Fanfiction

Resurrection

In 25 BTC Begeren was a planet that had been ravaged by war. The Sith wished to retake the planet that was once part of the Old Empire while the republic needed its natural riches to finance the continued defence of their systems in the Outer Rim but it would seem the Emperor has other plans for the planet as he sent two Sith Lords in secret to find a mystery beneath the surface...

Part 1 

It was a disturbance in the Force that awoke Darth Seruvenos from his sleep. A constant presence in the back of his head that grew stronger. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of getting nearer to completing his expectations. He got out of his bed and looked around the room for his proper attire.

It was a spacious room with sleek, metal plates that served as walls. There were no pictures or paintings, but several red lights in the shape of ancient Sith signs served as wall decoration. Aside from his bed, there was a small altar with a bust of the Emperor shrouded by a hood. Other than that, the only pieces of furniture were a chair with a dark cloak tossed on it and a built-in wardrobe that held the Sith Inquisitor's robes. When Seruvenos was finally dressed in his every day black robes he left the room and came into a small, winding hallway. Halfway through the hallway he bumped into a familiar friend: Darth Kaine.

Darth Kaine was wearing a simple pitch-black tunic, just like any Sith warrior wears on informal occassions, but for the exception of the badge and stripes on his chest and sleeve depicting his rank as an officer in the Sith Imperial Guard. He was sent as an envoy, an ambassador of the Imperial Command, maybe even as a bodyguard to the Sith Inquisitor Seruvenos. His low rank and his rebellious nature had quickly led him away from the ranks of Command and into the service of others, acting as bridge between the Guard and Sith Council of the Empire. For many years he and Seruvenos had served the Empire together, always in service of his Dark Lord, on various missions. And although Kaine had never felt an emotion as weak as friendship towards Lord Seruvenos, he had accepted the fact that working together and acknowledging your ally could bear fruit on missions and spare him from a lightsaber in the chest, or even the back.
It was this history these two Sith shared that drove them together once again. As Kaine had been on active Guard duty, he had received the order to escort Seruvenos to an emergency Council meeting. He had set off to find the Sith Lord and found him just outside his quarters, apparently already aware of the summoning.
"Hail Lord Seruvenos, I hope you have been well. I apologise for disturbing you on this late hour, but I've received the urgent message and order to escort you to the Sith Council. Are you ready?"

"I am but a servant of the Emperor and his council." His voice oozed with contempt as he spoke that last word. As Seruvenos bowed slightly to the Sith warrior, he also extended his hand in a gesture that pointed to the main corridor.
The building was one of many skyscrapers that surrounded the main plaza of a rich district in Kaas city. Darth Seruvenos had been given an apartment here by his former master so he could be watched at all times, but that was before the apprentice had killed the master and taken his place in the hierarchy.
The both of them followed the main hallway onto a launchpad filled with speeders. Most of them belonged to tenants but there was one transport that stuck out. It was a V-wing airspeeder in pitch black with metal trimming and each wing bore the symbol of the Sith Empire with a heavy duty laser gun attached underneath.
"I suppose that's yours?"

"Comes with the rank, I suppose" Kaine said indifferent "If there's something the Guard is good at, it's kissing ***** with the people they think will be useful for their cause. Why, you don't like the colour? And here I was thinking you were the type for all that darkness. You surprise me, Darth Seruvenos" Kaine mocked.
"Better get used to it, from now on this will be our primary means of transportation, since our 'succesful' mission on Gorsh caused our previous speeder to sink to the bottom of the ocean. We better get going or it's my hide they'll want. So if you'd be so kind, My Lord..."
Kaine opened the hatch that led to the small cockpit of the speeder and gestured to Seruvenos to take seat in the throne positioned behind the pilot's seat, where Kaine sat down. He immediately started the speeder's engines as the interior lights went from the bright white lights on the ceiling to the darkened red that was emitted from the floor.
Well on their way, Kaine looked at Seruvenos from the corner of his eye. The Sith looked relaxed, but Kaine felt something in his companion.
"You have any idea why they summoned you at this hour, My Lord?"

"I have many ideas and I hope it isn't one of them."
Seruvenos could feel that slow hum in the back of his head grow stronger.
"The last time the council had summoned me was to send me on some diplomatic mission to Alderaan. Republic rebels were more prominent than was first believed and we nearly got blown out of the sky. But at least it proved for some good sport when we arrived at the palace."
The cockpit had been quite dark except for the red hue since they had been flying in the shadows of the buildings, but as the speeder past the last one and turned to the left they came in full view of the citadel. The building itself and the square in front of it had so many lights pointed on them that the dark stone almost appeared white. The light filled the cockpit, but Seruvenos kept his eyes wide open in a stare at the citadel. The hum had become almost deafening.
"But I don't think that will be our mission this time, Darth Kaine."
The eyes of the Sith Inquisitor began to emit a yellowish glow as he kept looking at the Citadel.
"He is expecting us."

"You don't mean...?"
Kaine looked at Seruvenos with certain unease.
"Are you sure? I mean, I can feel that the Force has powerful wielders in the Council, but certainly he won't be there?"
Kaine tried to straighten himself. He too had felt the hum in the back of his head. Not as distinct as Seruvenos had, Kaine's connection with the Force never had been as strong as the one his companion had at his diposal. But it had been there, nonetheless. Kaine hadn't thought about it, he had felt it nearly everytime they have had dealings with the Council.
But now... there was something different about it, something darker...
"I think you might be right." Kaine whispered, leading the speeder onto the landing platform. He got up from the pilot's seat, opening up the hatch. He quickly put on his dark cloak and strapped on his belt which carried his lightsaber.
He eyed Seruvenos, "It seems they are expecting us. After you, My Lord"

The rustle of his cloak echoed through the enormous hallway. Both its length and height were impressive with countless murals of Sith battles lining the walls. Every two murals was intersected by a pillar the size of a full grown rancor and made out of black granite that disappeared into the dark ceiling. Either side of the pillars was graced by an Imperial elite guard in full armour. All of them saluted when the Sith Lords passed.
After a walk that seemed to take forever, the massive doors to the council chambers opened, beckoning them inside. As Seruvenos passed the gilded doors he felt such a surge of Force energy that he could barely contain its power. The concentration that Kaine emitted didn't falter though. Seruvenos had always found his prowess in battle quite impressive, bordering on genius and insane at the same time. He was glad to have the warrior present, even if it was only to ensure civility.
The room was even more gigantic that the hallway leading up to it. The circular space was almost completely covered in darkness except for the centre where a throne had been installed on the holo terminal that the Emperor used for contact with the council. In stead of their usual position as statues around the terminal, all twelve members sat in a kneeling position towards the throne where a darkened figure was seated. The hum that had nearly crippled Seruvenos now turned to unbridled joy. He immediately knelt just a little inside the doorway, a full forty feet from the throne.
"My lord Emperor."

Part 2

"You have heard my call at last, young one."

The sound of his voice was both a whisper and booming, all at once. Every syllable resonated with the strength of someone who possessed centuries of force training. Seruvenos had never heard such a voice. He felt that, if the Emperor so chose, the man could destroy everyone and everything in this room without even getting out of his throne.

"Yes, my lord Emperor. What is it you wish of me?"

Just as he had finished his sentence, several council members got to their feet, screaming insults and pointing to the young inquisitor. One of them stepped forward and spoke clear enough that the others fell silent.

"This council has always endured your arrogance and lack of respect because you've been useful so far, but now you have gone too far! You dare, little whelp that you are, YOU DARE ask the dark lord of the Sith a QUESTION?!"

The speaker drew his lightsaber which emitted a bright red light that revealed its wielder from the darkness. He wore a black robe that was richly decorated with gold and red patterns. His face was covered by a metal mask riddled with cuts and blast residue. This sight that would have terrified most had no impact on Seruvenos. He remained in his kneeling position, but stretched his wrist to loosen the sleeve until he felt the cold hilt of his own lightsaber on his palm. Just in case this man was really crazy enough to fight in front of the Emperor, Seruvenos would be ready to defend himself and perhaps even slay his opponent, regardless of that person's position.

"Now, young Seruvenos, you will die."

The council member lifted the saber and used all of his force to make it come crashing down in a side swoop, aimed at the neck of the still kneeling Sith Inquisitor.

"Have it your way" Seruvenos thought, letting his lightsaber slip completely in his hand. He gripped it tight, whirled around to meet his opponent head-on, his saber already activated and humming, it had been waiting for this fight.

He dodged the initial blow. It sheered off his face, missing his cheek by just an inch. Although he realised he had been lucky evading his opponent's attack, he kept his cool, not once showing a sign of fear or doubt. He knew this was business. Emotions and doubt would be his downfall, as he knew all too well. The way of the Sith was without mercy, without remorse, and his opponent would be glad to put this into practice.

Seruvenos felt the eyes of the Council, Kaine and the Emperor follow them. Nobody urged to act, they all knew this was the way this dispute would be decided. "Well," Seruvenos thought, while a small grin appeared on his lips "At least now the Emperor will learn the undisputed truth about my abilities"

The masked counselor lunged at Seruvenos relentlessly, swinging his lightsaber with an enormous amount of power. His blows strengthened by his connection to the Dark Side. Each strike Seruvenos blocked or parried was a clash of energy. Sparks went flying from their sabers, the air crackling with energy. They locked sabers once again, pushing all their power and energy into it. The two combatants staring at each other, one's eyes filled with hatred, the other tensioned but calculated. If this was going to be a battle of the mind, Seruvenos would be ready for it.

Suddenly, his opponent broke the lock. He was going for Seruvenos' flank, which was wide open after their sabers met.

He couldn't parry that blow, he had to act in some way or this fight would be his last...

He leaped into the air, his opponent swinging his saber to where he'd just been, missing him by far. But this was an old trick, Seruvenos knew, and there were lots of ways to counter his next move. His opponent was already turning around, rotating his lightsaber in his hand and preparing for an upward slash when Seruvenos would land behind him. It would go all according to his plan. Again, a grin crossed Seruvenos' lips, when he removed his cloak in midjump, throwing it over his opponent. The masked counselor did not anticipate and was blinded by the shroud. He swung in desperation, but with an easy sidestep Seruvenos made sure he was open for the fatal blow.

Before his opponent could recover from his surprise, Seruvenos had already closed the distance between them. The counselor's eyes were wide when he felt the saber cut in his arm, dropping the useless limb to the ground, his lightsaber rolling away from him. He howled in pain, clenching to the bloody stump that was his arm. He dropped to his knees, clenching his teeth, cursing and spitting at Seruvenos.

The Inquisitor simply whirled around and kicked the Counselor in the face, which sent him hurling across the floor of the large chamber. He ground to a halt. Blood was dripping from underneath his mask. He tried to get up.

Seruvenos didn't give him the chance. He had put away his lightsaber and was now concentrating. He channeled the Dark Side into his arms, all the rage and hatred it possessed, and molded it. When he released the energy he had build, lightning came forth from his hands, searching the counselor and devouring him.

There was no more rage or hatred in his eyes, only fear..

After what seemed an eternity, Seruvenos stopped channeling the Force. He turned around. His fallen opponent not worth another glance. He strode towards the throne, and before it's steps, dropped again to one knee, asking

"My lord Emperor, what is it you wish of me?"

The Emperor let a small, amused laugh escape as he rested his hands on the arms of his throne and observed the man in front of him. The other council members did not share their emperor's enthusiasm over the loss of one of their own. Another counselor stepped forward towards the Emperor in a strange position, as if he was not sure whether to kneel or stand, making sure he did not come too close near Seruvenos. He opened the communicator on his wrist and barked his orders into them.

"Darth Kelris has just been murdered! Send reinforcements to apprehend Darth Seruvenos at once" He didn't wait for a reply, but drew his purple lightsaber and braced for impact from the murderer's lightsaber. Seruvenos did not move however and remained on his knee facing the Emperor as if the couselor did not exist.

The sound of metal clambering on the marble floors grew louder as dozens of troops made their way to the chamber. Finally an entire battalion of Imperial guards came into view. Instead of their ceremonial robes and staves, they wore heavy armour and carried heavy duty blaster rifles. These were the men that the Sith used if all else failed in a planetary takeover and now they were being sent after one man. Even for Seruvenos, this would not end well.

As the first company of guards neared the entrance Darth Kaine suddenly took position in the centre of the doorway, his lightaber already activated and ready to meet them all headfirst. The men stopped dead in their tracks, a few meters between them and the Sith Warrior. Their captain stepped forward until the brow of his helmet nearly touched Kaine's face.

"Step aside lieutenant. We are here for Darth Seruvenos. This doesn't concern you."

Darth Kaine stood his ground. He recognized a familiar dent in the armour's chest-plate and knew this man to be captain Trell, his commanding officer in the Imperial guard.

"I have built all of my reputation by serving with Darth Seruvenos. If you successfully arrest him then all of my achievements will be questioned as well. So I believe this does concern me, I'm afraid...Captain"

"Then so be it" Said the captain as he lifted his hand to order his men to open fire.

Before Trell could lower his hand, Kaine had stabbed his lightsaber through the captain's torso, puncturing his left lung in the process.

Many of the men had staggered back when they saw the lightsaber exit through the captain's back and decided to stay at a safe distance when they heard the gurgling sounds coming from the captains helmet. Kaine waited until the sounds and twitching had stopped before pushing the limp body off his weapon. He now faced this group of men who were either afraid or outraged. A dangerous combination.

"Anyone else care to make a statement?"

A frenzied trooper suddenly ran towards the Sith Warrior, firing several shots as he went. Darth Kaine deflected all of them, killing both the trooper and several of the guards surrounding the entrance. This made the survivors back off even more. Kaine stepped forward, the soldiers stepping backwards again to keep the space even, and took the dead trooper's blaster rifle in his left hand.

"Now, if you're all done playing hero. I suggest we hear what the Emperor has to say about all this."

A silence was all that followed. The Sith soldiers backed off, not sure what to make of the situation. Seconds ago they had taken orders from the well-known and respected captain Trell to remove a renegade Sith from the Council, and now it had appeared there was not one, but two of them. What was worse, the Sith standing in front of them was a ranked officer of equal renown as their captain, if not so, then more. But lieutenant Kaine wasn't respected as Trell had been. He was feared...

Rumours had gone through the ranks of the Guard. Rumours of a high-ranking officer. About his cunning and strategical mind, about his ruthlesness and ability to glory in combat, and sometimes even about the betrayal that caused his downfall into the lower ranks of the Imperial Guard, where he could pose no threat to the current High Command although still serving the Dark Lord any way he could. Sometimes the troopers tell of him, like a beast, lurking in the shadows, gathering his strength, biding his time, getting ready to strike at the heart of the Guard. At those who had cost him his honor.

The thought of the fallen general had crossed the mind of most of the soldiers. They knew he was their commanding officer now.

"Did you not hear me, troopers? I said, stand down! The Emperor hasn't summoned us here to watch this petty display of strength." Kaine commanded with a stern face, his past in the higher regions of the Guard shimmering vaguely under the surface.

Not a single soul in that chamber dared to make a move. Although most of the dust had settled, the tension in the air remained almost tangible.

Finally, the troopers, uneasily looking at one another, withdrew their weapons and saluted Kaine.

"Yes, sir, My Lord!"

"Good. Now go guard the entrance or something, you're no longer needed here." Kaine tossed the blaster rifle to the nearest trooper.

"Oh, and take the bodies with you, will you. That one isn't exactly smelling nice" Kaine gestured to the fallen counselor, who'd been burned beyond recognision.

He turned around, facing the Emperor.

"My sincerest apologies, My Lord Emperor, discipline is hard to come by these days."

Kaine walked up right next to Seruvenos. The inquisitor hadn't moved from the spot. The warrior also fell to one knee.

"What is your bidding, My Emperor?"

The Emperor looked down upon the two kneeling figures at the base of his throne. His hands still resting firmly on the throne's arms. He had not moved an inch during the whole ordeal that had unfolded before his eyes. And he remained to do so now.

The remaining counselors surrounding the emperor started to shift impatiently. There had been several murders in this chamber, the Hall of the Council no less, and the murderes were just sitting there, in front of their glorious Emperor! This could not be!

One counselor approached the Emperor.

"My lord, you surely don't want these ... renegades" he spat the word "to be in our midst?" Surely these are not the ones you have called for? They must be arrested and put on trial! After all..."

The counselor couldn't finish his rambling. A sudden crash and flash had silenced him. He did not realise what had happened. The he started to feel something drip across his abdomen. Now silent, he looked down to his chest and was aware of the gaping hole. He looked up to the Emperor who had raised a hand in his direction.

"I find your lack of faith disturbing, Lord Zhin." The Emperor spoke softly.

"You'd do best to remember that"

Counselor Zhin crashed to the ground like a lump of meat. The remaining Council gasping in terror.

The Emperor didn't even notice it.

He rose from his throne and strode towards the two who had answered his calling and inquired to his bidding.

He laid his hand on their shoulder.

"Rise, young Siths, and follow me. We have much to discuss."

The Emperor turned and headed for the corridor that was situated behind his throne, leading them towards the more private quarters.

Seruvenos and Kaine rose simultaneously and followed the Dark Lord.

They had left the Hall behind them and were guided towards one of the antechambers. They were heading to the inner sanctum of the Council. The walls were covered with stone and metal slabs, all covered in ancient carvings, symbols that had once held knowledge and power, but were now a secret to all. In the middle of the room there was a holoprojector. It was already turned on and the Emperor had already seated himself on the throne behind it.

"Come forth," He said in the same whispering, almost hoarse, voice "and gaze upon your objective"

The projector beamed and the shapue of a planet formed before their eyes. It's surface was covered in rock and sand.

"Planet Begeren in the Begeren System," the Emperor rasped "Not too long ago, a surge in the Force could be felt by the more advanced Sith. Particularly those with a strong connection to the Dark Side. It came from this planet."

Seruvenos studied the hologram. He had heard of Begeren and what it's history contained.

"This planet was once Sith, and it will be Sith again." the Emperor continued "The Republic may think they control the planet. Digging for the gemstones in their quarries. They only hold what's on the surface. They could never contain what's underneath it's crust, could never fathom it. The Dark Side is strong there. And that sudden emanation has set the wheels into motion. You are going to Begeren, and you will delve deeper than any of those so called Jedimasters ever will. Bring me the lost knowledge of the Sith!"

Kaine and Seruvenos looked at each other. They would accept the mission, there was no other choice. They would succeed.

Seruvenos straightened.

"When do we leave, My Lord?"

"Immediately!" commanded the Emperor in his whispering voice.

"Who is our contact there, My Emperor?" Kaine inquired.

"A bounty hunter who has served me well. His name is Xaesun"