Pilgrimage

[Trenton Vinh]

A pair of men stood on a ship, adrift in a void of empty space; desolate as a grave.
On the other side of the wall-size viewport, the stars rotated slowly, peering in at the occupants of the shuttle.
The younger of the men stared out and saw the Galaxy with a sense of awe, a sense of wonder.
The older of the men could not bear the true weight of the Galaxy, and he turned away from it, his shoulders heavy with wise sorrow.
He was a realist, while the younger was bright with youthful optimism.
If only the child could understand that the Galaxy was not a happy, peaceful place.
It was dangerous, dark, and cold.
The younger man was youthful, on the verge of manhood. Nearly twenty years of life had shown him that things didn't always go the way one wants them to. But it also showed him that the Universe worked in unexpected ways. That some things have ways of coming around, and that an opportunity must be seized when it is presented.

The older of the two was the boy's father. He had once been as naive and hopeful for the future.

"You know, father, that if I go there...I could help." The boy said softly, weary of his father's response.
The father turned his eyes once more to The galaxy beyond the viewport, and shook his head sadly, "You could. But what difference will it make? If you move without direction you may as well remain still."
The boy lowered his eyes from the stars, darkness clouding his face. He understood the meaning in his father's words. The lessons.
Sometimes it seemed that everything was a lesson with the elder.

"What should I do then, dad? I have a destiny to fulfill. How will I know if I am fulfilling it or not?"
The father lifted a hand slowly, turning his palm upwards as if presenting a gift. In the palm was a small crystal, and the boy stared at it intently. The sphere of translucence caught the light from the distant stars, casting a rainbow of color along the wall.
The father said softly, "We can never know all the answers, young Kavan. We can only be answers."

Kavan took the crystal in his own hand, his hands cupping the precious stone with awe, but his eyes were on his father, who looked down at him with a look that seemed sad.
"Take me to Coruscant, father."
The father nodded his head, and turned away from his son, tapped a few buttons, and flipped a switch. The ship rumbled to life, and the Hyperspace warmed.
He looked back towards his son, who was now inspecting the crystal's every angle. In time the child would be one with the crystal, inseparable in mind, bonded by the Force forever.
"Kavan, you have an incredible gift. You must remain centered in the present while using your powers to intuit where all possibilities lay. I have trained you as much as I can, but some of your powers surpass even my own. If you need guidance, you will find it in the Galaxy. Sometimes it comes in strange forms."
He paused, while Kavan looked out the viewport at the stars, his gaze distant, his eyes unfocused.
Deep in thought, he hardly noticed the stars disappear into lines as the shuttle entered Hyperspace.
Del Moirai, Kavan's father, spoke once more, "You will be tested. Your resolve and your strength will be pushed to the limit. Sometimes you may feel like giving up hope. Don't. Hope is what the galaxy needs. You will bring hope where there is none. So long as you are doing this, you will be on the right path, my son."

*****

Trenton Vinh rarely slept.
So in tune with The Force was he, that Meditation would restore his energy and rejuvenate his body more than sleep could.
The Force tinged his dreams, giving insight and visions of past events, present events, future events.
Sometimes these events were ones that happened years before, some would someday come to pass, others would never come to fruition.
Some affected Trenton deeply, showing him tragic and heart-wrenching events.
It was because of the dark dreams that left the dark lines that rimmed the man's eyes. The slope of his shoulders, as if he always carried a great weight. The eyes that seemed to always be focused on something miles away, or penetrating those he looked at as if he could see what makes them break.

The dark dreams were the nighttime realities of a haunted yet gifted Force User.
Tonight, the dreams showed Trenton how he was going to die.
He could not say whether it was going to happen in a day or a dozen years, but when he opened his eyes, he felt a sense of mortality that most beings ignore. To millions of people, the illusion that life goes on forever holds strong.
But Trenton understood that his time would end someday, possibly soon. And he knew what he had to do before he became One with The Force.
Somethings in the Universe could not be explained.
Sometimes we just feel and know.
Trenton felt that his time was running out.
And he knew that every single man dies, but that not all men truly live.


Trent rose to his feet and turned to the viewport. As if he had summoned the image, the ship exited Hyperspace and the planet Coruscant was suddenly rotating slowly before him.
His dark robes felt heavy, and he suddenly felt very tired.
He had not been on Coruscant in 6 years. Legally, he wasn't allowed to set foot on the planet, or any other planet in Galactic Alliance space, for another four years.
Breaking that law was punishable by death. Or a lifelong prison sentence. Possibly carbon freezing.
But there were lives at stake, more important than Trenton's freedom. If he would be able to save even one of those men and women that were going to hold the Iskallon forces back, than he had not failed in his mission.
He knew he wouldn't be able to save them all.
The Galactic Capital looked the way he had remembered it; bright lights winking from the grey-steel color of the surface.
Thousands of ships streamed in and out of atmosphere, every few seconds hundreds of ships hyped in or out of the system.

He could point out the area they would land at. From the light patterns he knew where the Senate buildings were, the Jedi Temple a few kilometers away.
Trent had the feeling that things had changed. Yet nothing was different. The Galaxy was in its state of perpetual chaos, one day of bright sunlight balanced by a night of deep darkness.
He did not hesitate or worry about what was going happen when they touched down; guessing is useless when patience will reveal the answer.

He tapped a console beside him absently, opening the Holonet and skimming the news headlines. The Senate was meeting today. This was fortunate for Vinh, and would allow him to get the attention of those that needed to hear his words. The presence of the Mandalorians would certainly help with drawing attention.
Coruscant would certainly have an interesting headline or two by the end of the day.

[Trenton Vinh]

The Jedi Council had planned for all their students to be moved from Coruscant to Ossus within a week, but there were still nearly four-hundred Jedi on the city-wide planet when Trenton Vinh and the Mandalorian soldiers arrived.
Some of them even felt it -- Jedi Master Gani Torre, Jedi Master Soro Willns, Jedi Master San Xaan, all paused and exchanged meaningful looks with one another from their viewing area of the Senate proceedings.
Ben and his brother Tiverian Joreth felt it. The pair looked at one another in their quarters, questioning looks on their faces as they filled a pack with their few belongings.
Unbeknownst to all, it was also felt by one particularly powerful Sith Lord, in his hidden home.
What they felt was akin to the feeling one gets when looking out on the horizon and seeing great storm clouds approaching. A particular weight settles in the chest, one that implies that the heart will forever be heavier after this encounter. A touch of awe that destiny carries, and the black sliver of darkness that carries a different feeling altogether.
Those who knew Trenton to an extent, would recognize the Force-Presence of the man on the spot, and across the planet, approximately 16 beings on Coruscant all whispered his name in surprised, fearful, or hopeful voices.
When Trenton opened himself to The Force as his boot touched duracrete on the planet, the Force-Users who didn't know Trenton personally would be able to feel his presence.
So in touch with the Living Force was he, that The Force directed his steps, as he let go of his worries and fears. When he let the force guide his actions, he need not worry about anything.
There had been many times during the past six years that Trenton had hidden his Force-presence. He had done his best to disappear from The Galaxy.
But he had always remained in touch with The Force. He allowed it to give him insight into the future; allowed him to realize that every decision made would have consequences. Looking into the Future was always hit-or-miss, one could bring wonder, or because they tried to intervene, only end up ruining everything they had worked for.
By walking upon this planet, and for the reason he chose to come, he was choosing to do something that could make a difference.
He did not know if what he was doing was right -- part of him felt that ever since he and Roth and Tylera had chosen to investigate Shadowville, they had started down a path that curved out of sight. A path that could end up anywhere.
Trenton had chosen to come to a planet that he was not allowed to be on for several more years. By punishment of death. But The Force was telling him, by guiding his actions, that he was not going to die for nothing. He knew that if he was going to die, he would at least die for something.
He would ensure that Roth and his allies, and the Mandalorians, received the Galactic alliance backup they needed.
His steps carried him towards The Senate Buildings. The Mandalorians marched alongside and behind him, crowds moving out of the way to clear a path for the entourage. The Mandalorians were able to make a hell of an entrance, their shuttles swooping overhead and coming around to deposit the leader of the Mandalorians. Mand'alor.
The Mandalorians had chosen to fight the Iskalloni forces, at great cost to their forces. But they were no longer fighting alone. With new allies came new opportunities, and The Mand'alor, Ghev Dralin, was a man who understood war. Understood that opportunity, big and small, can change everything in war.
By the time they arrived at the Senate, the Convocation chamber was filled with delegates, bureaucrats, politicians and their aides', onlookers, and several Jedi.
The massive room was conical in structure, the Chief of State's podium was in the center. The roar of thousands of voices from thousands of alien throats was deafening. It seemed that the Chief of State had finished a speech minutes ago, and that the roars had yet to die down. The Jedi knew what was going to happen -- the trio of Jedi Masters moved a bit closer, so they could intervene if they had to. But something emanating from Trenton's nearing Force-signature told them he was not here to conquer, not here to kill or main or hurt, and they did not wearily reach for their lightsabers.
Trenton and the Mandalorians strode out onto the long durasteel bridge leading to the Chief of State's podium, a place normally reserved to politicians making announcements, or for guest speakers to enter.
Stepping into the light of the room, seeing nearly a million faces looking down at him, Trenton felt a touch of awe.
He couldn't tell if the Mandalorians had even noticed; their body language was very subtle due to their armor. At first, only a few Senators had actually stopped what they were doing to stare at the entrance of the Mandalorian troupe and the tall, dark-haired man in black robes.
Then, a couple more noticed, and they stopped their yelling and rioting to stare as well.
When the Chief of State was tapped on the shoulder by his open-mouthed aide, he turned and stared as well, and that caused most of the other politicians to notice the entrance. Then, because most of the room had fallen silent, even the slowest people to realize what was happening went still, and suddenly every eye in the building seemed to be on the intruders.
The men, armored and robed, stopped at the end of the bridge, level with the Chief of State and slightly to their side. They remained a respectable distance from the Chief himself, Trenton and Ghev Dralin closest. Trenton realized he didn't even know who the Chief of State was. It had been two elections ago when he had been up to date with politics.
The Chief of State was now staring at him, eye to eye, and Trent knew the man had no idea who he was, either.
Trenton decided that he would be the first to act.
"Chief, you and I are going to be getting to know each other very well in the next few minutes. We have much to discuss..."

[Ghev Dralin]

((Finally got the time to post, should be back on a regular basis now. Sorry about the wait, hope this is worth it ))

Prior to Trenton Vinh's arrival

Senator Taja Lohden adjusted her tight, form-fitting bodice with a hint of irritation, casting a wary eye at the chrono. The Chief of State had called for a session in the Great Rotunda, thoroughly ruining her day, but she refused to present herself in public unless she looked absolutely perfect. For a woman as beautiful as Taja, it should be a simple task; or so thought the many people who thought they knew her.
Her door buzzed, and with a resigned sigh, Taja traversed the length of her open-plan apartment to answer. She'd barely crossed the threshold of the lounge area, however, when the doors parted and in strolled a particularly unwelcome guest.
"Apologies, My Lady" her aide stammered. "He was most insistent..."
"It's fine" Taja grated through clenched teeth. "Leave us". The aide bowed herself out of the room, leaving the Senator alone with her visitor.

"What do you think you're doing?" Taja glowered. Her guest, a lithe young man clad in the black combat robes and a leather duster as red as his hair, barely registered the obvious anger she was radiating. "Do you have any idea how you could jeapordise..."
"...Your plans?" the man asked boredly. "From what I can tell, your plans are secure. Though I have to wonder if it was your hand that secured them" he added wryly.
"Does that matter? Events have been set in motion, whether by my hand or that of another, it will please my Master" Taja insisted. She couldn't help but smile at the thought, nor at the obvious discomfort it caused her visitor.
"And when do I get to meet the man?" he asked, changing the subject to one that Taja had been expecting. Since the beginning of their alliance, her red-haired lackey had insisted time and time again on meeting her Master face to face. This was usually followed by some absurd request to take him as her apprentice. True, the boy had talent, but he wasn't the material she sought. He had become known to his band of Dark Jedi as the Seraph, the one to usher them into a new age. Unfortunately it was all he was destined for; her uses for him were plentiful, but not limitless.
"Man?" Taja asked, her smile returning. "He is no man. Do you want the full measure of the 'man' you're asking me to put you before?"
"Shock me" he said, with a roll of his eyes.

"Lord Kroenen is no mere man. Human, perhaps... though I can't be sure" Taja began. "What race or sub-species he is, I don't know, though he's been alive for well over a century. Perhaps even two. He began life beyond the borders of our galaxy, this much I do know. I also know the co-ordinates of his home system, though you'd be hard pressed to find life there that hasn't been tainted and malformed, and even those monstrosities are few and far between".
"So you're telling me he... what? Poisoned his homeworld?" asked the Seraph.
"Poisoned? No. Kroenen is an artist, and his work goes beyond mere poisoning or genetics. His home system is a portfolio of the origins of his life work, the rudimentary preliminaries which he has since set out to perfect".
"The Master Race" he breathed, remembering hints Taja had dropped into earlier conversations.
"Yes, precisely. A century and a half ago, he came to our galaxy. He learned there were others with abilities similar to his own, and so sought them out to help achieve his maximum potential. Do you know where he ended up?" Taja teased. By now, she and her guest had retired to the luxury couch in the lounge, and had absently taken drinks from her passing protocol droid.
"Yavin IV" her guest replied, almost without pause. "He discovered the Dark Side Elite on Yavin IV".
"Yes... and no. What he discovered were vestiges of a once-great cult struggling to bring itself back together. When he'd begun to learn how to use his power, he helped them rebuild their own powerbase, and was of course elevated as their leader. He crafted the Throne of Ages, the icon of knowledge and greatness by which the Elite thrive. But you know that, don't you?"
"I'm the only one to sit on it without being killed since Kroenen himself departed the system" her guest confirmed. "He spoke to me from afar, told me where my path would take me. I believed him long dead, until I met you".
"He would have it continue that way, too" Taja murmered, then decided to elaborate and finish. Time was ebbing. "By design, Kroenen was captured many years ago. Before you were born, no doubt. It is in hiding that he continues his work on the Master Race. He will not abide distraction, not when he is so close to achieving his dreams".
"So how did you come to meet him?" the young man asked, fixing her with a questioning eye. "If he was in hiding. You can't be much older than I am..."
"Don't believe everything your eyes tell you" Taja replied curtly. "And how I met him is none of your concern. Just be prepared for what is coming".

Suddenly, both Taja and her red-haired companion turned their heads toward the balcony doors as one. Something... a pulse of Force energy, flowering into a beacon...
"What was that?" Seraph snapped, almost bewildered. "I recognise that presence..."
"It is powerful..." Taja conceded, snapping her attention away from the balcony. "And also of no concern. I'm late. I expect you gone by the time I return". She stood and began marching for the exit, not wanting to miss the customary meet-and-greet in the halls of the Senate building before the Chief's big speech.
"Taja, wait..."
The room around Seraph exploded into blackness and he was on his knees, clutching at his chest which threatened to implode under the pressure he felt surrounding him. His ears and nose bled, his eyes bulged with veins.
"Do not delay me, boy" Taja said quietly, her voice pure venom. "And never call me by the name my father gave me".
"Please... stop!" Seraph begged, clutching now at his head, which felt like a large spike were being drilled into it in order to probe his brain.

And then the pain vanished, as quickly as it had been inflicted. Seraph stood shakily, and took a pace back, away from the viper in his midst.
"I spare you only because you have your uses" she assured him.
"Thank you... Darth Malys"

********

The Senate

"...And it is without malice that these amendments are laid before you, representatives of our Galaxy's people. The Jedi have continued to sacrifice themselves in the name of our safety, whether boldly during the days of the Republic, or covertly during the days of the Empire. Understand that the subject matter has no ill bearing on their Order.
"However, the matter of security is paramount in these trying times. So long and yet so soon after a galaxy-wide war, we are at our most vulnerable. Our enemies will seek to strike from all angles, both within and without. We need a task-force with the guile, the strength and the ingenuity to stop such threats!"

Pause for effect. General applause and cheering. Smile at the masses. Continue.

"As such, it is no longer fair to expect the veneered Jedi to rise to such heat, nor would it be an acceptable measure to continue to place Galactic peace in their steadily-declining hands. Events witnessed over the past few weeks prove even further that the Jedi no longer have their house in order, and while I unabashedly believe they will recover from such public incidents and humiliations, their time as our protectors is at an end. As the times move forward, so must we!"

More applause.

"So I leave it to you, Senators and Representatives of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances, to usher in the new dawn, to embrace ShadowNet as not a replacement for the Jedi, but as an improvement which will help us overcome that which has plagued us in the past".

The Senate chamber exploded with cheers and yet more applause, and Chief of State Maarko Dorton allowed himself a moment to bask in it. It had been so long since he'd been met with anything other than lukewarm acceptance, so long since he'd felt anything other than resignation, that it was refreshing to hear the people on his side. Not that that was the reason for the changes he'd made; he had no desire for personal glory. He could, with hand on heart, profess to be one of the only politicians in the Great Rotunda whose every professional concern was for the betterment of the GA.

The cheering and applause suddenly quietened - too suddenly. People were staring up at him, others continuing their applause for moments longer before joining the masses in watching his podium in something that looked like awe. Had he really been so inspirational?
No, there was something else. The scuffing of boots on durasteel told him what that something else was, a fraction of a second before his aide silently tapped him on the shoulder. What he saw reduced him to open-mouthed silence. A man who, for all intents and puroposes, appeared to be a Jedi, surrounded by fully armoured Mandalorians - Mandalorians in the Senate chamber, for kriff sake! - was stood watching him. A feeling of insurmountable dread crept up from Maarko's stomach into into his throat. Suddenly, he was all too ready to retire from this game.
"Chief, you and I are going to be getting to know each other very well in the next few minutes" the unarmoured man said, by way of introduction. "We have much to discuss".

"We certainly do" Maarko replied once he found his voice again, making sure he wasn't talking loudly enough to be heard throughout the chamber. His aide, meanwhile, had rushed to the podium microphone to apologise to the Senate for the unscheduled turn of events, and assured them that normality would be restored momentarily.
A pair of white-armoured, black-robed Senate guards appeared behind the man and his Mando's, rifles slung over their shoulders and force-pikes held ceremonially but threateningly. "For instance, what in the stars do you think you're doing, marching onto my podium surrounded by these... thugs?"
"These thugs saved your shebs during the Vong war. Something the GA seems to have swept under the rug with the rest of its unholy business" one of the Mandalorians snapped. He advanced a step, a wall of green and brass armour, but was motioned to a halt by the robed man.
"So, you're here to make demands for your contribution to our victory?" the Chief asked, ready to do anything to get them out of the public eye. The last thing he needed was a holo-shot of himself negotiating with Mandalorians making the news, especially so soon after announcing the installation of a new top-spec security organisation.
"Contribution?" the Mandalorian spat, incredulously.
"Not now, Ghev" the robed man said, easing his friend away from what could easily have become a huge incident. "There are more important things to be discussing, remember".
"Important things such as what?" Maarko demanded.
"Such as impending war. My name is Trenton Vinh, and I'm here to open your eyes and avert a catastrophe".

[Trenton Vinh]

Jonathan Rohaeus scrambled up one of the dozen staircases of the Senate building.
The massive Senate chamber was...It's somewhere in this fragging direction.
Kael's voiced echoed behind him a few meters, as Jon stumbled once again on a step, "Jon, something is happening in the Chamber!"
The ex-Jedi, Force-using, guy-that-Jon-wouldn't-want-to-piss-off, was keeping up with Jon step for step, albeit much more gracefully.
Jon had bumped into at least two people since entering the huge building. Even in the turbolift that brought them to the viewing level, he had managed to annoy a pair of Rodians with his antics.
Upon entering the packed viewing room, Jon and Kael came to a slower walk. Jon still managed to nearly knock over a young woman. He managed to upright her and flash a ridiculous grin as he continued towards the nearby Vidscreens.
"Where's that Rikter slimeball at?" Jon asked aloud, to several confused stares.
Kael nudged Jon and proclaimed, "Forget him, look at the screen!"
Jon looked up and understood what Kael had meant when he said 'something is happening'.
The live feed of the Senate proceedings showed a group of Mandalorians,
one of them standing next to someone who could be none other than Trenton Vinh. The Mandalorian next to Trenton, Jon could recognize because of his armor.
Ghev Dralin.
Kael had felt it in The Force before they had gotten even close to the building, he had sensed the sequence of events.
Part of Jon wished he had that kind of ability, but another part of him knew it often lead to a heavier heart.
"Let's take a look." Kael stated, and the two moved to the Viewing Ring. Circling the top of the Grand convocation chamber was the area for the public to view the proceedings -- and often cheer and jeer accordingly.
Looking down on the huge room, Jon got a feeling of awe. He had been here before, but its size was always astonishing.
And just as it had been on the Vidscreen, there was the Mandalorian soldiers, Ghev Dralin, and Trenton Vinh, standing close to the Chief of State. The three men seemed to be speaking.
Most of the Senate was silent, confused about the proceedings, some were scared, others angry.
Kael seemed to read his mind, "You know the Mandalorian leader?"
Jon blinked, "Yes...He gave me -- this." He had partially withdrawn the forty-five centimeter long blade of Beskar from his boot. The weapon was six centimeters wide, and the hilt was wrapped in leather. A beskad.
Kael raised his eyebrows.
Jon stared at the meeting that was happening below, as the crowd began to make more noise.
He shook his head and muttered, "I'm getting a bad feeling about this."


*****

Maarko Dorton had been a politician his entire life. He had been Chief of State through some of the hardest times of the Galactic Alliance.
He had fought for democracy and worked to make the Galaxy a better place legally.
He had hoped war was in the past now.
But he had his wits back now, and replied curtly, "If there is indeed a catastrophe following your arrival than it is certainly not a pleasure to meet you. But nonetheless, I am Chief of State Maarko Dorton."

Trenton accepted the man's statement with a lowering of his head respectfully, but he immediately recaptured eye contact with the Chief of State and stated, "We have proof that a massive Iskalloni invasion force is going to pass through the Marcol Void within the week. Once beyond it they will have access to a major Trade Route. If the Iskallons get to that Trade Route they will have access to millions of planets, all unsuspecting and unprotected."

Maarko Dorton's first thought was that the boy was being a bit dramatic. But he was only fooling himself, and deep in his heart he knew it.
He responded, "If what you are saying is indeed true, than we should not be discussing this here. We should be meeting in private, with military officials and..."
Trent shot back, "If I had time to book an appointment with you, there would be a task force waiting for me to touch down, sir. I'm doing it here because the people and the Senators need to know right now."
Maarko sighed slowly, and lowered his head. He clasped his hands together, and realized they were shaking slightly.
"Well...what do you want me to do?" He asked resignedly.
Trent smiled -- something he didn't do often, and raised a hand. The hovering amplifier droid that normally allowed Senators to be heard throughout the entire chamber suddenly dipped down and came to a halt in front of Trenton.
The Vidcam droids circled the event closely, Newscams were now floating down, red lights indicating live feeds.
Trent took a slow breath and spoke into the microphone,
"Citizens of the Galactic Alliance, My name is Trenton Vinh. I traveled from the Outer Rim to warn you, that you must prepare for war. A massive Invasion Force will be entering the Galactic Alliance trade routes, and begin wiping out defenseless worlds.
The enemy is a mysterious force known as Iskalloni. They are sentients infused with cybernetics and robotics."
He looked up at the Senators, looking down on him. Some were screaming, yelling. Many were silent.
He continued on, "The Mandalorians have been bravely fighting the Iskalloni for some time now, and their intel has warned us of this invasion, at the cost of many lives. I bring you dark news today, but I also bring you a message of hope. We have one chance to stop them. But we must leave now. Time is short. We have men that are going to try to defend the choke point that the enemy will be entering the Trade Routes through, but they need reinforcements. They need your help. These men that will be dying to give you this one chance to defend your planets are volunteers. They offered their lives for you, and their only hope for survival, is that you vote to send a defense fleet to their aid."
There was a long pause. Many politicians were yelling, most seemed to be still absorbing all of the events and information. Some still seemed stunned.
One of the repulsorpods housing a senator or guest speaker floated over, containing Vrikk Morfan and Commander Lysander Lee.
Maarko Dorton was about to speak, but Lysander Lee stepped in front of the microphone at his pod and announced over the amplifier's. His voice echoed through the Convocation Chamber, as he spoke directly over the Chief of State's head and to the man, Trenton Vinh,
"I have ample evidence of this threat, and I thank you for having the guts to open the Senate's eyes to this. I have been lobbying for weeks trying to get a force to the Outer Rim. The message from the Mandalorian's that G.A. intelligence received was largely ignored because some politicians were afraid of the thought of war."
The Mandalorian stepped forward. Through a speaker in his armor, his voice asked, "What is your name?"
"I'm Commander Lysander Lee, l command the Rapid Response Task Force."
The Chief of State's Vice Chair spoke up, "There are procedures to follow in this Chamber!"
Trenton ignored the interruption and asked, "Will you take your fleet to the Marcol Void as soon as possible?" His eyes met Lysander Lee's, and they shared a long, penetrating look.
Lysander Lee nodded his head slowly.
The Chief of State's aide came to Maarko's side again, now holding out his datapad, "Sir, this is Trenton Vinh's file. Sir...it says he is an exiled Jedi. He isn't supposed to be in Galactic Alliance space for ten years. By penalty of execution or permanent incarceration."
The Chief looked over the file, noting that the man had fought in all the recent wars, not to mention he had quite a decorated career. But the file said he was dangerous, and had killed a Jedi Master. It had led to his trial and eventual expulsion from Galactic Alliance space.
He had come back to tell Maarko that there was a war coming.
The Chief of State realized that this was one of the moments his career would be remembered for. He had always listened to his heart when making important decisions. But what was he to do?

[Ghev Dralin]

The presence of GA Senate Guards wasn't lost on Ghev, and it did nothing to ease his growing tension. Well aware of the fact that he'd volunteered for this, it did nothing to subdue his irritation with politics. Every second wasted was another second the Iskalloni had to gain ground - or space - on their journey to GA territory. Every second was another second taken from the lives of those men and women who'd gone to hold the only choke-point between the Outer Rim and the Rimma Trade Route.
Fortunately, one of the present Admirals had the sense to commit to oppose the imminent threat. Hopefully his example would inspire others.
He was about to speak to Trenton, ask him what else he had up his sleeve to bring the Senate to their side, when a pod hovered into view and settled on its repulsors. The Senator inside was a woman, beautiful yet stern. All that beauty faded when she opened her mouth.

"The chair recognises Senator Lohden of Dromund Kaas" the Chief Speaker announced, smugly restoring some order to the proceedings. Chief of State Dorton was obviously struggling with some inner conflict over Trenton's words; perhaps the Senator's intervention would work in their favour, allow the Chief to make the right choice.
"Senators, Representatives. Chief of State Dorton" the Senator began, nodding curtly (if not forcedly) at the Chief. "The time for war is long past. Our civillisation is barely scraping together the pieces of the wreckage left in the wake of the Yuuzhan Vong, which itself came at a time of unrest and dire instability within our government. Is now really the time to be provoking conflict based on the word of this... exile?" she sneered. Ghev already didn't like her.
"There is no need for provocation, Senator" he growled, pushing his way beside Trenton so the entire chamber could hear him. He paused a second, to enjoy the irony of a Mandalorian standing at the seat of Galactic politics. "The Iskalloni will attack, whether the GA decides to respond or not. It's not a question of if, but when".
"And what proof do you bring? How are we to know that the exile Vinh hasn't further lost his mind, and is involved in some Mandalorian plot to weaken our forces to allow a full take-over?" Senator Lohden replied, folding her arms and fixing Ghev with an all-too-penetrating glare. There were general murmers of assent from around the chamber, and further murmers of outrage.

Ghev bristled. Of course, the Mandalorians had made it known that they wanted nothing to do with the GA after the Vong war. For all their involvement, for all the men and resources Ghev had committed to the conflict, not a shred of thanks was offered. No relief for the destruction caused to Mandalore, no mention of their sacrifices made at any of the numerous services and tributes held after victory. It was as if the Mandalorians simply hadn't taken part. And so, it was easy for people like Senator Lohden to spin such conspiracies, and worse, have people believe them.
Ghev became aware of another presence at his side; Tarn Kane. Wordlessly, Kane pressed a datadisk into the console between Ghev and Trenton, and seconds later, a huge cone of blue light erupted into the vast emptiness between the Chief's podium and the rings of stationary Senate pods.
Images and holo-captures began to cycle, showing the battles the Mandalorians had faced, the destruction left in their wake, fleet movements, Iskalloni dreadnoughts...

And the Senate was in uproar. Ghev checked the current image; a display of the Iskalloni's progress from their own tainted world, through the outer rim, and toward GA space.
Ghev turned on the Chief of State, and removed his helmet, a gesture he didn't afford many individuals.
"So, Chief. What's it gonna be?"

******

"I think this just got bigger than our investigation" Kael murmered. The presence of Trenton Vinh was reason enough to stay and watch events unfold, but the information he brought was enough to turn Kael's stomach.
"This doesn't involve us, Kael..." Jon began to warn, but Kael cut him off with a raised hand. He stared into space, seemingly at the hologram playing out below in the Senate chamber, but his eyes had a glassy, far-out look to them.
His head whipped around, toward one of the many exits of the public viewing area.
"Kael?" Jon asked, quiet so as not to disturb whatever the rogue ex-Jedi was thinking.
"I thought I saw... nevermind" Kael said, shaking his head and returning his thoughts to the situation at hand. What he'd seen was a flash of red disappearing from the crowd, though it couldn't be who he thought it was, even if he had thought he'd felt a familliar presence moments before.
"You wanna stay and watch, or should we get moving on Senator Rikter?" Jon asked warily, eyeing Kael like something that might explode at any given moment.
"I think we need to see this to the end" Kael replied. Suddenly, Rikter was seeming more of a minor distraction than a cause for concern.

[Trenton Vinh]

The Chief of State found his voice when the Mandalorian man removed his helmet. The man's war scarred face showed Maarko that the man had lived a long, battered life. Maarko suddenly realized that he hadn't seen nearly as much as this man's eyes had.
Maarko spoke into his microphone and replied, "We will send the reinforcements, but there are laws being broken, and we will see to it that amendments are made. However, the emergency of the situation at hand is undeniable. I look to my Senate, who has been patient with the hectic events of today and ask them for their opinion."
A million voices erupted into screams, fists pumped and tentacles waved. A dozen octaves of alien voices thrummed and filled the chamber with a dense shout.
Maarko's eyes darkened. War was upon the G.A. once more, it seemed.
"Before committing additional forces to aide in the defense from this alleged invasion, I insist on seeing more details. We will discuss them in private after the conclusion of this Senate meeting. --" The crowd screamed. After seeing this much of the days events, the Senate raged at the idea of being left in the dark, but Maarko added hastily, "However, the press will be invited to the event, as well as any relevant Senators. We will also have a Senate Meeting in two days time to discuss the events. Thank you."
Maarko sighed audibly and stepped away from the microphone. The senate was screaming, furious.

Things just began to quiet down, and the crowd went nearly silent once more as a trio of Jedi landed on the platform.


*****

The range of emotions from the thousands of beings in the building flowed through Jedi Master Gani Torre, and he closed his eyes to take a calming breath. He found the calm center in his heart, the one place that all the chaos in the Galaxy could never affect.
Events in the Senate today had gone from strange to alarming, and seemed to be moments away from exploding into pure chaos -- or war.
The two other Jedi Masters at Gani's side; The barabel Soro Willnz and the Kel Dor San Xaan, were looking at him expectantly. They were waiting for a sign of agreement from him before acting. The three Jedi Masters formed a triumvirate that led the Jedi Order, and in these trying times, mere minutes after the Jedi had been forced to resign their post as Galactic defenders, the trio was always in agreement over how to act.
Gani opened his eyes, and jumped. His leap carried him onto the platform the Mandalorians and Trenton Vinh were standing on.

Trenton Vinh...exiled years ago. San Xaan and I were present during his final meetings with the Jedi Council during the war. He had skirted darkness for years. Now, his intentions didn't appear dark, but there had been speculation that the man would return as a conqueror.

Soro Willnz and San Xaan landed lithely right next to him. None had drawn their lightsabers or even considered touching the weapons. Until violence broke out, the Jedi would be defenders of peace. No matter what the G.A. said.

The Jedi had been watching the events unfold from their podium for the entirety of the senate meeting. Even before the situation with the Mandalorians showing up, the meeting had been strange.
The Jedi had moments ago, been resigned by the Galactic Alliance. No more would they be asked to help with peace talks or diplomatic missions. No more border disputes or hostage negotiations. No more defending the citizens on behalf of the Galactic Alliance. The wisdom the Jedi had to offer would fall on deaf ears now. This would not cripple the Jedi, but it would certainly affect their morale.
But it would not break them; they would defend the innocent and helpless until every last Jedi was dead and gone.

Gani Torre's dark eyes reflected the seriousness of his tone, "Trenton Vinh, you are breaking Galactic Law in a half dozen ways. But if this warning is sincere, than we have some very dark matters to discuss."
Gani Torre had heard rumors of invasion in the outer rim, but the Jedi were on thin ice, and they no longer had the pull in the political world anymore. They had no access to military intel like they used to.
His heart told him that the lines between good and bad had been blurred today, that all the events that were taking place would create ripples throughout the Galaxy. And as a Jedi, he could not stand aside and allow any of those ripples to become deadly tidal waves.


*****

Lysander Lee was already leaving the Grand Convocation Chamber by the time the Jedi arrived on the scene. He had more immediate issues to deal with. He pulled out his comlink and opened a channel to his Junior Chief Fleet Commander in charge in lieu of Lee's absence. A great strategist and a natural leader, Commander Toyn would be in charge of preparing the Rapid Response Task Force Fleet for its departure. It would not be long until he would be in Hyperspace, hurtling towards the threat that had been on his mind for over a month. Finally he would have the chance to stop what he had known was coming.

"Commander Toyn, It's Lee. I need you to prepare us for Hyperspace, get the fleet to form up and set a course for the Marcol Void. Inform the fleet that this isn't a drill and that we will be entering a war zone. The enemy is--" Toyn was a smart man, and had been on Lee's side for weeks, they had discussed the Iskalloni invasion multiple times. Toyn knew what Lee was going to say, and cut him off midsentence,
"The Iskalloni. I don't know what you did, but its good to hear that we finally got the support to go ahead and engage them."

Lee responded with, "There is a small defense force in the Marcol Void. According to the, ah, intel I received, they will be attempting to stop the Iskallon advance in the void. If the Iskalloni make it through the void they will --" Once again, Toyn knew what was coming next, and he finished the sentence, "Be free to hit anywhere in G.A. space along those Hyperspace lanes."

Lee smiled and nodded, then remembered the man wasn't able to know he was nodding, "Exactly. The fleet we're going to assist is not in a good situation. We ourselves may be walking into a slaughter. I need everyone at 100%, the ships to be fully-battle ready, and the starfighter squadrons to be ready to scramble."

"Understood, Commander." Toyn answered back crisply, "We will await your arrival before departing. Toyn out."

Lee shut down his comlink and barked at his aide to prepare his shuttle. While the aide scurried off in the other direction, Lee headed for the Chief of State's office. He had the feeling there would be a very interesting meeting there soon.


*****

Jon Rohaeus was blown away by the events of the day so far. Hours ago, he had thought he was going to die, then he found a new ally, then thought he was going to die again. Now he was at the Senate meeting, and things were even crazier here than his day had been.

"Kael, whatever you think is best is what we can do. this Force-business always gets my fraggin' behind in trouble, but its always for good reasons. So let's just do it. I've got your back."

The Force had always been confusing to Jon, now it was once again making him feel like he was missing something much larger than himself. He wanted Rikter's head, but he also felt that he would get that opportunity someday. It didn't have to be today. Maybe tomorrow.
Hopefully tomorrow.

But the images had shown him space battles, and Jon was at his best in the skies. He wondered if this invasion force was true. He had the feeling things were going to hell, and if they were, than Jon wanted to be in his starfighter when the fireworks began.

[Trenton Vinh]

The moment Kavan Moirai set foot on Coruscant, he felt a great ripple in The Force. He was young, and had much training ahead of him, but he knew enough that The Force was telling him something. Something that would shape his future, and the future of the Universe around him.
Had it been because he set foot on Coruscant? Had his mere arrival here affected the future in such a profound way?
Once Kavan had taken a look around, he realized he had spent far too much time outside the Galactic Alliance's borders.
To a Force-User, Coruscant pulsed with life. The heart of the Government and economy thrummed with the heartbeat of the Galaxy.
The variety of species was breathtaking, the scope of the buildings was mind-bending. Kavan could only look on, wordless.
His father stood behind him, and the man rested his hand upon Kavan's shoulder.
His father's soft voice said, "This is where we part ways, my son."
Kavan turned, the man's hand slipping from his shoulder as he moved. He blurted out, "What if we never see one another again?"
Del Moirai smiled warmly, and Kavan's flutter of fear dissipated at the familiar sight.
"My son," The man said, "You are now a man, and you are far more capable than I am. I have taught you all I can about the Universe and about The Force. But you are capable of more than I ever could be. I can only show you the path, you alone must walk it."
Kavan lowered his head, staring at his boots. He did not feel like a man just now. His eyes burned, so he did not raise his eyes.
Del's smile never wavered, and he continued on,
"For over three hundred years, the Moirai line has held this tradition. Ever since you're great-great-great-grandfather left the Jedi Order, the Moirai Jedi have left their father's side to make their own path.
I left my father when I was your exact age, he and I parted ways on Klatooine. I spent twenty-years wandering the Galaxy, finding my path. I had many great adventures, as you will have yourself. I learned all I could, and lived my life to the fullest. When I met your mother-" He paused, and Kavan rubbed his eyes. Del blinked slowly, thinking of his long-gone wife was painful. But he pushed on,
"-When I met your mother, I settled down to have you. When you were born, I knew you were special. I knew you were far stronger than I could have ever been, possibly more powerful in The Force than anyone in our family line. I knew I had a difficult task ahead of me. I trained you the best I could, the same way my father trained me, and the same way my grandfather trained my father. Someday, when the time is right, you will settle down and have a child of your own. You will then continue our legacy once more."

Kavan took a slow breath, to calm himself. Del felt his son center himself, and felt his own sadness grow. He would miss his son, and leaving him would be heartbreaking.
"We may see one another. I have the feeling The Force has much in store for you, my son. I have the feeling that it has much in store for me as well."
Kavan asked, "What did you do in your years wandering?"
Del shrugged, and answered, "I grew wiser from my experiences. I fought in a few wars, got myself into some difficult situations, and made a lot of friends." His face turned sorrowful, "I lost a lot of friends, too. But I did what a lone Jedi will always do. I carried the torch of hope, and brought light to darkened hearts. You will do the same, my son."
Kavan nodded. He had heard some of his father's old tales, but the man had never been so open about it. The youthful often forget just how long life is, and how many ups and downs come with it.
"How do I know that I'm ready, dad? How will I know I am able to do what I am destined to do. What if I'm not strong enough?"
Kavan's questions were ones he had mulled over many times, and answers had never been found.
Del Moirai responded softly, "We can never know all the answers, my son. You can only be an answer."
He smiled proudly at his son one final time, then turned and walked away. Kavan only watched as his father disappeared in the crowd, and was left to wonder what he should do now.

[Ghev Dralin]

Precision was key to all things in life, or so thought High Moff Xanven. Putting his theory into practice, he'd spent the last few weeks constructing a minutely-detailed miniature scale model of his very own Super Star Destroyer 'Judicator', a model which was very nearly complete.
Pinched in tweezers held firmly between artificial finger and artifcial thumb, he eased the last tiny turbolaser emplacement into its socket... and the comm went off, ringing shrilly throughout his quarters. His hand slipped, and the sharp tweezers pierced the hull of the model irrepairably. Such was the way of things, when ones body parts weren't entirely ones own. Control was lacking, tweaks needed to be made. Such frustration...
"Make it quick" he said upon receiving the comm, sitting back in his chair and easing out a knot in his neck. He rubbed his upper spine, metal fingers not feeling the brace of the respirator fastened tightly like a collar around his neck and lower face. He was aware of its presence, even if the nerve endings in his face were completely shot. The same applied to most of his body, but he found it hard to complain when he considered the alternative was death. Messy, fiery death.
"Sir, allow me to divert your attention to HNN" said the voice on the other side; Admiral Sect, the young officer in charge of the home defense fleet, currently on shore leave. Why she chose to spend her shore leave barricaded in her quarters in the upper echelons of the Imperial fortress was beyond Xanven, but he liked having her around. She was useful.
"Is this going to improve my day?" he sighed, as his desk monitor unfolded and he put in the relevant frequency.
"That would depend on your point of view, sir" Admiral Sect replied curtly, and the dripping irony in her tone rang familliar, perhaps reminding him of the words he'd shared with her on her dubious promotion. For one thing, it was quite the achievement for one so young to reach such heights, though defending Coruscant from non-existant threats was hardly the pinnacle of an Imperial naval officers ambitions.

The screen flickered to life, and projected a rectangular image of the HNN channel above his desk.
"Volume up" he said aloud, and the desk controls automatically increased the volume to a moderate level.
"... yet to hear many reactions from the Senators who were present, but the general public seems concerned and outraged. Already, protestors have converged on the Senate building to boycott the proposition of war, but as with the rest of us, have been left in the dark as to what is actually happening.
"Chief of State Maarko Dorton stated in-session that HNN would be invited to a meeting in his offices, which will be taking place shortly, though so far all indications are that the Galactic Alliance is officially at war".

Xanven turned off the feed, and sat motionless, elbows on his desk and fingers steepled before his furrowed brow.
"What do you make of it?" Sect asked. Xanven had thought she'd cut the connection already.
"That newscaster... I'm certain she's the one who slated me for dry-docking the Judicator a few months back" he murmered dryly.
"You didn't put her in dry-dock, and you know it" Sect replied sharply.
"Yes, yes... bloody insurgents. You'd think the Empire was something still to be hated".
"To many, it is... but we're getting off-point" Sect observed.
"Yes, we are quite, aren't we" Xanven conceded. "Admiral, I regret to inform you that your shore leave is cut short. Return to the fleet and make preparations for departure. I want an update on Judicator's progress as soon as humanly possible" he instructed. He was already keying Maarko Dorton's comm frequency into his desk. "I have an impromptu appointment with the Chief of State, but I shall be joining you presently".
"By your command, High Moff" Sect replied, then cut the connection.
Xanven's finger touched the 'connect' button on his desk, then hesitated. What if the GA had purposely kept the Imperial Remnant out of this?
Dorton would simply have to answer to that himself, if it were the case. He pressed the button, and waited with ebbing patience.

******

"Three, two, one..."
Three jubilant young men and one tall, stocky woman, threw back shots of a viscous bright green liquid, then slammed their glasses on the bar top in unison. The woman let out a deep sigh, eyes wide and teasing her comrades, her fists raised.
"Keeping up with the boys, Kayla?" one of the men smirked, gesturing to the bartender to bring them another round.
"Keeping up with me, 'Rone?" Kayla shot back, clasping hands with him in a silent test of strength.
"Nobody can keep up with you" La'Rone admitted, giving in to her and allowing her to pin his hand to the bar.
"How many rounds is that?" asked another of the men, running a hand over his stubble and casting a glance at Kayla and 'Rone. He was way past his limit.
"Erm... nine?" Kayla asked, laughing hard and putting her head in her hands.
"Make that ten" the Besalisk bartender grunted, passing out shots with his four arms. "And no more. You lot are making my other patrons feel nervous".
"Do you see any uniforms here?" asked the young man with the stubble. "Long live the Empire!" he jeered, laughing and almost falling off his stool. Kayla and 'Rone laughed with him. The bartender, and the fourth of the group, didn't.
"Knock it off, Farris" the fourth man said in a low voice, downing his shot and sliding the glass across to the bartender.
"Oh c'mon Andy, lighten up" Farris slurred.
"You mean Andreas Darkcell, poster boy of the 502nd Razor Wing, doesn't know how to enjoy himself?" Kayla smirked, sliding her own shot to him along the bar. "C'mon Andy, it's shore leave".

Andreas ignored the shot. His eyes were fixed on the vid-screen above the bar; the Microdroid Wrestling feed had just been interrupted by an urgent broadcast. One word dominated the screen; WAR.
"Hey, turn that up would ya?" Andreas hollered at the bartender, who begrudgingly upped the volume and turned to watch himself.
"... all indications are that the Galactic Alliance is officially at war. I pass you over to Zetii Setina, our Senate correspondant, who is still at the scene".
The image changed to display a Quarren news anchor, standing with her back to a roaring Senate chamber. She was having to shout over the noise, but her words were clear enough.
"Thank you. Moments ago, Chief of State Dorton departed the chamber to cries of outrage, leaving the Senate in the dark as to what decisions are to be made following the rather abrupt decision to commit forces to a previously unidentified threat approaching from the outer rim.
"The timing couldn't have been worse, as moments earlier he'd announced a parting of ways between the Jedi and the GA. Spectators were stunned to see Trenton Vinh, former Jedi and currently in exile for his well-publicised crimes, appear with the Senator and discuss an impending invasion which will apparently begin with the Rimma Trade Route. Right now, details are vague at best, but it is known that several Senators are beginning to dispute Dorton's stability as Chief of State, and question his motives in allowing a fugitive and a band of armed Mandalorians to parley with him in full public view of the Senate".
"Commander Lysander Lee, after claiming to have known of this threat for some time, has already comitted his forces to assist a small task force who are said to be attempting a resistance against the proposed Iskalloni attackers. It is expected that the GA fleet will soon be fully deployed, though no words has been given on the status of the Imperial Remnant fleet or its involvement in this proceeding..."

"Oh, we'll be involved alright" 'Rone sighed, putting down his shot glass and exchanging glances with his comrades.
"Beats routine patrols around the system, I guess" Kayla shrugged. "There's only so many times you can one-up those GA hotshots before things start getting dull again..."
"This is war, guys" Andreas piped up. "I mean, this is really it. We need to sober up and report for duty, right now!"
"Can't it wait til morning?" Farris moaned. His head was on the bar now, buried in his arms, and he swayed on his stool as though Coruscant had started spinning the wrong way.
"Nope, it can't" Andreas grinned, hooking his arms under Farris and hoisting him to his feet. "C'mon, Admiral Sect is probably halfway to the Outer Rim already".

******

The press would have a field day with this. Hell, the Senate would, too.
Maarko Dorton had excused himself from his new entourage and travelled to his antechamber beneath the Rotunda alone. He needed time to digest what had just happened, and a few minutes alone to prepare for what would probably be the most important - and last- meeting of his career.
Unfortunately, solitude wasn't in abundance for the Chief of State, and no sooner had he sat down and put his head in his hands when the comm chimed.
"Chief of State Dorton, High Moff Viktor Xanven is on frequency 0.561" an automated voice said from a hidden desk speaker.
"Viktor" Maarko said, by way of greeting. "Your timing is impeccable".
"Thank you, Maarko. I thought you'd appreciate an honest voice of disapproval, so I took the liberty of bypassing your secretary and patching straight through" Xanven replied snidely.
"What can I do for the Empire today?" Maarko said, mustering the resolve to keep the tension out of his voice, and professional calmness in it.
"You can tell me why I wasn't invited to your little get-together in the Senate, for one thing" Xanven snapped. He, it seemed, wasn't so concerned with minding his tone.
"I believed you were still convalescing. That horrible explosion aboard the Judicator..."
"Don't lie to me, you knew I was back in office. You have eyes and ears within the Remnant just as I have them in the GA" Viktor spat.
"It was a GA matter which spiralled into something else..."
"The GA and the Remnant are meant to be co-operating" Xanven reminded Dorton, pressing the advantage of catching the Chief in a tight spot. "We can't do that if we're excluded from every Senate session that we don't hear about on the grapevine".
"Now isn't the time to be discussing GA-IR relations. I have other matters on my hands, Viktor" Maarko said wearily.
"So I've seen. You do know the Senate will cut you into pieces for this?"
"Yes" Maarko admitted, his professionalism slipping for a moment.
"And how long before the razor cats smell blood and move in for the kill?" Xanven asked. Despite his constant malicious tone, there was an air of concern to his words, if not his manner.
"One or two spring to mind. Your Senator Lohden, for one" Maarko pointed out. He steepled his fingers thoughtfully, peering through the lights of his desk at some invisible spot in the middle of the antechamber.
"Taja Lohden represents the majority of Dromund Kaas, Maarko, but not all of us. My loyalties are to the restoration and restructuring of the Imperial Remnant, and its integration with the GA. Senator Lohden can go f..."
"Point taken, Viktor" Maarko interrupted. "I know you have good intentions. I just don't think the public needs the added worry of a fully-forced Imperial Remnant emerging from behind the GA fleet's shadow. Your actions as our reserves are bound to increase your popularity..."
"No" Xanven interjected, this time halting Dorton mid-sentence. "It's time for the Remnant to become an entity of its own. We have our ways of conducting war, you have yours. If this threat is indeed real, you need us acting of our own accord".
"Your ways haven't been so popular, in the past. Nobody wants to see planets poisoned or blown up on the morning newsfeed" Dorton pressed.
"Perhaps we can discuss this in person. A little newsreader tells me you're hosting a meeting momentarily" Xanven proposed. "My shuttle is always on standby. I'm only a short flight away..."
"Fine, fine" Maarko agreed. Afterall, he already had Mandalorians, dubious Senators, Jedi, and a notorious exile coming to his chamber, he'd may as well add another profile to the rogues gallery and completely seal his ousting from office.
"I'll see you shortly" Xanven smugly replied, as the link went dead.

******

It didn't take long for Kael to make a decision. There was an obvious comparison of pictures here, and whatever Riktor's involvement in whatever diabolical scheme someone somewhere was hatching... this news was bigger of the two.
"I think we need to be in that meeting" Kael said, looking down into the Rotunda. He was acutely aware that he'd be under the scrutiny of Jedi. The Triumvirate, no less. Perhaps now, with the imminent bigger picture looming over them, was the best time to come out of hiding and tell his former Masters up-front that he was done with them, and they should wash their hands of him.

"The Jedi employed you to take on this case. I think it only fair to tell you the choice is yours, whether to join me or not" Kael said, looking apologetic. "But either way, I'm sure they'll understand your decision".

[Trenton Vinh]

Ghev Dralin had made the decision that he wouldn't bring all his Mandalorians with him to the Chief Of State's office, and while he was speaking to his men, Trenton entered the turbolift. The doors slid shut behind him and he turned to face them as the lift shot upwards.
He felt them above him, and knew the elevator would be halted in a moments.
So it did, and when the doors opened, the three Jedi Masters in charge of the Jedi Order stood in the entryway, their faces grim.
The lift was spacious, and they entered silently.
Trent recognized them all, they had all been on the Council in the final months of Trenton's time with the Jedi.
Gani Torre, dark and stoic as ever, tapped the button labeled 'door close'.
The lift doors slid shut once more, locking Trenton in with the Jedi Masters.
Had he felt they were going to attack him, he would have been nervous; he was not sure if he would survive a three versus one, especially not with Soro Willnz so close to him...

"Trenton Vinh. You interrupted a Senate meeting today, one that is crucial to the future of the Jedi Order. You broke several laws, punishable by death. And you came to tell the Senate in dramatic fashion, that the Galactic alliance is at war." Gani Torre spoke slowly, each word measured.
Trent locked eyes with him, and before answering, bowed his head, "Greetings, Master Torre. I did what I felt was best for the future of the Galaxy, and to spare as many lives as possible."
San Xaan was looking at Trenton from his left, his face unreadable due to the antiox-breathmask his species wore in oxygen-rich environments. When he spoke in his deep, throaty voice, his silver-irises locked on Trenton's icy gray eyes.
"Your crimes should be answered for. But I personally, think you did what is best, if war is indeed on our horizon."
Trent inclined his head, and responded, "If I am to be punished, it will not be until I ensure that the Iskalloni fleet is stopped."
Soro Willnz, as intimidating as ever, loomed over Trenton intimidatingly. She spoke in the hissed tongue of her species, "This one does not think you need be punished by the Jedi. While you are an exile, this one believes that you may be in a rather unique position."

Gani Torre had his back to the closed turbolift door, facing Trenton face-to-face. He was only a few inches taller than Trenton. He said crisply, "I have not forgotten what you have done, Trenton. I know what you are capable of. If I get the feeling that you are anything less than sincere and pure of purpose, I will not hesitate to bring you in."
Trent raised his eyebrows. He had not entirely expected this. The Jedi are a forgiving group, but they do not forget, and while they may not hold grudges, they would certainly have their eyes on him. But Trenton was actually somewhat blessed; had he arrived even a few hours earlier than he had, the Jedi would have the authority to execute him on sight. He wondered for a moment if Gani Torre would have executed him on sight. Trent tried to read it in the man's serious eyes, but they were unreadable.
"I understand, Master Torre. However, I do not think you are in a position to judge my actions anymore. I am no longer a part of your Order, so I will trust you to act on what you believe best as a Jedi. The laws of the Galactic Alliance I have indeed broken, so if I am to be tried for breaking the terms of my Exile, I will give myself up willingly."

Gani Torre was not happy with Trenton's answer, and Trent knew why. He had not confirmed nor denied whether his intentions were malicious.
He understood the man's weariness, after all, Trenton had killed one of the Jedi Master's friends and colleagues. But that was years ago, and Trenton had changed.
A muscle bunched on Gani Torre's jaw. His stare penetrated Trenton, and Trent's own penetrated him.
The door slid open behind the Jedi Master, the Chief Of State's office was not far. Soro Willnz and San Xaan exited swiftly, but Gani Torre stood stock still in Trenton's path.
"I will not allow you to harm innocent lives, Trenton. You were dark, and I still sense the darkness inside you. You can claim to have it under control, but I know what the Dark Side is like. You know that I have experience with it as well. If you allow it to consume you, I will stand between you and those you will harm."

Trent felt the darkness within his heart stir. He was no longer as impulsive as he had been in his youth, and he knew Gani was baiting him slightly.
He responded the only way he could,
"I don't enjoy being threatened, Gani." Gani's eyes narrowed at the use of his first name, and Trent continued on, "So I will inform you in return. I will protect the lives of all that I can, yours included if I feel I must. The Force is my ally, and I must act out its will. If you stand in the way of what I must do, I will not allow you to stop me. I do not wish to fight you, Master Torre, but you need to realize that we are on the same side once again. This threat is real, and you would be foolish not to focus on the enemy."
He stepped past the Jedi Master, brushing past him with his cloak.
Soro Willnz was outside the lift, awaiting him. The Barabel said sharply, "This one feels that you have changed inside, Trenton Vinh."
Trent's confused face caused the barabel to continue, "My species are hunters, and I feel the hunter's spirit within you. You are ready to go to war."
Trent nodded his head gravely, "War has been in my life since I was a boy. I am resigned to do what I must. In order to save lives, we sometimes must give our own."
The barabel nodded and her tongue flicked the air twice before replying, "This one feels that there is more to you than meets the eye, Vinh. I hope Master Torre is wrong about you, for I sense wisdom within you."
Trent tilted his head and stated, "There is always more to learn, Master Willnz. I for one, am glad you do not hold a grudge, because a lot happens to a man in six years."
The barabel only nodded.

Trent felt a familiar presence in the Force, and turned to face another turbolift door a moment before it slid open.
Jonathan Rohaeus stepped out of the elevator in the dashing fashion that was typical of a Corellian.
The pilot walked straight to Trenton, a powerful Force-Presence followed him out of the elevator. Trent regarded the man behind Jon for a moment, then looked at Jon as his old ally offered his hand to shake.
"Trenton Vinh. Its been quite some time." Jon said with his timeless grin, "Listen, pal, I know some slimy stuff has happened since the last war, but I want you to know that I've got your back for whatever is coming."
Trent responded with a warm smile, one he didn't offer often, and replied, "Thank you, Jon. I fear that we may be too late by the time we can offer aid to those defending the Marcol Void. But you should know that Aeolan Kicka is leading the defense."
Jon's eyebrows rose and he felt his grin fade. Aeolan was one of Jon's closest friends -- sure, they hadn't seen one another in over a year, but if Aeolan was in danger, than Jon certainly wanted to help out.
"Let's get moving as soon as we can then. I almost thought that we were in the clear now, y'know? I didn't think we would go to war again so soon after the last two..."
Trent nodded his head gravely, "Times of peace will always be shattered by war, let's just hope we can end this one as quickly as possible."
Jon nodded and responded, "Not just hope. We have to make it happen."
Trenton's eyes clouded for a moment, as if Jon's words bothered him. Trent broke eye contact.
In The Force, he felt....something. A strange presence, and a feeling akin to a Force-nudge.
His instincts told him he was getting close to accomplishing his mission. He just had to deal with the Chief of State, then go with the Military forces to the Marcol Void, where he would be able to aid the survivors.

Survivors.

Because even from Coruscant, Trent could feel that some of the men and women in the Marcol Void had already died, and that more would the longer this took.

[Ghev Dralin]

Ghev clasped arms with the last of the Mandalorians that had accompanied him, then slid his helmet back over his head.
"Darasuum kote, ner vode" he said, as the Mandalorians headed for the exits. Eternal glory, my brothers.
He'd taken a private moment to discuss their thoughts on the situation, and the result had been an obvious one. The Mandalorians wished to depart Coruscant and head to the Marcol Void, to assist the people fighting there. Whatever was happening was anyones guess; for all they knew, the resistance in the Void had already collapsed, and the Iskalloni were leaking into GA space as they spoke.
Hopefully that wouldn't be the case.
"Contact the vode at Acherin when you arrive and tell them to begin filtering in reinforcements" he'd instructed; those reinforcements would be badly needed if the Chief of State managed to hold things up any longer.

With a last longing look at his battle-proud brothers and sisters, Ghev entered the turbolift that would take him up to Maarko Dorton's office, and didn't look away until the doors hissed shut between him and the people he was sending to near-certain death.

******

"You're looking rather smug, Senator Lohden. Perhaps you'd like to share your triumph with a fellow... what do we Dromund Kaas people call ourselves? Kaasians?" High Moff Xanven said with an obvious sneer from beneath his respirator.
"We have no official title" Taja Lohden replied curtly, dodging both the implication and the tone. Dromund Kaas had remained a deserted world long after the fall of the Empire, until colonists decided to settle and populate the planet. Funding was obtained from various sources to begin building the planet into a civillisation rather than a husk of marshland, and after the Vong war, was granted a seat in the Galactic Alliance. Some, such as Viktor Xanven and Taja Lohden, had been there from the beginning.
"You must tell me how you do it" Xanven murmered, inspecting Taja curiously, inching closer in a fashion similar to a critic studying a painting.
"Do what?" Taja asked, all innocence and naivety.
"You're as old as me... yet you look so..."
"Youthful? It's a wonder what they can do with cosmetics these days" Taja replied, sharply enough to get the High Moff to back off. "Anyway, what are you doing here? I wasn't under the impression the Empire had an invitation".
"I have a habit of getting my way, Senator, just as you do" Xanven said with a sly wink, then turned into the Chief of State's office waiting area.

******

Kael wished he'd changed into his robes before coming here. Still dressed in his pseudo-smugglers rig from earlier, he had no hood or voluminous cloak with which to conceal himself from the Jedi he was now faced with. It was strange, the way he felt the need to hide, even after deciding to come clean. Perhaps he just wasn't ready to explain himself to the Jedi yet, and even though he knew they deserved no explanation, he'd feel pressured to give them one when they realised who he was.
He let Jon do the talking for now; speaking up would only draw unwanted attention, though he couldn't help but watch Trenton Vinh interact with his recent acquaintance. Of course, he'd heard of Vinh. All Jedi had, his case being so publicised and scandalous to the Order. But he'd never met the man as far as memory recalled, and he'd never imagined he'd be put into a situation where he'd be face-to-face with the man that history had taught should be both revered and feared.
Something spiked in the back of his mind, and he instinctively looked over his shoulder, though he saw nothing but turbolift. It had felt as though someone was brushing him lightly with the Force, probing his senses or perhaps intentionally drawing his awareness; whatever it was, it immediately brought back images of the Senate chamber, and the flash of red hair he was sure he'd seen after feeling that familliar presence.
No, he's dead. I'm imagining things.
Then, as Gani Torre's penetrating gaze met his own, Kael stomached another thought; then again, aren't I supposed to be dead too?

[Trenton Vinh]

"Alright, boys, I get it, you've got to try to make it look like you have some control over the situation that's going on, today." Jon Rohaeus said with a sarcastic grin, a shrug on his shoulders as a pair of burly Security Officers searched him.
There were two dozen people trying to get into the Chief of State's office, some Senators, Jedi, Ghev Dralin arrived as well.
Jon wanted to go shake the man's hand, let him know he was glad to see his old friend was still alive. But the Senate Security Guards we're insisting on frisking Jon because he was a civilian.
The security guards clearly didn't like his mouth, and glared at him as they moved to the next person in need of being searched.
Jon shook his head in annoyance, but before he could speak, the doors to the Chief of State's office opened. That Military Officer -- Lysander Lee, immediately strode in, followed by a rush of bodies. Trenton Vinh, of course, was right on his heels.
The Jedi were stopped at the door by Jon, "Masters. I have some important information for you about the investigation."
Gani Torre kept walking past Jon, muttering, "Not now..."
Soro Willnz followed Jon, brushing by him as lightly as a barabel could. San Xaan took pity on Jon, appearing genuinely interested, "Captain Jonathan Rohaeus," the Kel Dor said with a friendly voice, "This is hardly the time or place I imagine --"
Jon cut him off with an urgent whisper, not wanting to be overheard, "It was Senator Rikter, Sir. We have evidence that shows he facilitated the murder using a mind-altering drug."
San Xaan nodded gravely, "It saddens me to hear this. It may be too late, however. The Jedi are not going to be involved with the Galactic Alliance's
affairs for some time. However, if there is war coming, our Order will not stand idly by."

*****

Lysander Lee took a place as close as possible to the Chief of State's desk, standing at its right side. Maarko Dorton was a mess. He looked tired, ill, worried. He had every reason to be, he had been dodging Lysander's warnings for weeks.
Dorton looked at Lysander sadly, "I was a fool, Lee."
Lee didn't respond, knowing the man would elaborate himself. Lysander wasn't going to console him, the man had been a fool.
"I convinced myself all was well, when I knew everything was going to blow up sooner or later."
Lysander said only, "There may still be time to right your wrongs, sir."
Trenton Vinh wasn't sure why the Chief of State wanted to continue talking about this -- there were lives at stake.
But when he dropped into the seat in front of the Chief of State's desk, the Chief looked him straight in the face and said, "Son, I believe we have something to discuss before rushing off to war."
Ghev Dralin was at Trenton's side now, his gloved hand on the back of Trenton's chair, gripping it tightly. His voice was gravelly and tight, "We need to get going. We can talk in Hyperspace."
Maarko Dorton leaned back in his chair, "I must resign my post. The Senate will not stand for this. I have broken laws, today. But I can make a difference before I step down from my position. And that, is to ensure that those fighting to defend our people are the right ones."
The Jedi were in the room now, as were some Senators. Jon Rohaeus came in with his friend, the presence the man had in the Force was unreadable, but powerful.
Maarko continued on, "The Jedi are no longer in good favor with the Senate after the death of Lance Henrikson. I haven't seen such ire in my entire career..."
Jon Rohaeus, in polite Corellian fashion, interrupted him, "We have evidence that proves the Jedi are innocent in that!"
A few people looked at him with raised eyebrows. A pair of newscams turned to focus on Jon with their lenses. The press were having a field day, the several journalists now in the office looked like they were about to dance from excitement.
The Chief of State said, "I am happy to hear that, but I do not think the Senate will be so quick to believe that. Their position in the future of the Galactic Alliance is unknown as of now."
Jedi Master Gani Torre spoke now, "We will not stand by while war threatens innocents, whether the Senate wishes to oust us or not. We serve the Galactic Alliance, not the Senate."
Now the Chief Of State stood, "I warn you, the next step is the Jedi being outlawed. I don't want that to sound like a threat, because I am not supportive of it, but the Senate means business this time, Master Torre. They may wish to vote on it, especially after the ruckus of today."
Torre glowered, and Trent spoke, "I caused a ruckus because I had to get the attention of the Senate, you would never see me privately."
Maarko Dorton sprang on the topic, "And you broke a dozen laws doing it. You could have been killed. Can still be killed. But I can help you with that."
The room went silent as Maarko Dorton cleared his throat and announced, "With the best interests of the Galactic Alliance at heart, I ask that you defend our galaxy as our first Vindicator. With the Jedi no longer there to make the tough decisions, the Galactic Alliance needs new guardians. The first mission of these new guardians is to aid in the defense of the Marcol Void. The Vindicators will be granted diplomatic immunity until the completion of this mission, after that I will no doubt have a successor, who will see fit as to have you discharged from the Vindicator's and tried for your crimes. Ghev Dralin, I offer you a place as a Vindicator as well. The Galactic Alliance, and I, ignored your people recently. Now that I have seen how foolish I have been, I wish to have you and your people aid our Military Forces in fighting this Iskalloni threat. If it is war, we will have a lot of troops needing intel and strategy on these foreign invaders."

[Ghev Dralin]

Ghev removed his gloved hand from Trenton's shoulder, and held his palm up, drawing the Chief of State into an eventual silence. His helmet was back on, and despite the insistencies of Maarko's security, he was still bristling with weapons, cutting quite the imposing figure among the peace-keepers and politicians.
"Listen up, and listen well, because if I have to repeat this it won't be as friendly" he warned in a low voice. He was tired of talking, tired of politics getting in the way of the action that was needed. "You are lucky I've committed my people to this cause for as long as I have. You're lucky we're not siding with the Iskalloni ourselves, to see payment remanded from the Yuuzhan Vong war. You think the Mandalorians are in this for the good of the Galactic Alliance?" he asked, voice raising with each word.

He was met with stunned silence. Most of the Senators in the room looked at him as if he'd just spewed treason. Slowly, he unclipped his helmet, and hooked it to his belt, looking each and every being in the eye. Then he spat on the fine carpeted floor. Dorton winced a little.
"Spit on your Alliance, and your vindicators, and all of this" he snarled, drawing his tri-edged blade from the inside of his gauntlet. The Senate Guards immediately snapped-to, but before they could advance, Ghev whipped out his side-arm with his free hand and levelled it at them
"Ne shab'rud'ni!" he warned; though the guards didn't understand him, his tone sounded a lot like a man who didn't want to be kriffed with.
"Do you have any idea how much trouble -" one of the Senators began.
"No, and I don't care. Kark the lot of you, I'm taking my forces and doing what's right by us. By Mandalore" he said, pointing at each one in turn with his knife. "If none of you is prepared to defend your own Alliance without asking others to do the dirty work for you, then I suggest you end it quickly for yourselves before the Iskalloni do". He threw the blade point-first into the floor, embedding it in the spot where he'd spat, then turned and left with no word nor backward glance, save for a near-apologetic nod at Trenton and Jon.
Ghev Dralin had to return his people to their former selves. Their days of protecting the GA were long over, and good riddance.

[Trenton Vinh]

The room sat in a hushed, stunned silence.
The security forces scrambled off to ensure the Mandalorians would be leaving peacefully, and Trenton began to rise to his feet, not planning on being left behind with the vultures.
But Lysander Lee spoke, putting a hand up to give Trenton pause.
"You can come with my fleet, son. If you accept this position was a Vindicator, you won't need to worry about your criminal charges."
Trent frowned. Something about it seemed strange to him. Why did Maarko Dorton want him as a Vindicator? The Jedi certainly didn't seem to like the idea of it, Gani Torre's sharp gaze drilled into the back of Trenton's head.
Dorton gave a soft shrug, "You would not be linked to the Military chain of command, but instead will be a different chain altogether. One that supports and is supported by the Galactic Alliance and its naval forces."
Trent remembered his days as a General during the wars. Sending men and women to their deaths carried a heavy burden.
He looked at the door that Ghev Dralin had left through moments before and now wished he had left with the man.
"Alright. I'll accept the mission, and the status that goes along with it." Trent replied.

He felt a strange stirring in The Force, and it diverted his attention for a moment. The three Jedi all stirred as well, and Trent knew he wasn't the only one who had felt it.
Dorton, more perceptive than he appeared, asked, "Do you feel something in The Force?"
Trent merely nodded his head. He would have to meditate on the elusive feeling, when he had the chance. Now was the time for action.
Lysander Lee felt the same way, cause he said "Let's get to the Marcol Void."

[Isaac]

With everyone talking of making preparations to leave for the Marcol Void, Senator Lohden decided she should seize the initiative while emotions were still running high.
"Chief of State, surely you're not going to allow Trenton Vinh and Lysander Lee to attempt this task unsupported?" she asked, rising to her feet, much to the surprise of many other Senators. She'd been quite vocal in the Senate about opposing any potential war, and now here she was asking that they sanction even more forces to be deployed to stave off the Iskalloni.

"Senator, what would you have me commit to this effort? The Galactic Alliance has limited..."
"Commit everything" Senator Lohden interrupted. "Every cruiser, frigate and fighter we can spare. If this threat is as serious as Master Vinh and his Mandalorian associates would have us believe, then we need to stop it now" she insisted. "We no longer have the backing of the Mandalorians, we need to make up the numbers they'd have occupied" she reminded him, with veiled delight. The worse she could make Dorton look, the more likely it would be that the Senate would vote him out before he had chance to step down gracefully.
"We can't leave our worlds defenseless" Dorton said, the worry-lines around his eyes seeming to stretch further. "What you're proposing..."
"Is the only way to ensure our worlds don't need defending" someone interrupted. High Moff Xanven had stood and joined Senator Lohden. Thus far, the grizzled Imperial Head of State had remained uncharacteristically silent, contemplating events as they unfolded. "The Imperial Remnant still has a sizeable naval presence" he pointed out.
"Again you press for independance?" Dorton sighed. He was losing his nerve again. "You yourself agreed that the Imperial Navy should serve as auxillary to the GA defenses" Dorton snapped. The presence of the press in the room seemed to have been forgotten by the Chief of State, despite their excited chatter in not-so-hushed tones.
"You are correct, Chief, however you mistake my intent" Xanven replied, folding his gloved hands behind his back and pacing before the seated Senators and guests.
"Is that so?" Maarko asked. "Then why have I received reports of the departure of the I.S.D Progenitor from Coruscant space?"
"That departure wasn't commanded, and the officers in question will be reprimanded accordingly" Xanven assured the Chief. "If they survive" he added. "But no, what I propose is that you use the Imperial navy to defend the core worlds while the Galactic Alliance sends its forces to the Marcol Void".
"I'm listening" Dorton said, leaning back in his chair, the look of resignation disappearing from his face.
"While Senator Lohden and I don't see eye to eye, I must admit I agree with what she is saying on this matter. There is no point procrastinating; if we're to stave off the threat, we must do so decisively. Leave no room for error. A display of force which will end the oncoming invasion and deter any future attempts" he suggested, gesticulating with what appeared to be excitement at the prospect.

Unexpectedly, another figure who'd remained quiet for the duration stepped in.
"Chief, you know as we all do that in times of crisis, you can authorise these actions" the young man said, avoiding eye contact with any of the Jedi in the room. "I won't pretend to know much about naval actions, my forté was always a lot more... well, grounded" he admitted.
"From what thiz one rememberz, Kael Serasai waz not too bad at flying, either" said Master Soro Willnz, in a surprisingly soft tone. Kael faltered for a moment, looking in her direction for the briefest of seconds, then turned away and sat back down next to Jon.
"Y'know, I'm not sure what's going on between you and the Jedi..." Jon began in a hushed voice.
"Nothing. Nothing's going on, not anymore" Kael replied quietly. "We need to get this finished, and fast. I feel death" he added, gazing off into the distance.

[Trenton Vinh]

Griegorey Rikter stormed into the room, his eyes afire with a politician's rage -- polite exterior, but wanting to scream on the inside.
Slamming a fist violently upon the Chief of State's desk, he bellowed, "How dare you allow a treasonous murderer and exile have influence over our Naval Forces!?"
His glare was directed at the Chief of State, who looked about ready to pass out or jump out the nearest open window. He raised a fist threateningly, but Jedi Master Gani Torre was suddenly at his side, a hand gently placed upon Rikter's shoulder.
The physical contact was gentle, but transmitted powerful Force Influence when Gani Torre's brooding tone uttered the words, "Be calm. I will not allow you to carry on so immaturely."
Gani Torre had taught hundreds of Jedi Children, disciplining an unruly student was not something he was a stranger to.
But Greigorey Rikter was not one to be condescended, whether or not he was surrounded by a half dozen people capable of killing him without a moments hesitation.
Jonathan Rohaeus, who had sprung to his feet and reached to the blaster holster on his belt, found himself frowning at an empty palm; his blaster had been confiscated earlier.
Instead he withdrew the Beskad sword from his boot, and slammed it into the Chief of State's desk, blade first, burying it halfway in without much effort.
Jon found himself only vaguely surprised by how dramatic the gesture had appeared, so he pounced on the attention he now had.
"Rikter, you slimeball! You're under arrest for aiding and facilitating the activities of a Dark Jedi whose actions led to the assassination of Lance Henrikson!"
Rikter stared at him open-mouthed for a moment, then he bolted.
He literally sprinted out of the Chief of State's office. Jon took a moment to grip the handle of the Beskad and give it a tug. He lost his grip and toppled over, but got back up and pulled on it once more. This time it came free, and by the time he was out the door of the Office, one the turbolift doors were closing, with Rikter inside.
Jon didn't even look to see if anyone else was pursuing the head of the IAC, instead he just sprinted towards the stairwell, chasing the son-of-a-hutt that had nearly gotten him killed twice in the last twenty-four hours.