Sidious bowed before the chair where his master and mentor sat. Plagueis had remained silent since the start of his visit. But the reason the Muun was doing this was clear. It was all in the holorecording projected before the Sith. A single holorecording that had been delivered from the planet Veinay. The Jedi Order had immediately removed it from public access, but anyone interested had been able to study it… Besides the two ordinary Jedi Shadows who had gone to the planet Veinay to meet with Set Harth — this time the original one — there had been three not-weak gifted ones on the planet at once. Ordinarily, Plagueis couldn't be interested in some dark sider with a lightsaber.
Plenty of fallen Jedi had gone crazy and decided they would lead the Galaxy to a new dawn, after all. Now they were Sith! These fakes were eliminated both by the Baneites themselves and by the Jedi Order… The same Shadow that had encountered Set Harth was built for that. Some dark siders — they could use. Personally, Sidious was interested in a pair of gifted ones, an obvious teacher and student. They belonged to some sect… And had just left a decent mess. However, his trusted people from Veinay, having received a generous reward, had already presented the Jedi with… Somewhat edited information. Plagueis, meanwhile, paused the holovid playback on a Sith's face. Not just a dark sider who had received a Sith education. But a real one, originating from the very race of Sith. Which had long been considered extinct. A red-skinned humanoid, with a crimson lightsaber, had caused a lot of noise in the ranks of their enemies' Order. They immediately classified the event, putting so many restrictions on it, deleting all possible information from the HoloNet.
"Master," Sidious broke the silence.
"Ha," Plagueis's voice was cold as ice. "This is interesting. This Sith… In every sense… Didn't appear there for no reason. Just like those two. And Set Harth was involved in it all again. Have you found out exactly what happened on Veinay?" the Muun asked.
"Yes, Master," Sidious nodded.
"Stand up," the Dark Lord commanded. "I want to hear you. And your recommendations on the current situation."
Sidious nodded and stood, eyeing Plagueis warily. Training in the Order of Bane was incredibly brutal. Sometimes, for the slightest mistake, Plagueis could torture him with lightning for quite a while… Afterwards he would heal him with the dark side, or with artifacts, and then torture him again.
"Not long ago, at one of the auctions sponsored by an acquaintance of ours, an artifact in a container was put up. A lightsaber of an ancient Sith."
"The Jedi Order has long since sent spies to all such auctions, and anything related to the gifted goes on their shopping list — they buy the artifact right away, almost never missing a necessary item. That's exactly why we act carefully at such events. We can't let the Order learn more about us than necessary before we strike. Dark times won't create themselves… And for the light not to discover the darkness before its time — the darkness must hide. But how did a dark side artifact clearly slip through the hands of the knights of light this time?"
"The Jedi Consular who was at that auction has long been corrupt," Sidious replied with disgust. "He spent money on available women and casinos. He also lived in a rich mansion, justifying it to the Council by saying, 'so no one would suspect I'm a Jedi.'"
"For such a mission — it doesn't matter who you are," Plagueis remarked. "All of that was merely the pathetic vices of a pathetic being who hadn't learned to control them."
"Bribed by Set Harth, that knight arranged the delivery of artifacts to Set. Who, most likely, created the problem for himself. Because the one on Royiss turned out to be a clone that had gotten out of control… Or his agent."
"It doesn't matter," Plagueis waved it off. "What artifact did Set decide to buy this time?"
"That Jedi Knight — was caught by the Shadows," Palpatine continued. "And they uncovered the whole story, including that the artifact was sent to 'the Original,' as he was named in Set Harth's records from Royiss. And he turned out to be the original Set Harth, at least — that's the information and my assumptions…"
"Keep them to yourself. Which number Set Harth it is — let the Jedi worry about. I'm worried about the red-skinned humanoid… The Sith race… And the fact that he clearly belongs to the Sith Order. He destroyed Seth's cloning lab on Veinay, which is why that idiot can't kill himself to be reborn in a clone. But what are the Sith's further actions? What about those Jedi who came for Set? Did he kill them too?"
"It doesn't seem so," Sidious said. "There were three Jedi total. Two Shadows and the Padawan of one of the Shadows. Later — they split up. It seems the Padawan and his master went on a mission. While another Shadow — disappeared, probably also on a mission."
"So — he left them alive, despite the fact that they clearly exposed him…" Plagueis said thoughtfully.
"Should I track the Shadows?" Sidious asked. "We could…"
"No," Damask cut him off. "We can't… After the incident on Veinay — the Jedi are on edge as it is. If we actively monitor — we'll be exposed. It seems this Sith shows no interest in us or the Jedi, considering he spared the latter. He appeared strictly for a specific purpose, accomplished it, and, according to my agents' reports — left. He's not dead, not captured. Are the Jedi searching for him?"
"That couldn't be determined," Palpatine said warily.
"Is that so," Plagueis looked into the young apprentice's eyes. "Is that so. I'd like to talk to him… But it seems he's not inclined to reveal himself in the near future. We will continue executing our plan, Sheev, but be extremely careful. You know the price of failure, don't you?"
"Yes," Sidious swallowed, feeling his master's dark aura. It frightened him. Still, Plagueis was too strong, and he wasn't ready to challenge him… Not yet.
"We need to increase the number of our agents, including those capable of destroying Jedi. The Dathomirian witches are too self-willed," the master said. "Mother Talzin is cunning and devious. It's not the time to speak with her from a position of strength yet."
"What about the organization behind those two gifted ones from Veinay, then?" Sidious asked.
"We know almost nothing about them," Plagueis said. "Plus — if we start taking an interest in them, the Jedi or that Sith might find out about us… We don't know what resources stand behind the latter, and the former could interfere with our plans. So for now, we'll have to forget about them. But what about your runt? Maul?"
"He's only five," Sidious said. "It's too early to introduce him. Further training is necessary."
"Remember: he is to be raised solely as an assassin, not as a Lord. Why will we be victorious, Sidious?"
"Because we consider absolutely every living being in the Galaxy as nothing more than a tool," Sidious replied with determination. He even considered his master that way. Sidious was sure Plagueis thought the same about him.
"Correct. Tools are conductors of our will. They cannot be our competitors! Make a mistake, and perhaps I will continue working with Maul instead of you… And he will take your place," Plagueis looked at Sidious. Sure, of course… A dark sider would obviously take the place of a politician gaining popularity and political points? Though, with 'Damask Holdings,' even that was possible… His master still had too many resources to oppose him openly.
"I understand, Master," Palpatine bowed his head. "I won't let you down… So… We don't interfere anywhere?"
"If the Jedi classify this case and don't change anything themselves — then poking our noses in will only bring harm. The Dark Side is starting to cloud their eyes. The Order is mired in arrogance… Unnecessary movements — might make them act unpredictably… Too much is at stake. Return to your duties, apprentice. If there are any additional instructions — I will inform you."
"I understand, Master," Sidious bowed to the seated Plagueis and, turning sharply, walked out of the dark room. He still had business to attend to…
* * *
So, if Scourge's words were to be believed — this was my final summon. Revan had helped me, but he'd also royally screwed me over, guided by 'his own, exclusive understanding.' The reason didn't matter now; I had to deal with the facts. So, when I woke up the next morning — I'd decided to rest thoroughly after destroying Muur — and placed the medallion on the mask and activated it as usual — I was prepared for anything. Tulak Hord appeared in his battle regalia. In dark, ominous armor, with a peculiar shield-gauntlet on his left arm. From the very start, he literally radiated darkness… Hatred, anger, and bloodlust. The tall figure exuded all of it… And I thanked the Force and my fate that I had decided to summon such a Gifted one here on Odessen.
The man looked at our trio standing in the large, empty hangar, and then abruptly pointed his hand at me, trying to perform a Force grip, but I released the Force, breaking his hold.
"You," came from beneath the Sith's mask. "Who are you? Why do I sense energy from you that made me come here?" His voice was cold and cruel, a terrifying aura gathering around him.
"Good morning," I said, getting his attention. "My name is Light. Light Flyingstar. As for the energy — it's all because of my property, the medallion."
Tulak looked at his mask and the medallion lying on it.
"How… crude…" he sighed. "Did a gizka make this artifact?"
Scourge chuckled, as did Marr. They definitely knew Arrogant well. And compare him to a gizka? Poor Lord Arrogant. Given the translation of his name — that comparison would have sent him into a white-hot rage. Usually, names after the word 'Darth' signify something close to the Sith. Something that is their trademark. Sidious, for example, from 'insidious.' Vader — seems to be the word 'father' in one of Earth's languages. Vitiate — the name young Tenebrae received from Marka Ragnos himself — translates as corruption, distortion. And Plagueis… Plague. In general — a Sith's name isn't just some epic word pulled out of nowhere. And Arrogant wasn't chosen for nothing. He really was arrogant… Although he had things to be proud of.
"Crude or not, it summoned you…"
"You summoned me… Summoned me with this medallion," Hord answered me. "What do you want from me, Jedi, and in such company at that," he looked at Marr and Scourge. "You wouldn't have summoned me for no reason."
"Yes, there is a need for your summoning. I wanted… To get some advice from you on swordsmanship."
"Lightsaber combat?" the man asked in a surprised tone. "I could teach you techniques of Sith sorcery and alchemy you've never seen. And you're asking about swordsmanship?"
"You were known as a legendary warrior in that field," I noted. "As for sorcery — to master it, you need to be a Sith."
"And you, like all these pathetic Jedi, deny the dark side," he stepped closer. "What you want from me, we've established. It surprises me that a Jedi is asking me for help… Although I don't want to help a descendant of Aloysius Kallig. Yes… I can clearly sense it. You are a very distant descendant of Kallig. And it distresses me that I was summoned by someone like you." I'm a descendant of Kallig? That's not something I expected to hear from Hord. My father really did come from outside Tustra. The Flyingstar family arrived on Tustra from another planet, where, by intermingling, we had become virtually pureblood Sephi. But that we descended from the Kalligs? "Don't make such a surprised face. That information shouldn't affect you in any way, should it, Jedi?"
"Indeed," I gathered my thoughts. Marr gave me a strange look. He must have known about the Kalligs. "The Kalligs were a famous house in the Sith Empire a millennium ago. And you don't strike me as someone who would refuse to help me just because my distant ancestor is Kallig." And possibly Darth Nox himself. Strangely, neither Marr, nor Scourge, nor Arrogant had told me about this. I guess we were just too distantly related. Distant relations.
"I need a new body," Tulak said. "Only then can I help you with swordsmanship."
"And what will you do?" I asked Hord. "In a new body. You'll certainly go and conquer the Galaxy."
Hord was silent.
"I wasn't born yesterday, and I perfectly understand what you need a new body for."
"You stand surrounded by Sith while being a Jedi, boy," Hord said coldly. "One of them is still alive," he glanced at Scourge. "And you, apparently, don't fear him. So why would you fear me?"
"I'm aware of your reputation, Tulak Hord," I said, looking into the eye sockets of his mask.
"You're just an insolent whelp," the Lord said threateningly. With each new word, the dark side of the Force began to gather around him. He pointed his hand at me. Purple Force lightning shot from his fingers. I barely managed to absorb it with Tutaminis. However… The energy I absorbed was so terrible and dark that I immediately had to release it as lightning as I flew backward. The lightning was powerful and caused an explosion on the hangar ceiling, thankfully not hitting anything that could fall. "You don't want to give me a new body, then I'll take yours!"
"Enough," Scourge sharply interrupted him. "I told you this was a shitty idea." Hord's ghost stopped. Because Revan had triggered the medallion's destruction, no restraining circuit punished Tulak's ghost for attacking its master. Damn… Too harsh a homework assignment. Though, considering how many times I'd almost died fulfilling Revan's tasks — nothing surprising.
"Do you think you can stand against me? Kneel before the Master of the Rising Dark!" Hord said. He tried to make Scourge bow with telekinesis.
"I will bow to no one anymore!" Scourge said loudly. The Force that burst from his body affected even Hord's ghost, throwing him back. "You've been dead for a long time. Either you help the boy with what he wants, or you leave!"
"I see," Hord said. "It's a pity you were born later, Sith. I wouldn't have minded crossing blades with you in life. Khem Val would have feasted on your flesh for a long time, and I would have made a fine goblet from your skull."
"You should have realized by now, Hord," Marr said as I stood up, "that you are in a completely different reality, a different time. And you will help us. Without additional conditions."
"Hmph, pathetic bluff from pathetic insects…"
"It's no bluff at all," said Darth Marr. "If you refuse — we won't return you to the place the medallion's power pulled you from. We'll simply destroy your consciousness and spirit. Thus you will disappear forever and won't even manifest in the abyss."
"Do you dare threaten me?" Hord asked in an icy tone. The darkness around him became almost tangible. This was no joke anymore. Though… There had been no jokes from the start…
"Yes, it's a threat," Marr nodded in agreement.
Hord seemed to think. The ghost was silent for almost a minute.
"Fine. What do you want from me? Swordsmanship training? So be it," he addressed me. "Come closer, to when I was alive," an image appeared before me of a man kneeling before a dark figure, presumably Hord. "I would have slowly gutted you, pulling out every tiny bone from your worthless body." I literally saw an illustration of his words. And it was horrifying. Even Marr and Scourge winced, and they had seen far more than me. It was palpable that the spectacle the ghost was showing us brought him immense pleasure, which sent a shiver down the spine. "But you're lucky, heir of Kallig. Speak."
"The problem is this," I approached cautiously, though I kept my distance and a barrier up. "I, like many gifted ones, set out to create my own lightsaber combat style, where I want to…"
"Combine attack and defense in perfect proportion, so you can defeat anyone, and all your fans would later call you the 'God of the Sword,' am I right?" Hord finished for me with clear mockery.
"Yes," I answered dryly. "You were recognized by many as the best of the best in lightsaber combat. Legends tell that you mastered all forms, perfected each one with every type of lightsaber."
"Hmph," the man snorted. "And what do you use?"
I summoned a lightsaber into each hand.
"Jar'Kai, based on Soresu or Ataru. I can also use both forms in single combat, with one saber."
"For your age — it's enough," the Sith said condescendingly. "This medallion is damaged," he addressed me. "So I won't be able to instruct you for long. But what you need — I'll give you. And in return — you promise not to destroy me, yes?"
"Correct."
"I am torn apart by the desire to destroy all of you," Hord said coldly. "I have never been in such a state. But, as a Sith, I cannot deny the right of the strong. Since I used it myself. As soon as both of you fall into the abyss — I'll deal with you. The little Jedi is unlikely to end up there, but you both…"
"Oh, I'll be waiting for that moment," Scourge said with anticipation. "You haven't been here long, and I already want to slit your throat."
"I'll kill you before you can even try," Hord promised. "Now, to you. You want to develop your current forms. And I'll tell you the solution," he stepped close. "Every attack is also a defense, and vice versa. Many who master lightsaber combat simply mindlessly memorize basic movements, and then only use the philosophy of the form in actual combat. I'm sure you do the same. Everyone does the same, actually. And to be a good warrior — that's enough. But to grasp that ideal you dream of, you must understand the essence of continuity."
"Attack is defense?" Marr asked. "That sounds too stupid."
"It sounds stupid," Hord looked at him. "And too simple, doesn't it? But you're mistaken — knowing the words means nothing. Only how you apply those words matters. You can know the theory, but without practice — you are nothing. Same here. Many sword masters arrived at these words themselves and tried to invent their own style, or improve those they had mastered to the highest level. The result of these investigations was the Juyo form, which, among other things, arose with my participation. It is perfect… Combining the philosophy of attack and defense that I just stated, as well as the pleasure we derive from battles and deaths — this form helped me defeat many who fancied themselves sword masters. But you weren't taught it. Though those present could help you master it."
The Juyo form and pleasure from battle? Honestly, I'd long caught myself thinking that the adrenaline I got during a fight intoxicated me. And a couple of times I'd even licked my lips during 'epic struggles'… Brrr, even I was a little scared. But his other words… In fact, we clash blades while executing the 'philosophy of the form.' And then — whoever is better at the Force, sensing, swordsmanship — wins.
"Would sliding blocks best fit those words?" I asked.
"Hmm," Tulak nodded. "Sliding blocks. With steel weapons, it's a fine counterattack form. With lightsabers, it's both more complicated and simpler at the same time. Let me show you instead."
He pointed his hand at me. Scourge and Marr, apparently, prepared for battle, but in front of me, a pillar of red light simply appeared.
"Is this a Force illusion?" I asked, amazed. The pillar transformed into a lightsaber.
"Correct," Hord nodded. "You will be able to take this saber and attack me. I will show you how to act to achieve what you desire. And afterwards — you will release me, and I will eagerly await your arrival in the abyss."
An illusion of lightsabers appeared in both of Hord's hands.
"Soresu, Ataru, and Jar'Kai. You chose styles suitable for your talent and physique. Now I will help you develop them… Remember all my actions well. I will only give you pointers; afterwards — you'll have to manage on your own. Ready, Light Flyingstar?"
"Yes," I nodded and immediately attacked Hord. He didn't use the Force, no special techniques, only pure swordsmanship… But that was what was unusual. Something incredible. At times, some of his movements seemed obvious and simple. Yet at the same time — there was speed, power, and ferocity… And incredible technical skill. Tulak broke down each form one by one, starting with Shii-Cho and ending with Juyo itself, although I hadn't even begun to grasp the latter. But over the course of the day, he explained how his words could be interpreted in each form… Not that everything was simple and 'obvious.' Nevertheless… His words fit Jar'Kai and Ataru the most. They manifested perfectly in these two forms. In dual-wielding, you can use one saber for attack and the other for defense, even though adherents of the Jar'Kai path strive to maximize attack instead. And Ataru, built on acrobatics, is ideal for unexpected counterattacks. And honestly, his training wasn't what some naive idiot might fantasize about… That Grandpa-Tulak would come and set him on the true path.
No, it was a long-term training session designed to lay foundations. I would have to progress on my own from there. But even so, watching Tulak, I picked up a lot of interesting things. Only one thing was bad — I wouldn't be able to summon him constantly. First — he radiated darkness. Second — Marr and Scourge wouldn't be around. I wasn't deceiving myself… Because the medallion had been damaged by Revan, who intended to make Tulak the last summoned one, Tulak Hord was a real threat. And only having Marr and Scourge nearby, nothing less than the 'will of the Force,' helped me avoid dangerous consequences.
When Tulak finally disappeared towards evening, I sighed heavily. I'd spent an entire day training. I hadn't pushed myself this hard in a long time.
"I think," Marr said, "you need a little more help."
He waved his hand, and after several dozen seconds — a book dropped into my hands.
"This is the book of Juyo. Only our best warriors had access to it. Sith who had proven themselves in the best light. I think it will help you as well."
"Why the sudden generosity? I mean, Juyo doesn't exactly align with my Order's philosophy…"
"Don't you dare lie to me," Marr pointed a finger at me. "That ends badly, for everyone. I saw how eagerly you attacked Tulak, how your eyes followed his every, tiniest movement. It's in your interest to have as much specialized literature as possible… If you succeed — you'll create something greater than an individual style. And if not, at least you'll begin to comprehend the best form of swordsmanship. And don't deny it… Many of the Jedi — underestimated the power of Juyo. I won't say what became of them; you can guess."
Alright, I needed to apply my principle here. If they give — take. If they hit — kill. Right now, they were giving. And giving a useful book. Learning swordsmanship from pictures was dubious. But funny enough, that's how we always learned anyway.
"Thank you, Lord Marr."
"Don't forget your promise, though," Scourge said. "I expect you to help us with Abeloth. Fine, I'll cancel my raid on her."
Considering that there was no mention of Scourge during the time of Abeloth's attack, the Force Psychosis… Then he hadn't succeeded. Actually, that was also connected to the fact that Scourge appeared much later than the work on the Abeloth arc. But even when he appeared, he was never written into it… Perhaps because after some time, after the MMORPG's release, the rights were sold to Disney… And they ruined everything… I needed to not fall to the dark side again over the wasted potential of the universe…
"I will remember, Lord Scourge," I looked into the Sith's red eyes. "I have much to do."
I would need to seriously get down to Jaro Tapal's training and plan my participation in the upcoming events. From the canon — the Stark Hyperspace War was right around the corner. Iaco Stark was a well-known figure. But should I allow this war? Probably yes… Because it was a link in the chain… A chain that would show the Republic's overall weakness to the right individuals… And weakness was excellent motivation. It was time to leave Odessen. Also — I had my own mission, where I would have to eliminate a couple of Jedi who had stolen a dangerous artifact from archaeological excavations. But just as I was about to leave the hangar, the medallion, which I was going to take, suddenly lit up and soared upwards. Light surrounded it and began to gradually transform into Revan. Scourge and Marr froze in amazement.
"You don't need to ask questions, Light. After all — this is just a pre-recorded message. You probably considered my actions a betrayal. Yes, to some extent I betrayed you… But all of this was done so you would stop relying on the power of this artifact. I deliberately damaged it during our conversation. I hope it didn't damage the restraining circuit." Revan, go to hell! "Otherwise the Tulak you summoned might have tried to take over your body. Either way — stop relying on this power. Develop the skills you already have. They will help you… And remember what I told you then." The medallion trembled, and then disappeared completely, turning to ash, along with Revan's recording.
"Well, fuck me sideways," Scourge expressed.
"I agree," Marr and I said together. "And I was thinking of letting Satele meet with him," Marr continued.
"Satele? Satele Shan?" I asked Marr.
"Yes. She doesn't like guests or noise. She appears like a ghost about two thousand kilometers south, in one of the caves. But very rarely, because she loves peace. The last time she appeared was about a hundred years ago."
"The Force would have been useful in the battle with Abeloth," Scourge said. "But she thinks we shouldn't interfere. 'Our time has passed,' and all that..." His tone made it clear Scourge didn't like that attitude. "Yes, I agree not to interfere in current politics! But Abeloth... The one who created Vitiate! But she says: 'Each generation has its own trials, its own battles.' She seems to have just burned out. Don't count on that stubborn old woman showing up."
"A pity," I said. "Master Satele went down in the history of my Order as one of the most renowned Jedi of your era."
Marr and Scourge just shrugged.
"You can rest in the sanctuary for now," Marr said. "You've endured a lot."
"Thank you," I nodded. "I'll head to the Galaxy tomorrow."
No need to delay either the mission or Jaro's training... And I should also take time to process everything I saw today.