The Greatest Sith... That Never Lived
Posted by: Darth Danno 04.04.07 12:01am
Previously:

• CHAPTER I: MEDITATION and REFLECTION
• CHAPTER II: SEEKING THE SITH
• CHAPTER III: THE PLOT THICKENS (Part I)
• CHAPTER III: THE PLOT THICKENS (Part II)
• CHAPTER IV: THE LEGEND OF THE MASTER
• CHAPTER V: A PADAWAN FLEES
• CHAPTER VI: DEBACLE IN THE DOCKING BAY (Part I)
• CHAPTER VI: DEBACLE IN THE DOCKING BAY (Part II)
• CHAPTER VII: CONUNDRUM ON CORUSCANT (Part I)
• CHAPTER VII: CONUNDRUM ON CORUSCANT (Part II)
• CHAPTER VII: CONUNDRUM ON CORUSCANT (Part III)
• CHAPTER VIII: THE PRODIGAL RETURNS (Part I)
• CHAPTER VIII: THE PRODIGAL RETURNS (Part II)
• CHAPTER VIII: THE PRODIGAL RETURNS (Part III)
• CHAPTER IX: ENTER THE APPRENTICE
• CHAPTER X: AN UNEASY ALLIANCE BEGINS
• CHAPTER XI: THE APPRENTICE REVEALED
• CHAPTER XII: SUSPICION GROWS
• CHAPTER XIII: STALEMATE (Part I)
• CHAPTER XIII: STALEMATE (Part II)

CHAPTER XIV: THE PIECES COME TOGETHER

Lord Contagion exited Danno’s ship with caution, making sure his exit went as unnoticed as his entrance. The information he’d garnered while aboard was still processing through his brain. He could hardly believe what he had heard, but his source had little reason to lie. Now he just had to figure out what to do with the newly acquired information. Knowledge truly was power, and now he was the most powerful Sith on the planet. He just had to use it wisely. Whom should he tell? How much should he reveal? Still so many questions, but these he could manage with ease.

As he left the docking bay, he made his way down the winding halls and corridors toward his quarters. He glanced out a side window and saw it was still dark outside, so he still had some time to formulate a plan. Upon arriving at his chambers, he entered, and immediately went to the center of his main living area and sat, cross-legged on the floor. He cleared his mind of all distractions, focusing his mental energy on the Force. Hoping to gain discernment. How long he sat there, he did not know. But when the idea finally came to him, it was all he could do to contain his newfound sense of euphoria. Rising from the floor, his joints ached from being in this position for so long. Glancing out his window, he saw the first glimmers of sunlight making their way across the craggy landscape. Despite being up all night, he felt invigorated and refreshed. He had new, important knowledge, and now had a plan. All that was left was to put it into action…

CORUSCANT: The Jedi council chambers were alive with discussion as each member posed their own views on the subject.

“How can we be sure the information is accurate?” Master Burin questioned.

“It came from a trusted source.” Master Lleyjo responded.

“But can we trust the source HE received it from?” Master Chemidael asked

“It’s most likely a trap!” Master Issew stated.

“I concur.” Master Dovarchi replied.

“Even so,” Master Beyorel noted, “we can’t just do nothing.”

“Gentlemen, Gentlemen, please!” Master Dychud implored, quieting the room. “Each of you has put forth a very valid point. But I agree with Master Beyorel’s reasoning that we cannot just file away this…tip because it may or may not be a trap. We Jedi have never shied away from anything out of fear, or for any other reason. We must make an effort to assertain what the Sith are planning. This seems our only viable option at present.”

Master Belac simply shook his head. “So we just receive information that the Sith responsible for the deaths of our Jedi colleagues on Tatooine and Coruscant of recent is for some unknown reason, returning to Tatooine and we’re just going to…”

Master Dychud interrupted him. “I have thought long and hard on this matter, and I believe this is a task I alone must undertake.” The gathered Jedi gasped, but before they could voice their objections, he continued. “I cannot, and will not, ask any of you to do this. We have never stepped down in the face of the Sith, and I most assuredly am not going to start now. I assumed leadership of this tribunal after the death of Master Cusal with some reluctance as I felt, and still feel, I am not qualified for the honor. I could never forgive myself if I sent one of you and you did not return. If I do not survive, I…”

“Stop this foolishness at once!” Master Burin demanded. “Surely you don’t think we would let you go into this alone. I shall accompany you.”

“As will I.” Master Chemidael chimed in.

“And I.” Master Issew added.

“Count me in.” Master Beyorel said.

“And myself.” Was Master Lleyjo’s reply.

“Master Belac said nothing, just simply raised his hand and nodded his involvement.

“Well blast it all!” Master Dovarchi said as he slammed his fist against the arm of his chair. “If you think you’re leaving me out of this, you’re gravely mistaken. I’m in!”

Dychud smiled as he looked from one Jedi compatriot to the next. “Friends, I appreciate your support, but if we all go, who would be left on the council should we perish?”

“There’s a simple solution to that.” Master Chemidael replied. “We’ll simply have to make sure that through our superior numbers, none should perish.”

“This Sith, or these Sith,” Master Belac added with obvious contempt, “Have taken six of our brethren from us. I vow to see to it that the number stays at six.”

“Hear, Hear!!” Master Dovarchi cheered.

“Very well,” Master Dychud consented. “Pack your things and prepare yourselves, we leave for Tatooine in one hour.”

Darth Danno