I've been writing this one for a good while now and I finally feel comfortable posting it. As stated in the summary, this story is shaping up to be very long. I'm on chapter 66 and I'm not done yet. The story follows the gaming timeline, but I've taken some creative license to make things fit. I like the Jace Malcom character, so he's a main in my tale.

Thanks for reading my ramblings and let me know what you think. :)


General Jace Malcom stood in the command center of the main Republic base on Alderaan, watching as the tech at the computer console monitored the descending ship. Malcom could tell the young specialist was nervous with him standing over him as he worked, but the general did nothing to easy the man's anxiety.

Malcom was built like a brawler, standing six foot five, with a muscular build, dark brown almost black hair, intense brown eyes and tanned skin only accomplished by spending large amounts of time in the field. Add in the multitude of scars along the right side of his face, souvenirs from his fight with Darth Malgus years before, and his constant soldier's stance, and you couldn't help but be intimidated by the general's presence.

The technician at the console was new, he'd get used to his CO's imposing presence eventually.

"The ship just identified itself with the correct codes, Sir." the tech said, his voice not indicating any nervous tones. The young man got points for at least sounding composed.

"Direct them to land on pad 3 and have Captain Lorn meet our guests. I'll be waiting for them in the war room."

The tech nodded. "Yes, Sir."

With an inaudible sigh, Malcom left the command center and headed to the war room three doors down. The general wasn't happy about the situation on Alderaan. Just over two decades ago, he had been the leader of Havoc Squad and had nearly died pushing the Empire off the planet. He had the scars to prove it. Now, it was all happening again, even though Darth Malgus had finally been confirmed dead.

The Empire and the Republic had been battling for control of Alderaan for years now, neither side truly making any meaningful headway. Diplomats and Jedi had been called to help with peace talks between the various noble families, but Malcom wasn't putting much stock in the efforts. As long as any of the noble houses were being supported by the Empire, Alderaan would continue to be a warzone. It sometimes felt like any progress they had made decades ago had been lost.

Malcom sat at the large holo table in the center of the room, examining the map currently being displayed as he waited. Recent intel had confirmed the identity of the Sith lord who was running the Empire's war efforts. They had also identified the Sith's base of operations, which had been well hidden. The intel had cost the SIS greatly, three of their field agents had been killed discovering the information, but hopefully, their deaths would not be in vain.

Once the involvement of the Sith had been confirmed, the Jedi council was informed and they were sending a Jedi master to assist. Malcom expected his troops could probably take care of the Sith themselves, if they managed to root him out of the hole he was hiding in, but the chancellor and the supreme commander didn't want to take any chances. Malcom couldn't really blame them. The war on Alderaan had been going on for far too long. Now was not the time to take unnecessary risks. Everyone was ready for this planetary war to end.

It wasn't that Malcom didn't like the Jedi. His own life, and that of his men, had been saved on multiple occasions by the Jedi, and he was all about giving credit where credit was due, but their philosophy was hard to swallow sometimes. Not to mention, the last time he was aided by a Jedi on Alderaan, it resulted in a six month affair which ended poorly.

Malcom and Jedi Knight Satele Shan had worked together well, both professionally and personally. That was until their relationship became more intimate and her guilt about breaking of the Jedi code to be with Malcom, forced her to end the relationship. He understood her need to focus on being a Jedi, but it didn't mean her departure didn't hurt. She had been the only woman he had ever loved and he hadn't had any kind of significant relationship since.

Malcom pushed the thoughts aside, berating himself for bringing up the memories, as he was joined by his XO, Captain Evert Lorn. He was followed by Jedi Master Gnost-Dural. The Kel Dor was dressed like most Jedi, with a brown robe over a light tunic. His face was covered with the customary breathing apparatus and eye protection worn by his species when on planets with harmful atmospheres to their physiology, which was almost all of the planets in the Republic. You could just make out this long tusks below the mask.

Malcom stood. "Welcome to Alderaan Master Jedi."

The Jedi bowed his head slightly. "The council was happy to send me along to assist. We have been searching for Lord Octon since he slaughtered several of our padawans on Tatooine. I think we're all eager to bring him to justice, and bring peace to Alderaan, as well."

Malcom thought peace on Alderaan was being overly optimistic, but he kept the comment to him. He'd been fighting this war for too long to be optimistic. "He's taken countless lives since his arrival here. Octon has a lot to answer for." Malcom agreed.

Just then, a second Jedi came into the room. This one was a young woman, probably still a teenager. She was dressed similarly to Gnost-Dural, but she was human, with a small stature, long red hair held back in a braid, and bright green eyes.

"The ship is secure, Master." She said to Gnost-Dural. "As far as I can tell, there are no other Force users in the area."

"Excellent, Kia." Gnost-Dural replied. "This is my padawan, Kia Wryn." Gnost-Dural introduced.

The padawan nodded respectfully to Malcom. "It's a honor to meet you, General."

Malcom nodded in reply. "Come in and make yourselves comfortable. He have a lot to discuss." Malcom said, motioning to the other chairs around his holotable. "Captain, make sure squads two and three are ready to depart as soon as I get the Jedi up to speed."

"Yes, Sir." Lorn replied, saluting Malcom before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

Malcom had been surprised when the Jedi master's padawan had arrived. He probably shouldn't have been, since it wasn't uncommon for Jedi masters to travel with their apprentices, but it seemed a dangerous situation to bring a novice into, not that he minded. Jedi were handy to have around, even if they were only learners. He'd take the help.

"As you've been told, Lord Octon has been confirmed as the Sith in charge of the Imperial forces here on Alderaan. He's only been here a few months and we've already felt the impact he's making on the war. We've suffered heavy losses of both soldiers and equipment. It's almost like he can predict our movements. For a few weeks, we thought we might have a mole in our camp, but the SIS has failed to find any evidence of a traitor." Malcom explained, taking a seat across from the Jedi.

"From what the order has gathered on this particular Sith, we know he's talented at seeing the future. He's not reading minds or getting intel from your people. I suspect he's simply using the Force to make very good educated guesses. We're hoping the arrival of Jedi opposition will throw him off enough to allow his defeat."

"We can only hope you're presence has an impact. The morale of the base has been fairly low. The men could use a victory." Malcom admitted reluctantly. He hated to admit to the shortcomings of his men, but he saw no point in leaving the information out or lying to the Jedi. They were here to help and their kind were known for being far more perceptive than most.

"Fortunately, Octon is most likely the only Force user we'll come across, at least on his base. Our intel suggests he's not much for working with other Sith. Not that Sith work well as a group anyway, but Octon has never even taken an apprentice. He relies on soldiers more than most Sith, which means if we can get him off his game, your soldiers should be more evenly matched when fighting his men."

"The plan is for you to lead a small team to the Imperial stronghold. It's about a two day trek from here, but there is heavy cover and multiple caves to cover your advance. We've scouted the area heavily and have mapped out an optimal route." Malcom explained, pointing out the route on the holo map in front of them. "Once there, a surgical strike will be used to take out Octon."

"That sounds about right. I can shield my presence from Octon well enough. I doubt he'll worry much about a small force closing in on his position, even if he can sense it coming. Men like him are often egotistical. We can use that to our advantage."

Gnost-Dural paused for a moment and Malcom allowed the silence, sensing the Jedi had more to say.

"You said the morale of your men is low. Does this include the team you'll be sending with me?" He asked.

"Unfortunately, yes, but I believe being lead by a Jedi will boost their spirits." Malcom assured the Jedi. All other opinions aside, Jedi had a way of boosting soldiers when fighting alongside them.

Malcom hated to admit it, but some of the losses his forces experienced had probably been due to some of the soldiers giving up. They were all good men, they had to be good to be stationed under Malcom, but war had a way of breaking down even the strongest man's resolve and this war had lasted longer than most.

Gnost-Dural nodded, then turned to his padawan, who had been sitting quietly next to her master.

"Kia, go talk to the soldiers. See what you can do."

"Of course, Master." Kia replied, getting up without question, as if she knew the request would happen long before it did.

Once she was out of the room, Malcom gave the Jedi a confused look.

"My padawan is unique. She's always had a natural charisma with non-Force users, particularly soldiers. Most of our Order are quite aware our way of speaking tends to put off those not sensitive to the Force. Kia, though a devout follower of the Jedi code, has a way of speaking and acting around people which should help your men. It was one of the main reasons I agreed for her to accompany me on this mission. Her empathy and charisma are remarkable."

"Will she be accompanying you to the Sith's base?" Malcom asked.

"No. I plan for her to stay here and help keep an eye on the base. She's still learning her lightsaber techniques. I should be more than a match for Octon and I will not put Kia into a position she's not ready for. She's close, but she's not quite a Jedi knight yet."

"Very well. If there are no questions, I'll show you to the men you'll be leading. If this is going to work, you'll need to leave tonight. Our intel is getting stale as we speak and we can't risk wasting this opportunity."

Gnost-Dural nodded agreement. They both stood and headed back the way they came. If he were being honest, Malcom wanted to see what this padawan could do for himself. If she was as inspirational as her master implied, it might be nice to have her around.


To Be Continued...