Malak's Return

“This device...is ancient!” exclaimed Tal as she looked at the ancient technology that was in the center of the room. She quickly approached it and began to examine it. The device had a circular center with three legs firmly fitted on the ground to hold it in place. On the space between the three legs were three arms that met in the middle.

“What do you think it is?” asked Wes as he approached Tal and the machine.

“It looks similar to ancient technology we’ve found before. I think the creatures were called...Ratakkans?” she said as she continued her extensive examination.

“No, not Ratakkans...Rakatans..” Wes said softly as he realized what this piece of ancient technology was that radiated Dark Side energies.

“Rakatans! Yes that’s it! This looks like tech from the Rakatan Infinite Empire!” she exclaimed happily.

“No, you don’t realize what this is!” Wes said as he got right next to it, his hand hovered over it. “This is...this is one of the projectors of the star map to the Star Forge!” he exclaimed!

“What?! You mean the ancient weapon Darths Malak and Revan were supposed to find for The Emperor?!” she asked, shock on her face.

“Yes! And as we know, the two found it, but then betrayed the Emperor and tried to conquer the Republic with it only to be beaten by the Republic and Jedi!” he told his colleague. “It is said that the Republic destroyed it, but if we can use this to find even the wreckage of it, we might be able to make something that could help the war effort!” deduced Wes.

“Yes, yes I can see where you are coming from. That would be plausible. But how do we open it?” she asked, unable to find any button or switch to activate it.

“Perhaps like this,” Wes said as he concentrated and sent some of the Force into the device. With the sudden touch of the Force, the machine sprang to life. The three arms folded outwards as the base opened up. From the base rose a projector orb that, once in the center, projected a map of the galaxy and the location of the Star Forge. Tal quickly began to jot down what she saw so she could show Lord Oswall later.

“This is amazing! Do you know how huge a discovery this is?!” she asked as the two continued to look over the device.

“Quite big, I’m sure. But look at this. I think this was moved here from another location,” Wes said as he pointed to scuff marks on the legs where it looked like devices were used to pry the projector from the ground.

“Yes, you are right. Now it was said there was one here on Korriban, but perhaps Darth Malak moved it here in a fit of vanity?” she asked hypothetically.

“Well, Sith Lords are quite vain,” Wes said begrudgingly.

“Sith Lords have killed for less,” warned Tal as she finished up her notes.

“True, but I get a feeling you won’t rat me out,” Wes said with a smile, to which Tal returned a smile of her own and zipped her lips. “Glad you agree. Now let’s get out of here,” Wes said as he turned to leave.

“YOU DARE DISTURB MY TOMB?!” bellowed an ancient voice.

“What was that?” cried Tal, startled by the disembodied voice.

“Stand behind me,” Wes said as he placed Tal between himself and the door, with his body facing the open room. There, in the room with nothing but the Star Map, the two felt a powerful wave of the Dark Side rush into the room. The feeling of a hand slowly crushing their chest overtook the two as a thick mist permeated the room.

“What..is...happening?” asked Tal between struggled breathes.

“If I’d have...to hazard a guess...” Wes started with weakened breathes. “I’d say it’s a…Force Ghost!” he finished as the image of Darth Malak rose from out of the thick mist. The Dark Side radiated from him. The Sith Lord extended his hand to the side as if he was reaching for something. After a few moments, a lightsaber flew into his hands and was quick to ignite.

“You interlopers have invaded my tomb, destroyed my droids, and plundered my treasures!” roared the Force Ghost. “You shall pay for your transgressions!” he said as he rushed towards Wes and Tal. Wes quickly grabed his vibroblade and brought it to block Malak’s attack. Sparks flew as the two weapons met.

“I can’t believe we’ve found a Force Ghost!” a surprised Tal expelled. “I’ve heard stories of them showing up but to actually see one!” she said, clearly in awe of the sight of the Dark Side power happening in front of her.

“Yeah, can you be surprised after I’m done fighting the dead Sith Lord?” Wes asked as he attempted to hit Darth Malak only for his vibrosword to seamlessly pass through the Dark Lord. The two continued their battle with Wes at a severe disadvantage.

Darth Malak’s superior combat experience was clearly on display as he was easily able to parry to block all of Wes’ attacks. Although Malak knew he didn’t even have to do that since his Force Ghost boyd would simply allow him to pass through any strikes by the vibrosword.

“You are skilled for an acolyte. With proper training you could become a powerful Sith Lord! Allow me to become your master and I’ll show you the deepest parts of the Dark Side of the Force!” offered Darth Malak. Wes pondered the Dark Lord’s offer. While he was no Darth Revan, Darth Malak was the apprentice of Revan and, after his betrayal, the leader of their fake Sith Empire. He could probably teach me much about the Dark Side and combat, that I am sure. But he’s also a Force Ghost, which means he may also be training me just so he could take over my body. Father always did say to be on guard when dealing with Force Ghosts thought Wes as he continued to contemplate the offer presented to him.

“You can’t seriously be thinking of accepting his offer, are you?” asked a worried Tal. “Force Ghosts cannot be trusted!” she warned Wes.

“Silence girl!” commanded Darth Malak as he began to Force Choke Tal. The girl was raised into the air as she desperately grasped for a hand that wasn’t around her neck. Her feet flailed in the air as she tried to find something solid to stand on in hopes of being able to breath again. Wes looked desperately between Darth Malak and Tal, not sure what to do.