"#, 0he Sith ha# sprun/ their trap$ an# so(ehow the .r(y of Li/ht
ha# sur1i1e#,
2e reco/ni4e# &arfa""a's co"ors on the /unships that were now circ"in/ the fie"#$ keepin/ the Sith
stra//"ers pinne# #own un#er whate1er co1er they cou"# fin# unti" the troops on the /roun# cou"#
surroun# the( an# #e(an# their surren#er, +ost were 6uick to co(p"y, 1eryone knew the )e#i
preferre# takin/ prisoners o1er ki""in/ their ene(ies$ :ust as e1eryone knew the )e#i treate# their
prisoners hu(ane"y, 0he sa(e cou"# not be sai# for the Sith$ of course,
. s(a"" con1oy of persona" f"iers was e(er/in/ fro( the /unships$ f"yin/ #own to :oin the
sur1i1ors on the /roun#, 0he /enera" reco/ni4e# &arfa""a aboar# the "ea# f"ier$ e1en as &arfa""a
cau/ht si/ht of hi( an# ca(e in to "an#,
0he youn/er )e#i steppe# off his f"ier$ not speakin/ but e8ten#in/ his han# by way of cautious
/reetin/, 2e was #resse# in c"othes as bri/ht an# out"an#ish as e1er$ but for so(e reason it #i#n't
bother 2oth as it once ha#, 2oth steppe# o1er to hi( an# c"aspe# hi( in a fir( e(brace$ causin/
&arfa""a to "au/h in surprise, 2oth on"y re"ease# hi( fro( the fierce hu/ when &arfa""a be/an to
cou/h an# sputter,
7Greetin/s$ Lor# 2oth$7 &arfa""a sai# once he was re"ease#$ (akin/ a #eep bow an# a f"ourish,
Stan#in/ up$ he /a4e# out across the batt"efie"#$ an# his e8pression beca(e (ore serious, 7+y on"y
re/ret is we cou"#n't /et here sooner,7
7!t's a (irac"e you're here at a""$ &arfa""a$7 2oth rep"ie#, 7!'( afrai# to e1en ask how you (ana/e# to
run the b"ocka#e$ in case this a"" turns out to be nothin/ (ore than the fe1ere# #rea( of a #oo(e#
an# #yin/ (an,7
7Rest assure#$ Genera"$ ! a( 6uite rea", .s to how we arri1e#$ that is easy enou/h to e8p"ain* the
Sith broke the ranks of their b"ocka#e to en/a/e our f"eet, With our capita" ships #rawin/ the focus
of their cruisers an# Drea#nau/hts$ we were ab"e to sen# se1era" /unships #own to your ai#,7
7What about the rest of our f"eet97 2oth aske# in concern, 70he Sith ha# near"y #oub"e the nu(bers
of your ships,7
70hey he"# their own "on/ enou/h for us to /et throu/h the b"ocka#e$ then #isen/a/e# an# retreate#
with surprisin/"y few casua"ties,7
7Goo#,7 0he /enera" no##e#, 0hen he frowne#, 7But ! sti"" #on't un#erstan# why they wou"# en/a/e
your f"eet at a"", !t (akes no sense=7
7! can on"y assu(e that they recei1e# or#ers to #o so fro( so(eone here on the surface,7
7Kaan was on the 1er/e of wipin/ us out$7 2oth insiste#, 70he "ast thin/ he wou"# #o is /i1e the
or#er to en/a/e,7
Both )e#i were si"ent for a (o(ent$ pon#erin/ the i(p"ications of what ha# happene#, &ina""y
&arfa""a aske#$ 7!s it possib"e we ha1e an unknown a""y a(on/ the Brotherhoo# of Darkness97
2oth shook his hea#, 7! #oubt it, +ore "ike"y the Sith are fina""y be/innin/ to turn on each other, !t
was ine1itab"e,7
+aster &arfa""a no##e# his a/ree(ent, 7!t is the way of the #ark si#e$ after a"",7
Kaan was fu(in/ as his f"ier touche# #own back at the Sith ca(p, 2ow cou"# e1erythin/ ha1e /one
so terrib"y wron/ in such a short ti(e9 0hey ha# been on the cusp of 1ictory$ an# now su##en"y
they were on the knife's e#/e of #efeat,
2e stor(e# across the ca(p towar# his tent$ i/norin/ the 6uestionin/ "ooks of Githany an# the
others, 0hey wante# an e8p"anation$ but he #i#n't ha1e one to /i1e, ;ot yet, ;ot unti" he /ot a status
report fro( .#(ira" ;yras, 2ow #i# &arfa""a break throu/h the kriffin/ b"ocka#e9
2is an/er was so /reat that he #i#n't notice 5or#is's f"ier parke# near his tent$ or the #rop"ets of
b"oo# scattere# on the /roun# nearby, !f he ha#$ he (i/ht ha1e searche# the area an# foun# the bo#y
stashe# in the nearby un#er/rowth, But a"" of Kaan's focus was concentrate# on reachin/ his tent
an# the co((unications e6uip(ent insi#e,
2e foun# Bane there waitin/ for hi($ stan#in/ sti"" as stone,
7Back so soon$ Kaan97 he aske#, 7What happene# to your /"orious batt"e97
7Reinforce(ents$7 Kaan snar"e#, 7So(ehow &arfa""a foun# a way to break throu/h our b"ocka#e,7
7! to"# your f"eet to en/a/e the )e#i$7 Bane sai#$ his wor#s as casua" as if he ha# been #iscussin/ the
weather,
Kaan's :aw #roppe#, 2e ha# suspecte# treachery$ but he wasn't prepare# for the traitor to open"y
a#(it it= 7But ,,, why97
7! wante# a"" the )e#i here on Ruusan at the sa(e ti(e$7 Bane rep"ie#,
7-ou b"aste# foo"=7 Kaan shoute#$ wa1in/ his ar(s (a#"y as if they were /rippe# by uncontro""ab"e
spas(s, 7Dictory was ours= We ha# 2oth beaten=7
70hat is your /oa"$ not (ine, !'( after a pri4e far /reater than the #eath of Genera" 2oth, 2e is but
one (an,7
Kaan barke# out a harsh "au/h, 7We a"" know what pri4e you seek$ Darth Bane, -ou're here to take
o1er the Brotherhoo#,7
Bane shru//e# in#ifferent"y$ as if it #i#n't (atter one way or the other to hi(,
2e see(e# so ca"($ so certain of what he was #oin/, !t was a"" Kaan cou"# #o to keep hi(se"f fro(
"eapin/ at the "ar/er (an's throat, Di#n't he un#erstan# what he ha# #one9 <ou"#n't he see that he
ha# #oo(e# the( a""9
Kaan s"u(pe# weari"y into a chair, 7!f you "ea# the( a/ainst the )e#i$ you "ea# the( to their
s"au/hter,7
;ow it was Bane who "au/he#%a "ow$ sinister chuck"e, 72ow 6uick"y you'1e fa""en into #espair$
Kaan, !t see(e# on"y hours a/o you were certain of 1ictory='
70hat was before &arfa""a an# his reinforce(ents arri1e#$7 Kaan shot back, 7Back when we ha# the
a#1anta/es of nu(bers an# air superiority, ."" that is /one$ thanks to you, We can't possib"y #efeat
the( now,7
7! can$7 Bane 1owe#,
Kaan sat up strai/hter in his chair, ./ain$ there was that unwa1erin/ confi#ence, Bane knew
so(ethin/ he #i#n't, So(e trick, 7.nother ritua" "ike the "ast one97 he /uesse#,
7! know (any ritua"s, +any secrets, .n# ! ha1e the stren/th to use the(,7
Drea# /rippe# Kaan, 70he thou/ht bo(b$7 he breathe#,
7-our "ea#ership has fai"e#=7 Bane #ec"are#, 7;ow ! wi"" take the Brotherhoo# #own the path to
1ictory,7
7.n# what of (e97 Kaan aske#$ a"rea#y knowin/ the answer,
7-ou can swear your "oya"ty to (e with a"" the others$7 Bane to"# hi($ 7or you can #ie here in this
tent,7
Lor# Kaan knew he was no (atch for Bane$ either physica""y or throu/h the power of the &orce, -et
he wasn't about to surren#er so easi"y, ;ot whi"e he sti"" ha# cunnin/$ /ui"e$ an# his uni6ue ta"ents
of persuasion on his si#e,
7Do you rea""y be"ie1e the others wi"" fo""ow you97 he aske#$ pushin/ out with the &orce to p"ant
the first see#s of #oubt in his ri1a"'s (in#, 70hey are sti"" wary of you after your "ast ritua",7
. f"icker of uncertainty passe# across Bane's har# features, Kaan increase# the pressure of his
in1isib"e co(pu"sions an# continue# to speak, 70he Brotherhoo# is about e6ua"ity$ not ser1itu#e,
.skin/ the others to bow #own before you wi"" on"y #ri1e the( away%or turn the( a/ainst you,7
2e rose fro( his chair as Bane ner1ous"y stroke# his chin$ wei/hin/ the ar/u(ents, 72ow #o you
think the others wi"" react when ! te"" the( how you orchestrate# the arri1a" of the )e#i
reinforce(ents97
Bane's #ark eyes f"ashe# an/ri"y$ an# his han# #roppe# to the hi"t of his "i/htsaber,
7Ki""in/ (e won't keep your secret$7 Kaan warne# hi(, 70he others know you weren't at the batt"e
when &arfa""a's ships arri1e#, +ore than a few of the( probab"y a"rea#y suspect you of betrayin/
the(,7
Kaan pushe# e1en har#er with the &orce$ tryin/ to twist an# warp Bane's 1ery thou/hts, 7-ou (ay
be the stron/est a(on/ us$ but you can't #efeat us a"", ;ot by yourse"f$ Bane,7
0he bi/ (an sta//ere# an# c"utche# at his hea#, 2e stu(b"e# o1er to the chair an# co""apse# in it$
the woo# /roanin/ un#er his (assi1e fra(e, 2e hunche# forwar#$ han#s pressin/ har# on his
te(p"es,
7-ou're ri/ht$7 he sai# throu/h ti/ht"y c"enche# teeth, 7-ou're ri/ht,7
70here's sti"" hope$ thou/h$7 Kaan sai#$ steppin/ o1er an# p"acin/ a reassurin/ han# on Bane's broa#
shou"#er, 7&o""ow (e an# ! wi"" keep the others fro( turnin/ a/ainst you, )oin us in the
Brotherhoo#=7
Bane no##e# s"ow"y$ then turne# his hea# to stare up at Kaan with a #esperate$ hope"ess e8pression
in his eyes, 7What about the )e#i9 What about their /unships97
Kaan stoo#$ s"ow"y re"easin/ his (enta" ho"# o1er the other (an, 7We can nu""ify their air
superiority by retreatin/ into the ca1es$7 he sai#, 7! know Genera" 2oth3 he wi"" fo""ow us, .n#
there we wi"" un"eash the thou/ht bo(b a/ainst the(,7
Bane "eapt to his feet ea/er"y, Kaan was p"ease# to see that his powers of &orce persuasion were as
stron/ as e1er, 1en Bane was not i((une to his (anipu"ations, 7! wi"" #o as you say$ Lor# Kaan=7
he e8c"ai(e#, 70o/ether we wi"" #estroy the )e#i=7
7Peace$ Bane$7 Kaan ur/e#$ e8ten#in/ ten#ri"s of soothin/ ca"(, 2e ha# nu""ifie# the threat to his
position that Bane represente#$ but he knew the effect was on"y te(porary, !n ti(e Bane's hosti"ity
wou"# return$ as wou"# his #rea(s of usurpin/ the (ant"e of "ea#ership, Kaan nee#e# to fin# a (ore
per(anent so"ution,
7Unfortunate"y$7 he sai#$ 7there are sti"" ,,, co(p"ications,7
7<o(p"ications97
7! can con1ince the rest of the Brotherhoo# to for/i1e your treasonous acts$ but on"y after the )e#i
are #estroye#, Unti" then$ you wi"" ha1e to re(ain hi##en fro( the others,7
0he confuse# an# hurt e8pression on Bane's face was pitifu"$ but Kaan was use# to e"icitin/ such
nake# e(otion in those he (anipu"ate#,
7! wi"" "ea# the Brotherhoo# to the ca1es$7 he e8p"aine#, 7! a( stron/ enou/h to :oin their (in#s
an# un"eash the power of the thou/ht bo(b without your he"p, -ou stay here in the tent unti"
ni/htfa""$ then sneak out of the ca(p, Stay safe"y out of 1iew unti" the #ee# is #one,7
7.n# once the )e#i are #estroye# you wi"" return for (e97
7-es$7 Kaan pro(ise#$ his 1oice so"e(n, 7Once the )e#i are /one$ ! wi"" return for you with the fu""
stren/th of the Brotherhoo#=' 0hat (uch$ at "east$ was truth, 2e wou"# "ea1e nothin/ to chance3 he
wou"#n't un#eresti(ate his opponent any(ore, Bane ha# a"rea#y sur1i1e# one assassination
atte(pt, 0his ti(e he wou"# un"eash the fu"" nu(bers of his fo""owers a/ainst his foe,
7! wi"" #o as you co((an#$ Lor# Kaan$7 Bane rep"ie#$ #roppin/ to one knee an# bowin/ his hea#,
Kaan turne# an# (arche# out into the ca(p$ hea#in/ for his own tent where the pa/es containin/
the ritua" of the thou/ht bo(b were hi##en away,
Bane staye# in the position of supp"ication unti" the Dark Lor# was we"" out of si/ht$ then stoo# up
an# brushe# the #irt fro( his knees with a /ri( scow", 2e ha# fe"t Kaan's efforts to #o(inate his
(in#$ but they ha# ha# no (ore effect than a ruste# knife scrapin/ a/ainst the hi#e p"ates of a
2a"urian ice%boar, -et he ha# sei4e# on the opportunity an# #e"i1ere# a perfor(ance worthy of the
/reatest #ra(atist on ."#eraan,
Kaan was con1ince# the thou/ht bo(b was the key to Sith 1ictory$ an# he was about to ensnare the
rest of the Brotherhoo# in his web of (a#ness, 0he secon# phase of Bane's p"an was set in (otion,
By ni/htfa"" the ne8t #ay it wou"# a"" be o1er,
On the peri(eters of the )e#i ca(p$ patro"s circ"e# en#"ess"y throu/hout the ni/ht$ e1er 1i/i"ant an#
watchfu", !t wasn't :ust attacks fro( the Sith they stoo# /uar# a/ainst$ but a"so the in1asions of the
f"oatin/$ fur%co1ere# bouncers,
0he pre1ious"y peacefu" an# #oci"e nati1e creatures of Ruusan ha# been #ri1en (a# by the
catac"ys( that ha# swept throu/h the forest, Before$ they ha# been a fa(i"iar an# we"co(e si/ht*
/atherin/ in /roups o1er the sick an# woun#e# to pro:ect i(a/es of co(fort an# hea"in/, ;ow they
e(er/e# fro( the ni/ht's /"oo( in terrib"e packs$ inf"ictin/ twiste# ni/ht(ares that brou/ht
sufferin/$ terror$ an# panic to a"" in the 1icinity,
0here was nothin/ the patro"s cou"# #o but shoot the tor(ente# creatures on si/ht$ before they
sprea# their (a#ness a(on/ the )e#i, . /ri( task$ but necessary%as so (any other thin/s here on
Ruusan ha# been,
&ortunate"y$ the patro"s ha# (ana/e# to keep the bouncers at bay$ an# the (oo# within the confines
of the )e#i ca(p itse"f was one of cautious opti(is(, .fter the hope"ess #espair of the past (onths
their sub#ue# enthusias( a"(ost fe"t "ike :ubi"ant re1e"ry to Genera" 2oth,
0hey were no "on/er the hunte#$ cowerin/ in the #epths of the forest$ sur1i1in/ on"y as "on/ as they
re(aine# hi##en, 0he )e#i ha# /aine# the upper han#* their new ca(p ha# been set up on the open
p"ains a"on/ the e#/es of the 1ery batt"efie"# where the war ha# turne#, .n# now it was the Sith
who ha# /one into hi#in/,
0he /enera"$ thou/h sti"" e8hauste# by the #esperate escape fro( the f"a(es an# the fi/htin/ that
fo""owe#$ refuse# to s"eep, 0here were too (any #etai"s to see to$ too (any thin/s that nee#e# his
attention,
!n a##ition to or/ani4in/ the patro"s to protect a/ainst the bouncers$ he a"so ha# to o1ersee the
#istribution of fresh supp"ies, &arfa""a's ships ha# #e"i1ere# #esperate"y nee#e# foo#$ (e#pacs$ an#
fresh power ce""s for b"asters an# persona" shie"#s, With (ost of their other stores "ost to the
unnatura" wi"#fire that ha# #e1astate# the forests$ the /enera" wante# to (ake sure a"" his troops
were proper"y ree6uippe# an# ten#e# to before he /rante# hi(se"f the "u8ury of rest,
2e wo1e his way throu/h #o4ens of #yin/ ca(pfires an# scores of snorin/ bo#ies, 0hey were sti""
short on tents for the troops$ but those without were (ore than content to spen# the war( ni/hts
sp"aye# out on the /roun# s"eepin/ beneath the open sky,
7Genera"=7 a 1oice ca""e# out$ surprisin/"y "ou# in the otherwise sti"" ni/ht, 2oth turne# to see
&arfa""a runnin/ towar# hi($ sure%foote# #espite the #arkness as he "eapt ni(b"y o1er the
s"u(berin/ so"#iers in his way,
Pausin/ to "et hi( catch up$ 2oth returne# his now custo(ary%yet sti"" e8tra1a/ant%bow with a
courteous no#, 7Do you ha1e news$ +aster &arfa""a97
0he youn/er (an no##e# e8cite#"y, 7Our scouts ha1e spotte# the Sith on the (o1e, Kaan is "ea#in/
the( east$ towar# the foothi""s,7
7Probab"y hea#in/ into the ca1es an# tunne" syste(s$7 2oth /uesse#, 70ryin/ to take away our
a#1anta/e in the air,7
&arfa""a s(i"e#, 7&ortunate"y$ we'1e a"rea#y #one so(e reconnaissance on the area, We know (ost
of the (a:or access points to an# fro( the surface, Once they /o into the tunne"s we can surroun#
the e8its, 0hey'"" be trappe#=7
72((( ,,,7 2oth stroke# his hea1y bear#, 7!t isn't "ike Kaan to (ake such an ob1ious tactica"
(istake$7 he (uttere#, 72e's up to so(ethin/,7
7! cou"# instruct so(e of the scouts to fo""ow the( into the tunne"s an# keep an eye on the($7
&arfa""a su//este#,
7;o$7 2oth sai# fir("y after on"y a (o(ent's consi#eration, 7Kaan wi"" be watchin/ for spies, !
won't #e"i1er any of our peop"e into his han#s for interro/ation,7
7+aybe we cou"# star1e the( out$7 &arfa""a offere#, 7&orce the( to surren#er without any (ore
b"oo#she#,7
70hat wou"# be the best so"ution$7 the /enera" a#(itte#, 7Unfortunate"y$ ! #on't think we can affor#
that kin# of ti(e,7 2e /a1e a #eep si/h an# a weary shake of his hea#, 7! #on't know why Kaan's
hea#in/ into the ca1es ,,, ! :ust know we ha1e to #o so(ethin/ to stop hi(,7 Reso"1e har#ene# his
face, 7Soun# the re1ei""e an# asse(b"e the troops, We'"" /o in after hi(,7
7;ot to 6uestion your or#ers$ Genera"$7 &arfa""a be/an$ as tactfu""y as he cou"#$ 7but is it possib"e
Kaan is "urin/ you into a trap97
7!'( a"(ost certain of it$7 2oth conce#e#, 7But it's a trap he's /oin/ to sprin/ sooner or "ater
anyway, !'# rather not /i1e hi( ti(e to prepare, !f we're "ucky we can catch hi( before he's rea#y,7
7.s you co((an#$ Genera"$7 &arfa""a sai# with another of his /ran#iose bows, 0hen he a##e#$
7-ou$ howe1er$ shou"# /et so(e s"eep, -ou "ook as pa"e an# #rawn as one of the Sith yourse"f,7
7! can't s"eep now$ (y frien#$7 2oth answere#$ p"acin/ a hea1y han# on &arfa""a's #e"icate shou"#er,
7! was here at the start of this war, ! was the one who "e# the .r(y of Li/ht here to Ruusan to face
Kaan's Brotherhoo# of Darkness, ! (ust see this out to the en#,7
7But how (uch "on/er can you /o without s"eep$ Genera"97
7Lon/ enou/h, ! /et the fee"in/ this wi"" a"" be o1er by to(orrow's en#%one way or another,7
<hapter A?
0he ca1es were coo" an# #a(p$ but they were far fro( #ark, 0he rock wa""s an# cei"in/ were "ace#
with crysta"s that cau/ht the #i( "i/ht fro( the /"ow ro#s$ ref"ectin/ an# refractin/ their
i""u(ination throu/hout the ca1ern, S(a"" poo"s shi((ere# on the f"oor$ an# enor(ous sta"a/(ites
:utte# up towar# the roof, .n in1erte# forest of sta"actites hun/ #own$ water #rippin/ stea#i"y fro(
their tips to sp"ash an# ripp"e the poo"s far be"ow, !n so(e p"aces the protrusions on the f"oor an#
cei"in/ ha# actua""y fuse#$ :oine# by centuries of se#i(ent #eposits fro( the en#"ess trick"es of
(oisture, 0he enor(ous co"u(ns were (a/nificent* (assi1e$ yet at the sa(e ti(e #e"icate an#
fra/i"e,
Kaan ha# no ti(e to (ar1e" at the natura" beauty of their surroun#in/s, 2e knew the )e#i scouts ha#
(arke# their e8o#us to this un#er/roun# refu/e, .n# he knew Genera" 2oth wou"#n't wait "on/
before co(in/ after hi(,
0he ca1ern$ thou/h "ar/e$ was crow#e# with the rest of the Brotherhoo#, 1ery sur1i1in/ Sith Lor#%
with the notab"e e8ception of Darth Bane%was /athere# with hi( here to (ake their fina" stan#, 0he
rest of his ar(y was /uar#in/ the (ain entrances to the subterranean tunne"s$ with or#ers to ho"# off
the ine1itab"e )e#i attack for as "on/ as possib"e,
1entua""y those outsi#e wou"# be o1erwhe"(e#$ but Kaan was confi#ent their nu(bers wou"#
#e"ay 2oth "on/ enou/h for the ritua" of the thou/ht bo(b to be co(p"ete#,
7Gather 'roun#$7 he ca""e# out to the others, 7!t is ti(e,7
Githany knew there was so(ethin/ 1ery wron/ with Lor# Kaan, She ha# suspecte# so(ethin/ was
a(iss when they ha# f"e# the arri1in/ )e#i reinforce(ents, When they "an#e# back at ca(p$ Kaan
ha# #isappeare# into the co((unications tent$ then reappeare# (o(ents "ater an# /one into his
own tent without speakin/ a wor#, But when he e(er/e# fro( his tent$ the irresistib"e force of his
charis(a was back in p"ace, 2e ca(e to the( then not as a #efeate# "ea#er seekin/ to (ake a(en#s
but as a con6uerin/ hero$ #efiant an# unbowe#, 2e stoo# prou#$ the picture of (i/ht an# /"ory,
2e spoke to the($ his 1oice stron/ an# his wor#s bo"#$ ra#iatin/ authority, 2e spoke of "ea#in/
the( in a :oinin/ of their (in#s$ a ritua" that wou"# far surpass the one Bane ha# "e# the( in on"y
hours ear"ier, 2e to"# the( of a terrib"e weapon they wou"# un"eash a/ainst their foes, 2e rekin#"e#
their faith an# hope by re1ea"in/ the e8istence of the thou/ht bo(b,
2e ha# pro(ise# the( 1ictory$ as he ha# #one so (any ti(es before, .n#$ as they ha# a"ways #one
in the past$ the Brotherhoo# ha# fo""owe# hi( once a/ain, &o""owe# hi( here to this ca1e$ thou/h
Githany wasn't sure if it was (ore accurate to say they ha# been "e#%or "ure#,
She ha# fo""owe# hi( a"on/ with e1eryone e"se$ co(pe""e# by the passion of his wor#s an# the
sheer (a/nitu#e of his persona"ity an# presence, ."" thou/hts that he (i/ht be unstab"e or unfit to
"ea# the( ha# been for/otten in the hea#y pi"/ri(a/e throu/h the ni/ht to the she"ter of this ca1e,
Once they reache# their #estination$ thou/h$ the e8hi"aratin/ rush ha# fa#e# away$ rep"ace# by a
stark an# un#eniab"e c"arity, .n# she ha# fina""y seen the truth re1ea"e# in the i""u(ination of the
/"ow ro#s ref"ecte# in the crysta"s of the ca1ern wa""s,
Kaan's appearance an# /arb weren't unusua"$ apart fro( the #ust$ /ri(e$ an# b"oo# of the recent
batt"e, But now Githany cou"# see a cra4e# "ook in his eyes3 they were wi#e an# wi"# an# shone
with a fierce intensity$ spark"in/ as bri/ht"y as the crysta" shar#s a"" aroun# the(, 0hose eyes
brou/ht back (e(ories of the ni/ht she ha# surprise# Kaan in his tent, 0he ni/ht she ha# seen her
1ision of Bane's return,
2e ha# "ooke# #ishe1e"e# an# frantic$ "ost an# confuse#, &or a brief (o(ent she ha# /"i(pse# hi(
as he tru"y was* a fa"se prophet$ unab"e to see past his own #e"usions, .n# then the f"ickerin/ 1ision
ha# #isappeare#$ for/otten unti" this instant,
;ow$ howe1er$ the (e(ory ca(e f"oo#in/ back$ an# Githany knew she was fo""owin/ a (a#(an,
0he arri1a" of the )e#i reinforce(ents an# the shockin/ #efeat ha# cause# so(ethin/ insi#e hi( to
snap, Kaan was "ea#in/ the( to their #oo($ an# none of the others cou"# sense it,
She #i#n't #are to speak out a/ainst hi(, ;ot here in this ca1e$ surroun#e# by his once a/ain
fanatica""y "oya" fo""owers, She wante# to sneak away$ s"ip 6uiet"y off into the #arkness beyon# the
ra#iance of the /"ow ro#s$ an# escape this horrib"e fate, But she was cau/ht up by the crush of
bo#ies that sur/e# forwar# at Kaan's co((an#,
7Gather in, <"oser, &or( a circ"e3 a rin/ of power,7
She fe"t his han# /rab her ti/ht"y by the wrist an# pu"" her in so that her bo#y presse# up a/ainst his,
1en in the chi"" of the ca1e$ his touch was free4in/, 7Stan# besi#e (e$ Githany$7 he whispere#,
7We wi"" share in this (o(ent of e8a"tation,7
Lou#"y he shoute#$ 7)oin your han#s as we (ust :oin our (in#s,7
0he fin/ers of his ri/ht han# wrappe# aroun# her "eft$ sei4in/ it in a /rip co"# as ice an# unyie"#in/
as #urastee", One of the other Sith Lor#s took her other han#$ an# she knew a"" hope of escape was
/one,
Besi#e her$ Kaan be/an to chant,
Githany was not the on"y one who sense# so(ethin/ wron/ with Lor# Kaan, Like a"" the others$
Lor# Kopec4 ha# been swept up in the e8cite(ent of the thou/ht bo(b, 2e ha# cheere# with a"" the
rest when Kaan #escribe# how it wou"# ob"iterate the )e#i an# i(prison their spirits, .n# he ha#
ea/er"y :oine# in the thron/ that ha# fo""owe# hi( to the ca1e,
;ow$ howe1er$ his 4ea" ha# fa#e#, 2e was thinkin/ rationa""y a/ain$ an# he rea"i4e# the p"an was
utter insanity, 0hey were at /roun# 4ero of the thou/ht bo(b's #etonation, .ny weapon powerfu"
enou/h to #estroy the )e#i wou"# #estroy the($ too,
Kaan ha# pro(ise# the( that the stren/th of their co(bine# wi"" wou"# a""ow the( to sur1i1e the
b"ast$ but now Kopec4 ha# his #oubts, 0he pro(ise stank of wishfu" thinkin/ birthe# fro( a
#esperate (in# that refuse# to a#(it #efeat, !f Kaan ha# ha# this thou/ht bo(b a"" a"on/$ why
ha#n't he use# it before9
0he on"y "o/ica" answer was that he was afrai# of the conse6uences, .n# thou/h Kaan$ in his
(a#ness$ (ay ha1e "et /o of that fear$ Kopec4 was sti"" sane enou/h to c"in/ to his,
0he rest of the Sith presse# forwar# in response to Kaan's co((an#$ but Kopec4 fou/ht a/ainst the
(o(entu( of the crow# an# (o1e# in the opposite #irection, ;one of the others see(e# to notice,
. wa"" of bo#ies surroun#e# Kaan$ b"ockin/ (uch of the "i/ht fro( the /"ow ro#s, !n the sha#ows
the 0wi'"ek (o1e# carefu""y towar# the ca1ern's (ain e8it$ surprisin/"y si"ent for such a "ar/e bein/,
2e #i#n't turn or "ook back as he entere# the tunne" to the surface$ an# picke# up his pace on"y once
he hear# the Brotherhoo# be/in a s"ow$ rhyth(ic chant,
scape was i(possib"e$ of course, By now the )e#i wou"# a"rea#y ha1e the entire tunne" co(p"e8
surroun#e#, Soon they wou"# en/a/e the Sith troops out on the surface$ tryin/ to break throu/h
their barrica#e to co(e after Kaan an# en# the "ast /reat batt"e of Ruusan, Kopec4 #i#n't know if
they wou"# (ake it in ti(e, Part of hi( actua""y hope# they wou"#,
!n the en#$ thou/h$ he wante# to (ake sure it #i#n't (atter to hi(, 2e'# :oin the #efen#ers on the
surface in one "ast stan# a/ainst the )e#i, Death was ine1itab"e3 he was wi""in/ to accept that fact,
But he a"so knew he'# rather #ie fro( a "i/htsaber or a b"aster shot than be cau/ht by the thou/ht
bo(b's #etonation,
0he chant was si(p"e$ an# after repeatin/ it on"y once Kaan was :oine# by the rest of the
Brotherhoo#, 0hey recite# the unfa(i"iar catechis( in a stea#y$ constant rhyth(, 0heir 1oices
bounce# off the ca1ern wa""s$ the ancient wor#s (i8in/ an# (in/"in/ in counterpoint as they
echoe# throu/hout the ca1e,
Githany cou"# fee" the power be/innin/ to /ather in the center of the rin/$ "ike a fierce whir"poo"
spinnin/ faster an# faster, She fe"t the pu"" on her conscious thou/hts as they were #ra//e# #own$
her awareness$ her (in#$ an# e1en her i#entity swa""owe# up in the 1orte8, 0he coo" #a(pness of
the ca1e fa#e#$ as #i# the re1erberation of their 1oices, She cou"# no "on/er s(e"" the (i"#ew an#
fun/us /rowin/ in the hi##en corners$ or fee" the pressure of the han#s that /rippe# her own,
&ina""y$ the shi((erin/ of the ref"ecti1e crysta"s an# the pa"e "i/ht fro( the /"ow ro#s (e"te# away,
We are one, 0he 1oice was Kaan's$ yet it was hers$ as we"", We are the #ark si#e, 0he #ark si#e is us,
0hou/h she cou"# no "on/er hear the soun# of their chantin/ she cou"# sense it$ e1en as her (in#
s"ippe# #eeper an# #eeper into the center, Rea"i4in/ she wou"# soon "ose both the abi"ity an# the
#esire to free herse"f fro( Kaan's ritua"$ she trie# to fi/ht a/ainst what was happenin/ to her,
!t was "ike swi((in/ a/ainst the re"ent"ess un#ertow of an ocean's heart, She fe"t the wor#s of their
recurrin/ (antra takin/ physica" shape, 0hey wrappe# aroun# their co""ecti1e wi""$ trappin/ it$
shapin/ it$ an# bin#in/ it into a rapi#"y coa"escin/ for(,
&ee" the power of the #ark si#e, Surren#er to it, Surren#er to the unifie# who"e, Let us beco(e one,
&ro( #eep within herse"f Githany su((one# her "ast reser1es of resistance, So(ehow they were
enou/h$ an# she was ab"e to wrench her (in# free fro( the unho"y conc"a1e,
She sta//ere# back with a /asp$ her sense crashin/ o1er her "ike f"oo#waters burstin/ throu/h a
retainin/ wa"", Si/ht$ soun#$ s(e""$ an# touch returne# a"" at once$ o1erwhe"(in/ her frantic (in#,
0he "i/ht fro( the /"ow ro#s ha# /rown faint an# #i($ as if it$ too$ was bein/ swa""owe# by the
ritua", 0he chant continue#$ so "ou# now it actua""y hurt her ears, 0he te(perature ha# #roppe# so
sharp"y that she was ab"e to see her breath$ an# tiny crysta"s of frost ha# be/un to for( on the
sta"actites an# a"on/ the e#/es of the tiny pu##"es an# poo"s,
Su##en"y she rea"i4e# that neither Kaan nor anyone e"se ha# a /rip on her han#s, 0hey were a""
stan#in/ in the rin/$ ar(s raise# towar# its center$ ob"i1ious to the wor"# aroun# the(, .t first it
"ooke# as if they were /raspin/ at nothin/$ but as her eyes a#:uste# to the /"oo( she cau/ht si/ht of
a stran/e #istortion in the air,
Githany cou"#n't bear to "ook at it for (ore than a (o(ent, 0here was so(ethin/ terrib"e an#
unnatura" about the wa1erin/ fabric of rea"ity$ an# she turne# away in horror,
Bane was ri/ht$ she rea"i4e#, Kaan has brou/ht us to ruin=
0here was a faint tu/ on her (in#, . /ent"e pu"" that was 6uick"y /rowin/ stron/er$ threatenin/ to
#raw her in with the others, She stu(b"e# away fro( the profane cere(ony an# its #oo(e#
ce"ebrants$ s6uintin/ to see her way a"on/ the une1en footin/,
Bane trie# to warn (e$ but ! wou"#n't "isten, 2er thou/hts were a chaotic :u(b"e of re/ret$
#esperation$ an# fear, 1en as one part of her brain chastise# her for her (istake$ another was
forcin/ her to back away fro( the abo(ination bein/ birthe# by the Brotherhoo#,
2er retreat brou/ht her to one of the ca1ern wa""s an# she fo""owe# a"on/ it$ "ookin/ for a way out,
0he co(pu"sion of the ritua" was /rowin/ stron/er, She cou"# fee" it ca""in/ to her$ in1itin/ her to
:oin the others an# share their fate,
She ha# no p"an$ no sense of where she was /oin/, She si(p"y ha# to escape$ f"ee$ /et out, Get
away fro( here before she was sucke# in once a/ain, . s(a"" space opene# in the stone* a narrow
tunne" entrance :ust wi#e enou/h for her to sneak throu/h, She s6uee4e# her bo#y into the cre1ice$
the :a//e# stone s"icin/ throu/h c"oth an# skin,
0he pain was nothin/ to her, 0he physica" wor"# was s"ippin/ away a/ain, Desperate"y$ Githany
(ana/e# to throw herse"f forwar#$ crashin/ to the /roun#$ then craw"e# frantica""y on her han#s an#
knees #own the tunne",
.way, She ha# to /et away, .way fro( the ritua", .way fro( Kaan, .way fro( the thou/ht bo(b
before it was too "ate,
0he Sith so"#iers /uar#in/ the entrance to the subterranean tunne"s were stron/ in nu(ber but weak
in spirit, 0hey offere# on"y token resistance to &arfa""a an# the rest of the )e#i a#1ance units who
ca(e a/ainst the(, 0he "ast batt"e of Ruusan 6uick"y transfor(e# into a (ass surren#er$ with the
ene(y throwin/ #own their weapons an# be//in/ for their "i1es,
&arfa""a wa"ke# a(on/ his troops$ sur1eyin/ the scene, Genera" 2oth was c"ose behin# with the
bu"k of the ar(y, 2e'# be surprise# to fin# the war a"rea#y o1er when he arri1e#,
72ow /oes it97 &arfa""a aske# one of the unit co((an#ers,
70he Sith troops ha1e us outnu(bere# three to one$7 the co((an#er answere# /ruff"y, 7.n# they're
a"" tryin/ to surren#er at the sa(e ti(e, 0his is /oin/ to take awhi"e,7
&arfa""a /a1e hi( a hearty "au/h an# s"appe# hi( on the shou"#er, 7We"" sai#$7 he a/ree#,
7So(eti(es ! think peop"e on"y fo""ow the Sith because they know we wi"" take the( a"i1e if they
"ose,7
7Don't you #are take (e a"i1e$ &arfa""a$7 a 1oice /ur/"e#, 0urnin/ his hea# sharp"y$ he saw a
hea1yset 0wi'"ek "yin/ woun#e# on the /roun#,
0he in:ure# 0wi'"ek stru//"e# to his feet$ an# &arfa""a was surprise# to see that he wore the robes of
a Sith Lor#, 2is face was so co1ere# in b"oo# an# /ore$ (ost of it his own$ that it took the )e#i a
(o(ent to reco/ni4e hi(,
7Kopec4$7 he sai# at "ast$ re(e(berin/ hi( fro( #ays "on/ /one$ back when Kopec4 ha# been a
)e#i, 7-ou are hurt$7 &arfa""a continue#$ e8ten#in/ his han# in an offer of frien#ship, 7Lay #own
your weapons an# we can he"p you,7
0he 0wi'"ek's (eaty han# "ashe# out to s"ap hi( away, 7! chose (y si#e "on/ a/o$7 he spat,
7Pro(ise (e #eath$ )e#i$ an# ! wi"" /i1e you a warnin/, ! wi"" te"" you Kaan's p"an,7
One "ook at the Dark Lor#'s woun#s to"# &arfa""a his ene(y #i#n't ha1e "on/ to "i1e in any case,
7What #o you know97
Kopec4 cou/he#$ chokin/ on the b"oo# we""in/ up in his throat, 7Pro(ise (e$ first$7 he whee4e#,
7! wi"" /rant you #eath$ if that is what you tru"y seek, ! swear it,7
0he 0wi'"ek "au/he#$ pink froth bubb"in/ up on his "ips, 7Goo#, Death is an o"# frien#, What Kaan
has p"anne# is far worse,7 .n# he to"# &arfa""a about the thou/ht bo(b$ his wor#s sen#in/ a chi""
#own the )e#i +aster's spine, When Kopec4 ha# finishe# he bowe# his hea# an# took a #eep breath
to /ather his stren/th$ then acti1ate# his "i/htsaber,
7-ou pro(ise# (e #eath$7 he sai#, 7! wish to fa"" in co(bat, !f you ho"# back at a""$ you wi"" be the
one who #ies here to#ay, Do you un#erstan#97
+aster &arfa""a no##e# /ri("y$ i/nitin/ his own weapon,
Lor# Kopec4 fou/ht 1a"iant"y #espite his woun#s$ thou/h he was no (atch for a fresh an# unin:ure#
)e#i +aster, !n the en#$ &arfa""a fu"fi""e# his pro(ise,
<hapter A1
0he scene that /reete# Genera" 2oth as his ar(y ca(e upon the batt"efie"# was as une8pecte# as it
was we"co(e, 2e ha# brace# hi(se"f for a 1ision of /ri( an# b"oo#y s"au/hter$ fierce co(bat with
neither si#e /i1in/ nor askin/ 6uarter, 2e ha# i(a/ine# the corpses of the #ea# wou"# be strewn
about$ tra(p"e# beneath the feet of those sti"" fi/htin/ #esperate"y to han/ on to their "i1es, 2e ha#
co(e e8pectin/ to see a war,
!nstea# he was witness to so(ethin/ so unbe"ie1ab"e his initia" reaction was one of suspicion, Was it
a trick9 . trap9 2is fears were 6uick"y a""aye# when he reco/ni4e# the fa(i"iar an# s(i"in/ faces of
other )e#i a"" aroun# hi(,
.s he sur1eye# the after(ath of the "ast batt"e of Ruusan$ his own face broke into a s(i"e, 0here
were on"y a han#fu" of #ea#$ an# fro( their #ress it was c"ear that few of the( ha# ser1e# in the
.r(y of Li/ht, +ost of the ene(y ha# been taken prisoner* they were sittin/ ca"("y on the /roun#
in "ar/e /roups$ surroun#e# by ar(e# )e#i, -et e1en thou/h the )e#i were keepin/ c"ose watch on
their capture# foes$ they were "au/hin/ an# :okin/ with one another,
2e reache# out with the &orce$ an# he fe"t wa1e after wa1e of re"ief an# :oy washin/ out fro(
&arfa""a's troops, 0he so"#iers un#er his co((an# were 6uick to fee" it$ too, Seein/ the ob1ious
1ictory$ they broke ranks an# ran cheerin/ an# "au/hin/ #own to :oin their fe""ows in ce"ebration,
2oth resiste# the ur/e to shout out a co((an# to re/roup an# si(p"y "et the( /o,
0he en#"ess war was o1er=
But as he wa"ke# throu/h the (i""in/ thron/s$ acceptin/ the sa"utes an# con/ratu"ations of his
fo""owers$ he rea"i4e# so(ethin/ was wron/, 0he batt"efie"# was fu"" of p"aci#$ unar(e# Sith ,,, but
he saw not a sin/"e Dark Lor# a(on/ their nu(bers,
0he si/ht of +aster &arfa""a runnin/ at fu"" spee# towar# hi( fro( the far si#e of the fie"# #i# "itt"e
to soothe his unease,
7Genera"$7 &arfa""a sai#$ s"i#in/ to a stop an# /aspin/ for breath, 2e snappe# off a 6uick sa"ute, 0he
"ack of his typica" o1er%the%top bow further fue"e# 2oth's (ountin/ concern,
7! (ust ha1e taken "on/er to asse(b"e (y forces than ! thou/ht$7 the /enera" :oke#$ hopin/ his
#is6uiet was si(p"y (isp"ace# paranoia, 7!t see(s you'1e a"rea#y won the war,7
&arfa""a shook his hea#, 70he war isn't o1er, ;ot yet, Kaan an# the Brotherhoo#%the true Sith%ha1e
taken refu/e in the ca1es, 0hey're /oin/ to un"eash so(e kin# of Sith weapon, So(ethin/ ca""e# a
thou/ht bo(b,7
. thou/ht bo(b9 2oth ha# hear# (ention of such a weapon "on/ a/o$ stu#yin/ at the feet of his
+aster back at the )e#i 0e(p"e on <oruscant, .ccor#in/ to "e/en#ary accounts$ the ancient Sith ha#
the abi"ity to for/e the #ark si#e into a concentrate# sphere of power an# then un"eash its ener/y in a
sin/"e$ #e1astatin/ b"ast, ."" those sensiti1e to the &orce%Sith an# )e#i a"ike%wou"# be consu(e# by
the e8p"osion$ their spirits trappe# in the /reat 1acuu( create# at the epicenter of the #etonation,
7!s Kaan (a#97 he sai# a"ou#$ thou/h the 1ery 6uestion was answer enou/h,
7We ha1e to e1acuate$ Genera"$7 &arfa""a insiste#, 7Get e1eryone away as fast as possib"e,7
7;o$7 2oth answere#, 70hat won't work, !f we retreat$ Kaan an# the Brotherhoo# wi"" escape, !t
won't take the( "on/ to ra""y support an# be/in this war a"" o1er a/ain,7
7But what about the thou/ht bo(b97 Da"enthyne #e(an#e#,
7!f Kaan has such a weapon$7 the /enera" e8p"aine# /ri("y$ 7then he wi"" use it, !f not here$ then
so(ewhere e"se, +aybe in the <ore Wor"#s, +aybe on <oruscant itse"f, ! can't a""ow that,
7Kaan wants to witness (y #eath, ! ha1e to /o into the ca1e to face hi(, ! ha1e to force hi( to
#etonate the bo(b here on Ruusan, !t's the on"y way to tru"y en# this,7
&arfa""a #roppe# to one knee, 70hen ! wi"" /o by your si#e$ Genera", .s wi"" a"" who fo""ow (e,7
Reachin/ out with his stron/$ weathere# han#s$ Genera" 2oth took &arfa""a by the shou"#ers an#
hau"e# hi( to his feet, 7;o$ (y frien#$7 he sai# with a si/h$ 7you cannot wa"k this :ourney with
(e,7
When the other starte# to protest he he"# up a han# for si"ence an# continue#, 7When Kaan
un"eashes his weapon$ a"" within that ca1e wi"" #ie, 0he Sith wi"" be wipe# out$ but ! won't "et that
happen to our entire or#er, 0he /a"a8y wi"" ha1e nee# of )e#i to rebui"# once this war is o1er, -ou
an# the other +asters (ust "i1e so that you (ay /ui#e the( an# #efen# the Repub"ic as we ha1e
#one since its foun#ation,7
0here was no rea" ar/u(ent a/ainst the wis#o( of his wor#s$ an# after a (o(ent's #e"iberation
+aster &arfa""a #roppe# his hea# in (ute acceptance, When he "ooke# up a/ain there were tears in
his eyes,
7Sure"y you're not /oin/ in a"one97 he proteste#,
7! wish ! cou"#$7 2oth rep"ie#, 7But if ! #o the Dark Lor#s wi"" si(p"y take (e #own with their
"i/htsabers, 0hat wou"# so"1e nothin/, Kaan has to see that his on"y choice is to surren#er or , ,,7 2e
"eft the thou/ht unspoken,
7-ou'"" nee# enou/h )e#i to con1ince the Brotherhoo# that a physica" batt"e wou"# be hope"ess, .t
"east a hun#re#, .ny "ess an# he won't #etonate the thou/ht bo(b,7
2oth no##e#, 7;obo#y wi"" be or#ere# to /o in with (e, .sk for 1o"unteers, .n# (ake sure they
un#erstan# none of us wi"" e1er be co(in/ out,7
Despite the #an/er$ 1irtua""y e1ery sin/"e (e(ber of the .r(y of Li/ht 1o"unteere# for the (ission,
Genera" 2oth rea"i4e# that he shou"#n't ha1e been surprise#, .fter a""$ these were )e#i$ wi""in/ to
sacrifice e1erythin/%e1en their "i1es%for the /reater /oo#, !n the en# he #i# what he knew he wou"#
ha1e to #o a"" a"on/* he hi(se"f chose who wou"# acco(pany hi( to certain #eath,
2e se"ecte# e8act"y ninety%nine others to /o with hi(, 0he #ecision was a/oni4in/"y #ifficu"t, !f he
took "ess$ the Sith (i/ht be ab"e to fi/ht their way out of the ca1e an# escape$ on"y to #etonate their
thou/ht bo(b so(ewhere e"se, But the (ore he took$ the (ore )e#i "i1es he (i/ht be nee#"ess"y
throwin/ away,
<hoosin/ who wou"# /o with hi( was e1en (ore #ifficu"t, 0hose )e#i who ha# ser1e# at his si#e
the "on/est$ the ones who ha# :oine# the .r(y of Li/ht at the 1ery be/innin/ of the ca(pai/n$ were
those he knew best, 2e knew how (uch they ha# a"rea#y /i1en in this war$ an# these were the ones
he "east wante# to "ea# to their #oo(, -et these were the ones with the (ost ri/ht to stan# by his
si#e when the en# fina""y ca(e$ an# when a"" was sai# an# #one that was how he (a#e his
se"ection, 0hose with the (ost seniority wou"# /o with hi(3 the others wou"# fa"" back with Lor#
&arfa""a,
0he hun#re# )e#i%the ninety%nine chosen p"us 2oth hi(se"f%stoo# an8ious"y at the entrance of the
tunne"s, 0he sky abo1e was /rowin/ #ark as ni/ht fe"" an# o(inous stor( c"ou#s ro""e# in, Sti""$ the
/enera" #i# not /i1e the co((an# to a#1ance, 2e wante# to /i1e &arfa""a an# the others enou/h
ti(e to /et c"ear, !f it ha# been possib"e$ he wou"# ha1e or#ere# a"" those not /oin/ into the ca1e to
"ea1e Ruusan, But there wasn't ti(e, 0hey wou"# si(p"y ha1e to /et as far away as possib"e$ then
hope they were beyon# the ran/e of Kaan's thou/ht bo(b,
.s the first #rops of rain be/an to fa""$ he rea"i4e# he cou"# wait no "on/er$ an# he /a1e the
co((an# to a#1ance, 0hey (arche# in an or#er"y fashion into the tunne"$ #own into the ca1erns far
beneath the p"anet's surface,
0he first thin/ 2oth notice# as they #escen#e# was how co"# the tunne" 6uick"y beca(e$ as if a"" the
heat ha# been sucke# away, 0he ne8t thin/ he fe"t was the tension in the air, !t actua""y pu"se# with
1ast$ uni(a/inab"e power :ust bare"y he"# in check3 the power of the #ark si#e, 2e #i#n't a""ow
hi(se"f to think about what wou"# happen when that power was re"ease#,
0hey a#1ance# s"ow"y$ wary of traps or an a(bush, 0hey foun# none, !n fact$ they saw no si/n of
the Sith at a"" unti" they reache# the "ar/e centra" ca1ern at the heart of the tunne" syste(,
Genera" 2oth "e# the way$ a /"ow ro# in one han# an# his #rawn "i/htsaber in the other, .s he
steppe# into the ca1ern$ his /"ow ro# su##en"y f"ickere# an# went 1ery #i(, 1en the i""u(ination
fro( his "i/htsaber see(e# to #ie$ beco(in/ the thinnest s"i1er of incan#escence,
.s his eyes /rew accusto(e# to the hea1y sha#ows he was ab"e to pick out the shapes of the Sith
Lor#s$ stan#in/ in a circ"e on the far si#e of the ca1e, 0hey face# inwar#$ their han#s raise# to its
center, 0hey stoo# without (o1in/$ their (ouths han/in/ open$ their features s"ack$ their eyes
b"ank, <autious"y$ he approache# the sti"" for(s$ won#erin/ if they were a"i1e$ #ea#$ or trappe# in
so(e ni/ht(are state in between,
Drawin/ c"oser he cou"# (ake out a sin/"e fi/ure stan#in/ in the center of the circ"e* Lor# Kaan, 2e
ha#n't seen hi( at first3 the (i##"e of the rin/ was #arker than the rest of the ca1e, 0here see(e# to
be a b"ack c"ou# ho1erin/ abo1e hi($ ten#ri"s of inky #arkness e8ten#in/ #own to wrap an# twist
aroun# hi( in a sinister e(brace,
One "ook at the "ea#er of the Brotherhoo# an# any hope the /enera" ha# of con1incin/ Lor# Kaan to
"isten to reason #ie#, 0he Sith Lor#'s face was pa"e an# taut3 his features were stretche# as if his
skin ha# beco(e too ti/ht for his sku"", . thin "ayer of ice coate# his hair an# "ashes, 2is e8pression
was one of crue" arro/ance$ an# his "eft eye tre(b"e# an# twitche# uncontro""ab"y, 2e stare# strai/ht
ahea# with a fro4en intensity$ unb"inkin/ an# un(o1in/ as 2oth an# his )e#i s"ow"y fi""e# the
ca1ern,
On"y after a"" the )e#i were insi#e #i# he speak, 7We"co(e$ Lor# 2oth,7 2is 1oice was ti/ht an#
straine#,
7.re you tryin/ to scare (e$ Kaan97 2oth aske#$ steppin/ forwar#, 7! #o not fear #eath$7 he
continue#, 7! #o not (in# #yin/, ! wou"# not (in# a"" the )e#i #yin/ if it (eant the en# of the Sith,7
Kaan turne# his hea# 6uick"y fro( one si#e to the other$ his eyes #artin/ back an# forth across the
ca1e as if he were countin/ the )e#i who stoo# before hi(, 2is "ip cur"e# into a sneer$ an# he raise#
his han#s up,
0he /enera" (a#e his (o1e$ "un/in/ forwar# to try to en# Kaan's "ife before he cou"# un"eash his
u"ti(ate weapon, 2e wasn't 6uick enou/h, 0he Dark Lor# c"appe# his han#s to/ether sharp"y%an#
the thou/ht bo(b e8p"o#e#,
!n an instant e1ery "i1in/ sou" in the ca1e was snuffe# out of e8istence, <"othin/$ f"esh$ an# bone
were 1apori4e#, 0he sta"actites$ the sta"a/(ites$ e1en the (assi1e stone co"u(ns were re#uce# to
c"ou#s of #ust, 0he ru(b"in/ echo of the b"ast ro""e# #own e1ery tunne"$ cre1ice$ an# fissure "ea#in/
out of the ca1ern as the #estructi1e wa1e of ener/y be/an to sprea#,
Githany was trappe# in the "abyrinth of subterranean passa/es, !n f"eein/ Kaan's ritua" she ha# "ost
her bearin/s$ an# now she wan#ere# ai("ess"y #own ki"o(eter after ki"o(eter of natura" tunne"s as
she searche# in 1ain for an e8it to the surface,
!n the #i( "i/ht of her /"ow ro# she saw a s(a"" openin/ on her "eft an# fo""owe# it for (any (eters
before it ca(e to a #ea# en#, Shoutin/ out a curse$ she turne# an# (a#e her way back a/ain,
She was furious, &urious at Kaan for brin/in/ the Brotherhoo# to the brink of #estruction, &urious
at herse"f for fo""owin/ hi( there, .n# furious at Bane, 0here was no #oubt in her (in# that he ha#
so(ehow orchestrate# a"" this, 2e ha# (anipu"ate# Kaan an# the rest of the Brotherhoo#$ #ri1in/
the( towar# their own #estruction, -et that betraya" wasn't what enra/e# her, Bane ha# aban#one#
her, 2e'# cast her asi#e with the others$ "ea1in/ her to #ie whi"e he went off to rebui"# the Sith,
.hea# of her the tunne" branche# in two #irections, She pause#$ #rawin/ on the &orce to hei/hten
her senses in the hope she (i/ht fin# so(e hint as to which path to take, .t first there was nothin/,
0hen she cau/ht the faintest whisper of a bree4e co(in/ fro( the tunne" on the "eft, 0he air s(e""e#
fresh an# c"ean* it "e# to the surface=
.s she race# up the passa/e$ her frustration an# ra/e fe"" away, She was /oin/ to sur1i1e= 0he
une1en /roun# be/an to s"ope sharp"y upwar#$ an# she cou"# see a hint of natura" "i/ht far in the
#istance, She re#oub"e# her efforts$ an# her thou/hts turne# to how she wou"# e8act her re1en/e,
She wou"# ha1e to be subt"e an# cunnin/, She ha# un#eresti(ate# Bane too (any ti(es in the past,
0his ti(e she wou"# be patient$ not strikin/ unti" she was certain the (o(ent was ri/ht,
0he first step was to fin# hi( an# offer to be his apprentice, 0here was no #oubt in her (in# he
wou"# accept, 2e nee#e# so(eone to ser1e hi(3 it was the way of the #ark si#e, She wou"# "earn at
his feet$ sub:u/atin/ herse"f to his wi"", !t (i/ht take years$ (aybe #eca#es$ but in ti(e he wou"#
teach her e1erythin/ he knew, On"y then$ after a"" his secrets were hers$ wou"# she turn on hi(, She
wou"# beco(e the +aster an# take an apprentice of her own,
scape was "ess than fifty (eters away when Githany fe"t the first effects of the thou/ht bo(b, !t
be/an with a tre(b"in/ in the /roun#, 2er initia" instinct was fear of a /roun#6uake or ca1e%in that
wou"# bury her beneath tons of #irt an# stones within si/ht of the surface, But when she fe"t the
power of the #ark si#e rushin/ up the passa/e towar# her$ she rea"i4e# she was about to suffer a far
(ore horrib"e fate, 0hose at the epicenter of the b"ast ha# been 1apori4e#, <au/ht on the frin/es of
the thou/ht bo(b's ra#ius$ Githany was not so "ucky, 0he wa1e of pure #ark si#e ener/y swept o1er
her an instant "ater, !t tore throu/h her "ike so(e terrib"e win#$ suckin/ the essence of "ife fro( her
bo#y an# rippin/ her spirit fro( its corporea" she"", 2er f"esh withere# an# shrank$ her beautifu"
features (u((ifie# before she e1en ha# ti(e to screa(, .n# then$ as 6uick"y as it ha# co(e$ the
wa1e ha# passe#, &or one fro4en (o(ent her "ife"ess husk stoo# in perfect ba"ance$ before it
topp"e# an# struck the /roun#$ #isinte/ratin/ into ash,
On the surface (any ki"o(eters away$ &arfa""a an# the other )e#i fe"t the /roun# shake$ an# they
knew their /enera" was no (ore, . (o(ent "ater their (in#s erupte# with the torture# screa(s of
the )e#i an# Sith cau/ht up in the b"ast$ their "ife%force rippe# away an# sucke# into the 1acuu( at
the heart of the b"ast,
+any of the )e#i wept in an/uish$ un#erstan#in/ how /reat the sacrifice of their fa""en co(ra#es
ha# been, 0he spirits of the #ea# were boun# for a"" eternity$ fore1er fro4en in stasis,
+aster Da"enthyne &arfa""a$ now the "ea#er of what re(aine# of the .r(y of Li/ht$ fe"t the sorrow
as #eep"y as any of the(, But this was not the ti(e for /rief, With Genera" 2oth's passin/$ the
bur#en of co((an# was his to bear$ an# there were thin/s that sti"" nee#e# to be #one,
7<aptain 2a#uran$ asse(b"e a tea($7 he or#ere#, 7We're /oin/ to search the area in an# aroun# the
tunne"s for sur1i1ors,7 2e knew no "i1in/ creature cou"# ha1e withstoo# the power of the thou/ht
bo(b$ but it was possib"e a few of the Sith (i/ht ha1e f"e# before the #etonation, .fter a"" that ha#
been sacrifice#$ he ha# no intention of "ettin/ any of the Brotherhoo# escape,
0he captain /a1e hi( a 6uick sa"ute an# turne# to /o, )ust before he "eft &arfa""a a##e#$ 7.n# ha1e
your troops keep an eye out for the bouncers, 0he "ast Sith ritua" #ro1e the( to (a#ness, Who
knows what this one #i# to the(,7
7.n# if we spot the($ sir97
7Shoot to ki"",7
+any ki"o(eters in the opposite #irection$ Darth Bane a"so fe"t the re1erberations of the b"ast, 2e
sense# the wa1e of #ark si#e ener/y pass o1er hi($ stron/ enou/h to "ea1e hi( shi1erin/ e1en at
this #istance, Once it was /one he reache# out with the &orce to seek out any who (i/ht ha1e
escape#, .s he e8pecte#$ he fe"t nothin/, 0hey were a"" /one* Kaan$ Kopec4$ Githany ,,, a"" of the(,
0he Brotherhoo# of Darkness ha# been pur/e#, .s far as the )e#i knew$ the Sith were now e8tinct,
Bane inten#e# to keep it that way,
2e was the on"y Dark Lor# of the Sith$ the "ast of his kin#, 0he bur#en of rebui"#in/ the or#er
wou"# fa"" to hi(, But this ti(e he wou"# #o it ri/ht, !nstea# of (any there wou"# be on"y two* one
+aster an# one apprentice, One to e(bo#y the power$ an# one to cra1e it,
0o sur1i1e$ the Sith ha# to 1anish$ beco(in/ creatures of (yth$ "e/en#$ an# ni/ht(ares, 2i##en
fro( the eyes of the )e#i$ they cou"# seek out the "ost secrets of the #ark si#e unti" its fu"" power
was theirs to co((an#, On"y then%once 1ictory o1er their ene(ies was certain%wou"# they tear
asi#e the 1ei" of sha#ows an# re1ea" the(se"1es,
0he path ahea# wou"# be "on/ an# #ifficu"t, !t (i/ht take years or #eca#es before they cou"# strike
at the "i/ht once (ore, Perhaps e1en centuries, But Bane was patient3 he un#erstoo# what was to
co(e an# what (ust be #one, 0hou/h he hi(se"f (i/ht not "i1e to see the triu(ph of the #ark si#e$
those who fo""owe# hi( wou"# carry on his "e/acy, So(e#ay in the #istant future$ the Repub"ic
wou"# fa"" an# the )e#i wou"# perish$ an# the entire /a"a8y wou"# bow #own to a Dark Lor# of the
Sith, !t was ine1itab"e3 it was the way of the #ark si#e,
Satisfie# that his work on Ruusan was #one$ he be/an the "on/ hike to where he ha# hi##en his
ship, 2e knew the re(ainin/ )e#i wou"# co(e "ookin/ for sur1i1ors$ but by the ti(e they arri1e# he
wou"# be "on/ /one,
Sti""$ one thin/ troub"e# hi(, !n or#er for a"" this to co(e to pass he ha# to fin# a suitab"e
apprentice, One stron/ in the &orce$ but not yet tainte# by the teachin/s of the )e#i, So(ewhere he
nee#e# to fin# a chi"# worthy of beco(in/ heir to a"" the power of the #ark si#e,
P!LOGU
Rain stirre# in her s"eep$ yet #i#n't wake, So(eone was ca""in/ to her$ but she #i#n't want to answer,
!n her #rea(s she cou"# i(a/ine she was sti"" back ho(e with her cousins$ en:oyin/ a si(p"e but
happy "ife, !f she woke$ she knew she'# ha1e to face the truth* that "ife was /one fore1er,
Wake$ Rain , , ,
!t ha# 1anishe# the (o(ent that the )e#i%+aster 0orr$ his na(e ha# been%ha# recruite# the( to :oin
the .r(y of Li/ht, She ha#n't e1en rea""y wante# to :oin, But Bu/ an# 0o(cat$ her cousins$ were
both /oin/, 0hey were her on"y fa(i"y$ an# she #i#n't want to be "eft behin#, She was youn/%on"y
ten%but she was stron/ in the &orce, .n# so +aster 0orr ha# "et her co(e$ too,
2e ha# to"# the( he was takin/ the( to Ruusan$ where they wou"# beco(e )e#i, On"y that ne1er
happene#, 0heir shutt"e ha# been attacke# as soon as they entere# the at(osphere, What occurre#
ne8t was :ust a b"ur$ but she re(e(bere# an e8p"osion an# screa(s, One win/ of the ship ha#
sheare# away an# su##en"y she was fa""in/, 0he s(okin/ wrecka/e of the shutt"e beca(e a speck in
the sky abo1e her as it spira"e# off out of contro" an# she fe"" #own$ #own$ #own unti"
Rain$ wake=
Laa= Laa ha# sa1e# her$ an# it was Laa who was ca""in/ to her now, S"ow"y she opene# her eyes an#
sat up$ sti"" /ro//y,
Rain s"ept "on/, ;ow Rain (ust wake,
7!'( up$ Laa$7 she sai# to the bouncer ho1erin/ abo1e her, Laa ha# sa1e# her fro( that fa""$ catchin/
her as she p"u((ete# fro( hun#re#s of (eters abo1e Ruusan's surface,
Ba# #rea(s$ Rain,
7;o$7 she rep"ie#, 7;ot ba# #rea(s$ Laa, ! #rea(e# ! was back ho(e,7 Laa ne1er actua""y spoke to
her3 she on"y hear# the wor#s insi#e her hea#, 0hey co((unicate# throu/h the power of the &orce$
Laa ha# once e8p"aine# to her, But whene1er Rain answere#$ she a"ways 1oice# the wor#s a"ou#,
Ba# #rea(s co(in/,
Rain frowne#$ tryin/ to fi/ure out e8act"y what Laa was tryin/ to te"" her, So(eti(es when the
bouncers ta"ke# about #rea(s they actua""y (eant so(ethin/ e"se, So(eti(es it was as if the
bouncers ha# 1isions of the future, She re(e(bere# what Laa ha# sai# :ust before the entire forest
ha# e8p"o#e# in f"a(es* Ba# #rea(s$ Rain, Death #rea(s,
0he fires ha# ki""e# (ost of the other bouncers, 0he sur1i1ors ha# a"" /one (a#, ."" e8cept Laa,
So(ehow Rain ha# sa1e# her, She'# use# the &orce$ shie"#in/ the( both fro( the burnin/ #eath
an# #estruction$ thou/h she wasn't 6uite sure how she'# #one it, !t ha# :ust sort of ,, , happene#,
;ow she an# Laa ha# nobo#y "eft but each other,
Ba# #rea(s co(in/$ the bouncer repeate#,
. few hours ear"ier she ha# fe"t so(ethin/ stran/e* the /roun# ru(b"in/ beneath her feet as if
so(ethin/ ha# e8p"o#e# far$ far away, Was this what Laa was ta"kin/ about9 Was this the ba#
#rea(9 Or was her frien# tryin/ to warn her about so(ethin/ that ha#n't happene# yet9
7! #on't un#erstan#$7 she sai#$ "ookin/ aroun# at the bushes surroun#in/ the c"earin/ where she ha#
"ain #own to s"eep, She #i#n't see anythin/ out of the or#inary, ;ot yet$ anyway,
Goo#%bye$ Rain,
0here was an achin/ sorrow in Laa's wor#s that stabbe# throu/h Rain's heart "ike a knife$ but she
sti"" #i#n't know what the bouncer was ta"kin/ about,
Before she cou"# ask$ there was a soun# fro( the bushes, She spun aroun# to see two (en co(e
crashin/ into the c"earin/, She cou"# te"" ri/ht away they were )e#i* they wore the sa(e brown robes
as +aster 0orr$ an# she saw "i/htsabers #an/"in/ fro( their be"ts, ach one a"so carrie# a "ar/e
b"aster rif"e,
7Bouncer=7 one shoute#, 7Look out=7
0hey reacte# so 6uick"y their (otions were nothin/ but a b"ur as they opene# fire, By the ti(e the
screa( "eft Rain's "ips$ her frien# was a"rea#y #ea#,
She was sti"" screa(in/ when the first )e#i ran up to her, 7.re you okay$ "itt"e one97 he aske#$
reachin/ #own,
!nstincti1e"y$ she "ashe# out at hi(, She #i#n't know how she #i# it3 it wasn't e1en a conscious
thou/ht, She on"y knew he ha# shot her frien#, 2e ha# ki""e# Laa=
7What's the (at%7 2is 1oice was cut short as she snappe# his neck with the &orce, 0he eyes of his
co(panion went wi#e in horror$ but before he cou"# #o anythin/ e"se she ha# broken his neck$ too,
On"y then #i# Rain stop screa(in/, !nstea# she be/an to cry$ /reat hea1in/ sobs that racke# her
bo#y as she craw"e# o1er to press herse"f a/ainst the soft /reen fur of Laa's sti""%war( bo#y where it
ha# fa""en to the /roun#,
Bane foun# her there* a youn/ hu(an chi"# weepin/ o1er the re(ains of one of Ruusan's nati1e
bouncers, 0he corpses of two youn/ )e#i "ay nearby$ their hea#s twiste# at obscene an/"es to their
bo#ies, !t took hi( on"y an instant to piece to/ether what (ust ha1e happene#,
0he /ir" "ooke# up at hi( as he approache#$ her eyes puffy an# re#, 2e /uesse# she was nine$
(aybe ten at the (ost, 2e cou"# fee" the power of the &orce burnin/ in her$ fue"e# by /rief an# ra/e
an# hatre#, 1en if he ha#n't sense# it$ the broken )e#i at her feet /a1e (ute testa(ent to her
abi"ities,
2e #i#n't speak$ but stoo# si"ent"y, 0he /ir"'s sobbin/ stoppe#, She sniff"e# an# wipe# her nose with
the back of her han#, 0hen she rose to her feet an# took a tentati1e step towar# hi(,
7Who are you97 he #e(an#e#$ his 1oice #eep an# threatenin/,
She #i#n't retreat or f"ee$ thou/h her rep"y was hesitant, 7+y na(e is Rain ,,, ! (ean Hannah, +y
cousins use# to ca"" (e Rain$ but they're #ea# now, Hannah's (y rea" na(e,7
Bane no##e#$ un#erstan#in/ co(p"ete"y, Rain* a nickna(e$ a na(e of chi"#hoo# an# innocence, .n
innocence now "ost,
7Do you know who ! a(97 he aske#,
She no##e# an# took another step forwar#, 7-ou're a Sith,7
7-ou're not afrai# of (e97
7;o$7 she insiste# with a shake of her hea#$ thou/h Bane knew she wasn't bein/ co(p"ete"y honest,
2e cou"# fee" her fear$ but it was burie# beneath far stron/er e(otions* /rief$ an/er$ hatre#$ an# the
#esire for re1en/e,
7! ha1e ki""e# (any peop"e$7 Bane warne# her, 7+en$ wo(en ,,, e1en chi"#ren,7
She shu##ere# but he"# her /roun#, 7!'( a ki""er$ too,7
Bane /"ance# o1er at the )e#i corpses$ then turne# his focus back to the "itt"e /ir" stan#in/ #efiant"y
before hi(, Was she the one9 2a# the &orce "e# hi( a"on/ this route back to his ship9 2a# it
brou/ht hi( here at this e8act (o(ent si(p"y so he cou"# fin# his apprentice9
2e aske# the fina"$ (ost i(portant 6uestion, 7Do you know the ways of the &orce9 Do you
un#erstan# the true nature of the #ark si#e97
7;o$7 Rain a#(itte#$ ne1er #roppin/ her /a4e fro( his own, 7But you can teach (e, !'( youn/, !
wi"" "earn,7