"Well. well, well." Oric chimed with a mocking tone, looking at Aryn and Adraas's tangled bodies. "What have we got here?" He added with a sly smile as his eyes roamed over their naked bodies.

"Oric?" Aryn said with a surprised look on her face. "What are you doing here?" She mumbled trying to cover up.

"The question is, what are you doing here...with him?" Saying that he nodded toward Adraas whose eyes curiously measured him up.

"Get lost." Adraas growled and then he motioned for the Jedi to leave. "I think you've seen enough." He added with a cynical laugh.

"Don't worry Sith, I'm not interested." Oric said with distaste. Then his eyes found Aryn's and then he said. "I'm going to report this to the council. I think they'll be glad to hear that you are fraternizing with a Sith."

"Oric, please." Aryn begged. "Don't do this."

Laughing, Oric looked at her and said. "You the mighty Jedi have fallen so far that you even allow this scum to take advantage of you." With contempt, he spat at her. "You are a disgrace."

Standing up and not caring about his nakedness, Adraas stepped closer to Oric and said through gritted teeth.

"Do not mock me Jedi. I am no scum."

Taking a step closer, Oric stared into his eyes and said.

"You don't scare me."

A sly grin appeared on Adraas's face thinking about snapping the arrogant Jedi's neck. He just wished he was dressed and had his weapon. But their clothes and weapons were out of reach and he didn't know this Jedi's capabilities. He didn't want to risk getting killed especially in the nude. Then he heard Aryn getting up, rushing to get to her clothes.

"Oric." She said while putting on her shirt. Her head felt like it was going to split in half. The drinks and the playfully rough night left its mark on her. She felt extremely annoyed and also scared. She didn't want them to find out about her and Adraas. Especially Zallow, she thought disheartened. What would he think of me?

Pulling up her pants, she looked at Oric and added. "I hope I can convince you to stay quiet about this or at least for now. It's unnecessary to mention this to anyone. It was just one night."

"And what a night it was?" Adraas said with a sly grin. He could feel her embarrassment and this thought amused him.

"You can't tell me what to do." Oric said with disgust. "I will tell them, especially Zallow." He added with a grin. "He will be the first person to know." Oric was aware of Aryn's obsession with Zallow and the hatred he felt toward Adraas. This opportunity gave him a surge of excitement thinking about her falling out of Zallow's grace.

"No, Oric." Aryn pleaded. "Please, don't say anything."

"You heard the lady." Adraas said in a cold tone. "Keep your mouth shut."

"Screw you." Oric growled at him. Then he took one last measuring look at Aryn and then he started to walk away.

Feeling agitated, Aryn quickly Force grabbed Oric. As she pulled him back, his leg got caught in a broken pillar and he fell, striking his head on a piece of sharp rock, spilling his blood onto the concrete floor.

"Oh no." She exclaimed rushing toward him. "I didn't mean to do this." She mumbled frantically. "What have I done?" Aryn cried holding him in her arms.

As blood started to flow from his mouth and nose, Oric's accusing eyes stared into hers.

A few ragged breaths later, while his blood pooled around her, he was gone.

Walking toward his clothes, Adraas picked his pants up, and as he started to get dressed, nonchalantly, he shrugged his shoulders and said. "It was an accident. Stop whining about it woman."

"What?" She said as tears started to roll down her face. "Accident or not, I killed him. The council will never understand or forgive me. I'll be punished and stripped of my title."

Squatting down beside her, Adraas looked at her pale complexion and then he said.

"They don't need to find out about this. Look, it's still early, everyone's most likely still sleeping. I can get rid of the body and no one will ever know what happened here."

"And what will the others think when they can't find him?" She asked and then she sniffed and wiped her face with her sleeve.

"Let them think he took off not wanting to take part in this war."

Aryn's mind was in turmoil. She knew it was best to keep this a secret, but her conscious was screaming at her telling her she needs to confess. Gazing into his eyes, she saw nothing but calmness and coldness. In some ways, she regretted last night's shenanigans. But she felt relieved that he was on her side, helping her out of this unfortunate situation.

Nodding her head, she said.

"Alright. Do what must be done."

"But first." He said as he pulled her face closer. "I want a kiss."

As Aryn leaned forward to kiss him, he shook his head and said with a cunning smile.

"Not there."

A few hours later after disposing of the body and Aryn had returned to the palace, Adraas approached Revan's ship and knocked on the outer shell.

Once inside, he sat down in one of the seats and looked at Revan.

"What's on your mind?" Revan asked.

"There is a way I can help you and everyone else. But I need your trust and permission to let me go." He said.

"To where?" Revan inquired feeling a little suspicious.

"I can bring the Mandalorians under your control." He said as he folded his arms in front of his chest. "My mother was a Mandalorian and I have family there. My cousin, Shae Vizla is a leader and I'm confident she'll help us out."

In the past, Revan had his own grudge against the Mandalorians. However, that was a long time ago and now he lived in a new era and wanted to give them a chance to prove themselves.

"Sounds reasonable." He replied. "We need all the help we can get."

"So, your answer is yes?" Adraas asked pulling up one of his eyebrows. He hoped once he found Shae, she'll join him. His plan all along was not to help Revan or the others but to help himself. He didn't want to take part in the war and he wished that most of them would perish. Giving him and the Mandalorians a better chance to rule over whoever survives. Revan was strong, but not invincible, Adrass thought, looking at Revan's stern face.

Lost in thought, Revan rubbed his chin and then said.

"My answer is yes, but..." He said lifting up his finger. "If you betray me Adraas, I will find you and your death will be slow and painful, I can guarantee you that."

"You know I would never do that." Adraas replied with a straight face. "I love life and I'm too young to die."

"When are you leaving?" Revan inquired.

"As soon as tomorrow." Adraas said and then he stood up. "I hope you can get me a ship by then."

"That will be taken care of." Revan replied thinking about asking Senya for a ship.

As Adraas was about to leave, Revan said.

"A few of my Revanites will also accompany you."

"Of course." Adraas replied with a bitter smile. "But I also have someone else in mind to take with me."

With a sly grin, Revan said.

"I'm guessing it is the woman from last night?"

Adraas winked at Revan and said.

"Yes, you guessed right."

The next day, Adraas, Aryn and half a dozen Revanites said farewell to everyone and left to recruit the Mandalorians. As their ship disappeared in the sky, Revan looked at Senya and asked.

"Do you think we can trust him?"

Staring at the sky, she said.

"I don't know him well, but he saved me and my daughter and that alone makes me want to trust him."

"I'll take your word." Revan replied with a small smile. Then he added. "I told him to meet us on Korriban."

"Are we ready to go?" Senya asked with slight anticipation.

"Yes, we are." Revan replied. Then he touched the medallion in his pocket and lightly squeezed the small rock.

Under the watchful eyes of Marr and Vowrawn, an armada of ships slowly descended toward Korriban and landed not far from the Valley of the Dark Lords.

With his heart in his throat, Marr rushed toward the ships with the excited Vowrawn trailing behind him.

As soon as the door opened, Gilina flew out and flung herself into Marr's arms.

Holding her tight, he passionately kissed her, while tears ran down both of their faces.

"I missed you so much." He said as he broke the kiss.

Nodding her head, she smiled and kissed him again showing him again how much she had missed him. While they passionately kissed, Sidonie walked up to Vowrawn, and using the Force, she pulled him closer and pressed her lips to his. Embracing her, he tightly pressed his body against hers not wanting to let her go.

"Looks like a warm welcome." Revan said with a mischievous smile. "How come I didn't get anything like this on Zakuul?"

Laughing, Senya said.

"I did want to welcome you like that but I was afraid I would scare you away."

Turning to her, and gazing into her eyes, he said.

"You could never scare me away."

"I'm glad to hear that." She said while her pulse slightly accelerated.

"I hate this place." Vaylin mumbled as she and Zallow stepped out of the ship.

"This is just temporary." He said looking around the sand-covered terrain. This was the first time he had set foot on Korriban and the view amazed him. The tall statues of the Dark Lords dangerously loomed over them as they made their way across the valley.

When they reached the house, Satele and Malgus with the baby in his arms were outside waiting for them.

A wide smile appeared on Revan's face seeing them.

Then Satele embraced him and said.

"It's good to see you again."

"I'm glad to be back." Revan replied. Letting her go, he turned to Malgus and holding out his arms, he said.

"May I?"

"Yes, of course." Malgus replied handing him the baby.

"What a beautiful child." Senya said with a warm smile.

"He is precious." Revan said looking at the baby's chubby cheeks and dark hair.

A warm feeling swept through him gazing at the child. Although the baby was not his, he had his blood and this made him very proud. Proud like a grandfather, he thought, smiling.

"May I hold him?" Senya asked.

"Yes." Satele replied. Her son was going to be spoiled she was sure of it.

A few minutes later the once empty house became full of life. While Malgus and Marr tried to find places for everyone, Vaylin and Zallow walked down the hallway and stopped in front of the room where her father had kept her prisoner.

"Are you sure this is the room you want to stay in?" Zallow asked.

"Yes, I'm sure." Vaylin replied and then opened the door.

Everything looked the same, but this time having Zallow with her, she didn't feel depressed or angry being here again. Turning to him, she wrapped her arms around his neck and said in a hushed tone.

"I love you. You are a good man." With a mischievous grin, she added. "I'm happy that I made you my slave."

Shaking his head, Zallow let out a burst of small laughter. As he picked her up and walked toward the bed he said.

"I don't mind at all."

"Where is Vaylin?" Satele asked Zallow when he walked into the kitchen.

"She is resting." He replied and then picked up a cup and filled it up with wine that was out for everyone to drink.

"I know the feeling." Satele said smiling. "I've been there done that."

"You look good Satele." He said measuring her up.

"I feel great, and thank you for the compliment." She said. Then her eyes landed on Marr and Gilina sitting in the corner drinking with smiles on their faces. There were a lot of people talking, Chiss, Sith, humans, and others taking over the kitchen and the house, which made Satele happy but also worried. She didn't know how many of them would survive the attack they planned on Dathomir. War was never pleasant and never without sacrifice. She was not looking forward to it. But when she looked at Revan talking with Malgus and Vowrawn at the back door leading to the porch, her heart started to ache even more thinking about the possibility of losing them.

Placing his hand on her arm, Zallow said. "I can sense your worry and fear. Don't let your troubled feelings take over you."

"I know I shouldn't feel this way, but sometimes I can't help it." Satele replied. "It's not easy being a Jedi and a mother."

"I understand." He said with a warm smile. "Where is your son?" He asked.

"He is a spoiled brat right now." Satele replied thinking about Senya and Sidonie doting on Drade.

"I bet he is." He said and then took a sip out of his cup. Then his thoughts took him back to the past. A flicker of unpleasant memory invaded his mind. He wondered what had happened to Valkorion and where he was right now.

"We are almost there." Vitiate said as he stepped inside their cabin. "Get ready." He ordered Arcann and Lana.

"No problem." Arcann replied. "We'll be ready soon."

With contempt, Lana looked at Vitiate and wanted to tell him to go to hell, but in the last second, she changed her mind. She didn't want to anger him. She hoped once they set foot on the planet and reach their destination, faith would take care of their problems. The Rakatans might not be as strong as they were, but they outnumbered them and Lana hoped Vitiate would be the first on their list to die.

Sensing her anger, he locked eyes with her and said.

"If my son or you try something against me, Calphayus would love to take care of you."

"What are you talking about?" Lana asked puzzled.

A thin, evil smile appeared on Vitiate's face and then he said.

"I know you're not aware of this, but your mind is still connected to his. If you disobey me, he will cripple you and leave you in a vegetative state."

A fit of instant anger enveloped Lana and Arcann. She had no idea that bastard was still in her head and this thought scared her to death. She didn't want to become his victim again. To think about becoming a mindless fool, made her shiver with fear.

"Don't worry father." Arcann swiftly replied trying to suppress his rage. "We will do no such thing, I promise you."

"Very well then." Vitiate replied. "I look forward to sharing my Empire with you. Together we will rule as father and son. How amazing is that?"

Arcann would have loved to tell him how wrong he was, but he kept his mouth shut.

"Yes, father." Arcann said with distaste.

"Get ready." Vitiate replied and then he walked out of the room.

On Korriban, while sleeping on his ship, Revan had a terrible dream.

The planet Dathomir that was once red now took on a frightening purple hue making him shiver with fear. As he drifted closer to the mountain that was enveloped in a bright purple glow, inside a large cave, he saw countless large creatures with tentacles, surrounding an army of Rakatans who were standing in front of a wide glowing gate.

Instead of attacking the Rakatans, the creatures seemed docile, until someone was brought in front of them. Looking closer, with horror, Revan realized it was Satele and her child. Clutching the child to her chest and with fear in her eyes, she stared at the monsters. Before Revan could do anything, one of the creatures picked them up, and slowly started to consume their energy. The horrendous wailing of Satele and her baby was a terrible sound to hear, as it echoed through the cave's walls. Revan wanted to scream and tear them all to pieces, but no sound came out of his gaping mouth and he couldn't move a single muscle.

With a terrified look in his eyes, he watched as Satele and the baby were completely consumed, powering up the humongous aliens, leaving nothing but the echoes of their screams in his head.

With a racing heart and drenched in sweat, Revan sprung up in bed.

In the darkness of his cabin, he noticed a faint glowing light coming from his clothes that were folded on the chair. Getting up, he approached the chair and picked up his pants. Reaching inside the pocket, he pulled out the medallion which was pulsating with a faint purple glow.

He was sure this object was connected to the gate in the dream. It was not just a key to the Star Map but was much more, he thought as his pulse started to slow down. The dream felt real and he knew they were running out of time. Quickly, he got dressed and rushed toward the house.

"What's wrong?" Satele and Malgus asked simultaneously looking at Revan's pale face.

"We have to leave now." Revan said in a rush. "We are running out of time idling here. That gate cannot be opened." He added with a worried tone.

"What did you see?" Satele anxiously asked.

Reaching into his pocket, Revan pulled out the medallion and as he dangled it in front of their faces, he said. "This medallion is part of the gate. When you told me you had dreams about this place it was all connected to this. I'm not going to tell you what I saw, but what I want Satele, is for you to stay behind." Revan said firmly.

Hearing Revan's words made Malgus smile on the inside. He never wanted Satele to go with them, and maybe now she'll listen and stay with their child.

"What?" Satele exclaimed. "Why would you say that?"

"Because I care about you." Revan said gazing into her eyes.

"I care about you too and everyone else as well, that is why I want to go and fight." Satele replied feeling annoyed. "You need my help as well as everyone else's. Please, don't make me stay behind."

"And who is going to watch Drade?" Revan inquired.

"I have already talked to Vaylin." Satele replied. "I trust her and she is looking forward to watching him."

"Satele." Malgus started to say hoping to reason with her. "I think you should reconsider this."

Turning to him, with a frown she said.

"We have already talked about this."

"Yes, we did, but..." Malgus said, but before he could finish his sentence, Satele cut in.

"There are no buts. I have already made up my mind."

"You are just like Bastila." Revan smiled shaking his head. "She was a hard-headed person as well, giving me plenty of headaches sometimes." Saying that he looked at Malgus's displeased face.

"When are we leaving?" Malgus asked.

"I say now." Revan replied. "Let's get everyone ready. We have no time to wait for Adraas."

Malgus was still skeptical about Adraas's plan, but he didn't want to question Revan's decision. If Adraas betrays them, I will be the one going after him and not Revan, he thought. However, somewhere deep inside he still hoped Adraas will come through with his promise of bringing the Mandalorians to their aid.

"Do you think we'll find your cousin?" Aryn asked inside Adraas's cabin.

"I'm sure we will." He replied. Aryn was unaware of his plan and he wanted to wait a little while before he told her what he had in mind. He knew she still felt terrible about killing that scum Jedi, but he was sure with his influence, she'll soon be on his side, slowly crawling down the path of no return.

"Come here." He said beckoning her to come closer.

When she stepped closer, he pulled her down into his lap and started to tease her, seductively kissing the soft skin of her neck. Gently, he bit down on her earlobe and sucked it into his mouth making her moan.

This feels amazing, Aryn thought as his hands slid up under her top and started to caress her breasts.

"You definitely know how to take my mind off certain things." She panted.

"Oh yes." He murmured into the crook of her neck. "I know you like this."

Indeed she loved his touches and wouldn't change it for anything. However, their relationship had to be concealed for a while. She didn't want the Jedi council to know she was having an intimate relationship with a Sith. But maybe after the war, they'll see things differently, she hopefully thought. When Adraas told her that he was leaving, she felt anxious, not able to see him again. But when he asked her to go with him, she felt like a teenager jumping with joy. After what happened with Oric, she couldn't stand to stay there and look into the eyes of the council. She wasn't keen on meeting with the Mandalorians but he assured her, they will be great allies and she did not need to worry about them.

"I can't stay here." She moaned as he pinched one of her nipples. "The others could report me on spending too much time in your cabin."

"I'll make it quick, don't worry." He whispered into her ear.

An eerie quietness greeted them on Dathomir. Stepping out of the ship, Arcann cautiously looked around the swampy terrain enshrouded in thick fog. He had never been on this planet before and he didn't know what to expect. He had no idea how many Rakatans were here or their AACRODS. He was not looking forward to fighting those things. Although his father's spies had already scouted out the area, he still felt a little on the edge. Then his attention turned to Lana and the Dread Master beside her. He had to find a way to kill him before he cripples her.

"This way my Lord." One of the Dread Masters said gesturing for them to follow. "If we take this route we will be able to surprise them. They will never know what has hit them until it's too late." He added with a devilish grin.

"I like the way you think." Vitiate said with a grin. "Don't forget, I want that scientist alive. Everyone else is expendable."

"Yes, my Lord." The Sith soldiers said in unison. Unnoticed, they hiked up the side of the mountain ready to surprise the enemy.

Something was wrong, Astrol anxiously thought as he paced in front of the nearly finished gate. He has never been a superstitious person, but today something was bothering him. Maybe it was the changing weather or the unusual silence surrounding the cave, but there was something in the air, and he didn't like this feeling. Walking closer to Raptus's pod, he looked down and curiously looked at the man's distorted facial expression. Out of many, he was the one who could help to open the gate once everything was in place. Being the strongest Force-sensitive Astrol trusted in his abilities. Although they never found his Master or another one like him, he hoped the subject alone was powerful enough to power up the gate. Lost in thought, and as he finished the last few adjustments, he didn't notice when a few of his guards were lifted up in the air and then an invisible force snapped their necks.

Then suddenly all hell broke loose.

Everything happened so fast Astrol had no time to react.

The two AACRODS guarding the cave immediately launched their attack on the invaders.

However, they were quickly stopped by a man who looked similar to the subject in the pod. Pressing a button on a handheld control device, he swiftly shut the machines down. In front of the Dread Master King Zael walked, broken and defeated. His usual stern face looked anxious and in pain giving Astrol an instant unpleasant feeling. They did something terrible to him, he thought with an astonished look on his face.

"Is this him?" A tall Chagrian male asked grabbing the King's shoulders.

Nodding in silence, King Zael's eyes met Astrol's. There was a fit of undeniable anger and frustration shown within his dark eyes. At that moment Astrol knew this was it. He was going to die and there was no one around to save him. He had no idea how they were able to bypass the other AACRODS or capture the King, but here they are and now he was in trouble.

"Thank you, your highness." Vitiate said with a mocking grin. With ease, he lifted the King off the ground and snapped his neck like it was a piece of dry twig. Then he dropped him to the ground.

"What have you done?" Astrol mumbled staring at the King's dead body.

"He was not the one I needed." Vitiate replied. Stepping over the dead body, he approached Astrol and said. "I want you to obey me and follow my orders. I hope I don't have to force you."

With eyes as big as saucers, the blue-skinned Rakatan stared at Vitiate and then he bowed and said.

"What can I do for you, my King?"

"I am not your King." Vitiate replied annoyed. "Call me Lord Vitiate."

"Yes Lord Vitiate." Astrol said staring at the ground in front of the Chagrian's boots.

"I want you to open this gate for me." He said pointing behind Astrol.

"Open?" Astrol asked. "Now?"

"Yes, of course now." Vitiate growled. "Can you do that for me?"

"Indeed, as soon as I find another Force user, as strong as this one." Astrol said as he motioned toward Raptus's pod.

"Is there any other way?" Vitiate asked.

"No, my Lord." Astrol replied. "This is the only way."

"What happens to all these people once the gate is opened?" He inquired, as his eyes roamed over the many pods surrounding the contraption.

"They will be consumed by it." Astrol replied.

Stepping closer, Vitiate looked down into the pod and for a second a flicker of guilt crossed his grim complexion. But then, a cunning smile appeared on his face thinking about the possibilities within his reach.

"So be it." He whispered.

With a quick move, he Force grabbed one of the Dread Masters and pulled her closer.

"My Lord." Bestia shouted as she flew across the room.

"I'm sorry, but sacrifices have to be made." Vitiate said in a cold tone watching the female Dread Master struggling in the air against his powers.

Her 'sister', Brontes, and the rest of them silently watched as Vitiate ordered Astrol to open up one of the empty pods and he forced the screaming woman inside. They were too astonished to say anything, and they did not dare to question his motives. Their purpose was to serve the Emperor until their death. Reaching for Lana's hand, Arcann gently squeezed it letting her know he was there for her. Then his attention turned to his father and the Rakatan.

Once she was secured, Astrol approached the control panel and entered the code sequence. With Bestia's help, he was capable of firing up his creation. A moment of glee crossed his scarred face as the gate gradually powered up.

A bright, purple light illuminated everyone's faces when the gate came to life.

A loud whirring sound enveloped the cave as the pods powered up the monstrous contraption. Inside each pod, the screams of victims were music to Vitiate's ears. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and then said to Arcann.

"Come closer, my son. I want you to stay by my side when it's time to greet them."

Arcann was not looking forward to greeting the monsters, nor stand with his father. But right now, he had no choice but to obey.

Turning to Lana, he said in a low voice.

"Stay here and get ready."

Acknowledging him, she nodded and then worriedly watched as he stepped away. Then her attention turned to the Dread Master standing beside her. She just had to wait for the signal and hope that everything was going to work as planned.

As Arcann was about to approach Vitiate, something caught his attention. He hadn't felt this type of feeling in a while, but he knew what caused it. Cracking a smile, he looked around hoping to find her. While Vitiate was blinded by his power-hungry dreams, he became oblivious to the fact that they were not alone. A voice from the long-forgotten past shook Vitiate out of his trance.

"Vitiate!" Revan shouted. His strong voice echoed through the cave.

Looking up, Vitiate's eyes locked onto Revan's as he stood on the ledge accompanied by his wife, Senya.

"I've been waiting for this for a long time." Revan said pointing his lightsaber toward him.

"You came just at the right time." Vitiate replied with a cynical tone. "And brought my wife with you. How nice of you?" He added. But within the tone of his voice, there was that bitter jealousy, which Senya picked up on right away.

Astrol had no idea who these two were, but he sensed a great battle was about to go down and he wished to stay out of it. Slowly, he stepped back and looked at the gate. On the other side, deep within the darkness, he was able to make out some shapes slowly moving closer. Please be faster, he thought, as he gazed into the endless darkness. As soon as the first Nharqis'Al steps over the threshold, he would be able to control it and turn the monstrous alien against his foes. Astrol was no fool. He knew Vitiate only needed him until he got what he wanted. After that I'll be as good as dead, he thought.

"Don't thank me, yet." Revan replied. "Your end has come, Vitiate. This time you will not get away."

"Big words from a small man." Vitiate spat back. Then he shouted. "Kill him!"

Pressing against one of the pods, Astrol wished to stay out of their way. This was not his fight, but he was curious to find out which side was going to come out victorious. Either way, he thought, glancing toward the gate; they are all going to die no matter what.

To be continued...