**Chapter 396: Journey to Malachor I**
**Dagon's POV**
The bridge of the *Valiant*-class Star Destroyer *Sovereign* hummed with quiet activity as the fleet prepared for the hyperspace jump to Lantilles. I stood at the central holotable, surrounded by my closest companions and command staff. The plan for Malachor I had been forming in my mind for weeks, ever since the events on Malachor V and the resurrection of Nox.
"So here is the plan," I said as we boarded the *Valiant* to begin the jump. "Ahsoka, Visenya, Zule, Kayla, Chewbacca, Stella, Flare, Nox, and Ethan will accompany me to the surface onboard the C-70 Consular cruiser *Akatsuki* to Malachor I. Once there, we go to the temple, find the master holocron, use it to activate the temple, locate Ashara's holocron or her whereabouts, then deactivate the kyber matrix core of the temple and strip it for its crystals."
I looked around the group. "Any questions?"
"This is a terrible plan," Ethan said immediately, the droid's voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Yeah, why do we need to do it anyway?" Nox added. "I never even heard of the temple, and you keep saying Malachor I wasn't the only Malachor V."
I nodded, expecting the pushback. "Okay, short history. The Malachor system has five planets. Malachor V was the site of the devastating battle thousands of years ago. Malachor I was built as an ancient Sith hidden — or first — temple. I think it was designed as a super weapon. It was raided by Jedi Knights about a couple thousand years ago. There was no record that is where I found your holocron — not Korriban or any other Sith world, but that one."
I activated a small holographic display of the Malachor system, highlighting Malachor I. "The temple there holds secrets even the modern Sith and Jedi have forgotten. Ashara's holocron is likely tied to it. We need those crystals and that knowledge if we're going to have any hope of winning this war on our terms."
"Um, Master… while your new powers and your eyes — which are now eternal red — are okay enough, a Sith temple is pushing it," Ahsoka said, concern clear in her voice.
"Yeah, Dagon, you still there?" Stella asked, half-joking, half-serious.
I could feel the concern through the bond. To be honest, after so much had happened, I never fully understood who was in control. Nox — well, holocron Nox — had explained that because of my past blood history as a soldier against Skynet, the dark side was basically second nature. Since I joined this galaxy, it had been the same. But did that mean the girls loved the soldier or Dagon? Eh… never mind.
"Yeah, totally fine," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "But first, we are going to Malastare to recruit a powerful ally."
The group exchanged glances. Ahsoka crossed her arms. "Malastare? What's there that we need?"
"An old contact," I replied. "Someone who owes me a favor from the early days. Plus, Malastare has resources we can use — fuel, parts, and potentially more fighters. We'll make a quick stop, then head straight for Malachor I."
Nox leaned against the holotable, purple eyes thoughtful. "You're really committed to bringing Ashara back, aren't you?"
"I made a promise," I said simply. "And I keep my promises."
Zule stepped closer, her hand brushing mine. "We're with you, Master. All of us."
Kayla smiled, her Zeltron pheromones subtly easing the tension in the room. "Just try not to blow up another planet while we're there."
Flare chuckled. "Or at least warn us first."
Chewbacca let out a low, agreeing roar.
Ethan's photoreceptors flickered. "Statistically, the odds of this going smoothly are approximately 12.4%. I have already prepared contingency plans A through G."
I couldn't help but laugh. "That's why I keep you around, Ethan."
The jump to Lantilles was smooth. From there, we transferred to the *Akatsuki* and set course for Malastare. The small consular cruiser felt intimate with our group aboard — a strange mix of Jedi, Sith, droid, and Wookiee all heading into the unknown together.
As hyperspace swallowed us, I leaned back in the pilot's chair and let my mind wander. The red tint in my eyes was a constant reminder of how much the dark side had become part of me. The girls noticed it. They worried. But they stayed.
That meant more than I could say.
**Scene 2 – En Route to Malastare**
The *Akatsuki* hummed steadily through hyperspace. Ahsoka sat beside me in the co-pilot seat, legs tucked under her as she watched the swirling blue tunnel.
"You've been quiet," she said after a while. "Thinking about Malachor I?"
"Among other things." I glanced at her. "The temple there is old. Dangerous. The kind of place where the Force is… raw. I need all of you sharp."
Nox, lounging in the back with Zule and the others, spoke up. "Ancient Sith temples have a way of testing you. They feed on emotion. Rage. Fear. Desire. You have to be careful what you bring inside."
Zule leaned against him slightly, her purple hair falling over one shoulder. "We'll watch each other's backs. Like always."
Kayla stretched lazily. "And if things get too dark, I can always lighten the mood." Her Zeltron pheromones filled the cabin with a subtle, calming warmth.
Stella smiled. "Or I can just shoot whatever tries to eat us."
Flare laughed. "I'll handle the dramatic speeches."
Chewbacca roared something that sounded like agreement.
Ethan's voice came from the console. "And I will remind everyone when the odds drop below 5%. Which they inevitably will."
I chuckled. "See? We've got this."
Ahsoka reached over and squeezed my hand. "Just… don't do anything stupid like on Naboo again. We need you here. All of us."
"I know," I said softly. "I'm trying."
The jump continued. Malastare awaited — and after that, Malachor I.
Whatever secrets the ancient temple held, we would face them together.