Upheaval in the Ascendancy

[Mr. Blue]

“You have entered the domain of the Chiss Ascendancy and the Seven Ruling Families without permission. Leave immediately, unidentified vessel, or it will be considered an act of aggression,” spoke a Chiss officer. He sat on the bridge of a large Chiss Expansionary Defense Force cruiser. The bridge was bland and gray, with three tiers of stations. The cruiser itself dwarfed the trespassing Correllian corvette it had just pulled from hyperspace. One of the cruiser's nine engines matched the size of the corvette.
“I am Jedi Master Qalensic Us’kla, representative of the Galactic Republic,” a voice replied. “We come on a diplomatic mission to speak with the Chiss Ascendancy.”

The officer turned from his computer station toward his captain, one tier up from himself. The Chiss captain sat in his command chair on the highest section of the bridge, his fingers bouncing restlessly against the arm of his chair. He nodded at the Chiss officer, who activated the communication holopad, located directly in front of the commander’s chair. A life size image of a Jedi appeared on the holopad. Jedi or not, they did not belong in Chiss space. The Republic was already dangerously close with its heavily fortified world of Ilum. The captain would not tolerate any more encroachment on Chiss Ascendancy space.

“This is Captain Daesum’erre’nuruodo. Under the authority of the Chiss Ascendency and the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force, you are hereby ordered to return to Republic space immediately. Failure to do so will be considered an act of aggression of the part of the Galactic Republic,” the Chiss captain replied, his blazing red eyes staring down the holographic image.

“Our apologies, Captain,” the Jedi spoke again. “We do not wish to provoke the might of the Chiss Ascendancy. We trespass for peaceful reasons.”
“Any formal requests to meet with the Seven Ruling Families of the Chiss Ascendancy should be transmitted to Csilla. Only with permission may you enter our space.”
“Begging your pardon, Captain, but we have made several attempts to contact your people in the appropriate methods available, but we have received no reply.”
Daesum’erre’nuruodo’s look shifted into annoyance. This Jedi needed to leave, now. “That is not my problem, Jedi. Outside ships are not welcome in our space. Leave now, or face the consequences.”
The captain turned to order the holographic image terminated, but was cut short as the Jedi quickly, but articulately, spoke again. “Obviously we both have a job to do here Captain Daesum’erre’nuruodo, but surely we can reach a compromise. I am afraid our messages are not reaching the Chiss Ascendancy, and it truly is urgent to both the Republic’s and Chiss’ security that I deliver this message.”

The captain shook his head. This Jedi was not going to give up. Although the grim threat by the captain could possibly be ignored, there was no way this Jedi had failed to notice fourteen turbolasers locked on to his ship. The Chiss also had to give this Jedi credit. Not many beings outside of the Ascendancy were able to pronounce a Chiss name like he had.
“What do you propose, Jedi Us’kla?” the Chiss returned. His curiosity was at least piqued.
“Allow us passage to Csilla, with an escort. With a ship of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force escorting us, there is virtually nothing we could do to transgress against the Ascendency.”
Daesum’erre’nuruodo shook his head. “We cannot allow your corvette to remain in our space, Jedi Us’kla.”
The Jedi sighed slightly. “Perhaps you will allow a delegation to go aboard your ship, for the earliest possible convenient transport for Csilla?”
The captain stared at the Jedi, considering his words. “I must contact the Ascendency. This is not a decision I am allowed to make.”

The statement had hardly been finished when another officer on the bridge opened transmissions to the Chiss homeworld. The holographic image of a regal Aristocra robed in dark green flickered into existence next to the image of the Jedi.
“What is it, Captain Daesum’erre’nuruodo?” the Chiss Aristocra inquired, perplexed by the sudden communication from a CEDF ship.
“A Jedi Master Qalensic Us’kla asks for an audience with the Ruling Families. I have informed him that we do not allow outsider ships in our territory, but he has requested passage aboard one of our ships.”
“Hm. Interesting. Connect me to him.”

Another set of quick movements by the communications officer connected the Jedi to the Aristocra. “Jedi Us’kla, I am Aristocra Giak’av’loro, representative of the Fourth Ruling Family. You may refer to me by my core name, Kavlo. I am afraid your requests for an audience with the Ascendancy have been denied. Why have you entered our space?”
“We received no confirmation of our transmissions,” the Jedi calmly replied.
“Apologies, Jedi Us’kla, but I can assure you that a reply was sent to every transmission we received. With the lack of information, it was deemed unnecessary for a meeting. Do you wish to elaborate?”
“I cannot over these communications,” answered the Jedi. “I cannot trust that the Empire will not intercept the message.”
“Possibly a problem for you, Master Jedi, but as you know we maintain a complete neutrality in your war.”
“I’m afraid even that might be in jeopardy, Aristocra,” the Jedi spoke gravely.
The Chiss diplomat remained silent for a moment before replying. “Very well. A small Republic delegation will be permitted to be transported from Captain Daesum’erre’nuruodo’s ship to Csilla. Good day, Jedi Us’kla, and to you, Captain.”

As the Aristocra’s transmission ceased, the captain spoke again. “You may prepare a delegation of three Republic officials to be collected by one of our shuttles in half an hour. I expect your ship to depart immediately after, and to not come back until called upon. Captain Daesum’erre’nuruodo out.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the hologram of the Chiss captain disappeared, the Caamasi Jedi Master Qalensic Us’kla turned to a female human standing next to him, no older than 14, dressed in similar brown robes to his own. “Well, my Padawan, it appears we’re going to be guests of the Seven Ruling Families of the Chiss Ascendancy.”
The girl smiled a bit. “I’ve always wanted to meet a Chiss before. Their influence was heavy back in the early days of the New Republic.”
The Caamasi let out a small chuckle. “Yes, Lora, they truly were. Be wary, though, my Padawan. Mention of the Empire of the Hand still bears ill within the Ascendancy. Avoid those topics of conversation as best you can. Opening ancient wounds will hardly assist in our endeavor.”
“As you say, Master. Who else will be going with us?”
The Caamasi smiled. He turned to a zabrak standing close by, adorned in the armor of a Republic Commando. “Commander Fornan,” the Caamasi spoke, “do you think Phalanx Squad could return to Ilum without its commander for this mission?”
The zabrak’s face tightened into a slight smile. “Yes sir, General Us’kla. I’m sure they’ll be just fine, sir.”

[Fierce01]

Deep within the belly of the Bloodlust underneath all the operations and communications and commotion of the ship’s workers, under the armor and bulkheads and systems that composed the beast, lurked a throne. Set upon the pinnacle of a shallow stair which receded from five sides, it towered; a sleek obelisk adorned by ridges and horns that protruded from its arms and corners. Giving the throne form was the master for whom every scampering imp above slaved and for whom the Bloodlust waged slaughter. Mallus, lord of the Sith and of half the galaxy, would have seemed to the casual observer as if he were in a deep slumber, completely unaware of his surroundings. This could not be further from the truth.

Submerged deep within the Force, he was a creature in the center of its web; sensing the motions of all that existed within it. He could reach out, take hold of the strands, and feel his enemies struggling to escape. He could pluck a single string and feel his will resonate as his minions moved to do his bidding. None escaped his influence. All beings acted by his will or in defiance of it. All thoughts were in awe of him or in fear of him. His presence wove itself into the fabric of reality. The cosmos cried Mallus.

“Master.”

The word was spoken in deliberate tone hardly above a whisper. It may just as well have been shouted for all the attention it drew from Mallus. With scarce warning a body of immense gravity had made itself known to him where it exuded little more presence than an insect in the room mere moments before. Mallus opened his eyes and withdrew from the depths of his former state to behold a lone, cloaked figure kneeling, eyes fastened on the floor between foot and fist, just over 9 meters in front of him at the throne's base. From between strands had stepped his reaper; one of the few truly reliable assets Mallus possessed. For all the rare quantity of trust Mallus invested in its skills, that this being had evaded Mallus' notice to such a degree was both promising and disconcerting.

“Darth Praevus.” He acknowledged. As if he were a gargoyle, Praevus had remained perfectly still during the brief moments that echoed between the two of them while Mallus ruminated. Moving past his thoughts, Mallus sat forward and spoke. “The galaxy will, of course, be made perfect only under my own rule. Do you agree?”

“Of course, my lord.”

“Then it is best if this war, that has continued unnecessarily for so long, be brought to an end as soon as possible.” He concluded. “I have been negotiating an alliance with the Ascendancy for the use of their forces.” At this Mallus paused to observe the effect of his words. Mallus was certain of the scorn smoldering within him and yet, the Sith still remained motionless, concealing all traces of it. “Perfect” He thought.
“Most recently I spoke with Aristocra Threllin.” He rose from his seat and began his slow descent down the throne's steps. “I explained to him that the Chiss will inevitably be involved in galactic affairs one way or another. Once he agreed, I promised him that the Ascendancy's assistance against the Republic would be rewarded with non-interference for his people after my victory. In turn, he has assured me that he will persuade the other families to break their neutrality and lay siege to the Republic's stronghold world of Ilum, which already threaten's their territory.” Mallus stopped momentarily before continuing. “Now I receive word from Darth Embra's informants that the Jedi Council has dispatched one of their own to meet with the Aristocras and undo what I have set in motion. You will go to Chiss space and ensure that everything continues according to plan. There is no one more suited to this task.”

His assassin was now at his feet. “Rise. Waste no time in doing as I command. The details of your assignment are waiting for you.” Darth Praevus stood, and under the hood of his cloak, Mallus looked upon the face of a Chiss. His left eye was burned out of his skull and now replaced by jagged scar tissue that radiated from the old wound like tendrils of lightning that cut into his sickly purple skin. Lethal cunning radiated from the vibrant red of his remaining eye as he proclaimed, “It will be done.”

“I know.” Mallus acknowledged. Praevus turned and departed from the room silently as he had entered as Mallus returned to his throne and his meditations. Once again submerged, the emperor observed his machine in motion. His imps turned the gears that powered his greater schemes. Not only aboard the Bloodlust, but at the outermost reaches of creation and all the space in between, these machinations turned together in harmony to drive the galaxy towards its ultimate destination. Perfection. It was Mallus' masterpiece. It was the necessity he bestowed upon an undeserving and ungrateful people. “It will.”

[Mr. Blue]

“What do you mean, elect him to the council?!” Nov’as Olan spoke shortly.
“He is wise beyond his years,” Ryden Kantos calmly replied, his tone a suggestion to his Twi’lek colleague.
“Do I need to remind the council what he has done?” Master Olan’s voice lost tension, as he channeled his Jedi patience.
The silence was deafening.
Qalensic Us’kla stood in the center of the council room, eleven Jedi masters with eyes on him. They penetrated him with the Force, searched through his mind. The Caamasi allowed the foreign entities to flow through his mind. He knew they searched for fear, or anger. They would find none.
“I sense that Master Us’kla has developed an impressive connection to the Force,” Eegan Marent was the first to speak. “He is a strong Jedi. Ignoring his connection to the Force would be foolish.”
The room remained quiet for several minutes, as the Jedi Masters meditated on the decision. The Caamasi lowered himself to the floor, crossed his legs, and began to meditate himself. There were no words he could speak to convince them he was ready. He opened himself to the Force and the Jedi Masters in the room.

Master Us’kla opened his eyes. His room was dimly lit, and simple. He had to hand it to the Chiss; they were excellent hosts. When they were brought on board, they had been welcomed in a large room draped in blue banners and the symbols of the Republic. Not only had they sent a liaison of Chiss military officers, but Captain Daesum’erre’nuruodo (although he insisted to be refered to by his Core name, Merren) himself led the welcoming party. Us’kla also learned that he had been granted an audience with all the Aristocras of the Seven Ruling Families. An opportunity to improve relations with the might of the Chiss had not been presented since the revival of the Republic years before. The Force had guided Us’kla here, and he had no intention to squander the time he had been given.

Us’kla felt a tug in the Force, and waved his hand. The door to his room slid open as his padawan withdrew her hand from the door chime. “Hello, Lora,” the Caamasi greeted his padawan with a smile.
“Master,” the human girl bowed. “I felt tension from you in the Force.”
“You are very intuitive, young one,” Qalensic smiled.
“Thank you, master.”
“You are indeed correct,” Qalensic continued, his smile fading. “Come sit with me.”
As Lora made her way to the Caamasi’s side, Us’kla began to recount the vision that he had just experienced. “The Force is guiding me, as it always does.”
“But what does it mean, Master?” Lora inquired.
“I think the Force is reminding me to remain humble,” Us’kla answered. “When I was elected to the council, it was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I rarely have experienced such a connection with the Force as I have that day.”
“When you quiet your mind, you can hear the universe,” Lora recited her master’s favorite teaching.
“Exactly,” Us’kla smiled. “Now, go get some sleep. We’ll be arriving on Csilla in a few hours. I need you fresh and ready for our meeting.”
The padawan nodded, and Qalensic closed his eyes, returning to his meditation as he heard Lora leave the room.