Grand Admiral

Nine years, nine months, and twenty-one days after the Battle of Yavin...

Or forty-four years, nine months, and twenty-one days since the Great ReSynchronization.

(Five months and six days since the transition).

The chronometer ticked midnight in Coruscant time, but in my cabin aboard the *Chimaera*, dimness was the natural state of the artificial lighting.

It is easier to see—Chiss physiology prioritizes harmony in daily life above all else.

The bright illumination humans prefer quickly fatigues the eyes, sometimes leading to migraines.

One might draw an ironic parallel to Darth Vader, who could only find true comfort in his meditation chamber aboard the *Executor*.

Physical training allowed me to temporarily free my mind from current events. Thus, it became part of my routine, the only worthwhile pastime aside from work.

However, soon everything will return to its usual course.

Twenty minutes until we exit hyperspace and commence another unscheduled operation.

A couple of minutes for refreshment after a brief workout, and I settle back into my familiar chair.

In the past, this body, this life, this military campaign, even the uniform, felt like hand-me-downs from an older sibling, worn reluctantly in my less fortunate years.

But now, it all feels mine. It has become familiar, rightfully earned, and justly acquired.

The shadow of Mitth'raw'nuruodo no longer looms over me.

A moral turning point and acceptance of the inevitable occurred, almost unnoticed amid constant planning, routine, battles, intrigues, provocations, and traps.

There was no inner turmoil, no particular emotions, no sense of triumph. Just an acknowledgment of fact... and my attention shifts to other tasks.

Setting aside the data chip containing the decrypted information on the engine emissions of the false *Liquidator*, I mentally commend the *Chimaera*'s crew for their efficiency and the mastermind behind Maul for their ingenuity before turning my focus to the computer.

My fingers glide over the keyboard, and a hologram of Dathomir appears in the center of the cabin, transmitted in real-time from reconnaissance droids deployed by our ARC-170s during their raid on the system.

Four planets in the Dathomir star system. A single star, Domir, provides sufficient natural radiation to sustain humanoid life on the fourth planet in its orbital position.

From my past, I recall that Dathomir was once home to a highly advanced species, now long extinct. As far as I know, their significant technological achievements have either been destroyed or ruined, so ancient history warrants little attention.

It must be acknowledged that, despite its remoteness and relative obscurity, Dathomir, located in the Outer Rim, in the Quelii sector and quadrant O-6, has a rather rich history. At least, according to data from Imperial archives and historical chronicles from the institute on Obroa-skai.

Thanks to the efforts of Molo Himron's clones, we can now rely on our historical and navigational records—intelligence operatives worked in every institute and library across the galaxy, gathering information. And through the efforts of Mr. Ghent's clones, a comprehensive database has finally been created.

The planet Dathomir.

Satellite imagery and archival descriptions indicate that, while inhabited, the planet remains largely unexplored despite its typical oxygen-rich atmosphere.

A rancor is never opposed to a meal. Always eager.

Perhaps today, it will dine on you.

And dangerous.

Beyond being home to some of the galaxy's fiercest creatures—rancors—Dathomir comfortably hosts entire clans of sentient, Force-sensitive beings.

The Witches of Dathomir.

They are often described as savage, warlike tribes wielding magic—in other words, the Force—whom the Empire confined to the planet solely to prevent these "bloodthirsty monsters" from reaching inhabited worlds across the galaxy. A noble cause, supposedly...

Fair enough.

But there's another side to the story.

As I recall from the plot of *The Courtship of Princess Leia*, which took place in this reality just a year ago, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, the Alderaanian princess herself, and other individuals visited the planet. They contributed to the destruction of Warlord Zsinj and his *Iron Fist*. Apparently, not entirely, as fragments of that Super Star Destroyer were used to construct another, left behind my forces.

The witches are incapable of such feats—their technical skills are frustratingly rudimentary. The presence of prisoners on the ship and bases evacuated from the planet's surface suggest a garrison is stationed on Dathomir. This is only possible in two scenarios.

First—the witches are allied with the master of the destroyers. Given my conclusions about this "character," this option bodes nothing good for me. On the contrary, it promises a bloody slaughter on the planet's surface if I order the destruction of the enemy forces still stationed there.

Second—the witches are enslaved by my latest adversary. Supporting this is the fact that hundreds of shackled and immobilized witches were found aboard the captured destroyer. Investigators and interrogators from Lieutenant Colonel Astarion's department are currently determining who they are and how they ended up there.

Thus, it's highly likely that Maul's master is recruiting Force-sensitive individuals on an industrial scale.

This is not good.

Not that we lack sufficient ysalamiri to protect the crews—we have plenty. But for a ground offensive, there aren't enough to shield all soldiers from the witches.

And I have virtually no Jenssarai to counter them.

Aboard the *Chimaera*, and indeed across the entire fleet, there is only Mara. Yes, she managed to avoid serious injury or capture once again, but I'm certain she wouldn't prevail in open combat against Maul, let alone his master. No need to delude ourselves.

Aurra Sing is occupied with eliminating another target.

Eymand is still traveling the galaxy in search of lost Jedi knowledge.

Obscuro is too far, setting a trap for Palpatine's Dark Side Elite minions.

Bre'ano Umakk and the other Jenssarai are currently on Susevfi.

Ahsoka Tano is in Hutt Space, purchasing slaves.

Ventress... Should I summon an ambitious Dathomirian witch who has repeatedly switched sides to suit her boundless ambitions? I think not.

The witches themselves are a force to be reckoned with, but if equipped with technology, trained fighters, and a competent commander, the bloodshed would be far greater.

So, whether these Force adepts are present or not...

I glanced again at the hologram displaying the enemy's disposition.

Three Star Destroyers, aligned in a frontal formation. A steady stream of Imperial transport ships moves to and from the planet of rancors and Dathomirian witches. An enticing formation, suggesting an immediate transition to a classic "wall-on-wall" battle upon exiting hyperspace.

It feels very much like a trap.

A trio of TIE Defenders has already arrived, meaning Darth Maul is here at the very least. Not to mention the possibility of his master being present as well.

Could the witches and other enemies take control of my ships' crews?

Possibly, but unlikely. If they possessed such power, the Imperial blockade in its time would not have been maintained by just a pair of Star Destroyers. Nor would Zsinj have chosen to establish his shipbuilding and repair facilities here.

Thus, we are safe in orbit.

However, the question of a ground operation remains. Not to mention that some witches may be aboard the enemy's ships.

It all depends on their status—are they allies or prisoners?

Aboard the false *Liquidator*, the witches were clearly imprisoned. Footage from the special forces shows they were held using force field technology, similar to what Count Dooku used to restrain Obi-Wan Kenobi in *Attack of the Clones*. I doubt allies or friends are transported this way. It's more likely they are prisoners or opposition.

This raises another question.

Why, then, did Maul come to the construction site of a Super Star Destroyer with prisoners if the base is on Dathomir?

Hmm...

Very well, let's note that thought.

Let's examine the situation from another angle in light of new doubts and hypotheses.

It seems more likely that the Dathomir outpost is not the primary base but merely one of several operational ones. At present, the enemy is evacuating to relocate to another base. Clearly, the Dominion's growing strength is causing alarm for Maul's master, prompting him to order the evacuation of resources from here.

This is a more logical scenario, supported by evidence.

Thus...

Let's employ reasoning from "Z to A." Let's review the situation in retrospect.

Maul is evacuating bases from the Quelii and Venin sectors.

The false *Liquidator* is part of the evacuation fleet.

Dathomirian witches are imprisoned aboard it.

Therefore, it's highly likely that the witches aboard the other three destroyers are also prisoners.

This suggests there is no voluntary alliance between them and Maul's master. Additionally, not all witches on Dathomir are adherents of the Dark Side of the Force.

*The Courtship of Princess Leia* repeatedly mentions that the planet is home to numerous witch clans, with only the clan known as the Nightsisters being aggressive and destructive. Palpatine didn't delve into Dathomir's internal politics, especially since, during the Clone Wars, the witches supported the Separatists—hence Maul's service to Sidious, Ventress to Dooku, and so forth. They later fell out among themselves, but the fact remains: the presence of witches in the galaxy could significantly harm Palpatine, so he opted to forcibly isolate them.

The witches despise control. Independence is their obsession. Thus, any apparent cooperation with Maul's master is unlikely to have long-term stability. If such an arrangement exists, the witches are likely using it to escape the planet and spread across the galaxy. If only I knew which clan they belong to and whether they could be persuaded to oppose Maul and his master. The women currently being interrogated by Lieutenant Colonel Astarion and his team are clearly not inclined to chat.

Well... I believe this line of thought is correct—the witches are either forcibly aboard the ships or there voluntarily but with the intent to betray later.

For them, organizing against a powerful foe is almost a cultural pastime, undertaken at any convenient opportunity.

However, Dathomir's population has repeatedly acted against galactic governments. The witches and other sentient inhabitants harbored resentment toward the Republic, stemming from its historical use of Dathomir as a prison planet.

According to historical chronicles, this occurred relatively recently—just a few hundred years ago. Criminals, the worst of the worst, were sent to Dathomir to spend their lives battling the hostile fauna, naturally without weapons or technology. Unsurprisingly, most became favored prey for rancors, which decimated them. Those who survived held no love for the Galactic Republic, passing their resentment down through generations.

Another historical aspect concerns the Jedi.

Just over half a century ago, a rogue Jedi named Allya arrived on the planet. Judging by her being sent via the same "express" as hardened criminals, she distinguished herself in the Order under the principle of "good deeds don't bring fame."

Remarkably, information about Dathomir's "Jedi" past came from Luke Skywalker. It seems that after Zsinj's defeat, he spent considerable time on the planet, piecing together scattered fragments of its history.

Allya's story is one such fragment.

Using the Force, she quickly subdued the locals and assumed leadership.

She took charge of the survivors, teaching the ways of the Force to exiles and, eventually, her children. In later centuries, Allya was remembered as single-handedly transforming Dathomirian society, credited with enslaving the entire male population under her rule, taming rancors from predators into allies, pets, and battle mounts, and systematizing her teachings. In other words, she established a matriarchy in the finest feminist traditions.

Allya's leadership undoubtedly laid the foundation for a unique culture dominated by Force-wielding women who collectively considered themselves her descendants.

Records mention a diplomatic mission by the New Republic, culminating in the consolidation of power under a single local ruler—a woman, naturally, a witch.

There's also mention of the witches appealing to the New Republic for membership. I even verified this in the HoloNet. The application exists, and its review is scheduled—in a couple of years. A stark contrast to how quickly industrialized planets like Rendili and Brentaal IV were admitted to the democratic state.

Skywalker's notes indicate that Dathomir may host dozens of witch clans, named after significant geographical features like Singing Mountain, Frenzied River, and Misty Falls. Poetic and beautiful, but I'm not eager to face them in battle.

These clans, each numbering a few hundred, make up nearly the entire planet's population, though a small number of exiles live outside clan communities, including Dark Side inhabitants known as the Nightsisters, who at times were numerous enough to form their own clan. In total, the clans could likely field at least a thousand female warriors, each a trained Force user, many riding rancors. These are Skywalker's own estimates.

It's unlikely they possess such numbers or "training," but I'll reiterate—these women are matriarchal, cunning, skilled, somewhat capable of channeling the Force, and some are undoubtedly eager to escape and make their mark on the galaxy. I recall Tyber Zann had a "tamed" Nightsister, Silri. Her betrayals per unit of time exceed statistical error.

I already have enough Force users I don't fully trust, so I'm not keen on dealing with more. This again questions the necessity of a ground operation.

Neither Palpatine nor Zsinj controlled Dathomir's entire surface. The planet once housed a correctional facility and a small outpost, now abandoned or in the hands of locals.

For instance, the wreckage of the Jedi training vessel *Chu'unthor*, which, according to Skywalker's tales, crashed into a tar pit on Dathomir over three hundred years ago. The witches themselves relayed this to him.

They also told him that Republic Jedi visited the planet around that time, but all attempts to recover the wreckage were thwarted by the natives. The witches repelled the Jedi—a fact that cannot but alarm. Centuries later, the witches still recalled, albeit with embellishment, the day they defeated the mighty Jedi. According to Skywalker's notes in the Republic file on Dathomir, which I'm currently studying, the witches claimed that after their defeat, Yoda returned to Dathomir to negotiate a peaceful resolution. Nevertheless, a year ago, Skywalker noted that the *Chu'unthor*'s wreckage remained on the planet. Given the failed negotiations, the Jedi High Council ceased efforts to reach the witches.

The Nightsisters stand out in Republic intelligence on Dathomir, with information from Skywalker. I don't know how he learned this, but he claims that generations before the Clone Wars, a small group of Iridonian Zabraks arrived on Dathomir during pirate raids.

The Nightsisters discovered they could interbreed with Zabraks, isolating them in a small region where they could take what they wanted. Darth Maul, and later another Zabrak, were sent from this settlement to serve the Sith before and during the Clone Wars.

During the Clone Wars, Dathomir faced repeated Separatist attacks, particularly in the conflict's latter half.

During the Galactic Civil War, the planet was under Imperial blockade. Republic intelligence had fragmented data from captured Imperials who served Zsinj.

Curiously, shortly before the Battle of Yavin, Palpatine, aware of the witches, permitted the construction of a prison on the planet. Initially, Imperial forces faced no resistance from the witches.

Moreover, they found willing allies among the witches, who offered their services to the Imperial commander to oversee prisoners. Though suspicious of their motives, the commander accepted. Thus, some Dathomirian witches became a common sight in the Imperial complex.

Then, as should have been anticipated, things took a turn.

Using "Jedi tricks" (a direct quote), the witches subjugated the Imperial garrison, gradually seizing control of the prison. When the Empire discovered the situation, a bloody campaign ensued, with the planet subjected to significant orbital bombardment.

Primarily due to then-Captain Zsinj, who, after quelling the witches' uprising, earned an admiral's rank.

Now it's clear why the planet was quarantined. The common belief that the blockade was established immediately after the Clone Wars is incorrect. Noted.

Zsinj strictly enforced the blockade, destroying all surface transport to trap the witches on Dathomir. Curiously, an Imperial garrison remained on the planet, its fate a mystery. Skywalker speculated that some men enslaved by the Nightsisters were those defeated Imperials.

Fascinating... In a single operation, Zsinj earned Palpatine's favor, propelling him from captain to admiral, then Grand Moff of the Quelii Oversector, which included Dathomir. Palpatine likely kept the ambitious and cunning warlord away from the Core Worlds to continue managing the Dathomirian witches.

However, former Imperials noted that the blockade was not impenetrable, and Imperial command continued operations on the planet's surface, likely in areas far from the witches' habitats.

They also reported that the planet was invaded by Tyber Zann's Consortium forces, who left with one of the most dangerous Nightsisters, causing significant destruction and recruiting several other witches.

Additionally, Imperials noted that Zsinj discovered vast deposits of key shipbuilding metals—neutronium, lommite, and zersium—on Dathomir's moon, Koratas. He ordered all shipbuilding facilities of the Oversector moved to the Dathomir system, making it his secret headquarters.

And now, Maul's master's forces have been operating on Dathomir for some time.

It's unlikely this began immediately after the planet's liberation from Zsinj's influence, but they've been there for at least several months.

Considering I built my own state and a significant fleet in just over six months, it's plausible that the enemy could have created their own Empire in the same timeframe.

I command dozens of Star Destroyers, millions of humans and other sentients, and a substantial budget, yet I haven't considered expending resources on building my own *Executor*-class Super Star Destroyer, which, for warlords in this galaxy, is the pinnacle of military power and authority.

Could Maul's master possess greater resources and means than I?

It's entirely possible.

Based on what I know of Maul's history and character, it's unlikely he willingly chose to serve his new master after Palpatine's death.

Maul served those stronger and more powerful than him. Before Naboo, he craved power and the deaths of Jedi.

Now, with Jedi nearly extinct, that doesn't negate their existence. Does Maul hunt them? Possibly, but their secrecy keeps such killings off the radar.

Could Maul's master, rather than Palpatine's minions, have attacked Skywalker on Polis Massa?

Possibly, but I doubt it.

It would also be an exaggeration to assume they command vast forces. Such ship movements wouldn't go unnoticed by Republic intelligence—especially since the enemy continues using fake transponders, posing as the *Death Squadron*.

Given that Maul's master fancies himself a Sith Lord, he likely emulates Darth Vader, instilling fear by reviving an old adversary.

A classic tactic of intimidation and fearmongering.

The comlink chirped.

— Grand Admiral, you requested a warning five minutes before the hyperspace jump concludes, — said the commander of my flagship Star Destroyer.

— Thank you, Captain, — I replied. — I'll be on the bridge shortly. Prepare the ship for battle.

— Yes, sir.

After Gilad's voice faded, I glanced again at the trio of Star Destroyers orbiting Dathomir, calmly receiving cargo from the planet.

A trap, plain and simple.

Maul knows exactly what forces I had during the attack on his base in the Barpine system of the Venin sector.

If he feared an invasion—and only the dimmest Gungan couldn't calculate a direct jump from Barpine to Dathomir—he would have either withdrawn his ships or...

Or he's awaiting reinforcements, setting a trap for his pursuers.

Strong enough to crush my forces.

It's unlikely his subordinates are so inept as to miss the ARC-170s or fail to detect a recon droid transmitting real-time data.

A trap orchestrated by a former Sith Lord.

And Maul, if I recall correctly, is reasonably competent, tactically included. Not a genius, but capable of planning, sometimes successfully.

Thus, the trap will be cunning and painful.

Well, we're prepared for it.

For every overconfident Sith Lord, there's always a counter. No defense against brute force, which I recently took from Maul and his master. And I'll take everything they have.

How could it be otherwise?

Though the decision doesn't thrill me, for the reasons I've already outlined, it's the best operational solution.

I glanced at the chronometer.

Three minutes until we arrive in the Dathomir system.

Adjusting my uniform, I headed to my destination.

Thirteen minutes until all parties in this conflict converge in one place to clash for their convictions.

I cannot simply let Maul and the Dathomirian witches go free. Nor can I allow him to escape—he and his master are a significant threat to the Dominion's reputation and border security.

They've lingered near our borders, with fleet movements passing through the Quelii sector, practically by Dathomir. They may know things they shouldn't.

Is this justification enough to attack an enemy wielding the Force?

Strategically, yes. Allowing such an enemy to escape and vanish into the galaxy, potentially with knowledge of me and my forces, is unacceptable. The galaxy is vast, and finding a secluded corner to build strength is easy.

Then, instead of a small problem, I'd face a massive headache.

It's easier to lance and treat a boil early than let it fester into a gangrenous wound.

The odds aren't ideal.

On his side are destroyers and a powerful Sith.

On mine... imagination and something substantial.

I caught myself as the turbolift doors to the bridge slid open. Lost in thought.

The command bridge greeted me with its familiar working atmosphere.

Striding down the central walkway, I scratched the head of the ysalamiri comfortably perched on the headrest.

Settling into my chair, I witnessed the hyperspace tunnel collapse into its components, finally resolving into an unfamiliar star pattern.

Dathomir.

Three Star Destroyers against us.

And four ships, only one of which, the *Chimaera*, is of their class, the rest being Corellian corvettes.

More than enough to defeat Maul's forces.

More than enough to trigger the trap.

— Deploy the interceptors, — I ordered. — Begin analyzing the enemy's communication traffic. Identify the command ship and relay instructions to the *Scimitar*.

— Shall we issue the standard surrender demand? — Pellaeon clarified.

— Of course, Captain, — I confirmed. — As stated, we need their communication traffic. A humiliating offer from a numerically inferior foe is an insult no Dark Side follower will ignore.

If you lack enough "Jedi" to defeat a pseudo-Sith, why can't proton torpedoes save the day?

— Understood, sir, — Pellaeon replied. — Captain Bren reports he's reached the designated point, switching to passive signal reception and inertial movement.

— Excellent, — I smiled. — Let's give the enemy the first chance to start their own defeat.

***

Darth Maul, standing on the bridge of a Star Destroyer, hands clasped behind his back, surveyed the lone enemy Star Destroyer accompanied by three escort corvettes, positioned directly opposite his trio of ships.

"Remember the first and only truth of the Sith. There can only be two. And you are no longer my apprentice. You have been replaced."

So said his former master, Darth Sidious.

Also known as Emperor Palpatine.

A contemptible orchestrator of farces and intrigues, who not only used him in the past, calling him his apprentice, but discarded him like a used toy when Kenobi cleaved the Zabrak in half on Naboo.

All tales of their shared Sith legacy, all promises of destroying the Jedi... It was all just another farce. Despite years spent training Maul, Sidious easily cast him aside, finding a replacement in both the short and long term.

Until recently, Maul believed Palpatine was dead...

His former apprentice, the Emperor's Hand, might have lied, but the Sith sensed her honesty.

Now, watching Grand Admiral Thrawn's flagship form a defensive position while a hologram of the warlord broadcasted a surrender offer in exchange for life, memories of Maul's life flashed before the Zabrak's eyes.

Grueling, merciless training under Sidious.

Missions carried out on his orders.

Killing one Jedi on Naboo and defeat at the hands of another.

A decade in obscurity on a junkyard planet.

Meeting his brother and the changes Mother Talzin brought to Dathomir.

Forming the Shadow Collective to exact revenge...

And Mandalore...

The execution of Duchess Kryze and Kenobi's escape.

The arrival of Darth Sidious, who killed his brother and captured Maul.

Sidious deemed his former apprentice too dangerous to continue his reign of terror.

He telekinetically battered Maul, hurling him against stone surfaces before dropping the Zabrak at his feet.

Gravely wounded and disarmed, Maul weakly begged for mercy. Sidious smugly declared he had no intention of killing him, noting other plans for his former apprentice. Laughing sadistically, he subjected Maul to torturous, non-lethal Force lightning.

Though he didn't immediately reveal it, Sidious intended to use Maul to draw out Mother Talzin, leader of the Nightsister clan, from hiding after General Grievous's attacks on Dathomir.

After a humiliating duel with his former master on Mandalore, Sidious took Maul prisoner and transported him to a remote secret prison on Stygeon.

Loyal Mandalorians pursued Sidious's ship to rescue their leader. Imprisoned by Palpatine, Maul endured torture as Sidious reminded him of his plans for his former apprentice.

When Sidious tired of torturing Maul, he sent Count Dooku, leader of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, to extract information about the Shadow Collective and Maul's allies.

Dooku continued breaking Maul, torturing him with electric shocks to obtain the information Sidious sought.

Maul resisted, refusing to divulge anything until Mandalorians attacked the prison and freed him.

As it turned out, Palpatine intended for Maul to escape, to lead them to Mother Talzin.

Wherever Maul fled with his allies, Separatists, spurred by Palpatine, followed like hounds, destroying everything he built.

Zanbar, Ord Mantell, where Black Sun, part of the Shadow Collective, had an operational base.

Incited by Sidious, Grievous and Dooku crushed Maul's forces, forcing him to personally attack both CIS leaders.

And he succeeded—he captured both.

Though Sidious claimed neither Grievous nor Dooku mattered, he unleashed Jedi on them.

Much followed, including Grievous's escape, a false alliance with Dooku to flee...

And he returned to Dathomir.

Again.

Only for Sidious and Grievous to arrive personally, destroying the revived Mother Talzin, the Nightsisters, and dismantling the Shadow Collective, obliterating all his forces.

Those who survived refused to tempt fate against Darth Sidious.

Maul fled Dathomir as Separatists attacked.

In Sidious's eyes, despite Maul's escape, the former Sith Lord was eliminated as a rival to future Sith rule.

At least, Maul hoped so.

Inquisitors found him almost immediately after the New Order was proclaimed.

They dragged him to Sidious, throwing him at his feet.

With genuine pleasure, Palpatine spent the early years of his reign breaking Maul's body and spirit.

Until he eradicated any thought of resisting the Emperor's authority.

Then Palpatine made him...

Not one of his Hands.

Not an Inquisitor.

Not a secret agent.

Not an assassin.

Not an emissary.

Not a bodyguard.

He turned him into a nameless instructor, training the Emperor's agents in lightsaber combat and Dark Side techniques.

Palpatine continued to demean and humiliate him, reducing Maul's existence to that of an advanced droid.

Or a nameless slave.

He stripped his former apprentice of everything: title, freedom, identity, name, the chance to ever leave the Imperial Palace's underbelly and live as before...

The last time Palpatine personally focused on Maul was a visit to the Prophets of the Dark Side, who used some of his organs and Sith magic to create a fully healthy clone of Darth Maul, possessing all his physical attributes and knowledge.

All to demonstrate, in Maul's presence, how easily Darth Sidious's true apprentice, former Jedi Anakin Skywalker, could destroy this healthy clone.

A moral annihilation of even Maul's deepest desires to ever rise again.

The answer was clear when Palpatine destroyed the same Prophets who created Maul's clone.

Never, while the Emperor and his apprentice lived, could Maul become more than an exotic nobody in the Palace's depths, destined to train arrogant half-taught agents. Trainer of the Emperor's Hands.

A nobody.

A servant, worth less than a droid.

Everything changed just over five years ago when the Rebel Alliance destroyed both Darth Vader and Darth Sidious at the Battle of Endor.

Amid the chaos on Coruscant, as Imperials vied for power, Maul escaped.

Cowardly, without looking back.

He stole a ship and returned to Dathomir, breaking the blockade.

Lost the ship but returned to his homeworld.

Where he naively believed he was needed by someone other than himself.

For years, he hid, tracking and recruiting candidates to seize control of the planet. But even the other Zabraks, treated as little more than livestock by the Nightsisters, turned away from him.

The thirst for power, buried under years of humiliation, briefly resurfaced but faded again.

Because on his homeworld, no one remembered or wanted to deal with him.

Personal depression haunted him until, a few months ago, his new master arrived on Dathomir.

Warped by the Dark Side, barely recognizable as human. But Maul knew this trait signified immense Force power among Dark Lords.

Together, Maul and his new master, with the latter's army, subjugated Dathomir. Leaving his apprentice to hunt foolish and defiant witches, the master departed to the main base to prepare for his triumph, amassing forces for a decisive strike.

And now, the master didn't know the critical truth...

He didn't know Maul lost control of the *Executor*-class Super Star Destroyer under construction, meant to be his fleet's flagship.

He didn't know about the loss of one of the four Star Destroyers allocated to Maul for operations in the Venin, Quelii, and other sectors.

He didn't know Maul had failed...

But Maul knew his master would not be pleased with this news. Nor with the loss of the captive Dathomirian witches promised for his personal army.

The master was not one to forgive failure.

And he certainly wouldn't make an exception for anyone but himself.

Sith Lords don't forgive their subordinates' failures.

Thus, even if Maul returned three Star Destroyers with all crews, fighters, and prisoners, it wouldn't spare him execution.

Darth Maul, as the humiliated Zabrak had grown accustomed to calling himself again, knew his master was using him, promising Dark Side power but intending to discard him as soon as his services were no longer needed, just like Palpatine.

But Maul wanted to live...

Because now, new opportunities for self-realization opened before him. The fire of the Dark Side burned in his veins, echoing phantom pain where Kenobi severed his lower body.

He served Sith, stood at the pinnacle of power, was an outcast, and a tool in others' hands...

But now, he wanted what his master, with his petty ambitions, limited resources, and delusions of grandeur, couldn't offer.

He wanted revenge.

The Zabrak closed his eyes, focusing on the Force permeating everything around him.

He sensed the fear of the crew, most of whom would have fled if given the chance.

The only ones ready to fight to the end for his master's desires and ambitions.

He sensed the calm, focused emotional aura aboard the *Chimaera* and its escorts. Darth Maul felt these people were prepared to engage a numerically superior foe, confident in defeating three Star Destroyers.

The Zabrak sensed much, but he also noticed that among the myriad lifeforms aboard the *Chimaera*, he felt his former protégé, the Emperor's Hand, undoubtedly craving revenge.

She wasn't foolish enough to believe she could defeat him this time. Even if he lost his leg prosthetics again, which was unlikely—beskar isn't easily destroyed.

And Darth Maul clearly saw the black voids, blind spots in the Force, shielding key areas of the Grand Admiral's ship. He couldn't penetrate these barriers, and this bolstered his confidence in the decision he was about to make.

Just as he listened to the Force, delaying departure to avoid execution for failure, he studied the Force-inaccessible areas of the *Chimaera*, realizing with growing admiration that Thrawn had found and employed a method to neutralize Force-sensitive beings...

And this opened so many possibilities, so many prospects for the future, it was hard to imagine.

He felt the collective confidence of people who knew they would emerge victorious.

Not the crews of the three Star Destroyers, who feared Thrawn's lone destroyer to the point of trembling. They wouldn't take a step without direct orders.

Because they feared Maul and would never show a hint of independence unless permitted.

The Zabrak had thoroughly disciplined the crews, eliminating anyone who defied or even considered defiance.

Thus, the crews would remain at their posts, awaiting his command. And they would execute any order.

Because they knew what he was capable of.

They knew how easily he crushed everything in his path. They, too, had seen what transpired in the galaxy.

Darth Maul vividly recalled the number of ships Thrawn brought to Barpine. His spies among local workers reported that Thrawn took nearly all those forces with him.

Thus, the Grand Admiral had set a trap. And likely couldn't imagine that Maul had nothing to counter his advance.

Only to attempt escape—but the *Chimaera* blocked the hyperspace vector. So, he'd have to break through. And once Maul attacked, Thrawn's offer of clemency would be void. They'd all be destroyed, and the dormant fire of revenge within the Zabrak's soul would never find release.

Once again, he'd be humiliated and crushed.

His pride would be cast down repeatedly.

This wouldn't do.

This wasn't acceptable.

"The way of the Sith is betrayal," he recalled another core mantra of the Sith Order.

— Darth Maul, — the senior aide to the Star Destroyer's commander addressed him subserviently. — All prisoners are aboard. The ground contingent... The master said they're insignificant and...

— We're staying, — Maul declared in a tone that brooked no argument.

— But, sir, you ordered preparations for evacuation, — the subordinate displayed unexpected impatience and persistence, evidently forgetting what happened to his predecessor. — The master must know his ship was lost, the operation failed... If we linger, Thrawn will surely spring his trap, and the master's plan will end!

— We no longer serve my latest former master's goals, — the Zabrak stated firmly, inwardly bracing for what was about to happen.

It would happen, inevitably.

Darth Maul closed his eyes, sensing several beings approaching from behind.

Some were ship security personnel; the others—just two—Nightsisters, eagerly serving their new master.

A metallic whip whistled through the air, its striking elements aimed at Maul's head.

The former Sith Lord sidestepped, igniting his lightsaber and seizing the whip's end.

Calling on the Dark Side, Darth Maul yanked the weapon toward him, telekinetically pulling its wielder along.

Parrying a blaster shot aimed at his torso with one blade, he spun his weapon, decapitating the witch who dared challenge him.

He hurled her body toward the security officers, distracting them for the few seconds he needed.

In that time, he snapped the senior aide's neck with a kick, sending him to the afterlife the same way he'd dispatched the ship's commander.

The lightwhip coiled around his double-bladed saber, aiming to disarm him.

But not so fast.

Maul triggered the magnetic release, redirecting the locked blade and splitting the hilt in two.

As the second witch pulled the weapon toward her, he calmly released the first half...

Or rather, the first half of his still-functional double-bladed lightsaber, its hilt composed of two single-saber handles.

The second half descended on the second witch, cleaving her from crown to hips.

Regaining balance after a leap, Maul retrieved the second blade and charged at those trying to stop him...

Moments later, their mutilated, dismembered bodies lay scattered across the bridge's central walkway, a foul-smelling heap of flesh.

Sensing a threat from the right, he effortlessly dodged the fire of rebellious officers, then methodically, with deep satisfaction, slaughtered the crew in the left "pit" before moving to those hiding in the right.

Emerging from the latter, he surveyed the corpse-strewn bridge with a predatory grin before approaching the communications station.

***

Gilad impatiently tapped his personal datapad.

— They're stalling, — he remarked.

— Curious, isn't it? — the Grand Admiral mused, his gaze fixed on the trio of enemy Star Destroyers drifting nose-to-nose with the *Chimaera*, showing no outward signs of activity.

Which, in turn, had no intention of moving from its position.

— Sir, the duty pair of interceptors returned intact, — the watch officer reported, approaching Pellaeon. — The pair's commander notes they were only targeted and escorted on approach, with no shots fired. No pursuit. Sir, they didn't even launch fighters to intercept.

— Yet we know they have them, — Thrawn observed. — Your thoughts, Captain?

— Stalling for time? — Pellaeon suggested.

— Do you think they're giving the *Scimitar* a chance to reach their formation from the moon and deliver a targeted proton torpedo strike? — the Grand Admiral clarified.

— Unlikely they even know about it, — Pellaeon grimaced, glancing at the tactical screen where the unique bomber glided in passive mode, using inertia, toward the enemy's position. Thrawn had ordered Captain Bren to jump to hyperspace separately and head for the moon.

So the *Chimaera*'s arrival would distract enemy sensors from the *Scimitar*'s hyperspace exit along a slightly different vector.

And now, everyone waited... for something.

The enemy had options—attack now, call reinforcements and attack, or simply flee, as neither interdictor cruisers nor *Interdictor*-class Star Destroyers had arrived with the second wave of reinforcements.

So what was the enemy aiming for? Waiting for their reinforcements, due in under two minutes?

They'd soon get them.

And the third wave, too.

And they wouldn't like what happened once the third wave arrived...

— Incoming transmission from the enemy's central destroyer! — the communications officer reported. — Holographic transmission.

— Curiouser and curiouser, — the Grand Admiral remarked.

And Pellaeon wholeheartedly agreed.

— Connect it, — Thrawn ordered, gesturing to receive the message on the holoprojector built into his chair's armrest.

In the next moment, a small, one-third human-sized, three-dimensional holographic projection appeared in the familiar blue-white tones.

But Gilad would bet his monthly salary that this being's face was not a typical hue. Nor were the irises, far too bright, almost blinding even in the hologram's monochrome display.

Pellaeon had seen this only once—when, with other Republic fleet commanders, he heard the new Emperor's declarations about the Jedi rebellion.

A speech that changed everything, turning everyone's world upside down.

— Grand Admiral Thrawn, — the Zabrak grinned, baring his teeth. — A pleasure to finally see you in person. So many rumors, so many interviews, so much pain caused to the New Republic by your efforts, and I still haven't had the honor of knowing you personally.

— The last one eager to meet me at sixty megaparsecs crashed his cruiser into a moon's surface near Coruscant, — Thrawn replied calmly, eliciting an even wider grin from his counterpart. — I doubt you contacted me to express admiration for my person. Get to the point.

— Of course, — the non-human ceased baring his teeth, though his face remained chilling. — I like your proposal. I'm ready to surrender my ships, and their crews will join you if I give the order. You'll also receive full, accurate information on where to find my former master...

— Mustafar, — Thrawn stated calmly.

The Zabrak's face showed shock, bordering on disbelief.

Though he quickly recovered.

— Perhaps, but you don't know where he gets his ships...

— He restores wrecked and crashed Imperial Star Destroyers, — Thrawn replied just as calmly.

Was it the connection quality, or did the Zabrak's mouth actually drop open?

— But surely you'd be interested in my former master's plans for the near future... — he ventured, less confidently.

— I know that too, Darth Maul, — Thrawn said in the same bored tone. — Your former master is amassing an army to restore the Empire under his command. And you, learning from my agent of Palpatine's resurrection, burned with a desire for revenge against one you thought dead. You also likely realized your failures in the Venin and Quelii sectors won't be forgiven. So you decided to defect, offering your services as a Sith Lord to me.

The being Thrawn identified as Darth Maul, once leader of a vile criminal empire, looked pitiable.

Glancing around nervously, he clearly didn't know what to do and...

— I'll tell you who my master is and what personal crisis will let you lure him into a trap and destroy him! — he declared passionately.

— Thank you, — Thrawn replied. — But I already know you serve a clone of the late Jedi Falon Grey, codenamed X1. And he seeks, after killing his biological progenitor, to find and kill his genetic twin, X2, who serves the New Republic.

This time, Darth Maul's face radiated fury.

— I won't let you humiliate me, Thrawn! If you think you can throw your knowledge in my face, making me a worthless laughingstock... If you're so intent on refusing my allegiance, claiming I'm useless, — the Zabrak squinted, — then my three destroyers...

— I said no such thing, nor intended to, — Thrawn stated calmly. — I don't need servants, Darth Maul, — the Zabrak's face flashed with rage and irritation. — But that doesn't mean I won't accept your help in destroying the resurrected Palpatine.

The Zabrak, after a moment's thought, nodded.

— Fair enough, — he said, adopting an air of importance. — Take the ships, Grand Admiral. And tell those preparing to arrive not to fire on these destroyers. I'm sure you'll be interested in what and who's in the holds.

With that, the hologram dissolved.

— Cooperate with... that? — Pellaeon grimaced. — Sir, he's even more arrogant and insufferable than Obscuro! A true fanatic.

— And it's to our advantage that this fanatic lives long enough to attempt Palpatine's assassination, — Thrawn noted reasonably. Seeing the question in his commander's eyes, the Supreme Commander clarified:

— Why send our own forces against a Sith Lord when we can pit two old enemies, who despise each other so much that even the threat of death won't unite them against us?

Pellaeon was about to object, but signals reported the arrival of four Star Destroyers and their operational-tactical groups from hyperspace.

The second wave of reinforcements had arrived, meaning...

Thirty seconds later, the *Crimson Dawn* appeared above the assembled Dominion fleet.

Commodore Shohashi himself completed the operation to bring reinforcements to the Dathomir system.

And now Pellaeon had no idea how to explain to them all that Thrawn didn't need such an armada.