The Greatest Sith... That Never Lived
Posted by: Darth Danno 04.18.07 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
• CHAPTER XV: THE SEEDS OF SUSPICION

CHAPTER XVI: THE BEGINNING OF THE END (Part I)

The Jedi landed in the Mos Eisley spaceport on Tatooine just as its twin suns were beginning to appear on the horizon. The eight Jedi exited the craft to stretch their legs after the flight, but had to come up with a battle plan before leaving the docking bay.

“Questions abound,” Master Dychud began. “Hopefully, by the time we leave here, there will be answers. We must be cautious, and always on our guard. This could very well be a trap, so our vigilance must not falter.”

“Where should we begin to look?” Master Chemidael questioned.

“There are two main populated areas on this world,” Master Dychud continued. “I suggest three of us remain here in Mos Eisley, the rest take the ship, venture to Mos Espa, and search there. Three will go out and search, two will remain with the ship to ensure against sabotage. Whomever locates the Sith should report to the others immediately, and simply maintain surveillance until we are all together again. Once united, we will confront the Dark Lord and go from there.”

“What if the Sith attacks before we can all regroup?” Master Burin asked.

Dychud sighed, and continued. “We will then be forced to engage the enemy, protect the innocents as best we can, and hope it will be enough.”

“Who goes, who stays?” Master Belac wanted to know.

“Dychud looked from one Master to another. “Masters Issew and Beyorel will stay here with myself. Masters Burin, Chemidael, and Lleyjo will search Mos Espa. Masters Belac and Dovarchi will remain with the ship. I know it may not be very interesting, but you’re ensuring we will be able to leave this world without any unnecessary explosive attachments in tow. Are there any questions?” No one said a word. “Then let’s move out, and may the Force be with us all.”

The Sith arrived on Tatooine may hours later, touching down in the middle of the Dune Sea, under cover of darkness.

“We’re here,” Danno stated. “Grab your gear and lets get going.” Then he unbuckled himself from the pilots chair and headed into the main hold. Mortis watched him leave, yet made no effort to do the same. He simply drummed his fingers against a nearby console, plotting his next move.

“Lord Mortis,” Danno’s voice resonated from somewhere within the bowels of the ship. “Is there a problem, or did this trip somehow adhere your posterior to the seat?”

Mortis growled, and begrudgingly unstrapped himself from the seat and followed after his Master. Upon arriving at the loading ramp, Danno had unloaded their speeders and was ready to go.

“Where exactly are we going again, Master?”

“Our exact destination is someplace called the Krayt Dragon Pass. Lets be off, I want to arrive there before sunrise.” Then he climbed aboard his speeder and started it up. Casting a glance back at his apprentice, he stepped on the accelerator and roared off into the night. Mortis glared after his Master, shook his head in disgust, then climbed aboard his own speeder and headed off into the darkness after him.

Upon arriving at their destination, the duo surveyed the surrounding landscape. A narrow path surrounded on both sides by imposing rock walls. There were numerous crags and crevasses within the rocks, great hiding spots if one was planning an ambush. The air was still, and all was quiet. Danno reached out with the Force, hoping to locate any unfriendlies in the area. Sensing nothing, he lowered his guard, but only slightly as he turned and took in his apprentice, standing a few meters behind him.

“When are we supposed to meet our contact, Master?”

“I was informed he will arrive when it is safe for him to do so. The Jedi are no doubt snooping around, and we must all be cautious. It could be a long night, my apprentice, perhaps it would be best if you got some sleep.”

“Thank you for your concern, Master.” Mortis replied with mock sincerity. “I would prefer to spend my time exploring the area, getting a better feel of our current location.”

“As you see fit. Go about your business, I shall remain here and pass the time in meditation.” Danno then sat down on the ground, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes.

Very well, my Lord.” Mortis nodded as he headed off down the path. Walking backwards so as to never take his eyes off of his Master until he was completely out of sight.

Darth Danno