His ships came in in perfect timing, just as they would have the day they graduated from the Academy. His TIE Shadows flew in perfect squad formation, 3 groups of three per squadron. And he expected no less. These were some of the best pilots TRE had, in the best ships, he had designed them, and they were commanded by the best fighter tacitian in the Empire. As soon as the final ship of his task force completed its jump, Dakkon had recieved calls for orders from each of his ships.

"Carrack screen group, take up positions in an anti fighter screen in front of our other Capital Ships, but i remind you to stay in defensive and static positions. Launch the Intuitions TIE Shadows. Have them move out and reconuitre the system, but advise them to avoid trouble. Free standing Shadows, you are being designated 'Skipper'. Skippers are to remain in flank station. 2 squads per Cruiser, move up into defensive position ahead of the main taskforce. And stay alert."

Dakkon relaxed. He had a powerful taskforce, and his entire fleet, the Formidable Abyss Fleet, with HIS flagship the Death's Hand, awaiting the call for reinforcement at Sluis Van, a short 20 minute Hyper away. Flexing his fingers around the armrests of his chair, Dakkon expected to feel the specially modified control buttons that were installed on the Death's Hand, his ship, but alas no. He had to do it all manually.

"Midshipman Orsk? Bring up my personal tacital HUD."

Instantly the display popped up. His force was in perfect position as if awaiting a drill inspection from the Emperor Himself. Tags marked out where his free flying skippers should be, there cloaking uncompromised, as it would always remain. He had no idea where the Intuitions Shadows were, but he knew they were waiting for someone to make a false move.



SHIP MANIFEST
******************************************

Allegiance-Class Super Star Destroyer Intuition
Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Vector Prime
Escort-Class Carrier Saratoga
Escort-Class Carrier Pursuiant
Lancer-Class Frigate Daunting Shadow
Lancer-Class Frigate Anari
Lancer-Class Frigate Shadow Blade
36 TIE Defenders- Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Vector Prime
36 Assault Gunboats- Imperial-Class Mark II Star Destroyer Vector Prime
108 TIE Skippers- Allegiance-Class Super Star Destroyer Intuition
72 TIE Advanced- Escort-Class Carrier Saratoga
72 Missile Boats- Escort-Class Carrier Pursuiant
216 Free Flying TIE Shadows

The Lambda Shuttle rocked gently as it broke through the atmosphere of Clak'Dor V. Arai's dark eyes watched through the viewport as the ship made its way through the clouds and to the pre-designated landing site.

She rose from her seat the instant the shuttle touched down on the soil, moving quickly to the hatch as the pilot began to lower the ramp. The stale, recycled air inside the ship was quickly replaced with the crips air of the planet as the hatch was unsealed, and she stepped out into the tropical breeze.

Her face cold, emotionless, she quickly scanned the immediate area. Behind her she could hear the heavy foot-fall of the Stormtroopers descing the ramp. She spun around, her loose fitting skirt twiring with the movement.

" You two-" She pointed at the first two troopers to exited the ship - " Take up point, you two will bring up the rear, and you will stay with ship. Open comms at all times, eyes open for any trouble. Am I clear?"

The five troopers nodded once and scrambled into position.

Immediately behind the troopers came the regally armored PeFauna synonymous with the Empire. Each one took a position on either side of the ramp, and slowly Arai approached the man now descening from the ship.

She bowed her head respectfully. " We are ready when you are, My Lord."

Without a word, Emperor Fearsons stepped away from the shuttle. The troopers accompanying the emperor took up their posistions, one of the deadly PeFauna's marching protectively infront of the Emperor.

Arai fell into line just behind and to the right of her Lord, her eyes taking in every detail of their surroundings. Even with the last Royal Guard behind her, she found some minor comfort as her hand gripped the blaster riffle strapped over her shoulder.

Descending down the ramp of his Lambda Shuttle dubbed Martalk, the emperor's gaze was cast onto his young apprentice, whom was working voraciously to please her master, and that won her a grin. Trailing his eyes from her, he then focused on the pitch black soldier ahead of him, yet another PeFauna. Their robes swayed briskly in the biased wind, exquisitley displaying their ceremonial armor.

The planet of Clak'Dor V did not have a history in the slightest...or not at least to the naked eye. Bordering Clak'Dor VII, homeworld to the Bith, it was more often than not overlooked as a "minor planet". However, to one such as Master Fearsons, whom had sought out the ultimate balance in the galaxy, Clak'Dor V shown like a glowing beacon in the dark, cold sea. Few the temples wee, and difficult to find was the history of the Shadow Jedi. However, the Shadow Jedi Knight was intent on finding it.

Being the resting place of N'mar Beldehrad, a great Shadow Jedi Warrior whom had met his end after being betray4ed by the Bith and his Twi'lek bodyguard, the emperor was fascinated. With so far two of his apprentices joining him, the location of the tomb would not be secret for long.

Gently he thumbed the long bulk of his lightsaber, sniffing at the air as if a dog narrowing out a scent. After a moment or two of near silence and no movement, Fearsons broke the course by stepping forward toward the town. The PeFauna guarsmen stepped forth on step, prudently keeping their questions to themselves.

Surprisingly enough, there was no confrontation from anyone, or thing en route to M'Dktar, a city focused entirely around its mining industry. Checking from left to right at the other Rogue Imeprials around him, Fearsons briskly emerged within the city. Surprisingly still, no one seemed to care for the beautiful sight of the Shadow Jedi emperor or his escort.

"This is just an ill-civilized city is all my lord, they woul dnot recognized Lord Vader himself ," one of the stormtroopers lurched forward and assured to his leader. Fearsons smiled and waved the white clad soldier off. His scarlet eyes cast up to the purplish night that provided Clak'Dor V's nocturnal encumberance, with all its radiating beauty.

"Come now Lieutenant, I need this little break, a brief session in secretive casual life will do me well."

"Of course, my liege."






Both Fearsons and Arai had insisted, though against their squad's judgement, to leave the PeFauna at the inn, as well as their white stormtrooper gear in the inn. And with thus, the seven persons made into the musky smelling bar across the street from their hotel.

There were no greetings, no hellos, the most welcome to the coterie was a brush against the shoulder of an outgoing Gamorrean. The piggish creature turnd a snort on the group, and exitted.

Fearsons was the first to make for the bar, shrugging right past Arai, and offering a welcoming and warming smile to the bartender. Unfortunately, the watier was not so curteous, and he merely turned his back to the dignified leader. Arai made forward with her typical aggressiveness, but her master's warm hand on her shoulder stopped her immediately.

"Master, he defied your authority," she demanded quietly, obviously her mind had been made already, whether a debate were to be made or not. Yet she suddenly felt a surge of the Force, and then leterally felt his words, not heard.

It is alright Arai Heishi, he did not know. Use the Force...relax, it is okay.

His soothing, father-like words calmed her, and she turned toward one of the many tables the tavern had to offer. What seemed to catch her eye rather was the band...they were not the bulb-headed Bith one had come accustomed to as practically uniform for taverns. Rather, they were strange, furry creatures, creating music with only their fingers and mouths, yet it was greater than any Bith tune heard before. And their dancing...oh their dancing was magnificent beyond recognition!

Dakkon strode back into the bridge in his combat gear, with him Kashlinkov and the rest of Mageta Squadron, Abyss Fleets elite warriors.

"Sir? Emperor Fearsons has landed on the planets surface. I believe he is awaiting your arrival. I have had your Sentinal Shuttle prepared for immediate takeoff and 3 TIE Shadows from skipper group as your escort."

The Fleet Admiral smiled. His men were the best in the Empire. And he knew the Commodore was more than ready for a major promotion and his first fleet command.

"Excellent Commodore, you have the helm."

Minutes later, Dakkon was blasting towards the planets surface.

**********************************************

As his sentinal landed, Magenta squadron fanned out into a defensive formation. As Captain Kaslinkov brought Dakkon down, the Fleet Admiral grabbed out his comlink.

"Emperor Fearsons? I am tracking in on your position. My unit will be there soon."

Placing his communicator away, the unit moved off without a sound.

She found herself fixated with the dancing and music of the band, but pulled her eyes away from the spectacle when she heard someone approaching. The Emperor stood just behind her, a smile on his face. " They are quite amazing, aren’t they?"

She shrugged nonchalantly, turning completely to face him. She held the blaster riffle against her torso, her eyes scanning the patrons of the bar. " Perhaps we should find a table, My Lord."

Fearsons nodded, his eyes showing his disappointment. There had been other such occasions where he thought she would have opened up, to let down her guard, but like before she kept everything closed. Even around the him, her Lord, she kept to herself.

There was a booth along one of the walls that was vacant and they wove their way through the crowd to it. The plain-clothed stormtrooper saw the direction they were heading and met them at the table. Fearsons slid in first, a trooper on either side of him. The other two moved to do likewise when Arai stopped them.

" Detalt, take the left. Moreaovr, take the center. I’ll take the right. Make note of anyone that may cause us trouble while we’re here." They nodded silently, hands resting on their blasters as they followed her orders.

" Arai," Fearsons voice was stern, " We are not here to make a scene. Sit down, relax."

She glanced over her shoulder at the Emperor. " Forgive me, My Lord, but you would not have brought me along if you had wanted me to relax."

Blaster riffle held tightly in hand, she moved out to the right of the booth and into the crowd.

As he moved into the clearing in which the Emperor's signal was shown, Dakkon was surprised. He saw a small backwater tavern, a place to relax. Why then, he wondered, had his Master insisted on his bringing such a powerful taskforce... Only one way to find out.

Walking into the bar, Dakkon sensed the aura's of his Master and another Apprentice. He walked over, Magenta squad in civillian combat clothing, much like bounty hunters, stationed themselves in relaxed but ready strategic positions around the bar.

"Greetings Master. The Fleet is ready and awaiting my next order, so are you going to enlighten me?"

So maybe she was little up-tight, but she had good reasons too be. Arai had agreed that the PeFauna and stormtroopers would have brought too much unwanted attention to the group, but that didn’t mean she was going to let down her guard. She had learned that lesson the hard way on Tholatin.

She wasn’t going to make that mistake when the Emperor’s life was at risk.

She was half-way across the bar when, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the Arcona approaching the Emperor’s table. She started to bring the riffle up to take aim when she recognized him as another of Fearsons students.

A deep voice chuckled behind her. " Now what is a little girl like you doing with such a big toy?"

Trying to ignore the snide comment, she continued her sweep of the bar. She only got a few steps when a meaty hand latched onto her arm. " I was talking to you, girlie."

Taking a deep breath in attempts to calm herself, she turned to the rather large man holding her arm. " You would be well advised to release my arm, Sir."

He chuckled again, his flab of a gut rippling as he did so. " And if I don’t?"

Arai spun her blaster around, bringing the butt of the weapon down on the man’s knee. The kneecap snapped loudly as it dislocated. The man’s eyes watered and went wide, and he screamed. He released her arm to clutch his knee as he crumbled to the floor.

She allowed herself a moment of satisfaction, but only a moment. Even across the now silent bar room she could feel the Emperors disappointment and anger.

And it was directed at her.

A stern gaze on Arai seemed to end her cockiness right in its tracks, and she slowly sunk into her chair across from him. His arms traced over his chest and folded, his scarlet eyes being half covered by his tanned eyelids.

"You know I am disappointed in you, don't you Arai?" he said, keeping his eyes focused directly on her. His burning disappointment tore into her, and she felt the full brunt of it.

"Yes Master Fearsons," she said, keeping her head hung low in shame. Her eyes followed a specklet of water tracing down the edge of the table, trying to focus on that rather than her master's harsh tone.

"Have you forgotten everything I've taught you in the Force?"

"N-No my Master," she said, hoping only to get him to shut up quickly.

"That man...you did not need to go and break his leg...a simple slap, or even throwing him across the room would have sufficed. We have been given a power beyond all recognition, and it <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> cannot<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> be misused. That leads to the Dark Side, and once you fall...you cannot come back."

She'd heard this lecture a thousand times, and yet he never changed a word of it. It was like he enjoyed drilling her, and she was forced to grit her teeth at his harsh words.

"Well we don't have enough time here to simply lather around about your actions, you learn more on the field. I have learned from some localers while you were out with your boyfriend of a tomb about twenty miles from here. No one has ever come back alive from there, so that must be our target."

Removing his mask, he turned to Arai.

"As you can see Arai, i am no Arcona. Although i am not entirely human, you will see that outwardly i am."

Dakkon turned to his master.

"Well then Master, shall we prepare to move off?"

" My apologies, Mr. Blackblade." Arai nodded solemnly.

He offered her a small smile, trying to relieve some of the tention in the air.

" Well then Master, shall we prepare to move off?"

Fearsons looked at her another moment before turning his gaze to the other apprentice. "We're going to wait here and load off for a bit, when Arai gives the okay...we'll be off to explore this tomb."

She blinked a few times, digesting what she just heard, and snapped her head up. " My Lord?!"

" Is there a problem, Arai?" Fearsons’ crimson eyes locked with her own. " Did you not understand my order?"

Her blood began to boil. Choking back the emotions she rose abruptly from her chair, knocking it from its legs. " Of course not, My Lord." Spinning on her heals she stormed out of the bar.

*****


The rented speeder sped due east across the fields, it’s passenger seething with every passing kilometer. The further she got from M'Dktar, the more relieved she was to be away from her Master’s watchful eye. He questioned every action she made, and the motivation beneath those actions.

As she approached the twenty kilometer point beyond the city, she slowed the speeder. She should be able to see the tomb now, according to what Fearsons had been told, and sure enough she could see the pyramid’s tip piercing the canopy of trees just ahead. Pulling back on the throttle, she stopped the speeder just shy of the tree line. The lights on the speeder pointed into the trees, providing her enough light to see the tomb’s silhouette less than a hundred meters beyond.

Dropping to the moist ground she activated the light she held in her hand. A wave of panic washed over her, and she found herself wanting to turn back around and get off the planet. But she had disappoint her Master too often of late, and would not do it again.

Swallowing her sudden fear, she stepped into the trees and started toward the tomb.