One year ago:
When would it end?
The war had come to Kashyyyk and the timing couldn't have been any worst. It had only meant to be a temporary operations base, only long enough to set roots elsewhere. But they had been discovered and now they were engaged with the Jedi once again. While his fellow comrades were fighting Koren was supervising the evacuation and guarding critical supplies, precious artifacts items and secret information. "Take that, and that, forget that and I'll put you on refresher duty." Koren said to his Handmaidens. The female Echani moved about rapidly, loading datacrons and artifacts from the archives. Koren was torn between supervising and helping load the precious items aboard the transport.
Koren had warned Ashara it was a bad idea using Kashyyk, he knew even his relationship with the Wookiees wouldn't have been enough to keep them hidden even for a short duration. The war against the Jedi and sith had cost them dearly the first time as the Grey Knights. But the strong had survived and even outnumbered they were group not to be underestimated as the Jedi had just done. Even so losing priceless artifacts and information kept Koren from joining the fray and prioritizing their safety. He had much to save and little time to do so, which did beg the question where his apprentice was. Koren had only his personnel to help him as the rest were out dealing with the Jedi. So where was Belexus? If he didn't have a good explanation when Koren found him he would certainly have him on refresher duty for a month!
When does the suffering stop?
He felt a ripple in the force, a warning which caused Koren to look up from his work towards the closed blast doors. Suddenly the door began to glow and spark as a lightsaber punctured it's way through like a hot knife through butter and began cutting a hole in the doors. All of his Handmaidens had stopped their work in took up their weapons but a wave of his hand stayed them, âContinue your work, I'll handle our 'Guests'.â Koren said with a hint of distaste in his voice as he said guests. Doning his mask he slowly walked towards the blast doors as the lightsaber finished it's cutting through. Though the door walked in four Jedi, their lightsabers ablaze and at the ready. Two of them he recognized as former Padawans friends turned knights he used to know.
âTal-Koren Wavingstrider, on behalf of the Jedi council you are under arrest.â The lead Jedi, Jastin Parax said. Koren chuckled, his mask's voice changer giving his voice a light baritone to it, âJastin, how nice to see you. Merix, you're looking lovely as ever.â Koren said. Merix Forvis, with her lovely white hair scowled at her former friend. âUnfortunately for you I do not recognize the Jedi Council's authority anymore. So if you would be so kind, I ask that you to leave. Now.â Koren said. âRecognized or not, you are still under arrest. Come peacefully Koren and we'll help you find your way back to the light.â
Now Koren truly laughed, âFind my way? Back to where? A life of servitude to flawed order? To be commanded by the paranoid and close minded people of the council? No my friend I am where I truly belong....or I was until you Jedi unjustly tried to purge us.â Koren's voice had taken on an calm but pointed tone, âJedi whom I once saw as friends, above such actions attempted to wipe out a people simply because we believed in something different. And now, you all will face the dire consequences of such actions.â Koren said as he called his lightsabers to his hands, âI will say this one last time, leave while I give you the chance. If insist on using force against me then I will oblige you in kind.â He said.
When does the the madness disperse?
As expected the four Jedi readied themselves and the group stared him down, waiting for him to make a move. They knew he was powerful in the force and even more deadly with a lightsaber, so they were seeking to maximize their odds. âTell me, I know the council wouldn't have sent your team here specifically unless they knew I was here. Who informed you of my presence here?â Koren asked. He would have thought the Wookiees would have respected his request for anonymity at least himself. Before anyone could dismiss his question a voice behind them spoke, âBecause I told them you were here.â A young man's voice said. Behind the Jedi a young man in his mid teens walked through the opening.
He was wearing black clothing and robes and sporting a smug smile, âBelexus.â Koren said, his voice betraying his emotions for the first time. It was shocking, his own apprentice had betrayed not only him but the order as well. âSurprised? Not unexpected, you did always value loyalty. But isn't that the Sith way? To betray each other in bids for more power?â Belexus mockingly spoke. Koren steadied himself before speaking, âIf I recall I taught you differently young pup.â He said. Belexus' face twisted into a snarl, âStop calling me that! And you know full well that's not what the New Sith value, if they were anything like the Grey Knights like you told me their leader wouldn't have gone off the deep end would she now!â He yelled.
Belexus had a point, but his choice of words coupled with his betrayal put him a hair away from a fate worst than death. âFor all you preach about balance of the force and within one's self, you allow your so called 'leader' to perverse herself with the dark side. The Jedi are right, all Sith need to be eliminated!â Belexus spat. âBelexus!â Jastin sharply said, silencing the young apprentice. âKoren, this is your last chance for redemption. Come peacefully before it is too late.â Jastin spoke. Koren chuckled, âJastin, it was too late to bring me back when the order purged the Grey Knights. It's too late for me to come back to the Jedi.â He said.
Jastin sighed, âThen you leave us no choice. I'm sorry old friend, but you leave us no choice than to take you by force, or to strike you down.â He said. âUnfortunately for you, neither will be happening.â Koren said. Faster than the Jedi and his former apprentice could react, he threw his hands up and blasted the group with a blast of the force.
When does the killing end?
The force wave Koren threw at them was an example of his own strength in the force. It not only threw the group of Jedi and their accomplice back through the hole they had cut in the blast doors but wrenched the doors apart with a violent explosion. The group was throw apart from the blast, landing haphazardly outside on the walkway of the tree platform. They had little time to right themselves before Koren came charging after them, both sabers igniting as he caught them off guard. Though they managed to recover their footing Koren was able to keep them on their back feet as he effectively stonewalled their efforts. He didn't go in for the final blow even though he could, preferring to prolong the fight and play with his opponents. After all this was the closet thing Koren had to a challenge since the Grey Knight Purges and he wanted to make the most of it.
Koren did have to admit they put up a valiant effort but in the end they just couldn't manage to gain the upper hand in any way. Koren wasn't surprised, his former friends knew his style well but he had long since made changes to it. Eventually Koren grew restless and decided to end them. First to go were the two knights whom accompanied them as Koren swiftly disarmed them and used the force to knock them into a wall. Next was his former apprentice. Koren quickly separated him from Jastin and Merix before grasping Belexus by his neck. Belexus responded as expected, dropping his lightsaber and clutching his neck. Koren drew him in close and said, âWe'll discuss your punishment later.â With that Koren released him and blasted him with enough Force Lightning to fling him across the platform to the edge where he stayed.
When does the strife abate?
Koren looked upon Jastin and Merix, âHmmm, two left, not very good odds....for you I mean.â He taunted. Once again the three former friends engaged each other, Jastin and Merix were working in tandem using what they knew to try and get an edge on Koren but it was for nothing. Jastin tried a more aggressive angle but it was a mistake for Koren quickly blocked his saber with one of his own before stabbing Jastin with the other. Koren heard Merix scream 'no' as Jastin dropped his saber and fell to the ground. Jastin wasn't dead, not yet anyway, but he was defiantly out of this duel. Koren turned back to Merix who was looking at him with what looked like intent to kill...interesting, âAnd then, there was one.â He said as he slowly walked around, âWhen we came here we thought you could be redeemed, I see that you are too far lost to the dark side now.â Merix said.
âI am too far gone for the Jedi, but the Dark Side has not corrupted me. I saw the truth and in hopefully in time, you will too.â Koren said, âI will never fall to the dark side.â Merix spat. âAgain, you fail to realize I walk the line and draw from both sides. And it appears you now draw closer to that line as well.â Koren said, âI can feel your passion, your anger, it swells and mixes with your compassion and empathy.â He added, watching as Merix scowled with every word he spoke. Koren's pacing brought him close to an unconscious Jastin, allowing him to flick his blade on the ground near him, spraying sparks near his body, âDon't touch him!â Merix yelled as she brought her blade up, ready to attack Koren if he made a move near Jastin, âOh, have you two become close in my absence?â Koren asked.
Merix only scowled in return, but he could feel her emotions which did confirm what he suspected. âInteresting,â Koren said as he moved away from Jastin, âTell me, what angered you the most. The fact I left the Jedi?â Koren pointed one of his blades at her, âOr that I left you?â His question had the desired response as Merix snarled and charged at him in a rage. The two battled on the platform with Merix able to hold her own against Koren. But Koren had no desire to hurt her so he was holding back. He may not have any respect for Jedi anymore but he did owe her something. âYou were my friend! I trained with you, I trusted you, I lov-â Koren cut her off by swiftly disarming her and holding his blade to her throat, âI hold no illusion what we had is gone, but there is no reason to taint it with ignorance.â Koren said as he deactivated one of his blades, âHopefully, you'll one day see things as I have.â Having said that, Koren sucker punched Merix with enough force to knock her unconscious. Before she hit the ground Koren caught her and gentle laid her down. He slowly caressed her cheek, âPlease understand, though we may have changed you are still dear to me.â Koren said before rising and walking back to the hanger.
âM'lord, we have finished loading the transports. All of the artifacts and equipment have been secured.â One of his Handmaidens told him as he reentered the hanger with his unconscious former apprentice in tow, âGood, have a stasis chamber readied on my ship and place Belexus in it. I will deal with him at a later time.â Koren said. âAs you wish M'lord.â The Handmaiden bowed to him as two others came to take Belexus. With his former apprentice dealt with Koren approached the open doors of the hanger and looked outside just as New Sith Transports began leaving the Kashyyyk. Though he could sense survivors the Jedi suffered a devastating loss and it would be some time before they would dare challenge them again. âM'lord, new orders from her lady Ashera, we are to set course for Coruscant imminently.â His Handmaiden said.
âRight into the house of the Jedi hmmm? She is getting bold. Very well, set course.â Koren said. âAt once M'lord.â The Handmaiden said with a bow. As she left Koren stretched out with the force, feeling for Ashera. He could feel her dark side presence even from here. Every day Koren felt her slipping deeper into the dark side and each day it made it harder and harder to bring her back from path she had chosen. With a sigh Koren turned and began boarding his personal ship. Ashera may have lost faith in the Grey Knight philosophy but Koren had not. So long as he lived and breathed, he would always hold out hope she could be brought back.
And Koren would not abandon her to her fate.
Present day
Koren sighed as he overlooked the information on his datapad. He and his team had returned from a trip into the works looking for any relics or artifacts Darth Sidious might have hidden. The expedition had yielded nothing of value but they had found several clues which could give them a place to search next. As he sifted through the data Koren though about what had happened over the last year. Since Kashyyyk they had recovered from the events and had grown stronger as a result. Koren had no doubt in the coming months they would not only grow stronger but more deadly as well.
As for Koren himself much had changed and remained the same. He had thrown himself into his work as an archaist, teacher, public figure, occasional field agent and councilor to Ashera to bring her back from the darkness. As far as teacher went Koren taught a large amount of students, even those whom had masters of their own. But Koren had not taken an apprentice since Belexus' betrayal. Koren was not against taking a new apprentice, he just didn't have much interest since that day. Plus he had been enjoying his freedom of not having one. Though after a year of freedom and reflection he was more open to taking one now than he had been a year ago.
His thoughts were interrupted as one of his handmaidens approached him, âM'lord, lady Ashera has requested an audience with you.â She said. Koren looked upon her, she wore dark robes and had her face concealed with a veil and hood. This was the common attire when his handmaidens were accompanying him among the Sith. Outside of the Sith they wore pure white clothing and hoods without the veil. This helped keep their identities and links to him a secret when in his Sith and True persona.
âVery well. Please have the data moved to the vault while I meet with her.â He said as he stood. âAt once M'lord.â The handmaiden said. Koren walked through the corridors of the hidden parts of the building to a turbo lift which would take him to a room near Ashera's office. Before he boarded one his students stopped him to inform him of critical information regarding some of the experiments they were conducting, thus delaying him from the meeting. Once Koren had given the appropriate instructions he boarded the lift. Once he arrived he exited the lift and used the force to trick the minds of anyone looking at him. Koren's public persona wasn't due to be here for another three days so him suddenly walking around the building would draw unnecessary attention so he filtered the minds of the non Sith workers so he was easily dismissed. Eventually creating a perception filter so he could walk in public without fear of violating rules.
All Koren had to do was avoid the windows and cameras until he reached Ashera's office where he was about to open the door when someone did so from inside. Of course Ashera wasn't alone, inside with her was Phora, a friend of his and Ashera's whom he was glad to see. Normally he would have removed his mask for them but of course lovely Jaleevra was with them. And of course there was Cruze at the door, the former Jedi slash pirate slash mercenary. Koren had no grudge against Cruze for his past, if anything they certinatly weren't enemies. But the fact he had killed several guards of theirs, some of whom were being trained by Koren, left a bad memory of Cruze in Koren's mind.
"Forgive my delay, we had some experiments that kept me from arrive sooner." Koren said, his mask lending it's baraton voice to his own. Again normally he would have removed his mask for Ashera and Phora, but with their guests presant and his desire to keep his sith persona seperate from his own it remained on his face.