Royiss-VIII... I didn't remember anything particularly significant from canon knowledge about this planet. No legends, nor, forgive the Force, any Disney new canon. Maybe some information about it did surface, but it was too vague. An agricultural world, with above-average resource levels, but nothing remarkable. The planet was ruled by a "chosen monarch," elected from among the planet's own aristocracy. Currently, the ruler was Raish Raik. And among the aristocratic Houses was also House Harth... Set Harth's House... I kept thinking about how the Jedi could have missed the real Set Harth, but then again, it wasn't surprising. Everything was exactly as I'd described at the briefing.
Set Harth arrived on the planet Royiss-VIII about nine hundred years ago. The Ruusan Reformation had just died down; the Order wasn't exactly focused on hunting down every fallen member, one way or another. And Set Harth, who had recovered Darth Andeddu's holocron, decided to live life to the fullest. The first thing he did was legalize himself. Probably out of natural pride, maybe out of stupidity, or something else — he didn't change his name or his surname. That same time, he ordered his first clone and transplanted his mind... Then, most likely, the Jedi came for him, stumbling upon the familiar name, but couldn't prove anything. In fact, they found someone who had become a planet's aristocrat, didn't match the age profile, was also "not Force-sensitive" according to analysis, and didn't fit the age even though he resembled the original Set Harth. They dismissed him as a "bastard child" and left him alone.
And Set, having gotten a new life, began living it up in pleasure, swapping bodies over nine hundred years. Seven hundred years ago, he founded a company to cover up his hobby, which he'd pursued during his second life. Set loved collecting the knowledge of Force-sensitives. At least that's what articles on the internet wrote — that he had amassed a huge collection of various Sith artifacts, holocrons, knowledge... However, he always tried to operate quietly. There might have been strange disappearances of Shadows and Archaeologists that he'd orchestrated.
But apparently, he didn't like or intend to expose himself so deliberately. There was something else... A reason why he poked his head so far out of his hole. He had literally started cutting down Jedi in statistically significant numbers. And again — the Shadows and Archaeologists were taking the fall for everyone. I already figured that his connection inside the Order was most likely Jonal Ezar. I'd deal with the latter when I was done with Harth. I had no doubt about my victory... After all, doubt isn't the best advisor in a fight, plus — the metaphysics of the GFFA universe is too dependent on the absence of doubt... Free your mind from conventions, from doubts, and then, pure and unclouded, you can overcome your enemy.
Most likely — the reason Set Harth came out into the light was the fifth level knowledge of the Matukai. According to Sheygen, it had been destroyed by his master, Theodor Loy, to keep it from falling into enemy hands. The old man used the Force to, roughly speaking, blow himself up, hoping to take Harth with him. It didn't work, but he gave us a chance at victory. I was genuinely grateful to Theodor himself... And I was generally saddened by his death. That old man was honest, as much as possible, and quite experienced. He taught me a lot on his own. Especially lately, I understood much of what had been passed on to me through the Matukai, because of my fight with Set Harth.
Yes, the Matukai specialty is martial arts. Strengthening the body, improving physical characteristics, reaction, reflexes. Fighting Set and then analyzing our duel during meditation, I had literal epiphanies about many aspects. My Force sense helped a lot — with it, I observed exactly how Set manipulated the Force. That was part of the reason for my confidence in victory. I had literally made a qualitative leap... And after our squad split up and I was the first to head to the rendezvous point, I trained like crazy. I deliberately calculated the route so I'd arrive exactly at the appointed time. Instead of a three-day flight to the planet, I spent a whole week training on the warehouse.
As per my habit, I trained like a madman, at a pace only I understood. Finally, the signal came that we were dropping out of hyperspace... The reception for the heir's presentation would take place in five hours. There was time to prepare — I had droids on hand that would film and broadcast the feed to the HoloNet. No one would miss such a broadcast; it would be too big. I don't have a huge number of subscribers, of course, but news of a lightsaber duel between a Sith and a Jedi would spread across all the nets in no time, and I'm sure that within a minute, everyone who could and couldn't would flock there.
All that was left was to prepare on the planet itself. Using the stygium coating, I avoided detection by the planet's systems. If the inspection authorities spotted my ship, Set would immediately understand and might even run. No, this time he wasn't expecting an attack, probably thinking this was his celebration. His day... So today was the best moment to strike... Strike the enemy when he least expects it. Don't seek glory in a fair fight. Try to disrupt the enemy's plans with maximum efficiency. That's how I understood a Shadow's work. And although I intended to engage Set in a fair duel, it was all to destroy his plans with maximum efficiency.
If the whole galaxy saw him, if the Jedi realized that Set Harth was alive — a dark Jedi, practically a Sith — a galaxy-wide hunt would begin for him... He could have kept living in his hole, never leaving. He could have whored and morally decayed all the way until his spirit-transfer method failed somehow. But... He decided to end his "wonderful" life. So I also had no doubt that Set was "relatively" neutral. Neutrals don't murder everyone in sight. And although he wasn't killing everyone in sight, there were already enough victims to bring him to justice.
Royiss-VIII turned out to be a planet with a mild climate. The buildings here were constructed in a good old European style, mixed with modern technology. I needed to get to Rahoko-City, the special place where the mansions of the nobility and aristocracy stood. I landed on a hill not far from that location. The ramp lowered, giving me access to the street. I stepped out and looked around...
"Damn," I sighed, looking at the landscape, "beautiful."
The view was nice. In the lowlands lay Rahoko-City, where the rich and aristocrats lived. Naturally, this part of the planet was well-kept and beautiful, blooming, I'd say. Five droids floated beside me, meant to film the whole event. Plus journalists, who "were supposed to cover aristocratic life." Well, that would be from the planet's side... Birds chirped, a pleasant breeze blew... The planet truly was a paradise. Made me a bit envious, even. He's got a knockout woman, a planet with good weather, a rich mansion — probably full of ships of all kinds and countless forms of entertainment... Maybe there's even an aqua-disco. Although I don't know what that is, it sounds interesting... Maybe even pompous. In short, Set Harth embodied what I thought about from time to time. Screw the galaxy, save up money — luckily I know how — and live it up in pleasure.
And although lately I simply realized how disgusting it sounded, even thinking about such things... I was given incredible abilities, I know a lot, I've learned a lot, just to imitate some pathetic hedonist? Still, such thoughts popped up periodically. Then I'd just ask — what's it all for? Rebirth? Talent? My relentless training? My sacrifices? Just so I could gather a harem of whores, buy a mansion somewhere far away, hoard credits, and bail? But that doesn't answer any of the previous questions. All my sacrifices, everything I gave up and everything I gained — it would all lose meaning.
I saw it, I understood it, I realized it... I also knew that I could and wanted to build something, at least try. And Set and I are kind of similar. He also got incredible traits and opportunities. Only he gave up, and I... I haven't yet. I pulled up my hood and used a concealment technique... I haven't given up, and for now, I'm moving forward. Set gave up... And he'd better have stayed an unknown aristocrat. But there's no more time. I raised my left hand with the datapad and opened the timer on it.
"Almost out of time, we'll start soon."
I took apart and cleaned my lightsabers today. I also partially finished my work on the "Jedi armor" project. It was supposed to use the remains of the krayt dragon scales, which I helped take down on Tatooine, and beskar to create lightweight chest armor. And thigh guards. Using Force Forging, I'd recently managed to make the chest plate. Then, by working the needle, my brain, and the Force, I literally incorporated it into my suit — or rather, sewed it in. This was helped by the fact that during our fight, I'd taken a couple of Seth's hits, forcing me to re-stitch my "assassin suit," which had also been my clothing when I survived the loss of my master. I licked my lips... I don't remember when I picked up this habit... Maybe it's even a sign of insanity... I'd be surprised if I could be called even relatively normal after all the upheavals. Not that it matters... Hasn't mattered for a long time... Set Harth is waiting for me. Well, not waiting, but who asked him? He killed many Jedi and Matukai... Disrupted my plans to study that medallion's properties. Disrupted my plans for traveling the galaxy. It's time to make him pay for everything... For the lives of all those beings he took in the name of his selfishness. Because I am a Jedi Knight. And no matter how it ends today, one way or another, I will bring him to justice...
* * *
The plan was slightly insane, but quite realistic. The aristocracy was gathering for a perfectly ordinary, social event. Set Harth was going through the procedure he'd performed so many times. Presenting himself to the galaxy — or rather, to a certain circle. I could even see the mockery... A mockery of all of us: Jedi, Sith, the galaxy. While we were playing thrones, sacrificing lives to prove our righteousness and ideals, this bastard just did whatever he wanted... Or maybe I'm just jealous of him? I can't stop anymore, no matter what happens, I'll keep going. Pride? Or maybe my naivety is showing again. I didn't know a more precise answer. I only knew that I would do exactly what I planned, right here on Royiss-VIII. And what comes after, after him. I don't have a concrete plan, only the understanding that I must do something. Try to make everything better. The galaxy... The Order... Maybe I'm still a naive and foolish person. Maybe... But now is not the time to answer those questions. Taking a breath, I moved toward the mansion gates, sending a signal to my allies and receiving their reply. As I walked, I raised my left hand with the datapad to my eyes and checked the functionality of all plan nodes. The ships of the Rodian, Logun Irean, were entering the planet's atmosphere, according to the signal. The Mandalorians were also on approach. At the same time, I sent a signal to BB-7 to begin the operation.
"Are you invited, citizen?" asked a worker at the checkpoint, dressed in a blue uniform.
"Yes," I said, influencing him with the Force, and the man let me inside without further questions. The main part of the reception was currently taking place inside a huge hall. The mansion itself was a five-story building, built in a modernist style, with the latest technology. Based on the sensations of the beings — the reception was in the southern part of the mansion, to my left was a path leading there. To my right was another section of the mansion, which would be targeted by fire... I took out several spheres with laser designators and, closing my eyes, focused, mentally dividing the building into two sections. The one to the left was my target: there were beings there and, barely noticeable even to a Force-sensitive like me, a dark aura. But it was slightly different from the one I'd sensed on the planet Tsai. As if just a little weaker. In the right section — I detected almost no signs of intelligent life. That was the target for the ship's guns — with a wave of my hand, I tossed the designator spheres onto the roofs of that part. "Just don't hit me. I'll be in the southern part of the building, where Set Harth is, and the other beings are there too."
The servants who served Set were subjected to Force Suggestion, so they didn't get in the way, and I calmly walked toward the hall. The droids floated behind me, filming the operation and broadcasting to the HoloNet. Approaching the main door leading inside, I waited for it to be opened. Inside, everything was also... modern. The huge hall greeted me, filled with aristocrats. In the center was a fairly large stage. No one was on it, but I immediately spotted Set Harth... He was enjoying the attention of those present. Now he looked exactly like what you'd find in art if you Googled "Set Harth" on the Milky Way's internet. Now he was a teenager, maybe fifteen to seventeen years old, with white hair cascading over his shoulders and golden eyes. He was dressed in white clothes with gold trim.
Around him were several beautiful women, clearly of aristocratic origin. There was also a fat man next to him, whom I recognized as the planet's elected monarch. Well... Let's start the ballet, as they say... I pulled my lightsaber into my right hand, activated it, and threw it at Set, controlling it with telekinesis so it wouldn't leave a scratch on the innocents. The aristocrats weren't standing right next to him... Set reacted at the last moment, pulling out his own lightsaber... The crimson blade deflected the incoming green one. My lightsaber, following my will, returned to my hand. Eyes turned to me; the aristocrats and guests standing near me recoiled. A stocky, broad-shouldered man pulled the planet's king aside.
"You..." Set Harth said. "How did you find me?"
"And good day to you too, Set Harth... Which iteration are you on now?" I deactivated the blade. "I see life is in full swing here."
"WHO ARE YOU?!" the king's nasty voice rang out. "How dare you come here and disrupt the reception?!"
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," I bowed theatrically. "But I have no business with anyone except a certain Set Harth."
"Are you a Jedi?" came from Raish Raik's guard.
"That's right," I confirmed. "Set Harth is a Sith. In other words, a dark Force-sensitive who has committed numerous crimes against the Republic. So, Set, I think you know what comes next."
"You came here in vain, boy," Set exclaimed angrily. "I thought you'd learned your lesson."
"What can I do, I'm a slow learner," I sighed.
"Then I'll explain it so you understand, only when you merge with the Force!" Suddenly the building shook. An explosion sounded from the north. "What's going on?!"
"Oh, my friends have arrived..."
"General Lorin!" the king's guard took a call on the voice comm. A soldier appeared before him. "Two ships of the IR-3°F class, corvette classification, have entered the planet's atmosphere. They have begun shelling the mansion of citizen Set Harth! Awaiting your orders!"
"Launch the fighters! Raise the army!" the king shrieked hysterically. "Protect me! Destroy the invaders!"
"Belay that!" the general cut him off with a sharp command. I looked at the brown-haired man with curiosity.
"What? General... You..."
"If Set Harth is a Sith, a dark Force-sensed whom a Jedi is accusing, then defending him right now is not the best idea, Your Majesty. These are your allies, right?" he looked at me. I nodded.
"They've only opened fire on the section of Set Harth's mansion where we aren't located," I explained. "No other object on the planet will be threatened."
"Then," the man said, "everyone move aside. Do not leave the mansion until the bombardment stops."
Well, well, there were reasonable beings here. Or maybe my plan was a bit unreasonable — after all, if Logun's gunner shifted the aim just slightly, the strike would hit here. That couldn't be allowed... However, Irean had informed me that if that happened, his pride as a mercenary would be shamed. The contract stated that unnecessary casualties must be avoided.
"You came here in vain, Jedi. Do you think you can just waltz in and declare I'm a Sith?! Destroy my plans? I'll kill you."
"I'm prepared for any outcome," I replied to Set, "including my own death. So I took precautions. Look," I pointed to the five droids hovering above us. "Right now, the entire galaxy, including the Jedi Order, is watching us. They can clearly see who you are and know who you are. It doesn't matter whether I lose or win, die or survive. Your plans are fatally ruined. Your fate is sealed, Set Harth. It's time to answer for your crimes."
"You bastard! Die, to the Hutt!"
The man aimed his left hand at me, and immediately a Force Lightning shot out from it, which I met with Tutaminis absorption. He wasn't Palpatine or Vitiate, so his lightning wasn't a threat to me. Absorbing it, I noticed Set heading for one of the exits. Everyone recoiled from him as if from a leper. Using my wrist comm to hook onto the ceiling, assisted by the Force, I appeared before him.
"If you're so all-powerful," I reactivated my lightsaber, settling into the Ataru stance, "why run?"
"You will pay for everything you've done, Jedi!" Set realized the duel was unavoidable. And all that bravado — in the end, he decided to run himself. Laughable, really. He activated his lightsaber. Another moment, and we were face to face.
Crimson and green blades clashed. From the very start of the fight, Set decided to use an aggressive tactic, as did I. Neither of us planned on staying on the defensive. And while Set unleashed on me what I'd call a synthesis of Djem So and Makashi — that is, the second and fifth forms — I used the Ataru style against him. The lightsabers quickly became mere flashes of light. I maneuvered, jumping around him. He tried to catch me mid-jump, but I knew Ataru's weaknesses as well as he did, so he couldn't land a counterattack... Or rather, he couldn't keep up.
The first battle taught me a lot, and afterwards, I re-evaluated it, so Set couldn't easily defeat me anymore. Additionally, he had recently transferred his mind into a clone's body. And although Andeddu's method was supposedly almost perfect, he hadn't been able to overcome the temporary weakness after the transfer. However, this duel was already more unique than any I'd participated in before. Even though I lacked his skill, I compensated for it with the fact that Set was in a clone body, and with my recent development. Set himself compensated for his weakness with experience. And neither of us controlled the fight from the start. Because of this, we were evenly matched, and I couldn't predict the outcome. I almost died a couple of times from the enemy's precise and powerful blows. Set himself almost lost his head in the first minute of the fight.
"I see you've learned a lot, boy... A lot, but not everything."
"Well, you can't learn everything," I smirked. "You're a perfect example. How old are you, Set? A thousand? And in all those years, you never learned to use the method without having body problems."
"Ha, even with this problem, you're no match for me, boy."
"Oh, are you sure about that?" I chuckled. "Then answer me this: why am I still alive if I'm no match for you?" Vibrations from the destroyed section of the building reached us. "And really — either you're sparing me, Set, or I just guessed the right moment to attack, and I've also gotten stronger, better than I was on the planet Tsai."
"Pff... Nonsense, and I'll prove it to you."
"Then go ahead, Set. Let's drop the Dun Moch and end this once and for all."
"You will regret your words, Jedi!"