FORSAKEN II - Eternal Dawn

CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

The Thorn flew into the jungle planet of Son-tuul in the Outer Rim Territories. She landed outside the wall of large, stone fortress built atop a ridge among colossal trees. Staircases, observation posts, and platforms snaked around the girthy boles, bringing into question which contrasting landscape invaded the other. This was the headquarters of Son-tuul Pride, one of the so-called Five Crime Syndicates; the name given to denote Black Sun, Crimson Dawn, the Pyke Syndicate, and the Hutt Cartel—the main competitor of Son-tuul Pride.

A hooded Maul descended from his starship with his deactivated double lightsaber in hand. The first thing he noticed was the open outer gate with no guards in sight. He climbed the extensive, winding steps toward the main building, passing by the scorching marks of blaster in his path. Maul encountered the first mutilated body of an armed Rodian sentry near the opened entrance. He studied the familiar wound for a moment and darted his gaze at the end of the hallway, wondering who lay at the other end, even though he could sense the intruder—and something else; a strong presence of the dark side of the Force. Maul carried on, disappointed by the lack of opposition, which failed to satiate his bloodlust. This didn't obscure the fact that uninvited guests had infringed upon the gang—perhaps a disagreement with the Hutts. The corpses and the blaster damage increased as he approached the main hall.

The gargantuan roots of a tree sprouted through the rock floor, walls, and high ceiling at the center of the throne room. A spiral staircase, leading to a broken balcony snaked up from the side. Balls of light provided illumination. The remains of several Rodian guards littered the floor. A cage containing the carcass of a large beast receded into the wall. Inside was a thin Rodian in brown robes, squatting on his knees with a despondent expression.

"Glad you could make it," said a woman shrouded in shadows up the uneven steps to the throne imbedded into the roots. "I hope you don't mind I made myself comfortable."

"Who are you?" Maul said.

"My name is Karabra Lobrajj." She leaned forward for the light to reveal her. Karabra had done away with her Inquisitor armor. Instead, she wore a black robe with a hooded cape that blended with the surrounding shadows.

At that moment, the fifteen Exobogans stepped forward from a corridor around the right side of the throne and atop the balcony. Aside from skimming over them with his eyes, Maul remained unperturbed.

"Interesting pets," he said. "If the Empire wanted to come after me again, they should have sent more than one of their poor excuses for dark side adepts."

"I'm sure they will the next time they manage to find you. Although, I doubt that will ever happen now that you rule the Shadow Collective once again."

The comment intrigued him. "Are you telling me you're looking for employment?"

"A partner. Just like Wratho here." Karabra leaned back on the throne, pointing at the captive Rodian. "He has agreed to join your efforts. Isn't that right, Wratho?"

"Son-tuul Pride will be honored to join the Shadow Collective," said a dejected Wratho without making eye contact.

"A token of friendship from me to you."

"I thought you were looking for a partner, not a friend," Maul said.

"An amicable offering, then."

"Of something I came to do myself. Except, I would have preferred a change in management." Maul glanced at Wratho with menace.

"Do as you will. They're your allies now, just like I hope I can be."

"I'm not looking for an Apprentice."

"Neither am I. And for what I understand, you're not telling me truth. There's a certain Dathomirian I know you would like to get back under your heel. But I'm not here to talk about the past. I'm more interested in talking about the future. Our future. Take Wratho to his quarters."

With a gesture of her hand, two of the Exobogans opened the cage and dragged the Rodian out of the throne room.

"Now we can talk in private." Karabra relaxed back on the throne, becoming partially covered in shadows.

"Speak," Maul said.

"You have your underworld army, but now you need a weapon to ensure your victory."

"And I suppose that weapon is you." Maul found the statement ludicrous.

Karabra savored the question she had anticipated. "Not me; the one I serve."

"And who might that be?"

"Someone strong enough to be imprisoned in place where nothing in this galaxy can escape. Not even light itself."

Maul became suspicious. "What kind of creature is that?"

Karabra's smile could be seen on her lit lower face. "A being of chaos, reborn from the dark side of the Force itself. One powerful enough the Jedi and the Sith themselves would rather forget she ever existed, for if she were to escape her prison, none of them could stop her."

"And what would prevent her from doing the same to us?"

"Because we're neither. And we would be using her to further our agendas."

"That means she can be controlled."

"Not by myself." Karabra strolled down the steps of the throne toward the Zabrak. "I have most of the things required to free her. All I need is someone of your considerable strength in the dark side of the Force to turn her into the instrument of our success. That is, if my offer has managed to intrigue you." She offered him her hand.

Maul glimpsed it before locking eyes back with the Umbaran. "I must confess, you have piqued my interest, partner." He shook her hand.

Karabra didn't care to hide her glee. "Then, let's work together to bring forth the dawn of a new empire."