The Rise of Mallus

[Mr. Blue]

The year is 569 ABY, and Sith forces have suffered major defeats as of yet. The planets of Yavin 4 and Ithor have just fallen to the Republic, and Darth Veron, Emperor of the Sith, must redeem the name of the Sith, and silence any whispers of weakness in the empire.

"Lord Mallus," spoke the old Iridonian.
"Yes, my master?" answered the Kel Dorian, who kneeled before the elder Sith.
"I want you to travel to the Kashyyyk system, and conquer it. We must make an example of it to the Republic."
"But master, that planet is overrun with Republic forces."
"Excuses will not be tolerated, my apprentice. I will not accept any result short of total domination. Now go. I am done with you."
"As you wish, master."

Darth Mallus rose and left the throne room of his master. Hatred brewed within him.
The loss of Yavin 4 was anything but my fault, he brooded as he headed toward his own chambers. How dare he even have an inkling of blame for me. It was his idiot appointed System Lord who lost the system to the Jedi. If I had not have cut him down himself, that System Lord would have destroyed the entire sector of the galaxy for the Sith.
He activated his comm and spoke angrily through the mask covering his face. "Admiral, prepare my fleet. We move to conquer the Kashyyyk system."
"Yessir."
The Kel Dorian could hear the fear and reluctance in the admiral's voice. Though he knew better than to ever argue the Sith's orders, even he knew it was a suicide mission.

Within his chambers Darth Mallus donned his armor. He placed a black chest piece over his tunic. Although it was metal, no light reflected off of the armor. After placing gauntlets on his arms, the Sith draped a black robe over his shoulders. The only color that could be seen came from the Sith's face, behind a rebreather that shown as black as his armor.

Then the man sat down in front of a table which was littered with metal pieces. He bowed his head and started to concentrate on the pieces. First an orange crystal floated in front of him. Most Sith carried a red blade at their side, the crystal created from pure hatred and malice. His crystal held a different purpose. The crystal floating before him once belonged to a Jedi. The first Jedi Master he had ever slain.

As he assembled the casing around the crystal, he remembered the cries of the Jedi's students when he struck the man down. The Twi'lek only stood in disbelief. The Bothan had cried greater than any son ever had for their father. The human was angrier than most Sith he had encountered. The anguish he had caused the young Knights was excruciating. Lord Mallus relished in that pain. It was exhilarating.

Mallus grabbed the now fully constructed lightsaber and activated the orange blade. He swung it once, and deactivated the sword, hooking it to his belt.

Perfect.

[Mr. Blue]

Darth Mallus stood silently, gazing out of the observation window on the bridge of the Bloodlust, flagship of the Sith lord's fleet. Why would he do this to me? Mallus thought. I have been his most impressive tool in maintaining this empire. It makes no sense to cast me aside like this now. I did not lose Yavin. I did not fail and lose a planet like Corellia, like his former apprentice. I have done nothing but succeed, while he sits on his throne, throwing troops around like they grow on trees.

An officer stood back from the Sith, outside of lightsaber range, and spoke. "My Lord, we will be in orbit of Kashyyyk within ten minutes."
"Very good, admiral. Order the men to their starfighters. I expect to be met with some resistance."
"As you wish, my lord."

Within a few moments the Bloodlust and nine other battalecruisers exited hyperspace above the planet of Kashyyyk. Greeting them was a large Republic blockade, fighters pouring from them.
"Launch the first wave of fighters!" ordered the Kel Dorian.
I knew they had heavy defenses. This is ridiculous, though. Two fleets to guard a single planet? And they were all stationed on the right side of the planet. They knew we were coming.
Mallus activated his comm. "Prepare my fighter."
"Admiral," he said, turning to the commanding officer, "focus ion cannon fire at the Republic cruisers above sector 1138 when I order. My squad and I will take them down when they are disabled. I want torpedo fire focused on the interior cruisers. Bring down those ships. We will then have three cruisers make a move for planet-side invasion, and when the remaining ships have been mopped up we'll have the remaining cruisers join our assault."
"Very well, Lord Mallus."

Mallus then turned and swiftly exited the bridge. Within minutes he stood in front of a Sith starfighter, an astromech droid just being lowered into it. The Kel Dorian replaced his rebreather mask for a slightly larger one and climbed into his ship. His ship then rose, and an entire wing flew out of the hangar with him.

"Fire on the first ship!" ordered Mallus as his wing blew through several wings of Republic fighters. He had personally trained each pilot in his squadron. Those that survived the training were the best and most loyal pilots in the Sith Empire.
"Purge One through Five attack the shield generators on that ship! Purge Six and Seven fire physical torpedoes into the hangar bays of the ship. The rest of you on my wing. We're attacking the bridge."
With uniform precision the Purge Squadron raced at the Republic Battlecruiser, and within minutes it began to fall back towards the planet, completely disabled. Systematically the Sith Lord and his team did this to three more cruisers before ending their assault, only losing two fighters in the process.
"Purge Squadron, follow me to the planet. The Bloodlust should be arriving shortly."

[Mr. Blue]

"Sir, incoming fighters at nine o'clock!" a voice spouted over Mallus' radio.
Mallus gazed over to the incoming wing of fighters and cursed. He could recognize the symbol on the fighters from miles away. "Pilots, this is Rogue Squadron incoming. Do not underestimate them. Form up in attack formation."

Rogue Squadron had survived centuries and dozens of wars. Although their ships and pilots had changed and adapted, it was still the most elite battle-group in the Republic Navy. Only the best pilots in the Alliance could even dream of becoming a member of that squad, and they were hot on the trail of Purge Squadron. Soon both groups had split into a massive cluster of blaster fire and dogfighting. Both wings were systematically destroying each other. Darth Mallus almost immediately found himself being pursued by two fighters, and it took every once of his concentration to avoid being reduced to dust. After dodging several waves of blaster fire, he looked to his right to find another one of his pilots heading directly into his path of flight. "Purge Seven, you son of a bantha, watch your trajectory!"

It was too late, though, as the fighter pursuing Purge Seven fired on the Sith fighter's engines, disabling the aircraft, and sending it hurling at Mallus' ship. Without hesitation Darth Mallus activated a switch, blowing off the hatch to his cockpit, and he pushed himself from his ship into the vacuum of space, moments before the two fighters collided. He watched as the two fighters were vaporized without a single noise and cursed to himself.

I won't survive long out in this vacuum, he thought to himself as he floated in the middle of the battle. Then he smiled under his mask. He turned back to see one of the Republic fighters that had been pursuing him, and pushed himself backward with the Force as he latched on to the approaching starship, trying not to be a smear on the cockpit window. The pilot watched in horror as the Sith Lord crawled up his ship, slicing open the astromech droid with his lightsaber on his way to the cockpit. Mallus smiled again beneath his mask as he flipped a switch in the cockpit, and silent scream was stifled as air escaped the opening hatch, freezing the pilot in place. Humans' bodies are so weak, the Kel Dorian mused.

He ripped the pilot's frozen corpse from the ship and took his place as the pilot. Shutting the hatch, he heard a female voice chime, "Cockpit re-pressurizing," as he switched the comm to Purge Squadron's channel. "Purge Leader to Purge Squadron, all remaining fighters break attack and retreat to the planet's surface."

Only a few fighters remained of Purge Squadron, and they all quickly broke for the planet. Rogue Squadron pursued, vaporizing another Sith fighter. A trailing Sith fighter then joined the group as they broke through the atmosphere and opened fire on Mallus' ship, assuming he was a Republic fighter. A laser smashed into Mallus' starboard engine, crippling the ship heavily, and sending it out of control towards the planet's surface.

"You idiot!" yelled Mallus over the comm, as he send a jolt through the Force snapping the pilot's neck instantly. Soon most of the fighters were headed to crash on Kashyyyk instead of land, and Rogue Squadron broke from the fight to head back to their cruiser. "All pilots able to land meet at the rendezvous point! If you crash and survive, I expect to see you there as well. Purge Leader out."

Mallus' fighter then crashed through the tree tops of Kashyyyk, smashing through branches and trees, bouncing the Sith Lord around until he hit his head against the side of the cockpit, knocking him out cold. His ship finally came to rest in the middle of a treetop Wookie village. The Wookies exited their huts at the excitement that barreled through their homes. Soon another blazing inferno sliced into the village, as a Sith fighter came to a halt only a few meters from Mallus' ship.

Mallus awoke soon after, and looked out of his cockpit at the other pilot. Two Wookies now stood on the Sith fighter, ripping the pilot from the cockpit. As soon as they pulled him out one Wookie crushed the Sith pilot's head like a nut and tossed his body from the ship, down to the forest floor stories below. Mallus reached for his lightsaber as Wookies started to pull open the hatch on his fighter. After opening the hatch, though, they looked at the Kel Dorian curiously. Suddenly Mallus remembered what kind of ship he was in.

Mallus coughed and waved his hand at the Wookies. "Please, won't you help an old Jedi?"

[Mr. Blue]

Two Wookies groaned and grabbed Mallus by his arms. With a single pull they helped the Sith out of his downed fighter. "Thank you," spoke the Sith Lord, as they led him away from the fighter.
The largest of the Wookies growled. "Jedi are always welcome here."

Suddenly the fighter groaned behind them as tree branches snapped, and fell from the treetops.
Darth Mallus smiled. These idiot Wookies saved me just in time.
"Now please," said Mallus, as he turned to the Wookies, "allow me to return the favor."

The largest Wookie gave Mallus a puzzled groan. With a swift motion Mallus' lightsaber snapped to his hand and the orange blade passed up through the largest Wookie's chest, severing the beast in half. The other Wookie looked in disbelief for a moment, before growling fiercely at the Sith, and swinging at him with his powerful hands. Mallus ducked and sliced off the Wookie's arm, and then turned, decapitating him. Disgusting creatures.

Several other Wookies rushed at the Sith Lord, only to be met with a large burst of lightning. As they fell in a smoldering pile, Mallus chuckled. Soon he passed through the entire village, striking down every Wookie in his path. Warriors. Elders. Mothers. Children. Mallus showed no mercy as he destroyed each and every one of them. Dozens were slaughtered.

As the last Wookie fell, Mallus deactivated his sword, and spoke into his comm. "Purge Leader to Purge Squadron. All survivors report."
"Sir," spoke a voice almost immediately, "Purge Three, Six, and Eleven at the rendezvous point. We're receiving two distress signals from Purge Twelve and Four."
Idiots, thought the Sith. They dare expect me to stop the mission purely for their rescue? Their mistakes will lead to their demise, not mine.
"Ignore them. I will be there momentarily. Purge Leader out."

Mallus searched the village and found a transport that reminded him of an insect, and swiftly made his way to the remainder of his squad. Within an hour he joined with the three men, and the four of them headed for a larger Wookie settlement in the Wookie transport. "Once we destroy the Jedi Generals their forces will be lost. A headless beast. That will the moment our fleet will strike," he said the men. "I did not expect so many of you to survive this far. If you continue this trend, I will reward you well."
"Yes sir," the three nodded in unison.

[Mr. Blue]

Wood creaked beneath Mallus' boots as he guided three men through a Wookie village. He deflected bowcaster bolts as the three remaining members of Purge Squadron unloaded hundreds of blaster bolts with their chain guns behind him. Wookie after Wookie fell as they continued through the most fortified base on Kashyyyk. It had taken every ounce of Darth Mallus' skill to persuade the Wookies with the Force that they were Republic forces, until their hijacked Wookie flyer landed in the treetop village. From there the four had cleared a path of destruction, an unstoppable force burning through the trees towards the middle of the facility.

The green shots of the Wookies suddenly ceased, and the three men trailing Mallus looked around clueless. Mallus sneered. "Come out, come out, wherever you are, Jedi!"
The three men tightened their grip on their chain guns. "I know you're here," continued Mallus, who searched the trees above. "I can sense your presence. I felt you the instant we arrived."
Suddenly a cry rang forth as a young human jumped from above, activating a blue lightsaber. He landed between the four intruders and sliced through two of the Purge members. The Sith smiled as he watched the last Purge trooper turn his gun on the Jedi. The young human managed to deflect several bolts before he became riddled with burn holes.
Mallus began to clap slowly and laugh. "Very good, Captain," he jested. "You've just killed your first Jedi Knight."
The trooper appeared nervous. He wasn't sure whether or not that was a mistake.
"Calm down," continued Mallus, sensing the angst of the pilot. "Go find me a ship. These Jedi won't take me long to destroy."

Suddenly three more humanoids dropped down, each activating their lightsabers, about to spring on the remaining trooper. They all stopped short, though, as Mallus prohibited their movements with the Force. "Please, he's busy," he laughed.

Fear permeated from the Jedi as they all turned toward the force that had just stopped them short, holding their lightsabers out in defense and fear.

One of the humans yelled and started to rush the Sith. Mallus smiled and held up his hand, knocking back the rushing Jedi. The young human's body landed against one of the massive trees, broken and crumpled. "Come now, haven't your masters taught you a thing? You all need to rush me at once if you want to defeat me, and not end up like your idiot friend there," he taunted, gesturing to the dead Jedi Knight.
"You're all that is wrong with this galaxy!" yelled the human staggering back to his feet following the Sith's Force push.
"Yes, yes, pure evil and what not," smiled Mallus. "I've heard it before, Jedi. Save your breath. You're going to need all your strength to provide me with even a mediocre challenge."
These Jedi don't know how to control anger, mused the Sith. A few pokes at their ego and they grow incredibly confused. It's almost unfair.

All three Jedi then rushed at the Sith, who quickly pulled out his orange blade and started deflecting attacks. "Your stance is all wrong," spoke the Kel Dorian to one human as he defended himself from slashes and jabs. "Watch."

The Sith kicked out the Jedi's front foot and decapitated him as he fell backward in one swift motion, before returning to block the other two Jedi's attacks. "See what I mean?" he sarcastically asked the other human.

Mallus jumped over the human's head and back a few feet, disengaging from the young Force users. "You," he pointed at the surviving human, laughing. "You might want to grab your dead friend's lightsaber. You obviously aren't going to be able to touch me while only using one."

Mallus could feel the frustration rising in the human, as he picked up his fallen comrade's lightsaber. The Jedi nodded at the Calamari and the two of them rushed Mallus again. Mallus chuckled maniacally as he sliced through the human's right hand, cutting half of the appendage off, and disabling a lightsaber. The Jedi backed up, dropping his still usable blade, holding his hand in pain, and Mallus pushed away the Calamari easily with the Force. Not even a small fight through the pain? Pathetic.

Mallus turned to the Padawan who was getting back up on his feet as he tossed his lightsaber through the remainng human's chest. "Now aren't you a curious one?" spoke Mallus, catching his lightsaber and placing it back on his belt. "Only a Padawan, and already you were more powerful than these two excuses for Jedi Knights. It's very interesting. Your master must be incredibly powerful."
"He's one of the greatest Jedi in the galaxy, actually," responded the Mon Calamari, who held up his blue saber once again. "And I really don't want to disappoint him."

The Calamari charged the Sith. Mallus stretched out his arms and lightning shot from his hands, surging through the attacking Jedi relentlessly. The Padawan dropped to his knees, and Mallus ceased his attack. "I said you were good. That doesn't mean you can defeat me."
The Calamari spat. "I...must..."

The Padawan climbed to his feet and started to slowly charge the Sith again. Another onslaught of lightning shot from Mallus' fingers, causing the Padawan to scream in pain as he slowly staggered toward Mallus. The Sith smiled, and stopped his electric assault. He picked the Jedi up with the Force and brought him closer. "What's your name, Padawan?"

"Eegan.." the Mon Calamari coughed. "Eegan Marent."
"Very well, Eegan," spoke Mallus, as he started to clamp the Calamari's throat with the Force. "I'm rather impressed. I've never faced a Padawan of your caliber before. Now let me see your lightsaber."

The Jedi's lightsaber floated to Mallus' left hand as he held the Calamari floating before him with his right. "Let's see how dedicated you are."
Marent's lightsaber burst open, revealing several metal parts and a brilliant, blue crystal. The Sith examined the crystal thoroughly, and turned to the choking Padawan. "Disappointing."
Mallus let the lightsaber pieces fall to the floor and began to crush Eegan's throat, cutting off any intake of air the Padawan could get. He stood there, laughing at the suffocating Jedi. Suddenly Marent inhaled sharply, and Mallus looked to his right. "Release him, Mallus!"

The Sith tossed the Padawan against a wall, and turned towards the intruder. "Master Skywalker, what a pleasant surprise."

[Mr. Blue]

Kalen Skywalker, Grand Master of the Jedi Order, and the last remaining member of the Skywalker family stood ten feet from the Sith Lord.
"Leave now, Mallus, or I will destroy you," the Jedi calmly commanded.
"I don't think so, Jedi. This day belongs to me."
"If you do not stand down you will leave me no choice."
"Mm. I can sense anger within you, Master Jedi. That's not becoming of a Jedi."
Kalen activated his green lightsaber.
"And honestly, I think you're a little afraid of me too, Skywalker. Do you remember what happened when the last of your clan gave into fear?"
"I am not the same as my ancestors, Mallus. I do not fear you."
Mallus chuckled. "So, with those two out of the way, there's only one more thing that will lead to a Dark Side victory. What's that last little bit you warn your younglings about to scare them from their true power? Ah yes, I remember. Pain."

Mallus quickly flipped out his lightsaber and rushed at the Jedi. Skywalker was ready for the charge, though, and both of them locked swords for a moment before releasing the hold. Mallus then began a flurry of attacks on the Jedi, who parried each one and unleashed his own. Both men were aggressive in their attack. Neither took the defense. They soon locked again, and Mallus used the moment to unleash some lightning in Skywalker's face. Skywalker sent a pulse through the Force, and the lightning exploded, sending both men sliding back several feet. Mallus jumped back to his feet and shot another surge of energy at the recovering Jedi. Skywalker smiled and released another pulse, causing the electricity to explode again, sending Mallus reeling back.

"Your lightning won't work with me, Mallus. But please, continue trying. It's entertaining," the Jedi taunted.

Mallus sneered as he unleashed a massive swell of gravity at Skywalker. The Jedi tumbled back at the Force push, but managed to land back on his feet, and fired his own attack. Mallus braced himself with the Force, his feet sliding back as he withstood the onslaught. Then, not a moment after Skywalker finished, Mallus picked up the Calamari Padawan who was still nursing injuries from their fight, and flung him at his master. Skywalker brought his arms up to stop the living projectile, but was helpless as the humanoid smashed into him, sending both of the tumbling. Mallus smiled and jumped to another treetop. Skywalker began to recover; Mallus searched the tree which supported the floor they had been fighting on. He found a weak point halfway down the trunk of the giant tree, and focused all of his anger and hatred at it. A loud snap echoed through the forest as that weak point splintered, and then imploded. Mallus laughed as the tree groaned and began to topple.

Skywalker got to his feet and threw his Padawan over his shoulder. As the floor he stood on began to tilt, he ran for Mallus. Skywalker soon was at the edge of the toppling treetop facility, and he rocketed forward with the Force at Mallus, who was drawing out his lightsaber. Skywalker had to drop into a dive, to save the Padawan he carried from Mallus' orange blade, and both Jedi crashed hard into the floor of the next treetop. "Your concern for that young one will be your downfall, Skywalker," spoke Mallus, as he approached the recovering Jedi, lightsaber in hand.

Mallus rushed to strike down the Padawan, and Skywalker jumped at the Sith, tackling the Kel Dorian, knocking his lightsaber from his hand. Mallus recovered his footing, and managed to punch the Jedi in the nose, dazing the man for a moment. The Sith's lost lightsaber flipped to his hand, and he activated it as he swung to decapitate Skywalker. Kalen ducked, and drew his own blade once again.

Mallus's mask pumped loudly as both men began another flurry of attack. Their sabers crashed again and again, until Mallus jumped back several feet, his mask quickly pumping hydrogen into the Kel Dorian's body. "Give up now, Skywalker, and I may spare your little Padawan."
"You will fall today, Darth Mallus."
"No, Jedi. This day will mark my rise to ultimate power! My empire will stand upon the ruins of the Jedi Order and its Republic."

Mallus spun his lightsaber once, and swung it at Skywalker, red lightning springing from the end of the blade directly at Skywalker. The Jedi released another pulse to block the storm, but watched in horror as it amplified the attack, which exploded in front of him. Mallus jumped at the Jedi as he landed on his back, slashing down at the Master. Kalen rolled, and the floor where he had been was scorched as Mallus' blade sliced into the floor. Skywalker retrieved his own lightsaber, and jumped to his feet. Mallus was right there, though, and Skywalker was forced to go on the defense as Mallus swung again and again, each attack more fierce than the last. Mallus then slammed his shoulder into Skywalker, and spun quickly, smiling beneath his mask as his orange blade entered into Skywalker's chest.

Kalen Skywalker dropped his lightsaber and dropped to his knees as Mallus removed the lightsaber from his chest. He then began to rise, as he felt an invisible force wrap around his neck. "Do you know why I chose the lightsaber crystal I did, Master Skywalker?"

Skywalker's lightsaber hilt floated to the Sith's hand, as he held the Jedi floating before him, helpless.
"It's not because it belonged to the first Jedi Master I killed, although that event did change me. No, Skywalker, it's because his crystal was absolutely perfect. An orange crystal, Corellian, with ten perfectly even sides, not a single flaw in it. You see, I feel that the crystal a man chooses for his sword is a reflection of his dedication. Now, Master Skywalker, let's see how dedicated you are."

Kalen's saber hilt floated in front of Mallus, and as the Sith closed his hand, the hilt ripped open, several metal parts breaking away from the green crystal inside. All the parts dropped to the ground as Mallus grabbed the emerald.

"Stunning, Master Jedi. I must say, you do not disappoint like so many others in your order."

Mallus looked closely at the crystal as his grip tightened around Skywalker's neck.

"There it is," Mallus spoke calmly. "A flaw. A single fracture within the crystal. What a shame."

Mallus crushed the crystal in his hand and turned to Skywalker. "Today, the Skywalkers are no more."

With a quick motion, Mallus crushed Skywalker's windpipe, and the Jedi fell to the ground, the last bit of life leaving his body. Humans' bodies are so weak.

[Mr. Blue]

Mallus smiled as he heard ship engines approaching. At least not all of my men were completely worthle-

His smile faded as he felt the presence of three Jedi in the approaching gunship. Mallus turned to greet the passengers of the ship as it lowered and the side dropped open. Three Jedi dropped onto the platform, a Bothan, a Human, and a Twi'lek.

"To what do I owe the honor of seeing four members of the Jedi Council in a single day?" sneered Mallus.
A horrified look washed over the human's face as he saw the body of Skywalker sprawled out on the ground.
"We wish no fight with you today, Mallus," spoke the Bothan calmly.
"Aw, but Master Kantos, you know how badly I want to cross blades with you."
"We want his body, that is all," continued the Bothan, ignoring the taunt.
"Master!" spoke the Twi'lek, "This Padawan still lives!"
Mallus smiled. "He fought well for being so young. I want to destroy him when he is more powerful. Much the same reason why I let you two live so long," spoke Mallus again. "I hope your saber crystals are finally comparable to your master's."
Mallus ignited his orange saber once again and examined the blade. He could feel the fury rising in the human. He was not as disciplined as his fellow Jedi. Mallus couldn't imagine how the man made it on to the council. Maybe I've killed too many.
"This one," continued Mallus, as he looked at the corpse of Grand Master Skywalker, "didn't even put up a fight. He practically laid himself upon my perfect blade."
Mallus smiled beneath his mask. He knew the human was becoming blind with fury. "How dare you!" the human cried.
"Forndan, no!" yelled Ryden, but it was too late.

The human quickly reached for and ignited his emerald blade, and he rushed the Sith Lord. Mallus smiled beneath his mask and sidestepped the attack. Red electricity erupted from his hands and began to course through the human, and Mallus merely laughed as the man screamed in agony, before he finally fell to the ground, his body smoking.

"How about you, Master Kantos? Wouldn't you like to avenge your master's death, or perhaps the death of this Grand Master?"
"Hold your tongue, Sith, and allow us to collect their bodies and leave. Those are the conditions to our surrender."
Mallus smiled. "Very well. Remove your forces now. Any left will be obliterated. You have ten minutes."
The Bothan thought of arguing, but he knew the Sith Lord's tricks. Silently they gathered the remains of the two Masters and helped Marent into their ship. "Only eight now, Jedi!"

Mallus smiled as he watched their ship take off, and another one approach. He quickly jumped onboard the ship and made his way to the cockpit. "Expect a promotion, Captain. Open a frequency to the admiral."

A screen lit up as the admiral's face appeared. "The Jedi have surrendered, admiral. Begin bombarding the Jedi transports that are fleeing. See if we can't take out a few more before they escape. Do not bother pursuing."
"Yessir!"
"Also, prepare a shuttle, I have business to attend to on Coruscant."
"As you wish, my lord."

I am the most powerful Sith in the galaxy, mused Mallus, as he watched the Jedi cruisers jump to hyperspace through the cockpit window. The Jedi did not even stand a chance. My master sent me to my death, and now I know why. He fears me.

[Mr. Blue]

Mallus's breathing apparatus pumped harder and harder as he approached the throne room, rage building within him. Only a fool would try to have me killed. I am the perfect Sith. I cannot be destroyed. His pathetic attempts to conserve his rule have been foiled. He must be disposed of.

His master sat upon the throne, his hands folded. The elder Zabrak was calm, a slight smirk across his face. He watched his apprentice enter the room, anger seeping from him.

"Lord Mallus, I have been expecting you. I have felt your thoughts since your victory on Kashyyyk."
"Then you know why I am here, master."
"Interesting, usually treachery is something a person would try to hide. It's fascinating you plan to betray me so openly."
"Only the most powerful Sith should be the one to rule this Empire, master. That is the only way it can be perfect. You know that is the way of the Sith."
"The Sith are not based on perfection. Only power. You are no longer worth of being my apprentice. Your obsession with perfection is what drove me to try to have you killed."

The Emperor rose from his throne, dropping the hood from his horn-crowned head. "I see now that I must be the one to destroy you."
"Your time as Emperor is over, Darth Veron. A new dynasty shall arise today: my absolute rule."

Darth Mallus ignited his orange blade and shot towards his master, crying out in rage. The Emperor quickly reached for his own sword and ignited the red blade to block his apprentice's attack. "Your anger is amazing, Mallus. It is too bad you never learned to harness this power."

Veron pushed the Kel Dorian back and began his own series of attacks, beating against Mallus over and over with his saber, the apprentice being pushed back against the onslaught. Mallus then held his ground against a final blow, and yelled out in animosity. Red lighting erupted from his entire body, and soon the energy shot towards Veron, who dropped his lightsaber in order to block the massive attack. As the attack ended Mallus burst forward, rushing Veron with his lightsaber. Veron quickly used the Force to snap his own saber back to his hand, and found himself being pushed back further and further, each of Mallus's attacks becoming more and more passionate.

"I will destroy you!" screamed Mallus, as he beat against his opponent again and again. "You are nothing! It was I who won the campaigns in the Outer Rim, and who dominated the Core! I am the greatest Sith warrior in the galaxy! You are but the final obstacle between me and perfection."
"You are a fool Mallus! You cannot destroy me! I am your master! You would be nothing without me."
"Silence. You are but an elderly fool now. I do not need you anymore. You were nothing more than tool, like a tome to be scoured and then left and forgotten. I have taken what little knowledge from you which I have needed. You are no master to me."

Veron pushed back Mallus and shot blue lightning at him. Mallus did not even block. The electricity absorbed into his body as he rushed once more at the Emperor. He beat him down mercilessly until the emperor was on his knees, and then with one swoop he separated the old Iridonian's hand from his body.

"I have.." Darth Veron gasped, "taught you well. Such.. is the.. end of any.. great Sith master."
"You are nothing but an example that no one should follow."

Mallus picked up Veron's sword with the Force, activating the red blade as it floated in front of him. Suddenly the blade sparked and fizzled away, and the hilt of the lightsaber ripped apart, pieces dropping away to reveal the synthesized red crystal. The crystal floated to Mallus's hand, and he eyed it closely. Then he clenched it in his fist, and pieces of crystal fell to the ground.

"You disgrace the Sith with your imperfection."

Mallus swung his orange blade quickly, decapitating Darth Veron. He then deactivated his sword and strode towards the throne, taking his place as Emperor of the Sith.

Perfect.