Star Wars: The Sith War - Fiction: Gathering Power

[Swrathh]

Swrathh was adjusting his cloak as the droid's voice came over the ship's intercom. "My lord, we have just entered Nar Shadda’s orbit. We should arrive at landing pad 12 within the next half hour."

The time is approaching. Prepare yourself for what must be done.

The voices. For the last year, the voices echoing in his head had haunted Swrathh. Now, as he was making his way to Nar Shadda, the power behind them began to weigh more heavily upon him. It tormented him continuously. It called to him while he was awake. It filled him dreams. There was nothing he could do to escape it.

The Dark Side itself was calling to him.

You alone control the fate of the Sith. Fulfill your destiny.

Was he ready for this? Did he even have a choice? He closed her eyes, hoping for once to be able to shut it out. He needed just a few minutes of peace before the ship landed. He had to prepare, for the Dark Side had ordered him to do the unthinkable.

Swrathh, Sith Apprentice, had to kill his master.

Although you are young, you know all that you need. There is nothing more can I provide you.

Was he ready? He had only been studying under his master for the last five years. Before that, he was a madclaw to his people, exiled to the Shadowlands where a chance meeting had led to his acceptance down the path of the Dark Side. Just five years of training, was that enough? He could feel the force flowing through him. He had surpassed his peers and had been able to master all that had been taught to him. But was he ready to strike down his master, and claim that he, Swrathh, was a powerful Sith Lord in his own right - the Master of the Dark Side of the Force?

Swrahh then stopped, took a breath, and regained his composure. He had fought this conflict in his mind many times in the past few months. He had doubts and the thought of turning back had crept into his mind. No his chance to walk away had come and gone years before. There was no turning back. The Dark Side had too tight a grip on him.

Swrathh knew he would have no problem killing him, if need be. Like his master, the Dark Side would reward him for doing its bidding and the Dark Side would provide him with what really mattered - power. That power was worth any sacrifice. And above all, he would have that power. In his study of the Ancient Sith, he had come across information on the Sith Lord Reven that indicated he had traveled to Nar Shadda, in the course of his travels. It was rumored that Reven may have left some relics their as well. These ancient relics could possibly be the key he needed to attained new knowledge and power to defeat his master.

Swrathh smiled and relaxed. There would be no more doubt in his mind. He could now enjoy a few minutes of solitude before the ship landed. Adjusting himself in his chair, his mind began to settle.

[Swrathh]

Once again, the crackle of his droid's voice interrupted his thoughts. "My lord, we are on final approach."

Swrathh roar his response.

The Dark Side is with you. Nothing can stand in your way. Your destiny will soon be before you.

Swrathh could feel the yacht settle on the landing platform. Within moments, the ship’s ramp was lowered and a darkly robed figure emerged from the ship’s bowels, moving with a purpose. As the ship's outer doors opened, he was confronted with the most disturbing view. Hundreds of various aliens were milling about running to and fro from various ships as well entering and exiting the starport. Beyond the landing platform, he could see the entrance to the city main. Checking his translator device he made his way out into the starport.

He realized how much attention he was drawing due to his elaborate cloak and size difference. He could sense people stopping to stare at him; most others avoided him all together. The sense of fear was everywhere. "Good" he thought, "I should have little trouble extracting the information I need."