Dark flame

"The light shines in the darkness, and the dark can never extinguish it"

An Alternate Old Republic Star Wars story

Rated M

"They've escaped, Master. You've failed." Malgus said with distaste as he stood above his wounded Master.

"No, Malgus." Vindican replied in a hoarse voice. "This is only the beginning!"

"Yes." Malgus replied gazing out the immense window of the space station. "After a thousand years, Korriban is ours again."

Then he swiftly ignited his weapon and as he was ready to strike his Master down, with a malicious voice he added.

"Welcome home."

After decapitating Vindican, Malgus gazed out the window again to bask his eyes in the beauty of the Sith world. The extreme satisfaction he felt at the moment was overwhelming. Finally we have returned, he thought with a grin as he looked down on his Master's dead body.

He felt no compassion whatsoever for Vindican. Yes, he was his Master and he respected him, but he was not as strong as Malgus wanted him to be. You got outwitted by a wretched Jedi, he thought sourly gazing at his severed head.

Then his attention turned to the female Jedi padawan who was lying face down on the smooth polished floor not far from them.

Standing above her, he nudged his boot against her arm. He sensed that she was still alive. Her aura had a strong presence around her. Remarkably powerful, he thought as he squatted down beside her.

"What should I do with you?" He murmured as his eyes roamed over her sleek body.

For a split second he wanted nothing more but to stab her through the back and end her miserable Jedi life. However, something inside stopped him. There was this strange nudging feeling that he couldn't get rid of. This specific feeling grew stronger as he kept looking at her.

I think I know what I'm going to do with you, he thought with a sly grin, as he placed his hands beneath her body and picked her up into his arms.

She was light as a feather, he thought shifting her in his arms. As her head rested against his chest plate, he watched her young, comely face for a few seconds and then he walked back to his ship.

After stepping into the ship, he placed her body down into one of the co-pilot seats and then he went back to collect the lightsabers. Upon returning, he noticed she was still sleeping. Taking the pilot's seat, he lifted the Interceptor off the ground, and left the ruined space station.

While maneuvering the ship away from the station, he gave orders to one of the Imperial battlecruisers.

"Captain." His voice boomed over the intercom. "Destroy it."

A deep voice replied.

"Where is Lord Vindican?"

"He is dead." Malgus said. "Killed by a Jedi."

There was a momentary silence on the other line. Then the voice said.

"Yes, Lord Malgus, as you wish."

From his ship with a satisfied grin, Malgus watched as one of the battlecruisers slowly rotated toward the station and then within seconds, the huge space station was blown into million pieces.

Turning toward the Imperial battlecruiser, he swiftly approached it and then he smoothly landed inside the immense hangar, occupied with many soldiers and other, smaller ships of the Empire.

Getting up from his seat, he picked her up, opened the hatch, and with her in his arms, stepped off the ship.

One of his Captains accompanied by soldiers swiftly approached him. With a concerned expression, he looked at Malgus and then his eyes traveled to the unconscious Satele. With a frown, he asked.

"My Lord, who is this woman?"

"She is my prisoner." He replied with a clipped tone.

Then before the Captain could ask another question, Malgus spoke.

"Did you track down the smuggler's ship?"

"Yes, I put my men on the task." The Captain replied. Then he added as he looked at the sleeping Satele. "We have to be prepared. They will bring more back with them."

"Let them come." Malgus replied as he walked past him. "No more hiding, Captain."

Catching up to him, the Captain asked again, keeping his pace up with Malgus's long strides.

"Should I take her to the lower levels?"

For a split second, Malgus thought about taking her to his chamber, however, that would have raised many unwanted questions and he didn't want that to happen, not now, he thought sourly.

"I'll take her." He replied as he reached the elevator that took him down to the belly of the ship.

Reaching the lower level, he stepped out of the elevator and into a dimly lit, narrow, metal corridor lined with numerous doors either side of its walls.

Stopping in front of door 104D, he instructed one of the soldiers, who stood guard nearby, to open the door.

After he opened the door, Malgus asked him to stay outside and then he walked into the small, rectangular room and placed Satele on the bed.

A small, sigh left her parted lips, as he settled her down on the bed.

Standing above her, he watched her sleeping form. She looks young, he thought as he looked at her face, maybe a few years younger than I?

Her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight, small ponytail at the back of her head, and her bangs hung low into her pale, rounded face, covering one of her almond shaped eyes.

Those piercing blue eyes, he thought with slight amusement. She was not a bad fighter, but she is not better than me, he thought as his eyes traveled lower on her svelte body.

Her ample chest slowly rose with each shallow breath she took, and her delicate hands casually lay across her flat abdomen, covering up her wide leather belt. Then his eyes traveled lower to her long, lean legs that were covered up to her mid thigh with high leather boots adorned with metal knee plates.

Quickly, he tore his gaze away from her body. And then he turned around and stepped out of the prison cell.

"Make sure you report to me as soon as she wakes up."

"Yes my Lord." The soldier replied, and then he stood in front of Satele's cell, guarding the door.

Swiftly, Malgus walked away and stepped into the elevator to go upstairs to the control room.

He didn't want to think about the Jedi girl. She felt like a distraction for him at the moment, and he needed to collect his thoughts and get on with the mission.

Korriban is ours again, and no one will stop us now, he thought with excitement as he stepped out of the elevator and into the ship's control room.

After instructing the crew, he retired to his chamber. He needed to get out of his armor and take a shower. His body felt sore from the fight. He needed to relax and meditate before he set to foot on Korriban.

While taking a shower, his thoughts went to the many possibilities that can happen from now. The sensation he felt at the moment was exhilarating. He hoped that the Dark council would allow him to use any means necessary to win this war. He was aware that even Vindican had clashed with the council on many occasions, which angered his Master when his requests were denied. However, times changed and I will make them listen, he thought with determination as he washed the soap off his body.

Master! Satele's mind screamed with agony as she opened her eyes and sprung up. Frantically, she looked around and noticed that she was in an unfamiliar, small room. As she tried to stand up, she quickly slumped back onto the bed. Her head felt like it was on fire and her mouth felt extremely dry. As she licked her parched lips, carefully she stood up and walked to the door to place her ear against it. She couldn't hear anything, but she sensed someone standing outside.

Stepping back, she swiftly looked around to measure up the room. There was no window, and no attached refresher. This must be a temporary holding cell, she thought anxiously.

Then her thoughts went to her Master and suddenly her heart ached with great pain. She knew he was dead, killed by the ruthless Sith. Sitting down on the bed, she buried her face into her trembling hands and then she let out a shaky, frustrated sigh.

She had to calm herself down, because the anger she started to feel bubbling up inside her made her feel scared. No! She thought panicky, I can't let this happen.

Steadily breathing in and out, she gradually relaxed her body and soul.

When her mind was clear again, she started to think about her unfortunate situation.

She had no idea why she was here. She didn't want to think about why those two left her alive.

She knew soon, someone would come in to collect her to take her to their leader. She was definitely not looking forward to it. She had learned from the Jedi academy that when the Sith tried to get information out of their opponents, they always used torture.

Remembering seeing some of the pictures of the brutalized victims sent a shiver down her spine. Quickly, she tore her thoughts off this awful memory and tried to concentrate on something else.

Her mind took her back to the fight on the space station. The last thing she remember was getting hit by a powerful Force lightning from one of the Sith and then everything went black.

I'm such a fool; she blamed herself thinking about her reckless action. If I had been stronger, my Master would be still alive, she thought feeling despondent.

After a few minutes of brooding, she heard someone talking outside her cell.

"See if she is awake." A man's voice drifted through the metal door.

Then she heard another voice. "General Malgus wants to question her."

General Malgus? Satele asked preparing herself for whatever was coming her way. As the door opened, she noticed five soldiers entering the cell in dark uniforms with weapons ready. From the Force spikes, her eyes traveled to one of the soldiers who stood the closest to her.

His dark, taut face showed no emotions as he held his hands out and with a calm voice, he said.

"Place your hands up front."

Looking at the handcuffs in his hands made Satele swallow hard.

Reluctantly, she placed her arms in front of her allowing the soldier to place them on her wrist.

Then, the soldier placed his hand on her elbow, and gently pushed her toward the door.

"This way." He said guiding her through the narrow corridor toward the elevator.

"Where are you taking me?" Satele asked as they all stepped inside the elevator.

"To the General." The soldier replied.

His cold demeanor gave Satele a sign that he was not a chatty person. She wanted to ask more questions, but she sensed that he wasn't going to reply.

Quietly, they made their way up to the main bridge.

As the elevator door opened, Satele found herself stepping into a completely different world to what she was used to. The sleek, dark floor made a squishy sound beneath her boots, as she was escorted toward a tall person who was in discussion with another high ranking officer, standing in front of an immense window.

While she was escorted toward the man, she looked around to see the dark uniformed soldiers diligently attending to their duty. Very few bothered to look her way as she walked the bridge.

Malgus's back was to them, but when they got closer, he turned around.

To her amazement, it was the same Sith that she had fought on the station.

"Leave us." Malgus ordered the soldiers. Then he stepped closer to Satele and while his burning gaze penetrated into hers, he said.

"We haven't introduced ourselves properly."

Staying quiet, Satele looked at him with intensity as he slowly paced in front of her.

Then he spoke up again.

"I am a General of the Sith Empire. You will address me as Lord Malgus." Then he added while he slowly walked around her.

"From now you will be kept here until I decide your fate…. Jedi."

His last word was emphasized with distaste; Satele noticed, eyeing the dark lord in front of her.

His young face looked calm and composed but she knew better. She could sense the disruption in his mind every time he looked at her. He is unsure of what to do with me, she thought.

"What is your name?" He asked.

Even though he already knew who she was, he wanted to see if she would comply. While she was out, he looked into her file and found out something very interesting, something that could play very well into his plans.

For a few seconds, Satele didn't reply. She didn't want to play this game, however, she knew sooner or later they will make her talk.

"Satele Shan." She said.

A small grin appeared on his face and then he motioned her to follow him to the window.

In front of them within the darkness of space glowed planet Korriban with its deep orange hue.

While Satele anxiously gazed out the window, he stood beside her and as he also looked at the planet, he said.

"I want you to come with me."

With a concerned face she turned his way. Looking up to his rugged features for a second she was in confusion. Then his eyes found hers and as he stepped closer, he leaned down and while his face was only inches of hers, amusingly he said.

"I want to show you something that might change your honorable Jedi beliefs."

"What are you talking about?" Satele inquired, not understanding what he meant.

Straightening up, he gestured her to follow him.

When they reached the hangar, his ship was already prepared for the trip.

After getting in, he placed her in the co-pilot seat. Standing above her, he looked down and in a serious tone he said.

"If you try anything unwise, I will not hesitate to punish you. Do you understand?"

Looking up to his face, Satele felt the anger coming over her again.

This man, with his smug look was an upsetting sight to see. She wanted to get out of her seat and kill this monster, but she knew better. She was in no position to do that. Also, he proved to be a better fighter than she was and that thought pissed her off even more.

Swallowing hard, she took a deep breath and then she asked.

"Did you kill him?"

For a split second, he wanted to tell her yes. However, if he did that, his plan for her would diminish as soon as he said those words. He was certain that with time, she could become more than what she is now. He saw tremendous potential within her and Malgus didn't want to lose this opportunity.

"No." He replied. "My Master did."

Looking into his eyes, she tried to search for the truth. However, his face looked like a stone statue. She couldn't tell if he was telling her the truth or not.

"And where is your Master now?" She inquired, pulling up one of her dark eyebrows.

Without hesitation, he coldly replied.

"I killed him."

His answer gave her a sudden, cold shiver that rushed through her whole body with an unpleasant sensation. Although, she was happy to hear that his Master was no more, she couldn't believe how he could have done that. To turn against your own Master was an unspeakable crime. She didn't understand why, but it was not her place or the right time to question his motives.

Then she said.

"I promise, I won't do anything reckless."

"Good." He replied and then he sat in the pilot seat and lifted the ship off the ground.

Within minutes they entered the atmosphere of Korriban. While the Interceptor slightly trembled beneath them, Satele's mind was in great turmoil.

She didn't understand what was going on. She thought that by now she would have been confined again and be tortured, but that's not what happened. It might happen later, she thought disheartened, watching the back of Malgus's head.

After a few minutes, he smoothly landed the ship on the outskirts of an ancient, ruined city.

Walking up to her, he grabbed hold of her handcuffs and as he pulled her up from the seat, with a low growl he said.

"These will stay on, until I say so."

With a smirk, she looked at him and asked.

"Are you afraid of me?"

He cracked a small smile and then mockingly, he said.

"Very much."

Then before she could reply, he pulled her along with him toward the exit.

As they stepped off the ship, Malgus's heart swelled with pride. He was home at last, and this realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Finally, after all this time, his people will regain control over this special planet that once was a thriving Sith Empire of the galaxy.

The rough, sandy ground loudly crunched beneath his boots as he took another step forward.

Then he took a deep breath in, savoring the cool early morning air. It was still dark, but as he scanned his eyes over the terrain, he was still able to make out the ruins of the grandiose valley.

Turning around, he looked at her astonished face and then he gestured her to keep up with him.

Satele was amazed by the view.

Although she spent some time orbiting the planet, she never had the chance or the desire to set foot on its surface. Through the academy, she learned that this planet was extremely strong with the Dark side of the Force and also cursed as well.

As she trailed behind Malgus, she anxiously looked around.

The tall, massive supports of the ruined buildings were still visible, as they stood erect, withstanding the endless time. There was an extremely strong sensation of the Force itself within the place. To her it felt like this amazing entity was slowly crawling beneath her skin and seeping into her whole being, making her shiver and shake.

Instinctively, she wanted to rub her arms, but the handcuffs prevented her to do so.

Then Malgus walked up to one of the stone pillars and after taking his gloves off, he reached out and touched it, feeling its cold, rough surface beneath his fingertips.

Then he spoke up. His deep voice echoed off the nearby buildings.

"This is the Valley of the Dark Lords."

Then he turned her way and while his eyes lit up with an evil glee he said to her.

"Your ancestor, Revan once walked down this valley. Did you know that?"

With a confused expression, she looked at him and asked.

"Why did you say that?"

Stepping closer, he slowly lifted up his hand and as his knuckles lightly brushed against her face, he said.

"Remember where you came from…. Satele Shan."

Recoiling from his touch, she stepped back and through gritted teeth, she said.

"I will not become him."

Then with a firm tone, she continued.

"I will defy everything and anything that you want to offer me. I will not become your puppet for your amusement." Then with anger she added. "I can see through your scheme Lord Malgus."

Her attitude didn't faze him. On the contrary, he was amused by her passionate outburst which awoke something deep within him.

"Are you going to defy who you really are?" He asked searching her eyes.

"I would defy everything that he was." She replied firmly.

"You see." He said. "You and I are not so different. For some reason the Force brought us together to walk the same path that our ancestors had once walked. I know you can feel it too. Don't deny it."

"You are delusional." She replied with distaste in her voice. However, there was a small, persisting voice in the back of her head telling her to open her mind and let her true feelings come through. Suddenly, a memory invaded her thoughts. This memory was her mother's sad face. The mother who secretly gave birth to her, then had to abandon her due to the Republic and the Jedi order, because they did not agree with her visions of attachments and family life.

Then the memory changed and she saw an older herself giving birth to a child and abandoning him to his fate. No! She desperately thought. I will not do that.

Then suddenly thousands of whispering voices enveloped her dazed head.

They all whispered the same thing.

Liars, bigots, killers, lovers, heresy, impetuous.

Cradling her head, she closed her eyes and tried to drive out the invading voices that were getting louder and louder as the seconds passed by.

"Get me out of here." She yelled at Malgus. "GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

Her agonized scream bounced off the ruins as she fell to her knees and wept like a child. Then everything went dark again.

Malgus was aware of what was happening to her. He felt it through the Force. This immense power was palpable. It engulfed the area around them, slowly snuffing out her strong aura. He hoped that once she wakes up, she would see things in a different perspective. Her mind was still young and pliable; her faith was not sealed yet.

Sitting down on top of a broken pillar, he watched her with interest, while he calmly listened to the many whispering voices in his head. Instead of fighting them, he embraced them and drew more strength from them to help him see clearer.

Lying on the cold, hard ground, behind closed eyelids, Satele's eyes twitched and rapidly moved as she dreamed a dream of a way that might change not only her future, but the future of the galaxy as well.

To be continued...