Before the first rays of the sun brightened up the wide horizon, Vowrawn was already up making breakfast in the tidy kitchen of his expansive penthouse. After putting everything on his plate, he walked onto his balcony that looked over the city, and then sitting down at the table, he started to eat. While he ate, he looked out toward the city of Kaas, admiring the wonderful view.

Although the view always made him feel happy, this time his troubled thoughts were on Satele. When she told him the other day about her peculiar dream, right away he knew that what he thought was a bad dream suddenly became a reality. If the Rakata was planning on coming back, Vowrawn was afraid that his worry over the Eternal empire would be insignificant, compared to the Rakata Prime who was a great force to reckon with. He had no idea how they were able to revive their ways, but somehow they had managed to do it and that made him anxious. They would have no choice but to fight against them once they came out of hiding. Vowrawn was sure they were hiding somewhere in the galaxy, waiting for the right time and opportunity to strike. He was not looking forward to engaging in combat with the Rakatans, but if it came to that, he needed a bigger army, and to achieve that, he needed to forge an alliance with Arcann. As he sipped his drink, his mind went to Arcann, who now was locked up in prison waiting on his trial.

Putting his cup down, then his thoughts ventured to another place, somewhere deep within the past. Taking a deep breath, he brought up a long-forgotten bittersweet memory that happened on Nar Shaddaa.

The hotel's modest bar was dimly lit. Only a few lingering customers were present at this hour, drinking or playing cards in the back room. It was late into the night and Vowrawn couldn't sleep. It's been over five days and he wasn't able to acquire the information that he came to collect here on Nar Shaddaa. The "smuggler's moon" was always the best place to gather information for the Empire. This was not his first trip here, but the third, and unfortunately this time he was not as fortunate as before. The man he was supposed to meet stood him up, leaving Vowrawn angry and disappointed.

I still have one more card to play, he thought as he pushed his empty glass in front of the bartender motioning for him to fill it up again.

While the red-skinned Twi'lek filled up his glass, Vowrawn's eyes landed on the brunette human female who walked in and sat down at the bar two seats away from him.

Quickly, Vowrawn sized her up. Then turning his attention back to his drink, his mind ventured to tomorrow's events.

Staring at her glass, Sidonie Garen felt like crying. The guilt that haunted her was getting unbearable. Since Malachor III, she had a hard time forgiving herself for leaving Tark behind. This terrible memory still haunted her troubled thoughts. She wished she had the power to turn back time, but she knew that was just a futile thought. He was gone and she couldn't do a damn thing about it. And now here she was, on Nar Shaddaa, on this awful place, where crime flourished and criminals of all kinds made their deals on a daily basis, making this place a crime-infested paradise. Just to be here made her sick to her stomach, but she was on an important mission. She had been sent by the Jedi council to infiltrate the Hutts and she had no choice but to follow orders.

The Republic was aware of the Hutts scheming with both sides and they wanted to send someone who was good at blending in and also skilled enough to take on anyone who might want to sabotage the mission. However, tonight was especially hard for her. The thoughts of what happened on Malachor and of Tark were just too much to handle. She wanted to forget. That is why she went to the bar, hoping to dull these disturbing memories, or at least dull them for tonight.

"Bartender." She said as she gulped down the spicy-sweet liquid and placed her empty glass on the bar. "Another one, please."

"Right away, Ma'am." The bartender politely replied wiping his hands in a towel.

"Rough day?" Vowrawn asked placing his empty glass in front of him.

Turning her attention to him, Sidonie looked at the Pureblood Sith and after measuring him up, she said.

"As rough as it can get."

"May I buy you the next one?" Vowrawn asked looking into her deep blue eyes.

"No thank you." Sidonie replied with a sly grin. She preferred not to get into a conversation with anyone tonight. Especially with a man who looked like he wanted to pick her up.

"If you change your mind let me know." Vowrawn said. Then he turned his attention back to his drink.

Swiftly gulping down her second drink, she stood up and was ready to go back to her room, when she reached into her pocket and realized that she didn't have any credits on her.

"Damn it." She growled desperately searching her pockets. The damned kid, she thought with anger, thinking about the young kid who had bumped into her on the way into the hotel.

"Let me get that for you." Vowrawn said as he curiously watched her.

With a meek smile, she looked up and said.

"Oh, that would be very generous of you, thank you." Then she added. "I think someone robbed me earlier."

"It happens around here." Vowrawn replied with a frown, and then he added. "A lot more than you think."

"Is this your first time here?" He asked watching her stepping closer.

"Can you tell?" She asked with a mischievous smile sitting down beside him.

"If you would be so kind and have a drink with me I'll tell you all about this place." Vowrawn said with a charming smile.

"Alright." She said smiling back. "One drink."

However, one drink was followed by another, and by the fifth drink, they were both talking loudly and laughing uncontrollably. Although they talked about many things, neither of them mentioned who they truly were. While the drinks smoothly went down, and oblivious to the fact that they were sworn enemies, they had a great time.

"You are very charming...my Lord." Sidonie slurred feeling the effects of the drinks coursing through her body making her numb and lightheaded.

"And you are...the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." Vowrawn replied, lightly running his knuckles over her rosy red cheeks.

"You're too kind." She said blushing and then she added. "I think I have had enough to drink. I better retire for the night." As she pushed herself off the barstool, sudden dizziness took over her. If it wasn't for Vowrawn to hold her up, she would have fallen to the ground.

"Here." He said holding onto her waist. "Let me help you to your room."

After paying for the drinks, he walked her to the elevator.

"Which floor are you at?" He asked as they stepped into the elevator.

"Third." She said leaning against the metal walls.

"What a coincidence." He said. "I'm on the exact same floor."

Giggling, she said. "Indeed a coincidence."

When they reached the third floor, holding onto each other, he walked her to her room that was only two doors down from his.

With trembling hands, she searched for her key, but couldn't find it.

"Damn that kid." She cursed under her nose.

"He stole your keys as well?" He asked looking at her frustrated expression.

"Ugh...I believe so." She mumbled. As her glossy eyes found his, she asked. "Do you think I can get a replacement key at this hour?"

"I'm not sure." Vowrawn replied. "But you are welcome to stay in my room tonight if you want to."

"Are you trying to take advantage of a drunk woman?" She asked with a mischievous grin.

"Oh, that would be tempting." He said gazing into her eyes.

To his surprise, she cupped his face into her hands and planted a soft kiss on his lips.

Her lips tasted like pure honey and swiftly embracing her, he deepened the kiss enjoying the moment. Then he picked her up and walked to his door.

After tumbling over the threshold, he started to undress her, while she did the same to him.

Falling on top of the bed, he then pushed himself up onto his elbows gazing at her naked beauty.

Her pale, creamy skin took on a light shade of pink, as his crimson eyes traveled from her face to the juncture of her thighs. She looked exceptionally beautiful, he thought, feeling his excitement growing just by looking at her.

"Are you going to stare at me all night, or are we going to do something?" She asked with a loud giggle.

"Oh, I'm definitely going to make this night unforgettable for you." He replied with a wicked smile as he cupped one of her breasts in his hand.

Slowly, he started to massage her, feeling the erect nipple pressing hard against the palm of his hand. Then he leaned forward and sucked the sensitive bud into his mouth and twirled his tongue around it, making her moan with pleasure.

Sidonie was not untouched. She had been with a few men before. However, she had never been with another species, especially with a Pureblood Sith. As his tendrils brushed against her skin, a quick, pleasant shiver ran through her.

Switching from one breast to the other, Vowrawn had a great time teasing her. Her skin felt soft and he wanted to feel all of her on his body. Lifting up his head, he looked at her face, and then he asked.

"Have you been with a Sith before?"

Biting her lower lip in, she replied.

"No." Then she asked. "Why?"

"I tend to get a little rough." He said pulling up one of his eyebrows.

"You do?" She asked with a drunken smile. "Bring it on."

"As you wish." He replied. Swiftly, he picked her up, and turning her around, he placed her shapely backside against his erect manhood. Holding onto her hips, with one swift move, he entered her making her loudly moan into the covers. The tightness of her body felt extremely good, making him tremble with pleasure that he hadn't experienced in a while.

Every time his body slammed into hers, it felt amazing, she thought, clutching at the sheets. He was definitely well endowed giving her an extraordinary sensation, bringing her closer to her climax. Then he suddenly stopped and pulling himself out, he turned her around and buried his face into her sex, licking and gently biting down on her sensitive parts.

She tasted wonderful, he thought, inhaling her enticing aroma. He had been with a few human females before, but never someone so beautiful as her, he thought while he made her whimper and moan loudly.

"Oh..oh..ahhhhh." She cried out as the first waves of orgasm swept through her heated body. "Keep… on just like ...thaaaaaat." She cried out, arching her hips upward feeling a great sensation rushing through her, as she came undone.

Getting on his knees, and placing both of her legs on his shoulders, he swiftly entered her enjoying the moist warmth of her heated sex.

Moving with a perfect rhythm, he watched as her perky breasts bounced every time his body collided with hers. It was a wonderful view to behold and Vowrawn couldn't get enough of it.

"Do you like it?" He asked breathlessly, while holding onto her ankles.

"Oh… yes… very much." She replied mesmerized by his burning gaze.

A wicked smile appeared in a corner of his mouth and then he said.

"Then get ready for another round. We are not done yet."

Pulling her into his lap, and pressing his lips to hers, he diligently thrusted upward, engulfing her body with an amazing sensation, causing her to tremble and shake.

Holding onto his shoulders, she sucked his lower lip into her mouth, and then she gently bit down grazing her teeth over his bottom lip. While their bodies simultaneously moved, an extraordinary sensation of great pleasure enveloped them both. Vowrawn hadn't felt anything like this in a long time and he couldn't believe his luck. While she achieved several orgasms during the night, Vowrawn, on the other hand, was enjoying the wonderful sensations that she gave him without spoiling his fun. He wanted to last as long as he could, gradually building up his body for the climax that would rock him to the core.

Dawn was nearly upon them when he finally reached his peak. A loud animalistic growl left his mouth as he spilled his seed inside her. The aftermath of his amazing orgasm still lingered in his sweat-drenched body as he slumped down on top of her, feeling her rapid heartbeats beneath him.

"Wow." She said staring at the ceiling. "You're amazing."

Trying to slow down his breathing, with a sly grin he said. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"I feel parched." She said as she rolled out from under him and sat up. "Do you have some water?"

"Yes, I have a few bottles in the kitchen." Getting up, he wrapped a sheet around his waist, and then he said. "I'll be back." Saying that he walked toward the small refresher.

While he used the refresher, she reached under the bed to retrieve her clothes, and then suddenly stopped when something familiar brushed against her fingertips. Running her hand over the object, with an angry frown, she picked it up and looked at it.

It was a lightsaber.

Instantly, millions of thoughts rushed through her mind. As her head cleared, a bitter realization came crashing down on her. With a trembling hand, she placed her finger on the ignition button.

Please don't be red; please don't be red, she frantically mumbled in her head as she pressed down to bring the weapon to life.

An instant red glow enveloped her stunned features staring at the Sith weapon.

NO! NO! NO! She screamed in her head feeling mesmerized by its crimson color. She couldn't believe she had sex with her sworn enemy. And not just any sex, but the best she had ever had in her life. The anger, frustration, and unimaginable embarrassment Sidonie felt at the moment was overwhelming.

Dropping the weapon onto the sheets, she quickly got up and started to get dressed. As she was looking for her pants, Vowrawn walked back into the room. With a puzzled expression, he looked at her, and then he asked.

"Where are you going?"

"You son of a bitch." She said through gritted teeth as she searched for her pants.

From her angry face, his eyes landed on the cover where his weapon was lying.

"I can explain." He said looking at her.

"No Sith." She replied with a cold, venomous tone. "Explain this."

A sudden powerful blow knocked Vowrawn back. making him collide with the wall. The impact sent the framed picture of a female Hutt crashing to the floor. Instantly, he realized she was a Force user. Swiftly regaining his equilibrium, he reached out to call to his weapon. However, she was faster and throwing herself onto the bed, she landed on the lightsaber burying it underneath her body. But before she had the chance to grab it, he jumped on the bed and picking her up, he threw her down on the floor.

Quickly, she grabbed hold of the sheet and pulled it toward her to get to the weapon. Instant anger enveloped Vowrawn as his lightsaber slipped out of his grasp and landed on the floor in front of her. As she was about to pick it up, he sent a powerful blow toward her sending her flying across the room.

With a loud crash, she landed on top of the coffee table breaking it in half, sending everything that was on it flying in all directions. As a loud animalistic growl left her mouth, she sprung up, and using the Force, she violently shook the bed, causing Vowrawn to lose his balance. Then she sped toward the weapon.

Vowrawn fell back down on the covers, and then he quickly rolled off the bed and managed to get his hand on the lightsaber before she reached him. As he stood up, with a wicked grin, he looked at her and was ready to ignite it, when she sent another blast toward him sending him flying out the window. As Vowrawn smashed through the glass, his grip on his weapon loosened. Within seconds, he was falling toward the ground. Luckily, he landed on the well-maintained bushes beneath the window, which cushioned his fall.

Swiftly he got to his feet and looked up. As his eyes met the Jedi's who stared out the window with an icy cold expression, nonchalantly, he shrugged his shoulders and then swept a few glass shards off his body and out of his hair.

Then she disappeared from his view. Taking a deep breath, Vowrawn tightened the sheet around his waist and looked around to see a few gawking patrons looking his way. Nodding his head toward them, he walked back into the building and then taking the elevator he went back up to his room.

His door had been left wide open and the room was dark inside. Stepping in, he turned on the light and looked around. As he thought, she was gone, and so was his weapon.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, he looked at the crumpled sheets, and then a nervous laugh came out of him.

Picking up his pants, he reached inside his pocket and pulled out her key.

First, he started to chuckle, then the chuckle became a burst of full-blown laughter looking at the key in his hand.

A Jedi, he thought shaking his head. She was a Jedi. How ironic is that?

Putting his clothes on, he walked out the door and went to retrieve his weapon. It was a perfect opportunity to encounter her one more time.

Closing his eyes, Vowrawn took another deep breath, and then, letting out a frustrated sigh; he ran his hand through his hair thinking about her. Although he never saw her again, or his lightsaber for that matter, there wasn't a day that went by when he didn't think of her.

From the horizon, his attention turned to the empty chair across from him, reminding him how lonely he truly was. Being a Sith Lord and on the Dark Council, he had no place or time to be in a relationship. Although he knew of others indulging in romantic relationships, such as Marr and of course Scourge and Malgus, when it came to him, he never truly cared or found the right person to spend his life with. The only person who somehow managed to capture his heart was a Jedi and this; he thought was ironic and also comical. However, it was a long time ago and now he had more important things to worry about than a lost opportunity.

After finishing his breakfast, he walked back into the kitchen and after washing the dishes, he took a quick shower. Then he got dressed, and walked out of his apartment and headed toward the Dark council's palace.

As he walked in, Lord Scourge and Marr were already there waiting on him. A few minutes later, Malgus and Satele arrived.

"My Lords." Malgus said as he and Satele approached them. "I hope we're not late."

"Lord Malgus." Vowrawn said turning their way. "You are just in time." Then his eyes landed on Satele and then he asked.

"Have you had another dream?"

"No, I have not." She replied taking a seat. Satele hoped she wouldn't have another dream like that again. The memory of the alien and his laboratory still bothered her. Especially after she told everything to the council, Vowrawn's gloomy words about the possibility of the Rakata's return made her anxious. She had heard of the Rakatans before, but she thought they were reduced to simple-minded savages living their lives in small, primitive tribes. However, after hearing Malgus and Lana's story about what occurred on Byss, she knew this was just the beginning of something much bigger to come. She was afraid that soon these cruel aliens would take over. The thought of losing Malgus or her child brought great fear into her heart.

Turning to the others, Vowrawn said.

"As we all know and fear, a long lost entity is slowly making their comeback. We have no idea where they are or when they are planning to attack, but I'm certain about one thing, we need more men to fight against their invasion, which I'm afraid might happen sooner than we expected."

"What is your plan?" Marr asked looking at Vowrawn's stern expression.

"We need to make an alliance with Arcann." Vowrawn said looking at everyone.

"What makes you think you can trust him or his sister?" Marr asked suspiciously.

"I believe that by saving his life, and after he hears about the new threat, he will reconsider this offer." Vowrawn said. Then he looked at Malgus and asked. "His mother, Senya, do you think she can be trusted?"

Without hesitation Malgus replied. "Yes."

Pacing in front of the table, Vowrawn said. "I know that in the past Lana had let me down." Saying that he looked at Satele. Then he continued. "But as you all know, by now, her parents are most likely dead and she is alone and not in the right frame of mind. I decided to place Senya under house arrest at Lana's place to keep her occupied. I'm a skeptical person; I have a hard time trusting others, especially someone like her, who is the mother of our enemy. To my knowledge, she was estranged from him and his sister for some time. Still, she is his mother and I know how mothers can be when their child is hurt or threatened. So, I asked Lana to keep an eye on her, which she gladly accepted. I believe this time; Lana would reconsider doing anything foolish. She is alone and the only family she's got is us, and I know that she is close to you, Satele."

While she nodded in agreement, her hand went under the table searching in her pocket.

"What do you say about forging an alliance with Arcann and his sister?" Vowrawn asked looking from Malgus to Marr and then Scourge.

"I think once he is informed about the Rakata, it won't be hard to convince him to join forces with us." Marr replied.

"We need everyone's help, including the Jedi." Scourge said looking from Vowrawn to Satele.

Satele's hand froze in her pocket and then looking at Scourge, she said.

"If you are implying that I should make a deal with the Jedi council, you are gravely mistaken. I am an outcast and no longer a Jedi in their eyes. They would never listen to me."

"Then who would be the right person to persuade them?" Scourge inquired.

"The only person who would be able to get the Jedi on your side is most likely dead by now." Satele replied, thinking about Jedi Master Ven Zallow. He was the only person she could think of who could have been reasoned with. He was respected and well established within the Jedi community. But she had no idea if he was still alive, and even if he was, she had no idea where he was.

"And who is this person?" Vowrawn asked looking at her.

"His name is Ven Zallow." Satele replied.

"Hmm…Ven Zallow." Vowrawn murmured, scratching his chin. Then he added. "Decades ago, he was the Jedi Master on Coruscant. I remember him disappearing after the sacking of Coruscant. His body was never found amongst the fallen ones."

Satele didn't want to be reminded of what the Sith Empire did to the Jedi and to the planet that day. Although she and Malgus lived their strange lives in Revan's dream world at that time, still the thought of war and cruelty that the Sith Empire brought to Coruscant that day was a bitter pill to swallow. However, this was all in the past and she didn't want to dwell on it. So many things had changed since, and the only thing that occupied her mind was her child. But now their future looked bleak, and she had no idea how their lives will be if an invasion happens.

"He might still be alive and living on Tython." Scourge said looking at Vowrawn.

"Yes." Vowrawn replied with a frown. "It's a possibility."

Turning to Scourge, he said. "Are your wife's cousins still here?"

"Yes." Scourge replied. Then he added. "Do you want to send them to Tython?"

"Yes. I want them to find out if this Jedi Master is there." Vowrawn replied. "Once we find him, I want to arrange a meeting with him, and then..."

The loud sounds of someone eating something crunchy stopped Vowrawn in mid-speech.

Turning toward Satele, he saw her chewing on something.

With a frown, he looked at her and he was about to say something when she nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders and said.

"This meeting is taking longer than I expected. I'm starving."

Reaching into her pocket again, she put another piece of food into her mouth. From Satele's munching face, Vowrawn looked to Malgus, who sat there barely suppressing a smile.

Then the door opened and in haste, one of the guards walked in.

"My Lords." He bowed. Then his eyes found Satele's and said. "My Lady."

"What's happened?" Vowrawn asked confused. This was unusual for someone to just barge into a meeting like this.

"My Lord." The guard resumed. "A ship has landed at the spaceport."

"What kind of ship?" This time Malgus asked as he stood up.

"It's a Republic shuttle." The guard replied. Hearing that, Satele's heart skipped a beat.

"A Republic shuttle here?" Vowrawn asked amazed.

"Yes my Lord." The guard replied again.

"What of the passengers?" Vowrawn asked stepping closer to the guard.

"They are outside waiting to be let in." He replied looking from Vowrawn to Malgus. Then he added. "They are seeking an audience with you."

"How many are they?" Malgus asked as he stepped around the table.

"Eleven of them. Ten men and one woman." The guard replied. Then he swiftly added. "They are unarmed."

"Alright." Vowrawn replied. "Bring them to me."

Bowing, the guard left the chamber and headed outside.

"What do you think they want?" Marr asked looking at Vowrawn.

"We'll find out soon." He replied.

A few minutes later, flagged by guards, a group of people entered the chamber and headed their way.

To Vowrawn's astonishment, the woman who walked in front of the Republic soldiers was none other than the Jedi he had met so long ago on Nar Shaddaa. Although she had aged since then, he still recognized her. She looked exactly as he remembered, except for her ebony hair that had a few silver streaks in it showing that she was not as young as she looked.

Stopping in front of him, Sidonie looked at the astonished Sith, and then a small smile appeared on her face. She was not as surprised as he was, as she already knew he was living here.

"Hello, Vowrawn." She said pulling up one of her dark eyebrows. "It's nice to see you again."

Vowrawn felt speechless. He couldn't believe his eyes, as he stood dumbstruck in front of her. Then he heard Marr's voice.

"Do you know this woman?"

Quickly composing himself, Vowrawn cleared his throat and said.

"We've met once...a long time ago." Then he gazed into her eyes and asked. "Why are you here...Sidonie?"

"Oh, after all these years you still remember my name?" She asked with a surprised smile.

"How can I forget?" Vowrawn said gazing into her eyes. Then he asked again. "What brings you here?"

"We came to join the Revanites." She replied.

Satele curiously looked at the newcomers. Standing up, she approached Malgus and placed her hand on his, signaling for him to relax. Then as she appraised the soldiers, her heart sank for a second. Amongst the others was one soldier she hadn't seen in decades. Despite the battle scars on his face, he still looked the same. His gaze was on the woman who was having a conversation with Vowrawn and Marr. Then his eyes ventured toward Satele, and then he locked eyes with her. Suddenly, his face turned pale, and then his eyes grew wide when he realized who she was.

"Satele?" He blurted out with amazement staring at her. The room went quiet and then all eyes were on him. As he tried to step closer to her, he was immediately stopped by one of the guards.

"Stay put." The guard ordered him.

"That's alright." Satele said walking up to them. "I know him."

Malgus didn't know who the man was, but he had a feeling he was someone important to Satele. As she embraced him, instant jealousy engulfed Malgus.

While the woman resumed her conversation with the others, Satele let go of Jace, and then with a warm smile, she said.

"You haven't changed much."

"Same with you." Jace replied as his eyes roamed over her face and body. With a look of amazement on his face, he added. "You look exactly the way I remember you."

"Thank you." Satele replied. "It's a long story, but I don't want to bore you with it."

"You don't have to." He replied with a mischievous grin. "I know exactly what happened to you."

"You do?" She asked confused.

Suddenly his face turned sorrowful. Letting out a deep sigh, he said.

"When your pod arrived on Coruscant, I was one of the soldiers guarding you."

"Oh, Jace." Satele said looking at him.

"When the Sith Empire forced us to leave." He continued. "I was the one who escorted you on the ship all the way to Tython and stayed with you until the invasion of the Eternal Empire." With a sad tone, he added. "And then I lost you."

"And now you've found me." She said with a smile.

"Why are you here?" He asked. Then his eyes met Malgus's, and for a second, he looked familiar but he didn't know where he had seen him before.

"I live here now." She replied.

"Alone?" He asked with a hint of apprehension.

"No Jace." She said. "I'm married."

A sudden frown appeared on his face and then swallowing hard, he asked puzzled.

"You're married? To who?"

"I'll introduce you to him later." She said feeling a little guilty looking at his hurtful expression.

"Are you planning to stay?" Vowrawn asked gazing at Sidonie. He still couldn't believe she was here.

"Yes." She replied. "If that's alright with you."

"I don't see why I would oppose such a request." He replied with a nervous smile. "We need all the help we can get."

"The world has changed, and I have grown tired of fleeing from the Eternal Empire." Sidonie said looking from Vowrawn to Marr and then to Scourge. "The only thing they do is to hunt us or enslave us. I came here to seek a more promising life and a possible alliance with you. I have heard of the Revanites and I've been searching for them for years, and I'm glad that I've finally found them."

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she looked at Vowrawn and said.

"I know our little rendezvous in the past didn't end well, but I'm hoping we can somehow make this work."

It was not easy to make a man like Vowrawn nervous, but at that moment he was shaking like a leaf on the inside. Running his tongue over his teeth, he took a deep breath, and then he said.

"I believe we can." Then with a shrewd grin, he added. "Welcome to Dromund Kaas."

While Sidonie and the soldiers were escorted out of the building, Marr turned to Vowrawn and with a sly grin, he asked.

"Would you mind telling me who she is and where did you meet her?"

"Yes, Vowrawn." Scourge said folding his arms in front of his chest. "Do tell. We are eager to hear it."

Vowrawn didn't want to tell them about his past shenanigans. It was no one's business except his. However, the sudden excitement he felt at the moment was definitely showing on his face, making Scourge and Marr smile.

Satele and Malgus followed the guests out and while they waited for transport, she turned to Jace, and then she said.

"I know you'll like it here. The Revanites are amazing people."

"I'm looking forward to living a better life." He replied, and then he glanced toward Malgus who was giving orders to one of the guards.

"Is he your husband?" He asked.

"Yes." Satele replied.

"I don't know why, but he looks familiar." Jace said with a puzzled expression. He was sure he had seen this man before, but for the love of Force, he couldn't put his finger on where.

Satele didn't want to lie to him about who Malgus was. If they were going to share the same place, he needed to know the truth. She wanted to rekindle their friendship and didn't want to conceal something like this from him.

Placing her hand on his arm, she looked him in the eyes, and then she said.

"He is the Sith who captured me long ago on the space station at Korriban."

A sudden look of confusion was shown on his face. Then his expression became astonished and then something in his eyes changed. The unmistakable mixture of emotions that were coming from him, made Satele a little anxious.

And then the unthinkable happened.

"Jace...NO!" Satele shouted as he ran past her.

Within seconds, he reached Malgus and tackled him from behind. With an enraged face, Jace knocked him to the ground.

This unexpected move took Malgus by surprise. As soon as he hit the ground, he tried to stand up, but the soldier was already on his back putting all his weight on him. Using the Force, Malgus pushed away from the ground and knocked Jace off his back, sending him flying across the stairs.

As Jace collided with one of the statues, he quickly got up and was about to rush at Malgus again, when Satele stood in his way. With a swift move, she slapped him across the face.

"STOP this madness!" She yelled staring at Jace with an angry look on her face. Signaling to Malgus and the guards to stay back, she asked. "Are you out of your mind?"

Breathing heavily, and with flaring nostrils, Jace looked at her, and then he asked.

"How could you do this?"

"I know how this looks and I know that you are hurt, but please let me explain it to you." Satele pleaded with him.

With an anguished cry he threw his arms up and then turning away from her, he buried his face into his hands and then he asked.

"Why him? Why Satele?"

"I will explain it to you later, but first I want you to calm down. And please do not do this again. Next time I won't be able to protect you." Looking at Malgus, Satele knew he was ready to kill Jace at any moment. She wasn't sure if she had the strength to stop him if it came to a fight.

Taking a few deep breaths, Jace turned back to Satele and then he said.

"I'm sorry."

"That's alright Jace. Just please promise me you won't do this again."

"I promise." He said feeling emotional and embarrassed about his behavior. Then he looked at Malgus and by nodding his head, he silently apologized.

Within minutes, the transport arrived to take the newly arrived guests to the Revanites camp.

"Is that who I think it is?" Malgus asked with an angry tone as he watched the transport taking off.

"Please Veradun." Satele pleaded. "He is a good man. Promise me that you won't hurt him."

"I promise I won't hurt him, but if he pulls another stunt like this again, you won't be able to stop me." Malgus growled as his burning gaze bore into hers. Then he stormed into the building.

Standing on the stairs, Satele took a few shaky breaths, and then she looked at the transport feeling disheartened.

That evening in the Revanites camp while everyone sat down for dinner, sitting beside Jace, Satele told him everything that had happened to her. When she told him about the baby, he nearly broke down in tears, but in the last second, he kept himself in check, not wanting to further embarrass himself. Even though she was taken and carrying another man's child, nevertheless, he was happy to see her again.

Sitting across the table was Lana, Senya, and Sidonie. Malgus decided to stay home giving some space to Satele to talk with her friends. Although he didn't like the idea of Jace being here, he respected her wishes and stayed away from him.

"Tell me Sidonie." Lana asked. "Where exactly did you meet Vowrawn?"

With a mischievous smile, Sidonie said. "Well...I was on an important mission on Nar Shaddaa and we met at the hotel's bar."

"Did you sleep with him?" Lana asked with a wide grin.

"Lana?!" Satele said with a look of astonishment. "Why would you ask something like that?"

Looking at Satele, Sidonie said.

"You don't have to apologize for your friend." Then with a smile, she added. "I'll tell you exactly what happened that night."

As soon as Sidonie finished her story, Lana's loud laughter engulfed the table.

"Are you telling us the truth?" She asked wiping tears out of her eyes.

"Why would I lie?" Sidonie asked with a sly grin.

"You and Vowrawn?" Satele asked with amazement. She couldn't believe that Vowrawn was involved with this woman. Vowrawn, the Sith who despised the Jedi? She thought, smiling on the inside.

"Your story sounds like a lot of fun to me." Senya said suppressing a smile. Although she was allowed to leave the house, Vowrawn asked her not to tell anyone who she was.

"What did you do with his lightsaber?" Lana asked with a wink.

"I kept it." She said looking at Lana's smirking face.

"Thank you for telling us this." Lana said while laughing. "I always appreciate a good story."

This was the first time Satele saw Lana in a good mood since their unfortunate encounter in the parking lot. She loved to see her smile and wanted her to be happy.

While Sidonie and Senya resumed their conversation, Lana's mind went back to her parents and then to Arcann. She missed them terribly and the thought of them never coming home filled her with rage and sorrow. While spending time with Senya, she started to get to know her. She was an amazing person who made Lana feel somewhat happy, and this was something she needed at the moment. Also through her, Lana started to get to know Arcann and Vaylin as well. The stories that Senya had told her were touching and also heartbreaking. Lana had never thought that this woman had been through great hardship because of her late husband. When Lana told her who her husband truly was, Senya broke down in tears listening to her story. She always suspected there was something strange about Valkorion, but she would have never thought that her husband, the father of her children was once the Sith Emperor living on this planet.

Then her eyes landed on Satele and Jace. Right away Lana could tell he was head over heels for her. The way he looked at her and talked to her was full of hopeless compassion.

Poor man, she thought with a frown watching him as he eagerly listened to Satele's stories.

Then sudden thoughts of Arcann engulfed her mind and she felt the need to talk to him. After dinner, Lana and Senya went home. Once Senya was asleep, Lana reached inside her nightstand and took out the earpiece. She knew from one of the guards that Arcann had his mask back, and Lana direly needed to know the truth. She wanted to hear it from his lips that he had nothing to do with her parent's demise. Although she would have preferred to go and talk to him in person, she didn't have clearance to see him.

Lying on his bed, and staring at the white ceiling, Arcann had a hard time falling asleep. His mind was in turmoil over many things, including his Empire, his sister, and of course his mother. To his relief, she wasn't kept in prison. However, he didn't know where she was or what she was doing. After he was transferred from the hospital, they took him to his prison cell where he spent his miserable days. He wanted to break out and leave, but this was not possible.

Suddenly, he heard Lana's muffled voice coming through his mask that was placed on the table. Quickly, he got up and put the mask on. Thankfully the device was still intact inside the mask enabling him to talk with her.

"Arcann." Lana's voice came through. "Can you hear me?"

"Yes, Lana." Arcann replied feeling excited. "I can hear you."

There were a few seconds of silence and then she asked.

"Did you kill my parents?"

"Your parents?" Arcann asked puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

"Did you do it?" She asked holding back tears.

"No. I didn't kill them." Arcann replied with a voice that sounded sincere enough for Lana to believe him. Then he asked. "What happened?"

"I don't know." She replied with a sorrowful voice. "They never came home."

Suddenly, many unsettling thoughts flooded Arcann's mind. He gave them one of his best shuttles, and he made sure they left Zakuul unharmed. Could have been a malfunction or maybe they were attacked? We might never find out what truly happened, he thought gloomily.

"Are you okay?" He asked with a soft tone.

"No, I'm not." Lana replied as tears started to roll down her face.

"Lana." He started to say. "I'm so sorry. Please believe me. I had nothing to do with that."

With a raspy voice, she replied. "I want to believe you."

Sitting up, Arcann stared at the floor and then he said.

"Lana. I swear to you I didn't do it." When she stayed quiet, he continued. "When the first time I saw you in the ballroom, I knew you were different. You looked very beautiful in your lavender gown, and of course, your untypical attitude was something that I was not used to, which greatly appealed to me. I instantly felt attracted to you. Although what I did to keep you around was not for your liking, still I was happy that you stayed…with me."

Then he added. "I like you, Lana."

"Arcann...please, don't say that." She replied, and then he heard her blowing her nose.

"Are you crying?" He inquired. Hearing her crying made him feel guilty. He wished to be with her to console her.

Sniffing, she said. "I'm fine."

"Do you know what they are planning to do with me?" He asked.

"I don't know." She replied as she tossed the used up tissue on the bed. "I'm not on the council."

Then he asked again. "What about my mother? Do you know where she is?"

Lana didn't want to confide in him about his mother staying with her. It was best if he didn't know about that, or at least for now, she thought remorseful.

"She is fine." Lana replied. "She is under house arrest."

"I was worried about her." Arcann replied feeling relieved. "Have you seen her or talked to her?" He asked.

"Yes." Lana replied feeling a little guilty. "She is doing fine and misses you."

Arcann wondered if they would allow him to receive visitors. He wanted to talk with his mother and possibly see Lana.

Then he heard her voice again.

"I wanted to thank you for saving my life back on Byss."

"No problem." Arcann replied with a thin smile. Then the tall Sith's image came into his head, and then he asked.

"I would like to ask you to deliver a message from me to your friend who saved my life."

"Malgus?" Lana asked.

"Yes." Arcann replied. "I'm truly grateful for his help and I want him to know that I'm in his debt."

"I will tell him." Lana replied.

Then Lana heard a man's voice.

"Who are you talking to?"

"I'm thinking out loud." Arcann replied to the guard who stood at the other side of his door.

"Trouble?" Lana teasingly asked.

"Not at all." He replied thinking about her possibly making a funny face right now.

"I'll let you go before you get into real trouble talking to me." Lana said with a small smile.

"Lana." Arcann said before she was about to disconnect the call. "I hope to hear your voice again."

A few seconds of silence took over the line then she said.

"Good night Arcann."

Then the line went quiet leaving Arcann alone with his thoughts.

On Zakuul, inside the prison cell, Ven Zallow slowly paced in front of the restrained Adraas.

"I'm going to ask you again." He said staring into Adraas's accusing eyes. "What is the code and who gave it to you?"

With raging eyes, Adraas spat at him. "I'm not saying anything to you...Jedi."

"You are not leaving this room until you tell me everything I need to know." Ven Zallow said stepping closer to him.

A small chuckle left Adraas's mouth and then he mockingly said.

"You are just a pathetic toy for her amusement, you know that right?" Then he added. "Once she gets bored of you, she'll toss you aside. If you are lucky, she'll be merciful and will give you a quick death."

"That is none of your concern." Ven Zallow said with distaste. This man was a perfect example of why he hated the despicable Sith. They were all the same, power-hungry, rude, and evil, disregarding everyone else.

The way Vaylin was treating him right now was completely different than before. Zallow didn't think she was playing games with him, but he had been deceived before. Keeping his guard up, he wanted to take this relationship day-by-day to see where it was going. So far, everything looked good and he was looking forward to seeing her again tonight, once he was done with Adraas.

When he told Vaylin what he used to do to interrogate the prisoners on Coruscant, first she didn't believe him. But then, she allowed him to do the interrogation, which she couldn't do herself, fearing that Adraas would use the code to control her again.

"What is the code and where did you get it?" Zallow asked again grabbing Adraas's injured hand.

Breathing heavily, Adraas stared into his eyes and then he said.

"You are just a pathetic Jedi, incapable of inflicting torture. I am not afraid of you."

Leaning closer, in a calm tone, Zallow said.

"You should be."

A few seconds later Adraas's painful roar was heard outside the corridor, making the guards flinch beneath their masks.

"Did you find out anything?" Vaylin asked, sitting at her vanity table brushing her hair.

"He is resilient, but I think I will be able to make him talk." Zallow replied as he sat down in one of the chairs and pulled his boots off. Through the mirror, she locked eyes with him, and then a thin smile appeared on her face. She was still amazed by what he had told her about his interrogation process. After hearing that, she found him more attractive than before.

"I know you'll deliver." She said. Then, putting the brush down, she pinned her hair up in a bun and then her face became more serious as she said.

"I want you to do something."

"What is it you want me to do?" He asked, and then he pulled his top over his head and tossed it on the chair.

"I know you like to pay attention to detail. I believe that where the previous rescue team failed, you will succeed. I know in my heart that my brother is not dead. He is out there somewhere, possibly hurt and imprisoned and he needs my help."

Turning around, she looked at him and said.

"Not just my help but yours as well."

Standing up, she approached him and as she placed her hand over his heart, in a hushed tone she asked.

"Can I entrust you with this task?"

Gazing into her pleading eyes, he opened up her robe, letting it fall behind.

Then he swiftly picked her up and pressed his lips to hers.

While her legs enfolded his waist, she cradled his neck and returned his passionate kiss.

Three days later, Ven Zallow was ready to leave. With the assigned team of ten, he took one of Vaylin's shuttles and headed toward Byss.

When they arrived, they found the same thing that the previous search team had found.

Arcann's destroyed ship was still in the same place and inland where the metal building once stood, looked bleak and disturbing. It looked like something big had gone through the building, destroying everything in its path.

While the guards were looking through the rubble, Ven Zallow walked up to the wide opening that cut through the grassy terrain like a gaping wound. Looking into its dark depth, he wondered what came out of here. It must've been big as a Sarlacc, but he knew that there were no Sarlacc's on Byss, or at least not to his knowledge.

Turning to the guards, he signaled them to come closer and then he asked.

"Did anyone from the previous search ever look down there?"

"I believe so." One of the guards replied.

"I need a rope." Zallow said looking at one of them. "I'm going to look as well."

"I need to get back to the ship to get you one." The guard replied.

"Very well." Zallow said. "I'll wait here."

When the guard came back, he handed Zallow the rope and then while three of them held it in place, they slowly lowered him into the pit.

Using one of the guard's pikes, he lit up the immediate area around him to be able to see. Sticking out of the disturbed rich soil were many tree roots and pieces of weeds brushing against his arms as he made his way down. In a few places, he was able to make out long, wide gashes, something like a tentacle would make.

As he was lowered deeper into the ground, a metallic taste started to engulf his mouth and nose. The smell seemed to come from all around him, making him gag. However, before he reached the bottom, the rope ran out, leaving him hanging about ten feet off the ground.

He had no choice, but to let go of the rope to get to the bottom.

Looking up he yelled at the guards.

"I'm going to let go of the rope! When I tell you, lower it down again!"

"Are you going to be able to reach it?" One of the guards yelled back from above.

"Yes!" Ven Zallow shouted back. Or at least he hoped he'd be strong enough to make the jump. As he let go of the rope, and by utilizing the Force, he softened his landing hitting the muddy soil.

Landing in the knee-deep murky water, he looked around and saw many tunnels in all directions leading deep into the earth. To search all of them would have taken him a long time and he didn't want to waste time doing that. Taking a deep breath, he relaxed his body and then closing his eyes, he called upon the Force to guide him.

There was one specific tunnel out of many that looked promising. Wading through the water, he walked into one of the wide openings and followed the tunnel until he reached an intersection where the tunnel divided into three more tunnels. Choosing the one on the right, he kept walking, making several turns until he reached a metal door.

Hmm, he thought with a frown, interesting.

Next to the door was a panel that he swiftly destroyed with the lightsaber pike.

With a few loud sparks, the panel was disabled, disengaging the door lock. He didn't think anyone was inside, but he didn't want to take any chances of getting ambushed. Standing back and by using the Force, he pushed the door in.

As soon as the door opened, the inside of the room lit up with a bright yellow light. Carefully, he walked closer and looked inside. The view that greeted him left him speechless.

"What is this place?" He murmured in astonishment, stepping into the chamber.

To be continued….